Should You Buy a Mattress Online or in Stores? Here's What the Experts Think
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Because of their size and cost, mattresses may not be the easiest products to shop for, but they are one of the most important essentials you can have in your home. A good mattress helps you feel properly supported as you sleep without causing aggressive pushback or sagging in uncomfortable areas. If your mattress is too stiff or worn out to get an enjoyable night's sleep, you'll want to know how to shop for a new mattress that fits your needs now.
“It’s important to remember that about a third of your day is spent in bed, so investing in a quality bed that can maintain your ideal level of comfort and support over time and as you go throughout life is key,” explains Lori MacLachlan, VP of product management at Sleep Number.
In this guide, we talked to sleep and bedding experts for their tips on how to shop for a mattress and whether you should browse in stores or online for your new bed. Here's what to know.
What should you consider when shopping for a mattress?
Whether you're purchasing your new mattress online or in stores, you'll want to keep the same factors in mind.
Choose between a soft, medium, or firm mattress
Almost every mattress brand sorts their products by soft, medium, or firm. You may intuitively know that you like a certain level of firmness, but if you're not sure, consider your sleep habits first.
“If you're a side sleeper, a softer mattress might be more suitable, while firmer options might suit a back or stomach sleeper,” says Andrew Buchan, founder of Strictly Beds & Bunks. This is because a softer mattress is gentler on a side sleeper's hips and shoulders, so there is less of a struggle to find a comfortable position.
Your body type (and that of your sleeping partner) should also be a factor in this decision as well.
“Heavier people need a mattress that is more supportive,” explains Jeff Kahn, CEO of Rise Science and creator of the sleep and energy tracker app RISE. “Medium-firm mattresses often work well for people in the average weight range of 130 to 230 lbs.”
Consider cooling properties and airflow
Mattress designs are surprisingly advanced now, and many are made with hot sleepers' needs in mind.
“If you sleep hot, consider mattresses with cooling properties, like those with gel-infused memory foam or specific latex types,” says Kahn. You can also choose a mattress with perforated layers, which allows body heat to dissipate through the materials instead of getting trapped inside your bedding.
Keep in mind that many brands promote their mattresses' cooling features and premium materials as an add-on — if you don't want to spend more on phase-changing technology or a cooling cover fabric, keep in mind that the material of your sheets and pillows can also greatly affect the comfort of your sleep as well.
Research return policies and warranties
One of the most oft-overlooked parts of buying a new mattress is considering the brand's delivery options, trial period, return policy, and any lifetime warranties they may offer.
“A good warranty can save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run,” says Kahn. “It's important to understand the details of the warranty, including its length, what it covers, and any conditions or stipulations.”
Not every mattress brand is flexible with returns, so make sure you take note of what they will and won't cover. Also, even if you're buying a budget mattress, it may be a good idea to splurge on in-home, white-glove delivery — certain brands may take your old mattress to recycle or donate when they install your new one.
Approach customer reviews with caution
While reading online customer reviews can be helpful, there's no way of knowing if a stranger's experience with a mattress will mirror yours.
“Your perfect mattress needs to suit your body type, sleeping habits, and any aches or pains you experience,” Buchan notes. “Think about what feels right for you.”
A better approach is to ask your network of friends and family how they feel about their current mattress — even better if they'll let you lie down on it during a visit! While you shouldn't buy the exact same mattress just because they like it, you can ask them specific questions about their sleep habits and whether the mattress has improved their sleep since getting it.
Should you buy a new mattress in stores or online?
Although buying a mattress online is very convenient, some may be better off trying one out in stores first. While there is no definitive right answer, this is how the experts break down who should buy online vs. in stores:
Buy your mattress online if:
You know exactly what you want and are ready to make a purchase.
You want to choose from the widest possible selection of brands, styles, and firmnesses.
You want to take advantage of online-only prices and discounts.
You want to compare at-home trial periods across brands.
Don't buy your mattress online if:
You have to try it before purchasing.
You prefer to choose from a select group of mattresses instead of hundreds.
You're concerned about having to return it if you're not happy.
You have lots of questions and need to talk to a human customer service rep.
Buying a mattress online is best if you've done your research, already know what you want, and are waiting for the right time to buy. Ideally, you've had the chance to test out the mattress in person or know someone who likes the brand you're buying.
Buy your mattress in stores if:
You have to try multiple models before purchasing.
You need to talk to a customer service rep face-to face.
You're not sure what firmness, style, or size you want.
Don't buy your mattress in stores if:
You don't want to interact with a customer service rep.
You want a particular model that's not available in local stores.
You want the flexibility to search across multiple brands and websites to compare features and prices.
There is less risk involved in visiting a mattress store to talk to an employee, try out various models, and assess your likes and dislikes of certain mattress styles. Also, you're not obligated to make a purchase that day! And while promotions may vary, you can still find great deals in stores, too.
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