Mattresses are one of those things you need to try before you buy. Testing a mattress out before buying gives you an idea of firmness, comfort, overall feel, and more. By testing your mattress beforehand, you can find the perfect, supportive, soft, or firm mattress of your dreams without worrying about whether or not it fits your needs.
No matter if you’re looking for a soft or firmer mattress, or want to invest in a memory foam or all-firm mattress, giving your mattress an in-person test run is the best way to narrow down your options and guarantee you’re getting a great deal.
Thankfully, SleePare allows you to test out mattresses in-store for free. This means you can test out a mattress you’ve seen online in person, allowing you to get a hands-on feel for if the mattress is a good fit for you. This article is all about how you can benefit from testing a mattress for free in the store, with no strings attached. First, let’s take a look at the benefits of trying a mattress for free in a store. Then, we’ll discuss how to test a mattress for people’s sleeping positions, body types, preferred pressure distribution, and more.
Benefits To Trying A Mattress For Free In-Store
There are a ton of benefits to trying a mattress in-store, for example:
Testing your options: It’s difficult to judge things like firmness options, hybrid mattress options, and medium-firm or soft options online. Testing different mattresses in the store gives you a feel for your unique sleep preference.
Trying different types of mattresses: Whether you’re looking for a hybrid mattress or not, dozens of mattress companies exist, each making unique mattresses that deserve a test run before you purchase them. You can better understand what works for you (and your sleeping partner) and find that perfect mattress by trying several different mattresses.
Getting a feel for your sleep quality: Every person’s body has different sleep styles and requirements. Some people are stomach sleepers, while others sleep so heavily that the apocalypse wouldn’t wake them up. Some sleepers run cold, while others feel like they’re sleeping in the Sahara. Finding a mattress that works for each individual’s needs takes forethought and (you guessed it) a lot of testing.
Comparing a mattress from online to in-person: There are a lot of online mattress companies. However, without testing these mattresses for free, you cannot know if they work for you until you buy them. That’s a pricy investment! Instead, testing a mattress for free in person allows you to decide on a mattress before opening your wallet.
Tips For Making The Most Of Mattress Testing
We know mattress testing can feel kind of silly at the moment. After all, who want’s to go lie down and pretend to sleep in a public store? However, it’s important to take the time to test your mattress before making a purchase. A mattress is an investment in your quality of sleep. If you don’t take the time to test them properly before making a purchase, you could end up with a mattress that doesn’t fit your sleeping position or sleep style.
Here’s how to make the most out of your in-store free mattress testing experience:
Bring your partner: If you sleep with someone else, they’re also invested in your new mattress. Be sure to bring your partner with you when testing out a mattress and have them lie down next to you. Try moving around to see if you have enough room if the bed carries vibration, and if you’re comfortable. It’s best to find out if you need to upgrade to a new mattress size before buying it.
Get comfortable: Don’t rush through mattress testing. Sinking into a mattress can take at least fifteen minutes, so take your time. Check to see if you’re comfortable, if you have any slight aches or numbness, and check to make sure you’re not overheating. You should always wear comfortable clothes when mattress testing, too. That way, you’re not attributing discomfort to a mattress that could be explained away by your jeans.
Ask an expert: If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to in-store testing, ask an expert. Any employee at a testing store can give you tips on how to best sleep test, so be sure to ask.
The Mattress Testing Process: What To Expect
When testing a mattress at the store, the first thing you should do is narrow down your options. Discuss with your partner what kind of mattress you have in mind, and use that as your starting point. If you don’t have a preference, find a wide spread of mattresses and narrow things down as you go.
The Sleep Test
You’ll want to lie down on the mattress for at least fifteen minutes to get an idea of if that mattress fits your needs. Try rolling around, tossing about, and getting comfortable like you would at home. Be sure to bring your partner with you if you have one to see how you feel as they move around in their sleep. Try not to visit during a busy period so you can take your time trying out mattresses.
