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Best Online Mattresses

Written by Tuck Staff

Quick Overview

The online mattress industry has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years. Today’s shoppers can choose from hundreds of unique mattress designs, each one designed for specific sleeper types, and ordering online is a more convenient – and often less expensive – option than making their purchase in a store.

The Best Online Mattresses

First-time online mattress buyers may find the process confusing or challenging, so we’ve laid out a step-by-step guide for finding, buying, and receiving a new bed. We’ll also discuss the different types of beds available online and go over a few pros and cons of online mattress brands.

First Time Buying a Mattress?

Hop down to our Buyer’s Guide for a crash course on finding the best mattress for you.

 

The Best Online Mattresses – Reviewed

Best OverallLuxury Firm WinkBed

Best Overall – Luxury Firm WinkBed

Highlights

  • ‘Medium Firm’ (6)
  • 120-night sleep trial
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Zoned coils deliver targeted support to the midsection to reduce sagging
  • Airflow through coil core and gel infusions help keep sleepers cool
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Our readers save $200 on the Luxury Firm WinkBed mattress with this code: TUCK200
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Best OverallLuxury Firm WinkBed

winkbeds.com

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The WinkBed is a versatile hybrid mattress that offers several design options for different types of sleepers. The Luxury Firm WinkBed has a medium firm (6) feel, best suiting back and stomach sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds.

A plush Euro-top quilted with gel-infused polyfoam cradles the body to relieve pressure. The gel in this layer is designed to absorb and dissipate excess heat to regulate temperature, great for hot sleepers. Underneath is a layer of proprietary SupportCell polyfoam, a denser foam with a responsive feel to reduce sinkage. The support core features zoned pocketed coils. This design provides targeted support to the midsection and shoulders to promote healthy spinal alignment. A layer of thicker coils lines the edges to provide extra support. The cover is made from breathable Tencel fabric.

The Luxury Firm WinkBed is priced competitively and ground delivery is free of charge throughout the contiguous U.S. The sleep trial spans 120 nights in length and includes one exchange if you aren’t satisfied with the initial firmness level. Should you keep the mattress, you’ll receive a lifetime warranty.

The Bottom Line.

The Luxury Firm WinkBed’s balance of cushion and support makes it one of the most universally comfortable mattresses available. Other strengths include consistent cooling, sturdy edge support, and great responsiveness for sex.

  • Hot sleepers. The Luxury Firm WinkBed’s support coils generate steady airflow throughout the interior, while the gel-infused foams are meant to keep the surface cool.
  • Back and stomach sleepers. Side sleepers have given high marks to the Luxury Firm WinkBed, but the mattress has an exceptionally robust support system that is well suited to those who favor the back and stomach positions.
  • People who weigh up to 230 pounds. The Luxury Firm WinkBed has a mid-range firmness that appeals to back and stomach sleepers who weight up to 230 pounds. Side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds also find the balanced feel comfortable.
  • Those who struggle getting in and out of bed. Extra-strength perimeter support prevents deep sinkage and eases this process for people with mobility issues.

Not Recommended for...

  • Sleepers who prefer deep body-contouring. Even contouring foam layers, The Luxury Firm WinkBed lacks the close conforming of an all-foam mattress.
  • People who weigh less than 130 pounds. Some responded positively to the mattress, but our lowest tester ratings for the Luxury Firm WinkBed came from people in the lightweight group.

Best ValueNectar Mattress

Best Value – Nectar Mattress

Highlights

  • Medium Firm (6)
  • 365-night sleep trial
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Comfortable balance of contouring and support
  • Excellent motion isolation for couples
Read Our Full Review
Get $399 worth of free accessories with every Nectar mattress purchase.
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Best ValueNectar Mattress

nectarsleep.com

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The Nectar Mattress is a great example of a high-quality online mattress that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. The comfort layer is constructed from memory foam that molds to the body and evenly distributes your weight – but thanks to a medium firm (6) feel, the mattress contours to a moderate extent. Side sleepers who weigh at least 130 pounds should feel most comfortable, as should back and stomach sleepers in the range of 130 to 230 pounds.

