Written by Bridget Chapman, Senior Product Editor
The internet has made life easier in so many ways, and that’s true even when it comes to mattress shopping. Goodbye, haggling with salespeople. So long, schlepping a hefty bed from the store to your home. When you buy a mattress online, you have tons of options at your fingertips, and the bed you choose will be delivered straight to your door.
The downside of online mattresses? All those choices can be overwhelming. The good news is, I’ve put together this roundup to help you choose the best online mattress for your needs, like your feel preference, sleeping style, and more. To take things a step further, I also tested each of these mattresses in categories like cooling, edge support, and pressure relief. I compiled a nice blend of mattresses with different strengths and weaknesses, and above all else I focused on high mattress quality.
Our Top Pick for The Best Online Mattress
The Helix Midnight‘s combination of pressure-relieving foam and supportive coils work together to provide a balanced sleep environment, making it a great pick for those with sensitive joints or aches and pains.
Best Online Mattresses of 2024
- Best Overall Online Mattress – Helix Midnight
- Best Memory Foam Mattress – Nectar
- Best for the Money – DreamCloud
- Best Pillow Top Mattress – WinkBed
- Best for Side Sleepers – Nolah
- Best Innerspring Mattress – Saatva
- Best Mattress for Muscle Recovery – Bear Elite Hybrid
- Best Cooling Mattress – Brooklyn Aurora Luxe
- Best Mattress for Heavy Sleepers – Titan Plus
- Best Organic Mattress – Birch Luxe
Best Online Mattress Video Review 2024
What We Look For In The Best Online Mattresses
Comfort and Support
When you are buying a mattress online it can be hard to know exactly how comfortable or supportive that mattress will be. I wanted to help you ensure that you are buying a mattress that is perfectly matched to your comfort and support needs. When testing each bed, I used a pressure map to test the supportive capacity of each mattress on this list to help relieve pressure. I also tested each one personally so you know exactly how comfortable it is.
Mattress Type
The type of mattress you are looking for will vary depending on what your exact needs are. So I selected mattress materials that are easy to clean, durable and what type of construction is best for each sleeping position and body type.
Firmness Level
When you are purchasing a mattress online, you may not be able to feel the firmness of the mattress before it arrives. So, I made sure to test the firmness of all of these mattresses ourselves so you know exactly what to expect. I did this using our mattress firmness scale, which runs from 1 to 10, with 10 being the most firm, so you can choose a mattress firmness that is best for your needs.
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| Helix Midnight Mattress | Nectar Mattress | DreamCloud Original Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Nolah Original 10″ Mattress | Saatva Mattress | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress | Titan Plus | Birch Luxe Natural Mattress | |
| Rating | ||||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 | Firm: 7/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Innerspring | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | — | |||||
| Best For |
Couples,
Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers |
Back Sleepers, Back Pain, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Couples
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Back Sleepers,
Hot Sleepers, Seniors |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers
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Side Sleepers,
Back Sleepers |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Seniors
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Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors
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Hot Sleepers,
Back Pain, Side Sleepers |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hip Pain, Seniors
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Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers |
Best Overall Online Mattress – Helix Midnight
The Helix Midnight is amongst Helix’s line of six standard mattresses. It’s known for its more balanced feel, allowing it to accommodate a wide range of sleepers. We also recommend it for couples, as it scored well on our motion isolation, responsiveness, edge support, and cooling tests. For a plusher and more cooling version of this mattress, see the Helix Midnight Luxe. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I would recommend this mattress for side or back sleepers because it’s supportive, without putting pressure on your joints.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
While many of the biggest names in the online mattress world are all-foam, Helix specializes in hybrid bed-in-a-box mattresses that combine foam and coils. A hybrid might be the way to go if you like your mattress to have a fair amount of bouncy support. While all Helix mattresses offer that classic hybrid bounce, they still range widely in terms of feel. One of my favorites is the Helix Midnight, which has a medium-firm feel that may appeal to a wide variety of sleepers.