Ask For Professional Help
If you’re stuck on different kinds of mattresses, you can ask a sales staff member to offer advice, and give recommendations. They can recommend places to start when testing, as well as different kinds of mattresses made for different sleepers.
If you’re worried about hygiene, know that mattress testing stores are incredibly conscious about cleaning their test beds, and include things like a shoe guard to keep test beds as clean as possible. In fact, test beds are deep cleaned frequently, meaning in some cases that store mattress could be cleaner than your home mattress!
Test A Mattress For Free
With SleepPare, you can test high-quality mattresses at any one of our locations in NYC, Miami, Washington DC, LA, Boston, Denver, Chicago, and Tysons Corner. Since each location carries different mattresses, make sure to check out website ahead of time to double check your dream mattress is available for testing.
Some of the brands on display at our locations include:
Dreamcloud
Winkbeds
Nectar
Brooklyn Bedding
Leesa
Mlily
Ghostbed
Lull
Bear
Puffy
…and more!
Factors To Consider During Mattress Testing
Before you get overwhelmed testing a mattress, let’s take a moment and cover the different factors to consider:
Consider layers: When we say layers, we don’t mean extra shirts. Instead, layers on a bed can add to your comfort in various ways. If you like a kind of mattress but want a slight difference, consider looking for a mattress with generous foam layers, one-inch foam layers, comfort layers, or a layer of memory foam or gel memory. Each kind of layer offers a unique sleep experience, so take the time to choose one that fits your needs.
Choose a firmness: Different mattress firmnesses work for different body types. You'll prefer a different mattress firmness depending on your body size, weight, heat, and sleeping preference. You can also go for a combination mattress to fit both you and your partner’s sleep needs. Don’t compromise on a medium-firm mattress if a soft mattress works much better.
Decide on materials: If you run warm, you’ll want to look for a breathable, moisture-wicking fabric. However, if you’re a colder sleeper, consider a soft or even fleece-topped mattress to help hold in the heat. You should also consider what kind of materials feel most comfortable for you.
Different Types Of Mattresses
Innerspring Mattresses
If you’ve ever seen a cartoon character get stuck in a mattress spring, they were likely using an innerspring mattress. Now remember, these mattresses have come a long way since the early days. An innerspring mattress comes with a wide array of springs to support you while you sleep. These springs are usually padded on top to provide comfort and support. While cartoons liked to joke about the springs coming out of these mattresses, modern mattresses don’t have this problem, so these beds are incredibly comfortable to sleep on.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam is made from viscoelastic foam. This foam can stand up to the wear and tear of being a mattress while still providing unbeatable comfort. If you’re a restless sleeper, or your partner tosses and turns a lot at night, memory foam mattress might be a great mattress for you. Due to the way memory foam works, this mattress cradles you in place and dampens vibrations leading to a deeper night’s sleep.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses combine two or more support systems for better results. For example, if you have a latex mattress with a memory foam topper, that’s a hybrid mattress. These mattresses are ideal if you’re looking for the best of both worlds when it comes to your mattress design, comfort, and overall support.
Latex Mattresses
While your first thought when you hear “latex” is probably “balloon,” we promise these mattresses offer much more comfort than your standard bounce house. These mattresses are made with natural latex foam, offering a hypoallergenic alternative to the standard mattress that still provides exceptional comfort.
Visiting our Sleepare store in Miami to test a memory foam mattress is an excellent choice. We provide a relaxing environment, an extensive range of options, pressure relief, temperature regulation, motion isolation, and expert guidance to make your mattress shopping experience memorable. Don’t compromise on the quality of your sleep – come and explore the wonders of memory foam mattresses at our Sleepare store in Miami. Rest assured, we are here to help you find your ultimate sleep haven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Test A Mattress Before Buying?
Yes, you can test a mattress in the store before buying it. If you’re looking for a big-brand mattress, many mattress stores have showrooms where you can test out a mattress. However, to test out online-only brands, SleePare is your best option.
