Buying a mattress online may seem daunting at first, but it can actually open up a world of new bed options and save you money. There are thousands of mattresses available online, and with a little research, you can find the best model for your needs.
Best Online Mattress Overall
Helix Midnight
The Helix Midnight is one of the most well-rounded mattresses on the market. This exceptionally made, medium firm hybrid contains plush foam layers over robust pocketed coils, creating a nice balance of cushioning, support, and bounce.
Shopping online allows you to compare prices and look for deals. Though you can’t try a mattress before buying, most retailers include a sleep trial that lets you return a mattress if you don’t like it.
We’ll highlight our favorite online mattresses and explain why each one made the cut. Our picks for best mattress of 2024 also include online mattresses, and you can also consider the best mattresses in a box for models that ship easily to your door.
The Best Online Mattresses
Best Overall – Helix Midnight
Best Value – Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam
Best Foam Mattress – Nectar Mattress
Best for Side Sleepers – Nolah Evolution 15
Best Luxury – Saatva Classic
Best for Back Pain – Bear Elite Hybrid
Best for Couples – Lull Original Mattress
Sleep Doctor’s Picks
Best Overall Mattress
Helix Midnight
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
Many of our testers felt comfortable on the Helix Midnight thanks to the balanced foam hybrid construction and mid-range firmness level. We found the adaptive memory foam comfort layer greatly reduced pressure buildup in the joints. Meanwhile, the pocketed coils and perimeter reinforcement prevented excessive sinkage across the surface.
Buy From Helix
Back Sleepers
Medium Firm
Bouncy, Supportive Surface
Good Value
Pros
- Hybrid design relieves pressure point pain without sacrificing spinal support
- Well-suited to sleepers who want a mattress that’s not too bouncy or motion-isolating
- Medium firm (6) feel supports and cushions in equal measure
Cons
- Sleeps warmer than other comparable hybrids
- Limited support for sleepers over 230 pounds
Why We Like It
The layers of the Helix Midnight create a 12-inch, medium firm (6) sleep surface. We found that the balance of contouring and support worked well for our side and back sleepers under 230 pounds. Our stomach sleeping testers under 130 pounds also felt ample support and cushioning with the Helix Midnight design. However, testers over 230 pounds noticed the mattress lacked the support for proper spinal alignment.
For a hybrid mattress, the Helix Midnight is exceptionally quiet when bearing weight. The bed also provides good motion isolation and ease of movement, making this an excellent choice for couples.
How Does It Feel?
The Helix Midnight is a thoughtfully designed hybrid mattress with good support, motion isolation, and ease of movement. This model offers a comfortable sleeping surface for a wide range of sleepers.
The mattress begins with a breathable polyester cover on top of a thick layer of memory foam. This top layer hugs the body and provides good pressure relief. Our testers found the thinner layer of polyfoam added support and helped balance the cushioning of the memory foam layer.
The bed’s support core contains 8 inches of pocketed coils with a reinforced perimeter. Our testers noticed that the core helped improve edge support and allowed air to circulate through the mattress. A final layer of polyfoam helps stabilize the bed and improve durability.
Best Value Mattress
Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
It’s hard to find an online mattress that’s as sophisticated and wallet-friendly as Brooklyn Bedding’s CopperFlex Memory Foam. Six individual layers deliver a plush comfort system reinforced with zoned transitional foam and a dense, sturdy base.
Buy From Brooklyn Bedding
Side Sleepers
Medium Firm
Close-Conforming Foam
Great Value
Pros
- Adaptive all-foam design excels at pressure relief and motion isolation
- Zoned transitional layer provides extra pushback for your midsection
- Cooling GlacioTex cover helps reduce heat buildup on the surface
Cons
- Strong, persistent off-gassing odor after the mattress is unboxed
- Too soft for most back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds
Why We Like It
The CopperFlex Memory Foam represents excellent long-term value for shoppers. This all-foam mattress combines plush comfort layers with a strong, multi-zone support system to deliver a soothing balance of cushioning for your sore spots and pushback where it’s most needed.