Best Memory Foam Mattress – Nectar
The Nectar delivers a balance of comfort and support: it’s definitely contouring, but still provides a firm enough foundation for most light to average weight sleepers, especially if they sleep on their back or stomach. Plus, a lengthy trial period, lifetime warranty, and affordable price make the Nectar a reassuring choice for many. Watch our video review to learn more.
What our tester says:
“I think back sleepers would be especially happy on this bed. They’ll get plenty of support from the firm memory foam in the Nectar Classic, which should translate to great pressure relief and a good night’s sleep. Hot sleepers who have to have a memory foam mattress should also have no trouble at all falling asleep on this bed.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
One of my other favorite online mattresses is the Nectar, an all-foam bed that utilizes a thick layer of gel memory foam, which I can feel forming around my body when I lie down on it. The all-foam construction gives us lots of cushioning at sensitive pressure points.
Best Online Mattress for the Money – DreamCloud
With soft foam and a sturdy layer of innerspring coils, the DreamCloud strikes a balance between comfort and support — a little bit of contouring up top and on-top-of-the-bed feel that comes from the bottom. It’s a fairly firm mattress that we think is most comfortable for back sleepers. It also has some luxury touches such as a cashmere-blend cover that are reminiscent of a high-end hotel. Learn more in our DreamCloud video review.
What our tester says:
“I really like how luxurious this mattress feels and how it could work for a variety of sleepers. Along with that, I found that the breathable cashmere cover helps the DreamCloud sleep cool throughout the night. Thanks to its medium-firm to firm support, I think the DreamCloud is a durable mattress. It balances support with plenty of pressure relief for back sleepers.” – Bridget Chapman, former Sleepopolis senior product editor
Expert Opinion
If you’re looking for a great value mattress, I would highly recommend giving the DreamCloud a try. When testing it out, I found that its combination of memory foam layers and pocketed coils offered a balanced feel of pressure relief and support. It’s also a luxury mattress with indulgent features such as infusions of cooling gel and a cashmere blend cover, similar to what you’d see in a high-end hotel. The best part? You can find a queen size for under $1,400, and that’s before sales or discounts.
Best Online Pillow Top Mattress – WinkBed
The WinkBed is a luxury hybrid mattress. It has a similarly supportive and sturdy feel to a traditional innerspring mattress, but upgrades like a Euro top and cooling Tencel cover give it a touch of modern luxury. Available in three firmness levels, there is a WinkBed for just about every sleeper. And a responsive and bouncy feel makes it a great pick for combination sleepers. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“If you like the feel of a traditional innerspring mattress, the WinkBed could work for you. Since this bed offered great pressure relief around my lumbar region, I’d also recommend it to folks who suffer from lower back pain.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
If you love the feeling of pressure relief, but still want plenty of support, then you might enjoy the cozy pillow top layer on the original WinkBeds mattress. This bed-in-a-box hybrid was built with soft foams on top to help relieve pain and pocketed coils below to provide strong support. It distinguishes itself from other hybrids because it has a sturdier innerspring mattress that’s different than a lot of online mattresses. The firm support of the coils helps prevent premature sagging or wear.
Best Online Mattress for Side Sleepers – Nolah
The Nolah Original 10″ mattress is created with Nolah’s proprietary AirFoam. This material mimics the body contouring provided by memory foam, but without the heat trapping. The Tencel cover aids with additional cooling. With soft foams and solid support, this mattress is best for back and side sleepers. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
Overall, I think this mattress could be a good pick for couples. Looking at the motion transfer results, it’s a safe bet that you won’t be disturbed by your partner tossing and turning at night. I would suggest couples purchase a queen-size mattress or larger, since the edge support on this mattress is just okay and it may be more difficult to comfortably sleep on the full surface of the bed.” – Madison Schaper, former staff writer
Expert Opinion
While back sleepers may worry about getting an online mattress with enough support, side sleepers might be more concerned with pressure relief. The Nolah delivers for the latter: It’s a soft mattress that lets us sink deeply into its layers and cushions pesky pressure points at the shoulders and hips. This makes it a great option for strict side sleepers looking for a cuddly feel.