What Is The Best Way To Test A Mattress?
The best way to test a mattress is to lie down on it. By acting like you’re sleeping, you can get a good feel for how the mattress responds to you. Be sure to lie down for long enough to sink into the mattress.
Can I Try Different Brands And Models During Free Testing?
Trying out different brands and models during free testing is always a good idea. Otherwise, you won’t get a good idea of the right mattress for you. Be sure to try different styles of mattresses as well during free testing.
Conclusion:
As you can see, trying out a mattress before purchasing it not only allows you to find a great mattress for you, but it lets you test out different types of mattresses before committing. If you haven’t tried out the different mattresses on display at SleePare, you’re missing out on an exclusive opportunity to test some of the best online mattress brands for free. So why not come and see what we have to offer?
Remember, the goal of getting a new mattress is to have a restful, rejuvenating sleep, so take your time and be sure to take advantage of free mattress testing as soon as you can.
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.
Who knew mattress shopping could be so fun?! Valerio at SleePare is a true gem. He was so patient with all our questions—and, in a seemingly endless sea of mattress choices, he was incredibly knowledgeable in directing us to the types of mattresses that would best fit our needs (all the while keeping us entertained and having fun!). We highly recommend SleePare and working with Valerio to solve your sleep needzZzZs!
Manjistha Lakhotia
22:22 21 Apr 24
Valerio was really nice and I was able to browse a bit by myself and didn’t feel really pressured or anything to choose!
Tracy Landauer
11:49 18 Apr 24
Incredibly helpful and well informed!
Maeshal Abid
15:52 12 Apr 24
Was super helpful comparing all the different mattresses! Valerio was incredibly knowledgeable and offered great insights/advice - would highly recommend!
Trang Bui
19:45 11 Apr 24
Valerio is wonderful, A++! I wasn't sure what I was looking for in a mattress but he was incredibly knowledgeable and helped me make the best decision. Thank you Valerio for being so kind and welcoming!
Alex Monroe
23:16 07 Apr 24
We wanted to buy a helix mattress and so glad we came in to try it first. Raveena was extremely helpful and helped us figure out what was just right. Be sure to come here - don’t just buy blindly online!
W Scott Horne
18:53 04 Apr 24
I found SleePare through a website and didn’t know what to expect. Fortunately, I was assured of good help when I met Valerio. He is very knowledgeable and easy to work with. He deciphered all the various aspects of the mattresses and helped me determine the best type for my needs. He was very patient as I went through the buying process testing beds and making my purchase.Thank you, Valerio
Vicente de la Torre
21:36 31 Mar 24
Valerio was incredible at navigating for us the moment we stepped into the store. Super friendly and transparently presented all the options and prices helping us make the optimal mattress choice in a pleasant environment.
Jen Reilly
14:03 24 Mar 24
I had such a blast shopping for a mattress! My friend and I met Valerio and bonded over life which led to us then bonding over trying mattresses. I ended up choosing an M Lily and have been sleeping so well!
micah topping
15:45 19 Mar 24
We had a great experience with Valerio at SleePare! A mattress is a big decision but we had no idea what we wanted or needed. Shopping with Valerio was a lot of fun, but he was also very patient in educating us on all that goes into selecting a mattress. We are happy with our purchase and the service we received from Valerio and the team at SleePare.
Perla Jimenez
20:34 15 Mar 24
We had the best experience. I don’t think you get costumer service like this anymore. Valerio took his time to explain everything of EVERY single mattress and answer and every silly questions we had. We ended up getting a mattress right there. He the best.
Linda
00:41 13 Mar 24
Michelle Flores Garcia
18:54 11 Mar 24
Amazing experience at this store and it’s all thanks to Valerio! He’s super knowledgeable, friendly, and kind. My partner and I had no clue what mattress to get but Valerio made the process extremely easy and we’re very happy with our purchase. Highly recommend.
