Written by Jill Zwarensteyn, Senior Editor
You can buy nearly everything online, including your next mattress. Not everyone’s used to buying a bed on the internet, though, and if online mattress shopping is new to you, you might feel lost among the technical jargon and choices available.
I’m here to walk you through how to order a bed online. I’ll show you what to look for, how to choose the right mattress, and the pros and cons of shopping for a bed online.
Read More: When Should I Replace My Mattress?
How to Buy a Mattress Online
1. Read Reviews
If you can’t touch and lie on the bed yourself, you’ll need to rely on other people who have used that product. This is where reviews come into play.
Here at Sleep Advisor, we have a team of mattress testing experts who run each mattress they try out through a series of tests and use that information to see how a mattress stacks up and who they might recommend that product to (and who they think should stay clear of it).
Customer reviews are also a big help since you’ll get the perspective of real-life shoppers who’ve used the mattress at home over a longer period of time.
2. Set Your Budget
Sure, we’d all love to spend as little as possible, but you don’t necessarily want to go that route since you could wind up with a poorly made bed. Rather than going with the cheapest option you can find, set a realistic budget for yourself.
You can usually find a good-quality mattress in a Queen size for under $1,000, especially if there’s a sale running. If you want something a little more luxurious or eco-friendly, you’ll probably have to raise that budget threshold a bit since these generally cost more.
I also recommend accounting for additional supplies you might need, such as a new bed frame, pillows, sheets, and a comforter. If you know you’ll have to invest in accessories, then going with a slightly less expensive mattress might help offset those extra costs.
3. Select A Type of Mattress
Hybrid
Hybrid beds combine multiple materials in their construction. The most common type is a foam and coil hybrid in which the foam relieves pressure, and the coils enhance edge support, bounce, and airflow. Hybrids are often very comfortable, but they usually skew higher in price because of their enhanced design.
Innerspring
Innerspring beds are a traditional mattress type, and they typically contain interconnected coils and a thin comfort layer above. These beds are often great for affordability, airflow, and bounce, but since they don’t have much foam, they aren’t as pressure-relieving.
Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses will often contain memory foam on the top for comfort and denser poly foam at the bottom for support. These beds are exceptional at pressure relief and motion control, but they can run hot if there aren’t any cooling features. Another consideration is that they’re more slow-moving than bouncy. That said, you can find memory foam in many hybrid models, which can often help with these potential drawbacks.
Latex
Latex mattresses are often more eco-friendly since many brands incorporate natural or organic latex along with other sustainable materials. Latex beds also tend to be buoyant, durable, and temperature-neutral. The main downside to these beds is that they usually come with a higher price tag, but they’re also more long-lasting, so you shouldn’t have to replace them as quickly.
Bed in a Box vs. Traditional Mattress
The term “bed-in-a-box” is connected to online mattress shopping because this is how most brands ship these beds. On the flip side, a traditional mattress is just delivered in its full, expanded size. Some online brands, such as Saatva, actually ship their beds full size, but in the case of Saatva, they also provide a team of professionals who place the mattress onto your bedframe of choice for you.
There isn’t really a difference between the two in terms of performance. The bed-in-a-box method is convenient because the box makes it easier to move around your home. However, the downside with beds compressed into a box is that you have to wait for them to fully expand, which could sometimes take a few days, and that compression process can create an initial off-gassing odor.
4. Review Sleep Trials, Warranties, and Shipping
Most reputable online mattress companies offer extensive trial periods between 90 and 365 nights. These trial periods are your opportunity to test out the bed at home, and if it’s not the right fit, you can get a refund. However, some companies may require you to have the bed for at least 30 nights before initiating a return.
A good mattress warranty should last at least 10 years, and most companies provide this. However, their terms will vary so make you read the fine print before ordering anything.
Lastly, check for any extra shopping costs. Most companies provide free shipping within the continental United States but charge extra for shipments going to Hawaii, Alaska, or Canada. Also, some brands may charge a return fee for a mattress, usually for shipping. If they do, the return fee is usually around $100-$200.
Pros and Cons of Buying a Mattress Online
Other Considerations When Buying a Mattress Online
Getting Rid of Your Old Bed
What do you do with your old mattress after you shipped a new one to your home? Sometimes, your old bed could be hauled away when your new one is delivered with white glove delivery services. If not, then you’ll have to coordinate based on the regulations in your city and/or state.
For example, when my husband and I got a new mattress here in Los Angeles, I did a quick Google search to learn that I had to call the city to set up a day for them to pick up our old mattress curbside. My husband and I then left our old mattress on the curb the night before, and it was picked up the next day.
Choosing a Bed Frame
Not every mattress will be compatible with every frame. Some companies suggest a maximum distance between slats to provide proper support. Others caution against placing the product on the floor or an adjustable frame.
Make sure that whatever mattress you’re interested in works with the base you plan to use, whether it’s something you already have or an entirely new frame.
Consider Buying New Pillows
Getting a new mattress is a great opportunity to also invest in some new pillows. Make sure you go with a pillow that’s going to work with your sleep style. For example, if you’re a stomach sleeper, then you’ll want a flat pillow that won’t prop your head up so high, or if you sleep hot, look for something cooling.
Along with pillows, you might consider adding in some new bedding, such as sheets or blankets to enhance your sleep space even more.
Learn more: How to Choose a Pillow
Final Word of Advice
Any kind of big purchase can feel daunting, but the upside is that you have a lot of choices as a consumer. The biggest advantage to shopping online is the savings since there aren’t overhead costs that come with beds sold in brick-and-mortar stores. Plus, there are so many choices out there that there’s something for everyone.
The Advisor Says
To help you get started, I recommend taking a look at our list of the best mattresses for 2024. These are some of our top-reviewed beds, and the list covers mattresses we think could be great for many different types of sleepers.
Jill Zwarensteyn
Senior Editor
About Author
Jill Zwarensteyn is the senior 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