A new wave of the coronavirus seems to be creating major ripples in people’s lives – affecting their concerns, behaviors and shopping habits, according to the Q4 2021 “Inside the Mind of Today’s Mattress Consumer” survey by the Better Sleep Council. The research suggests that people are partially retreating into their homes – increasing their prioritization of optimizing them for comfort and efficiency. The study found that mattress purchase intent, specifically, is also rising as people continue to make getting a good night’s sleep their No. 1 health and wellness priority.

Preference for shopping and buying mattresses online rose in the fourth quarter, edging ahead of in-person mattress shopping, compared with the previous quarter. Despite recent increases in people’s overall concerns and preferences for not going out, consumers remain significantly more confident about going to the doctor, shopping/purchasing in-store, and traveling/patronizing a public establishment than they were a year ago at this time.

More details about what mattress shoppers are thinking, feeling and doing can be found in the full report here: BSC Tracker Results: Q4 2021.

In Q3 of 2021, Americans experienced a major COVID-19 resurgence – through the number of cases, in people’s news feeds and in consumers’ concerns and behaviors. According to the Better Sleep Council’s Q3 2021 Tracker, people are reverting toward some attitudes and behaviors exhibited earlier in the pandemic. This comes after seeing some relaxation of COVID-19 concerns and shopping behaviors earlier in 2021. In these third-quarter results, consumers are showing revived concerns about COVID-19 and the overall environment they live in. Confidence in travel and in brick-and-mortar shopping and purchasing has declined in this quarter, as opposed to the previous quarter, and preference for online shopping and purchasing remains strong.

Not surprisingly then, many people – almost two-thirds of those surveyed – said the current environment is affecting their sleep. Interestingly, more people are reporting their sleep as “good” and “very good”– perhaps reflecting the impact of strong mattress purchasing over the past 18 months and the fact that sleep remains their most important health priority.

People are cocooning again, spending much more attention and dollars on optimizing their homes for work, education and living. Bedroom products/sleep accessories purchases are still the No. 1 actual and planned purchases, and purchase intent for mattresses rose slightly. This suggests demand will continue. Brick-and-mortar purchases of mattresses surpassed online purchases for the first time since the BSC tracker began monitoring people’s shopping behaviors in 2020. All of this suggests that sleep will remain a high priority for consumers, and that demand for mattresses is unlikely to dip significantly. It also suggests retailers and manufacturers with effective digital and eCommerce programs will compete more effectively than others.

More details about what mattress shoppers are thinking, feeling and doing can be found in the full report here: BSC Tracker Results Q3 2021.

A lot has changed since the Better Sleep Council launched its Inside the Mind of Today’s Mattress Consumer tracking study back in 2020. As COVID-19 concerns and restrictions continue to relax, the Q2 2021 study found that people are showing signs of returning to some pre-pandemic attitudes and behaviors. At the same time, other lockdown behaviors appear to be sticking around for now.

For example, people are more willing to shop and buy in-person, although people say they’re still more comfortable shopping online. Interest in buying trusted brands, buying brands that align with the shopper’s values, and shopping local have all made a significant comeback for bedroom product consumers. They also are more willing to try new brands and new retailers than they were earlier this year.

As expected, people’s lockdown obsession with optimizing the function and comfort of their homes has leveled off. This may be due to the fact that they are spending less time at home as people return to in-person shopping, school, work, etc.

The easing of concerns and restrictions and the return to some pre-pandemic activities may have also resulted in people starting to sleep better. The number of people who report they are sleeping poorly declined from the previous study, with more people describing their sleep as “good.” However, there’s still a large minority of people who describe their sleep as “OK” or worse. So, it’s not surprising that good sleep remains consumers’ number one priority – although for the first time since tracking began, their relationships with other people assumed equal importance. And more people say they are focused on improving their overall sleep environment in this quarter, expanding a trend initially seen earlier.

Although people say they are less anxious or concerned about their families’ health and well-being than they were earlier this year, health remains their top priority.

More details about what mattress shoppers are thinking, feeling and doing can be found in the full report here: BSC Quarterly Tracker Results: Q2 2021.

Go here to check out BSC’s Q1 2021 research to see changes in attitudes and behaviors quarter-over-quarter.

To give the industry insight into shifting consumer attitudes and behaviors in today’s environment, the Better Sleep Council has set about to conduct a quarterly national survey of mattress buyers.

The first quarter of 2021 (the second installment of the research) has seen some changes and some consistencies in how people are sleeping, how they are shopping and what they’re buying for their homes.

