Navigating the online mattress market can be overwhelming. With countless brands and models promising the best sleep, making an informed decision is crucial. This guide highlights some of the top mattress contenders available online, along with mattresses to avoid, and essential factors to consider when choosing the Best Mattress Online for your needs.
Top Mattress Recommendations: Honorable Mentions
While these mattresses might not have topped every category in our tests, they are still noteworthy options worth considering.
The Boring Hybrid Mattress
For those seeking simplicity and balance, the Boring Hybrid Mattress offers a straightforward approach to sleep comfort. Founded by Tuft & Needle alums, Boring focuses on delivering one quality hybrid mattress at a competitive price of $799. This 10-inch mattress features a four-layer construction of foam and springs, designed to provide a balanced feel. Brenda Stolyar from WIRED tested this mattress and noted its excellent balance between firmness and support, particularly beneficial for individuals sensitive to joint pain. While the open-cell design aims to regulate temperature, Stolyar found its cooling capabilities to be less effective in warmer conditions. However, its overall comfort and support make it a solid choice for many sleepers seeking a dependable hybrid mattress online.
The Airweave Advanced
If you prioritize ease of movement, washability, and prefer a firm sleeping surface, the Airweave Advanced stands out. This unique mattress, priced at $4,500 for a queen, is designed by a Japanese engineer and utilizes interwoven polyethylene blocks instead of traditional foam or springs. WIRED’s review (8/10, WIRED Recommends) highlights its firmness and ease of handling, as the king-sized tester came with three lightweight slabs for assembly within the cover. While its firmness may not be ideal for all, especially those preferring softer beds or side sleepers, its unique construction and focus on hygiene make it an intriguing option for a specific niche of online mattress shoppers.
Casper The One
Casper, a pioneer in the bed-in-a-box industry, continues to innovate with The One mattress, priced at $599. This 11-inch all-foam mattress aims to address common issues associated with foam beds, such as heat retention. Casper utilizes a Breathe Flex Foam top layer with an open-cell design to enhance breathability and provide a pleasantly squishy feel. Beneath this, two additional foam layers contribute to a medium-firm feel, with targeted support for hips and overall body alignment. Its lightweight nature (66 pounds for a queen) also adds to its convenience. For those seeking a classic all-foam mattress online from a reputable brand, Casper The One remains a competitive option.
Nolah Evolution 15
For sleepers who prefer a firm and substantial mattress reminiscent of traditional innerspring beds, the Nolah Evolution 15 is a robust choice. Priced at $1,624, this mattress boasts a 15-inch profile and seven layers, including high-density foam and heavy-duty pocketed coils. Reviewers noted its initial firmness, describing it as “overstuffed,” requiring a two-week break-in period. The Nolah Evolution 15 is constructed with quality materials and offers a durable, supportive feel, appealing to those who favor a more traditional mattress experience in the online market.
The Winkbed
The Winkbed, priced at $1,499, stands out for its luxury firm feel and exceptional edge support. WIRED reviewer Julian Chokkattu, who slept on the luxury firm WinkBed for two years, praised its edge support, preventing partner disturbance during sleep. The plush pillowtop adds a touch of hotel-like luxury to its firm support system. If edge support and a balance of firmness and plushness are high on your priority list when searching for the best mattress online, The Winkbed deserves consideration.
Nest Bedding Quail
The Nest Bedding Quail offers a firmer all-foam alternative for those considering classic bed-in-a-box brands. While the reviewer preferred Casper’s all-foam option, the Quail presents a firmer feel for those who desire it, albeit at a slightly higher price of $1,039. Despite its claimed cooling system incorporating mineral-infused foam and an airflow layer, the reviewer experienced some heat retention during testing. If a firmer all-foam mattress from a reputable online brand is your preference, the Nest Bedding Quail is a viable option.
Helix Sunset Elite
Helix, a top-rated brand, extends its offerings with the Elite collection, including the softest model, the Sunset Elite ($2,999). This impressive 16-inch mattress is described as “the tallest mattress on the internet” and arrives in two heavy boxes. The firmness is adjustable thanks to a zippered upper layer with varying foam densities, allowing for customization even after purchase. The Sunset Elite model provides a deep cradling effect, appreciated by the reviewer during a month-long test. Helix also offers a 100-day trial period, adding to its appeal for online mattress shoppers seeking a luxurious and customizable experience.
Linenspa 10-Inch Hybrid Mattress
For budget-conscious shoppers, the Linenspa 10-Inch Hybrid Mattress offers an incredibly affordable option at around $300. While acknowledging that investing more in a mattress is generally recommended, the reviewer found this hybrid “perfectly serviceable” for temporary or budget needs. Minor manufacturing flaws and some durability concerns in customer reviews are noted, but for its price point, the Linenspa 10-Inch Hybrid provides a basic hybrid mattress experience online.
