Get comfortable with new mattress shopping effort

Buying a new mattress is a major household purchase. There are so many options, including variety of materials, firmness, price ranges, sizes, even smart technology options, that making a purchase can seem overwhelming. It can be easy to see why mattress shoppers need to do their research.

The following tips from the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas may assist:

Research retailers on BBBHouston.org. Whenever you make a large purchase, such as a mattress, it is a good idea to look up the store or company you plan to do business with on our website. Protect yourself from shady dealers by looking at the company’s business rating as well as BBB reviews and complaints.

Shop around to compare your options. Mattress prices and quality can vary greatly, so take the time to visit more than one mattress retailer before you decide.

Ask about used bedding. Ask the retailer directly if they sell used mattresses or mattresses that contain used materials. If you are considering purchasing used bedding, ask about how the material is sanitized or disinfected. Keep in mind that used bedding could be tainted with bodily fluids, pet allergens, bacteria, mold, or other harmful substances.

Try before you buy. COVID-19 restrictions and health concerns may prevent this for at least a few more months, but if possible, test out the mattress for at least 15 minutes by lying down in the position you normally sleep.

Take a close look at the mattress tags. Make sure your mattress has the proper tags before you take the mattress into your home. This step is especially important if you have a mattress delivered to your home. Even if the mattress is wrapped, make sure to inspect the tags before the delivery person leaves. New mattresses should come with a white tag that indicates the mattress contains “all new materials.”

In some areas, used mattresses have a yellow or red tags that indicate the mattress is used or contains used material.

However, requirements vary, so do not assume that the absence of a red or yellow tag automatically means the mattress is new.

Avoid retailers that sell mattresses with no tags. You cannot be sure about the kind or quality of mattress you are purchasing if the retailer’s products have no tags. Do not be fooled by repeated assurances from a salesperson if they have no proof to back up their claims. If there is no tag, there is no deal.

• Find out about return and refund policies. Get all the details about the company’s return and refund policies and ask for a copy of this information in writing.

• Ask the retailer to write “new” on your receipt. If you purchase a new mattress, have the retailer write this information on your receipt, or include it on your digital copy. This will give you an additional recourse if you later find a problem with the mattress.

The Better Business Bureau is a nonprofit for honest business behavior. Visit www.bbbhouston.org or call 713-868-9500. Leah Napoliello is senior director of Investigative Services with the BBB of Greater Houston and South Texas. Send questions to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail lnapoliello@bbbhou.org with mailing address and phone number.