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Best Online Mattress: Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Best Online Mattress: Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Mattress Guides
Read Time: < 1 minute

Online mattress brands have changed the way people learn about and shop for beds. Before, mattress shopping consisted of driving store to store, testing beds, and dodging salesmen pushing to sell you the “most comfortable mattress on the market today.” Now, people can shop pressure-free from the comfort of their couch.

However, online shopping for mattresses does have its pros and cons. When you do a Google search for “best online mattress” it brings up dozens of mattress brands and models to read about and consider— so how can you tell which bed is the best for you without trying it first? In this guide, we’ll discuss how to find the best online mattress and what to consider before clicking purchase.

30 Second Summary: Best Online Mattress

  • Amerisleep AS3 — The Editors’ at Sleep Junkie recommend Amerisleep’s AS3 as the best online mattress. The AS3 features plant-based memory foam and state-of-the-art zoned support technology to deliver healthier, more restorative sleep. Plus, they offer one of the most generous warranties in the industry, protecting your mattress from damage for 20 years.
  • Zoma Mattress — The Zoma Mattress is designed to help you get deeper sleep to recover faster and perform better. Originally engineered for athletes, Zoma is ideal for those who live an active lifestyle or people who experience frequent pains.

Best Online Mattresses

 MattressHighlightsPrice
amerisleep as2Amerisleep AS3Features pressure-relieving, plant-based memory foam and advanced zoned support technologies to eliminate back pain.
$1399Buy Now
zomaZoma MattressDesigned to help athletes sleeper better and recover quicker; features state-of-the-art sleep-enhancing technologies.
vaya mattressVaya MattressTwo hypoallergenic foam layers available at an affordable price.
amerisleep as3 best mattress for side sleepersAmerisleep AS5Plush comfort layer cushions joints to prevent pressure points.
$1899Buy Now
zoma mattressZoma HybridPocketed spring coil base the prevents sinking and reduces motions transfer.
Saatva ClassicDual coil layers for extra responsive comfort and support.
$1499Buy Now
purple mattressPurple MattressFeatures innovative "No-Pressure" Smart Comfort Grid™ to combat pain.
$1149Buy Now
bear mattressBear MattressContains graphite-infused memory foam to help you sleep cool and comfortable.
Original Tuft & NeedleT&N Adaptive Foam conforms to the body for pressure relief.
Layla MattressCopper infusion firms up under pressure, while maintain a cool, bacteria-free surface.
$1399Buy Now

Best Online Mattress Overall: Amerisleep AS3

amerisleep AS3

Amerisleep’s AS3 is our Editors’ favorite online mattress. Amerisleep makes and sells five different beds; their AS3 is designed to be a true medium and offers an even balance of comfort and support.

Due to this bed’s enhanced versatility, it can contour to a variety of body types in many different sleep positions. For that reason, Amerisleep recommends this mattress to back, side, and combination sleepers alike. The Amerisleep AS3 is also the best mattress for couples with differing sleep styles because it’s so adaptable. Furthermore, it’s excellent for those who share the bed with a restless sleeper, as the AS3 is excellent at isolating motion.

Below, we’ll look at the layers of this bed.

  • The cover of every Amerisleep mattress is soft and breathable to prevent night sweats and promote comfortable sleep.
  • The first layer of the AS3 is Amerisleep’s proprietary Bio-Pur®, a plant-based memory foam. Bio-Pur® is soft to the touch and contours to your body to offer instant pressure relief. Because this foam is plant-based, it’s more breathable than traditional memory foam, and it shouldn’t emit any unpleasant off-gassing odors, either.  The breathability of Bio-Pur® works in conjunction with the lightweight cover to create a cooling sleeping environment.
  • Next is the Affinity layer with HIVE®. HIVE® technology has five support zones— the feet, hips, shoulders, neck, and head — to relieve pressure points and foster your spine’s natural curvature.
  • The last layer of the AS3 is Amerisleep’s Bio-Core®. The base of the mattress should offer structural and edge support as well as prevent premature deterioration, and Bio-Core® is designed to do just that. This high-density foam helps prolong the lifespan of the mattress and maintain its comfort by offering exceptional support.

Every Amerisleep mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial and an extensive 20-year warranty. During your sleep trial, you have the opportunity to test the mattress at home and decide if it’s the best mattress for your needs. If you don’t think it’s a good match after thoroughly testing it out, you can ask for a full refund.