This installment of the Better Sleep Council’s quarterly tracker found:

• Respondents still say that a good night’s sleep is more important than diet, exercise and even relationships when it comes to their health.
• Almost half of respondents still aren’t getting a good night’s sleep – many of those who are credit their mattress and sleep environment for the quality of their sleep.
• In Q1 2021, mattresses became a lower priority for people’s purchases, falling from 5^th most important to 8^th – although the larger bedroom products category remains a priority for home product purchases.
• While online mattress shopping remains strong, people who are shopping for mattresses are starting to return to in-person shopping as they become more confident about going out to public spaces.
• Slightly more people are shopping locally, while interest in new retailers and new brands fell in the first quarter of the year.

More details about what mattress shoppers are thinking, feeling and doing can be found in the full report here: BSC Tracker Results: Q1 2021 .

Go here to see the first installment of the BSC’s quarterly research.

There’s no argument that 2020 was a crazy year. Uncertainty, turmoil and change hit virtually everyone and all sectors of the economy, including the bedding products industry. Unlike other sectors of the economy, mattress sales and revenue were strong in 2020, but how companies did business and how consumers thought about, shopped and bought bedding products underwent significant transformation.

To give the industry insight into shifting consumer attitudes and behaviors in this environment, the Better Sleep Council has set about to conduct a quarterly national survey of mattress buyers. The initial study, conducted in late November, surveyed 500 people, all of whom had purchased a mattress in the last month or planned to do so within 30 days.

The study uncovered several interesting facts about mattress shoppers’ mindsets and actions, and about how they’re adapting to the current environment. For example:

• Mattress buyers say a good night’s sleep is even more important than diet and exercise when it comes to their health.
• With home being the place where people have to live, work and attend school, consumers are spending money on all kinds of things to optimize their homes – and the broad category of bedding products is their top purchase, while mattresses rank fifth.
• Not surprisingly, people are buying mattresses online more frequently, but they miss the in-store shopping experience.
• With so much of their lives being affected by change, people are reacting by searching for and shopping new brands and retailers.

More details about what mattress shoppers were thinking, feeling and doing in Q4 of 2020 can be found in the report here: BSC Tracker Results: Q4 2020

From curbside grocery pickups to daily deliveries from Amazon, COVID-19 has had a heavy impact on the way we shop for almost everything, including mattresses.

So, how exactly has COVID-19 affected mattress shopping in 2020? Well, the Better Sleep Council asked people who planned to purchase or had purchased a mattress and here are some of our key findings.

Sleep on It

During COVID, shoppers are making faster decisions and are spending less time researching before making a purchase.

• In 2020, almost half of those who bought new mattresses said they spent one week or less shopping, while in 2019, only 31% spent that same amount of time shopping.
• Not only were people taking more time to make a purchase pre-COVID, but they were also doing more homework. In 2020, people researched three to four sources before making a decision, compared to seven to eight sources in 2019.

Count Stars Before Counting Sheep

The study revealed the importance of online reviews in mattress shopping research. Mary Helen Rogers, vice president for marketing and communications at the Better Sleep Council, states, “Shoppers who look at online reviews value them and find them influential – our findings reiterate this. For instance, of the 47% of mattress shoppers who read or had planned to read online reviews, 74% considered them a top factor in their final purchase decision.”

Since it can sometimes be difficult to tell which online reviews will be the most helpful to you, it’s best to use a mix of different sources to guide and influence your decisions while mattress shopping.

• Ask friends – a tried-and-true method. Our personal sense of self is derived from other people, and social psychologists have even said that the more of your identity you draw from a group, even when you’re not around that group, the more likely you are to uphold those values. Friends will give you all of the unfiltered pros and cons of their mattresses, may open your eyes to some new options you hadn’t thought of, and could sway your opinion while mattress shopping.
• Social media – What’s the conversation around the mattress you’re looking at purchasing? Social media sites like Twitter, Facebook and Reddit have entire communities based on mattresses and mattress buying.
• Online mattress tools – Online tools, like our Better Bed Quizzz, are built to help you find a mattress that suits your exact needs. And the best part? They’re free.

Power Your Sleep with the Power of Research

A late 2019 Better Sleep Council study showed that people who take shopping shortcuts aren’t satisfied with their mattress purchase. They feel less informed and reported being less satisfied with their sleep quality. Shoppers who spend time researching feel more satisfied with their purchase, enjoy their shopping experience and are more likely to be satisfied with their sleep quality.

