What types of mattresses are there?

Mattresses come in a variety of materials and sizes. Today's models tend to be made from innerspring, memory foam, latex, or some combination of these. Size-wise, you can opt for a twin, full, queen, king, and California king. Some retailers also sell twin XL and full XL sizes.

What's the best time to buy a mattress?

There are several periods throughout the year that are best for buying a mattress . If you plan to buy a mattress from a brick-and-mortar retailer, the month of May is a great time; the industry releases its new models in June through September, so retailers tend to clean out their old options in May. Also, retailers tend to have great deals on long weekends of national holidays like the Fourth of July or Labor Day.

How do you clean a mattress?

When you stain or spill on your mattress, remove its cover and wash it immediately. If the mattress surface itself is soiled, opt for an upholstery shampoo to clean it—just make sure to follow the directions on the label. Alternatively, you can clean a mattress surface using mild dish soap mixed with water. There are also ways to clean your mattress naturally . Generally, it's advisable to vacuum your mattress at least once a month to keep dust and allergens at bay . As you shop for a mattress, you'll want to know what you'll get when you finally make your purchase. In addition to what mattress features to consider, here's what you'll want to keep in mind.

The 12 Best Places to Buy a Mattress of 2022

The 13 Best Places to Buy a Mattress of 2022 — The Spruce / Chloe Jeong

Experts recommend you replace your mattress every five to 10 years. You can opt to buy a new mattress in-store, with the freedom to test for key features, or shop online for convenience and oftentimes, a wider selection.

We conducted hours of research on the best places to buy a mattress, evaluating retailers on return policy, return window, payment options, and average wait time or shipping time. Our top picks include Saatva, Amerisleep, and Wayfair.

Ahead, find the best places to buy a mattress for a restful night's sleep.

Courtesy of Saatva

What We Like

Online quiz to help find right style
Free concierge delivery and setup
Free removal of old mattress
180-night sleep trial

What We Don't Like

Transportation fee for mattress returns

Saatva specializes in luxury mattresses at an affordable price, and to make online mattress shopping easier, their website features a simple quiz to match you with the comfiest option. The online retail store offers memory foam, hybrid, and latex mattresses, and an adjustable mattress with 50 firmness options. Every mattress is designed with dedicated lumbar zone support and made in the United States with high-quality materials like organic cotton and CertiPUR-US certified foams. The Saatva Classic, a hybrid mattress is one of the most popular models offered for adults. Saatva also carries a wide selection of mattresses for children, including a dual-sided innerspring mattress.

The store offers free premium concierge delivery and setup, and they’ll remove your old mattress for free. Saatva has a viewing room in New York City, but if you’re not in the area, you can still shop at their online store with confidence thanks to their 180-night home trial. If you’re not happy with your new mattress during the trial, they’ll come pick it up and provide a refund, minus a transportation fee to cover the mattress pickup.

Return policy: $99 processing fee | Return window: 180-night home trial | Payment options: Affirm | Shipping time: Not listed

Courtesy of Amerisleep

What We Like

Free shipping and returns
100-night sleep trial
Great for people who like memory foam mattresses

What We Don't Like

Limited brick-and-mortar retail locations

If you’re interested in a memory foam mattress, take a look at the comfy offerings from Amerisleep. The online retail store has soft, medium, and firm mattresses, with options for both back and side sleepers. Their most popular option is the medium-firm AS3 mattress. Unlike traditional memory foam, which can get too hot for some sleepers, Amerisleep mattresses feature their proprietary Bio-Pur material to keep you cool and comfortable. The eco-friendly, plant-based material is more breathable than petroleum-based memory foam and has an open-cell structure for better airflow. Plus, the mattress has a soft and breathable cover for even more cooling comfort.

All mattresses include free shipping and returns, and you can try your new mattress for 100 nights. If you’re not happy, it’s easy to return it for a full refund. You can also shop in-store at retail locations in select cities.