Best Online Innerspring Mattress – Saatva
The Saatva’s coil-on-coil construction provides a classic innerspring feel. It’s a good option for combo sleepers, who will want to feel free to switch positions and avoid feeling “stuck” in the mattress. It comes in three firmness levels, so you should be able to find one that suits your needs. The white glove delivery Saatva provides is an added perk and will save you the headache of getting rid of your old mattress (they take it away for free!). For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Saatva is a great option for back sleepers, as the Luxury Firm model provides enough cushioning for their lumbar region, but also lots of support to keep their spine in a neutral alignment.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
If you’re looking for an online mattress but don’t like the idea of buying a bed-in-a-box, the Saatva Classic could be a great option for you. This innerspring mattress is hand-delivered uncompressed to your door and will be set up for free in your room of choice.
Best Online Mattress for Muscle Recovery – Bear Elite Hybrid
The Bear Elite Hybrid uses foam and coils for a mix of support, cushioning, and cooling. While designed for athletes prioritizing wellness and recovery, sleepers of all activity levels can enjoy the many luxurious features. Enjoy zoned support for targeted relief, an “on top of” feel allowing for ease of movement, and cooling features throughout. For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“I’d recommend the Bear Elite Hybrid for most back and stomach sleepers.I think these sleepers will get the needed pressure relief and contouring around the lower back and hips. This mattress does a wonderful job at offering body contouring while still helping the sleeper stay elevated and lifted as well. The layers of foam should provide comfort while the coil system should offer lots of support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
Expert Opinion
Are you an active person in search for a boost in muscle recovery? The Bear Elite Hybrid might be just right for you. The optional cover (available for a fee) on the Bear Elite Hybrid is made up of Celliant, which some research suggests may promote increased blood flow, enhance muscle recovery, better regulate body temperature, and possibly relieve pain. These qualities may make the Bear Elite Hybrid a good choice for athletes or those with an active lifestyle.
Best Online Cooling Mattress – Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
The Brookyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress is one of Brooklyn Bedding’s more high-end mattresses. It’s got a ton of cooling features in it that can help hot sleepers sleep cool all night. It’s also available in three different firmnesses, so it can accommodate all of the sleeping positions. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“First and foremost, I’d recommend this mattress to hot sleepers. This bed sleeps nice and cool thanks to special phase change technology and gel infusions. The Aurora Luxe is also a nice pick for back sleepers. This mattress in the Medium model is medium-soft, so it should contour the hips while also lifting them into alignment.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
Brooklyn Bedding’s Aurora Luxe is an online mattress designed specifically for temperature regulation. It’s made with a Phase Change Material cover that, when I lie down on it, truly feels and stays cool to the touch.
Best Online Mattress for Heavy Sleepers – Titan Plus
The Titan Plus mattress is a durable mattress made with heavy sleepers in mind. It’s firm and features heavy-duty coils and Titanflex foam that makes it bouncy and easy to move around on. We think that heavy back sleepers and stomach sleepers should be especially comfortable. For more information on the Titan Plus, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Titan Plus lives up to its name as a good mattress for heavier sleepers. It will offer them the deep compression support and durability they need.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
A Note On Weight and Body Type
We recognize that people come in all shapes and sizes, and people of every size deserve a mattress that works for their body type. We use the weight categories light, average, and heavy to more easily categorize sleepers based on how mattresses will perform for their body type, as most mattresses are designed for the group we call “average” (130 to 250 pounds). We consider heavy sleepers to be anyone over 250 pounds, and they tend to need more support to prevent them from sinking too far into the layers.
Expert Opinion
Heavy sleepers over 250 pounds often have a difficult time finding the best online mattress, as not every bed has enough support for their body type and weight. But they may find just what they’re looking for in the Titan Plus. Built specifically with larger sleepers in mind, the Titan Plus is a hybrid mattress that comes in at a 7.5/10 on our firmness scale.