Our hands-on tests show the mattress isolates motion exceptionally well, so you and your partner can both rest easy without waking each other up due to position changes and other nighttime movements. Copper infusions in the top memory foam layer and a cooling GlacioTex cover also help ensure a comfortable surface temperature for sleep.
How Does It Feel?
The CopperFlex consists of six individual layers. Adaptive polyfoam and memory foam in the comfort system provide a plush, adaptive feel and a close contour for your entire body. Zoned transitional polyfoam feels firmer and more supportive beneath your torso and hips, so these areas shouldn’t sink too deeply into the mattress.
Two dense base foam layers create a robust support system without making the mattress feel too stiff. Copper fibers are infused into the top memory foam layer to dissipate heat from the surface, while the cover is made of GlacioTex, a specialty fabric engineered to feel cool at all times.
Best Foam Mattress
Nectar Mattress
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Nectar is a standout all-foam mattress thanks to its cushy, adaptive surface and sturdy support system. Pressure relief and motion isolation are two defining strengths, and the sticker price is hard to beat.
Buy From Nectar
Value Seekers
Medium Firm
Close-Conforming Foam
Great Value
Pros
- All-foam design with deep cushioning and contouring
- Excellent motion isolation for couples
- All orders include a 365-night sleep trial
Cons
- Strong off-gassing odor for the first few nights
- Limited edge support
Why We Like It
If you enjoy the deep hugging and cradling of memory foam, this may be the mattress for you. Two comfort layers contour closely and evenly to adapt to your body’s unique shape — this can be especially beneficial to side sleepers who experience pressure buildup around their shoulders and hips. The support core consists of high-density polyfoam that provides noticeable pushback. Motion isolation is another major strength. If you share your mattress with a partner, you should feel little to no movement on the surface when they change positions.
How Does It Feel?
While the Nectar doesn’t have the same responsiveness as a coil mattress, it does feel firmer than average. Our team has rated the Nectar as medium firm (6). The surface feels plush and cushy, and you’ll notice some close conforming when you get into bed and your body settles. The transitional and base foams are denser and more resistant to sinkage, keeping your body on an even plane.
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
Nolah Evolution 15
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
Side sleepers should get the deep contour they need from the Nolah Evolution 15, a luxury hybrid with four foam layers in its comfort system. Zoned coils provide additional support with extra cushioning around the shoulders and hips, two areas where side sleepers often exert more pressure on their sleep surface and sink excessively.
Buy From Nolah
Side Sleepers
Medium, Medium Firm, Firm
Plush, Supportive Surface
Good Value
Pros
- Breathable open-cell foams contour evenly without trapping heat
- Three firmness options to accommodate different types of sleepers
- Zoned coils provide targeted support beneath the midsection
Cons
- Initial off-gassing odor can be overwhelming for the first few nights
- Returns incur a $99 fee
Why We Like It
The Nolah Evolution 15 is one of the most versatile hybrids on the market today. You can choose from three firmness levels, each of which offers a different balance of contouring and support. All three are constructed with open-cell foam layers engineered to promote airflow and resist heat retention, and robust pocketed coils that feel more supportive beneath the heavier areas of your body. A breathable, moisture-wicking cover completes the appealing design.
How Does It Feel?
The medium (5) Evolution 15 provides a close contour and is a great match for side sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds, as well as back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds. Those seeking maximum support — including sleepers over 230 pounds — should opt for the firm (8) model, which conforms to a minimal extent and barely sinks at all when compressed. The medium firm (6) design is a nice compromise between the two. Our tests show this model should be ideal for most side and combination sleepers who weigh 130 to 230 pounds.
Best Luxury Mattress
Saatva Classic
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Saatva Classic is a luxury innerspring available in three firmness levels and two profiles, ensuring a comfortable option for most sleepers. Premium features such as targeted pressure relief from the pocketed minicoils and extra spinal support from the lumbar pad make the Saatva a standout option.
