Mattress Shopping Mistakes People Only Realize After the Return Window Closes

Vincent DeFazio • May 14, 2025
0 minute read
woman shopping for comfortable mattress

Determining whether a mattress is right for you doesn’t seem like it should be difficult. You pick one that sounds comfortable (if you’re shopping online) or feels comfortable when you test it for a minute in the showroom. The worst-case scenario is that you figure out after a night or two that you need to return it. After all, that’s why every mattress seller offers months-long return windows.


Unfortunately, many people discover only after the return window has closed that their mattress doesn’t work for them the way they had hoped. Whether it's because of unexpected back pain that doesn’t manifest fully until months later, overheating at night after seasons change, or realizing the firmness just isn't right after a few months, post-purchase regrets are surprisingly common with mattresses.


Not Testing the Mattress in Person

Buying online and skipping the showroom altogether is one of the more common reasons people end up keeping mattresses that aren’t the best fit for their sleep needs. While online mattresses often offer generous trial periods, returning them is almost always a hassle.


No amount of product descriptions or five-star reviews can substitute for the actual experience of lying on a mattress and feeling how it supports your body.


When you visit a showroom, like one of Twilight Bedding’s two Spokane-area showrooms, you can compare multiple styles side by side, try different firmness levels and ask questions in real-time. A quick test lie-down might not tell you everything, but it gives you a far better sense of whether a mattress fits your sleep needs than a guess through a screen.


Choosing the Wrong Firmness Level

Many customers assume “firm” means more supportive, or “soft” means more luxurious. But when it comes to firmness, it's all about finding the right balance for your sleep position, body weight and comfort preferences. For example, side sleepers usually need more cushioning to relieve pressure points, while back and stomach sleepers often benefit from firmer support.


It’s easy to fall in love with a plush pillow top in the store or online, only to find it sags too much after a few nights. Conversely, a mattress that feels too hard at first might never soften up enough to be comfortable. That's why testing firmness and talking to a knowledgeable sleep consultant is crucial before buying.


Overlooking Material and Cooling Needs

Not all foam or hybrid mattresses sleep the same. Some materials trap heat, while others are designed to promote airflow and keep you cool. If you’re a hot sleeper, waking up sweaty night after night on a heat-retaining mattress can turn your dream bed into a nightmare.


For the first weeks or months you might think it’s something you can learn to live with. Then spring turns into a hot summer and you realize your new mattress is intolerable. If it has taken you months to come to that realization, it might be too late to return it.


Latex and gel-infused foams tend to sleep cooler, while traditional memory foam can run hot. Unfortunately, many online mattress sellers use heat-trapping memory foam materials.


Ignoring the Importance of Edge Support

Edge support may not seem like a big deal until you’re sitting on the side of your bed to put on your socks or sharing a bed and find yourself sliding toward the edge at night. Mattresses with poor edge support can feel unstable and shrink your usable sleep surface.


Sadly, edge support is rarely discussed in online product pages and it’s hard to evaluate without testing the mattress in person. In the showroom, you can sit and lie on the edges to see how well they hold up—something you’ll be glad you did once you're living with your new mattress.


Underestimating Motion Transfer

If you share a bed, motion isolation is one of the most important features to consider. A mattress with poor motion control can make every toss, turn or midnight bathroom trip a wake-up call for your partner.


Don’t wait until you’re losing sleep to discover your mattress amplifies every movement. Be sure to ask about motion transfer during the shopping process and test it with someone else in the mattress showroom if possible.


Choosing Based on Price Alone

It's tempting to pick the cheapest mattress or fall for a big discount, but with mattresses, you often get what you pay for. A low-cost bed might feel fine at first but wear out quickly, lose support or cause discomfort within a year or two.


Instead of focusing only on price, consider the mattress as an investment in your health and well-being. A good night’s sleep can improve everything from mood and memory to pain management and immune function.


Buying Without Asking About Warranty and Return Policy

Not all mattress return policies are created equal. Some brands require you to keep the mattress for a minimum number of days before returning and others charge restocking fees. Some companies make the return process difficult or expensive on purpose to discourage returns.


Before you finalize your purchase, ask about the return window, trial period, warranty and what happens if you aren’t satisfied. Buying locally from a business like Twilight Bedding means you’re more likely to deal with real people who care about your satisfaction, not automated return portals.


Avoid Regret and Shop Smart With Our Handcrafted Mattresses in Spokane

Your mattress is something you use every single night, so don’t leave it to chance. At Twilight Bedding, we help you make the right choice with expert advice, in-person testing and a wide range of quality mattresses to suit every sleeper.


