Mattress Shopping

7 Most Common Mattress Shopping Mistakes [VIDEO]

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Gabriel and Sam from Mattress Makers discussing the 7 common mattress shopping mistakes

Do you live an active lifestyle, juggling work, household responsibilities, and family activities? Do you find yourself tired of sleepless nights and aching mornings, desperate for a better night’s sleep but dreading the daunting task of mattress shopping with the limited time you have? 

At Mattress Makers, we know that life can get hectic. Self-care and relaxation often take a backseat, leaving you with limited time for mattress shopping. We get it; it’s not the most exciting or straightforward task. But here’s the good news: we’ve simplified the process to ensure you find the perfect mattress without the stress.

Let’s walk you through the 7 most common mattress shopping mistakes and show you how to avoid them. Because you deserve the best sleep possible.

Mistake #1: Buying Without Testing

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is buying a mattress without testing it first. Sure, it might seem like a hassle to go to a mattress store and lie down on various beds, especially if you have a busy schedule or kids in tow. However, investing in a mattress is investing in your well-being, and you want to make the right decision. Don’t buy sight unseen. Take the time to test out the mattress in-store.

When you visit a mattress store, take advantage of the opportunity to physically experience different mattresses. Lie down on them, roll from side to side, and test various sleeping positions. Pay attention to how your body feels on each mattress. Does it provide the right level of support? Is it comfortable for your preferred sleep position?

Mistake #2: Buying Based on Another Person’s Experience

We’re all unique, and our bodies have different needs when it comes to sleep. Your friend might swear by their mattress, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for you. 

For example, if your friend is a back sleeper, their mattress preference may be quite different from yours if you’re a side sleeper. Back sleepers tend to prefer firmer mattresses that provide good spinal alignment, while side sleepers often need a softer mattress to cushion their shoulders and hips.

Consider your own sleeping position, pressure points, and preferences when choosing a mattress. Don’t rely solely on someone else’s experience.

Mistake #3: Falling for Outlandish Sales

Sales and discounts can be tempting but be aware of getting suckered into outlandish sales. Some mattress stores advertise huge discounts, but in reality, those prices might be inflated to create the illusion of a deal. Be a savvy shopper and do your research to ensure you’re getting true value for your money.

When you encounter a mattress sale, take the time to investigate the actual price history of the mattress. Some retailers may use high initial prices and then heavily discount them to make you think you’re getting a bargain. Check reviews and ratings of the mattress to gauge its quality and durability.

Mistake #4: Testing Without Lying on the Mattress

Simply poking the mattress or sitting on it won’t give you an accurate feeling for how it will support your body. When you’re testing a mattress, lie down on it. This way, your body weight is distributed across the surface, allowing you to assess how it feels, fills in gaps, and supports your pressure points.

Lying down on a mattress is the most effective way to simulate a night’s sleep. It allows you to experience the true comfort and support of the mattress. Pay attention to how well it contours to your body shape, especially in areas like your shoulders and hips. A good mattress should provide proper alignment and pressure relief.

Mistake #5: Not Testing in Your Sleep Position

Everyone has a preferred sleep position, and it’s crucial to test the mattress accordingly. If you’re a side sleeper, try the mattress while lying on your side. This way, you can gauge how well it accommodates your specific sleeping style and needs.

Testing a mattress in your preferred sleep position is essential because different sleeping positions place varying demands on a mattress. Side sleepers, for instance, need a mattress that cushions their shoulders and hips to maintain spinal alignment. By testing the mattress as you would sleep, you can ensure it meets your unique requirements.

Mistake #6: Opting for a Mattress That’s Too Firm

The myth that firmer mattresses are better for your back isn’t necessarily true for everyone. Your mattress should conform to your body and fill in the gaps, especially if you’re a side sleeper with pressure points on your shoulders and hips. A mattress that’s too firm can lead to discomfort and pain.

