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
DreamCloud
The DreamCloud is a versatile mattress that checks lots of boxes, from strong cushioning and pressure relief to sturdy support and breathability. The foam-and-coil design is a solid fit for a wide range of sleepers.
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.
Read on to see why the following six options made our top picks list of 2024’s best online mattresses.
Sleep Doctor’s Picks
Best Overall Mattress
DreamCloud
Sleep Doctor’s Review
The DreamCloud Mattress pairs adaptive foam layers with a sturdy coil system, creating a balanced sleep surface that our tests show is particularly beneficial for back sleepers. Perks for shoppers include a below-average sticker price and a year-long trial period.
Buy From DreamCloud
Side Sleepers
Medium Firm
Great Value
Plush Surface
Pros
- Quilted foam surface offers excellent pressure relief
- Sturdy coils ensure strong support for the lower back
- Cashmere blend cover promotes breathability and wicks moisture
Cons
- Stomach sleepers over 230 pounds may need a firmer bed
- Foam may emit some off-gassing odors at first
Why We Like It
The DreamCloud Mattress is a medium firm (6) model that’s well suited for many sleep positions. The balanced hybrid design integrates plush cushioning layers and a strong support system that benefits couples, hot sleepers, and people with back pain. The highest ratings on our team came from side sleepers who weigh at least 130 pounds, as well as back sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds.
Temperature control is another area where the DreamCloud performs well. This can be attributed to steady air circulation through the coils, as well as a breathable cashmere blend cover that helps the surface stay cool. Our temperature sensors picked up very little heat buildup.
How Does It Feel?
The DreamCloud is a hybrid model featuring a comfort system with several foam layers. A layer of polyfoam is quilted into the breathable cashmere-blend cover, giving the surface a plush feel. Underneath is gel-infused memory foam that contours to the body and alleviates pressure. Transitional polyfoam prevents your body from sinking too deeply into the mattress. We found that the combination of responsive polyfoam and adaptive memory foam results in noticeable cushioning without a lot of sinkage.
Individually pocketed coils make up the support core. These coils reinforce the bed well, but we didn’t notice too much motion transfer during our motion isolation tests. Thicker coils along the perimeter help boost support around the edges.
Best Value Mattress
Nectar Hybrid
Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Nectar Hybrid is a standout online mattress thanks to its balanced medium firm (6) feel and above-average performance in areas like pressure relief and motion isolation. The mattress also carries an approachable price-point and comes with a 365-night trial period.
Buy From Nectar
Side and Back Sleepers
Medium Firm
Great Value
Close-Conforming Foam
Pros
- Adaptive comfort system helps reduce pressure buildup
- Reinforced perimeter coils minimize sinkage when you get in and out of bed
- Year-long sleep trial
Cons
- May not provide enough support for stomach sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds
- Foam layers produce a strong off-gassing odor for the first few nights
Why We Like It
The Nectar Hybrid provides excellent pressure relief and contouring for side and back sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds. Our testers in this weight category appreciated the gel-infused memory foam and polyfoam comfort layers, which responded to their bodies and cradled pressure-sensitive areas. The pocketed coils also created a sturdy support system.
Extra coil support along the edges made getting in and out of bed easy for most of our testers. We found the mattress met the overall needs of a range of sleep and body types, and above-average motion isolation made it a good option for couples.
How Does It Feel?
The Nectar Hybrid features two thick layers of adaptive foam in its comfort system. Our tests indicate the mattress is a good match for couples, people with painful pressure points, and those who generally enjoy the feel of plush sleep surface.
The mattress cushioned the hips, shoulders, and spine of our side and back sleepers, while the coil support core helps to maintain lumbar support and overall healthy spinal alignment. The gel infusion in the foam is designed for temperature regulation to help offset some of the heat retention, though the foam layers run somewhat warm.
Best Luxury Mattress
Cloverlane 15″ Hybrid Luxury Firm Mattress
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Cloverlane 15″ Hybrid blends the deep cushioning of memory foam, the gentle responsiveness of latex, and robust coil support. This balanced design — along with three firmness options — make the mattress a solid choice for anyone dealing with aches, pains, and pressure points.
Buy From Cloverlane
Couples
Medium Firm (6)
Plush, Supportive Surface
Good Value
Pros
- Sophisticated comfort system pairs cushy foam with springy latex
- Three firmness levels available
- Free White Glove delivery and 365-night trial for all orders
Cons
- Foam layers emit a strong off-gassing smell for the first few nights
- Thick profile may require a fitted sheet with deep pockets
Why We Like It
Two common complaints about traditional foam hybrids is that they sink too much and trap an excessive amount of body heat. Cloverlane mitigates both issues with a layer of ventilated latex placed between the comfort system’s foam layers. This promotes airflow close to the surface to help you stay cool. Our temperature control tests show minimal body heat buildup and strong temperature control.
The best firmness for you depends on how much you weigh and which sleep position you prefer. During our hands-on tests, we found the medium soft (4) design’s close contouring is ideal for side sleepers up to 230 pounds and back sleepers under 130 pounds. If you weigh more than 230 pounds, chances are you’ll prefer the firm (8) model — our testers found this design very robust and resistant to sinking. The medium firm (6) is a nice Goldilocks option with moderate conforming, mellow bounce, and consistently supportive.
How Does It Feel?
A layer of adaptive polyfoam quilted into the Euro-top cover gives the 15″ Hybrid an initially plush feel, and you’ll feel the memory foam comfort layer adapting to your body’s unique curves. The latex and transitional foam layers gently push back against your weight to keep you on an even plane — this is important for promoting even alignment and reducing pressure along the spine.
The support core consists of pocketed coils and high-density base foam. Dense foam rails encase the coils and protect the perimeter from deep sinkage when you lie close to the edges or get in and out of bed. The cover is made from a breathable blend of polyester and polyethylene for added cooling on the surface. Since the mattress measures 15 inches thick, you may need to invest in some deep-pocket sheets.
Best for Side Sleepers
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
- Some customers have reported issues with the return policy
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 Mattress for Back Pain
Saatva Classic
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Saatva Classic comes in multiple firmness levels, all offering excellent support without sacrificing the cushioning sleepers need. The luxury Euro-top design allows the perfect amount of cradling for people across a wide variety of sleep preferences.
Buy From Saatva
Back Pain
Soft, Medium Firm, Firm
Fair Value
Responsive Surface
Pros
- Available in three firmness levels and two profile options
- Foam layers and dual coil design offers balance of cushioning and support
- Free White Glove delivery and 365-night sleep trial
Cons
- Above-average price-point for a hybrid
- Returns incur a $99 fee
Why We Like It
The Saatva Classic is a foam hybrid model made in three different firmness options, so most sleepers should be able to find a compatible version regardless of sleep position and body type. You can choose a soft (3), medium firm (6), or firm (8) design, and you can also opt for a 11.5-inch or 14.5-inch thickness.
The soft and medium firm models are a good fit for side sleepers due to the excellent pressure relief, while back and stomach sleepers gravitate toward the medium firm and firm beds for the stronger support. In all models, the unique coil-on-coil design is responsive with gentle contouring on the surface.
How Does It Feel?
All of the mattress options offer cushioning in varying degrees, with the soft model producing a feeling of luxurious plushness. At the same time, you’ll receive plenty of support from the microcoils in the comfort system and sturdy coils in the core. The microcoils are zoned to bolster the midsection and help keep your spine properly aligned. The organic cotton cover is soft and breathable and air flows freely through the coils, so overheating is not a significant issue for most sleepers.
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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