Best Online Organic Mattress – Birch Luxe
Similar to the Birch Natural, the Birch Luxe Natural blends Talalay latex foam with sturdy coils that are zoned for support. We think it’s a good fit for back sleepers and stomach sleepers who enjoy a firmer bed. Its luxury upgrades include a softer cover with organic cotton and cashmere, plus the mattress has earned multiple certifications for safe production and materials. To learn more, see our video review.
What our tester says:
“I love that the Birch Luxe Natural is an eco-friendly model. I think a lot of people would find comfort in knowing there are no harmful chemicals in this bed and it’s made from organic materials. If you’re a back or stomach sleeper, I think the Birch Luxe could be a great option for you. It’s firm, yet breathable.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
Expert Opinion
If you want an online mattress that keeps the environment in mind, then you might love the Birch Luxe. This organic hybrid mattress uses a variety of quality materials in its construction, such as organic cotton and wool, all-natural Talalay latex in one of the comfort layers, and sturdy coils for support. It’s essentially the upgrade of the Birch Living mattress, outfitting it with luxurious touches such as two additional comfort layers, a quilted top, additional lumbar support, and more. While testing it, I found it to be a springy and supportive bed with a touch of pressure relief.
What our tester says: “I love that the Birch Luxe is an eco-friendly model. I think a lot of people would find comfort in knowing there are no harmful chemicals in this bed and it’s made from organic materials.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
Casper
The Casper Original is an all-foam mattress that is a great option for back sleepers who want a balance of support and pressure relief. Combination sleepers will appreciate this mattress’s responsiveness, which makes it easy to change positions throughout the night. This mattress is also a good choice for couples due to its responsiveness and ability to isolate motion. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“It’s worth mentioning the Casper is zoned for support. So, it uses firmer foams at the lower back for extra lift, and softer foams at the shoulders for extra cushion around pressure points. This combo is nice for sleepers suffering from lower back or shoulder pain, since it helps keep the spine in a healthy alignment without creating stiffness in the shoulder area.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
If your back is aching every morning, your mattress might not be offering enough support, or it could be throwing your spine out of alignment. You’ll want to look for a mattress that offers a blend of comfort and support to remedy these issues, and the Casper might be the solution you’re looking for. The Original Casper uses a Zoned Support system that’s firmer around the hips and softer around the shoulders to help keep your spine in a straight line. That means this firm mattress will help you avoid and relieve back pain caused by poor sleep posture.
Pros & Cons of Buying a Mattress Online
Though I’m partial to buying mattresses online, there are also some drawbacks you may want to be aware of. Here are some of the various pros and cons.
Pros of Buying an Online Mattress
- You can spend as much time as you want comparing brands. While shopping in a store, you might find yourself rushed by a salesperson. When shopping online, you can take your time comparing brands and reading customer reviews.
- You can often find some great discounts online that you can’t find in stores. Online mattress brands run promotions year round, and review sites like Sleepopolis have coupon pages that can help you save even more. Pro tip: you can find some great beds around major holidays when brands run their biggest sales.
- Most online mattress brands offer sleep trials that allow you to test their mattresses for a period of time. Most sleep trials range from about 100 to 180 nights, though you can find brands that offer trial periods of up to a year.
- Online mattress brands tend to offer great warranties. We’d recommend going with a bed that comes with at least a 10-year warranty. Lots of brands these days offer lifetime warranties.
- You can’t beat the convenience of having a bed shipped straight to your door. These days, lots of online mattress brands offer bed-in-a-box mattresses, which ship compressed in a box to your door. Other brands offer free white glove delivery and will set your mattress up for you. Learn more about unboxing below.
Cons of Buying an Online Mattress
- There’s no try before you buy. If you’re buying a mattress online, you can read all the reviews you want, but you won’t know what the bed is like until you test it yourself. This can be a drawback for some, though brands these days try to mitigate this concern with extended trial periods.
- If you want a full-service setup, you might prefer to buy in store. Though you can purchase white glove delivery (full set-up) for an additional price online, most in-store brands will offer to set up your mattress in your home.
- Most online retailers don’t offer to remove your old mattress, which is a service commonly performed by brick-and-mortar retailers.