While a firm mattress might be suitable for some, it’s not a universal solution. Your ideal mattress firmness depends on your body type, sleep position, and personal comfort preferences. If a mattress is excessively firm, it can cause increased pressure on certain areas of your body, leading to discomfort and potential sleep disruptions.

Mistake #7: Testing Too Many Mattresses

While thorough testing is essential, testing too many mattresses can become overwhelming. Here at Mattress Makers, we  recommend starting with a comfort test to determine your preference for firmness by guiding you through a range of comfort levels. Do you prefer a firm, medium, or soft mattress? By narrowing down your preferences early on, you can focus on the mattresses that align with your comfort needs. This approach saves time, reduces the hassle of trying every mattress in the store, and boosts your confidence in making the right choice.

Imagine waking up feeling refreshed, having more quality time with your family, and enjoying a sense of relaxation and contentment—all thanks to your mattress choice. We’re here to help you achieve that. Our commitment to quality, customization, and value means you can finally say goodbye to sleepless nights and hello to the restful, rejuvenating sleep you’ve been craving.

At Mattress Makers, we understand the importance of a good night’s sleep, and our commitment to quality, customization, and value ensures you get the mattress that suits your unique needs.

Visit us at one of our locations in San Diego, La Mesa or Miramar or shop online to find the right mattress for you. We’re ready to help you on your journey to a ridiculously good night’s sleep.

What Latex Mattress Should you buy

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Woman and mattress - Mattress Stores in San Diego

Do you wake up feeling fresh or do you sometimes feel more exhausted than when you went to bed? If it’s the latter, then maybe your shoddy old mattress is the culprit. Whether you’re a morning person or a night owl, young or old, the quality of your mattress and, by extension, your sleep, can make all the difference.

With a comfortable, new mattress, you will finally look forward to getting up in the morning, knowing that you’ll feel invigorated and ready to kick-start your day. But with so many mattress stores in San Diego, how do you know where to go and which mattress to choose?

Read on as we fill you in on the various types of latex mattresses to help you avoid the common pitfalls when purchasing a new mattress and choosing one that’s just right.

Latex Mattresses by Latex Type

Latex is a type of dense white foam-like liquid which comes in three varieties – natural, synthetic and the combination of the two. We are firm believers in nature, so we’ll focus on natural latex. This one is obtained from rubber trees which are not even slightly damaged by the process.

Not only is natural latex biodegradable, but the rubber trees that yield the sap used to produce it have a powerful impact on the reduction of CO2 in the atmosphere. This means that you won’t just be doing yourself a favor by purchasing a 100% natural, (and equally comfortable), latex mattress – you’ll be doing the planet a favor as well.

If you’re worried about allergens, fear not! The free proteins that cause allergic reactions are washed off in the production process. Likewise, with genuine all-natural latex, you can rest assured that your mattress will be completely free of toxins.

Latex Mattresses by Production Process

When choosing your prospective natural latex mattress, you should pay attention to its ILD, (indentation load deflection), a unit used to measure how firm a mattress is – the higher the value, the more firm a mattress is. Another factor affecting the firmness of your natural latex mattress is its density.

The final step before making an informed decision about your natural latex mattress is deciding between the two manufacturing methods – Talalay and Dunlop.

The Talalay method is newer and slightly more complex than Dunlop, making its end-product the pricier of the two. If you want your mattress to be bouncy (without quickly returning to its original form), this is the type you need. It is less dense than Dunlop, but also airy and breathable. Its structure is consistent, making it softer as well.

Dunlop-style mattresses, on the other hand, are more firm due to higher density. This production process is faster, making the product less expensive. What is probably the main advantage of this mattress style is its excellent durability. In addition to that, the carbon footprint of this process is minimal, making it the greener option of the two.

The choice between Talalay and Dunlop depends mainly on your personal preferences, but the undecided among us can have the best of both worlds – a firm Dunlop core and a fluffy Talalay top layer for optimal enjoyment.

Stop by a premier mattress store in San Diego

At Mattress Makers, you are sure to find a selection of latex hybrid mattresses and also natural hybrid mattresses of the highest quality. The mattresses in our selection are all organic and chemical-free – choose a mattress that fits your needs and budget!