AMERISLEEP AS3

  • Perfect balance of comfort and support works for most sleepers
  • Plant-based Bio-Pur® is breathable and responsive
  • HIVE® technology eases aches and pains and promotes deeper sleep

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Best Gel Memory Foam Online Mattress: Zoma Mattress

zoma sports mattress

The next mattress on our list is the Zoma Mattress, a memory foam mattress built for athletes. Designed to help you get deeper, better sleep, and recover faster, Zoma is perfect for athletes or those who suffer from recurring aches and pains. Containing sleep-enhancing technologies, this bed can help you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day.

Let’s talk about its design.

  • The first layer of Zoma is 2 inches of gel-infused memory foam with Triangulex™ technology. When you lay down on the Zoma, this pain-relieving layer molds to your body to alleviate pressure points and offer cushioning comfort. The gel within combats body heat to keep you at a comfortable temperature.
  • The Triangulex™ technology within the first layer offers dynamic support. Under your shoulders and hips, this technology contains triangle-shaped cutouts allowing for deeper compression and enhanced pressure relief. In your midsection, this layer has a firm feel to offer better spinal support, promoting a healthy spine, and preventing uncomfortable sinkage.
  • Next, is a layer of Reactiv™ foam, a latex-like poly-foam in place to boost the bed’s responsiveness. The Reactiv™ layer creates a more “on the bed” feel in terms of firmness and gives the Zoma a bit of bounce. Primarily, it functions as a transition layer between the cushioning memory foam above and the sturdy core below.
  • The core of the Zoma is dense Support+ foam to reinforce the layers above and prevent sagging.

Every Zoma comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

ZOMA MATTRESS

  • Medium firmness is comfortable for side and back sleeping
  • Triangulex™ technology promotes healthier sleeping positions
  • Cooling foams prevent hot nights

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Best Budget Online Mattress: Vaya Mattress

vaya mattressFor a high-quality and affordable online option, the Vaya Mattress is a great choice. This bed is made with two hypoallergenic foam layers that are each backed by a CertiPUR-US® certification, guaranteeing it is free from any harmful contaminants.

Both foams work together to create a medium comfort level that keeps sleepers lifted and resting in a safe, comfortable position throughout the night. The Vaya is suitable for most sleep positions, including side, back, and combination sleepers. 

Below, we breakdown the layers of this budget-friendly, yet advanced mattress.

  • The cover of the Vaya is made of a soft, stretch-knit fabric that moves with the body as you change positions. This fabric is also ventilated to encourage air circulation, so the surface of the bed always stays cool and inviting.
  • The comfort layer of this mattress features Vaya’s proprietary memory foam, which has more natural breathability than traditional memory foam varieties. What makes this foam even more comfortable is its slight elasticity. The bounce of this material reduces excessive sinking so the hips and shoulders remain in alignment throughout the night, allowing the muscles to completely relax and rebuild.
  • Supporting the comfort layer is a base of high-density foam that is sturdy and durable. This base provides further protection against sinking and helps maintain the structure and integrity of the mattress.

The Vaya Mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial that allows you to test out the mattress in the comfort of your own home. Plus, they include a 10-year warranty that covers manufacturing defects such as sagging and indentations.

VAYA MATTRESS

  • Designed for universal comfort
  • CertiPUR-US® certified safe for all sleepers
  • Budget-friendly but still high-quality

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Best Soft Online Mattress: Amerisleep AS5

amerisleep as3 best mattress for side sleepersEach Amerisleep mattress is designed to suit a different sleep position. The AS3 is their most versatile mattress because of its medium comfort level. However, the Amerisleep AS5 is their softest model and has a luxurious, plush feel. If you are a side sleeper in need of more cushioning around the hips and shoulders, this mattress is ideal. Since the AS5 has so much give, this mattress is also perfect for lightweight sleepers who need more contouring.

The AS5 consists of the following layers:

  • The cover of the AS5 is made with a lightweight, airy material that keeps you cool and relaxed throughout the night.
  • The comfort layer of this mattress features Amerisleep’s unique plant-based memory foam, Bio-Pur®. In this model, the Bio-Pur® layer hugs the curves of the body for pressure-free support. This material is so conforming that it gives you the sensation of being truly weightless. Bio-Pur® is also non-toxic, eco-friendly, and more breathable than traditional memory foams. 
  • Since many soft mattresses cause excessive sinking, which can force the spine out of alignment, Amerisleep includes a transition layer with an elastic quality. This foam layer is called Active Flex and it responds to the body within seconds. The buoyancy of this material keeps even the heaviest parts of the body lifted and in alignment with the hips and shoulders. With this feature, you will be less likely to end up in awkward sleep positions that put pressure on the spine, leading to aches and pains.
  • Next, Amerisleep includes their zoned support foam, HIVE®. The surface of this foam features hundreds of hexagonal cutouts that respond to each area of the body differently. Near the lumbar region, cutouts are closer together and provide firm support. Near the joints, cutouts are further apart and compress more easily to prevent pressure points. 
  • Beneath these advanced foam layers is a base of Bio-Core®, a durable support foam that guards against sagging and indentations. 

