How to Buy a Mattress Online

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methods

1Choosing a Mattress Type

2Comparing Mattress Companies

3Taking Advantage of the Trial Period

Other Sections

Tips and Warnings

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References

Purchasing a new mattress can be an overwhelming experience, especially when you’re shopping online. Luckily, buying a mattress can be easy once you know what type of mattress you’re looking for. Shopping online also allows you to take advantage of trial periods and return policies that aren’t always available when buying from a brick and mortar store.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Choosing a Mattress Type

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   Pick a foam mattress if you like a firmer base. Foam mattresses don’t have any springs, so they tend to have a firmer feel. Pay attention to the density and thickness of the foam, since dense foam tends to be extremely firm. Many online mattress companies sell foam mattresses, so these will be easy to find.

   • Foam mattresses are also an excellent choice for people who have allergies, since they tend to trap less dust. For extra protection from allergens, use hypoallergenic sheets as well!

   Tip: If you tend to get warm while you sleep, look for a foam mattress that has a layer of dense foam on the bottom with a lighter foam on top. This will allow air to vent through the top layers of foam while providing extra comfort.
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   Choose an innerspring mattress if you prefer some bounce. Look for a pocketed coil mattress if you want the familiar bounce of a spring mattress. These tend to have a quilted foam or fiberfill outer layer surrounding the coils, which gives the top a soft, comfortable feeling.

   • Keep in mind that “pillow top” mattresses, which normally have soft, thick toppers, can compress over time as you sleep on them. If you prefer the comfort of a topper, opt for a firm mattress and purchase a replaceable mattress topper that you can swap out when it becomes too flat.
3. 
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   Opt for an adjustable air-filled mattress for a more personalized experience. Look for a remote-controlled mattress that allows you to change the firmness of the mattress if you want to customize your bed. You can change your mattress from firm to soft, depending on your preferences. This is especially ideal for couples who sleep in the same bed but prefer different firmness levels.

   • Remember that the air pump for these mattresses can be loud and will require access to an electrical outlet.
   • If you have back pain, an adjustable bed that has a incline option can help you find a sleeping position that’s comfortable for you.
4. 
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   Pay attention to your sleeping habits when deciding on a mattress type. Depending on what position you sleep in, you may need to choose a specific type of mattress for added support. If you sleep on your side, look for a mattress that conforms to your shape and provides support. If you sleep on your stomach, pick a firmer mattress that won’t allow you to sink in, which can feel uncomfortable and smothering.

   • If you sleep on your back, pick whichever firmness level you prefer, since most mattress types will feel comfortable.
5. 
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   Visit a mattress showroom if you aren’t sure which kind of mattress you prefer. Even when you’re shopping online, it’s good to try a few mattresses to see what you like. Lay down on the mattresses in the showroom for 3-5 minutes at a time if possible. Take notes on which mattresses you like the best, and use that to help with your shopping.

   • If you don’t already have a size in mind, try out a few different mattress sizes to see which has the right amount of space for you.
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   Select the right size mattress for your needs. Most online mattress stores sell Full, Queen, and King size beds. If you’re shopping for a bed for an adult, choose a Full or Queen for enough space to stretch out. For a couple, pick a Queen or King size bed to have sleeping space for both partners.

   • Be sure to purchase a bed frame that will fit your new mattress if you don’t already have one in that size.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Comparing Mattress Companies

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   Compare prices between different companies and websites. Browse online to see if any sites are offering special promotions or deals. If not, compare the prices for the type of mattress that you’re interested in. Try to choose a company that offers a good deal but isn’t extremely cheap, as that could be a sign that the mattress isn’t well-made.

   • Some companies offer a coupon for first-time buyers if you join their email list. This is a great way to save some money even if there isn’t a sale going on.
2. 
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   Research various brands to learn more about their mattresses. There are plenty of different online mattress companies that have different manufacturing practices. Visit the "about" section on each of their websites to learn more about how their mattresses are made. If they make a variety of different types of mattresses, read about the benefits for each before making your purchase.