Additional layers of high-density polyfoam provide stability and prevent sleepers from sinking excessively, but a quilted cover gives the surface a plush feel and prevents the mattress from feeling too stiff. As is often the case with memory foam models, the Nectar Mattress excels at motion isolation and is completely silent, so couples can look forward to restful nights with few – if any – disruptions related to movement or noise. A breathable cover made from Tencel and cotton also helps the top layer resist heat buildup.

At 365 nights, the Nectar sleep trial is one of the lengthiest in the online mattress industry. Those who keep the mattress will receive added protection from a lifetime warranty against structural defects. Shipping is free for all orders in the contiguous U.S.

The Bottom Line.

The Nectar Mattress delivers a quintessential memory foam feel at a budget-friendly price. Couples, side sleepers, and people with pressure points along the spine should all be quite satisfied with this mattress.

  • People who weigh 130 to 230 pounds. Our testing shows average weight sleepers find the Nectar Mattress most comfortable. Side sleepers receive adequate cushioning and optimal spinal support, while back and stomach sleepers can lie on the mattress without sinking too much in the middle.
  • Couples. Thanks to its all-foam design, the Nectar Mattress isolates motion for couples and does not produce any noise.
  • Value seekers. The Nectar Mattress has a price-point that is quite affordable compared to the average memory foam model.
  • Shoppers looking for a long sleep trial. Nectar allows you to test out the mattress for an entire year before deciding whether to keep it or return it.

Not Recommended for...

  • Those who prefer bouncy beds. The Nectar Mattress lacks the responsiveness some people need to move across the bed easily, and the surface may not be springy enough for couples during sex.
  • People who struggle getting in and out of bed. Perimeter support is rather weak, so owners will probably sink a bit when sleeping near the edges or getting on and off of the mattress.

Most ComfortableSaatva Classic

Most Comfortable – Saatva Classic

Highlights

  • Multiple firmness options (4, 6, 7.5)
  • 365-night sleep trial
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Advanced and highly supportive coil-on-coil design
  • Free White Glove delivery
Read Our Full Review
Save $200 when you spend $1,000 or more at Saatva.com
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Most ComfortableSaatva Classic

saatva.com

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Innerspring mattresses are renowned for above-average temperature control because their coil layers promote steady air circulation. The Saatva Classic takes things to another level with a sophisticated modern design that includes a pocketed minicoil transitional layer over an hourglass coil support core. Both layers circulate air to help the core remain cool and comfortable, while a breathable organic cotton cover regulates temperatures on the surface.

The Saatva Classic also features a quilted Euro-top cushioned with soft fibers, followed by comfort layers of memory foam and polyfoam. The mattress comes in several variations to accommodate different sleeper types. Three firmness levels are available. The medium soft (4) offers close contouring for side sleepers and people weighing less than 130 pounds, while the firm (7.5) feels very supportive and provides excellent reinforcement for back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds. The medium firm (6) option should appeal to anyone in between, and you can also choose between 11.5- and 14.5-inch profiles to match your preferred mattress height.

Saatva offers free White Glove delivery anywhere in the contiguous U.S., which includes full assembly in a room of your choice and removal of your old mattress and box spring at no extra charge. Your purchase will come with a 365-night sleep trial, as well as a lifetime warranty.

The Bottom Line.

The Saatva Classic’s innovative coil-on-coil design bridges the gap between the responsiveness of traditional innersprings and the comfortable cushioning of a modern hybrid. Customers also enjoy free White Glove delivery and a lengthy sleep trial.

  • People who prefer very responsive mattresses. The Saatva Classic’s coil-on-coil construction gives the mattress a very bouncy feel on the surface, which some people need to move across the mattress easily and many couples prefer for sex.
  • Hot sleepers. Steady airflow through both coil layers helps the Saatva Classic stay comfortably cool for most sleepers. The cover is made of organic cotton for added breathability.
  • Those who need assistance setting up their new mattress. White Glove couriers will assemble the mattress in a room of your choosing and remove your old mattress and box spring.
  • Shoppers looking for a long sleep trial. Saatva’s 365-night sleep trial exceeds the trial periods of many competitors by two to three months.