Wayfair Sleep 14-Inch Plush Cooling Gel Hybrid Mattress
If you prefer a plush mattress with cooling features, the Wayfair Sleep 14-Inch Plush Cooling Gel Hybrid Mattress, priced at $405, is worth considering. This mattress combines a cooling gel-infused top layer with pocket coils and memory foam layers for support and motion isolation. It also boasts features like compatibility with adjustable bed bases, solid edge support, and CertiPUR-US and Oeko-Tex certifications for safety. For those seeking a plush and cooling mattress online at an accessible price, this Wayfair option offers a comfortable sleep experience.
Mattresses to Avoid
While affordability can be tempting, some mattresses fall short in key areas like support, comfort, or value. Here are models to approach with caution:
Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt
Despite Tempur-Pedic’s renowned brand reputation, the Tempur-Adapt ($2,199) received negative reviews from two WIRED testers. One reviewer, Nena Farrell, found it lacking in support, describing a “sinking into a void” sensation that led to back and muscle aches. Even after passing it on to her sister, the negative experience persisted, comparing it to “sleeping on a leaky air mattress.” These experiences suggest that the Tempur-Adapt may not live up to the brand’s typical standards and price point.
Magniflex Magnistretch 12
The Magniflex Magnistretch 12, an Italian-made mattress priced at $3,079, markets itself as a spine-stretching bed endorsed by athletes. However, the reviewer experienced significant discomfort, lasting only two nights before abandoning the test. The morning-after sensation was likened to sleeping on a “hammock made of chainlink fence,” with lower back weakness and creakiness. This negative experience indicates that the “spine-stretching” feature may not be universally desirable and could even cause discomfort for some sleepers.
Sleep Number Climate360 Smart Bed
The Sleep Number Climate360 Smart Bed ($7,999) boasts temperature control and adjustability, features that are undeniably appealing. However, its high price tag and potential drawbacks raise concerns. WIRED’s review (5/10, WIRED Review) points out the exorbitant cost, comparable to a used car, and the heavy weight. Additionally, sleep experts advise against electronic use before bed, contradicting the Sleep IQ app integration. While innovative, the Sleep Number Climate360’s price and features may not justify its value for most consumers seeking the best mattress online.
Amazon Basics mattress
The Amazon Basics mattress, priced at $408, falls short due to its use of inexpensive, low-density foam. This results in excessive sinkage and inadequate support. While budget-friendly, investing in a mattress with better quality materials is generally recommended for long-term comfort and spinal health.
Parachute Eco Comfort Mattress
The Parachute Eco Comfort Mattress ($2,400) fails to justify its premium price due to insufficient padding above its coil system. The tested model lacked adequate comfort layers, making it a poor value proposition compared to other mattresses in its price range.
Mattress Buying Guide: Key Considerations
Choosing the best mattress online involves understanding your preferences and needs. Here are crucial factors to consider:
Firmness and Softness
The ideal mattress firmness is subjective and depends on your sleeping position and body weight. Generally, heavier individuals and back/stomach sleepers benefit from firmer mattresses, while lighter individuals and side sleepers often prefer softer options. Softer mattresses tend to retain more heat as your body sinks in. Remember that most mattresses have a break-in period, and firmness can be adjusted later with mattress toppers if needed, but making a soft mattress firmer is more challenging.
Mattress Size
Mattress sizes range from twin to California king. Queen size is the most popular in the US, but choose a size that comfortably fits your bed frame and sleeping needs. Consider the number of sleepers and available bedroom space.
Bed-in-a-Box Setup
Most online mattresses are bed-in-a-box models, delivered compressed and rolled. Setup is generally straightforward, but heavier mattresses may require assistance. Unbox the mattress near your bed frame as it will begin to expand immediately after opening the vacuum seal. Allow up to 48 hours for full expansion.
Trial Periods and Warranties
Reputable online mattress brands offer trial periods (typically 100 nights or more) and warranties (often 10 years). Review the company’s return policy before purchasing, noting any potential return fees. Set a reminder before the trial period ends to assess your satisfaction.
Hybrid vs. All-Foam
Traditional mattresses used springs with thin foam layers. Bed-in-a-box mattresses are either all-foam or hybrids (foam and springs). Hybrids generally offer better support, stability, and cooling due to airflow through the coils, but tend to be slightly pricier. Foam mattresses are often softer, lighter, and more affordable.
Mattress Safety
Mattresses sold in the US must meet flammability and labeling regulations. Choose reputable brands to ensure safety and compliance with consumer protection rules.
Conclusion
Finding the best mattress online requires careful research and consideration of your individual needs and preferences. This guide provides a starting point, highlighting noteworthy mattresses and crucial buying factors. By understanding your firmness preference, size requirements, and mattress type, and by considering trial periods and warranties, you can confidently navigate the online mattress market and invest in better sleep.
