Mattress shopping can be so frustrating! We needed a new mattress for a long time, but I kept putting it off because it is a big purchase, and what if I’m not happy with it? Finally we couldn’t wait any longer. So off we went to the mattress store. Here is our experience –
First of all, we chose to go to a mattress store, not a furniture store. I figured if a store focused on one product then they would be experts. FYI – there are a lot of different mattress stores, we went to Mattress Firm because it was the store closest to our house. However, I comparison shopped different mattress stores websites as we were in the store so I could make sure we were getting the best price. Almost every store had a near identical price to the one we purchased.
Although you can buy anything online, including a mattress, the nice thing about going to a physical store is we could try them out. The store had a huge variety of mattresses to choose from. There were traditional, hybrid, mattresses that came rolled up in a box, etc. I am sure we laid down on every mattress, some of them over and over as we cut down the choices.
In addition to a huge selection of mattresses, there was a big difference in price. From a basic, no frills mattress to super deluxe ones that have cooling properties and massage features. We tried them all to determine exactly what we wanted.
Finding the Perfect Night’s Sleep
I definitely decided that I wanted a mattress with a smooth top – not tufted. I wanted plush, not firm. I also wanted one that helped you sleep cooler. There were several different mattresses that fit these requirements so now we had to test them. I will tell you that you definitely get what you pay for. Even with the specs I had, there was a big difference.
Keep in mind, the mattresses in a store will be softer than a brand new one. They have been broken in to a point. (I tried not to think about all the bodies that had laid on the beds and pillows before us!) Our salesman was great. There are was no pressure, we were able to take our time and make sure we got what we wanted.
We finally settled on the Sealy Posturepedic® Plus Hybrid High Point 14″ Plush Mattress. This mattress has a smooth top and cooling properties and it is so comfortable. I was surprised to see a black and white mattress in the store – I’m used to seeing just white, that’s how long it has been since I shopped for a mattress! I had no idea what a hybrid mattress was, so let me break it down for you.
This type of mattress has multiple layers. They usually have memory foam, gel, or latex with a traditional coil innerspring. With the Sealy Posturepedic® Plus Hybrid High Point, the top layer is memory foam, with gel foam underneath. Both these layers – and the outer layer – will cool using SealyChill, which has cooling fibers. The top layers of this mattress are the comfort layers. Then we have the support layers that included encased coils, targeted support, & DuraFlex Pro Coil Edge.
What is a Cooling Mattress?
I was skeptical about a cooling mattress. I have tried cooling mattress covers, etc., but nothing seemed to really live up to the hype. Would the mattress? I was pleasantly surprised. This bed is very cool. We live in a hot, dry climate with no central air and I slept very cool with just a fan and the window open.
Just a note – we also bought a cooling mattress cover at the mattress store. It is a very thin cover, no padding or quilting. It is a slick material, and it feels very cool. For winter, this was too cool. So I bought a thicker, bamboo mattress cover that is downright cozy!
Adjustable Base – Yes or No?
I had decide before we went to the store that I wanted an adjustable base. But I had no idea that there are a lot of options in bases as well. Some only lifted the head, some had a wired remote, some had an app. Just like trying different mattresses, we tried different bases. I was sold on the base that had a zero gravity option. I instantly felt the pressure reduce in my back on that setting – feet a little higher than the head.
I Love my New Mattress!
I will say, three months after the purchase, I am sleeping better than ever. The mattress is comfortable and, the zero gravity option on the base helps me to really relax. Do your homework to determine the qualities you want and then find the perfect night sleep! Just don’t wait 10+ years to do it like we did!