Black Friday Mattresses: What to Check Before You Buy

Before buying a mattress, choose the type and firmness that suit how you sleep, confirm the size against your frame, and read the trial, warranty and return terms closely. Mattresses are hard to judge from photos, so those terms matter. More in the mattresses and bedding department.

Types of mattress

Innerspring mattresses use coils and feel bouncy and breathable. Foam mattresses contour to the body and can sleep warmer. Hybrids add a foam or latex comfort layer over coils. Latex feels springy and resilient. Each type has fans, and none is best for everyone, so match the type to how you like to sleep.

Firmness and sleep position

• Side sleepers tend to want more cushioning at the shoulders and hips
• Back sleepers usually do well on a medium feel with steady support
• Stomach sleepers often prefer a firmer surface to keep the hips level
• Heavier sleepers may need extra support layers to avoid sinking too deep

Firmness labels are not standardized, so a “medium” from one maker can feel different from another. Reading descriptions of the comfort layers helps more than the label alone.

Size and the frame

Mattress sizes run from twin to California king. A frame sold for a queen needs a queen mattress. Check the room too, leaving space to walk around the bed. If you use an adjustable base or a platform with slats, check that the mattress type is compatible and that slat spacing meets the maker’s instructions, since gaps can void a warranty.

Mattresses to compare

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Opens eBay in a new tab. Check condition, seller feedback and returns.

Trial periods and returns

Many mattress sellers offer a trial. Read how long it lasts, whether you must sleep on it for a break-in stretch before returning, and who pays for return shipping or pickup. Some require that the mattress be kept clean and on a suitable base. Keep your receipt and take photos of the mattress when it arrives.

Warranty coverage

Warranties tend to cover defects like sagging beyond a stated depth, but exclude stains and wear. Read the exclusions and note whether the warranty is prorated. A stained mattress cover can void coverage, so a protector helps.

Delivery and set-up

Boxed mattresses arrive compressed and need time to expand. Larger rigid models may not fit through narrow stairwells, so measure the route. When buying from an online marketplace seller, favor new, sealed items, check the seller’s feedback and photos of the labels, and confirm return terms before ordering.