As with all their mattresses, Amerisleep backs the quality and construction of the AS5 with a 20-year warranty. You can also test out the comfort and support of this bed with their 100-night, risk-free sleep trial period.

AMERISLEEP AS5

  • Luxuriously soft and supportive
  • Active Flex accommodates all body types
  • Eco-friendly Bio-Pur® contours to the body for all-over comfort

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Best Cooling Online Mattress: Zoma Hybrid

zoma mattressZoma has also recently launched a hybrid mattress. This model is similar to their memory foam model; however, the base of the hybrid features a spring coil support system. Like their original mattress, the Zoma Hybrid has a medium comfort level that works well for most body types and sleep positions. Plus, due to its spring coil base, this mattress has a slight bounce that helps reduce excessive sinking.

Let’s take a closer look at the layers of the Zoma Hybrid.

  • This mattress is covered in a soft, stretchy fabric that molds to the body without trapping heat. It also wicks away heat and moisture so you stay cool and dry.
  • The comfort layer of the Zoma Hybrid features their proprietary gel memory foam with zoned support. This material conforms to the body with the perfect balance of compression and support to prevent painful pressure points from forming near the joints.
  • Beneath this layer is Zoma’s Reactiv™ foam, a highly responsive foam that guards against sinking, ensuring that you never feel “stuck” in the mattress. Too much sinking can cause sleepers to feel trapped, making it difficult for them to change positions throughout the night. Sinkage can also force the spine to bow, leading to stiff, sore muscles in the morning. The slight bounce of the Reactiv™ layer keeps the body resting in a neutral position that reduces pressure on the spine.
  • The Base of the Zoma Hybrid features pocketed spring coils that are zoned to provide adequate contouring and pressure relief. Near areas that need more stability, such as the lumbar region, coils are thicker and more supportive. Near sensitive joints, such as the hips and shoulders, they are thinner and compress easily. Since each spring is individually wrapped, this bed also has very little motion transfer, which is great for couples with different sleep schedules.

As with their original mattress, the Zoma Hybrid comes with a 100-night sleep trial that allows you to try out the mattress risk-free. Zoma also includes a 10-year warranty that covers manufacturing defects, so you can be sure this mattress will support you for many years.

ZOMA HYBRID

  • Contains multiple cooling technologies for ultimate airflow
  • Gel memory foams wick away body heat for extra coolness
  • Bouncy but supportive

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Best Online Innerspring Mattress: Saatva Classic

Saatva-ClassicSome people love the feel of an innerspring mattress, even as other mattresses have become more popular. For these sleepers, we recommend the Saatva Classic mattress. The Saatva Classic is available in eight sizes and two different heights, 11.5 inches and 14.5 inches.

The bed’s comfort layer is a Euro pillow top that’s 3 inches thick. The pillow top cradles the body and provides a plush sleep experience. The mattress’s organic cotton cover is kept pristine by a Guardin™ botanical antimicrobial treatment.

The second layer is pocketed coils that provide comfort and buoyant support. Most spring mattresses contain only one layer of coils, but the Saatva Classic relies on two coils layers. The top layer of pocketed coils minimizes motion transfer and maximizes airflow.

The third layer is CertiPUR-US® certified, dense memory foam with active wire. This layer promotes back support and pressure relief. The base layer is tempered steel coils for durable support, resisting sagging and promoting mattress longevity.

We must also mention the bed’s edge support, established by a high-density foam that surrounds the mattress’s layers. With edge support, you can sleep close to the edge without fear of rolling over the side. Edge support also makes it easier to move in and out of bed, particularly for medical conditions like arthritis.

Should you purchase a Saatva Classic, you will have the security of a 180-night trial and a 15-year limited warranty. However, while Saatva’s trial period is longer than the average sleep trial, it does come with a $99 transportation fee if you return the mattress. Still, this only a fraction of what you pay for a new mattress, so some sleepers may find the added charge fair.

