How To Buy A Mattress Online? Advantages and Disadvantages Update 04/2024

Many consumers are now doing their mattress research online instead of at a physical store because of the proliferation of mattress brands selling directly to consumers through online platforms. The upsides are hard to beat. There are many advantages to purchasing a new mattress online, including reduced prices, greater convenience, and a wider range of options.

There’s no need to be anxious or concerned about placing an online mattress order. Mattresses purchased directly from the manufacturer can be purchased online with the same peace of mind as those purchased in a store. Online shopping is convenient and risk-free because of added services like at-home sleep trials.

If you’ve never shopped for a mattress online before, you can rest assured that we’ll provide you all the information you need to make an informed decision and get the perfect mattress.

Buying a Mattress Online

Buying a mattress online has numerous advantages than shopping for one in a physical store. But making that choice can be nerve-wracking at first.

The Best Place To Buy a Mattress Online (Buying Mattress Online 101)

To get you going, we’ll provide a comprehensive, in-depth walkthrough of the entire procedure.

  • Think About Your Financial Limits: Knowing that you won’t have to go into debt to obtain a decent night’s sleep is a huge relief.
  • Pick Your Mattress Material Wisely Many different mattress materials exist, each with its own set of pros and cons. Knowing the feel, performance, and price variations between these materials will help you make an informed decision when shopping for a mattress.
  • Select the Hardness Level You Prefer Your sleep position, weight, and personal preferences all play a role in determining the firmness level that will provide the most restful night’s sleep.
  • Pick the Right Mattress Size for You: Mattresses come in a variety of conventional sizes, so it’s up to you to choose the one that works best for your sleeping situation (alone, with a spouse, etc.).
  • You may rest assured that you’ll receive a high-quality product and responsive customer care if you shop with a respected online mattress retailer.
  • Think About Returns, Sleep Trials, and Warranties: Your investment in a new mattress will be greatly bolstered by the presence of these customer service guarantees.
  • Buy a New Bed and Have It Delivered and Set Up: It’s scary to take that final jump, but now that you’ve done all the prep work, you should have a good understanding of what’s in your best interest.

How to Buy a Mattress Video – Sleep Position

Take a look at the video down below to see how your sleeping habits might help you choose the most comfortable online mattress.

How to Buy a Mattress Video – Body Weight

See how your weight affects the mattress’ comfort level in the following video.

Advantages of Online Mattress Shopping

Online mattress purchases are popular due to the aforementioned merits of convenience, variety, and cost savings.

Low Cost Many consumers find that the lowest cost benefit of buying a mattress online is the low cost. Online-only mattress retailers can provide lower prices than their traditional storefront rivals because of lower overhead. The ultimate result is cheaper mattresses sold directly to customers. More reasonably priced options are also more readily available online.

Access to a wider range of mattresses is not possible while shopping for a bed in a physical store, as only a select few manufacturers and a limited number of display mattresses can be accommodated. When you buy a mattress online, you may compare and contrast every option available from every mattress business that sells their products online.

You can try out a mattress in the store, but you won’t know how it works until you get it home and really sleep on it. The vast majority of internet mattress retailers also provide at least a week of risk-free sleeping. You may buy a mattress with confidence knowing that you have a full week to test it out at home under these conditions. After trying it out, if you decide you don’t like it, you have a certain amount of time to send it back and get your money back. Depending on the manufacturer, sleep trials might last anywhere from sixty to one hundred and eighty nights.

Many people prefer to shop online since it is more convenient for them. You may do your shopping whenever and wherever you like when you do it online. There is no need to deal with a pushy salesperson while doing your homework online; you may look at several brands and models whenever you like, from anywhere you like.

Nearly all online mattress retailers offer free shipping inside the 48 contiguous states.

During the time of your sleep trial, you can return the vast majority of online mattress brands at no cost to you. As a customer-friendly service, many will even arrange for the pickup of the returned mattress. Research the company’s return policy and whether or not they charge for return postage before making a purchase.