Buy From Saatva
Couples
Soft, Medium Firm, Firm Options
Bouncy, Supportive Surface
Fair Value
Pros
- Easy ordering, free in-room delivery, free old mattress removal
- Coil-on-coil design provides strong edge support and bounce
- Excellent option for hot sleepers and people in warm climates
Cons
- Doesn’t fully isolate motion
- Higher price tag than the average innerspring mattress
Why We Like It
With versatile comfort and a high-performance design, the Saatva Classic is one of the best mattresses available online. It comes in three firmness levels: soft (3), medium firm (6), and firm (8). Shoppers can also choose between 11.5- and 14.5-inch profiles.
Our sleep testers were impressed with the Saatva Classic’s unique construction. They noticed the innerspring design underwent little off-gassing after unboxing, helped dissipate heat during sleep, and provided very good durability. We found the Saatva Classic also performed well where many innersprings fell short. For example, the bed’s pillow-top cover and pocketed coil layer offered our testers very good pressure relief while isolating motion across the bed’s surface.
How Does It Feel?
The Saatva Classic is a modern take on the traditional innerspring mattress design. The quilted pillow-top cover features organic cotton with 3 inches of polyfoam padding and a memory foam lumbar pad, which we found provided added cushioning. A layer of pocketed coils helps cradle key pressure points while responding to your body’s movements, and a thick support core of innerspring coils with reinforced edges provides a durable base.
Our sleep testers who weigh under 130 pounds found the soft (3) Saatva Classic provided excellent comfort for their needs. In contrast, our testers over 230 pounds found the firm (8) version was more comfortable regardless of sleep position.
Best Mattress for Back Pain
Bear Elite Hybrid
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Bear Elite Hybrid is a great solution if back pain is keeping you up at night. Thick foam layers and zoned construction help ensure extra cushioning for your sore spots and targeted support where you carry more weight.
Buy From Bear
Hot Sleepers
Medium, Medium Firm, Firm
Plush, Close-Conforming Foam
Good Value
Pros
- Deep foam comfort system delivers excellent pain and pressure relief
- Zoned transitional and support layers provide extra reinforcement for the torso and hips
- Three firmness levels to accommodate different sleeper types
Cons
- Initial off-gassing smells are fairly strong
- Couples may notice motion transfer that can disrupt sleep
Why We Like It
The Bear Elite Hybrid is available in three firmness levels, all of which our team has tested. Those who enjoy deep contouring will likely prefer the medium (5) design, which earned high marks from our side and back sleepers under 130 pounds. At the other end of the spectrum, the firm (8) model feels exceptionally robust and supportive — this was a hit among our back and stomach sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds, and our side sleepers over 230 pounds. The medium firm (6) design offers a nice balance of cushioning and support.
Motion isolation and pressure relief are major strengths of the medium and medium firm models. Both qualities can be attributed to the thick, cushy foam layers that soften their surfaces. Our tests also show the firm model excels at edge support and ease of movement. All three received strong ratings for temperature control — a cooling cover, gel-infused top layer, and coils that promote steady airflow help ensure consistent breathability.
How Does It Feel?
The Elite Hybrid’s top memory foam layer adapts to your figure to distribute your weight and align your spine. Contouring level depends on which firmness you select, but all three feel fairly plush on the surface. The polyfoam transitional layer is divided into five zones with a firmer feel beneath your chest, lower back, and hips. This helps prevent sinkage beneath the heaviest areas of your body.
The pocketed coil support core is zoned in a similar fashion. This thoughtful design means most sleepers should be able to find a comfortable, sufficiently supportive option regardless of how much they weigh or which sleep position they favor. If you aren’t satisfied with your initial choice, Bear lets you exchange the mattress for a softer or firmer model during the 120-night trial period. A cooling cover woven with Celliant fibers encases the Elite Hybrid.
Best Mattress for Couples
Lull Original Mattress
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Lull Original is a quintessential memory foam mattress consisting of a cushy top layer and a sturdy support system. A true medium firm (6), the mattress conforms to your figure and alleviates pressure in your most sensitive areas without sinking or compressing too much.
