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The Spruce / Chloe Jeong
“Most beds usually need to be replaced every 8 to 10 years, and many people keep their beds even longer than that, which can impact their sleep quality,” says Dr. Peter Polos, MD, PhD, FCCP, FAASM, sleep medicine specialist and sleep expert for Sleep Number. If it’s time for you to buy a new mattress, your brain might immediately go to the specifics—do you want something soft or firm? Memory foam or innerspring? But before you get to that all-important distinction, it’s important to consider where exactly you plan to shop. In-store, you’ll have the freedom to test for key features, but shopping online offers convenience and, oftentimes, a wider selection. Not to mention, the specific retailer you shop at can determine very important things, like what sort of trial period or warranty you’ll receive with your purchase.
To help you choose the best place to buy a mattress, we conducted hours of research, evaluating top-rated retailers on attributes like return policy, return window, payment options, and average wait time or shipping time. Our top picks include Amazon, Saatva, Amerisleep, and Wayfair. But if you want to explore even more options, we’ve got plenty of others worth knowing about below.
Amazon
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Amazon
Carries many popular brands
Many mattresses have risk-free trials
Lots of reviews help you vet
Possibility of untrustworthy third-party vendors
Selection can be overwhelming
You probably already know all about Amazon’s incredible selection of products—and their mattress selection is no different. It’s one of the best online, offering many of the major brands—some of which you’ll see included on this list as standalone retailers. The retail giant offers everything from basic memory foam mattresses from brands like Casper, Tuft & Needle, and Serta. You can truly find something for every sleeper—side, stomach, and back—and every size room. The mattresses range from standard sizes like twin, queen, and king to more unconventional sizes like twin XL and California king.
And though the specifics depend on the brand you’re shopping for, most of the mattresses on Amazon come with the same risk-free trials you’d find at standard online retailers. In some cases, you’ll get as many as 100 days to try out your new mattress and decide whether it’s right for you. The reviews are also a big help. Most products have hundreds, if not thousands, of reviews, some complete with photos and pictures to help you make an informed buying decision.
Because Amazon also has items like bed frames, mattress pads, sheets, pillows, and more, it’s a fantastic one-stop shop for anyone who's outfitting a full bedroom. Just take note: Because the selection is so vast, if you don't know what you're looking for, it can feel overwhelming and difficult to comb through it all.
Return policy: Within 100 days | Warranty: Varies | Delivery options: Varies | Payment options: Financing available | Trial period: 100 days
Saatva
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Online quiz to help find right style
Free concierge delivery and setup
Free removal of old mattress
365-night sleep trial
Processing fee for mattress returns
Only one showroom
Saatva prides itself on being a luxury mattress brand that offers comfort, quality, and service—all at a reasonable price. Unfortunately, the only showroom is in New York City, but you’ll have no trouble shopping the brand online. The retailer has a simple quiz on its website to help guide you to the best choices for you. This way, you won’t have to weed through its healthy selection of memory foam, hybrid, and latex mattresses.
No matter what you settle on, the mattresses are all 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 for adults, but you’d be remiss to stop your search there. Saatva even has an adjustable mattress with 50 firmness options. The company also carries a wide selection of mattresses for children, including a dual-sided innerspring mattress, so you can get something for everyone in the whole family at once.
When you make a purchase, you’ll get free premium concierge delivery and setup—they’ll even remove your old mattress for free. You can sleep soundly from night one knowing you have 365 days to try the mattress out. If you’re not happy, Saatva will come pick it up and provide a refund, minus a $99 processing fee.
Return policy: $99 processing fee | Warranty: Lifetime warranty | Delivery options: White glove delivery | Payment options: Affirm | Trial period: 365 days
Purple
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100-night sleep trial
Available at stores nationwide
Limited options
Purple may not have as many options as some of the other companies on our list of the best places to buy mattresses, but it’s worth a good look anyway. The brand designs all of its mattresses with a special focus on scientific comfort engineering. Each mattress in Purple’s lineup 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. All of the mattresses—adults and kids—also have responsive support coils and a breathable and stretchy cover, which the brand says enhances the supportive comfort of the Purple Grid. What’s more, all of the mattresses are made in the USA with CertiPUR-US certified foam.
