Perhaps you’re remodeling your bedroom and you decide to replace your old mattress or maybe your current mattress just isn’t comfortable anymore. Whatever prompted you to choose a new mattress, one thing’s for certain: It’s virtually impossible to tell if a mattress is the right softness or firmness if you don’t go to a store and try it.

Online, a mattress you think you’re interested in could have tons of excellent reviews, but most companies sell more than one type of mattress. How do you know, just from reading about it online, that it’s the right mattress for you? As you probably know — if you’ve ever slept on a mattress at a friend’s house, a hotel or elsewhere — mattresses are not one size fits all. Here are seven more helpful tips for choosing the right mattress.

Sleep Matters: 7 Tips for Finding the Ideal Mattress for Your Sanctuary - tips, sleeping, Sanctuary, mattress, bedroom

1. The More You Know

What is comfortable for you and your body may not be comfortable to everyone. Also, consider what position you sleep and if you sleep with a partner. All of these factors are going to make a difference in what kind of bed is most comfortable for you. So, to start, do some research before you even go to the store to get an idea of what type of mattresses are available for you to look at that fit your profile. The more you know walking in the door of the store about the mattress you want, the easier it is going to be for you to walk out the door satisfied.

2. Take it for a Spin

Although this might make you feel silly or embarrassed, it is very important for you to actually lie down on the mattress and test it out. For one of the best experiences in the industry consider visiting Sleepare, where you can get a free 30-minute nap trial on any one the mattresses from more than 100 online and offline brands, including online brand Purple. Plus, once you wake up, you’ll have the option of enjoying a cup of free, hot espresso.

Wear loose fitting clothes and shoes you can slip off to simplify this step. If you have a partner, bring them along to also test out the mattress. Lie in the part of the bed you normally sleep. Roll around, wiggle and test the buoyancy. The point here is to really get an accurate picture of how the bed acts and performs. In the end, your body will tell you which mattress supports you the best.

3. Questions to Ask

Other concerns you can check out while you’re at the store are if the mattress is temperature regulated and has the right internal support. Will it keep its integrity over time? Is it environmentally friendly? Was it made using ecologically friendly methods? Does it transfer motion? Does it mold to your body in an even distribution format? Does it keep out the mites and dead skin cells, and is it friendly to allergies? You never can ask too many questions to ensure that you are making the right purchase.

4. Doctor Knows Best

If you have had a history of medical back issues in the lower spinal region, sleep apnea or poor circulation, talking to your physician or a physical therapist about your impending mattress purchase might help. A health professional might be able to help guide you in a direction of not only a comfortable mattress but also one good for your type of health history. Even if your doctor or PT is not a trained sleep experts, his recommendations for sleep positions might be able to help you choose a mattress that meets your needs.

5. Be Wary of Mattress Claims

Many mattresses claim to be orthopedic and medically approved, when, in truth, those claims might not mean anything at all. There is no council of doctors somewhere stamping their approval on certain mattresses. Although some mattresses may have orthopedic features, they are not backed by orthopedists.

6. A Pillow on Top

Even the best and most expensive mattress is going to do absolutely no good without a proper pillow. A rotten pillow that doesn’t give you the proper support for your sleeping style can wreck your sleep quality. Keep in mind that some mattress stores also sell pillows.

7. Warranties and Guarantees

When you do decide on the right mattress, it is time to make sure you are protecting your investment. A good mattress should come with at least a 10-year warranty. Make sure to ask about what type of warranty is offered.

Most stores have what is called a comfort guarantee these days. Before you buy, ask about it. Check to see if you can exchange or get your money back if you don’t end up loving the mattress. If so, find out how long you have to return it.

There are many companies who give you a hundred days to sleep on the mattress in order to try it out. If you don’t get the best sleep of your life, you notify the company to come and pick it up. Be sure to find out if you are responsible for any additional costs if you decide the mattress isn’t for you. Always make sure your investment is protected by buying a mattress protector that is waterproof. Your warranty will be voided if there are stains.