Mattress Buying Guide: All you Need to Know

Looking to buy a new mattress, but not sure where to start? We have compiled a list of FAQ most commonly asked when making this  type of purchase. Have a quick reads to help you make a more informed decision.

Consider the size you require:

Most people shift positions during the night. If your bed is too small, it will prevent you moving freely and cause drama with your sleeping partner! (if you have one). Also take into consideration the space you have in your bedroom. We would all love a King Size bed, but if the bedroom is small, be realistic.. don’t get a bed that will take up all the space available.. you still want to be able to move freely in your bedroom.

Know your options:

There are generally 4 major types of mattresses on the South African Market, i.e: Bonnell Spring, Pocket Spring, Infinite/ continuous coil and Layered Foam. Its important to know the options and advantages of each. I advise to consider the conventional Inner sprung (bonnell) first since these tend to be  the most cost effective. You can work your way up from there.

Discuss your budget beforehand:

Knowing what you are willing to spend on your new bed, can help avoid nasty surprises. It is not necessarily the most expensive bed that will be the best option for your specific needs. Settle on an realistic budget and advise the Salesperson… they should be able to advise you on the best options in that price range.

Try before you buy:

We never advise buying a bed before actually trying it out. You don’t buy shoes by simply looking at them, you try them out! Same applies to mattresses. Do the 15minute in-store test!  Don’t be embarrassed, we expect you to do it! Studies have shown that most peoples minds are made up in-store and it rarely changes even after being given a trail period to try the bed.

Choose the right firmness

Don’t rely on product descriptions. One person’s firm is another person’s soft. The Jury is also out as to what firmness is best for your back.. so the best firmness is purely subjective.  Generally however, if you suffer from lower back pain, medium firm mattress should be beneficial.

If your  mattress is too firm, it wont support the body evenly and cause pain on the pressure points (Shoulders & Hips) .

If your mattress is too soft, your body will sink into mattress making it difficult to move . You will also not be properly supported and this may cause numbness and back ache.

Know the name Game:

Manufacturers often change mattress labels, model names and fabrics of their beds. This is so that the the larger chain stores and retailers have a model that seems exclusive to their stores. These models are pretty much same as the existing / generic ranges you will find in most other stores. The comsumer tends to be the losers here since its difficult to then compare apples with apples! We recommend you visit the manufacturer’s website.. get to know the models and call around! You will get an idea of similar models in the range irrespective of what different retailers might name it.

Decide where to buy:

We highly recommend buying in-store. Not online or over the phone… unless you have tried an identical product elsewhere. Also do your research.. there are great deals to be had if only did a bit of groundwork! .. but hey, since you on The Sleep Gallery website, you already did your homework and we hope to assist you in finding best deal possible on your new bed!

Know the Policies:

Ensure that you are informed about the Guarantee & Warranty policies. Each manufacturer is different and as such, you need to make sure that you are made aware of these. We at The Sleep Gallery only deal with reputable, well established brands and as such have complete faith in the quality of our after-sales service.

I hope this article has helped you gain a better understanding of what you need to look out for when purchasing a new mattress.

If you still confused, or have a few more questions, please feel free to get in touch with us.