Buy From Lull
Side Sleepers
Medium Firm
Plush, Close-Conforming Foam
Good Value
Pros
- Memory foam top layer contours evenly to alleviate pain and pressure points
- Excellent motion isolation for couples
- 365-night trial for all customers
Cons
- Back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds may need more support
- Strong off-gassing odor for the first few nights
Why We Like It
During our hands-on tests of the Lull Original, we found the mattress is a great match for side and back sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds. Side sleepers get the cushioning they need around their shoulders and hips — two areas prone to pressure buildup for those who favor this position — while back sleepers should be able to lie comfortably without sinking too much beneath their midsections. Stomach sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds should also find the mattress comfy and sufficiently supportive. As an all-foam model, the Lull Original excels at motion isolation. You and your partner should notice little, if any, motion transfer when the other person changes positions or gets up during the night. At the same time, the foam layers may sink a bit and hinder movement on the surface.
How Does It Feel?
The Original’s three-layer design begins with 1.5 inches of memory foam infused with cooling gel. High-resiliency transitional polyfoam creates a nice buffer between your body and the support core, which contains 7 inches of dense base foam. Since the mattress is medium firm (6), you can expect some plushness when you get into bed and solid reinforcement as your body settles. A knit cover encases the foam layers.
Buying a mattress online is one of the most accessible and least expensive ways to buy a mattress, but the sheer amount of options on the market can make it difficult to choose the perfect bed for you. I recommend taking your preferred sleeping position and body weight into consideration to help narrow down your choices.
How to Choose an Online Mattress
Since buying a mattress online means it’s trickier to test it out in person (though some brands do have showrooms), here are a few important details to keep in mind to make sure you get the best mattress for your needs.
Type of Mattress
Most of today’s mattresses fall into one of five types. All of these are available online.
- Foam: Made completely from polyfoam or memory foam, this type of mattress relieves pressure well and isolates motion effectively.
- Latex: A latex mattress typically has one or more layers made from bouncy, responsive, natural or synthetic latex. This material alleviates pressure point pain and is an excellent choice for those seeking a durable option.
- Hybrid/Innerspring: Hybrid and innerspring mattresses have support cores made from pocketed coils that lend structure and pushback. Their comfort systems can vary widely and may feature foam, microcoils, latex, pillow-tops, or Euro-tops.
- Airbed: An airbed has an air chamber as a support core. You can use a remote to change its firmness level – great for those that want that optionand couples with different preferences.
Foam models are typically the easiest to ship because they compress significantly. Airbeds and latex mattresses are the hardest to move and may require help during setup.
Firmness
Mattresses come in a range of firmness options. Our team assigns them a firmness level based on a 10-point scale. Softer mattresses have lower numbers, while firmer models have higher numbers. You can determine which firmness level is right for you by considering your body weight and sleeping position. You can narrow down options while shopping online by only looking at models within the ideal firmness range for your body.
Size
If you plan to buy a bed online, make sure that you purchase one in a size that matches your space. Some models come compressed in a box, while others are sealed in plastic. Measure your hallways and doorways to ensure you can get your intended mattress into your bedroom, especially if it doesn’t ship compressed.
Off-Gassing
After foam is manufactured, trace chemicals remain. It’s called off-gassing when those chemicals are released into the air. While these low-volatile organic compounds (VOC) aren’t harmful, they often smell unpleasant for a short time. Unwrap your mattress in a well-ventilated area and wait at least 24 hours before use to avoid odors.
Budget
You can find online mattresses to fit any budget. Materials, construction, brand, warranties, and shipping practices all affect how much you should expect to pay for a model. While prices vary depending on mattress type and quality, you should expect to pay between $600 and $2,000 for a mid-range to luxury model.
Sleep Trial and Warranty
Online retailers know that shoppers are nervous to buy a mattress without trying it first, so many companies offer sleep trials. Most trials last between 100 and 365 days and allow you to test a mattress and send it back for a full or partial refund if it’s not right for you. Typically, online mattresses also carry a warranty that can cover a range of issues including manufacturer or material defects.