Petra Bateman
14:27 04 Mar 24
My partner and I had a really lovely experience at SleePare's NYC location. We worked with Rory, who was great — super knowledgable on their selection of mattresses and never felt overly "sales-y", which we really appreciated.
Aaron M
01:09 01 Mar 24
Rory is great. He listened to my needs and presented a range of suitable options, without trying to upsell or pressure at all. Fantastic service. Also a great showroom with good variety (and the only place in NYC that has Winkbeds which I was keen to try after reading many good online reviews).thanks!Edit: went back today to make final decision and purchase and had a lovely experience with Valerio also. This place only seems to employ wonderful humans! Highly recommended
Yuliya Dzyuban
04:09 26 Feb 24
I had a great experience at SleePare. Valerio was very attentive and helped to find the mattress that is right for me. He took great care in placing my order and double checking everything. I’m looking forward to trying my new mattress!
Jackie Abifadel
01:43 25 Feb 24
We had a great experience with Valerio! He was very knowledgeable and helped us find the perfect mattress without making us feel pressured into anything. After weeks of searching in Manhattan, we finally found the right mattress at SleePare without even having to book an appointment. Definitely would recommend!
Nicolet Schenck
23:03 20 Feb 24
Thanks to the cozy atmosphere and to Rory’s inviting service, we felt very comfortable to relax and fully adjust to each mattress. He gave us the right amount of help and attention, while he also left us alone to experience the selection. I’d recommend this store to any friend looking to find a new mattress. We feel we are in good hands with SleePare. They are much more personal and flexible than Mattress Firm. Now we will see how the Helix holds up to the hype!
Ardavan Arfaei
22:59 20 Feb 24
Rory was very pleasant and helpful and also laid back, making it a great experience.Super chill vibes, perfect for trying out mattresses. Great selection.
David Andrew
00:33 19 Feb 24
I had a great experience here - Valerio was completely focused on finding the right mattress for me. He did a great job listening to me as well as explaining each mattress's features. I feel confident about my choice.
Leslie Rotman Sackman
22:31 18 Feb 24
Wonderful service from Rory. Relaxing, no pressure and good follow-up.
Miles
20:53 18 Feb 24
Absolutely impeccable service. Without exception, all the staff here will go above and beyond.
Anne Gimbel
21:33 17 Feb 24
Great experience Rory was super friendly and helpful! Makes it really easy to try mattresses you’ve heard about online.
Jennifer Glueck Bezoza
19:05 13 Feb 24
Good selection and I got a deal efficiently!
Kathleen Y
23:34 12 Feb 24
SLEEPARE MATTRESS STORE in New York City is definitely a "Go To" Showroom for trying out and comparing various mattresses and power adjustable bases. It was great to be able to try out the different mattresses, which are usually ordered online to see if that particular mattress is one that is suited for your individual needs. Favi, the store manager, was the representative who assisted us! SHE WAS ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL! She was very low-key and knowledgeable about the various products available. Because we already knew which specific product we wanted to try out, Favi provided us with the opportunity to lie down on this particular mattress, which is typically purchased online. She reviewed the various features of this product and the lifetime warranty feature for both the mattress and power adjustable base, as well as the complimentary promotional items that come with the purchase of this product. Favi provided exceptionally courteous, professional, and personable service when ordering the items. When we had an issue with the promotional item not being received, Favi went out of her way to make sure to correct this error. She took action on this immediately and had her staff contact us efficiently with both a phone contact and follow-up email to inform us of the tracking order for the non-received item. Favi represents her business well as she will go above and beyond to assist you with the order, and follow-up was exceptional! If more people in the business world provided this type of impeccable service, we would be happier consumers! We would definitely recommend purchasing a mattress at Sleepare in NYC. Favi is an outstanding store manager! Kathleen Y., from Colorado, visiting NYC when mattress and adjustable power adjustable base was ordered by Favi.