There are plenty of options for shopping the brand’s offerings. You can shop directly from the website (there is a very helpful chat) or find the brand at a brick-and-mortar store (there are thousands of retailers that carry Purple mattresses across the United States). If you do opt to shop directly through Purple, you’ll get free ground shipping on most mattresses, and each one includes a 100-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: Minus original shipping fees | Warranty: 10 years | Delivery options: Free shipping; white glove for select mattresses | Payment options: Affirm | Trial period: 100 nights
Amerisleep
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Amerisleep
Free shipping and returns
100-night sleep trial
Great for people who like memory foam mattresses
Limited brick-and-mortar retail locations
Memory foam mattresses are extremely popular, and Amerisleep has a fantastic offering for people who crave the coziness this type of mattress provides. Though its most popular option is the medium-firm AS3 mattress, the online retail store has it all, including soft, medium, and firm mattresses for both back and side sleepers.
But don’t write them off completely if you’re not usually into memory foam. Although traditional memory foam can get too hot for some sleepers, Amerisleep mattresses are made with a proprietary Bio-Pur material to help keep you cool and comfortable while you sleep. How exactly does it work? The eco-friendly, plant-based material is more breathable than petroleum-based memory foam, and it has an open-cell structure for better airflow. What’s more, Amerisleep mattresses come with a soft and breathable cover for even more cooling comfort.
The retailer’s policies are all as friendly as you’d hope, too—especially since the brand has limited brick-and-mortar locations where you might be able to try out its offerings. All mattress purchases include free shipping and returns. Perhaps even more importantly, you can try your new mattress for a full 100 nights. Not happy? Simply return it for a full refund.
Return policy: Free | Warranty: 20 years | Delivery options: Free shipping | Payment options: Financing available | Trial period: 100 nights
Leesa
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Leesa
100-night sleep trial
Free delivery and returns
Also sells beds and accessories
Donates mattresses to charity
Just three models available
If you’ve done any research on mattresses that come boxed, you’ve probably heard of Leesa. The brand’s mattresses, which are known for being exceptionally comfortable for all types of sleepers, are sold online and in select retail stores nationwide.
The company offers four styles: The Leesa Original, an all-foam mattress; the Leesa Hybrid, a combination foam and pocket-spring coil mattress; the Leesa Legend, a foam mattress with two layers of pocket springs; and the Leesa Studio, a budget-friendly memory foam option. Although there are only a handful of choices, selecting the right mattress can be overwhelming. Fortunately, Lessa has website guides to help you determine which one is best suited for you.
No matter which one you land on, the mattresses are compressed and shipped in a box. Once yours arrives, all you have to do is remove it from its air-tight packaging and wait for it to expand. Then, give it a try. You have 100 nights to make your decision. If you aren't satisfied, the company offers free returns in most states.
It’s also worth noting the company’s charitable component: For every 10 mattresses the company sells, it donates one to someone in need.
Return policy: Free | Warranty: 10 years | Delivery options: Free shipping, white glove delivery | Payment options: Financing available | Trial period: 100 nights
Wayfair
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Wayfair
Easy-to-use portal
Variety of budget options
Many come with free two-day shipping
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
Overstock
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Overstock
Frequent sales
Vast selection
Free shipping on many mattresses
Online-only
Strict return policy
Overstock is another great place to buy all kinds of home goods, including mattresses, at hard-to-beat prices. Sure, it’s an online-only retailer, but if you can get over not trying your mattress in-store first, you’ll love Overstock’s vast selection. The retailer has seemingly endless options from top brands, including Tempur-Pedic, Serta, and Slumber Solutions. In addition to everyday low prices, the website often has coupons and sales, so you can get an even deeper discount if you shop at the right time. What’s more, Overstock offers free shipping on most of their selection.
There is one big downside to shopping for a mattress through Overstock: The retailer is known for its strict return policies. You cannot return their mattresses for any reason. Fortunately, all of Overstock's bestselling mattresses are well reviewed to help you make the best choice. Some options come with a 10-year limited manufacturer warranty you can take advantage of, should something go awry.
Return policy: No returns | Warranty: 10 years | Delivery options: Free shipping | Payment options: Financing available | Trial period: N/A
Mattress Firm
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Mattress Firm
Brick-and-mortar stores nationwide
120-night sleep trial
Price match guarantee
Doesn't carry many newer brands
Some people just like to shop in-store—particularly for something as big and important as a mattress. If that sounds like you, Mattress Firm is the place to go. Sure, you can shop their online offerings, but the store is highly regarded nationwide (you can find stores in every state across the country) and equipped with knowledgeable salespeople who can walk you through the process from start to finish.
If you do decide to shop online, though, Mattress Firm's website has most big-name brands, including Serta, Simmons and more. (Note: You’ll have to look elsewhere for some of the newer brands like Leesa.) The site allows you to shop by size, brand, type, and even level of softness. It’s a great way to sort through some of the options before going to the store to try your top selects. And no matter what you choose, you can rest easy knowing that all of their mattresses come with a 120-night sleep trial. Plus, if you find your mattress cheaper online within 120 days of your purchase, Mattress Firm will refund you the difference.