Not Recommended for...

  • Couples. The responsive design of this mattress may lead to more motion transfer across the surface and nighttime disruptions for co-sleepers. The coils may also produce some loud creaks from time to time, especially as the mattress ages.
  • Sleepers who prefer deep body-contouring. While the Saatva Classic contains a memory foam layer, the mattress does not conform very much and may not feel comfortable for people who enjoy the “body-hug” of memory foam.

Best for Side SleepersLeesa Original

Best for Side Sleepers – Leesa Original

Highlights

  • Medium (5)
  • 100-night sleep trial
  • 10-year warranty
  • Comfortable mixed-foam design
  • Superb motion isolation for couples
Read Our Full Review
Our readers save 15% on the Leesa Mattress with this code: TUCK
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Best for Side SleepersLeesa Original

leesa.com

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Although individual preferences vary, most side sleepers feel most comfortable on a mattress that cushions the shoulders and hips. This helps to promote even alignment and reduce pressure points along the spine. The Leesa Original is a great choice for side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds because it contours to the body without losing shape. Back and stomach sleepers in this weight range should also feel comfortable because the mattress dips very little around the torso and hips, ensuring even overall support.

A mixed-foam model, the Leesa Original contains a comfort layer of adaptive polyfoam over a memory foam transitional layer. The mattress has a medium (5) feel so you can expect some close conforming, but the polyfoam is somewhat responsive and produces a light bounce when you get in and out of bed. Thanks to its open-cell composition, the polyfoam also absorbs a minimal amount of body heat and sleeps fairly cool, and the foam layers absorb motion quite well for couples.

An approachable price-point, free ground shipping to the contiguous U.S., and a 100-night sleep trial make the Leesa Original a high-value option for online mattress shoppers. The warranty covers excessive sagging and structural defects for up to 10 years.

The Bottom Line.

The Leesa Original is a mixed-foam mattress engineered for a balanced feel that combines close body-contouring with even support. Co-sleepers and people who tend to sleep hot on foam beds should also be satisfied with this pick.

  • People who weigh 230 pounds or less. The Leesa Original’s medium (5) feel delivers close contouring that people in the lightweight and average weight groups typically find most comfortable.
  • Couples. Great motion isolation and no noise ensure disturbance-free nights for people who share the mattress.
  • People who sleep hot on foam mattresses. The top layer of the Leesa Original is an open-cell polyfoam that retains very little body heat and sleeps cool as a result.
  • Value seekers. The Leesa Original’s price-point is on the lower end for an all-foam mattress, making it a good option for shoppers on a tight budget.

Not Recommended for...

  • People who prefer very bouncy mattresses. The top polyfoam layer offers some noticeable responsiveness, but not nearly as much as a typical innerspring or hybrid with coils in the support core.
  • Those who weigh more than 230 pounds. For most people in the heavyweight group, the Leesa Original will feel too soft and provide inadequate support.

Best Online Mattresses Buying Guide

Thanks to a boom in the online mattress industry over the past decade, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to finding the right bed. While each mattress is different and customer policies vary from brand to brand, the process will be similar regardless of which model you buy. We’ll walk you through each step and discuss all of the important considerations to make when picking out an online mattress.

Why Should You Buy a Mattress Online?

Many shoppers are apprehensive about buying a mattress online, as opposed to making their purchase in a brick-and-mortar store. Some feel wary about purchasing a mattress they’ve never tested out firsthand, while others have concerns regarding deliveries and returns. Rest assured, reputable online mattress brands take extra measures to ease the ordering process and you won’t need to commit to a new mattress unless you’re completely satisfied.

Benefits of ordering a mattress online include:

Lower Costs

Brick-and-mortar mattress stores generally charge more for mattresses. Owners of these establishments face relatively high overhead costs related to operating their stores and paying onsite staff. These costs can drive up the sticker price of a new mattress by hundreds – if not thousands – of dollars.