Is it Better to Buy a Mattress Online?
Buying a mattress online can be more convenient than buying one in-store. It can also be cheaper, as some mattress retailers offer online exclusive prices or discounts. However, you do not always get to try the mattress first, and sometimes it can be difficult to set up the mattress by yourself. All that to say, buying a mattress in-store versus online is a matter of personal preference, one is not necessarily better than the other. If you’re a fan of convenience and are looking for a budget-friendly mattress option, We’d recommend checking out one of the best Amazon mattresses.
What to Look for in the Best Online Mattress
Alright, now you’ve got a sense of my top picks for the best online mattresses around. Curious about how to choose the best mattress for your needs? Below, you’ll find some of the most important factors to keep in mind while shopping for an online mattress. You can also check out my how to choose a mattress guide for more in-depth tips. If you are buying a mattress online and cannot test it out before buying, you can know that I tested all of the mattresses on this list to help you navigate online mattress shopping.
Support
No matter your sleep position, proper support is key. It helps keep your spine in healthy alignment and ensures you don’t sink through the mattress. As a general rule, mattresses that contain coils (e.g. hybrids and innersprings) tend to offer more support than all-foam options. If you’re on the heavier side, support is an important factor to consider when choosing a mattress. You’ll want a highly supportive mattress to avoid premature sagging.
I tested all of the beds on this list for support by laying on the mattresses in various positions and seeing how supportive they were for each type of sleeper. In general, I look for support on the spine and hips for all sleepers and focus on lumbar support.
Your sleep style will also influence how much support you need. Back and stomach sleepers benefit from a more supportive mattress to keep their hips elevated and align with their spine. Side sleepers find support more comfortable, but not so much that their shoulder can’t sink into the mattress.
Firmness
Your ideal firmness level is going to depend both on your personal preference and how you sleep. Some people like a firm feel that keeps them feeling more “on top” of the mattress, while others prefer some sinkage and a more “in” the bed feel. It’s also important to look for a firmness level that will suit your preferred sleeping position. If you sleep on your side, you should opt for a soft to medium-soft mattress that will allow your hips and shoulders to sink into it. Back sleepers do best on a medium-firm mattress that offers them a mix of pressure relief and support, which helps keep their spines supported in a straight line. Finally, stomach sleepers need a firm bed to keep their hips from sinking too far into the mattress, which can throw their spines out of alignment, causing pain.
I tested all of the mattresses on this list for their firmness levels using our expertly developed firmness scale, which places mattresses from 1 to 10, with 10 being the most firm and 6.5 being medium firm. I lay on each mattress in various positions and assign it an overall firmness score to help you find the right mattress firmness for you.
Do Online Mattresses Come in Different Firmness Levels?
Today, almost every mattress that can be purchased in-store can be purchased online. Because of this, online mattresses are just as good as those bought in a store. This means that online mattresses do come in various firmness options, and you can certainly find what you are looking for in terms of firmness and everything else.
Motion Transfer
Motion transfer refers to how much movement is detectable from one side of a mattress to the other. Most mattresses these days are designed with motion transfer in mind, but their materials make the greatest contribution to how much movement they can absorb. Memory foam mattresses, for example, are really great at absorbing motion because they have a slow response to pressure. Conversely, innerspring mattresses, which are composed mainly of bouncy coils, tend to have high motion transfer. Hybrid mattresses, which are made of both foams and coils, typically to fall somewhere in the middle.
I test for motion transfer using a red wine test and a ball drop test. In the red wine test, I place a glass of red wine on the bed and see how much movement is required to tip the glass over. The more movement needed to tip the glass, the better the bed is at motion isolation. In the ball drop test, I drop a steel ball from various heights to mimic movement on a bed and measure the motion transfer using a seismograph machine. This machine measures movement and produces a reading that indicates how much motion isolation a bed has. Small waves on the reading indicate good motion isolation.
Cooling
A mattress that stays cool is important to a lot of sleepers. Whether you sleep hot or just want to make sure you can stay cool all night, keeping an eye out for a cooling mattress can be important. I recommend looking for mattresses that have cooling covers, materials, or construction if this is a priority of yours.
