Did you know it takes between 30 to 90 days on average to adjust to a new mattress? Since this trial period for your new mattress extends the average time of a return policy, many mattress companies offer customers a mattress trial. Allowing customers to trial a mattress during this period of time, this gives their body time to adjust to the mattress so you can be sure it works for their needs.
During this mattress trial, if your mattress doesn’t meet your expectations or you cannot get comfortable while sleeping, you can return the mattress and get your money back as part of their mattress trial warranty. However, there are a few things to consider during this trial period, such as the state of the mattress after use and the mattress manufacturer’s unique mattress warranty policy.
In this article, we cover everything you need to know about mattress trials, including which companies offer the longest trials and how to keep your mattress covered and protected during the trial period. We also cover how to tell if your mattress is the right type for your sleep style and comfort. Without further ado, let’s jump into everything you need to know about how mattress trials work.
Since buying a mattress is a large investment, it makes sense that the customer wants to make sure the product they bought works for them. As we said above, adjusting to a new mattress can take several weeks. A mattress trial period not only allows you to try out the mattress but also allows your body to adjust to the new sleeping surface.
For various reasons, many in-person and online mattress companies and brands allow for an extended mattress trial period. First, it allows customers to see their mattresses in person. Second, since adjusting to a mattress takes time, an extended exchange policy allows customers more time to get used to their mattress and ensure it works for them. The longer you adjust to your mattress, the less likely you are to return it before you’re sure it’s not right for you.
Trying out a mattress before committing to a purchase has several benefits. It allows you to:
Since mattress trial periods and policies vary from company to company, we’ve rounded up some of the most common trial durations and companies so you can better understand how the process works. Of course, it’s important to check the return policy for the mattress company you intend to purchase from to ensure you know what you’re getting into regarding return policies, exchanges, any shipping fees, and general wear during the break-in period policies.
Mattress trials allow you to test a mattress for comfort for a set period of time. Most companies offer somewhere between 30- to 365-night trial policies that give customers a chance to break in a mattress, address any sleep difficulties, and adjust to any pain or soreness that comes with a new mattress. These sleep trials are about finding the perfect mattress that meets your sleep needs.
During the mattress trial period, you should cover your mattress with a waterproof protector and make sure to avoid staining or soiling the mattress. This trial period is about adjusting to the mattress, so don’t be surprised if the first couple of nights on a new mattress are uncomfortable. Instead, pay attention to what you like about the mattress, like the spring supports or comfort layers.
As you adjust to the mattress, make sure that it fits your unique sleep needs. Since buying a mattress is a huge investment, you want to be totally satisfied with your purchase.
Since each company has its own shipping and return policy for their mattresses, it’s always a good idea to do your own research. For example, Mattress Firm offers a 120-day trial and replacement policy with pickup. However, they ask that you sleep on the mattress for at least 30 days before making a swap. They also charge a $99.99 shipping fee and only refund 80% of the original cost of the mattress.
As an added caveat, if the mattress is stained, soiled, dirty, or missing the manufacturer’s tags, the warranty is voided. That’s why it pays to read the fine print!
Mattress trials start with the purchase of your mattress. If you’re ordering from an online company, you can expect your mattress shipped to your home. Once the mattress arrives, you want to follow all company instructions about airing out a mattress. Many shipped mattresses are tightly packed for convenience, meaning you should allow them to expand for the full recommended timeframe.
Once your mattress expands or has time to sit, you want to cover it with a waterproof mattress protector for comfort and safety. Not only does this help you keep to the terms of your mattress trial, but it also extends the life of your mattress.
The next part of testing a mattress is sleeping on it, of course. This is the “breaking-in” period of your new mattress, so don’t be surprised if you don’t sleep as well as you usually do. You don’t expect a pair of running shoes to fit perfectly as soon as you buy them, and the same goes to a new mattress. Pain in some areas, soreness, or a harder time sleeping are all part of testing a new mattress.
Make sure you sleep with any partner you may have to ensure the mattress works for both of you, and try to consistently sleep on the mattress to give your body time to adjust to the mattress itself. You can always take notes about how well you slept, what you noticed as you adjusted to the mattress, and more.