Online mattress brands face lower overhead by comparison. Most of these companies do not operate any brick-and-mortar locations, and their staffs tend to be smaller. As a result, you’ll typically pay much less for an online mattress.

More Convenient

Unless you live next-door to a brick-and-mortar location, purchasing a mattress at one of these establishments requires time in your car. Mattress stores also tend to be quite crowded on weekends, which may be the most convenient time for you to visit.

Buying a mattress online is much simpler and more straightforward. Many online brands offer live web chat with customer service personnel to assist you with questions as you browse product pages, and the sites usually feature FAQ pages if you have additional questions. Ordering the mattress when you’re ready requires only a few clicks of your mouse. No driving, no lines, no hassle.

Sleep Trials

Since most online brands don’t operate brick-and-mortar spaces, you probably won’t be able to try out your new mattress before buying it. The good news: the vast majority of online mattress companies offer sleep trials for testing a mattress in the comfort of your own bedroom.

Some sleep trials last a year or longer, giving you plenty of time to make a decision – but at minimum you should be able to test out the mattress for at least 90 nights. If you decide the mattress isn’t right for you before the trial ends, you’ll most likely be able to return the mattress for a full product refund.

Buying a Mattress Online: Step-by-Step Guide

Finding the right online mattress is a fairly painless process. Follow these steps to learn about, purchase, and receive your new mattress.

Step 1: Research Your Options

When picking out an online mattress, you’ll be able to choose from virtually hundreds of different options. Before deciding which one is best for you, we recommend researching various brands and models. Mattress reviews can also be a helpful resource, as can online forums dedicated to sleep products. Chat with online customer service personnel as needed, and reach out to companies via email or phone if you still have questions.

Step 2: Select Your Mattress

Before finalizing your purchase, take one last look at your top candidate to make sure you’re content with its firmness, thickness, material composition, and cost. Also be sure to read the fine print on shipping, sleep trials, and warranties to avoid hidden fees or additional steps you’ll need to take.

Please note: if you live in Alaska or Hawaii or in a country outside the U.S., standard ground shipping is rarely free – and can cost as much as $600 for a mattress order.

Step 3: Place Your Order

The process of ordering a mattress online is much like buying any other product. First, double-check the product page to make sure you’ve selected the right size and firmness level. You may also be able to bundle your mattress purchase with other sleep accessories and save some money, depending on the brand.

Once you’ve completed your review, add the mattress to your shopping cart and then finalize your order. You’ll be asked to enter pertinent contact information such as a phone number, email address, and a physical address to send the mattress. If you have a discount code for the mattress, you’ll also enter that during this step.

After reviewing all of your information to make sure it’s accurate, you’ll be ready to finalize the order. Your debit or credit card will be charged shortly thereafter.

Step 4: Track Your Delivery

Most online brands ship mattresses using standard ground delivery. If this applies to the mattress you’ve chosen, then you’ll receive an email with a tracking number as soon as the mattress leaves the company facility. This will typically occur in two to five business days after you’ve placed the order.

A few online brands deliver mattresses via White Glove couriers, who bring the mattress to your home, assemble it in a room of your choice, and – in most cases – remove your old mattress and box spring. In these instances, the couriers will typically reach out to you ahead of the delivery date to schedule a date and time window.

White Glove delivery might be free if this is the only shipping option, but most brands that offer standard ground delivery will charge a surcharge of at least $100 for White Glove service.

One thing to keep in mind: most standard ground and White Glove deliveries are coordinated with third-party couriers. Once the mattress leaves its company’s facility, you’ll no longer deal with the brand and should instead reach out to the couriers with any shipping-related questions. That said, feel free to contact the company if delivery hiccups occur.

Step 5: Receive Your Mattress

Mattresses shipped via standard ground shipping will be delivered directly to your doorstep. You don’t need to be at home or sign for the package – but depending on where you live, you might want to stay near the door on your expected delivery date to bring the box inside as quickly as possible. If you live in an apartment, check with the courier to see if they can leave the box at your lobby or front desk, rather than in your hallway.

