Best Online Mattress

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Our Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed more than 220 mattresses in our lab, testing each one on its materials, comfort, cooling, support, and other categories.
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Just Updated

We recently re-reviewed all of our top online picks and added more feedback from the testers in our lab – so you can rest easy that if it’s on this list, we’ve personally tested it, slept on it, and stand by its recommendation.

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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. We’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, we also tested each of these mattresses in categories like cooling, edge support, and pressure relief. We got a nice blend of mattresses with different strengths and weaknesses, and above all else we focused on high mattress quality.

Our Top Pick for The Best Online Mattress

The Nectar’s combination of pressure-relieving and high-density foams 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 2023

• Best Overall Online Mattress – Nectar
• Best Hybrid Mattress – Helix Midnight
• Best for the Money – DreamCloud
• Best Mattress for Muscle Recovery – Bear Elite Hybrid
• Best for Side Sleepers – Nolah
• Best Innerspring Mattress – Saatva
• Best Cooling Mattress – Brooklyn Aurora Luxe
• Best Pillow Top Mattress – WinkBed
• Best Mattress for Heavy Sleepers – Titan Plus
• Best Organic Mattress – Birch Luxe

Best Online Mattress Video Review

Best Overall Online Mattress – Nectar

Expert Opinion

Our favorite online mattress is the Nectar, an all-foam mattress that utilizes a thick layer of gel memory foam, which we can feel forming around our body when we lie down on it. The all-foam construction gives us lots of cushioning at sensitive pressure points.

We definitely had to test pressure relief on the Nectar, as this is something memory foam mattresses are known for. Our pressure map test showed almost all blue in the back sleeping position, so for these folks it should be a great choice for shoulder pain, back pain, and hip pain. Side sleeping showed far more green on the map, so there’s a bit of pressure, but nothing that we think should disrupt those with joint pain or back pain.

What our tester says: “The Nectar has good motion isolation, so you shouldn’t feel your partner or pet moving around at night. I also found it to have contouring, responsive foams. I felt like they offered me nice sinkage and pressure relief, but they were faster moving than a lot of other foams and allowed me to move around freely on the bed.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

Customers certainly appreciate the company’s 365-night sleep trial, which allows folks ample time to decide whether or not the Nectar is the mattress for them. It’s standard for a company to have a 100-night trial, but a full year is rare, and very generous.

Pros of the Nectar

• Back sleepers and side sleepers should get the mixture of comfort and support that they need. While there’s lots of cushioning, the firmer foam toward the bottom of the bed prevents you from sinking too far into its layers.
• Those with hip and/or shoulder pain should be soothed by the Nectar’s soft foam.
• What separates the Nectar from some other memory foam mattresses out there is that it comes at a really affordable price. You can often find a queen for close to $1,000 before any discounts have been applied.

Cons of the Nectar

• Stomach sleepers may feel more comfortable on hybrid and innerspring mattresses.

The Nectar has a 365-night trial and lifetime warranty.

Learn more in our full Nectar mattress review. You can also click here to get the best deal, or check out our best mattresses page to find the perfect mattress for you.

Best Hybrid Mattress – Helix Midnight

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 our favorites is the Helix Midnight, which has a medium-firm feel that may appeal to a wide variety of sleepers.

We tested the Helix Midnight’s edge support, or perimeter strength, by sitting and lying down on its edges. Edge support not only shows us you should be able to spread out across a mattress’s surface, but it’s also an indicator of durability. We felt secure while sitting at the edge of the Helix Midnight, and determined that it has some great edge support.

What our tester says: “I think the Helix Midnight is a nice fit for combination sleepers. The mattress is bouncy, making it easy for you to roll over or switch positions at night without worrying that you’ll get ‘stuck’” in the bed.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

Many shoppers used Helix’s 30-second Sleep Quiz to choose the Helix Midnight, and reported that it was a good match for their needs.

Pros of the Helix Midnight

• Back sleepers tend to be comfortable on a medium-firm mattress that treats them to equal amounts of comfort and support.
• We gave the Helix Midnight a 6 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, which is close to medium firm, but soft enough to give side sleepers pressure some relief at their shoulders and hips.
• The Helix Midnight isolates motion well, so it could be a great choice for couples. During sleep, you’re less likely to feel disturbed by a restless partner on this high-quality mattress, and you shouldn’t have trouble moving around during sex either.

Cons of the Helix Midnight

• If you sleep on your stomach or have a larger body type, you’ll probably want to seek out a firmer and more supportive mattress.

The Helix Midnight has a 100-night sleep trial and a 10- to 15-year warranty.