Plus, you don’t have to worry about setting up your Saatva Classic mattress on your own. The bed comes with free white glove delivery, where the delivery team comes inside and sets up the mattress. No need for you to unbox a heavy mattress, as the Saatva is not compressed to maintain its structural integrity.

Saatva will reach out to you to set up a delivery appointment, and there’s no fee if you have to cancel it. The delivery team can also remove your mattress and frame.

SAATVA CLASSIC

  • Euro pillow top for cushioning comfort
  • Upper layer of motion-isolating pocketed coils
  • Base layer of supportive steel coils

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Best Online Mattress for Side & Combo Sleepers: Purple Mattress

purple mattress

Purple beds are unlike any other in the market because they’re designed to be the world’s first no-pressure mattress. When creating the Purple mattress, founders Tony and Terry Pearce chose to use their unique cushioning material, hyper-elastic polymer.

The Pearce brothers fashioned this hyper-elastic polymer into a large grid shape and named it their Smart Comfort Grid™. Every Purple mattress uses this grid as the top layer, giving it a distinctive feeling in comparison to most any other mattress sold today.

Below, we’ll discuss the layers of this bed.

  • The cover of the Purple mattress is a blend of polyester, viscose, and lycra, designed to feel thin, breathable, and soft. Lycra has stretchy properties, giving this cover a latex-like feel. It also helps wick moisture away and keeps you cool while you sleep.
  • The first layer of the Purple mattress is their Smart Comfort Grid™, made with the hyper-elastic polymer. When you lay on this bed, the Smart Comfort Grid™ should offer a springy or responsive feel, while also collapsing under the weight of your body to relieve tension. This balance of comfort and support prevents you from feeling as if you’re sinking into the mattress. The grid-shape of this layer allows for enhanced airflow throughout the bed, too, preventing you from waking up hot.
  • Below the Smart Comfort Grid™ is poly-foam, acting as a transitionary layer between the grid above and the dense core of the mattress. Including this softer transition layer prevents you from sinking all the way through the grid above and bottoming out on the solid core.
  • The final layer of the Purple mattress is strong poly-foam, in place to offer support to the rest of the bed. This layer gives the bed its overall structure and shape.

Every Purple mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty. If you decide the Purple mattress isn’t a fit, you have the option to return it for a full refund or exchange it for a different model. However, Purple only allows one exchange, so before you swap, make sure you’re confident in your next choice.

PURPLE MATTRESS

  • Smart Comfort Grid™ cushions and supports all sleep styles
  • Airy design prevents night sweats
  • Made with unique hyper-elastic polymer material

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Best Online Mattress for Back Sleepers: Bear Mattress

bear mattress

Like Zoma, Bear makes mattresses with athletes in mind and designs their beds to help you get deeper, more restful sleep. This brand sells two mattresses, a hybrid model and an all-foam bed. When buying from Bear, we recommend choosing their all-foam mattress made with graphite gel-infused memory foam.

Below, we’ll discuss the layers of this mattress.

  • The cover of the Bear mattress is Celliant® fabric to aid in quick muscle recovery and facilitate deeper sleep.
  • The first layer is cooling graphite-gel memory foam. Graphite gel is a newer cooling technology used in beds to help move heat away from your body while you sleep. When laying down on this layer, it should contour to your body and relieve pressure points as memory foam does; however, the graphite in this layer should prevent you from waking up hot.
  • Next, are two layers of poly-foam, in place to act as one transition layer between the soft memory foam above and the dense core foam below. The poly-foam in this layer is designed to be responsive and offer a bouncy feeling. It should prevent you from feeling as if you’re sinking too far down into memory foam.
  • The bottom support layer of the Bear mattress is dense poly-foam to give the bed structure and shape.

When you buy a Bear mattress, it comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

BEAR MATTRESS

  • Designed with a temperature-regulating Celliant® cover
  • Features gel- and graphite-infused hypoallergenic foams
  • Responsive and cushioning to promote healthy back or side sleeping

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Best Online Latex Mattress: Avocado Green

avocado greenMore shoppers are going green with their product selection, whether they’re at a store or browsing online. If you want to reduce your carbon footprint by choosing an all-natural latex mattress, the Avocado Green Mattress would be one of our top recommendations.

The Avocado is an eco-friendly bed, right down to the smallest details. For example, the bed is needle tufted to eliminate the use of any potentially harmful adhesives that are traditionally used in a mattress.