All of this means your new mattress is affecting your sleep before you even buy it. So, you should take your time to study up on what works for you. Our Better Bed Quizzz can give you a personalized summary of your mattress needs and even tips on testing a mattress in-store.

Speaking of in-store, you may feel a bit apprehensive going to a physical location to shop for a mattress, but many retailers have taken measures to ensure the shopping environment is safe during the pandemic. The Better Sleep Council always recommends trying before you buy, using the S.L.E.E.P test mentioned in our guide to choosing the best mattress.

The pressures of COVID can make it feel like there is less time to spend all around, but if our findings have taught us anything, it’s that better sleep is worth the research. Take your time on your research, use a mix of reviews and other sources for a better-informed opinion, and you can find a mattress that’s perfect for you. You can even check out our full COVID-19 Mattress Shopping Study for more information.

Source:

• https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20190520-how-your-friends-change-your-habits—for-better-and-worse

This blog provides general information about sleep and sleep products. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified heath care professional. This blog should not be construed as medical advice or used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other health care professional. This blog is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and should not be relied upon to make decisions about your health or the health of others. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or elsewhere on bettersleep.org. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

The goal of this study is to understand the details of people’s shopping, buying and receipt of mattresses in the current (COVID-19) environment.

There were 501 online surveys completed October 31 through November 5, 2020, with adults 18 years and older.

• 314 (63%) respondents had purchased a mattress within the last two months.
• 187 (37%) respondents planned to purchase a mattress within the next one to two months.

Respondents who purchased a mattress within the last two months received questions about their recent mattress purchase (Q1-Q10). Respondents who were planning to purchase a mattress in the next two months received questions about their planned upcoming mattress purchase (Q11-Q20).

Detailed findings are also included in the PowerPoint presentation report (BSC Sub-Study: Mattress Shopping Behavior During COVID-19, November 2020).

REPORT SUMMARY

This summary encompasses combined overall results from both mattress purchasers and those who plan to purchase a mattress.

• Consumers are shopping both online and in-store for mattresses and looking at an average of three to four different channels on their shopping journey.
• Shoppers who want to shop in-store are willing to travel up to 20 to 40 minutes to do so.
• Online reviews are an important part of the shopping and purchasing journey, but there is not a real distinction between the various review sources.
• About half of all mattress shoppers search for and read online reviews and visit an average of three to four review websites during their shopping journey.
• Online reviews are an important factor in the final purchase decision for all mattress shoppers, and even more so for those who purchase their mattress online.
• Consumers are more likely to purchase online, but more than one-third are still buying or planning to buy in-store because they want to try out the mattress, see it in person, etc.
• About 61% of consumers who shop online do so because of COVID-19 concerns; other reasons include a better price, it’s easier and fast/free shipping.
• The buyer journey lasts a week or less for about half of all mattress shoppers, and those who purchase in-store are more likely to have a shorter journey.
• More than half of all consumers will set up their mattress on their own.

QUESTION BY QUESTION RESULTS

Mattress Purchasers (respondents who purchased a mattress in the last 60 days)

Q1. Which of the following were part of your shopping experience BEFORE you purchased your mattress? Select all that apply.

Q2. Where did you go online to read reviews when you were shopping for a mattress? Select all that apply.

Q2A. Please rank the following in order of usefulness, with 1 being the most likely to be useful, 2 being the second most likely to be useful and so on.

Q3. You said in your shopping journey you visited at least one brick-and-mortar store. How long did it take you to get to that store? (If you visited more than one store, please think of the store that was the farthest away and/or took the most time to get to.)  

Q3A. You said in your shopping journey you did not visit any brick-and-mortar mattress stores. Which of the following best describe why? Check all that apply.

Q3B. You said there were not brick-and-mortar mattress stores close enough for you to shop at. How far away was the closest mattress store to you?

Q4. Where/how did you purchase your mattress?

Q5. What kind of mattress did you purchase?

Q6. How important were the following to your final purchase decision?

Q7. About how much time did your entire journey last? Think of when you first started shopping for a mattress until you purchased it. (Do not include delivery and setup.)

Q8. How did you get your mattress home?

 Q9. How did you receive your new mattress?

Q10. After your mattress was delivered, how did it get set up?

Plan to Purchase a Mattress (respondents who plan to purchase a mattress in the next 60 days)

Q11. You said you plan to purchase a mattress in the next one to two months. How will you shop for this mattress? Select all that apply.

Q12. Where will you go online to read reviews when you are shopping for a mattress? Select all that apply.

