Written by Jill Zwarensteyn, Editor
You’re ready to invest in a new mattress. Whether you’ve been researching for hours (maybe even days) or you just started, most people end up asking this question: Where’s the best place (online or otherwise) to buy a mattress?
Mattresses can be bought online or in a brick and mortar store, and there are benefits to both. Of course, buying mattresses in-store has been around longer, and for many, this may be what you’re accustomed to. However, there are perks to purchasing online that you may not realize, including extra savings. In this article, we’ll review the pros and cons of different places where you can buy a new bed.
Not sure where to start? Read our comprehensive mattress buyer’s guide (updated for 2024). The guide makes it easy to find the perfect bed for your needs.
Did you know?
Shopping for a mattress online vs. in-store can save you thousands of dollars and a lot of time. Check out our best online mattresses to learn more.
Online Mattress Stores
Company Direct Online
Buying online has changed the mattress industry, and for consumers, we feel this is for the better. Rather than paying for added costs that can accumulate from buying through a store, purchasing directly from the mattress brand could save you money with lower price tags. You can also get straight to the facts about a mattress, rather than having to sit through any pushy sales pitches.
While shopping online might be great, the main downside is that there is no way for you actually to feel the mattress. However, online or mail-order mattress brands make up for this through generous trial periods, anywhere from 100 days to a full year. This may be considered a perk, though, since you can actually sleep on the bed at home to get a better understanding of how it performs.
While some people may love not having to deal with overzealous salespeople, others may prefer having someone to answer their questions in-person. Online brands provide ways for you to contact the company, either through email, phone, or an online chat representative.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Lower prices | • Can’t feel the mattress |
| • No sales pitches | • Can’t speak with someone in-person |
| • Generous trial periods | • May have difficulty returning item |
Amazon Marketplace
Marketplaces are usually online websites designated to sell a range of different products. Amazon is the biggest one of them. Many companies sell through Amazon, in addition to their official websites, mattress brands included. However, some brands primarily sell through sites like Amazon.
However, some of these brands selling through Amazon may not offer very comprehensive warranties or advantageous sleep trial periods. This is something that you need to account for because buying one without trying it out could be quite challenging.
Purchasing through sites like Amazon could save you money and it’s convenient since they ship directly to you. However, it’s important to do your due diligence when it comes to product research. The reviews on these sites may not always be as reliable, so we encourage you to look through reviews on sites like Sleep Advisor to gain a better understanding of what you can expect from the product.
Check Out Our Guide: Top Rated Mattresses On Amazon
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Lower costs | • Shorter warranty and trial periods |
| • Direct shipping | • Can’t try them out in-person |
| • Access to more products | • Reviews may not be as reliable |
Best Places to Buy a Mattress In-Store
Speciality Stores
Specialty mattress stores tend to come with an online presence, but they are primarily an established brick and mortar venue. The main thing to consider here is that the price is going to be higher because the owner needs to buy or rent the space, maintain it, and pay the employees working there. Examples of a specialty store would be Mattress Firm, Ortho Mattress, and Sit ‘n Sleep.
There are a lot of merits to these stores, though, because you get to try the mattress that you are about to purchase, reducing the return rate and the expenses associated with it.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Online or in-store availability | • Higher price |
| • Can try out the bed in-person | • Have to commute to the store |
| • Lower return rate | • Salespeople |
Showrooms
The majority of the online brands don’t have showrooms since they are expensive to maintain. However, there are some showrooms sprinkled throughout the country, providing a convenient way for shoppers to try out online brands’ most popular models in-person. One example of this is Saatva, a well-known luxury brand with a showroom located in New York City.
There is usually a variety of different brands in a showroom, unless it is a showroom of a particular company. Unfortunately, the downside to showrooms is that the price will be a bit elevated, mainly due to the same reasons mentioned above with other in-person shopping options. Furthermore, unless you live near a showroom, they may be harder to get to, which won’t convenient for most shoppers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Test out the bed in-person | • Higher price |
| • Some have multiple brands | • Limited locations |
| • People on-hand to help you | • Commuting to the store |
Department Stores
Department stores includes establishments like Sears, JCPenney, and Macy’s. These stores do not specialize in selling just one product but rather a variety of items. Normally, these department stores will have a separated area dedicated to selling mattresses.
If you are visiting department stores frequently, you need to make sure that you grab the full value of your visitations. You may find it convenient for you to do your regular shopping and then check out the mattress section to pick one.
Department stores have friendly sales staff, and you could quickly finance the purchase. There are some disadvantages, though; those stores might only sell a few different brands, and the choice is limited by the physical space available.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Can speak with salespeople directly | • Limited space available |
| • Convenient for shopping | • Not as many brands or products |
| • More locations | • Staff may not be as informed about the mattresses |
Furniture Stores
Furniture stores offer another option for shoppers seeking a new mattress. Of course, one of the most convenient qualities to furniture stores is that you could simultaneously look at bed foundations and bases while mattress shopping. Ashley Furniture is an example of a well-known furniture store that also sells mattresses.
