A mattress is not just a purchase item but an investment for a long time. Hence, it deserves a proper thought and fair amount of research before buying. Mattress plays an important role in our life not only during our sleeping hours but also during the hours when we are awake. A good mattress ensures quality sleep which further helps in a better health. So, before hitting those stores for a quality mattress, here are some minute but important tips to keep in mind while buying a mattress.

1. Size of the mattress:
This is one of the important criteria that must be kept in mind while selecting the mattress. Measure the bed size before considering a mattress size. It's not necessary to buy the same mattress as you have been using before. Think about your current sleeping situation before buying a mattress. If you experience any particular pains or discomfort in the previous mattress then you may opt for a new option which is suits your requirements and provide the comfort that you have been longing for.

2. Try before you buy:
Trying a mattress in a shop do sound awkward but it is necessary. Just try the mattress, stretch on it, try your sleeping position. If you sleep with your partner then you both must test it together. Just spend 10 to 15 minutes of time to check whether the mattress is comfortable or not.

3. Ask about the trial period:
It is possible that the mattress that you select after the trial is not that comfortable when you spent the whole night on it. So, keeping in mind such a scenario, ask for the trial period and understand the return policies for the same.

4. Check for firmness:
Check the firmness of the mattress as per your body conditions. In case of joint pains, sensitivity or any other condition, just consult an expert available at the store to guide you through the mattresses. 

5. Pillow Top Mattresses:
Nowadays, pillow top mattresses are becoming popular. The extra fluffy top adds to the cost of the mattress as well. Pillow top usually flattens up with time keeping in mind your weight. Hence, choosing a pillow separately is a better option than choosing a pillow top mattress as if the pillow top is not as per your body requirement, then you may wake up all achy and tired.

6. Know your options:
There are many kinds of mattresses out there, yet the most commonly used are the traditional innerspring, memory foam, and hybrids that combine these two. Adjustable air mattresses are also popular.
Each kind of mattress has their advantages and disadvantages, so it is smart enough to acquaint yourself with them.

Innerspring mattresses are the most widely used, and least expensive of all. They provide proper support. They are made keeping in mind the firmness parameters. On the other hand, if we talk about the disadvantages, then they are not that durable.

Memory Form, on the other hand, are fairly expensive but provide perfect cushioning for sore joints and aching muscles. However, they are hot sometimes causing discomfort.

Hybrid mattresses being a mixture of both provide the best of both. Though an inferior hybrid mattress may give you the worst of both.

Adjustable mattresses allow you to customize the firmness as per your requirement. However, you may have to do some extra payment for the customization.

7. Decide a proper budget:
Keeping in mind that a good mattress is not that cheap so keep a genuine budget aside for the task but never go beyond the limit you can afford. Since you are going to spend most of the time on that mattress, so make those hours count.

8. Talk to your doctor:
In case of any health condition, consult your doctor before making a choice. They may not be an expert in mattresses but would recommend what your body requires and you may choose as per the doctor's advice.

9. Check for genuine products:
You may find mattresses labelled as "medically approved mattress" or "orthopaedic". Don't believe every label that you see as they may be a hoax. Check for whether the product is genuine or not as there is no medical organization that certifies the same. Though some dealer put such labels to misguide the customer.

10. Check for warranty:
A good mattress comes with a reasonable warranty period for a full replacement. Check for the warranty before buying.

11. Resistance to water and mites:
Buying a mattress is an investment, so choose the one which is resistant to water and mites as they might tamper the warranty period of the mattress.

12. Resistance to allergies:
In case you have been suffering from certain kind of allergies then keep in mind that the mattress is hypoallergic.

13. Shop at a store that specializes in mattresses:
Last but not the least, choose mattresses from a store which specializes in mattresses as they know their product well and may suggest the suitable mattress as per your requirement.