Buying a new mattress is a big decision and you should be sure and do your due diligence before purchasing one no matter what size of mattress you are considering. While doing your research the main goal should be to find the best quality mattress while staying within your budget. After all, we typically spend about one third of our lives in bed so it's important to take the time and get the best mattress you can afford.

The biggest factor you should consider when looking for a new mattress according to the experts is not firmness. Surprised? What you really want to be looking at is how the mattress supports your body while you sleep. Also mattress size will be a factor in your decision as obviously the larger the mattress the higher the price. Don't forget that sheets and blankets will also be more expensive for larger size mattresses.

Once you have done some basic research you need to go to a store that sells mattresses and test drive them. Don't be afraid to lay on them for as long as you need as a good store will understand and allow you the extra time to decide. Be sure you try all models: firm, medium, soft, pillow top, etc. before deciding. If more than one person will be sleeping on the mattress it would be good to have them go with you so both of you agree on which mattress to buy. If the salesperson is pushy and trying to pressure you consider leaving and going to another store. After all, buying a mattress is something we don't do very often and we need to be sure we are going to like the one we buy.

The biggest problem for most people is you really need a few weeks to try a mattress out before you will know if it's the right one for you. Fortunately, some stores will give you a 30 day in home trial which should be more than enough time to get adjusted and make a decision. Have you ever wondered what happens to the mattresses that get sent back to the store?

When you are considering which mattress to buy remember that many times a mattress manufacturer will make the same basic models and put different covers and model names and numbers on them to give stores an exclusive product. This makes it very hard to compare models from different stores as they will more than likely not have the exact same model of a mattress in more than one store.

While you are shopping don't be afraid to ask the salesperson questions and remember that most of them will be on a commission basis so take what they say with a grain of salt. Once you have made a decision be sure to get everything in writing. Double check the warranty paperwork and any in home trial conditions such as time period or what condition the mattress must be in upon return. Note that most stores will give you a credit not a refund to be applied to another mattress from their store.

To sum up, do your homework before going to the store. Make sure you thoroughly test each type of mattress available and go over the terms and conditions of sale with a fine tooth comb. If you do these things you can rest assured that your new mattress will give you the best night's sleep ever.