How to Test a Mattress in Store: Key Points to Check

Buying a new mattress is a significant investment in your comfort and well-being. Yet, many shoppers make hasty decisions without proper testing, leading to dissatisfaction. In fact, a survey revealed that 29% of respondents regretted their mattress purchase, often citing discomfort as the primary reason. 

To avoid becoming part of this statistic, it's crucial to know how to test a mattress effectively in-store. This guide will walk you through nine essential steps to ensure you select a mattress that meets your comfort and support needs, helping you make an informed choice and enjoy restful sleep for years to come.

Lie Down the Way You Sleep at Home

It might sound obvious, but many people don’t actually lie down on a mattress when testing it in-store; they just sit or press it with their hands. That won’t give you the full picture.

To truly know how to test a mattress, lie down in the same position you sleep in at home. Whether you’re a side, back, or stomach sleeper, spend at least 10 to 15 minutes on the mattress. Close your eyes, relax, and let your body settle. This is even more important when the mattress has memory foam components as those will take some time to activate and adjust to your contours.

Pay attention to how your body feels, especially your lower back, hips, and shoulders. A mattress should support you without causing pressure or tension. The more it mimics your at-home experience, the easier it will be to make the right choice. 

Pay Attention to Pressure Relief

A mattress that feels good for a minute or two might still create problems overnight. That’s why it’s important to test how well it handles pressure points, especially around your shoulders, hips, and lower back.

When you're lying in your usual sleep position, notice whether any part of your body feels sore, numb, or overly compressed. You shouldn’t feel like the mattress is pushing back or forcing you to shift to get comfortable.

Good pressure relief is key to uninterrupted sleep and can help reduce tossing and turning. 

Evaluate Spine Alignment

When you’re lying down, your spine should stay in a neutral, straight line, not arched or sagging. Poor alignment can lead to back pain, stiffness, and restless sleep over time.

To check this in-store, have a friend or store associate look at your back while you lie on the mattress in your preferred sleeping position. Your neck, shoulders, and hips should all line up naturally.

If your body feels like it’s sinking too much or if your hips dip lower than the rest of you, the mattress may be too soft. If you feel lifted and unsupported at the same time, it may be too firm. The right balance will feel stable without forcing your body into awkward positions.

Test Mattress Firmness With Your Whole Body

Labels like “soft,” “medium,” or “firm” are just starting points. The real test is how your body feels when you lie down; surface "firmness" is personal, and your comfort matters most.

To truly know how to test mattress firmness, lie on your back and then on your side. Notice how much you sink in, how supported you feel, and whether there’s any tension in your lower back or shoulders.

A mattress that’s too soft may leave you feeling sunken in, while one that’s too firm might create pressure or stiffness. Aim for a balance where your body feels cradled but stable. This simple step gives you the clearest insight into how the mattress will feel after a full night of sleep.

Move Around and Shift Positions

A mattress might feel great when you're lying still, but what happens when you move? If you're a combination sleeper or tend to shift positions during the night, it's important to test for ease of movement.

Try rolling from side to side or shifting from your back to your side. Does the mattress respond smoothly, or do you feel resistance? You shouldn’t feel stuck or have to use effort to reposition yourself.

This is a key part of knowing how to test a mattress firmness thoroughly. A mattress that adapts easily to your movements will help you sleep more naturally and stay asleep longer.

Don’t Ignore Edge Support

Edge support might not seem important until you find yourself rolling off the side of the bed or avoiding the edges altogether. A mattress with strong edge support lets you use the full surface comfortably, whether you’re sitting, lying down, or getting in and out of bed.

When testing in-store, sit near the edge and then lie down close to the side. Does it feel stable, or does it collapse under your weight? Good edge support keeps you supported from center to edge, which is especially helpful for couples or smaller bed sizes.

Listen for Noise and Feel for Motion Transfer

A mattress should be as quiet as it is comfortable. When testing in-store, shift your weight, roll over, or bounce slightly. Listen for creaks, squeaks, or springs, noises that could disturb your sleep or your partner’s.

Motion transfer is another factor to check, especially if you share the bed. Ask someone to sit or move beside you while you lie still. If you feel every movement, the mattress may lack motion isolation.

Ask About Trial Periods and Return Policies

Even after testing in-store, it can take several nights, or even weeks, to know if a mattress is truly right for you. That’s why asking about a sleep trial is essential.

Before you buy, find out how long you can try the mattress at home and what the return or exchange process looks like. Many reputable retailers offer 30- to 120-night trials, giving your body time to adjust and respond to the new sleep surface.

Knowing the store’s policy adds peace of mind and lets you focus on comfort, not pressure. It’s a crucial step when learning how to test a mattress wisely.

Take Notes and Compare

If you’re visiting multiple stores or trying several mattresses in one place, it’s easy to forget which model felt best. Bring a notepad or use your phone to jot down names, firmness levels, and your impressions of each one.

Note how your body felt during the test: Were your pressure points supported? Did you feel aligned and relaxed? Also, write down any standout pros or cons.

Taking time to test a mattress properly can make all the difference in how well you sleep. From firmness to support to overall feel, each step helps you find a mattress that truly fits your needs. Use these key points to guide your in-store visit, and trust how your body feels.