Learn more in our full Helix Midnight mattress review. You can also click here to get the best deal, or check out our best hybrid mattress page for more options.

Best Mattress for the Money – DreamCloud

Expert Opinion

If you’re looking for a great value mattress, we’d highly recommend giving the DreamCloud a try. When testing it out, we 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.

We test many mattress qualities in our mattress lab, and one of the most important ones is pressure relief. Our pressure map test uses body heat to tell us which areas of the mattress we’re putting the most pressure on when we lay down on it. On the map’s graphic, red, orange, and yellow indicate higher pressure while green and blue indicate lower pressure. In the case of the DreamCloud, we found almost entirely blue (low pressure) on our pressure map while back sleeping. While side sleeping, we found a bit of green at the shoulder, and even more pressure at the hip, indicated by yellow. Those with shoulder pain should be comfortable, but side sleepers should be careful with this mattress if they have hip pain.

What our tester says: “I think the DreamCloud is a super durable, luxurious mattress. I felt so cozily supported while back sleeping and had plenty of pressure relief around my [lower back]. I also think the DreamCloud has some great features for couples.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

Shoppers comment on the plushness of the DreamCloud’s comfort layer, saying that it contours to the body nicely.

Pros of the DreamCloud

• Because the standard DreamCloud mattress is a bit on the firmer side, it’s a solid choice for back sleepers who like a supportive bed to keep their spine neutrally aligned.
• The springs create a lot of responsiveness, making it easy for combination sleepers to switch positions.
• The gel promotes cooling, as do the coils, which leave lots of space for air to flow through the mattress. These features help cool down two bodies as opposed to just one. Pair that with strong edge support and if you’ve got one of the best mattresses for couples. 

Cons of the DreamCloud

• The DreamCloud only comes in one firmness, and it’s probably a little bit too firm and bouncy for side sleepers, who tend to like more pressure relief.

The DreamCloud has a 365-night trial and lifetime warranty.

Learn more in our full DreamCloud mattress review. You can also click here to get our best deal, or check out our best mattresses for the money page to find the perfect mattress for you.

Best Mattress for Muscle Recovery – Bear Elite Hybrid

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 cover on the Bear Elite Hybrid is made up of Celliant fiber, 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.

From testing, we can confirm Celliant’s cooling powers; the cover should help keep body heat at bay. We also felt the Elite Hybrid had a very high-quality, plush feel overall that would be ideal for winding down on after a long day.

What our tester says: “I tested out the middle level (Medium) and I think it’s great that each sleeper can pick what option works best for them. That being said, I thought the Medium worked great for both back and side sleeping. It’s also responsive enough to move around on easily and super cooling for my fellow hot sleepers out there.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

Combination sleepers note that the Bear Elite Hybrid makes it comfortable to switch sleeping positions throughout the night.

Pros of the Bear Elite Hybrid

• There are three different firmness options for a variety of sleeping positions and body types: Soft, Medium, and Firm.
• The Bear Elite Hybrid has excellent motion isolation, is responsive enough for sex, and very cooling. All of these factors make it a great mattress for couples.
• With a cooling Celliant cover, copper-infused memory foam, and breathable coils, the Bear Elite Hybrid is a fantastic option for hot sleepers.

Cons of the Bear Elite Hybrid

• The Bear Elite Hybrid comes at a fairly steep price tag, so if you’re on a strict budget, you may want to opt for another pick on this list.

The Bear Elite Hybrid has a 120-night trial period and a lifetime warranty. 

Think this mattress could be right for you? Check our full Bear Elite Hybrid review here or click here to get our best deal. You can also peruse other options for the best mattresses for athletes.

Best Mattress for Side Sleepers – Nolah

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.

The pressure map test was extremely helpful in verifying whether or not the Nolah is a good mattress for side sleeping. We found just a bit of yellow at the shoulder and hip, so it should be comfortable for most side sleepers. However, those with intense shoulder or hip pain might need to add a plush mattress topper or simply shop for a softer mattress.

What our tester says: “In general, I’d say back and side sleepers could especially enjoy this mattress. I also really appreciated the cooling technology and motion isolation the Nolah offered. Together, I think these features make the Nolah a really great option for couples.” – Madison Schaper, former Sleepopolis staff writer and mattress tester.

What Customers Say

Many customer reviews comment on the Nolah’s ability to help relieve back and joint pain.

Pros of the Nolah

• Even though the Nolah is plush enough for side sleepers, back sleepers may also get the support they need to maintain a neutral spinal alignment.
• Sometimes, sinking deeply into a bed can lead to overheating. But the Nolah helps defend against trapped heat with its proprietary AirFoam, a memory foam substitute that’s a bit more breathable than conventional foam. It also has a breathable cover made from a mixture of polyester and viscose.
• We score a mattress’ motion transfer by dropping a steel ball on its surface and measuring the vibrations with a seismometer. The Nolah showed low movement, which means couples are more likely to sleep soundly without waking each other up. 