When testing mattresses for cooling, I first look at the construction. I keep an eye out for breathable materials, coils, gels, and cooling covers. I also use a thermal gun to measure the change in temperature after our testers lay on the mattress for several minutes. I consider an 8 degree change or under to be good cooling, and a change of 5 degrees and under to be great cooling.
Pressure Relief
Unless you enjoy sleeping on a board, you’ll want to look for a mattress that offers pressure relief in the right places. This is crucial for side sleepers, who can feel sore around the shoulders or hips if they’re on a mattress without enough sinkage. If you’re someone who prioritizes pressure relief, we’d recommend a memory foam mattress on the softer side. If you’re a stomach or back sleeper, you might want a little pressure relief around the lower back and hips, but be sure to prioritize support when choosing your mattress to promote proper spinal alignment. Check out our top memory foam mattress reviews.
To test mattresses for pressure relief, I lay on a pressure mat that uses thermal imaging to create a pressure map, much like the one pictured above. This map shows where pressure is relieved across the body when our testers are lying on a mattress. Blue and green show areas where a lot of pressure is alleviated, meaning good pressure relief properties exist in a certain mattress. Red and yellow are places where pressure is not relieved wel
Mattress Materials
The materials of your mattress will affect how it feels, how cool it is, and how much support and pressure relief it will offer. These are important considerations, especially when buying online because you want to be sure you know what you are getting out of your mattress. I break down each type of mattress below, so you know what is available when shopping online.
Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses are a popular variety of mattress you can buy online. They tend to have a soft, pressure-relieving feel, but there are firm memory foam mattress options as well. Memory foam mattresses are known for offering sinkage and good motion isolation. This makes them a nice option for anyone living with body or joint pain, as they’ll be cradled by this soft foam, and couples, who are unlikely to feel their partner’s movements on these beds.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses are the most traditional mattress type. Though they’re very common in brick and mortar mattress stores, you can also find plenty online. Online mattress brand Saatva makes one of our favorite innerspring beds on the market. These mattresses tend to be great for seniors who prefer a traditional feel, or anyone looking for a firm, bouncy bed. They’re also one of the most durable mattress varieties, since their steel coils tend to stand the test of time.
Latex
Latex is a responsive material with a slightly spongy feel. The responsiveness of latex can help reduce the “stuck” feeling that may occur with memory foam, so that switching positions is easier. Latex is known as a cooler material, making it an effective choice for stomach sleepers who tend to perspire or wake up hot. It’s also a natural material made from the sap of the rubber tree, and may be a suitable option for people with respiratory allergies or concerns about the environmental impact of their mattress.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses are made from a combination of foams and coils. In our opinion, these mattresses have the best of both worlds: the support you get from innerspring coils, and the soft pressure relief you experience on foam. Hybrid mattresses can be found in a range of firmnesses, so most sleepers should be able to find one that suits their needs.
Other Considerations for Online Mattresses
Value
Online mattresses often cost less than in-store options, because their retailers cut out the middlemen and sell directly to consumers. That said, the price of online mattresses can vary widely. Consider your budget when making a purchase, but also consider the durability of the mattress. A longer-lasting mattress is the best way to ensure you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck.
Unboxing
Almost all mattresses you’ll find online are going to be bed-in-a-box mattresses, which means they’ll ship compressed in a box. You’ll need to unbox them at home. Be sure to read my full unboxing guide for more information, but here are a few things we’d keep in mind before starting the process:
- Make sure to unbox the mattress in the room you’re going to use it in. Once the bed is unboxed it is much harder to move.
- Unbox your bed with another person. The boxes tend to be quite heavy, and once you start unboxing, mattresses can expand very quickly. Unbox slowly and carefully to avoid injury.
- Keep in mind that your mattress was compressed for a period of days or weeks. It will need time to fully expand before you can use it. Most beds take between 24 and 72 hours to fully decompress, though others can take more or less time depending on their constructions.