While the upside to shopping in furniture stores is being able to speak with salespeople directly, some people may not prefer this if they feel the salespeople are just eager to make a sale. The advantage to furniture stores is that they may sell their own brand of mattresses as well as other popular brands you may recognize from other stores or online. Furthermore, furniture stores can offer both a brick-and-mortar and online shopping experience, depending on your preference.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Online and in-store shopping | • Commuting to the store |
| • Access to other bed products | • Over-eager sales pitches |
| • In-person help | • Higher price |
Where To Buy A Good Mattress From
Shop Online If You Want:
- A greater mattress selection – no matter what type of mattress you’re looking for, you’ll be able to find it online. Most online mattress brands offer innerspring mattresses, hybrid mattresses, memory foam, and latex mattresses. Shopping online truly allows you to discover the best mattress for you.
- To shop from home – if that’s what you want and you don’t feel like going through the crowded department store or any other brick and mortar venue, the internet is the most excellent place for you.
- The best price – online prices are usually a lot more affordable because they often cut off the middleman. Additionally, there are fewer expenses to consider when you are selling something online, and this allows a lot more flexibility when it comes to pricing. If you wait for holidays like the after-Thanksgiving sale Cyber Monday or Black Friday to buy a mattress, the savings can be even greater.A greater mattress selection –
Need help? Here’s how to buy a bed online.
Shop In-Store If You Want:
- To try before you buy – this is the most obvious benefit of conventional shopping. A mattress is an item that you likely want to feel before you purchase one, and regular retail stores provide you with this chance. This is the main reason for which the return rate is virtually non-existent.
- If you are not concerned with the price – if you want to go out and pick up a mattress tailored for you with less concerns about cost, this is the thing to do. While it may take you more time, you would be able to make a quick and decisive choice once you found the one.
5 Great Online Mattress Companies
Here are five great mattress brands to consider.
1. DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid
DreamCloud is a brand known for providing luxury at a competitive price. Their DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid is the perfect blend of premium layers with an emphasis on pressure relief, cooling, and support. The bed’s cashmere-blend cover should provide plenty of soft comfort while adding to the bed’s luxurious look and design.
Check out the DreamCloud pricing and availability or Read our full review
2. Nectar Original
The Nectar brand focuses on quality memory foam beds, and with the addition of their new hybrid models, they have something for everyone. Perhaps most popular, though, is their flagship model, the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress. This bed’s medium-firm feel combined with quality memory foam and poly foam layers should provide comfortable sleep to many individuals and couples.
Check out the Nectar pricing and availability or Read our full review
3. Helix Midnight
Helix Sleep aims to help sleepers find their perfect mattress with their sleep quiz. However, their popular Midnight model is a great place to start. This hybrid mattress features a versatile medium-firm feel, premium foams, and durable individually wrapped coils. Sleeping on top of the Helix Midnight, you should experience cozy pressure relief and sturdy support for healthy sleep.
Check out the Helix pricing and availability or Read our full review
4. Saatva Classic
Saatva is an online brand well-known for its top-quality innerspring beds. Their Classic model features excellent customization through different height and firmness options, allowing this mattress to complement a wide variety of sleepers.
Check out the Saatva pricing and availability or Read our full review
5. Nolah Natural
The Nolah brand offers shoppers a variety of mattress styles, but for the eco-conscious shopper, their Nolah Natural bed is a fantastic find. This eco-friendly latex hybrid features numerous certifications including OEKO-TEX 100 Class 1, eco-INSTITUT, Rainforest Alliance, Cradle to Cradle, and GOTS. As a result, you should feel secure knowing your bed is not only good for you but for the planet.
Check out the Nolah pricing and availability or Read our full review
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| DreamCloud Premier Mattress | Nectar Mattress | Helix Midnight Mattress | Saatva Mattress | Nolah Natural Mattress | |
| Rating | |||||
| Firmness | Soft: 5.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Soft: 6/10 | Multiple firmness options | Soft: 6/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Innerspring | Latex |
| Cooling |
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| Warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | 10-year warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty |
| Shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free white glove delivery | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 365 nights | 365 nights | 100 nights | 365 nights | 120 Nights |
| Best For | Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain, Joint Pain | Couples, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Back Pain |
Which One is Right For You?
There is no right answer to this question; everyone has different needs and concerns. With this said, some people who are overweight would require a firmer mattress to prevent any sinkage and spinal misalignment.
On the other hand, those of you who are lightweight might want something a bit softer. Side sleepers, stomach sleepers, and back sleepers all have their preferences. The ultimate answer to the question would be to find a mattress which is comfortable for you and your partner to maintain a comfortable night’s sleep.
Looking for more information? Check out our guide on How to Choose a Mattress.
Conclusion
There are different qualities that you would have to take into account when determining the best place to purchase a new mattress. However, we stick with the claim that direct online stores are the best places to buy budget beds as you wouldn’t have to pay significant middleman overhead in a traditional store.
However, if you prefer to try out the mattress before paying, it’s best to go into a regular store and find the unit that’s made for you.
Jill Zwarensteyn
Editor
About Author
Jill Zwarensteyn is the Editor for Sleep Advisor and a Certified Sleep Science Coach. She is enthusiastic about providing helpful and engaging information on all things sleep and wellness.
Combination Sleeper