Cons the Nolah

• Even though the Nolah has a firmer poly foam base layer to keep you from feeling too “stuck” in bed, the mattress probably isn’t responsive enough for combination sleepers to change positions.

The Nolah has a 120-night trial and lifetime warranty.

Learn more in our full Nolah mattress review. Click here to get the best deal, or check out our best mattresses for side sleepers page to find the perfect mattress for you.

Best Innerspring Mattress – Saatva

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.

When initially testing it out, we found that the Saatva — though technically a hybrid — has the firm, bouncy feel typical of classic innerspring mattresses. It comes in three different firmness levels, so most sleepers should be able to find a model that works for them. We highly recommend checking it out if you’re looking for a classic innerspring feel, but don’t want to deal with the hassle of buying a mattress in person.

What our tester says: “The Saatva Classic is a bouncy, high-quality mattress with durability and great edge support. I appreciate how it comes in three different firmness levels and two different heights, so sleepers can choose the model that works best for their needs.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

A large number of the reviews praise Saatva’s delivery and customer service. One of Saatva’s biggest strengths as a company is its White Glove Delivery. So, they’ll not only set up your new mattress but also remove your old one.

Pros of the Saatva

• Because of its firmness options, mattress should be a solid choice for most body types and sleeping positions. We recommend that side sleepers choose the Plush Soft, back sleepers go for the Luxury Firm, and stomach sleepers opt for the Firm.
• The bounciness of the Saatva makes it a great fit for combination sleepers who like to switch positions at night. 
• The Saatva has two layers of coils, which means there’s an exceptional amount of room for air to flow through the mattress and help it sleep cool.

Cons of the Saatva

• The Saatva tends to be pretty expensive, so if you’re on a budget, you may want to consider how much you can comfortably spend before purchasing.

The Saatva has a 180-night trial and 15-year warranty.

Learn more in our full Saatva mattress review. You can also click here to get the best deal or check out our best innerspring mattresses page to find the perfect mattress for you.

Best Cooling Mattress – Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe

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 we lie down on it, truly feels and stays cool to the touch.

There’s also a comfort foam layer that features a copper infusion to help dissipate body heat, and a latex-like alternative foam (dubbed TitanFlex foam) with natural cooling properties. These foams all sit on breathable pocketed coil support layer that creates additional airflow.

What our tester says: “Even some of the best soft mattresses tend to sleep a little hot because of the snuggly foams they use. The Aurora Luxe really solves this problem with Phase Change Material and breathable pocketed coils. So hot sleepers who enjoy a soft feel should definitely check it out.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

Several reviews say that sleeping on the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe’s comfort layer is akin to sleeping on a cloud.

Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe

• The Aurora Luxe has a soft feel and pressure-relieving design that can help side sleepers not feel so much pressure at the shoulders or hips.
• The mattress comes in three different firmnesses: Soft, Medium, and Firm. Back sleepers will likely be most comfortable on the Medium.
• Anyone who sleeps with a partner might appreciate the bed’s cooling capabilities and the responsiveness it gets from the coils. The latter trait makes the Aurora Luxe a good mattress for sex.

Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe

• While heavy side sleepers might get the pressure relief they need on the Firm model, many sleepers over 250 pounds won’t get the firmness and support they need from the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe.

The Brooklyn Aurora Luxe has a 120-night trial and 10-year warranty.

Could the Aurora keep you sleeping cool? Learn more in our full Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress review or check out our cooling mattresses page to find the perfect mattress for you. You can also click here for our best deal.

Best Pillow Top Mattress – WinkBed

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. 

We put this pillow top mattress’s plush abilities to the test with our pressure map. On the Luxury Firm version of the WinkBed, we saw very little pressure forming while back sleeping. While on our side, we saw a slight buildup of pressure (indicated in green on the map) at the shoulder and hip, so it may not be the best option for super sensitive joints.

What our tester says: “One of my favorite things about the WinkBed is its durability. This is a high-quality mattress that should really stand the test of time. I also really like the bouncy support this mattress offers. It should be a hit with combination sleepers” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

Those who purchased the Luxury Firm model really appreciate its balanced feel, giving both comfort and support.

