Buying a bed should be simple. You want something comfortable, supportive, and built to last. Yet, when you start looking, everyone seems to have an opinion — from friends who swear by their 10-year-old mattress to salespeople insisting you need a luxury frame to sleep well.
The truth is, not all advice is good advice. Some of it can actually lead you to make expensive mistakes or choose a bed that doesn’t suit you at all. Here’s the worst advice people hear when shopping for a new bed — and what you should do instead.
“The Firmer, the Better”
This might be the most common piece of bad advice out there. Many people still believe that the firmer the mattress, the healthier it is for your back. But that’s not always true.
A mattress that’s too firm can create pressure points on your shoulders, hips, and lower back, causing pain rather than preventing it. On the other hand, one that’s too soft won’t support your spine properly.
The right firmness depends on your body weight, sleeping position, and personal comfort.
- Side sleepers often prefer medium or soft mattresses that cushion the joints.
- Back sleepers usually do best on medium-firm designs that keep the spine straight.
- Stomach sleepers need firm support to stop their back from arching.
What you should do: Try before you buy. Lie on different mattresses and notice how your body feels after a few minutes. If your back and shoulders relax, that’s a good sign.
“All Mattresses Feel the Same After a Few Weeks”
This advice ignores how much your body relies on proper support each night. Yes, you can get used to different types of beds, but that doesn’t mean they’re all good for you.
A cheap, poorly made mattress can start to sag after a short time, and no amount of “getting used to it” will make it better. Bad support builds up over time, often leading to stiffness, poor posture, and interrupted sleep.
What you should do: Choose quality over price alone. You don’t need the most expensive mattress on the market, but look for one with a solid construction — pocket springs, high-density foam, or reinforced edges. These features help it last and support you properly.
“Don’t Waste Money on a Bed Frame — It’s Just for Show”
Another common myth is that the mattress does all the work and the frame doesn’t matter. In reality, the bed base plays a big part in how your mattress performs.
A weak or uneven frame can cause sagging and reduce the life of your mattress. Slats that are too far apart can make a comfortable bed feel unstable. Even worse, a poor-quality base might void your mattress warranty.
What you should do: Choose a sturdy, well-matched frame. A divan base or solid slatted frame offers better support and extends the life of your mattress. If storage is a concern, look for ottoman or drawer divan bases that keep your room tidy too.
“Bigger Is Always Better”
It’s tempting to think that the largest bed available must be the most comfortable. But a huge bed in a small room can create more problems than it solves.
You’ll end up with less walking space, difficulty making the bed, and possibly blocked drawers or doors. A bed should fit both the room and your lifestyle.
What you should do: Measure before buying. Check the space on each side for movement, and remember to leave room for bedside tables. If you need extra space but don’t have room for a super king, a small double or king-size can still feel roomy without taking over the room.
“You Can Tell a Good Bed Just by Sitting on It”
Trying a mattress by sitting on the edge tells you very little. It doesn’t show how the bed supports your back or joints when you lie down. A mattress might feel firm when you sit but soft once you stretch out.
What you should do: Lie down and spend time testing it. Try different sleeping positions — on your side, back, and stomach — to see if you feel supported everywhere. Don’t rush. The best way to know if it’s right for you is to actually rest on it for a few minutes.
“You Don’t Need to Replace a Bed Until It Falls Apart”
Many people sleep on the same bed for 10 or even 15 years, thinking if it looks fine, it must still be good. But mattresses lose support long before they show visible wear. Over time, springs lose tension, foam softens, and your body no longer gets the right alignment.
Most experts recommend replacing your mattress every seven to ten years, depending on quality and how well it’s been cared for.
What you should do: Look for the signs of wear. If you wake up stiff, your mattress sags, or you sleep better elsewhere, it’s time for a new one.
“Buy the Cheapest One You Can Find”
Price doesn’t always equal quality, but the cheapest beds on sale option is rarely the best. Very low-cost beds often use weak frames, low-density foam, or thin coils that don’t hold up to daily use. They may feel fine at first but lose support quickly.
What you should do: Look for value, not just cost. Mid-range mattresses and frames usually give the best mix of comfort and durability. Watch for sales or bundles that include both mattress and base for better deals.
Easy To Fall For
Bad advice about buying beds has been around for decades, and it’s easy to fall for. But sleep is too important to risk on shortcuts and old myths.
The best bed isn’t the firmest, the biggest, or the most expensive — it’s the one that fits your body, your space, and your comfort. Take your time, test a few options, and don’t be afraid to ignore the bad advice.
You’ll know you’ve found the right bed when you lie down and your body sighs with relief. That’s the kind of advice worth following.
