Price

• Decide upon a budget before going shopping for mattresses, but be willing to look at mattresses in a slightly higher price bracket. The Better Sleep Foundations suggests that consumers purchase the best mattress that you can afford. Although over the life of a mattress it may cost you less than a dollar a day, you still have to pay the total price upfront unless you get financing. Most salespeople are willing to negotiate prices and would much rather take a hit on their commission than lose a sale altogether. If nothing else, at least ask for some free pillows or sheets for your major purchase.
  
  

Size

• Size is important in beds. For example, a king sized bed might be too large for your tiny bedroom; conversely a queen sized bed might look too small in an extremely large master bedroom.
  
  Look for the correct size mattress for your height. For example, people over six feet tall prefer king sized beds because it allows them to stretch out at night. Extremely tall people may prefer a California King sized bed, which is generally 12 inches wider than a queen sized bed, and about four inches longer.
  
  

Comfort & Support

• Although you may feel silly lying down on the mattress in the store, it is the best way to test how it feels. Since you'll be sleeping in the bed for more than 30 seconds at a time, it is best to lie down for several minutes to allow the bed to adjust to your shape. The Better Sleep council suggests paying particular attention to how your shoulders, hips and lower back feel while you lie down in the bed. You may develop back pain both if the bed doesn't offer enough support or if it is too firm. Ask your partner or a friend to get in and out of the bed to test the support of the mattress.
  
  

Style

• Several styles of mattresses exist, including traditional spring mattresses, pillow tops and memory foam. When purchasing a mattress you'll also need to consider the maintenance requirements. For example, traditional mattresses require regular flipping and rotating, whereas pillow top mattresses may or may not depending upon the model, and memory foam mattresses do not need to be flipped.
  
  Consider your physical needs as well. Traditional mattresses offer more cushioning but may bow your back if the mattress is too flexible. Foam mattresses conform to your body and cradle it so that there are no constriction points, but can make moving from one position to another difficult. Pillow tops offer both support and cushioning.
  
  

Durability

• Warranties aren't necessarily an indication of how long the product will offer support; they just protect you against product defects. Ask the salesperson about the quality of materials used in the mattress, and how the layers of material work together.