“Shopping for a mattress is so time-consuming.” “I don’t have time to go to a mattress store.” “It’s so much easier to buy a mattress online.” Let’s face it, most people do not enjoy shopping for a mattress. We’ve heard it all before, but we have to ask: is it really that much easier to buy a bed online instead of in-store? In our opinion, no, it isn’t.
What a lot of consumers don’t know is that buying mattresses online can come with many drawbacks, including running into low-quality inventory, shopping from small selections, making uninformed purchases, and more. If you were to ask us how to shop for a mattress, we would recommend coming into any of our stores in person, speaking with any of our experts, and having them suggest a few mattresses for you to test out based on your needs.
The best way to buy a mattress is to purchase in person because:
- You can try the mattress before you buy it
- You can shop alongside an expert
- You can save time
- You’re less likely to return your mattress
The mattress experts from Texas Mattress Makers are here to explain the benefits of shopping for a mattress in person. In this video below, our founder, Youval Meicler, breaks down the shopping experience.
What to know before shopping for a mattress
Before we dive into the benefits of in-person mattress shopping, we’d be remiss not to first mention what you should be looking for in your shopping journey. While every sleeper will be looking for something different depending on their needs, here are the basics:
- How the mattress’s comfort level feels
- How soft or firm is it? Is it comfortable for you?
- How the mattress supports your body, especially in your preferred sleeping position
- What the mattress is made of (components)
- How big the mattress is
- Will it fit in your space?
- How tall is it? Can you get in and out easily?
Other factors may include whether the mattress is adjustable-friendly, if it has cooling technology, or if you require a specific shape or custom dimensions (which we can do for you). The above factors are crucial for determining which mattress and what type of mattress will suit what you’re searching for. Because we’ll be honest, many shoppers do not find their perfect mattress online.
But in-person shoppers usually do — especially if they shop at Texas Mattress Makers.
Benefit 1: You can try the mattress before you buy it
Have you ever ordered a shirt, pair of pants, or shoes online and then realized they don’t fit once they arrive? Happens to all of us. Well, that annoying scenario can be easily avoided if you were to go into a physical store and try the items on before buying them to make sure they fit. The same goes for mattresses.
At Texas Mattress Makers, we believe there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to mattresses. Every customer is different, so we take a tailored approach to mattress shopping. Instead of offering generic options, our experts work with you to identify your unique sleep style and preferences. We ask key questions about your sleeping habits, pain or discomfort, and how you typically feel when you wake up. This personalized process helps us recommend the perfect mattress for your needs, ensuring you leave with a bed that supports a better night’s rest.
Should you try a mattress before buying?
100%. Answering the question, “Which mattress is best for me?” can only be accomplished by trying out the mattress prior. Why is this? It’s simple: you can’t feel a mattress through a screen.
You need to lie down and experience how a mattress feels against your body. You could think you want a soft mattress only to realize that a medium-firm option is more comfortable. This is why we encourage in-store testing before purchase. After all, the best mattress for you is the one that gives you a great night’s sleep.
To help you understand how to test a mattress, mattress expert Noah Meicler shares his tips.
Benefit 2: You can shop alongside an expert
How do I know what mattress is best for me? You might not, but we do. If you don’t know what you’re looking for, shopping online for a mattress can be like finding a needle in a haystack. Luckily, you won’t have to search alone.
We employ mattress experts, NOT pushy salespeople whose sole purpose is to listen to your needs and accommodate them. Our experts will learn about your sleeping habits, your preferences, and any other relevant information to match you with at least three mattresses and invite you to lie on them for about 15 minutes.
Finding the right mattress isn’t just about comfort — it’s about science and engineering. At Texas Mattress Makers, the team observes how you lie on different mattresses to see how your body responds. Do you fidget or shift uncomfortably? These reactions help them determine if the mattress is causing discomfort or if it’s truly a good fit for your sleep style. Our approach goes beyond simply lying on a bed and guessing; it’s rooted in understanding how the right mattress is made and how it can improve your overall sleep quality.
Because we create our own mattresses on-site, our experts are trained in the art of mattress construction and component technology — meaning, they know exactly what mattresses can accommodate your needs. At the end of the day, their job is to help you improve your sleep quality, not necessarily to sell you a mattress. This is not an experience that you can have while shopping online.
Expert Tip: If you do prefer to shop online, you can always call a showroom and speak with an expert over the phone who can guide you through the recommendation process!
If you can’t find what you’re looking for on our showroom floor, ask our experts about customization options. Our factory can create a mattress of any shape and size with any of our premium materials to fit your vision.
Benefit 3: You can save time
If you think physically going into a mattress store is time-consuming, imagine sifting through hundreds of online listings. THAT is time-consuming.
First, you have to choose from one of a million mattress online retailers. Next, you have to look through their selection and see which one might — heavy emphasis on the might — be a fit for you. Then, you have to wait for it to get delivered to your doorstep. Finally, after all of that nonsense, you get to set it up and sleep on it.
While the online purchasing process could take a couple of weeks, buying a mattress from brick-and-mortar mattress retail stores could take a day or less.
Benefit 4: You’re less likely to return your mattress
When you buy a mattress online, you’re going in blind. You have no idea how that mattress will perform long-term or how it will feel against your body. So when it arrives, and you finally get a chance to lay on it, what happens if you don’t like it? You feel uncomfortable. It’s too firm. It’s too soft. The size isn’t right.
If you buy clothes from a website that don’t fit, you’ll probably return them…but how do you return a mattress? Unfortunately, for most mattress online retailers, the return process can be frustrating and confusing — so much so that most people just suck it up and sleep on the bad mattress. Ouch.
If you purchase your mattress in person, you are more likely to be happy and confident in your choice because you know exactly what you’re buying. No surprises.
If you read our countless positive mattress reviews, you’ll see a common theme: the experience was simple and they are so happy with their new bed even years later. Customers have shared how their custom mattresses from Texas Mattress Makers have transformed their sleep. From relieving back pain to providing long-lasting comfort, these mattresses have made a real difference in people’s lives. Whether it’s firm support for a back injury or a softer feel for side sleepers, the expert team ensures each customer leaves with a mattress they’ll love for years to come.
Find Your Perfect Mattress in One Visit
We Make Shopping for a Mattress in Person Easy
To recap, should you try a mattress before buying? Yes. Why? Because it guarantees that you will find your perfect mattress and have better sleep for years to come. Is that convincing enough?
Shopping for a mattress doesn’t have to be a chore. At Texas Mattress Makers, we pride ourselves on cultivating a stress-free customer experience and providing you with your forever mattress. In fact, we were voted “Best Mattress Store” from the Houston Chronicle’s Best of the Best in 2024, and have been for the last few years — so it looks like Houston agrees with us.
All you have to do is focus on your comfort. Come and visit any of our Houston-area mattress stores and begin your journey to better sleep. We can’t wait to see you.
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