Buying a mattress is a significant decision that affects your sleep quality, health, and daily energy levels for years to come. Yet many shoppers approach this purchase with less research than they'd give to buying a new phone or television. The result? Thousands of Australians end up sleeping on mattresses that don't suit their needs, wasting money and missing out on the restorative sleep they deserve.
After helping countless customers navigate the mattress market and hearing stories of purchasing regret, we've identified the seven most common mistakes buyers make. Learning from others' errors can save you from expensive disappointments and help you find a mattress that truly serves your sleep needs.
Mistake #1: Choosing Based on Price Alone
Both ends of the price spectrum can lead to poor decisions. Some shoppers automatically assume the most expensive mattress must be the best, paying premium prices for features they don't need or won't benefit from. Others gravitate toward the cheapest option, prioritising immediate savings over long-term value and sleep quality.
The truth is that mattress prices don't always correlate with quality or suitability. A $2,000 mattress might be perfect for one person and completely wrong for another. Similarly, budget mattresses have improved significantly, with some offering excellent value, while others cut corners in ways that affect comfort and durability.
Set a realistic budget range based on your financial situation, then focus on finding the best mattress within that range for your specific needs. Consider cost-per-year—a $600 mattress that lasts 10 years costs $60 per year, potentially better value than a $300 mattress lasting only 3 years ($100 per year).
Mistake #2: Not Testing Long Enough
Many shoppers feel awkward lying on mattresses in showrooms, resulting in quick, superficial tests that don't reveal how a mattress will feel after hours of sleeping. A two-minute perch on the edge tells you almost nothing useful. The initial sensation of lying on a mattress can be deceiving—true comfort emerges over time as your body settles into the materials.
This problem is compounded by showroom environments. Bright lights, sales pressure, and the unfamiliarity of the situation prevent you from truly relaxing. You might also test mattresses wearing restrictive clothing or shoes, further distorting the experience.
What to Do Instead
Spend at least 15-20 minutes on any mattress you're seriously considering. Lie in your natural sleep positions, not just on your back. Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move naturally. Better yet, take advantage of home trial periods offered by many online retailers—100 nights of sleeping on a mattress in your own bedroom tells you far more than any showroom test.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Sleep Position and Body Type
Your friend might rave about their ultra-firm mattress, but that doesn't mean it's right for you. Mattress comfort is highly individual, depending significantly on how you sleep and your body characteristics. A mattress that provides perfect support for a back-sleeping, 85-kilogram person may be entirely wrong for a side-sleeping, 55-kilogram person.
Many shoppers choose mattresses based on general reputation, brand marketing, or others' recommendations without considering whether those sources share their physical characteristics and sleep habits.
Match Your Mattress to Your Profile
- Side sleepers: Need softer surfaces for pressure relief
- Back sleepers: Need medium-firm for lumbar support
- Stomach sleepers: Need firmer to prevent sinking
- Lighter sleepers: May need softer than recommended
- Heavier sleepers: Often need firmer with more support
Mistake #4: Falling for Marketing Gimmicks
The mattress industry is notorious for confusing marketing language and claims that sound impressive but mean little. Terms like "orthopaedic," "posture support," and "doctor recommended" are often marketing buzzwords with no standardised meaning or independent verification. Similarly, claims about revolutionary technologies or miraculous materials may be exaggerated or irrelevant to actual sleep quality.
Sales events creating artificial urgency—"this price ends today" or "last one in stock"—pressure shoppers into hasty decisions. In reality, mattress sales happen frequently, and the same or similar deals typically return regularly.
What to Do Instead
Focus on objective, verifiable information: construction materials, foam densities, coil counts, certifications (like CertiPUR-US), warranty terms, and trial period conditions. Read reviews from multiple sources, focusing on reviewers who share your body type and sleep style. Be sceptical of claims that seem too good to be true, and never feel pressured into buying before you're ready.
Mistake #5: Neglecting the Support System
A mattress is only as good as what's underneath it. Many shoppers invest in quality mattresses then place them on inadequate foundations, old bed frames, or incompatible bases. An unsupportive foundation can cause premature sagging, void warranties, and undermine the mattress's performance.
Similarly, some buyers don't consider whether their existing bed frame will work with their new mattress. Slatted bases with slats too far apart can cause foam mattresses to sag between gaps. Foundations designed for spring mattresses may not work optimally with all-foam options.
Most manufacturers specify foundation requirements in their warranty terms. Using an incompatible base can void your warranty. For slatted frames, ensure slats are no more than 7-8cm apart. When in doubt, contact the manufacturer before purchasing.
Mistake #6: Not Utilising Trial Periods
Many online mattress companies and even some traditional retailers offer generous trial periods—often 100 nights or more. Yet many buyers either don't know about these policies or fail to use them effectively. Some feel obligated to keep a mattress because it was delivered and seems "fine," even when it's not truly serving their needs.
Your body needs time to adjust to a new sleep surface. What feels strange the first week might become comfortable after a month—or, conversely, initial comfort might reveal underlying issues over time. Trial periods exist precisely because mattress compatibility cannot be determined quickly.
What to Do Instead
Give yourself time to truly evaluate a new mattress—at least 30 days before deciding, but use the full trial period if available. Keep track of your sleep quality, any aches or pains, and how rested you feel. If the mattress isn't working after a fair adjustment period, return it without guilt. Companies build return rates into their business models; using the trial as intended isn't an imposition.
Mistake #7: Forgetting About the Full Picture
A mattress is crucial for good sleep, but it's only one component of your sleep environment. Buyers sometimes invest heavily in mattresses while neglecting other factors that significantly impact sleep quality: pillows, bedding, bedroom temperature, light exposure, and sleep habits.
The wrong pillow can undermine even the best mattress by misaligning your neck and spine. Bedding that's too warm or too thin affects comfort regardless of mattress quality. Environmental factors like bedroom light and temperature can disrupt sleep even on a perfectly comfortable surface.
What to Do Instead
View your mattress purchase as part of a complete sleep system. Budget for a quality pillow appropriate to your sleep position. Choose breathable, comfortable bedding suited to your climate and temperature preferences. Address bedroom environment issues like light pollution, noise, and temperature. Consider your pre-sleep habits and overall sleep hygiene. A holistic approach to sleep delivers better results than focusing on any single element.
Bonus: Mistakes When Shopping Online vs In-Store
Online-Specific Pitfalls
When buying online, some shoppers don't adequately research the company's reputation, return policies, and warranty service. Others underestimate how difficult returns might be—even "free" returns often require you to schedule pickup, wait at home, and possibly repackage the mattress. Read the fine print on return policies and check independent reviews of the buying and returns experience.
In-Store Pitfalls
Showroom shoppers sometimes focus too much on sales representatives' recommendations without recognising that sales staff have financial incentives to steer you toward certain products. They may also compare prices incorrectly—retailers often use exclusive model names for identical or very similar mattresses, making price comparison between stores difficult. Always do independent research before visiting showrooms.
Conclusion
Mattress buying doesn't have to be confusing or risky. By avoiding these common mistakes—rushing decisions, ignoring your personal needs, falling for marketing, and neglecting trial periods—you dramatically increase your chances of finding a mattress that provides years of comfortable, restorative sleep. Take your time, do your research, and prioritise your actual sleep experience over brand names, price tags, or sales pressure. Your future well-rested self will thank you.