Sleep Trials Are Key.

Sampling the feel of a mattress at a store may give you the impression that the mattress may work, but the real test is trying it for yourself in your own home. That's what a sleep trial feature does, and it's also why getting a sleep trial is so important. Now, not all sleep trials are created equal. First off, not all retailers even offer a sleep trial. But beyond this, sleep trials can vary in a few ways. One difference between retailers can be the length of time offered for the sleep trial. Is it 10 days, 30 days or 90 days? In this regard, common sense would say that longer is probably better. You'll also want to learn about the retailer's return policy in the event the sleep trial doesn't work out. There may be a shipping or handling charge involved. But, this stands in marked contrast to many mattress retailers who do not offer refunds or exchanges on returns at all. In most states or communities, retailers are usually not required by law to accept returned merchandise and offer refunds or exchanges. If they do it, it's a good will policy on their part. At any rate, shopping a retailer's sleep trial program can be just as important to shopping for the mattress and bed you plan to buy.