Mattress Sales Gimmicks

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We have talked before how hard it is to go mattress shopping and how it can be such a daunting task.

In previous articles we focused more on the buying process of the consumer such as choosing the right firmness and the importance of the quality of materials in a mattress.

This one is a little different. In our industry there has been a lot of shady selling techniques.

It can be embarrassing because people associate mattress salesman as your stereotypical used car salesman (if you are a used car salesman and are honest and transparent with your customers then kudos to you but you know that label people put on you).

We have come up with 5 common sales gimmicks mattress salesman and stores use to get the public to buy.

The Mattress Name Game

Have you ever noticed how almost every mattress retailer guarantees to have the lowest prices?

How can they guarantee you will pay less at their store as opposed to another retailer?

Simple.

They know that the other retailer down the street does not carry the same mattress name in their store.

The reason is because mattress manufacturers give each retailer a different name for the same mattress.

This is done to confuse the shopper and make it down right near impossible to compare prices from one retailer to the other.

So when you are doing your mattress shopping, make sure you take note of the specs of the mattress because that is how you can compare one model to the next.

Buying A “New” Used Mattress

As with every retailer returns are to be expected.

The problem with that is some mattress stores will clean them up and re-bag the mattress and sell them as floor models

This one is a bit tougher to distinguish but make sure when you do buy your mattress to inspect it for unusual wear, odor, and stains.

Also, if you do buy a floor model make sure a=you ask the sales associate if it was return that was converted to a floor model.

If you type in “selling used beds” on YouTube you can find videos of large companies employing this tactic.

It’s quite the eye opener.

If you’re tired of all the mattress sales shenanigans from mattress salesman click here to download our free mattress shopping guide to become a mattress and sleep expert

Huge Sale 50% Off

Who doesn’t like to shop when stores are offering 50% off?

Mattress retailers know this gimmick drives in traffic and that’s why these types of ads are run all the time.

So how does this work?

Before the “big sale” happens they make sure their mattresses that are going to be marked down are priced double than what they normally would be and then they take 50% off.

So they are selling you the bed what they would have sold you on a regular day but now you feel like you just got a really killer deal.

Here is a good video explaining these shenanigans.

A Mattress Doubles In Weight Every 10 Years

I have heard this one multiple times by those in the industry as well as from customers repeating what the salesman told them.

They say this is caused by the dead skin from our body as well as the natural oils from our body seeping into the mattress.

We have done tons of deliveries and picked up countless old mattresses from customers some being 30+ years old.

We have not once picked up an old mattress from a customer’s house and noticed it was an abnormal weight.

So if the salesman uses this tactic I suggest you be courteous and laugh at his or her joke and shake their hand and walk out the door.

Extra Shipment From The Supplier

This one gets used from time to time when the customer is negotiating for a lower price.

The salesman will look around the store or say quietly, “We just got an extra supply by mistake from our distributor and because of that I can give you X% off.

This is a story they are creating for you to make you feel like today is your lucky day.

But in all actuality they do have wiggle room in their price because their mattresses have been marked up so high.

So if you have been a victim to one of these sales tactics please let us know in the comments below.

Also, be a good guy and share this article with your friends.

Because we all know sharing is caring.

 

5 Tips To Finding The Right Mattress

How To Find the Perfect Mattress

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We all love perfect. We all want the perfect job, the perfect house, the perfect spouse, or even perfect kids. But like most things very few things can be perfect. What about the perfect mattress? Is there such thing as the perfect mattress?

Well, it depends, there are several factors to look for when looking for the perfect mattress.

      1. Comfort/Pressure Relief
      2. Support
      3. Durability
      4. Motion Separation
      5. Temperature Regulation
      6. Price

We’ll take a look at each one of these and go over what to look for when purchasing a new mattress to help make it a little easier to find your perfect mattress.

Comfort

When searching for a new mattress, remember “Comfort Is King”.

