Best Mattresses You Can Buy Online in 2024

What is an Online Mattress? 

Online mattresses are mattresses that can be purchased from a website and delivered to your home. Many of these beds will come compressed and rolled into a box, but others are hand-delivered and professionally installed. 

Unlike mattresses that are purchased from brick-and-mortar stores, you will not have a chance to try an online mattress out beforehand. However, many of them come with generous trial periods and free return policies. 

How to Choose a Mattress Online

When choosing a mattress online, you’ll need to consider the type of mattress you think you would like best and see how it rates for your body type and preferred sleep position. You will also need to determine your budget, your desired size, as well as other factors that may be important to you. Most reputable online mattress companies have dedicated customer service representatives who are available by online chat or phone if you have questions during the process. 

Need help? Check out our guide for buying a mattress online.

Type of Mattress 

Innerspring Mattresses 

Innerspring mattresses are the oldest and most traditional type. These beds contain interconnected coils with a thin comfort layer above. Innerspring beds are great for support, responsiveness, and cooling, but they aren’t as ideal for pressure relief.

Hybrid Mattresses 

 Hybrid mattresses are an innovative design that blends the best of innerspring and foam into one product. These beds typically contain individually wrapped coils with several foam layers above, though some may feature foam below the coils as well. The foam in hybrids can include memory foam, poly foam, latex, or a mix of them. 

Hybrids offer the great support of coils while keeping the cushioning and pressure relief of foam.

Memory Foam Mattresses 

Memory foam mattresses are typically all-foam beds that have memory foam in the comfort layer and a poly foam base. Memory foam is a popular mattress style because it’s great at relieving pressure. It’s a great option for motion isolation as well, which means it’s adept at keeping a co-sleeper’s movements isolated to one side of the mattress.

Latex Mattresses 

Latex is a naturally cooler material that’s highly responsive for easier repositioning. These beds may be made with firm Dunlop latex or softer Talalay latex. 

Though natural latex is an eco-friendly material, some brands use synthetic latex to bring the price of the bed down. Latex beds are great for their long-lasting durability.

Other Considerations When Shopping for an Online Mattress

Sleeping Position 

Back sleepers like to lie on a uniform surface that distributes their weight evenly and supports both their shoulders and hips. A bed that fills the gap between the shoulders and hips without overarching the sleeper’s spine is a solid sign of an excellent bed for back sleepers.

Side sleepers love a bed that can relieve pressure that accumulates in the hips and shoulders. This is the key reason why people who prefer side sleeping look for conforming materials that melt away pressure and are not overly firm.

Shoppers who sleep on their stomachs should be on the lookout for a bed that can adequately support their hips. A bed with weak support in this area could cause the sleeper’s hips to not be level with their shoulders, and when this happens, it could cause their back to fall out of alignment overnight.

Combination sleepers should search for a bed with good responsiveness that can help them move around. Finding a comfortable and supportive medium feel that typically fits most sleeping positions and body types will also help. 

Weight/Body Type of Sleepers 

Not only do you want to make sure that your mattress supports your weight, but you also want to know how the firmness and materials interact with your body type. 

Many people will want medium-firm beds that are neither too hard nor too soft. However, if you’re heavier, you may find a firmer mattress better at supporting your weight, whereas very petite sleepers often appreciate softer beds they are more likely to sink into a bit more for pressure relief. 

If you weigh more than 250 pounds, you may prefer a mattress specifically designed for heavyweight people. 

Firmness

Even though how firm or soft you like a bed is largely dependent on personal choice, it should be noted that different firmness levels work better for certain body types and sleep positions. 

Lightweight people are more likely to benefit from a softer mattress that cradles them and prevents pressure from building up around their joints. Conversely, heavier people are served well by firmer beds that provide them with substantial support. 

A medium-firm feel is highly versatile and works for most sleepers since it is neither too hard nor too soft. These can be a good choice for couples who may have different firmness desires. 

Cooling 

A cooling mattress can be highly beneficial when it comes to getting quality sleep. Memory foam, which was the first popular online mattress, has a tendency to trap heat, though many manufacturers have taken note of this and are now infusing their memory foam mattresses with cooling gels or implementing other technologies to keep sleepers from overheating. 

Latex is also a popular online mattress choice and is a naturally temperature-neutral material. Additionally, innerspring and hybrid models usually sleep cooler because the coils provide extra airflow.

If you sleep very hot, though, we recommend a mattress specially marketed for cooling because they typically have more advanced cooling mechanisms. 

Motion Isolation 

Couples and other co-sleepers can benefit from beds with good motion isolation. This means that a mattress absorbs the movements made by one bedmate so that the motion doesn’t disturb the other. Beds with little motion transfer can help both partners sleep peacefully through the night. 

The best beds for this will be memory foam mattresses and hybrid mattresses containing memory foam and individually wrapped coils.

Sex

Responsive and bouncy online beds can be excellent choices for sexually active couples. Latex beds are very responsive and quickly snap to their original shape, which helps prevent people from feeling stuck when they are trying to move and reposition. Innerspring and hybrid mattresses can also be good for intimacy because the coils allow these beds to be more quick-responding. 

Pressure Relief 

Online mattresses that provide pressure relief can ease aches and pains for improved sleep. The type of bed that will offer the most optimal pressure relief for you will be largely dependent on your sleep position and body weight. However, mattresses containing latex and memory foam, combined with a balanced feel of cushioning and support are often great for this.

Edge Support

If your online mattress has good edge support, that means you can utilize the bed’s entire surface If the edge of your bed sags, it can make it harder to get in and out of bed, and you won’t be able to spread out comfortably if you sleep with a partner. Firmer foam or stronger coils along the perimeter are typically used to deliver solid edge support. 