Off-Gassing
Off-gassing refers to the period of time in which a previously compressed mattress will release trapped gasses. Off-gassing tends to release an odor, and the smell may linger for up to a week, though it tends to dissipate in a couple of days. Depending on your mattress’s materials, it can have a more intense off-gassing odor or longer off-gassing period. We’d recommend checking out some customer reviews to see if others experienced any unusual off-gassing.
Customer Service
If you’re vetting a mattress company, a responsive, transparent customer service team is a good sign they’ll deliver a high-quality product. Whether you want to return your mattress or run into delivery issues, quality customer service is key to your experience. It’s a good idea to connect with a customer service rep before purchasing to make sure they’re responsive and to clarify the mattress’s trial period, return policy, and warranty.
Delivery
Online mattresses are delivered straight to your home, but not always in the same way. Some are compressed into a small(ish) box. Some include the cost of delivery in their purchase price and others charge a delivery fee. Some offer free white glove delivery (in which they set up the new mattress and dispose of your old mattress), and some don’t. Clarify delivery terms before purchasing so you don’t encounter any surprises. Clear delivery timeframes and terms are another sign that you’re buying from a reputable company.
Do Mattress Companies Offer Set-up?
Some do and some do not. This is something to look into on the website of the place you are buying from before you purchase, and I recommend doing so. Depending on the size of your mattress, it could be pretty tricky to set up by yourself, so I recommend looking into the delivery options before you buy.
Shipping
Shipping is an important consideration when buying a mattress online. How long a mattress takes to ship, how expensive it is to ship the mattress, and how it gets delivered are all things to think about when buying a mattress from a website. I made sure to look into the shipping and handling costs and policies of all of the mattresses on this list.
If you are shopping internationally, shipping and handling may be more complicated and can be a more expensive process. I looked into the policies and costs of buying a mattress in Canada to help you navigate international shopping.
Sleep Trial and Returns
Almost any reputable online mattress company will offer a 100–365 night sleep trial. This allows you to return a mattress hassle-free if you decide it’s not for you. You should receive a full refund for your bed, though certain companies may need to charge a shipping fee for returns. If you live outside of the contiguous United States, it’s very likely you’ll need to pay a freight shipping fee to return an online mattress. If a mattress company you’re considering does not offer a sleep trial or returns, we’d recommend buying from somewhere else.
To learn more about this, see my guide on mattress trial periods.
Mattress Warranty
Finally, any online mattress company you buy from should include a mattress warranty with your purchase. Most reputable companies offer at least a 10-year warranty that covers mattress sagging or breakdown. But, you’ll need to ensure you have your mattress on a bed frame or foundation that offers the right support to avoid voiding your warranty. Online mattress brands will offer this information on their websites, and Sleepopolis includes box spring and frame information in our full mattress reviews.
FAQs
What is the best online mattress?
While the true “best” mattress differs with each person, I’d like to argue that the Nectar is the best overall. This mattress is made with high-density foam for support, as well as pressure-relieving foams for cushioning. Nectar also offers a generous warranty and trial.
The mix of comfort and support the Nectar offers should suit many back sleepers and side sleepers. I also noticed that the inclusion of cooling gel helps keep us cooler than other memory foam beds on the market.
Lastly, I love the Nectar for its affordability. It’s one of our favorite mattresses under $1,000. You should get an impressive quality and lifespan for a lower price.
How to choose the best online mattress?
The best online mattress varies from person to person, so make sure to consider your body type and sleeping position. For example, a side sleeper may require a different mattress construction than a stomach sleeper.
Consider your unique preferences, as well. Perhaps you tend to overheat at night. Maybe you sleep with a partner or pet. You might be struggling with joint pain or back pain. Keeping such factors in mind can help you narrow down a mattress that’s best for you.
Also keep in mind the length of mattress warranties and trials. A lengthy warranty (10 years or more) is representative of a company’s confidence in its product, and provides protection for the mattress if it is defective or damaged upon delivery. A lengthy sleep trial (100 nights or more) is crucial because it allows sleepers time to decide if the mattress will work right for them.