Return policy: Free | Return window: 100-night home trial | Payment options: Financing available | Shipping time: Not listed

Courtesy of Purple

What We Like

100-night sleep trial
Available at stores nationwide

What We Don't Like

Just three models available

For a mattress with scientific comfort engineering, consider buying from Purple. You can shop directly from the brand online, or find the brand at a brick-and-mortar store (there are over 2,000 retailers that carry Purple mattresses across the United States). Each mattress features the company’s signature Purple Grid sleep surface, which adapts to your body to relieve pressure points and provide the perfect amount of support. The mattresses also have a breathable and stretchy cover that enhances the supportive comfort of the Purple Grid. You have three options to choose from: The Purple Mattress, which is made with dual-layered comfort foam, and the Purple Hybrid and Purple Hybrid Premier, which are made with responsive support coils. All of the foam used in Purple mattresses is CertiPUR-US certified, and the mattresses are made in the USA.

The store offers free ground shipping on most mattresses, and each one includes a 120-night home trial. If you’re not happy with your new mattress, you can return it for a refund (minus the original shipping fees).

Return policy: Free | Return window: 120-night home trial | Payment options: Financing available | Shipping time: Next day

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What We Like

100-night sleep trial
Free delivery and returns
Also sells beds and accessories
Donates mattresses to charity

What We Don't Like

Just three models available

Sold online and in select retail stores nationwide, Leesa is a brand worth putting on your radar, especially if comfort is a top priority. The brand's Universal Adaptive Feel™ promises a comfortable sleep no matter your body type or sleeping style.

The company offers three styles: The Leesa Original, an all-foam mattress; the Leesa Hybrid, a combination foam and pocket-spring coil mattress; and the Leesa Legend, a foam mattress with two layers of pocket springs. Website guides help you determine which one might be right for you. The mattresses are compressed and shipped in a box. Once they arrive and are removed from their air-tight packaging, they expand.

Enjoy a 100-night, risk-free sleep trial, and if you aren't satisfied, the company promises free shipping and free returns in most states. For every 10 mattresses the company sells, it donates one to charity.

Return policy: Free | Return window: 100-night home trial | Payment options: Affirm | Shipping time: three to five business days

Here Are the Best Memory Foam Mattresses for a Good Night’s Sleep

What We Like

Easy-to-use portal
Variety of budget options
Many come with free two-day shipping

What We Don't Like

Online-only
Fewer high-end options

If you’re in the market for anything home-related, you’ve probably spent a fair amount of time shopping at Wayfair. The site makes it simple to buy a mattress, offering an easy-to-use online portal that allows you to search by size, brand, and type. Their products range from affordable Wayfair Sleep mattresses to high-end luxury beds from brands like Sealy and Stearns & Foster. A 100-night home trial allows you to return your mattress for a refund or exchange. Many of the mattresses also come with free two-day shipping.

Return policy: Free | Return window: 100-night home trial | Payment options: Financing available | Shipping time: Two days

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Slumber Solutions

What We Like

Frequent sales
Vast selection
Free shipping on many mattresses

What We Don't Like

Online-only
Strict return policy

Another great online-only retailer, Overstock has a wide selection of mattresses at various price points. They carry endless options, including Tempur-Pedic, Serta, and Slumber Solutions, and offer free shipping on most of their selection. Overstock also commonly has coupons and sales going on, allowing you to score an expensive mattress at an even deeper discount.

All of Overstock's best-selling mattresses are reviewed and critiqued to help you make the best choice. Some options come with a 10-year limited manufacturer warranty, however, unless otherwise specified on the product page, most mattresses can't be returned unless damaged or defective.

Return policy: No returns | Return window: No returns | Payment options: Financing available| Shipping time: Next day

What We Like

Frequent sales on higher-end models
Free, same day delivery
Allow exchanges within 120 days

What We Don't Like

Not all brands available in-store

Bed Bath & Beyond may be known for their endless selection of bedding, towels, and more, but they also carry a robust line of mattress options. Most of their selection is slightly higher-end, with a focus on brands such as Beautyrest, Tempur-Pedic, and Serta. Some of their mattresses are sold in-store, but they offer a much wider selection online.

Bed Bath & Beyond is also a great choice for anyone looking for deals (they often have sales, even on popular items) on higher-end mattresses that will last for years. Customers enjoy free delivery, as well as a “comfort guarantee” that allows you to exchange your purchase within 120 days.