Disadvantages of Online Mattress Shopping

There are savings to be had, a wider variety of options to consider, and a more hassle-free shopping experience when you buy your mattress online. Nonetheless, consumers should weigh the benefits with the risks.

There is no option to “Try Before You Buy,” so even if you spend a lot of time reading about mattresses, you still won’t know how one feels until you actually lie down on it. If you’ve shopped for mattresses before and know exactly what you want, this probably won’t be a problem, but if it is your first time, you may want to check out a few before making a final decision.

It is possible to buy a mattress from an unauthorized seller if you shop through a non-retailer website. Mattresses purchased from unlicensed vendors are not covered by manufacturer warranties, so you will not receive the usual level of service and security. If you want to get the best deal, it’s always best to buy directly from the maker through their official website.

Brands that sell mattresses online generally send them compressed and vacuum-sealed, which might result in a longer break-in period. Though this reduces shipping costs, it may lengthen the time needed to break in the item. Allowing this mattress in a box to decompress for several hours is recommended, and it may take up to 48 hours to attain full loft. There may be some off-gassing scents as the bed decompresses because it has been compressed and sealed since it was manufactured.

More investigation is necessary because in-store mattress shopping is easier because of the assistance of a salesperson and a smaller, more manageable inventory. Online mattress shopping, on the other hand, necessitates a great deal more individual investigation. This is great since it means you can discover a mattress that fits your specific demands, but it can be time-consuming to sift through so many different kinds.

How to Shop for a Mattress Online: Step By Step

Shopping for a mattress online has numerous distinct advantages over purchasing a mattress at a regular brick-and-mortar store. Though having many options is definitely preferable, it may be difficult to narrow down the finest one. To ensure you get the most out of buying a mattress online, we’ll go over the entire procedure in detail.

Step One: Set Your Budget

Purchasing a new mattress is a substantial financial outlay, but it will pay off in the long run with improved sleep quality. Because of this, thinking about your budget is the first step you should take when shopping for a mattress online.

There are many benefits to planning out a budget in advance. At first, it keeps you from going into debt to purchase something that you can’t really afford. The bigger the price tag, the better the sleep you’re guaranteed to get, right? Determine a cost range that works for you and your budget.

Second, setting financial limits aids in focusing your search. The variety of mattresses available nowadays is truly mind-boggling. Despite the fact that this makes finding a bed that fits your specific needs easier than ever, it can also be confusing to have so many options. Once you know how much you can spend, you may narrow your search to the models that are within your price range.

The price of a mattress can range from very low to quite high. While most internet mattresses cost between $600 and $2,000, you can sometimes find one for as little as $300 or as much as $3,000.

Generally speaking, the price increases along with the quality of the materials, the design, and the construction. Be aware, though, that the most expensive mattress isn’t necessarily the best. The cost of a mattress depends on a wide variety of factors.

  • Materials: Latex, organic components, and proprietary parts tend to be more expensive. Polyfoam and other materials are often less expensive.
  • Mattress prices vary greatly depending on the construction and kind of the mattress. The cost of a hybrid or latex mattress is typically more than that of an innerspring or foam mattress. The price may also go up if it has a more prominent profile or extra layers.
  • Mattresses from brands known for their great quality and comfort tend to be more expensive.
  • Though extended sleep trials and extensive warranty coverage could be appreciated by certain buyers, they can significantly raise the final cost of a mattress.
  • As a result of higher overhead in production, U.S.-made mattresses might cost several hundred dollars more than similar models made in other countries.
  • Storefront or Cyberspace: Online retailers typically have reduced operating costs and pass these savings forward to their customers. Online stores often provide sales to further reduce prices.

