Common Mattress Shopping Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Shopping for a new mattress should be exciting. You’re about to spend a third of your life on it, after all. But between confusing terms, online gimmicks, and too many options, it’s easy to lose sleep before you even get to the bedroom part.

Our Dream Team is here in the showroom or on the phone to answer your questions and ensure you feel confident about your shopping experience.

In the meantime, here are a few mistakes people make when mattress shopping, and how to avoid them so you can actually rest easy.

Coming in Unprepared

A little research before your visit can make things easier, but it’s by no means required. Our Dream Team will walk you through everything you need to know once you’re here. Still, having a general idea of terms or mattress types can help you feel more comfortable and keep the process moving smoothly. Think of it as skimming the notes before class, and we’ll handle the rest.

Getting Too Attached to “Firm” or “Plush”

We get it, everyone thinks they know what they like. But “firm,” “plush,” and all those in-between words don’t mean the same thing from store to store. There’s no official scale, no universal definition, and no reason to let those labels limit you (especially since one of the biggest mattress myths—that firm is always better or more supportive—is a total misconception).

Most people walk in asking for what they think they need based on their old mattress, but in many cases, that old mattress wasn’t the right fit to begin with. Our advice: come in with an open mind. You might be surprised by what feels best once you lie down.

And yes, we’ve seen plenty of people swear off pillowtops after a bad experience with one that went flat too soon, but ours is a different story. Our 2- and 2.5-inch pillowtops hold their shape and bring just the right amount of luxury to whatever you get up to in bed. So, it might be time to give that extra cushion another chance.

Falling for the Bed-in-a-Box Hype

Sure, the idea of a mattress arriving at your door in a cardboard box sounds convenient, but the rolling, compressing, and shrink-wrapping process takes a real toll. A mattress can lose up to 25% of its life before you even open the box.

If you want a mattress that lasts, skip the “magic trick” and stick with something built the traditional way. The only origami happening in bed should be…none of our business.

Mixing Up a Warranty and a Guarantee

These two words get thrown around a lot, but they don’t mean the same thing. A warranty protects you if there’s a manufacturer defect, but there’s usually a cost involved. A guarantee costs you nothing. Most companies don’t offer guarantees anymore, but at Shovlin, we still stand behind what we make. So long as any issues are from the general wear and tear of a good night’s sleep and not from misuse of the mattress, the guarantee doesn’t cost you a dime.

Our Dream Team walks you through both in detail, so you know exactly what kind of coverage you have for your new investment.

Forgetting the Foundation

Putting a new mattress on an old box spring is like building a new house on weak foundation; it just doesn’t work long term. To get the most out of your new bed, it’s smart to update the full setup.

Your setup should be sturdy and supportive, with proper center support (ideally with a leg in the middle) so your mattress performs the way it’s meant to. If you’re not sure what shape your current setup is in, we’ll come take a look! Our team offers a free Sleep System Assessment right in your home, so we can see what you’re working with and give recommendations based on what you already have.

And while you’re at it, it’s worth checking out adjustable bases. They’re not just for sore backs or doctor’s orders; they’re for anyone who wants to relax, binge a show, read in comfort, or find that perfect position.

Even if you’re not ready to take one home right away, you should still give it a test run while you’re here. You might just find yourself coming back for the upgrade once you realize how good it feels to have a bed that moves with you.

Not Dressing for the Occasion

You’re going to lie down (obviously), so you might as well be comfortable. We recommend wearing soft, casual clothes and testing the mattress the way you actually sleep: on your side, stomach, or back. Don’t be shy. We’ve seen it all.

Each bed has freshly washed pillow covers and foot mats to keep things clean while you get cozy. And yes, you absolutely can (and should) test out different positions. If you have a partner, bring them along so you can try it together and make sure the chemistry feels just right.

Expecting Instant Perfection

Even the perfect mattress can take some getting used to. Give it a few weeks to break in and let your body adjust to proper support. It’s kind of like breaking in a new relationship. It takes a little time to find your rhythm, but once you do, the comfort level’s unbeatable.

And if it still doesn’t feel quite right after you’ve had time to adjust, we’ll help fine-tune it! We can make adjustments even after your purchase, because we know sometimes it just takes a little experimenting before you find your perfect groove in bed.

Assuming “Full Price” Means You’re Getting Ripped Off

At Shovlin, “full price” actually means fair price. Everything is made right here in our factory and sold directly to you, so the price you see is the price it actually costs to build a great mattress. There’s no middleman adding markups or pretend “sales” waiting to make you feel like you scored a deal.

We skip the gimmicks and give you our best price every single day. It’s an honest way of doing business that helps you sleep easier knowing your money went into quality, not marketing.

At the end of the day, mattress shopping doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Do a little homework, come ready to test-drive, and trust your comfort instincts once you’re here. We’ll handle the rest.

And when you’re ready to commit, Stop Sleeping Around… Sleep on a Shovlin. ®