Budget 

The prices of online beds vary greatly. Some brands may sell beds under 500 dollars while others are above 2,000 and everywhere in between. Different factors will influence the price of a mattress, the first being the size; the larger the mattress size, the higher the price.

The quality of the materials will also factor into how much a bed costs. Higher-quality, durable materials help ensure the bed performs well and lasts as long as possible. Third, the mattress’ design will affect the price. There are all types of mattresses available, but certain beds will go for a higher price than others. Innerspring and foam mattresses are typically the cheapest, whereas latex and hybrid beds will cost more. Each bed type has its advantages, though, so rather than just focusing on the price, you should also consider what will work best with your needs. 

Last, special features like cooling mechanisms or zoned support could raise the cost of a bed. These features are designed to help promote optimal comfort, and for some people, could make a big difference in their quality of sleep.

A cheaper mattress may have a more appealing upfront price, but if it’s made with low-quality materials that don’t work for your needs, you may find the bed doesn’t last long and won’t provide quality comfort. 

Trial Period

Most online mattress companies offer a trial period that is long enough to allow customers to try out their products and not feel rushed. These trials typically run anywhere between 90 days to an entire year. Each brand varies in length and their return policy, with some requiring that you keep the mattress for at least 30 days before you’re allowed to return it. For the most part, though, these companies want their customers to find a bed that works for them.

Want to learn more? Check out our guide on Mattress Trial Periods.

Warranty

As with trials, warranties vary depending on which company the customer is shopping with. These usually last for about 10 years, but some companies offer a lifetime warranty on their products. 

Additionally, certain brands will recommend specific foundations for their mattress and may void a warranty if you don’t use this specific type of foundation. In order to prevent any warranty issues, thoroughly read the fine print to make sure you’re covered.

White Glove Delivery vs. Bed-in-a-Box

White glove delivery is when a team of professional movers brings your new mattress into your home and removes the old mattress. This is highly convenient if you live alone and can’t physically carry a heavy mattress by yourself. Many online brands now offer white glove delivery but for an additional fee, which is usually around 150 dollars. However, some brands, like Saatva, include a complimentary white glove delivery service with a mattress purchase.

Bed-in-a-box delivery is typically done through a ground shipping service and arrives in a box. These products are constructed with materials that have been made to compress so they can be vacuum sealed into their packaging. The downside to bed-in-a-box delivery is that the combination of certain foams in the mattress and vacuum sealing can lead to off-gassing, which is when the mattress exhibits a distinct odor. Though harmless, off-gassing may be bothersome for those sensitive to smells and usually takes a day or two to dissipate. Additionally, because these beds are compressed, you may have to wait several days before they reach their full size for sleeping.

Pros and Cons of Online Mattress Shopping

If you’re new to online mattress shopping, you’ll need to gain a clear understanding of the pros and cons that come with it. This will help you decide whether you should purchase your bed online or in a traditional brick-and-mortar store.

Pros of Buying a Mattress Online

• Lower prices – Online mattresses typically have lower price points because there’s no middleman involved. Instead, the company sells directly to the shopper.
• Convenient – Buying online is highly convenient. Rather than getting into your car and driving to a store, you can buy a new bed from the comfort of your home. Furthermore, the mattress ships directly to you, so there’s no travel necessary. Check out our best mattresses for 2024 here.
• No salespeople – If you’re uncomfortable with the idea of an overeager salesperson trying to sell you a bed, you won’t have to worry about this while online shopping.
• Test out the bed at home – Most online brands offer generous trial periods so you can test out your new mattress at home, actually sleeping overnight on it. This gives you plenty of time to see if it meets your expectations.

Cons of Buying a Mattress Online

• Can’t try out the bed before buying – Unfortunately, when you shop online, you can’t see and feel the bed in person before paying for it. This is typically considered the biggest drawback to buying a bed online.
• No in-person customer service – While some people prefer to not deal with salespeople, others may appreciate having someone they can have answer their questions as they shop. However, online brands usually have a chat representative, as well as email and phone contact information, so if you have any questions, there are options.
• May be difficult to return – Returning a mattress you bought online may not always be easy. Every company is different with their return process, so we recommend doing your research on what they require before making a purchase.

Best Online Mattress FAQs

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

Buying a mattress online or in a store is largely dependent on your personal preferences. Online mattress shopping is very convenient, and in some cases, much less expensive. However, unlike those bought in a store, you can’t try the bed before you purchase it.

Online mattresses are often delivered compressed and rolled into a box, which can make them easier to transport to your bedroom. Conversely, in-store mattresses are often purchased or delivered full-size, which can make them cumbersome to maneuver in your home. 

What is the best mattress to buy online?

There are many high-quality online mattresses that are manufactured by reputable companies. Different mattresses are beneficial for different people. Therefore, the best mattress to buy online will meet your unique needs while also being a product of good quality and value.

Which online mattress stores are the best?

Brands that use their online storefronts with representatives are generally the most reliable. The option to chat with a customer service agent can go a long way and help lead you to the online mattress that best fits your needs. This allows you to ask questions in real time and get the answers you need to make an informed purchase.

Are online mattresses any good?

Yes, online mattresses can provide a great sleeping experience. The benefit of online shopping is that you have so many choices because you have access to hundreds of different brands and models. Whether you’re looking for an eco-friendly latex mattress or a fantastic pressure-relieving memory foam option, you’ll be able to find something that works for you. 

Furthermore, the quality of online mattresses can be just as good as in-store options, with many top companies moving to the direct-to-consumer sales model.

Is it cheaper to buy a mattress online?

Yes, it is cheaper to buy a mattress online. Without having to go through a retailer, companies can cut overhead costs, which leads to cheaper prices for consumers. Online shopping is also great for access to special holiday deals throughout the year, which means extra savings on top-of-the-line beds.