Return policy: Free returns | Warranty: Varies by manufacturer | Delivery options: Four tiered options | Payment options: Financing available | Trial period: 120 nights
Casper
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Free shipping and returns
100-night sleep trial
10-year limited warranty
Additional fee for in-home delivery and setup
Casper came on the market strong when it first launched in 2014, and its popularity hasn’t subsided, despite some heavy competition. Since hitting the market, Casper has taken the mattress world by storm, winning awards and the loyalty of customers alike. Today the brand offers six styles of mattresses (the Original, Original Hybrid, Wave Hybrid, Wave Hybrid Snow, Nova Hybrid, and Element Pro), as well as a variety of pillows, sheets, and bed frames. Casper even sells canine beds, so your pet can snooze as comfortably as you do.
No matter what you purchase, Casper offers free shipping. You’ll get your mattress and accompanying accessories within two to five business days. And once you receive your new bed, you’ll get a 100-night, no-risk trial—sleep in the bed in your own home to see if you like it. If it doesn’t make the cut, Casper will send someone to pick up the mattress (they’ll donate it to charity or recycle it) for free. For any other products, you’ll get a prepaid shipping label for your return.
Return policy: Free returns | Warranty: 10 years | Delivery options: Free shipping | Payment options: Affirm | Trial period: 100 nights
Sleep Number
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Sleep Number
Ability to adjust both sides
Good for couples
15-year limited warranty
Potential for tech malfunctions
Premium delivery and setup fee
Sleep Number is one of the most popular direct-to-consumer mattress companies out there, and it’s primarily known for having great options for couples—especially those with different sleep needs. That’s because Sleep Number mattresses have techy features that allow you to adjust your bed to the precise, perfect softness or firmness each night. Some even have dual zones that allow each person to customize their mattress just so. The only downside to this flexibility is that since the system has more components (including a remote, an air pump, and hoses), there are more potential problem areas. Fortunately, each mattress comes with a 100-night trial and a 15-year limited warranty against defects, so you can feel secure in your purchase.
Sleep Number offers multiple ways to shop, too—the brand has both an online store and brick-and-mortar locations throughout the country. Just note: However you shop, premium delivery and setup are required with every mattress purchase, and there's a fee for the service.
Return policy: Free on authorized returns | Warranty: 15 years | Delivery options: Premium delivery | Payment options: Financing available | Trial period: 100 nights
Macy’s
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Macy's
Large selection of premium brands
Matches competitor pricing
Frequent sales
Not many budget options
Purchase minimum for free delivery
Macy’s has been one of the country’s go-to department stores for more than 160 years, and today it’s still a premium destination for mattress shopping. Whether you shop at one of the brand’s storied stores or navigate to its website, Macy’s offers one of the widest selections of premium mattresses on the market. You can find just about everything you need, including more unique sizes like twin XL to California king in a range of options including gel memory foam and innerspring, You’ll find all of the biggest brands, too—Beautyrest, Sealy, Serta, and more.
When you shop at Macy’s, you’re bound to get a good deal. Macy's matches any written quote from a competitor within 10 days of your purchase. Plus, Macy’s often has sales on mattresses and furniture. The company also offers a 120-night comfort trial, as well as free white glove delivery with purchases above a certain price point.
Return policy: Free | Warranty: 10 years | Delivery options: Inside home, room of choice, white glove | Payment options: Financing available | Trial period: 120 nights
Avocado Mattress
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Avocado Mattress
Nontoxic and organic mattresses
Eco-friendly production practices
Wide range of products beyond mattresses
Delivery is on the slow side
Pricey
Avocado is a relative newcomer to the market, but one that’s quickly gaining in popularity. Despite the fact that the mattresses are on the pricier side, consumers understand that they’re getting a premium product. All of Avocado’s mattresses are nontoxic and organic, and they’re all made with eco-friendly production practices. Avocado is so committed to producing a product that’s better for both the consumer and the globe that it works to offset the carbon emissions from shipping and delivery and is on its way to becoming the first zero-waste certified mattress factory.
You’d never know it based on their mattresses, though. There’s no skimping on quality. The brand manufactures all kinds of mattresses—from foam-coil hybrids to no-spring latex—and they’re all supremely comfortable. They even make comfortable mattresses for kids and babies (yes, even crib mattresses!).
And if you’re worried about trying a new brand, your purchase is pretty much guaranteed, coming with free shipping and returns, a one year free trial, and a 25 year warranty. Also nice: Avocado sells tons of accessories for your bed and beyond (think pajamas, robes, and more), so you can make it a one-stop-shop.