How long do online mattresses last?
Online mattresses can last as long as a mattress you purchase in a store. In most cases, a mattress’s lifespan depends on its construction and quality of materials. Memory foam mattresses and innerspring mattresses have a shorter lifespan (about five to eight years) whereas hybrid and latex beds can last seven years or even longer.
Of course, mattresses last longer if you care for them properly. Rotating beds head to foot, or 180 degrees, every few months can more evenly distribute the wear on your mattress.
Is it better to buy a mattress online or in a store?
It truly depends on the person, but I’m a huge proponent of online mattresses because they’re shipped right to your door, and there’s still an opportunity to test them out with the sleep trial before you commit. It saves you the hassle of going to a mattress store.
There’s also a much wider variety of beds to browse online. For instance, you can find more mattresses within the price range you have in mind. While the options can be overwhelming, putting thought into your wants and needs in a mattress can help narrow things down quite a bit.
How much does an online mattress cost?
It depends on the construction and quality of materials, but the average mattress price is around $800-$1,500. Memory foam mattresses tend to be on the more affordable side, while coiled mattresses and organic mattresses tend to be on the pricier side. However, with year-round sales and discounts, you can often find the construction you want for a reasonable price.
Keep in mind that you might have to pay for shipping, and often more money if you want to have the mattress set up in your home. Brands like Saatva do offer white glove delivery, where they will set up your new mattress and remove your old one at no additional cost.
How We Chose These Mattresses
Our team of Certified Sleep Science coaches has reviewed more than 220 products in our mattress lab, running each one through tests such as pressure-mapping and measuring motion transfer with a seismometer. From there, we give every bed an overall score based on materials, comfort, support, cooling, and edge support. We also factor in brand performance with categories such as value and warranty.
When it comes to purchasing a mattress online, some of the most important factors are the company’s trial and warranty. Since it can be difficult to judge online whether or not a mattress is right for you, it’s important to have a generous trial period so that you can properly test out your mattress. All of the mattresses here have at least a 100-night trial period and 10-year warranty, with most of them having a lifetime warranty.
Additionally, a company with a good warranty promotes the reliability of the mattress. All of our mattresses scored at least a 3.5 out of 5 for their warranties. You can click here to learn more about our methodology or jump back to our mattress picks.
Best Online Mattresses 2024
| Mattress | Best For | Full Retail Price (Queen) | Coupon | Review |
| Helix Midnight | Hybrid | $1,332 | Helix Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Nectar | Overall | $1,387 | Nectar Coupon | Read Our Review |
| DreamCloud | For the Money | $1,483 | DreamCloud Coupon | Read Our Review |
| WinkBed | Pillow Top | $1,799 | WinkBed Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Nolah | Side Sleepers | $1,449 | Nolah Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Saatva | Innerspring | $2,595 | Saatva Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | Muscle Recovery | $2,305 | Bear Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe | Cooling | $1,199 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Titan Plus | Heavy Sleepers | $699 | Titan Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Birch Luxe | Organic | $2,623 | Helix Coupon | Read Our Review |
FAQs
Are smart beds expensive?
Yes, smart beds are expensive. However, luxury mattresses that are not “smart” can also be very expensive, so you will need to consider what you really want out of your bed and your budget to decide if a smart bed is worth the price.
Are smart beds better than other beds?
Not necessarily. Smart beds are a great option for couples, people with pain, or people with specific needs, but they are not ideal for everyone. Some people may still really enjoy a traditional mattress, or even prefer it. Consider the things I have mentioned in this review to decide if a smart bed is ready for you.
Do smart beds help you sleep better?
They certainly can! Smart beds can stay cooler than other beds, adjust to your needs, and help you find a position that is just right. In this way, smart beds can help you get really good sleep. However, so can traditional mattresses, so you will just need to think about what you need most out of your mattress.
What are the cons of smart beds?
Smart beds can be really expensive and sometimes they require unique bases, bed frames, and other technology to make them work properly, so they may not be a good option for people shopping on a budget or not looking for tech savvy bed.