- To make our recommendations, we spent over 1,000 hours researching and testing the most popular online mattresses, consulting with multiple sleep experts, conducting surveys, and holding focus groups.
- Our team assessed over 100 models and used a 42-question standardized testing form to rank features and services, document problems or concerns, and capture our personal experience with each mattress.
- We examined key factors determining comfort and support, plus considerations such as price, features, and setup process, based on survey feedback from 600 mattress owners who purchased online.
- To narrow our list of the best online mattresses, we also scored the services, reputation, and offers of individual mattress brands and their models.
Key takeaways
- The Helix Midnight is our pick of the best online mattresses thanks to its medium-firm feel and hybrid construction, which accommodate various sleep styles and preferences.
- Based on over 1,000 hours of research and our survey of 600 respondents who purchased their mattresses online, sleep position can help you find the best online mattress in terms of firmness, support, and pressure relief.
- The best online mattresses cost between $511 and $4,390 before discounts, but many brands offer frequent sales that bring the cost down.
If you’re looking for a new mattress, shopping in a store and interacting with pushy salespeople isn’t your only option. Many brands make it easy to shop from the convenience of your home. But a mattress is a big investment, and it can feel risky to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars before you even get to touch it. Choosing between brands, models, and features can feel overwhelming.
Fortunately, most online shoppers are happy with their mattress purchase despite not trying it in a store. According to our Handbook Team survey of 600 mattress owners who purchased online, more than 82 percent said it was worth the investment, and 95 percent said they were generally satisfied. More importantly, 80 percent reported improved sleep quality, which is key to maintaining physical and mental health.
The Handbook Team wants to help you make the most informed decision possible when shopping. We researched bed-in-a-box brands, consulted sleep and ergonomic experts, and tested different models to develop a comprehensive list of the best online mattresses to consider.
Our picks for the best online mattresses
- Helix Midnight: Best overall
- Nectar Premier Hybrid: Best for side sleepers
- Saatva Classic: Best for back sleepers
- Bear Original: Best for stomach sleepers
- The WinkBed: Best for couples
- Nolah Signature All-Foam Hybrid: Most comfortable
- Saatva Rx: Best for back pain
- Plank Firm: Best firm
What you need to know about the best online mattresses
Here are six things you need to know about the best online mattresses:
The best online mattress is the Helix Midnight.
Our choices range from $511–$4,390 at regular price, but many of these brands run frequent promotions that cut prices by a few hundred dollars.
Always opt for online brands with a 100-night trial period (minimum) and a clear return/exchange process for peace of mind.
Your sleep position helps determine the firmness, support, and pressure relief you need to sleep comfortably.
Always consult your doctor before purchasing a new mattress to address a medical condition, like lower back pain.
Unboxing online mattresses is designed to be as straightforward as possible, but it can take time,z and larger mattress sizes are best unboxed with two people.
| Price | $936.30–$1,748.80 | $1,349–$2,998 | $1,295–$2,790 | $511–$1,099 | $1,149–$2,049 | $1,499–$3,198 | $1,995–$4,390 | $749–$1,698 |
| Firmness | 6/10 | 6/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 6.5/10 | 6/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.5–8.5/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Innerspring-hybrid | Memory foam | Hybrid | Memory foam | Hybrid | Memory foam |
| Warranty | 10 years | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | 10 years |
| Trial period | 100 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights |
| Best for | Back and side sleepers | Back and side sleepers | Back sleepers* | Stomach sleepers | Back and side sleepers* | Back, side, and combo sleepers | All sleepers | Stomach sleepers |
*Based on the specific firmness we tested.
The Best online mattress reviews
Best online mattress overall: Helix Midnight
The Helix Midnight is our pick for the best online mattress because it’s comfortable for most body types, accommodates different sleep positions, and is priced below average at $1,373.80 for a queen.
