Step 1: Right before you get onthe hunt, examine your old mattress. See if it really needs changing, but more importantly use it as a reference to what you most certainly do not want in your next pick. It could be a change in material, size or just feel. Also, correlate the type of sleeper you are to this. It is said that different sleeping positions have different support requirements - stomach and back sleepers prefer firm, less conforming beds while light sleepers prefer softer mattresses. Similarly, heavy sleepers often opt for firm while light sleepers take the soft route. Note, you will find a lot of information on this online. Identify what type you are and get to researching for the perfect fit.
Step 2: Some brands and options you can explore here in India would be Kurl-On's Kurlo Coir Rubberised Firm Coir Mattress or the Sleep Company's Plush SmartGrid Luxe Mattress or the SleepyCat Orthopedic Gel Memory Foam Mattress and the Wakefit Dual Comfort Mattress. Sleepwell, Duroflex or Flo Ergo are other reputed brands to add to the list. The LBB Crew are particularly fans of SleepyCat, an Indie mattress brand that specialises in making original mattresses and donates to charity and Wakefit for their affordable and orthopedic options. If you want a sustainable, environmentally friendly option, check out Kana Mattress for their 100% biodegradable Kapok cotton beds and pillows.
Step 3: Another pointer is to consider the top "types" of mattresses - of course memory foam (hugely popular), followed by innerspring, gel, pillow-top, latex and airbeds.
Step 4: To do all of the above, you must test out the mattress you want in person. Avoid making online purchases as much as possible, and just running your hand across the bed when at a store. Visit offline stores that allow you to test out the mattress and go prepared to snooze! If you can't go there, we're letting you in on this cool brand called The Ministry of Sleep - check out their online store and opt for their 100-night trial period! That's right, they will deliver the mattress you pick to your doorstep and have you try it out for a 100 nights. If you don't like your experience by the end of the trial period, you can return the (undamaged) mattress and you will get a full refund.
Step 5: Lastly, don't worry about splurging. Take note of the costs, yes, but a mattress is a one-time investment if you make the right choice. Remember that.