Buying a new mattress is a lot like buying a new car; you’re making a long-term investment that requires careful consideration of multiple variables. These tips will help you come prepared to make an informed decision about your next mattress purchase:

Wear Comfortable Clothes and Shoes

The only way to know for sure whether a mattress is just right is to give it a try. Be prepared to spend some quality time (experts recommend 15 minutes per mattress!) trying out different mattresses, so wear clothes that will let you lie comfortably and shoes that slip on and off.

Understand Different Materials

Scientists are continuously creating new materials (did you know that memory foam was originally developed by NASA to help astronauts sit comfortably during long flights?), and it’s important to know the difference. Most mattresses can be categorized as memory foam, innerspring, and hybrid mattresses. Read more here.

Shop with Your Partner

If you share a bed with someone, you both need to be involved in the decision process. Try to find a support and comfort system that meets both of your needs and limits motion transfer when one of you moves. You don’t want to jostle your partner awake when you change positions during the night!

Choosing Proper Support & Comfort

The goal when choosing your support level is to completely align your spine in a straight line while you sleep. If you sleep mostly on your back, you may need a firmer mattress then someone who sleeps on their side or stomach. You should spend 5 minutes on your back and each side to make sure that you can comfortably spend a couple minutes without wanting to change position.

Don’t settle for a mattress that doesn’t provide complete comfort because it can be the difference between enjoying a restful night’s sleep and hitting snooze over and over in the morning. Come prepared to ask questions and try out lots of different mattresses until you’ve found the right fit!