Out of all the elements that make for a perfect mattress comfort trumps all, that is the main reason why you’re looking for a bed right?

The thing about comfort is that it’s very subjective. What may be comfortable for you might not be so comfortable for your partner.

So how do you choose a mattress based on comfort?

 Pressure Relief       

A major factor in finding a comfortable mattress is pressure relief.

Pressure points are one of the major reasons why you are tossing and turning at night.

Generally, side sleepers toss and turn more because our hips and shoulders have more pressure points than the other areas and also because that is where most of our weight lies, in the hips and shoulders.

 Comfort Layers      

If you are a predominately side sleeper we would usually recommend choosing a mattress that has at least one inch or 2 inches of pressure-relieving materials (padding/foam).

Not all pressure relieving materials are created equal.

Just because one mattress has more foam than the other does not mean it is more pressure relieving.

The best type of materials that relieve pressure points will be latex foam and memory foam, and even that foam varies in quality and density.

To learn more about foams you can read our article here.

Latex foam is the most expensive but also the most durable foam there is.

If it’s in your budget we recommend choosing a mattress with at least one of these types of foams in the comfort layers.

Testing the Mattress

When searching for comfort make sure you give each mattress at least a minimum of 2-5 minutes on each one.

Some places will say at least 15 minutes but we realize you’re busy and that’s may not be realistic.

However, you do want to make sure you are giving it the proper time for your body to adjust.

Sometimes a mattress will feel comfortable at the beginning but as you spend more time on it you’ll be able to tell if there are any uncomfortable pressure points developing or if your arm begins to fall asleep.

I’ve seen some people come in with the preconceived idea that they want a firm mattress, and come to realize that a softer mattress feels much better for them because they lied on the mattress a few minutes longer than they would have.

 Support

First things first let’s determine what mattress support is and where does it come from.

Mattress support comes from within the mattress.  Mattress support is much more than just coil count.

In the old days of mattress shopping, large mattress companies did a good job of misleading the public about coil count.

Coil count was the end all and be all to the quality of a mattress.

Generally, the thought was the more the better but now we’ve learned it’s not always true.

There are several different types of mattress support systems you can choose from which we won’t go into too much detail here.

To get a more in-depth look at mattress support systems you can read our article here.

The 3 main types of mattress support systems are:

  • Innerspring/Pocketed Coil
  • Foam- Latex, Polyurethane foam,
  • Air chambers- Think Sleep Number or Arrow Bed

Each of our bodies are different and each of our bodies has its own unique curves.

The main function of the support layer is to keep our spine, and muscles in alignment.

If you’re on your back or your stomach (sleeping on your stomach is the worst sleep position for support) the mattress should contour and be supported by it’s natural “S” curve.

You should have someone see if the mattress is conforming to the “S” Curve of your back.

If you’re lying on your side your spine should be straight starting at your head and neck.

A good way to test this is to have your partner or someone else look at your back when you’re lying on your side to determine if your spine looks straight.

You’re not looking to be 100% straight to the millimeter because our bodies are flexible and bend.

But it should have an overall straight look. Lay in your general sleeping position for about 5-15 minutes.

If there is any twinge or discomfort you know the mattress is not giving you the support you need.

Mind the gap

While lying on your back or side make sure there are no spaces or gaps between any part of your body or mattress, especially the lumbar area.

Either yourself or your partner slides their hand underneath you and make sure that your body is in complete contact with the mattress.

Durability

So you’ve found a mattress that feels great and is giving you proper support, so how would you now determine how long it will last?

First, you must know the difference between “mattress life” and “comfort life”.

The “mattress life” is the length of time the mattress will hold up before it breaks down and sags within the allotted warranty time.

Usually 1 ½ inches. “Comfort life” is much more important.

It is how long will that mattress give you the same feeling of comfort it did when you first purchased it.

There are many factors to determine this, because it depends on the use or abuse a mattress receives, if you are rotating the mattress properly, and if you have adequate mattress protection from any liquids or moisture.