White Glove deliveries normally require an adult 18 or older to be on the premises throughout the setup process. This person will also need to sign for the mattress. Before the couriers arrive, make sure there is a clear path from the front door to the room where the mattress will be assembled. The full setup process typically takes 30 minutes or less.

Step 6: Unbox Your Mattress

If White Glove couriers provide your delivery, the mattress will not be compressed for shipping and “unboxing” will be a non-issue.

For other mattress deliveries, the first step will be bringing the mattress inside – no easy feat, as some of these boxes can be quite heavy. Enlist in a lifting partner to assist you with carrying the mattress into the room where you plan to set it up.

Mattresses are shipped in boxes using a process called roll-packing, during which the bed is compressed, wrapped in plastic, and vacuum-sealed. After setting the box on the platform or foundation you plan to use – or the floor, for that matter – open the box and then carefully use a knife to cut away the plastic. Once all the wrapping is removed, the mattress will immediately begin to expand. Most compressed mattresses will reach their full shape in 48 hours or less.

You may notice some initial odor after unboxing your mattress, especially if it contains foam layers. This is known as off-gassing, a process that occurs when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released from the plastic wrapping. VOCs are considered relatively harmless but they do emit a noticeable chemical smell. Off-gassing odors should clear out in a matter of days, but you may want to avoid using the mattress until the smells completely dissipate.

Important Considerations for Buying a Mattress Online

Before purchasing your mattress, we recommend reviewing the following information to ensure your experience as a customer is positive and headache-free.

Sleep Trials

Sleep trials have proven so popular over the past few years that virtually every reputable online mattress brand offers some sort of trial period. The majority of these trials are at least 90 nights in length, but can span as long as a year to 18 months.

Your sleep trial may begin on the day you purchase the mattress or the day it arrives at your home. A large number of trials include a mandatory “break-in period,” which means you’ll need to test out the mattress for a certain number of nights – usually 30 or less – before you qualify for a full refund.

Returns, Exchanges, and Refunds

If you have completed your required break-in period and the trial hasn’t ended, you’ll be able to return the mattress to the brand. In most cases, you’ll receive a full refund. Some brands impose a return fee, but this rarely exceeds $100.

Most brands offer at least one of the following options for mattress returns:

  • Free pickup: Couriers will come to your house and pick up the mattress from your doorstep. They will then transport the mattress to be recycled or donated to charity.
  • Donation or recycling: The brand may ask you to take care of donating or recycling the mattress yourself, then issue a refund after you have submitted photographic evidence or a receipt.

Some brands allow you to exchange your mattress for the same model in a different size or firmness level, or another mattress model altogether. The process for exchanges will be the same for returns – either couriers will pick up the old mattress and drop off the new one, or the company will ship the replacement bed once you’ve provided proof of donation or recycling.

However, exchanging your mattress often ends the sleep trial and you won’t be able to return the new model for a refund. If you aren’t satisfied with your first choice, make sure the mattress you exchange for will be a much better fit. Otherwise, it will probably be more worthwhile to return the mattress for a refund and check out some different brands.

During the trial period, take precautions to keep the mattress clean and protect it against stains, spills, and other types of damage. Online brands will never restock used mattresses, but they may not issue a refund if the bed is returned in unsanitary condition.

Warranties

All reputable mattress brands offer a warranty of some kind. The standard warranty length is 10 years, but 15-year, 20-year, 25-year, and even lifetime warranties are fairly common. The warranty is an agreement between the manufacturer and the owner, stating the former will repair or replace any mattress with recognized structural defects.

These defects typically include excessive sagging in the sleep surface, deterioration of internal components, and issues with the cover like broken zippers or unraveling seams. Other issues will not be covered, such as physical damage that occurs after the mattress has been delivered, minor sagging, and allergic reactions. The warranty won’t cover customer dissatisfaction either – so if you decide your mattress doesn’t feel comfortable after the sleep trial ends, this won’t warrant any intervention from the company. Most warranties include detailed lists of what is and is not covered.