The mattress’s comfort comes from its combination of organic cotton, wool, and latex. The wool and cotton wick away moisture and heat, plus the wool has antimicrobial properties and acts as a fire barrier. Shoppers can also choose to add on a pillow top with a latex fill to soften the mattress’s overall feel.

The Green Mattress’s quality is guaranteed by two independent certifiers, the Global Organic Textile Standard and the Global Organic Latex Standard. The latex is GOLS certified, while the wool and cotton are certified by the GOTS.

The mattress’s support comes from between roughly 750 to 1400 tempered steel coils, all individually wrapped. The upcycled steel coils are arranged to establish five zones of ergonomic support, decreasing your chances of waking up with aches or pains. The bed also has reinforced coils along the sides for edge support.

The Avocado Green Mattress comes with a 1-year sleep trial and a 25-year warranty.

AVOCADO GREEN

  • Organic wool, cotton, and latex for comfort
  • Optional pillow top for added softness
  • Upcycled steel coils for bouncy support

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Best Online Memory Foam Alternative Mattress: Tuft & Needle Original

the original tuft and needle mattressThe original Tuft & Needle mattress is a good choice if you’re shopping on a budget, with even a king size mattress costing less than $1000. Two layers make up the mattress, a comfort and support layer. The bed’s layers are surrounded in a soft-knit fabric that can be infused with antimicrobial protection.

What sets the Tuft & Needle Original apart from other mattresses is the unique comfort layer. The T&N Adaptive Foam contours to the body like traditional memory foam, yet resists permanent impressions that reduce comfort. The support layer is open-cell foam.

The mattress stays cool thanks to its breathable cover and infused ceramic gel and graphite. These conductive materials move absorbed body heat away, limiting sleep disturbances.

For an added fee, a customer can protect their Tuft & Needle mattress from harmful bacteria with cutting-edge microsilver and vesicle technologies. These additions break down bacteria that can make you sick or cause unpleasant smells.

The original Tuft & Needle is certified by CertiPUR-US® and GREENGUARD Gold. Both independent organizations tested the mattress’s emissions and found them acceptably low.

The original Tuft & Needle mattress has a medium-firm feel, so we recommend it primarily for back sleepers. Tuft & Needle recommends their thicker, softer Mint model for any side sleepers interested in their mattresses.

Tuft & Needle’s mattresses come with free shipping, a 100-night sleep trial, and a 10-year limited warranty.

TUFT & NEEDLE ORIGINAL

  • T&N Adaptive Foam swiftly reacts to changes
  • Fabric cover can keep harmful bacteria out of the mattress
  • Heat-wicking gel and graphite infusions

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Best Online Flippable Mattress: Layla Mattress

layla mattressWhile a traditional innerspring mattress has a flippable design, most modern mattresses lack this feature. Instead, the average mattress manufacturer builds their mattresses with a clear top-to-bottom design, with the top focusing on cushioning materials and the bottom focusing on support.

Layla does something different and sells mattresses that can be flipped. As a bonus, each side has a different feel for a more versatile mattress. One side feels soft, the other firm.

The Layla Mattress stands 10 inches tall and contains four layers to establish its dual-sided feel. We will examine the mattress from the soft side down.

First is 3 inches of copper-infused memory foam. Memory foam molds to the body for pressure relief, and the added copper increases its comfort potential.

Infused copper wicks heat away from the sleeper and minimizes bacteria in the mattress. Not only does the copper’s antimicrobial nature keep you from getting sick, it also prevents your mattress from developing an unpleasant smell.

The second layer is 2 inches of Max Airflow Support Foam. This transition foam contains zoned support for increased comfort. The deep channels in the foam also promote air circulation.

Four inches of supportive foam structure the mattress. This sturdy foam minimizes unwanted bounce and motion transfer, while promoting a durable mattress.

The reverse firm side is an inch of copper memory foam. This thinner comfort layer relieves pressure and provides supportive comfort without feeling overly plush. Not only does the copper infusion promote cool, dry sleep, but it also firms up under pressure, supporting the heavier parts of the body.

The mattress’s black-and-white cover can be removed via a zipper. The cover also includes a helpful tag that designates the soft and firm sides, so you’ll never get them confused.

Purchase of a Layla Mattress includes free shipping, a 120-night sleep trial, and a lifetime warranty. Layla also packages two free pillows with a memory foam mattress purchase.