   Popular Online Mattress Companies

   Casper, Tuft & Needle, and Layla make layered foam mattresses that offer many different features at a variety of price points.

   Helix is an online mattress companies that makes customizable innerspring mattresses.

   Sleep Number has online and physical stores where you can purchase adjustable air mattresses.
   
3. 
   3
   Purchase only from a company that has a trial or refund policy. Visit the website of the company to learn more about their refund policy or trial period. In general, look for a company that offers a trial period of 30-90 days to ensure that the bed is comfortable. A shorter refund period might not give you enough time to decide if you like the bed.

   • Avoid purchasing from a company that doesn’t offer this trial period, since it’s almost impossible to know if you’ll like the mattress when you order it online.
   • Most companies will pay to have your mattress packaged and shipped back to them if you aren’t satisfied. However, be sure to read the return policy before making a purchase, since policies will vary between companies.
4. 
   4
   Read online reviews from real customers to see common problems. When you pick a mattress and a company, look for reviews to see what customers have to say. Try searching for the name of the company and product plus the word “review” to find written and video reviews. Make note of common issues, like torn foam, broken springs, or an uncomfortable topper, which can be signs that the mattress isn’t well made.

   • Keep in mind that some companies will offer free products in exchange for a review. While many people try to keep their reviews unbiased, some people may not be honest in their reviews.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Taking Advantage of the Trial Period

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   1
   Prepare to be home on the day of your delivery. Some mattresses are delivered in a box that you have to open to see the product, while others come whole. This means the boxes are often large and heavy. Try to make an effort to have someone there to receive the product, since it will usually require a signature.

   • If you ordered a bed frame with your mattress, which is necessary for some companies, check to make sure every part of your order is accounted for when it’s delivered.
2. 
   2
   Inspect the mattress for damage when it’s delivered. Check the outside of the box for any damage, such as cuts, tears, or holes in the packaging. Before the delivery driver leaves, unpack the mattress to make sure it has a tag that says “all-new material,” and keep the tag on. Inspect the mattress to make sure there are no rips, tears, or stains in the foam or fabric.

   • If the mattress is missing the “all-new material” tag, refuse delivery and call customer service.
   • If the packaging or mattress has cuts, tears, or stains, take pictures of the damage to send to customer service.
3. 
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   Put the mattress on the bed frame without covering it. Make sure the mattress fits snugly inside of your bed frame before you add sheets. Some mattresses, such as foam mattresses that are air-packed, may have a faint, chemical-like smell from the packaging. Let it air out for 2-3 hours before putting your sheets on the mattress.

   • If the smell persists for more than a few hours, call customer service to let them know about the problem. They may have tips for getting rid of the smell from their specific mattress material.
4. 
   4
   Use the trial period to decide whether or not you like your new mattress. Sleep on the mattress as much as possible to make the most of your trial period. When you receive the bed, make note of the last day of the trial period so you remember to return it by then if you aren’t satisfied with your purchase.

   • It might be helpful to keep a notebook and track whether or not you feel rested when you wake up in the morning and throughout the day.
5. 
   5
   Get rid of your old mattress when you're satisfied with the new one. Store your old mattress somewhere safe until your trial period has ended. If you decide that you don’t like the mattress, you can simply return it and go back to using your old mattress until you find a more suitable one.

   • If you don’t have a lot of extra space, tilt your old mattress on its side against a wall while you’re still deciding whether you want to keep it or not.

   Tip: If you decide that you like your new mattress, there are a few ways you can dispose of your old mattress. Try selling, donating, or recycling your mattress before you throw it away. Some mattress stores will dispose of your old mattress for you.

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Tips

• Keep in mind that shopping online means that you often have to set up the mattress by yourself. If you might need help lifting and moving the mattress, be sure to have someone there with you when the mattress is delivered.
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