One key provision of any mattress warranty is whether the coverage is partially prorated or fully non-prorated. If the latter, then you won’t need to pay anything for the mattress to be repaired or replaced aside from some shipping and handling fees. If the warranty is partially prorated, then after a certain number of years you’ll pay a certain percentage of the bed’s original sticker price to have it replaced. This percentage will likely increase the longer you own the mattress.

For example: let’s say a mattress comes with a 20-year warranty that includes 10 years of non-prorated coverage. During those first 10 years, repairs and replacements are free. Then, when prorated coverage kicks in, you’ll pay 5% of the original price for each year you’ve owned the mattress – and since this is year 11, the percentage will be 55%. This percentage will increase by 5% for each subsequent year, so you’ll pay 60% in year 12, 65% in year 13, and so on. During the last year of coverage, you could potentially pay 95% of the original asking price to replace your mattress.

Most mattresses need to be replaced after seven to 10 years of use, so prorated coverage may be a moot point if it kicks in after 10 years. Then again, some warranties become prorated after only two or three years of ownership. Be sure to read the fine print to make sure you don’t face unexpected replacement costs down the road.

If your mattress has a structural defect covered under its warranty, then you’ll need to file a claim. This usually requires photographic proof of the defect itself. The “law tag” attached to your mattress (usually on the side or bottom) must be intact, and the warranty only extends to original owners. Check your warranty for specifics on filing a claim, as requirements vary by brand.

What Types of Mattresses Are Available Online?

Every mattress is uniquely constructed, but most online mattresses fall into one of the following five categories:

Foam Mattresses

How They’re Made: A foam mattress is constructed with a comfort layer of memory foam or adaptive polyfoam. Transitional and support layers are made of denser foam to reinforce the comfort layer. The average foam mattress costs between $900 and $1,200 in a queen size.

Pros: Memory foam and adaptive polyfoam contour more closely and evenly to the body than other comfort layer materials like latex. This can distribute your weight, improve spinal alignment, and alleviate pressure points throughout the body. Most foam mattresses also excel at motion isolation and don’t make any noise, so couples can sleep soundly without disruptions.

Cons: Foam mattresses lack the structural support of other mattress types, so sleepers tend to sink more beneath the surface and edge reinforcement is typically fair at best. Many foam beds also absorb and trap body heat, causing sleepers to feel uncomfortably warm. Another issue is above-average off-gassing – expect more initial odor from these beds.

Latex Mattresses

How They’re Made: Latex is derived from the sappy extract of rubber trees. An all-latex mattress features a softer, more adaptive comfort layer and denser support layers to prevent sleepers from sinking too much. The average latex mattress costs between $1,500 and $2,200 in a queen size.

Pros: Latex is naturally durable, so these mattresses often have longer-than-average lifespans. The material also absorbs less heat than foam, allowing sleepers to stay cooler. Latex contours to the body but not as much as foam, so this type of mattress will be ideal for people who don’t enjoy a deep “body-hug.”

Cons: Like all-foam beds, latex mattresses often lack perimeter support and sink a bit when people get in and out of bed or sleep close to the edges. These mattresses are also fairly expensive and may exceed the budgets of some shoppers.

Innerspring Mattresses

How They’re Made: A traditional innerspring will contain thin comfort layers of polyfoam or memory foam, followed by a support core of steel coils. Some newer innersprings include minicoil transitional layers, as well. The average innerspring costs $800 to $1,100 in a queen size.

Pros: Coil layers promote steady air circulation, so innersprings will usually sleep quite cool compared to foam models. The coils also offer robust support to protect the edges and make moving across the mattress relatively easy. Many couples prefer the springy feel of innersprings for sex.

Cons: Innersprings generally offer little to no contouring, so they may feel too stiff for side sleepers and those who deal with constant pressure points. These mattresses are also associated with more sagging after a few years of use. Since they tend to be quite responsive and squeaky, innersprings may cause sleep disruptions for couples as well.