Return policy: Less shipping fees | Warranty: 25 years | Delivery options: Doorstep, white glove | Payment options: Affirm | Trial period: 365 days
Nectar
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Nectar
Incredible warranty
Machine-washable cover
CertiPUR-US-certified materials
Only three options
All memory foam mattresses
Nectar—a company that came onto the scene in 2017—bills itself as a better bed-in-a-box. To ensure you get the best night’s sleep, the brand says it uses higher-quality materials and better craftsmanship, plus it has the longest trial period and an impressive warranty to ensure that you’re 100 percent satisfied with your purchase for its usable lifespan.
Options are limited. There are only three mattresses manufactured by Nectar, and all are entirely made of memory foam. Still, the brand says that its mattresses don’t get hot the same way other foam options do, thanks to a cooling gel that’s infused into each. And if you’re skeptical, you can try out the mattress in a retail store—the company has retail partners in almost every state, so you can go check it out in person. What’s more, shipping and returns are free, and the trial period is an impressive 365 days. As for the warranty, the brand says its warranty lasts “forever.”
There’s a lot more to love about Nectar mattresses, too. The allergy-prone and those with kids will like the removable, machine-washable cover that protects the CertiPUR-US-certified mattress. Also nice: Your purchase comes with some freebies to help you complete your sleep space. When you buy a mattress, you also get a set of sheets, a pillow, and a mattress protector for free.
Return policy: Free returns | Warranty: “Forever” | Delivery options: Doorstep, premium in-home setup | Payment options: Financing available | Trial period: 365 days
What to Look for When Shopping for a Mattress
Setup and Delivery Options
Many mattress companies and retailers that sell mattresses offer both doorstep and white glove delivery options. Doorstep delivery is typically cheaper—often free—but it puts the work on you. You’ll have to unbox and set up the (typically rather heavy) mattress yourself. If you opt for white glove delivery, the brand will send someone to your home to do all of the heavy lifting for you. All you’ll have to do is climb into your bed and decide whether or not you like the mattress.
Return Policy
Today, most mattress companies allow you to return the mattress if it doesn’t suit your sleep style. Just note: If you 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 nearly 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.
Selection and Customization Options
Selection and customization options vary, based on the retailer. While stores like Mattress Firm and Macy’s offer a wide range of brands, more niche retailers like Nectar may only offer a few options. It can be helpful to start your search at a store that has a lot of options, and then narrow the list down from there. Ultimately, some of the more niche brands have more favorable return policies and trial periods, so don’t immediately discount them in favor of a vast selection.
Trial Period
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 to sleep on the mattress for at least 30 days (or another set amount of time) before you decide to return it, as that will give your body time to adjust to the new mattress.
Warranty
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.
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What is the most popular mattress size?
“Queen beds are generally popular across the industry, but it usually depends on room size and other preferences, such as sleeping space,” says Dr. Peter Polos, MD, PhD, FCCP, FAASM, sleep medicine specialist and sleep expert. When shopping for a mattress, think about how much room you need to sleep comfortably and whether or not you share a bed. If you have a small room and sleep alone, something as small as a full bed may be sufficient. However, if you have a larger space and share a bed with a partner—and maybe even a child or a pet—you might want to consider something much bigger, like a king.
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How do you choose mattress firmness?
“We all define comfort differently, and our preferences change over time and as we age,” says Polos. In general, firmer beds are best for people who sleep on their backs or experience back pain. Softer beds, on the other hand, help with pressure relief. There are also adjustable beds, like the ones Sleep Number manufactures. These are especially great options for couples, because you can try out different settings (from the firmest to the softest) to see what suits you and gives you the best support.
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What mattress material lasts the longest?
Beds made with foam and latex materials tend to last longer than those with innerspring materials, according to Polos. But remember: There are a lot of factors that go into the longevity of your mattress. To help your mattress go the distance, it’s important to do things like use a mattress protector, rotate or flip it regularly, address any spills or stains immediately, avoid eating in bed, and forbid pets from taking up residence on your mattress.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Brigitt Earley, a freelance writer with nearly 15 years of experience writing about consumer products, including mattresses. To curate this list, Earley scoured dozens of retailers, researching every aspect of the business, including selection and customization options, delivery and setup practices, return policies and warranties, customer service, and overall value. To help inform her top picks, she also consulted sleep medicine specialist Dr. Peter Polos, who has over 20 years of experience in research and patient care.
Additional reporting was conducted by Jill Di Donato, who has worked in digital media for over a decade, specializing in the lifestyle space, and Cristina Sanza, a lifestyle writer who specializes in home products and organization hacks.