Return policy: Free | Return window: 120-night home trial | Payment options: Financing available | Shipping time: Same day delivery

The 10 Best Queen Mattresses of 2022

What We Like

Free shipping and returns
100-night sleep trial
10-year limited warranty

What We Don't Like

Additional fee for in-home delivery and setup

Since hitting the market in 2014, Casper has taken the mattress world by storm, winning awards and the loyalty of customers alike. Not only do they offer four styles of mattresses (the Original, Wave Hybrid, Nova Hybrid, and Element), but they also sell a variety of pillows, sheets, bed frames, and canine beds online or in one of their sleep shops.

Casper offers free shipping to your house within two to five business days and a 100-night, no-risk trial period during which you can sleep in the bed in your own home. If you don’t like it, they’ll send someone to pick up the mattress (they’ll donate it to charity or recycle it) for free and provide you with prepaid shipping labels for the rest of their products.

Return policy: Free | Return window: 100-night home trial | Payment options: Affirm | Shipping time: Two to five business days

What We Like

Brick-and-mortar stores nationwide
120-night sleep trial
Price match guarantee

What We Don't Like

Doesn't carry many newer brands

If you’re hunting for a national brick-and-mortar store that’s highly regarded, Mattress Firm is the place to start. Though its online store offers endless options and an easy-to-use mattress finder tool, the company also has standalone stores in every state across the country, making it easy to try out your mattress before you buy it.

All of their mattresses come with a 120-night sleep trial, allowing you to exchange your selection for something else if you decide it’s not right for your needs. Mattress Firm's online store allows you to shop by size, brand, type, and even level of softness, making it incredibly easy to narrow down your choices and head to a local store if you choose. Plus, if you find your mattress cheaper online within 120 days of your purchase, they'll refund you the difference.

Mattress Firm’s selection includes most big-name brands, including Serta, Simmons and more. You’d be hard-pressed to find a larger selection at other brick-and-mortar stores.

Return policy: Free | Return window: 120-night sleep trial | Payment options: Financing available | Shipping time: Not listed

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What We Like

Ability to adjust both sides
Good for couples
15-year limited warranty

What We Don't Like

Potential for tech malfunctions
Premium delivery and setup fee

Just one of many direct-to-consumer mattress companies out there, Sleep Number has an avid fan following, especially from couples with different sleep needs. Sleep Number offers both an online store and brick-and-mortar locations throughout the country. Their beds are designed to allow you to program your mattress’ softness, using either a phone app or a controller, and you can adjust each side of the mattress individually.

Each mattress comes with a 100-night trial and a 15-year limited warranty against defects, so you can feel secure in your purchase. However, premium delivery and setup are required with every mattress purchase, and there's a fee for the service. Still, Sleep Number is a great choice for anyone who wants to adjust their bed to the exact, perfect softness or firmness each night. However, because the system has more components (including a remote, an air pump, and hoses), there are more potential problem areas.

Return policy: Shipping fee on authorized returns | Return window: 100-night trial | Payment options: Financing available | Shipping time: Not listed

What We Like

Carries many popular brands
Many mattresses have risk-free trials
Lots of reviews help you vet

What We Don't Like

Possibility of untrustworthy third-party vendors
Selection can be overwhelming

Amazon's selection of mattresses is one of the best online. Offerings include everything from basic memory foam mattresses to popular brands such as Casper, Tuft & Needle, and Serta. Amazon offers the same risk-free trial on many of their mattresses that you’ll find with standard online retailers, giving you up to 100 days to try out your new mattress and decide if it’s right for you.

From twin to California king, it’s possible for every sleeper to find the right mattress on Amazon, and the reviews help make the big purchase a little easier. You can also knock out everything you need to outfit your bed (from sheets to toppers to protectors) in the same order. However, if you don't know what you're looking for, the vast selection can feel be overwhelming and difficult to comb through.