Hybrid Mattresses

How They’re Made: While technically considered innersprings, hybrids have become popular enough to warrant their own category. These mattresses feature thick comfort layers of foam or latex, and support cores with individually pocketed coils. The average hybrid costs $1,500 to $2,200 in a queen size.

Pros: Hybrids offer very balanced feels thanks to the combination of deeply conforming comfort layers and supportive coil systems. Many hybrids are offered in different firmness levels to accommodate different sleepers based on their body type or sleep position.

Cons: Since hybrids share the same price range as latex mattresses, they are also considered fairly expensive. Other disadvantages boil down to specific models. Hybrids with softer feels tend to lack edge support and sleep hot, while firmer models may not conform closely or isolate motion well.

Airbed Mattresses

How They’re Made: An airbed – not to be confused with an air mattress – features air chambers in the support core that can be inflated or deflated to adjust the overall firmness. Traditional airbeds are constructed with thin foam comfort layers, but some newer models have deeper comfort systems with memory foam or latex layers. The average airbed costs $2,000 to $2,600 in a queen size.

Pros: The biggest strength of airbeds is their customizable design. Most models offer a range of firmness options, allowing you to find a feel that best meets your needs. Many are also constructed with dual firmness in mind so couples with differing preferences can optimize their side of the bed, and some include sleep tracking sensors and other high-tech features. Thanks to their modular designs, you can easily swap out individual components if they become faulty, rather than replacing the entire mattress.

Cons: Airbeds are considered the most expensive mattress type, so expect to spend a great deal on a high-quality model. Their electrical components are also prone to breakdowns and malfunctions, and some airbeds produce a fair amount of noise when you adjust the chambers.

How to Choose an Online Mattress

Important qualities to look for in an online mattress include:

  • Mattress Type: As we discussed above, each type of mattress carries its own unique pros and cons. Decide which characteristics appeal to you most before choosing a type. Some people find it helpful to visit a brick-and-mortar store and briefly test out different mattresses to see how they feel, but sleep trials can also be helpful in this regard.
  • Size: Most mattresses today are available in six standard sizes. Twin and twin XL are the smallest sizes, and intended for one person. A full size mattress can comfortably sleep one person, or two in a pinch – but some couples find this size too crowded. Queen, king, and California king sizes should all be suitable for couples. Check product pages for exact dimensions.
  • Firmness: Mattress firmness is measured on a 1-10 scale, with 1 being the softest and 10 the firmest. Most models sold today fall between 3 and 8. People who weigh less than 130 pounds typically favor a 3-4 feel with close contouring, those in the range of 130-230 pounds may prefer a 5-6 with moderate contouring, and sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds will probably find a 7-8 with sturdy support most comfortable. Sleep position may also affect your preferred feel, since side sleepers often need more softness and cushioning than back or stomach sleepers.
  • Durability: The average mattress performs for at least six to eight years before you’ll need to replace it. Latex mattresses and airbeds are usually the most durable, whereas innersprings and foam models tend to be the least durable. Hybrids often fall right in the middle.
  • Temperature Neutrality: Some mattresses are made with materials that retain and trap body heat, causing sleepers to feel uncomfortably warm. Foam mattresses are particularly notorious for poor temperature control. Other beds made with breathable comfort layers and internal components that promote airflow will sleep cooler by comparison.
  • Motion Isolation: A mattress that absorbs movement and reduces motion transfer across the surface can ensure few – if any – sleep disruptions for couples. Foam and latex mattresses usually perform best in this category. Innersprings and hybrids generate more transfer on the surface due to their springy coils.
  • Edge Support: If a mattress has strong perimeter support, you won’t notice much sinkage when lying or sitting along the edges. This can make you feel more secure when you sleep close to the edge or get in and out of bed. Innersprings and hybrids generally provide the best edge support.
  • Price and Value: The price of an online mattress depends on factors like materials, size, and brand, and costs vary considerably. Our advice: research the sticker prices of a few different mattresses, then create a realistic budget – and stick to it. You can choose from an extensive selection of online mattresses, so chances are you’ll be able to find a suitable model within your price range.
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