LAYLA MATTRESS

  • Cool and clean copper infusion
  • Memory foam establishes soft and firm sides
  • Zoned support on soft side for added comfort

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Things to Consider When Choosing an Online Mattress

Buying a mattress online can be tricky because you don’t have an opportunity to test your bed. To make your decision easier, consider these seven factors.

White Glove Delivery vs. Mattress-in-a-box

Many confuse online mattresses with mattress in a boxes, but they aren’t one and the same. While mattress in a boxes are convenient and usually bought online, not every online mattress is a mattress in a box. Instead, many online brands offer complimentary White Glove Delivery with their beds, and will even sometimes provide free old mattress removal services, too.

White Glove Delivery includes the set up of your new bed and removal of any packaging, making buying online even more hassle-free. Plus, this service is very useful to those who may not be able to maneuver and unpackage a cumbersome mattress in a box.

It’s important to note, many mattress in a box brands do offer alternate White Glove Delivery, but for an extra fee. Before clicking purchase, check to see how your bed will be delivered so you can adequately prepare.

Sleeping Positions & Firmness Levels

Deciding the firmness of your next bed goes beyond personal preferences. To gauge how firm your mattress should be, reflect on how you tend to sleep.

Every sleeping position has a firmness range best suited for it, which is important to keep in mind since sleeping on the wrong firmness can misalign your spine. For example, side sleepers do best on medium to soft mattresses, while back and stomach sleepers need a medium-firm to firm mattress to prevent sinkage.

We always recommend buying a mattress with a sleep trial so that you’re never stuck with a bed that feels too soft or too firm.

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers are most comfortable on medium mattresses because they have enough give to allow your hips and shoulders to compress and relax.

When you sleep on your side, your hips and shoulders bear all of your weight. If your bed is too firm, this will cause pressure to build up within those major joints, resulting in pain points. However, if your mattress is too soft, it’ll throw your back out of alignment.

The best mattress for side sleepers offers the perfect balance between comfort and support, allowing you to wake up every day feeling pain-free and refreshed.

Back Sleepers

Back sleepers have a bit of wiggle room when choosing the firmness of their bed. A comfortable mattress for back sleepers maintains neutral spinal alignment and offers zoned support.

Depending on your body weight and personal preferences, this could look like a medium-soft, medium, medium-firm, or firm bed.  You just have to make sure your mattress is not too firm where it results in pressure points, or too soft where it causes your spine to sink too far into the bed.

Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleeping is both unhealthy and unrecommended, but if you choose to sleep this way, you need a firm mattress. When you sleep on your stomach, your center of gravity shifts to your torso and if your bed is too soft, it’ll allow your midsection to sink into the mattress— resulting in an overarched spine.

Stomach sleeping can easily lead to chronic lower back pain, and considering how common back pain is, we suggest changing sleeping positions to ease the stress on your spine. While it may seem uncomfortable or unnatural to switch to side or back sleeping, it pays off in the long run.

To change up your sleeping style, we recommend trying body pillows to keep you in place, or investing in an adjustable bed that allows you to find your most comfortable position for sleep.

Combination Sleepers

Combination sleepers can switch between 2-3 sleep positions several times a night. Also known as “restless sleepers,” combination sleepers receive all the benefits of each sleep position: reduced acid reflux from side sleeping, neutral alignment from back sleeping, and better breathing from stomach sleeping.

However, combination sleepers also face the health risks of each sleep position too. More pressure buildup in the shoulders and hips from side sleeping, risk of snoring and developing sleep apnea through back sleeping, and lower back pain and neck strain from stomach sleeping.

The best type of mattress for combination sleepers is a medium to medium-firm feel. This allows easy movement without deep sinkage but relieves pressure points to reduce aches and pains.

Mattress Types

One of the first things you should do when researching a new bed is to determine what type of mattress you want to buy. Whether you’re browsing in-store or online, there are four main mattress types: memory foam, latex, hybrid, and innerspring. Let’s talk about their differences.

Memory Foam

Memory foam mattresses are regarded as the best for pain relief. They’re conforming, cushioning, and pressure-relieving. When you lay on these beds, the foam molds to your body to offer instant comfort. Plus, because they’re contouring, they’re very adaptable and versatile.

The biggest concern with memory foam is its tendency to trap heat. If you’re a particularly hot sleeper, these beds may make it harder to get good rest. However, many memory foam brands are utilizing open-cell and plant-based foams in an effort to combat heat retention.

