Buying a spring mattress is a major investment in your health, comfort, and sleep quality. While online reviews and specifications provide a good starting point, nothing beats testing a spring mattress in person. A store visit allows you to physically feel the support, check the firmness, and determine if the mattress truly fits your body type and sleeping style.
But how do you test a spring mattress properly in a showroom? What should you look for? Here's a complete guide to help you make an informed decision when mattress shopping offline.
1. Wear Comfortable Clothing
Before heading to the store, dress in comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that allow you to move freely. Avoid stiff jeans, formal wear, or bulky jackets. The goal is to simulate how you normally sleep — and you won’t be able to do that if you're uncomfortable in your outfit.
2. Know Your Sleep Position
One of the most important factors when choosing a mattress is your preferred sleep position:
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Back sleepers need good lumbar support and moderate firmness.
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Side sleepers require pressure relief for hips and shoulders.
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Stomach sleepers need firmer support to keep the spine aligned.
Tell the store associate your typical sleep position so they can recommend spring mattresses best suited for your needs.
3. Lie Down — Don’t Just Press the Mattress
Many shoppers make the mistake of simply pressing the mattress with their hands or sitting on the edge. While this might give a slight idea of firmness, it's not enough to judge comfort.
What to do:
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Lie on the mattress in your normal sleep position.
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Spend at least 10–15 minutes on each mattress you're testing.
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Change positions a few times to see how the mattress adjusts to your body.
This gives your muscles and spine enough time to respond and gives you a true sense of support.
4. Check for Spinal Alignment
Ask a friend, partner, or store assistant to observe your spine alignment when you lie on your side or back. Your spine should form a neutral, straight line—not sagging inwards or arching unnaturally.
If your hips sink too much or your shoulders are unsupported, the mattress might be too soft or too firm.
5. Test the Edge Support
A good spring mattress will offer strong edge support, especially if you share your bed or sit on the edge frequently.
How to test:
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Sit on the edge of the mattress and observe whether it sinks excessively.
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Lie near the edge to ensure you feel supported without sliding off.
Pocket spring mattresses tend to have better edge support than open coil ones.
6. Evaluate Motion Isolation
If you sleep with a partner, motion isolation is key. Spring mattresses with individually wrapped pocket coils tend to absorb motion better than interconnected coil models.
How to test:
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Have someone lie down next to you and shift or roll.
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Observe if you feel their movements on your side of the bed.
If the mattress transmits too much motion, it might disrupt your sleep.
7. Ask About Coil Count and Gauge
Spring mattresses vary in their coil count and wire gauge, both of which affect durability and comfort:
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Coil count: Higher coil counts typically offer better contouring and support.
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Coil gauge: Lower numbers mean thicker, firmer coils (e.g., 12–13); higher numbers mean thinner, softer coils (e.g., 14–15).
Don’t hesitate to ask for the technical details of the spring unit inside.
8. Assess Temperature Regulation
Many spring mattresses are more breathable than memory foam ones, but temperature regulation still matters.
What to check:
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Ask if the mattress includes cooling gel foam, ventilated layers, or natural materials like cotton or latex.
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While you may not feel heat immediately in the store, knowing these features helps for long-term comfort.
9. Ask About Trial Periods & Returns
Even after thorough testing, you might only truly know if a mattress suits you after sleeping on it for several nights. Many stores offer trial periods, allowing you to return or exchange the mattress after a few weeks if it doesn’t work for you.
Questions to ask:
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“What is the return or exchange policy?”
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“Is there a break-in period for this mattress?”
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“Are there restocking or transportation fees?”
A solid return policy gives you peace of mind for your purchase.
10. Compare Multiple Options
Never settle for the first mattress you test. Shortlist at least 3–5 spring mattresses from different brands or models and compare:
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Comfort level
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Support
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Price
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Warranty and durability
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Features like pillow tops, dual firmness, or motion zones
Take notes or ask the salesperson for brochures or spec sheets.
Conclusion: Be an Active Mattress Tester
Testing a spring mattress in a store is not just about lying down briefly it's about actively evaluating how the spring mattress supports your body, suits your lifestyle, and meets your long-term sleep needs.
By knowing what to look for from spinal alignment to edge support, motion isolation to coil type you’ll walk away with a mattress that offers the right blend of comfort and orthopedic support.
A mattress isn’t just a piece of furniture it’s your foundation for better health, deeper sleep, and productive mornings. So take your time, test smart, and invest in the right spring mattress with confidence.
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