Step Two: Choose a Mattress Type

After deciding how much you’re willing to spend, it’s time to pick out a mattress. What we mean when we talk about mattress types is the materials used to make them. When comparing comfort, cost, durability, and other performance parameters, different materials can have varying benefits and drawbacks.
The Best Mattresses You Can Buy Online 2022 | The Strategist

Foam with Memory
Typically, memory foam mattresses are all-foam designs with a memory foam comfort and/or transition layer. NASA pioneered the use of this material in their research, but Tempur-Pedic is responsible for making it widely known thanks to their mattress products.

In addition to being extremely comfortable, memory foam is also great for relieving pressure. There will be little to no noise transference from your movements during the night because to the mattress’s ability to absorb motion. Memory foam can be warm unless it has built-in cooling mechanisms like open-cell foam or a gel infusion.

Memory foam mattresses can range from very cheap to very expensive, depending on its design and production.

Foam
Standard all-foam mattresses have many layers of different kinds of polyfoam. The support core is made from high-density polyfoam, which will last for a long time, and the transition and comfort layers are made from lower-density, more contoured formulations.

The type of foam and the construction of a mattress can make a significant difference in the quality, affordability, and performance of a foam mattress. Good contouring, pressure alleviation, and motion isolation are characteristics shared by many all-foam designs.

Hybrid Most hybrid mattresses have a metal coil support core and a foam, polyfoam, latex, microcoil, or many layers of comfort system. The goal of creating a hybrid mattress is to use the greatest parts of both innerspring and foam/latex types while reducing or eliminating their downsides. Bounce, cradling, durability, edge support, and temperature regulation are often achieved in this way.

Hybrid beds, due to their superior build quality and long lifespan, are typically more expensive than traditional mattress options.

Innerspring
You may recognize an innerspring mattress by its metal coils and its cloth encasing. The classic innerspring mattress, formerly the industry standard, is now becoming uncommon yet has devoted adherents.

Cheap innerspring mattresses have the benefits of being buoyant, airy, and simple to move around on, but they also have the drawbacks of being more noisy, transferring motion more, and causing more pressure sores.

Latex
The comfort layer and support structure of this mattress are both made of latex. Natural latex is extracted from rubber trees, while synthetic latex is created in a lab using petrochemicals. Consumers concerned about the environment usually choose natural latex mattresses. Natural latex is coveted for its longevity, balance between sculpting and responsiveness, and higher price tag than synthetic alternatives.

Mattresses can use either natural or synthetic latex. Talalay latex is softer and lighter than its denser counterpart, Dunlop latex.

Other
You may come across various sorts of mattresses, such as airbeds, waterbeds, or Japanese futons, in addition to the most common ones described above. These mattresses aren’t as prevalent as foam, latex, or coil beds, but they’re great options because of their own special features.

Not to be confused with inflated air mattresses, airbeds feature air chamber support cores that allow for individualized mattress firmness. The tubes that hold the water in a waterbed’s core provide some support, but they aren’t particularly sturdy and can cause a major mess if they burst.

Traditional Japanese futons do not have frames and are instead spread out on the floor. Anyone seeking a simpler lifestyle may find them appealing. Traditional futons provide sturdy sleeping surfaces and can be folded up and out of the way during the day. Those with limited movement or chronic discomfort may find it difficult to sleep on the floor.

Step Three: Choose a Mattress Firmness Level

There is a direct correlation between how firm a mattress is and how comfortable it feels to sleep on. The top comfort layers of a mattress are the primary determinants of how soft or firm the bed will feel overall.

Your personal tastes, together with your size and how you like to sleep, are major factors in how cozy you find a certain surface to be. However, many mattress manufacturers utilize a firmness scale of 1-10 to offer customers a better idea of what to expect from different models. While these guidelines should work for the vast majority of people, there is still room for variation owing to individual tastes.