A quality mattress should give you at least 8-12 years of comfort life and it would be safe to say you got your money’s worth.

 Motion Transfer

If you share your mattress with another person then an important feature to look out for when purchasing a new mattress is how well it eliminates motion transfer.

Mattresses with pocketed coils are better at reducing motion transfer than the more traditional connected coil innerspring.

The pocketed coil moves more independently because each coil is in its own pocket.

In contrast, the connected coil has much more motion because the coils are tied together, and when you move, the other coils near it move with it as well.

So if you’re looking for an innerspring mattress and motion is an issue with you, a pocketed coil mattress may be the better choice.

Another type of mattress that is great with motion separation is a foam-based mattress such as latex and memory foam.

You’ve seen the commercial with someone jumping on a mattress next to a glass of wine. Well, that is memory foam at its best.

Memory foam, as well as latex mattresses, do a great job at absorbing energy and reducing motion, thus giving your partner undisturbed sleep so you can sneak out to the fridge in the middle of the night without having to worry about waking him/her up. 🙂

So if motion separation is on the top of your list of important features when buying a mattress then here are the top types of mattresses to go with.

  1. Memory Foam
  2. Latex mattresses
  3. Pocketed coil innerspring
  4. Connected coil innerspring.

The Temperature Factor

The trend and buzzword in the mattress industry today is “Temperature Regulating”.

Most mattress companies today are striving to make their mattresses sleep cooler and for good reason, sleeping hot sucks!

And with recent studies in sleep wellness sleep researchers have found that sleeping too hot or too cold can affect your quality of sleep.

So what should you look for in a mattress to ensure that your mattress is going to help you sleep cooler?

  1. Innerspring mattresses naturally sleep cooler than memory foam mattresses. It doesn’t matter what cool features are used in the material (Gel, Outlast, phase change materials). Innersprings will most often sleep cooler because air easily passes throughout the spring system without trapping the heat while memory foam beds have much less air circulation thus trapping more heat.
  2. Latex mattresses are very similar to innerspring mattresses because latex mattress has hundreds of holes throughout the mattress which aids in the airflow thus transferring heat away from the sleeper.
  3. Check if the mattress has phase change materials. Phase change materials help regulate the temperature of the mattress by absorbing the heat if you get too warm and releasing the heat back to you if you get too cold. Pretty cool stuff.
  4. In spite of what has been done in technology memory foam does sleep warm. However, some of the newer memory foam beds with the phase change materials have improved the heat issue slightly.
  5. Myth– Gel helps a mattress sleep cooler. Gel packs are heat conductors. If you’ve ever had a gel pack in your freezer you know it freezes well, but if you put that gel pack in the microwave it will get scorching hot. Gel takes on the temperature of whatever it is exposed to. It does not dissipate heat or make an object cooler.

Price

The final factor to consider when finding the perfect mattress is the price.

Determining how much to spend on a mattress can be a tricky thing, mattress shopping is not like car shopping or even shopping for electronics where the more expensive ones are generally better than the less expensive items.

A $5000 mattress is not necessarily better than the $2000 mattress if the $2000 mattress addresses all the factors that we talked about earlier.

Go with the lesser expensive mattress.

However in some cases, the lesser expensive models lack some of the features that the more expensive ones do, then you must ask yourself are those extra features worth paying the extra money.

Only you can answer that question. Remember that buying a new mattress does not need to break the bank.

If you’re shopping at a department store, furniture store or big box mattress store, these places often have tremendous wiggle room on price negotiation.

So never ever pay full price (Unless you’re buying a Tempurpedic or Icomfort because they’re price fixed) if you are buying from one of these types of stores.

You should be able to get a 20-30% discount if you negotiate smartly.

In an upcoming article, we’ll show you how to save 20-30 % off a mattress purchased from a mattress store.

Wrapping it up

You are now more equipped with your mattress and have the knowledge to find your perfect mattress a whole lot easier.

We hope that you find this article useful and would love to hear your own experience in your search for the perfect mattress.