Mattress Shopping FAQs: Your Top Questions Answered

Although mattress shopping is a task that most people will have to do in their lifetime, most find themselves with a lot of unanswered questions when it’s time to go bed buying. Luckily, the mattress experts from Texas Mattress Makers are here to fill you in on what to know before mattress shopping to help you avoid common mattress shopping mistakes.

We at Texas Mattress Makers love to say that we’ve perfected the mattress shopping process to make it simpler, more enjoyable, and less stressful for our customers. If you visit any of our Houston-area mattress stores, you’ll find a personalized, educational, and transparent shopping experience that you won’t see anywhere else. This is why we feel particularly qualified to answer your most frequently asked questions about purchasing a mattress and what to expect after the fact.

Is it better to buy a mattress in-store or online?

Answer: It is better to buy a mattress in person rather than online.

This is likely the most common question we hear from real customers and see online. The in-person vs. online debate has gone back and forth over the years, especially with the rise of bed-in-a-box companies. While Texas Mattress Makers offers an easy online shopping experience, we always recommend that our customers come into a showroom to try out mattresses in person. 

In short, you can’t feel a mattress through a screen. Imagine ordering a mattress online and then hating it? Having the ability to try out a mattress before you buy it gives you full confidence in what you’re spending your hard-earned money on, to eliminate any doubts or confusion about what is right for you. Wondering how to not get ripped off buying a mattress? This is the answer.

If you prefer to come into a store, try out our mattresses, then sleep on your decision (pun intended), you can always buy that same mattress on our website when you’re ready.

How long after buying a mattress can you return it?

Answer: You can return your Texas Mattress Makers mattress after 30 nights.

Let’s say you buy a new mattress and after that first night of sleep, you’re not happy. Should you return a mattress after the first night? No — here’s why. 

When you buy a new mattress, it takes time for the new components to adjust to your body. Like a new pair of shoes or jeans, breaking in a new mattress will take around 30 nights of consistent sleep for it to feel perfect. If you’re experiencing new mattress back pain or are confused why your new mattress feels different than it did in the store, these are all normal occurrences when you’re breaking in a new mattress. 

If after 30 nights you’re still not happy with your new mattress, we offer a 90-Night Comfort Guarantee that allows up to two exchanges to your mattress’s comfort level to ensure it’s right for you. Just be sure to notify us of your concerns before the 90 nights are up.

Can you make a firm mattress softer?

Absolutely! The materials will gradually soften and conform to your body over the first 30-60 nights of consistent sleep; however, you can accelerate the break-in process by walking on the mattress. If, after the trial period, you’re still not satisfied with how it feels, please reach out to us and we’ll make it right.

What should I wear for mattress shopping?

Answer: Loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that you can lie down in.

Now we know this question might sound strange since mattress shopping doesn’t have a dress code, but we have heard this inquiry floating around online in recent years. A mistake people make is entering a mattress store wearing rigid clothing — and they wonder why the mattresses don’t feel comfortable! Hint: it’s not the mattress, it’s your clothes.

We recommend wearing loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that you can easily lie down in and not feel restrained or restricted. When you try out a mattress, we’ll ask you to get into your preferred sleeping position for about 15 minutes total. If your clothes are making you uncomfortable, you won’t be able to focus on how the mattress feels. It seems like an arbitrary tip, but we promise it can make all the difference in your shopping experience.

Common questions about choosing a mattress

I don’t know which mattress I need. Where do I start?

Answer: Take our Mattress Makers Quiz to see which mattress may suit you best. Then, come try it out in the store!

We’ve crafted an online quiz that mimics the questions an expert would ask you in the store. 

What kind of questions are on a mattress quiz?

• Who is the mattress for?
• What is your body type?
• What sleeping position do you prefer to sleep in?
• How do you like your mattress to feel?
• What size bed are you looking for?
• What is your budget?

After you’ve submitted your answers, you will get a few mattress recommendations from our collections. We highly recommend stopping by one of our locations to test that mattress in person to see if it would suit you!

Me and my partner have different needs, what do we do?

Answer: Get a split king mattress.

When sharing a bed with a partner, the likelihood of you both having the same exact preferences is slim. You might want something firmer while they need something softer. If you and your partner have different preferences but still want to sleep in the same bed, we recommend a split king mattress.

What is a split king bed? Each side of the mattress is customized to fit each individual’s needs. These beds come in the form of two twin XL mattresses placed side by side in one frame to form a king bed. This way, neither party has to compromise on comfort. You can enjoy restful sleep each night right next to each other. 

We also offer the option of a split head king mattress for couples who want the mattress to be conjoined, with the ability to adjust the top half of the mattress.

What type of mattress is best for kids?

Answer: A quality mattress that will support their growing bodies.

Mattress shopping with kids can feel a bit confusing, as there are so many options but very little information on what truly benefits a child’s sleep. Texas Mattress Makers offers two mattresses designed specifically for children’s healthy sleep and development.

• Kids Mattress: A mattress designed for children 13 and under that promotes optimal comfort with adequate support their bodies need for healthy sleep.
• Youth & Guests Mattress: A balanced bed with long-lasting comfort and support. Great for teenagers and college dorm rooms.

Some parents have the opinion that investing in a quality mattress for kids is a waste of money because they’ll “grow out of it anyway.” However, healthy sleep is essential for a child’s health and development. 

If you’re unsure of how much to spend on a kids’ mattress, our low, factory-direct prices allow you to purchase a great mattress for your child without breaking the bank.

What is the best guest mattress?

Answer: A versatile mattress that can suit a variety of sleep needs.

Stuck on how to choose a mattress for a guest room? We get it. Mattress shopping for yourself can be simple because you know what you need — but finding a bed that pleases your in-laws, friends, and family? That can be a task. Luckily, we have exactly what you need:

• Guest Foam Mattress: Gel-infused memory foam keeps you cool while contouring your body. It can support any sleeping position.
• Hotel Comfort Mattress: High-performance foams eliminate any pain or discomfort, combined with a coil support system that responds to every body type. Known as “universally comfortable.”
• Youth & Guests Mattress: A great guest room option that can provide quality sleep for both parents and children. 

Where Should I Buy a Mattress in Houston? At Texas Mattress Makers.

This might be the most important question of all: where should I go mattress shopping in Houston? The answer is obviously at Texas Mattress Makers! If you want an easy, seamless, and stress-free shopping experience, our stores are the best in Space City. No, seriously, Texans voted us the best mattress store in Houston four years in a row.

Our mattress experts can answer any question you may have about sleep health, mattress components, pain relief, and more. No matter what condition or preferences you have, we have a mattress that can satisfy them.

Mattress shopping doesn’t have to be a chore. Visit any of our mattress stores in Houston to experience the Texas Mattress Makers difference. Better customer service, better prices, and simply better mattresses.

More Helpful Articles by Texas Mattress Makers:

• Benefits of an Adjustable Mattress Base
• Experts Answer: How Long Should a Mattress Last?
• What to Look for When Shopping for Adjustable Bases
• What is the Best Cooling Mattress Topper?
• 4 Reasons to Invest in a Motion Isolation Mattress