Mattress Shopping Checklist: What to Know Before You Buy and Thank Yourself Later

Welcome back to Mattress Matters, where bad mattresses get exposed

Buying a mattress is one of those adult life moments.

It feels important.

It’s weirdly stressful.

And somehow everyone in the shop suddenly becomes a sleep expert.

Before you lie down on 15 beds and forget what day it is, you need a plan.

This is that plan.

Why mattress shopping deserves a checklist

You spend roughly a third of your life in bed.

Yet most people buy a mattress after five minutes and a vague vibe check.

That’s how you end up sleeping like a croissant.

A checklist keeps you focused on what actually matters.

Your body.

Your sleep.

Your long term comfort.

Step one: know your sleep style

This is non negotiable.

The way you sleep should guide everything.

Side sleepers

Need pressure relief at shoulders and hips. Medium to medium soft usually works best.

Back sleepers

Need support through the spine. Medium to medium firm is your sweet spot.

Front sleepers

Need firmness to stop lower back strain. Too soft is a fast track to aches.

If you’re not sure, our sleep calculator helps narrow it down.

Step two: choose the right mattress type

This is where people get overwhelmed.

Let’s simplify it.

Pocket sprung mattresses

Supportive, breathable and great for airflow. Ideal if you sleep hot or like a traditional feel.

Explore our pocket sprung mattresses for balanced comfort.

Memory foam mattresses

Body contouring and pressure relieving. Great for joint pain and side sleepers.

Modern options breathe better than the old stuff. Our memory foam mattresses are built for comfort without overheating.

Orthopaedic mattresses

Extra support for backs, joints and posture. Firm without being brutal.

Have a look at our orthopaedic mattresses if support is top priority.

Step three: firmness is personal, not trendy

Firm does not automatically mean better.

Soft does not mean unsupportive.

Firmness should match your body weight and sleep position.

If you wake up sore, numb or restless, firmness is probably wrong.

Trust your body, not the marketing slogans.

Step four: consider who you share your bed with

If you sleep solo, crack on.

If you share, things change.

Motion isolation

If your partner moves like a rotisserie chicken, you’ll want minimal motion transfer.

Memory foam and pocket springs both help here.

Different comfort needs

Couples often need compromise. Hybrid or medium feel mattresses usually work best.

Step five: temperature regulation matters

If you sleep hot, ignore this step at your peril.

Foams trap heat.

Springs breathe.

Hybrid designs balance both.

If you wake up sweating, your mattress might be the culprit.

Step six: match the mattress to your bed frame

Mattresses don’t live in isolation.

Your bed frame matters.

Slatted frames offer airflow.

Storage beds need proper support.

Our mattresses pair perfectly with Funkybedz frames, whether that’s an ottoman or a divan.

Browse our full mattress collection to find the right fit.

Step seven: size matters more than you think

If you’re constantly fighting for space, your mattress is too small.

Upgrading from a double bed to a king size bed can transform sleep quality overnight.

More space equals better sleep.

Simple maths.

Step eight: don’t ignore mattress lifespan

Mattresses are not forever.

After 7 to 8 years, support drops.

Comfort fades.

Sleep suffers.

Use our mattress lifespan calculator if you’re not sure where yours stands.

Step nine: budget smart, not cheap

Cheap mattresses often cost more in the long run.

Poor sleep.

Aches.

Replacing it sooner.

Invest where your body spends the most time.

Your future self will thank you.

Step ten: trust how it feels, not how it sounds

Fancy names don’t equal better sleep.

What matters is:

  • Support
  • Comfort
  • Temperature
  • Durability

If it feels right, it probably is.

Why Funkybedz mattresses tick the checklist boxes

We don’t overcomplicate things.

Our mattresses are built for real people, real bodies and real UK homes.

Balanced comfort.

Proper support.

Designed to work with our beds.

Built with Yorkshire honesty and no nonsense.

Final word from Mattress Matters

Mattress shopping doesn’t need to be overwhelming.

Use the checklist.

Ignore the hype.

Choose what works for you.

Better sleep starts with better decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I test a mattress before buying

You should lie on it for at least 10 minutes in your usual sleep position.

Is a firmer mattress better for back pain

Not always. Medium support often works better than very firm.

Do memory foam mattresses wear out faster

Quality foam lasts well, but cheaper versions can degrade quicker.

Can the wrong mattress affect sleep quality

Yes. Poor support and temperature regulation disrupt sleep cycles.

How often should I replace my mattress

Every 7 to 8 years on average.

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