Oleg Raginskiy
03:34 12 Feb 24
SleePare surely gives you best experience purchasing new mattress.Store sells best brands which have presence mostly on the internet, however with SleePare you can have the best of both worlds, buying for the right price and trying before you buy.We already purchased one mattress year ago and had no doubt where to go for the new purchase.Fazi, the Store Manager, was very open and shared important insights related to the right sleeping experience. Process of purchase was very easy and delivery was prompt and flawless.Do your homework and you will come to SleePare if your goal is quality and the right price.Best recommendations.Thank you Fazi and SleePare.
Barbara Mello
22:32 07 Feb 24
Isa Goldberg
21:13 04 Feb 24
Do not go anywhere else to buy your mattress! This is the place. Ruveena made our mattress-selection process as easy as it could be, and we enjoyed her guided tour of the mattresses. Next time we buy one, it will be from here.
Valerie Price
19:36 02 Feb 24
Excellent and valuable experience at this store. I was uncomfortable purchasing a mattress online without trying it so we made the effort to come to the store and it was absolutely worth it. Their sleep consultant, Valerio, is warm and personable, and very skilled in educating customers about the various and overwhelming features of mattresses and which are valuable and which are just window dressing. We spent an hour and a half there trying mattresses and Valerio gave us our space at points to take our time to try the mattresses but also was able to explain to us which mattresses were best for our body types based upon the way we sunk into them. There was rush or no high-pressure sale atmosphere. It was actually relaxing and even fun. We ended up choosing a mattress we would not have chosen online and couldn’t be happier. Prices at SleePare were at least the same as or less than the online sale prices so basically you get the service of the sleep consultant helping you to maneuver the mattresses for free. I was honestly dreading the shlep to the store and the process but it was a surprising little haven on the west side with an engaging and skilled consultant absolutely worth the effort. You can make an appointment or just walk in and I suggest you ask for Valerio!
Nicole Pyo
12:33 01 Feb 24
When I arrived at Sleepare, the team was very welcoming and professional. They got me situated with the mattresses I indicated I was interested in on their site. The team was gracious and very knowledgeable about the mattresses in their showroom. I would highly recommend visiting Sleepare for anyone looking to buy a mattress. They have a lot of great options and the team is easy to work with.
Kim
23:07 27 Jan 24
Valerio gives excellent service. Patient and no pressure experience. Really recommend this location and recommend working with Valerio.
marlon robins
15:41 26 Jan 24
I had an amazing time buying a new mattress today at SleePare. Valerio was charismatic, super nice, and incredibly helpful in finding the best mattress for me!!! He really made it a fun experience. I can’t wait to try out my new bed.
Rachel Loucks
22:48 23 Jan 24
Rochelle Chamlin
15:33 23 Jan 24
There is a nice variety of mattresses and Fazi the sales consultant walks you through and provides all the information you need to make a decision. The prices seem fair. Not a lot of options for headboards but those can be purchases separately. Overall a well run, professional show room.
Sean Hernandez
01:13 21 Jan 24
After shopping around for a bed and mattress for the better part of a month, I went to Sleepare NYC today (01/20/24) on a whim after reading about them on online (I did not make an appointment, I just showed up). I was immediately attended by Valerio when I came through the door. The customer service was truly exceptional!Valerio took a quick look at me, asked me a few questions about my sleeping preferences, and led me to the mattress that he thought would fit me the best based on my needs and body type. Valerio examined how the suggested mattress reacted to my body and preferred sleeping positions, and had me try a different mattress to see which firmness level I preferred. I was also checking out different adjustable bases for said Mattress, and Valerio actually advised me AGAINST purchasing a more expensive base model as he felt that the extra features weren’t worth the extra $700 and they would lose their novelty quickly. On top of that, he gave me a nice discount off the cheaper base I decided to buy!All in all I was in the store for the better part of 2 hours, and Valerio attended to me the entire time I was there. He made sure to answer all my questions (and I had a lot), let me lounge around on my own on multiple mattresses for as long as I needed (I spent like 40 minutes just lying on mattresses trying to decide what I wanted) and was extremely patient with my indecisive self. He also gave me his personal contact information so I could contact him directly if I had any issues or buyers remorse.All this to say that Valerio’s service was 10/10, and I am so happy I came here instead of just ordering online like I was going to do. Definitely recommending this place to my friends the next time they need a bed!