Our final verdict on the Helix Midnight
The Helix Midnight is the best online mattress because its medium firmness Brands rate mattress firmness on a scale of one to 10, with 10 being the firmest. level (six out of 10) and hybrid A type of mattress made with foam layers and spring layers. composition accommodate most body types and sleep positions. When the Handbook Team tested its pressure relief capabilities using a pressure mapping A mat rolled across a mattress that uses color-coded thermal imaging to show how much pressure someone puts on the bed when they lie down on it. system, it revealed excellent relief at force-accumulating areas, like the shoulders and hips. But it wasn’t so soft that our spines sagged into the mattress without support. Testers agreed that the lower back and midsection were comfortably supported for both side and back sleeping. Lighter-weight stomach sleepers (weighing less than 130 pounds) might also enjoy the Helix Midnight, but it may be too soft for others who need a firmer surface to prevent the hips from sagging into the mattress.
From our tester
“Even though this mattress has a bouncy coil layer, its motion isolation was surprisingly good. That’s ideal for couples, especially if one tosses and turns throughout the night. I’d barely feel my partner in this bed.”
We also love Helix because the brand offers multiple mattress collections with models of different materials, firmness levels, and cooling properties. While we recommend the Midnight model, Helix has an online quiz that can help you determine which mattress is best for you (and your partner) based on your body type and sleep style.
We also like that Helix offers a 100-night trial period and allows you to return your mattress after a 30-day “break-in period,” which allows your body to adjust before deciding to return. If you still want to return it after 30 days, you can return it for a full refund. And if you want to try a different mattress, you can order a new one and have the previous one removed (although same-day removal isn’t guaranteed). Helix allows this twice, but your third purchase is final.
Learn more in our Helix mattress review.
Best online mattress for side sleeping: Nectar Premier Hybrid
We like the Nectar Premier Hybrid as a great mattress for side sleepers because it scored well in pressure relief while testers lay on their sides, meaning there were no sharp pressure points at the shoulders or hips. It also offered excellent support at the midsection, so we didn’t sag into the mattress.
Our final verdict on the Nectar Premier Hybrid
All Nectar mattresses scored well in pressure relief for side sleepers, but we like the Nectar Premier Hybrid because it’s one of the more supportive models in the brand’s lineup. Its coil layer pushes into the body’s natural curves to reinforce the midsection and prevent uncomfortable sagging.
If you’re a combination sleeper People who sleep in multiple positions throughout the night. For example, a person might be a back-and-side sleeper or a stomach-and-back sleeper. who often ends up on your side, you may appreciate how the Nectar Premier Hybrid hugs the body while still being responsive Good responsiveness means the mattress has a bouncier surface that responds to pressure or the sleeper’s movements, making it easier to move around and switch positions. to movement. More conforming models, like the Nectar Memory Foam, caused us to sink too far into the mattress. The Nectar Premier Hybrid sinks slightly but bounces back quicker due to its coil layer, making it easier to adjust positions in the middle of the night.
From our tester
“This mattress does have bounciness from the coils, but the motion isolation is good. I can’t feel small movements, like a cat crawling around. But I feel bigger movements, like someone getting out of bed or a toddler jumping around.”
We also recommend Nectar because it offers a lengthy one-year trial period, which is longer than most other brands. But like Helix, you need to try it for 30 days before initiating a return. If you dislike your mattress, you can return it for a full refund. You’ll arrange a date and time with the company’s partner for pickup, so you don’t need to worry about shipping.
Nectar also offers white glove delivery, which means you can have your mattress delivered to your home and set up for you. We love that Nectar offers this service, but you need to ask customer service to add it to your cart at checkout, and it costs $199.Learn more in our in-depth Nectar mattress review.
Best online mattress for back sleeping: Saatva Classic
The Saatva Classic is a comfortable mattress for back sleepers because it features zoned lumbar support, which reinforces a neutral spine. Saatva also deserves a spotlight as one of the best online mattress brands because it’s the only brand in the industry with comprehensive customer care. This includes free white glove delivery, a one-year trial period, and a lifetime warranty.
Our final verdict on the Saatva Classic
The Saatva Classic was our favorite for back sleeping. We recommend the Luxury Firm (medium) firmness level because it best accommodates different body weights. According to research, medium firmness is best for overall comfort and sleep quality, particularly for lower back pain.