Latex

Latex beds are another all-foam option. Unlike memory foam, these beds are naturally cooling, so they’re better for hot sleepers. Latex is cushioning and a bit contouring, but it won’t mold to your body as memory foam will. Because it’s not as contouring, it offers a more “lifted” feeling, and many sleepers report latex beds feeling firmer than memory foam mattresses.

When shopping for a latex mattress, be sure to choose something all-natural instead of a synthetic blend. Natural latex is extremely durable, and it’s resistant to mold, mildew, dust mites, and other allergens. While synthetic blends are usually cheaper, they don’t last as long and often have chemical-like scents that can impede sleep.

Hybrid

Hybrid beds combine layers of foam and an inner coil system to create a cushioning yet bouncy mattress. If you prefer the responsive, “on top of the bed” feeling of an innerspring, but need the comfort of foam layers, these beds are the perfect middle ground.

One of the only concerns about hybrids is their price. Because they combine a number of quality materials and have more intricate designs than other beds, they usually come with a higher price tag.

Innerspring

Innersprings, as the name implies, are mattresses with an inner coil system. These beds do not contain foam layers, but many of them have cushioning pillow tops to offer some comfort. Because they have responsive coils inside, these beds are the bounciest in comparison to hybrid or all-foam alternatives.

Innerspring mattresses usually have the worst customer satisfaction ratings and break down rather quickly, but they’re generally the most inexpensive options. If you’re shopping on a tight budget and aren’t necessarily looking for a long-lasting bed, these are a fit for you.

Cooling Features

Cooling features vary depending on the mattress material; for instance, memory foam is known to retain heat, but replacing part of the petroleum with castor oil turns it into a plant-based product with open-cell technology. Cooling features in memory foam also include infusions of copper and gel— copper is a natural heat conductor, effective in drawing heat away from the body while improving blood circulation, and gel absorbs and disperses body heat to regulate temperature.

Innersprings and latex are naturally cool— innersprings through their open structure for air circulation, and latex through its natural material.

Where to Shop

The online mattress industry is vast; today, there are over 175 different online mattress brands— so it can be hard to determine where are the best places to buy a mattress. If you’re interested in learning about a wide variety of beds, visit an online marketplace such as Amazon. Just make sure to always shop with a brand’s verified storefront on Amazon and not a third-party seller.

However, if you have a brand in mind, go straight to their website. Most online brands have a chat feature that allows you to talk with customer service and address any questions or concerns. This way, you can shop in confidence and make a more informed decision.

Mattress Size

If you’re replacing an old bed, you may not think twice about the size of your new mattress. But if you’re upgrading or downgrading, the size of your bed matters. Most online beds are carried in six or seven standard mattress sizes, including twin, twin xl, full, queen, king, and California king.

If you’re buying a bed for a kid, you’re probably okay to choose a twin, twin xl, or full size mattress. These provide plenty of sleeping room but aren’t overly large. These beds are also great for people who have a smaller living area as they don’t take up too much space.

If you share your mattress with a pet, kid, or partner, you may want to choose a queen, king, or California king size mattresses, instead. These mattress sizes allow room for more than one sleeper without feeling crowded.

We have written a number of mattress size comparisons guides to make it easier for shoppers who might be indecisive about what best suits their needs:

Sleep Trial

This probably goes without being said, but you should not buy a mattress online if it does not come with a sleep trial. You can read all the online mattress reviews in the world, but you won’t know if a bed is right for you until you try it, and risk-free trial periods allow you to do just that.

If your bed does not come with a sleep trial, you very well could end up stuck with a mattress that’s uncomfortable or not suitable for your sleep needs. Even if you feel a bed is perfect, you should not buy it unless it comes with a return policy.

Now, that may leave you wondering, “but why?” Beyond the possibility of the bed not working out for you, online mattress companies that don’t offer a sleep trial should be avoided as they’re likely not reputable or reliable.

Return Policy

A return policy is a good substitute if a sleep trial isn’t offered. Return policies last 30 days, about the same amount of time it takes for the body to adjust to a new bed. If the customer isn’t happy with the mattress, they can return it for a full refund or exchange it, with the customer paying the difference or the company refunding the difference.

Warranty Coverage

Typically, a good mattress comes with warranty coverage. If you see a mattress does not come with a warranty, pass on it. Beds with no warranties usually aren’t well-built or long-lasting.

A mattress’s lifespan varies, but most hold up for around a decade. For that reason, many brands offer a standard 10-year warranty. However, some brands are more generous and offer 15, 20, and even lifetime warranty policies.

What Are the Benefits of Buying a Mattress Online?

