How to Shop for a Mattress

Step 1

Choose the Right Size

Start with the size that fits your space, your sleep habits, and anyone sharing the bed with you. For many shoppers, choosing the right size is the easiest way to narrow the available options before comparing comfort and features. A mattress can technically fit in a room and still feel too crowded once you add nightstands, dressers, doors, and walk space.

If you are upgrading sizes, remember to plan for the full setup—not just the mattress. You may also need a new bed frame, foundation, sheets, pillows, or mattress protector.

Step 2

Decide on Comfort and Support

One of the biggest misconceptions in mattress shopping is that firmness and support are the same thing. In reality, they measure two very different aspects of comfort.

• Feel describes how soft or firm a mattress feels when you first lie down.
• Back Support describes how well a mattress helps support your body and relieve pressure while you sleep.

Slumberland developed separate Back Support and Feel ratings to make mattress shopping easier and more consistent across brands. Because these are measured separately, a mattress can feel soft while still providing excellent support. Likewise, a firmer mattress isn't automatically the best choice for every sleeper.

Your ideal combination depends on your sleep position, body type, comfort preferences, and whether you experience issues such as back pain, hip pain, or pressure-point discomfort.

Step 3

Understand Mattress Features

Once you've narrowed down your preferred size, comfort level, and support needs, mattress features can help you find the option that best fits your lifestyle and sleep habits.

Once you've found the right size and comfort level, mattress features help personalize your sleep experience.

• Pressure Relief helps cushion hips, shoulders, and other pressure points.
• Cooling Features help regulate temperature for a more comfortable night's sleep.
• Motion Isolation helps reduce movement transfer between sleep partners.
• Adjustable Base Compatibility allows for personalized positioning and enhanced comfort.
• Mattress Type (innerspring, memory foam, or hybrid) affects how a mattress feels and performs.

Understanding what these features do—and which ones matter most to you—can make it much easier to compare mattresses and focus on the options that meet your needs.

Step 4

Explore Specialty Options

While most shoppers find exactly what they need in a standard queen or king mattress, some situations call for a more customized solution.

Specialty mattress sizes and configurations can provide additional space, flexibility, or comfort for specific sleep needs.

While most people never need these options, they're often the perfect solution for taller sleepers, adjustable bases, or couples with different comfort preferences.

• California King offers additional length for taller sleepers.
• Split King allows each partner to choose their own mattress feel and support level.
• Split Head King provides independent head adjustment while maintaining a shared sleep surface.
• SlumberKing™ delivers extra width for couples who want maximum personal space.
• Twin XL and Split Queen offer flexibility for adjustable bases and unique room layouts.

Specialty options can also be helpful when navigating tight stairways, creating guest room solutions, or accommodating changing comfort needs over time.

Step 5

Shop with Confidence

By now you've narrowed down the most important decisions: size, comfort, support, features, and any specialty options that fit your needs.

The final step is finding a mattress that feels right for you. While online tools and guides can help you compare options, nothing replaces experiencing a mattress for yourself. Spending even 10–15 minutes on a mattress in your preferred sleep position can tell you far more than a product description alone.

Take Advantage of the 365-Night Comfort Guarantee

Even after you've done your research and tested mattresses in store, it can take time for your body to adjust to a new sleep surface. That's why many mattresses purchased at Slumberland are backed by our 365-Night Comfort Guarantee.

This allows you to sleep on your mattress in your own home and feel confident that you've made the right choice.

A Better Way to Shop for a Mattress

Mattress shopping doesn't have to be confusing. By focusing on a few key decisions—size, support, comfort, features, and specialty options—you can narrow the choices and find a mattress that fits how you actually sleep.

Whether you're replacing an old mattress, shopping for better support, or simply looking for a more comfortable night's sleep, we're here to help every step of the way.