Pros of the WinkBed

• The WinkBed is offered in three different firmness levels, so many sleeping positions can find a model that works for them. Additionally, there’s the WinkBed Plus, designed for sleepers over 250 pounds.
• Combination sleepers who frequently change positions may be comfortable on any of the models, depending on their firmness preference, but the Luxury Firm is typically the most universally comfortable.
• This bed does a good job of sleeping cool, thanks to a breathable Tencel cover and cooling gel-infused foams in its pillow top.

Cons of the WinkBed

• The WinkBed is bouncy, responsive, and supportive. If you love memory foam and are after a soft, slow-sinking feel, you may want to choose a different mattress.

The WinkBed has a 120-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty.

Could the WinkBed whisk you off to dreamland? Find out in our full WinkBeds mattress review or check out our pillow top mattresses page to find the perfect mattress for you. You can also click here to get our best deal.

Best Mattress for Heavy Sleepers – Titan Plus

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.

We had a colleague with a larger body type test it out, and he found the mattress’ extra-tall layer of coils to be sufficiently supportive, while at the same time getting some pressure relief from a stretch of quilted memory foam on top. 

What our tester says: “The materials under the Titan Plus’ hood are sturdy and durable. You [may] get just the right amount of cozy mobility on top while also getting support. Couples will also find a lot to love with the Titan Plus because of its motion isolation and edge support.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

Heavier couples seem to really love the level of support the Titan Plus provides.

Pros of the Titan Plus

• For back sleepers, balance of pressure relief and support can help keep with neutral spine alignment.
• The coils work to keep stomach sleepers’ hips elevated and in line with their shoulders, which is key to stomach sleepers preventing back strain.
• A comfort layer of responsive TitanFlex foam makes it easier for heavy combination sleepers to move around and change positions.

Cons of the Titan Plus

• The one sleeping position we probably wouldn’t recommend the Titan Plus for is side sleeping. Even heavy side sleepers may need a softer bed with more contouring.

The Titan Plus has a 120-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

Learn more in our full Titan Plus mattress review. You can also click here to get our best deal, or check out our best mattresses for heavy people page for more options.

Best Organic Mattress – Birch Luxe

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, we 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

What Customers Say

Reviewers show their appreciation for the Birch Luxe’s natural, organic construction.

Pros of the Birch Luxe

• Both back and stomach sleepers should get the firmness and support they need on the Birch Luxe. We gave it a 7 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale.
• Latex mattresses are usually responsive, and the Birch Luxe is no different. Its bounciness makes it easy for combination sleepers to switch positions.
• Hot sleepers should appreciate how cooling this mattress is. The Talalay latex in the relief layer is naturally cooling, the cotton cover is breathable, and the coils provide airflow.

Cons of the Birch Luxe

• Even with the added plushness, the Birch Luxe may not be soft enough for side sleepers.

The Birch Luxe comes with a 100-night trial and a 25-year warranty. 

Learn more in our full Birch Luxe mattress review. You can also click here to get our best deal, or if you’re still on the hunt, check out our roundup of the best organic mattresses.

Casper

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.

On our pressure map, we found little pressure at the hips while sleeping, telling us that the Casper should be a great mattress for back pain (particularly in the lumbar region).

What our tester says: “My favorite feature of this bed is its zoned support system, which really promotes healthy sleep posture. I’d highly recommend this bed to anyone with back pain. I also appreciate that the Casper sleeps cool and suits hot sleepers.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

Several of the reviewers are not first-time Casper shoppers, and say they’ll stick with the company because of the high quality and durability.

Who the Casper is Best for

• Back sleepers should find an optimal balance of support for their spine and pressure relief for their lumbar region.
• The Casper’s balanced feel might appeal to combination sleepers, who need to feel comfortable and supported in multiple positions. The Casper is also fairly responsive, so it’s easy to change positions.
• The construction has an open-celled foam that sleeps much cooler than traditional memory foam. For an all-foam bed, the Casper keeps a low temperature.

Who Should Avoid the Casper

• Due to its medium firmness, the Casper is probably going to be too soft for strict stomach sleepers and too firm for strict side sleepers.

The Casper has a 100-night trial and 10-year warranty.

Learn more in our full Casper mattress review. You can also click here to get the best deal.

Pros & Cons of Buying a Mattress Online

Though we’re partial to buying mattresses online here at Sleepopolis, 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. 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 set up, 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. 

How to Choose an Online Mattress

Alright, now you’ve got a sense of our 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 our how to choose a mattress guide for more in-depth tips.

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 an important factor to consider when choosing a mattress. You’ll want a highly supportive mattress to avoid premature sagging. If that sounds like you, We’d recommend taking a second look at the WinkBed above.

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.