Brand | Mattress Trial Duration |
|---|---|
Avocado | 365 nights |
Awara | 365 nights |
DreamCloud | 365 nights |
Lull | 365 nights |
Nectar | 365 nights |
Saatva | 365 nights |
Bear | 120 nights |
Brooklyn Bedding | 120 nights |
Layla | 120 nights |
Mattress Firm | 120 nights |
Nolah | 120 nights |
WinkBeds | 120 nights |
GhostBed | 101 nights |
Puffy | 101 nights |
Simmons | 101 nights |
Allswell | 100 nights |
Casper | 100 nights |
Cocoon by Sealy | 100 nights |
Helix | 100 nights |
Leesa | 100 nights |
Purple | 100 nights |
Serta | 100 nights |
Tuft & Needle | 100 nights |
Tempur-Pedic | 90 nights |
Stearns & Foster | 90 nights |
Mlily | 30 nights |
We know that’s a lot of companies at once, so let’s take a look at a few key companies offering exceptional deals. We’ve already discussed the Mattress Firm’s 120-day return policy and hidden shipping costs. Let’s take a look at the DreamCloud mattress 365-day trial.
Like Mattress Firm, DreamCloud asks that you spend 30 days sleeping on your mattress before choosing if it’s right for you. With their year-long mattress trial, they hope you can test your mattress all throughout the seasons to ensure it’s right for you. After all, how can you know if a mattress works for you if you only test it in the heat of summer and not during the chill of winter, or vice-versa?
Unlike Mattress Firm, there’s no hidden fee for getting rid of your mattress. Instead, DreamCloud works with you to return or donate your mattress to those in need, so you can rest easy knowing you have a great deal. On top of this, DreamCloud offers a 100% refund, none of those hidden shelving fees you find with Mattress Firm.
A mattress is an investment in your overall health, so you want to find a durable, comfortable mattress. If you’re looking for a trusted retailer that carries high-quality mattresses with incredible warranty coverage, you want SleePare. Our showrooms contain a curated selection of mattresses so you can test out online-only brands in person before committing to a sleep trial.
SleePare’s highly-trained staff can help you navigate the oftentimes confusing world of mattress sleeping and guide you toward the right mattress for your sleep needs. From side sleepers, stomach sleepers, and deep sleepers to those with sensitive sleep and breathing needs, our staff is there to help you find your dream mattress.
With SleePare locations in major metropolitan areas, including NYC, Miami, Boston, and more, you can get a hands-on mattress testing experience while relying on our high-quality online shopping guides to narrow down your selections. If you’d like more info about our stores and showrooms, check them out here.
There’s a lot that goes into testing a mattress, so here are some things to remember during your mattress trial period:
Many mattress trials require the mattress to be good as new to return it. This means using a mattress protector is crucial to the health of your mattress. Not only does a mattress protector extend the life of your mattress by staving off spills, stains, and allergens, but it also keeps your mattress pristine during your trial period.
Thankfully, modern mattress protectors are much more comfortable than the plastic-based mattress protectors of the past, and several even come with padded tops for added comfort while still being waterproof.
To choose the right mattress, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Of course, if you need help choosing a mattress you can check out our guides on mattress shopping or talk to one of our sales associates for professional mattress-shopping advice.
A well-cared-for mattress lasts from 7 to 10 years. This depends on how often you clean your mattress, general wear and tear, and the quality of the mattress. If your mattress feels worn down or causes pain, it’s time to replace it.
Yes, some mattress trials have hidden costs. Pay attention to if mattress companies off a full refund or a prorated return rate. Some mattress companies also require you to pay for return shipping.
Yes, you can return a mattress due to discomfort. However, some mattress companies have a minimum number of days of testing before returning a mattress. This is because it can take time for your mattress to break in and your body to adjust to a new mattress.
While many major brands offer mattress trials, not all brands offer them. Try and find brands that explicitly offer mattress trials on their website. You can also contact a company to see if they do mattress trials as part of their return policy.
Mattress trials are a great way to try out a mattress before making a commitment. Not only do they allow you to test mattresses in-depth, but they also give your body time to adjust to your new mattress.
Make sure to give a new mattress at least 30 periods of sleep in order to break in properly, and remember it takes time for your body to adjust to a new sleeping surface. However, if you’re looking for the best way to ensure a mattress fits your unique sleep needs, a mattress trial is a great option for you.
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Meet The Author:
Shanir Kol
Shanir Kol, founder and CEO of SleePare, pioneered the “Try and Buy” model in eCommerce, enhancing mattress shopping by combining in-store trials with online purchases. Launching in 1999, his company focuses on customer satisfaction and eco-friendly practices, aiming to minimize mattress waste and expand sustainably.