How to Shop for a Mattress Online
Before committing to an online purchase, you should weigh the pros and cons and consider whether buying a mattress online or in-store better fits your needs.
Buying Online vs. In-Store
You can find fabulous beds both online and in person, and the main difference between the two is the shopping experience.
Buying a bed through an online retailer is a great option for those with minimal access to brick-and-mortar stores. Sleepers with limited mobility, those in rural areas, and people without personal transportation may find it easier to shop online. If you know exactly what type of mattress you’re looking for, you can also save money by searching for deals or discounts.
Though shopping in person requires the ability to get to the store, it may be preferable for people who need to feel a mattress before committing to a purchase. Trying out models in person is also helpful in order to choose which mattress construction you want. In-person shopping has the benefit of talking to a live person to get answers to your questions, but many online brands have chat and phone support.
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Choosing a Reputable Brand
There are hundreds of mattress brands online, so you do need to do your homework. You can narrow your focus to quality sellers by purchasing from established brands and manufacturers. Avoid drop-shipping companies or pop-up sellers that don’t have a history or customer reviews.
Research a brand’s warranty and sleep trial policies, then read customer reviews to learn how a company deals with issues in real life. You can also get a feel for a company’s quality by contacting their customer service.
Shipping, Delivery, Setup, and Returns
When you buy a mattress online, the company ships it directly to your house. Often, but not always, shipping is free within the contiguous U.S. Some models come compressed in a box while others arrive fully expanded. Make sure that the shipping policies are compatible with your home and lifestyle or consider paying for White Glove delivery if you need help setting your mattress up.
Measure doorways and hallways before purchasing a bed and use a partner to help move mattresses or boxes into your bedroom.
Why You Should Buy a Mattress in a Box — Video
We explain why a mattress in a box is an easier and more convenient option than buying in a brick-and-mortar store.
Discover More Mattress Solutions
Explore more options and find the best mattress for your needs by taking a look at more of our buying guides.
How We Test
At Sleep Doctor, we personally test each mattress that we recommend and put every model through the paces in our test lab. Over the years, we’ve tested over 1,000 models and have a solid understanding of what makes a bed worth the money.
During testing, we compare how mattresses perform across a series of tests including temperature regulation, motion isolation, overall support, and pressure relief. Our findings are particularly helpful for people shopping online because shoppers can learn how a mattress will perform for their body weight and sleeper type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Buying a mattress online is better than shopping in-store if you want the ability to compare many models and look for deals and discounts. There is a huge volume of online mattresses available, so it’s helpful to narrow your focus to a particular mattress type and firmness level when shopping.
Online mattresses vary in price depending on materials and construction, but you can expect to pay between $600 and $2,000 for a mid-range to luxury queen size model. Foam mattresses tend to be quite affordable, and budget shoppers can find models for as little as $200. Organic materials and complex constructions increase production costs, which translate to higher consumer prices.
You can buy mattresses in many places online, but the best place to purchase one is from a reputable manufacturer or established third-party retailer. Look for existing customer reviews and check company policies to determine whether a brand is high-quality. Avoid pop-up retailers or manufacturers with limited online footprints.
The best time to buy a mattress online is generally within a week of a U.S. holiday. Retailers often discount mattresses and accessories close to President’s Day, the 4th of July, Christmas, Cyber Monday, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Amazon Prime Day, and other major holidays. By shopping these sales, you can save hundreds or thousands of dollars on a mattress.
If you buy a bed from a high-quality online retailer, you can often return the mattress. Returns are typically free or have a flat fee that covers shipping. Make sure to check company policies and customer reviews before committing to a purchase, especially if you think you may need to return the mattress.
About The Author
Certified Sleep Science Coach, Director of Product Testing
David is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with a lifelong passion for well-being and health optimization. His interest in sleep developed with the arrival of his son, when sleep suddenly became a precious commodity.
- POSITION: Side Sleeper
- TEMPERATURE: Hot Sleeper
- CHRONOTYPE: Lion
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