Q12A. Please rank the following in order of usefulness, with 1 being the most likely to be useful, 2 being the second most likely to be useful and so on.

Q13. You said in your shopping journey you will visit at least one brick-and-mortar store. How long do you think it will take you to get to that store? (If you plan to visit more than one store, please think of the store that is the farthest away and/or will take the most time to get to.)

Q13A. You said in your shopping journey you will not visit any brick-and-mortar mattress stores. Which of the following best describe why? Check all that apply.

Q13B. You said there are not brick-and-mortar mattress stores close enough for you to shop at. How far away is the closest mattress store to you?

Q14. Where/how do you think you will purchase your mattress?

Q15. What kind of mattress do you think you will purchase?

Q16. How important are the following to your final purchase decision?

Q17. About how much time do you think your entire journey will last? Think of when you will first start shopping for a mattress until you purchase it. (Do not include delivery and setup.)

Q18. How will you get your mattress home?

Q19. How will you receive your new mattress?

Q20. After your mattress is delivered, how will it be set up?

All Respondents – Profile Questions 

Survey Details: Better Sleep Council November 2020

There is no expiration date for your bed. It’s not going to suddenly become useless one day like a shattered dish or a dead car battery. Mattresses wear down gradually over time – so slowly that you might not realize when they’re past their prime. One question to ask yourself is, when is the right time to find a new mattress? Here are a few things to consider.

A New Mattress Can Mean a Whole New You

If you’re doing your best to get the recommended 8 hours of sleep each night but can’t seem to get the rest you need, you might be a prime candidate for a mattress upgrade.

A 2009 Oklahoma State University experiment found that switching to a new mattress from one that was 5+ years old immediately improved sleep quality and reduced minor back discomfort. It gets better. They also found that sleep quality continued to improve in the four weeks following the switch.

Most of Us Wait Three Years Too Long (or more)

While there is no hard and fast rule about how long a mattress lasts, it’s suggested that most have a life span of around 7 years. But our research finds that people tend to consistently keep their mattresses for 10 years on average. That’s 730+ nights dealing with a worn-out sleep system.

Can you even remember what year it was when you bought your current mattress? Like in so many aspects of life, time goes by so quickly. You’ve probably been sleeping on the same mattress a lot longer than you think.

You’re Not So Young Anymore, Either

It’s not just the age of your mattress that matters. Around the time we hit the big 4-0, our bodies become more sensitive to pressure. That means sleeping on a lumpy, bumpy or sagging mattress when you’re older is more likely to lead to tossing and turning throughout the night. In other words, you might need to consider the state of your mattress more frequently as you age.

(BTW: Age isn’t the only barometer you should consider. Think about other changes that happen to you over time, like weight gain/loss or physical health issues, that can change your mattress needs.)

How to Tell Your Mattress Has Gone Too Many Miles

Think of your old mattress like a well-worn running shoe. It probably feels good when you put the shoe on because, over time, it has stretched and molded to perfectly fit your foot. But the cushioning is compressed from repeated use. It doesn’t offer all the support it once had. The material is worn in certain places. Plus, it’s been soaked in sweat over and over again. All the same things happen to your mattress.

Signs like these can tell you you’re ready for a mattress upgrade:

• You feel like you sleep better in hotels or even on the sofa
• You regularly wake up with stiffness, numbness or aches
• You can feel lumps, notice sagging or see tears in the fabric
• The box spring underneath your mattress squeaks or groans whenever you move
• You recently added or changed your bed partner and you haven’t gotten good sleep since – which could mean you need a new mattress, a larger mattress or both
• You’re sneezing and sniffling more often at night. (Mattresses trap a lot of allergens over time.)

Time to Find the Perfect Upgrade

There are a lot of mattress choices out there and it’s important to know that they’re not one size fits all. But shopping for a new bed system doesn’t have to be so confusing. Read our tips for choosing a mattress and take the Better Bed Quizzz to help set the priorities that are most important to you. Soon you’ll be sleeping on the mattress of your dreams.

Sources:

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2697581/
• https://bedtimesmagazine.com/2008/04/better-sleep-council-consumer-research-findings-on-mattresses-and-sleep/
• https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2007/12/q-a-how-often-should-i-buy-a-new-mattress/index.htm
• https://www.healthline.com/health/when-to-change-mattress#how-you-know

This blog provides general information about sleep and sleep products. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified heath care professional. This blog should not be construed as medical advice or used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other health care professional. This blog is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and should not be relied upon to make decisions about your health or the health of others. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or elsewhere on bettersleep.org. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.