Contact us here on our website or call our North Spokane mattress showroom at (509) 413-2431 or our Spokane Valley showroom at (509) 926-2333.

Why Kids and Teens Shouldn’t Sleep on Hand-Me-Down Mattresses

By Vincent DeFazio • May 21, 2025
Sleep is a vital part of childhood growth, development, mood and academic performance. While it may seem convenient or cost-effective to pass down a used mattress from an older sibling or relative, the truth is that hand-me-down mattresses may do more harm than good for your child’s health and sleep quality. At Twilight Bedding, we know families are always looking for smart ways to save money, but cutting corners on your child’s sleep setup can lead to long-term consequences. Mattresses Break Down Over Time  Even high-quality mattresses are not built to last forever. Over years of use, materials like foam, coils and padding begin to break down, losing their ability to provide proper support and alignment. An old mattress that has already conformed to someone else’s body is unlikely to offer the spinal support growing kids and teens need. Children and teenagers are constantly developing. Their spines, muscles and joints need a mattress that promotes healthy alignment and adapts to their growing bodies. A sagging or worn-out mattress can contribute to poor posture, disrupted sleep and even back pain in younger sleepers. Hygiene and Allergens Are a Real Concern Another key reason to skip the hand-me-down mattress? Hygiene. Older mattresses can harbor years of built-up dust, allergens, dead skin cells, sweat, bacteria and even mold, especially if they’ve been stored improperly. Young sleepers are more vulnerable to allergens and respiratory issues, which can be made worse by sleeping on a used mattress. If your child suffers from allergies or asthma, a secondhand bed could quietly be making things worse night after night. And while it may not be pleasant to think about, bed bugs or dust mites are also a risk with used mattresses, especially if they’ve changed hands or locations multiple times. Buying new helps you avoid all these potential health hazards. Lack of Support Affects More Than Just Sleep Sleep quality is just as important as the number of hours spent in bed. If a mattress doesn’t support your child properly, it can lead to tossing and turning, body aches and even a lack of deep, restorative sleep. This has a direct impact on: Mood and emotional regulation School performance and focus Physical development and immune function Behavior and energy levels Teens, in particular, are going through rapid physical and hormonal changes that require consistent, quality rest. Giving them a mattress that’s past its prime can hinder both their physical and emotional well-being. One Size Does Not Fit All Just because a mattress worked for one person doesn’t mean it will work for someone else. Factors like weight, sleep position and sensitivity vary significantly between individuals. Your growing child or teen may need something firmer, softer or cooler than the person who used the mattress before them. When you buy new, you can choose the right size (Twin XL, Full, etc.), firmness and materials that best support your child’s current stage of development and continues to serve them well for years to come. A New Mattress is an Investment in Their Future Think of a mattress like you would a pair of shoes. You wouldn’t hand down worn-out shoes and expect them to support someone through miles of running or walking. A mattress is no different. I's a foundation for healthy rest, which affects every part of your child’s life. At Twilight Bedding, we carry a full range of affordable, high-quality mattresses perfect for kids, teens and college-bound young adults. Whether you’re shopping for a first “big kid” bed, upgrading for a growth spurt or preparing for a dorm room, we’re here to help. We Make It Easy for Families to Shop Smart We understand that raising kids comes with lots of expenses, which is why we offer: A variety of mattresses at different price points Long-lasting, child- and teen-friendly options that won’t wear out quickly In-store guidance from sleep specialists who understand what growing bodies need Financing options to make it even easier to invest in better sleep Stop by One of Our Spokane Showrooms and Find the Right Mattress for Your Child Your child deserves more than someone else’s leftovers when it comes to sleep. Let us help you find a mattress that promotes better health, better sleep and a better future. You can learn more by calling our North Spokane location at (509) 413-2431 for or our Spokane Valley showroom at (509) 926-2333.

Buying Mattresses Locally vs. Online: What You Gain from a Showroom Visit

By Vincent DeFazio • May 21, 2025
Discover the benefits of buying a mattress locally at Twilight Bedding in Spokane. Test comfort firsthand, get expert advice, and enjoy immediate delivery options.

What Makes a Mattress “Responsive”—And Why That Matters

By Vincent DeFazio • April 28, 2025
Looking for better support? Twilight Bedding in Spokane, WA explains what a “responsive” mattress is and why it’s key for comfort, movement, and sleep quality.
Show More