Marisa Glasser
03:58 17 Jan 24
I had not heard of Sleepare until I searched for the Wink Bed. Once I arrived I was greeted by Fazi the manager and was made to feel very comfortable. Fazi wanted to know exactly what kind of bed I was looking for and what kind of sleeper I am (side sleeper or back sleeper) and she knew the beds that would work for me. After trying several beds I decided to go with the company Bear. It was very comfortable and felt it would suite my needs. I also purchased a motorized platform bed that went with the mattress in a bundle which was a great savings. I also purchased a pillow made for side sleepers which I loved when I tired it out and think it will help my sleep tremendously with the new mattress. Overall this is an amazing mattress store with awesome service and I highly recommend it if you are looking for a great mattress!!
val edwards
03:40 11 Jan 24
Yona Kaplan
00:36 08 Jan 24
The sales person was very helpful and informative!
Joanna Stern
22:29 07 Jan 24
Excellent service! I didn’t know what to expect when booking an appointment, and was very pleasantly surprised when I arrived. I was the only customer in the space with one salesperson, and Fazi had read what I was looking for and was prepared to show me not only the brands I’d asked about but others that I ended up liking even better. The experience was very pleasant and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to try the newer online mattress brands in person before making a purchase.
Jordi Hernández
00:05 03 Jan 24
Valerio ofrece una experiencia maravillosa desde el momento en que atraviesas la puerta del establecimiento. Su cercanía, su sentido del humor y su buen corazón están alineados con su extenso conocimiento en colchones y sus accesorios. Como se suele decir, “gente buena que es buena gente”. 100% Recomendable.
danno danno
07:33 28 Dec 23
Got a mattress delivered to my new Manhattan apartment that I bought in the store. Also was able to get a custom frame delivered. Fazi is the best - super responsive and helpful.
Despina Sophia Stamos
16:56 14 Dec 23
Valerio is SUPER helpful and knowledgeable!
Jesus Navas
19:54 12 Dec 23
Valerio was an amazing salesperson and very knowledgeable of all the brands.
randal fippinger
19:54 07 Dec 23
Valerio radiates kindness on every person that walks into SleePare. He is the reason we made a purchase today and the reason we will be back!
David Peet
15:43 07 Dec 23
Incredible experience. Valerio was an absolute joy to speak with. He was incredibly knowledgable answering every question I had about mattress construction, mattress materials, sleep posture, etc. Valerio was also very transparent about warranties, and weighing the pros and cons of different mattresses given my situation. I can't recommend Sleepare and Valerio enough!
Kevin McCall
01:19 05 Dec 23
Valerio is an excellent salesmen, he took care of my wife and I as soon as we entered the store. Immediately after describing our issues with our current memory foam mattress he knew exactly what mattress we needed. However, he still took the time to let us lay in each mattress in the store and informed us of the differences between each piece. He pointed out what to look for in a mattress and didn’t just sell us on the most expensive products. He made the whole experience fun and informative. Of course we ended up loving the one that he picked for us, as it was the perfect firmness, support and quality that was not going to degrade over time. Valerio honored a recent sale to get us a $5,000 bed for less than $3,000. I would recommend everyone test the beds in this store and ask for Valerio to get everything you need and more.
Barbara Biziou
16:39 03 Apr 24
everything was great except there was no followup. Theywere going to email me prices and details and I never heard back
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.