Firmness Cheat Sheet

Here’s a quick look at what firmness generally works best for each sleep position and the main focus

• Side: Soft to medium-soft; pressure relief
• Back: Medium-firm; support
• Stomach: Firm; support and lift
• Combination: Medium-firm to firm; responsiveness

Motion Transfer

Motion transfer refers to how much movement is detectable from one side of a mattress on 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, tend to fall somewhere in the middle.

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 “give.” 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 make sure to prioritize support when choosing your mattress. Check out our top memory foam mattress reviews.

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 our 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.

Online Mattresses Need Time to Adjust

With a bed-in-a-box mattress, it doesn’t arrive ready to sleep on. Because the mattress was just compressed and squeezed into a box, it’s only fair that it needs a bit of time to adjust to a new environment.

Give your mattress 24 to 72 hours to fully decompress before sleeping on it. Putting it in a well-ventilated room will help get rid of the initial smell that sometimes accompanies these beds.

Types of Mattresses You Can Buy 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.

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.  

Air Mattress

Air mattresses are adjustable beds that use one or two chambers that fill with air. You can adjust these chambers manually or with a remote to give your mattress your desired firmness. Lots of air mattresses have a top layer of memory foam or latex foam to add some pressure relief. The benefit of these beds is that their firmness level can be tailored to your specific sleep needs. Sleep Number mattresses are examples of adjustable air mattresses.

What’s the Point of an Air Mattress?

You can never go wrong with having an air mattress on hand. These portable inflatable mattresses are perfect for sleeping on the go. You can bring them camping, use them for guests, and even bring them to hotels for extra sleepers.

How to Vet an Online Mattress Company

When buying an online mattress, you’ll want to make sure you buy from a reputable company. The easy way to do that is to choose a well-known brand (or any of the brands we’ve reviewed). But if you’re buying from a newer company, you’ll want to consider the following.

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 prior to purchasing to make sure they’re responsive and to clarify the mattress’ 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; others charge a delivery fee. Some offer 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.

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 our 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.

We Have You Covered

Sometimes, it can be tricky to figure out if an online retailer is legit or a scam. Lucky for you, you found Sleepopolis. Online mattress retailers are our specialty and we likely have reviews and roundups for whatever online retailer you’re interested in.

Is it Better to Buy a Mattress Online?

This really depends on your preferences. For a full comparison, check out our in store vs. online mattress buying guide. As a general rule, we tend to recommend buying online because (as we mentioned above) you’re likely to save more money. Mattresses are quite an investment, so getting the best deal possible is usually a priority for shoppers. If you do decide to buy online, check out our mattress coupons and promo codes to get an even better deal.

If you’re a fan of convenience and are looking for a budget-friendly mattress option, We’d recommend checking out one of our best Amazon mattresses.

FAQs

What is the best online mattress?

While the true “best” mattress differs with each person, we’d like to argue that the DreamCloud is the best overall. This affordable luxury option is made with durable, high-quality materials and offers a generous warranty and trial.

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. 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.

Is it better to buy a mattress online or in a store?

It truly depends on the person, but at Sleepopolis we’re huge proponents 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, and also there’s a much wider range of beds to browse online.

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. Keep in mind that you might have to pay for shipping, and more money if you want to have the mattress set up in your home.

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 2023

Mattress
Best For
Price (Queen)
Coupon
Review




Nectar
Overall
$1,049
Nectar Coupon
Read Our Review


Helix Midnight
Hybrid
$1,199
Helix Coupon
Read Our Review


DreamCloud
For the Money
$1,199
DreamCloud Coupon
Read Our Review


Bear Elite Hybrid
Muscle Recovery
$2,111
Bear Coupon
Read Our Review


Nolah
Side Sleepers
$1,373
Nolah Coupon
Read Our Review


Saatva
Innerspring
$1,995
Saatva Coupon
Read Our Review


Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
Cooling
$1,865
Brooklyn Bedding Coupon
Read Our Review


WinkBeds
Pillow Top
$1,799
WinkBed Coupon
Read Our Review


Titan Plus
Heavy Sleepers
$1,249
Titan Coupon
Read Our Review


Birch Luxe
Organic
$3,123
Helix Coupon
Read Our Review

Bridget Chapman

Senior Product Editor

About Author

Bridget is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and senior editor here at Sleepopolis. From testing mattresses to writing about various sleep health topics, her goal is to help you get a good night’s sleep. You can also find her in videos on our YouTube channel. Bridget graduated magna cum laude from San Diego State University with a degree in journalism and a minor in English. Before joining the Sleepopolis team, she was a TV news reporter and worked in cities across the country. She loves spending time outdoors, checking out new restaurants, snuggling with her pets, and of course — getting some quality Zzz’s.

Combination Sleeper