Firmness Level Feel Description Recommended For
1 Extra Soft The bed really gives as you put your weight on it, sinking down to cradle your body in a snug and comfortable shape.
  • Side sleepers under 130 lbs.
2-3 Soft The bed gives in and adjusts to the shape of the sleeper to a large extent.
  • Side sleepers under 130 lbs.
4 Medium Soft The mattress has a comfortable amount of give and sinkage for a good night’s sleep.
  • Sleepers under 130 lbs.
  • Side sleepers under 230 lbs.
5 Medium The mattress only gives in a little bit beneath your weight, but yet contours to the body in reasonable ways.
  • Sleepers between 130 and 230 lbs.
  • Side sleepers over 230 lbs.
6 Medium Firm Minimal sinkage and mild contouring characterize this sleep surface.
  • Sleepers between 130 and 230 lbs.
  • Side sleepers over 230 lbs.
7-8 Firm Weight causes almost no sinkage, and the surface does not mould to your body in any significant way.
  • Side sleepers over 230 lbs.
  • Back and stomach sleepers over 130 lbs.
9-10 Extra Firm There is zero body sinkage and very little contouring from the sleeping surface.
  • Back and stomach sleepers over 230 lbs.

The firmness level you need depends on the sleeping position you like. When people sleep on their sides, they put a lot of strain on their hips and shoulders because all their weight is concentrated on one side of the body. Because of this, they prefer mattresses that are slightly softer and more contoured so that their weight is distributed more evenly across the bed. Most people who sleep on their backs prefer softer mattresses, whereas those who sleep on their stomachs tend to prefer firmer mattresses.

The amount of force exerted on a mattress is directly proportional to the occupant’s body weight. Lighter sleepers (those weighing less than 130 pounds) frequently prefer a softer mattress since it better cradles their bodies. Those who weigh more than 230 pounds should look for a firmer mattress to avoid excessive sinkage.

One’s individual preferences for softness or firmness are major factors in determining the best mattress setting. While some people prefer the softer feel of a fluffy mattress, others can’t get comfortable on anything but a rock-solid platform. Think about how you feel rather than what others think. If you and your spouse share a bed, it’s important to take into account how each of you likes to sleep, how much support you need, and how much pressure you want to feel.

Step Four: Choose a Mattress Size

Whether you sleep alone, with a partner, child, or pet, and the size of your bedroom are all factors in determining the right mattress for you.

Twin, twin XL, full/double, queen, king, and California king mattresses will all be covered, along with their respective dimensions. Most major mattress manufacturers provide their most popular models in all of the most common sizes. Dimensions and mattress depth can vary slightly between models.

Mattress Size Dimensions (Width x Length) Best For
Twin 38″ x 75″
  • Children
  • Teens and college students
  • Single adults looking to save space
Twin XL 38″ x 80″
  • Taller single adults
  • Teens
Full/Double 54″ x 75″
  • Single adults
  • Teens
  • Guest rooms
Queen 60″ x 80″
  • Single adults who want extra room to stretch out
  • Couples
King 76″ x 80″
  • Couples who want extra space
  • Couples who frequently share their bed with a small child or a pet
California King 72″ x 84″
  • Taller couples
  • Couples with a pet that sleeps at the foot of their bed

Step Five: Look for Reputable Online Mattress Brands

Now that you know what features you need, it’s time to look at mattress brands. The procedure can be simplified and the likelihood of a great experience increased by selecting a trustworthy company with a proven track record of product quality and customer service.

In addition, there are benefits to buying a mattress straight from a respected manufacturer. Mattresses can be purchased online from a variety of retailers, the vast majority of which provide free shipping. Buying directly from the manufacturer also simplifies the process of returns, exchanges, and warranty claims.

On the other hand, it isn’t always obvious which brands can be trusted while doing your buying online. You should look into your options to discover the best one. You may save time and energy by getting an overview of the top mattresses currently available online by reading reviews written by actual sleep-tracking customers.

Step Six: Consider Sleep Trials, Returns, and Warranties

Online retailers with a good reputation typically offer a variety of perks to their customers, including free returns, exchanges, and even sleep samples. However, the tiniest print is where you’ll get the answers to your questions about the policies.