Return policy: Free | Return window: 100-night home trial | Payment options: Not available | Shipping time: Not listed

The Best California King Sheets in a Variety of Fabrics

What We Like

Large selection of premium brands
Matches competitor pricing
Frequent sales

What We Don't Like

Not many budget options
Purchase minimum for free delivery

Macy’s has been a mattress mainstay for over 160 years, and whether you want to shop in-store or online, it offers one of the widest selections of premium mattresses on the market, from twin XL to California king, in everything from gel memory foam to innerspring, The store carries brands such as Beautyrest, Sealy, and Serta, and offers a 120-night comfort trial and free white glove delivery with purchases that meet a certain price. Enjoy free scheduled delivery for mattresses priced at $787 or more. White glove delivery has a base fee of $110 for mattresses priced under $787.

Macy's will also match any written quote from a competitor within 10 days of your purchase, so you can be sure you’re getting the very best price. Additionally, Macy’s often has sales on mattresses and furniture, making it a great place to score a deal on a luxury product.

Return policy: Free | Return window: 120-night home trial | Payment options: Financing available | Shipping time: Not listed

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for a quality mattress, check out Saatva or Casper, two direct-to-consumer retailers that offer luxury mattresses at a modest price point. For something a bit more budget-friendly, Amazon and Overstock are great options with a wide selection and reputable delivery services.

Mattress warranties

You might be pleasantly surprised to find that most mattresses have a 10-year warranty or more, but like with any warranty, it's important to understand what is and isn't covered.

Typically, most mattress warranties cover defects that are the manufacturer's fault. Sagging or sinking to an extreme degree is one of the most common issues covered by warranties, but keep in mind that this sagging has to meet certain criteria. Additionally, most warranties will cover coils that break or bend, as well as ripped seams.

However, normal wear and tear on your mattress will likely not be covered by the warranty, and there are also several things that can void a warranty. For instance, many mattress warranties stipulate that you must properly support the mattress with a box spring or bed frame, follow a strict rotation schedule, and avoid stains. If you fail to do any of these things, your warranty is no longer valid, even if the issue is seemingly unrelated. Once you take these factors into account, it becomes clear that a 20-year warranty is not really the great deal it seems to be.

Trial periods

If you're purchasing a mattress online, you'll likely see that you got a no-risk trial. This offering lets you test the mattress in the comfort of your own home, often for 90 days or more. You can evaluate the mattress over the course of this period, deciding whether you want to keep it, and if you decide it's not the right fit, your money will be refunded.

There are a few things to keep in mind if you're participating in a trial period. First, most companies require you sleep on the mattress for at least 30 days (or another set amount of time) before you decide to return it, as this will give your body time to adjust to the new mattress.

Further, if you do decide to return the mattress, the process isn't like returning an article of clothing. Your mattress likely came vacuum-sealed in a box, and it would be near impossible to roll the product back up for shipping. As such, most online mattress companies will either arrange to have their product picked up or will provide you with instructions on how to donate the mattress to a local charity.

FAQ

What types of mattresses are there?

Mattresses come in a variety of materials and sizes. Today's models tend to be made from innerspring, memory foam, latex, or some combination of these. Size-wise, you can opt for a twin, full, queen, king, and California king. Some retailers also sell twin XL and full XL sizes.
What's the best time to buy a mattress?

There are several periods throughout the year that are best for buying a mattress. If you plan to buy a mattress from a brick-and-mortar retailer, the month of May is a great time; the industry releases its new models in June through September, so retailers tend to clean out their old options in May. Also, retailers tend to have great deals on long weekends of national holidays like the Fourth of July or Labor Day.
How do you clean a mattress?

When you stain or spill on your mattress, remove its cover and wash it immediately. If the mattress surface itself is soiled, opt for an upholstery shampoo to clean it—just make sure to follow the directions on the label. Alternatively, you can clean a mattress surface using mild dish soap mixed with water. There are also ways to clean your mattress naturally. Generally, it's advisable to vacuum your mattress at least once a month to keep dust and allergens at bay.
As you shop for a mattress, you'll want to know what you'll get when you finally make your purchase. In addition to what mattress features to consider, here's what you'll want to keep in mind.

This article was edited by Jill Di Donato, who has worked in digital media for over a decade, specializing in the lifestyle space. It was written and researched by Cristina Sanza, a lifestyle writer specializing in home products and organization hacks. She considered dozens of mattress retail selections, reading customer reviews, third-party articles, and brand websites to help you choose a new mattress you'll love sleeping on night after night.

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