What draws many people to online mattress shopping is the low prices. The average online mattress costs more than an equivalent mattress in a showroom or furniture store. Online retailers owe these lower prices to the fewer overhead costs they have, compared to a traditional brick-and-mortar store that has to pay staff and building upkeep costs.

Similarly, many people enjoy saving time as much as they save money when it comes to online shopping. Instead of driving around to different stores and comparing selection and prices, you can click in and out of different tabs to review each company’s product lineup. There’s also the convenience of being able to order a new mattress from your couch, kitchen table, in-home office, or even your bed.

Many shoppers also enjoy how online shopping lets them dodge the pushy salespeople you can encounter in a store. However, you don’t have to completely give up the helpful information a store employee can provide on their products. Most online brands offer a chat window where you can ask questions of the company’s customer service team. If you prefer more traditional ways of talking, there’s usually a phone number you can call or an email address to a company representative.

Lastly, many online mattress brands offer numerous bundles with various products at a discounted price. For example, you might be able to purchase a bundle with a new mattress, a pillow or two, and a frame, all for less than what you would pay if you bought each item separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to buy a mattress online?

Overall, yes, we recommend shopping online over shopping in a mattress store. Online mattress shopping is usually the best way to save on a new mattress since online retailers have fewer overhead costs and tend to pass the savings onto their customers. Plus, it’s often less time-consuming and more convenient to use your home computer to buy a new mattress than it is to comparison shop at different mattress stores.

Some shoppers will always want to try out a mattress in-store before they buy, and that’s fine. However, the months a sleep trial offers are usually a better way to gauge a mattress’s feel.

How can I buy a mattress online?

Ordering a mattress online may seem intimidating at first, but it’s really quite simple. You simply go to a brand’s website, look through their mattress selection, choose a mattress, and put it in your digital shopping cart. When you checkout, you’ll enter information such as your shipping and billing address, along with payment information. Usually, you have to provide a credit card, though other payment methods are becoming commonplace.

Be sure to see if there are any coupon codes displayed on the website. These discount codes can save you a significant amount of money on a new mattress, but you have to enter them in the promo code field when you checkout.

What is the best cheap mattress online?

Budget mattresses like the Vaya and the original Tuft & Needle mattress usually possess a basic two-layer design that nonetheless promotes a comfortable sleeping surface. Both mattresses are also at least 10 inches thick, which is the minimum thickness we recommend when it comes to mattresses.

If saving money is important than a spacious sleeping surface and you plan on sleeping by yourself, twin and twin XL size mattresses usually have reasonably low prices.

What type of online mattress is right for me?

Each type of mattress type has its pros and cons. For example, a memory foam mattress is one of the more affordable ways to relieve pressure points, but the more traditional models tend to retain body heat. Latex mattresses are an excellent way to purchase an eco-friendly bed, but they usually have high price tags attached. Hybrid mattresses are bouncy yet cushioning,

Which online mattress is best?

Everyone has different sleep needs, so we can’t declare one online mattress as the definitive best mattress. The best online mattresses should provide years of comfort and support, and this should be reflected in the mattress’s attached warranty. The bed should also come with a lengthy sleep trial since most customers won’t be able to try out a mattress before they buy it.

Did You Find Your Next Online Mattress?

Before clicking purchase, there are a few things to consider to make sure you find one of the most comfortable mattresses for yourself. These factors include the aches and pains you frequently experience, your favored sleep style if you share the bed with someone, as well as your budget.

Having an idea of what you’re looking for before you buy can drastically narrow down your options and prevent buying and returning. Though sleep trials are helpful, it’s disappointing when the mattress you thought would fix your sleep needs doesn’t work out, putting you back at square one. During your search, reference mattress reviews, and other online guides to help you make the most educated decision.

Meg Riley Certified Sleep Science Coach

Meg Riley is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and a full-time writer focused on sleep and mattresses. She is currently the Editor-in-Chief of Sleep Junkie.

Meg started to focus on the sleep industry in 2018. Since then, she has written over 70+ articles on sleep hygiene, product reviews, and the newest trends in the mattress and bedding industry.

A non-exhaustive list of some of the topics she has written on: the effectiveness of alarm clocks, how to prevent jet lag, the NREM & REM Sleep Cycle, and causes and treatments of Restless Legs Syndrome.

Meg Riley has her undergraduate degree from Pennsylvania State University where she studied Advertising and Public Relations and wrote articles on the student experience for College Magazine.

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