Many online mattress stores provide a “sleep trial,” where customers can try out the bed in their own home before making a final decision. If a company doesn’t have a physical showroom, they want clients to feel comfortable making a major purchase online without first trying it out.
How to buy a mattress online: 5 tips for sleep success - John Ryan by Design

A sleep trial allows you to sleep on the mattress at home for a certain number of nights. As a general rule, you can return a model for a refund or swap it for a different model if you are unhappy with its handling or functionality. You may have to put in a little extra time before asking for a refund at some companies.

If a company offers a sleep trial, it’s also likely to have a generous return policy. A lot of internet mattress businesses will give you your money back and even help you get rid of the mattress by arranging for a local charity to pick it up. However, since every policy is different, you should be on the lookout for restrictions and cancellation fines.

Your mattress is protected against manufacturing flaws by the terms of a warranty policy. Manufacturing and material problems, such as permanent indentations deeper than a specified depth or splitting foam, are often covered by such plans. Covered issues, the duration of coverage, and the responsibilities of the policyholder should all be specified in detail. Some policies are prorated and require the owner to pay a percentage of repair or replacement expenses based on the age of the mattress, although most policies cover the mattress for several years. There could be additional expenses for shipping.

Step Seven: Purchase and Set Up Your New Mattress

After careful consideration, you should buy a mattress that meets your needs in terms of both comfort and cost.

Go to the model’s product page you intend to buy first. Select the appropriate size, and then add the mattress to your shopping basket along with any further customization choices you’d like to use. When you’re through shopping, just go to your cart and follow the prompts.

White Glove delivery and/or old mattress removal are optional extras that some online mattress retailers offer for an additional price, emulating the full-service delivery experience you may find at a brick-and-mortar mattress store. White Glove delivery entails having a crew unbox and assemble your new bed. Having your old mattress disposed of is part of old mattress removal. These choices could show up either when you’re adding an item to your shopping cart or when you’re choosing a shipping option.

Credit cards, debit cards, and even PayPal are all common payment options at online mattress stores. Many businesses will work with you to create a payment plan if you are unable to fork over the total amount immediately.

Your order tracking number should arrive shortly after you place it. Here, you can see when your mattress order will arrive and what its current status is. Your new bed could arrive anywhere from two days to several weeks after placing your purchase, depending on your location, the shipping origin, and the availability of custom-made options.

A common shipping method for online mattress retailers is the “mattress in a box” concept. To facilitate less expensive and more hassle-free transport, brand-new mattresses are vacuum-sealed, rolled, and packaged.

To set up your new mattress, you will need to bring the box into your bedroom and unpack it according to the manufacturer’s instructions if White Glove delivery wasn’t included in your order. This is typically a task for two people.

Most models can be easily removed from their packaging while still in its protective film. Customers unwrap the mattress and then set it up on their base. It could take a new mattress several hours to decompress to a comfortable level for sleeping on, and it could take several days to reach its full size. It’s possible that off-gassing aromas from the manufacturing process will persist for a few days, but providing adequate ventilation should help get rid of them more quickly.

After you’ve had a chance to relax and appreciate your new mattress, make the bed with your linens of choice and get some shut-eye.

FAQs

Are there ever sales or discounts?

In many cases! The holidays, Black Friday, and company anniversaries are all great times to find deals. You can always find the most recent information on what’s on sale by visiting our coupon page again.Consider looking into referral programs that could net you and a loved one a discount or credit if they just bought a bed from the same internet retailer as you.

How much do online beds cost?

Mattresses can be found on the internet, and they range in price from low to high. While the price of a high-end mattress could easily reach the thousands, budget mattresses can be found for under $100. In general, it is not uncommon for a bed-in-a-box company to provide a high-quality bed at a fraction of the price of a traditional mattress retailer.Shop around to find a solution that helps you get some shut-eye without breaking the bank.

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