One study also showed that zoned lumbar support was comfortable for side sleepers who needed reinforcement at the midsection. And we agree—side sleeping with zoned lumbar support feels nice, but we’d opt for the Plush Soft model of this mattress for better pressure relief in the shoulder area. The Saatva Classic also comes in a Firm model for stomach sleepers. Few brands allow you to customize your firmness level while you shop online, so this is a nice perk.
From our tester
“This mattress felt very bouncy, so it’s not great for motion isolation. I could feel the other tester repositioning. If you’re a light sleeper with a restless partner, this isn’t the bed for you. Otherwise, it’s really comfortable.”
Saatva deserves recognition for having the best customer care in the industry. Your order comes with free white glove delivery, so you don’t need to pay for them to set up your mattress. It also comes with a lifetime warranty and a generous one-year trial period. If your mattress doesn’t work for you, you can return it or exchange the firmness level for $99. You can also exchange it for a new mattress, but you have to pay the difference plus the $99 fee. Saatva will remove any mattress that doesn’t work, and if you opt to exchange it, the brand will deliver the new mattress on the same day.
Learn more in our Saatva review.
Best mattress for stomach sleepers: Bear Original
The Bear Original mattress is one of the best firm mattresses we tested, which makes it perfect for stomach sleepers. The dense foam layers prevent your hips from sinking into the mattress so you feel supported in a neutral lower back position.
Our final verdict on the Bear Original
The Bear Original is the perfect firm surface for stomach sleepers because it prevents the lower back from sinking into the mattress. Softer mattresses allow your hips to sink too far into the surface, which can place pressure on the lumbar area. But we rated this mattress an eight out of 10 firmness due to its dense foam layers and lumbar support, which is fantastic for stomach sleepers.
From our tester
“Even though this mattress doesn’t have springs, its dense foam responds well to my movements. It’s easy to reposition and get out of bed without fighting against soft foam layers. And when I move, my testing partner can barely feel me.”
Bear offers a 120-night trial period to test out your mattress at home. After the 30-night break-in period, you can return your mattress for free and receive a full refund. If you choose to purchase a different mattress during the trial period, Bear will coordinate the removal of the old mattress with the delivery of your new one. However, a second mattress purchase is a final sale, so you don’t get another trial period.
Read our Bear mattress review to learn more.
Best mattress for couples: The WinkBed
The Luxury Firm version of this mattress is best for couples because it suits many sleepers’ body types and sleep preferences, so you and your partner don’t need to compromise. Although The WinkBed has a hybrid composition, its pocketed coil design isolates motion well. But it still has some bounce, which is nice to have during sex and if you change positions throughout the night.
Our final verdict on The WinkBed
One of our first impressions of The WinkBed was how versatile it is. The bed’s medium firmness and hybrid composition catered to all testers’ sleeping preferences, although stomach sleepers may find it slightly too soft. It had excellent pressure relief for back and side sleeping but still offered spinal support from the thick coil layer.
From our tester
“I wasn’t expecting this mattress to perform so well in motion isolation. Its coil layer provides a decent amount of bounce, which is perfect for sex but isn’t ideal for motion isolation performance. But we learned that WinkBeds individually wraps each coil in its own pocket to prevent motion transfer. That design seemed to work really well-I could barely feel my testing partner crawl around the mattress or switch positions.”
Similar to Saatva, WinkBeds offers helpful perks that show its dedication to customer satisfaction. Your purchase comes with a 120-night trial period and free returns after the initial 30-night break-in period. If you and your partner aren’t satisfied with the firmness level, you can exchange your mattress for a softer or firmer version. Exchanges cost $49 and cover the delivery of the new mattress plus the removal of the old one. But the most unique part of the exchange program is that WinkBeds allows you to keep both mattresses for up to 60 days in case you change your mind.
We also appreciate that WinkBeds allows an “Any Reason” lifetime replacement deal. Once your trial ends, you can trade your mattress for your next WinkBeds mattress at 50 percent off the full price. This comes in handy as you foresee life changes. For example, if your pets or kids accidentally soil the mattress (wear and tear isn’t covered by most warranties), you can get a replacement for half the price.
Most comfortable online mattress: Nolah Signature All-Foam Hybrid
The Nolah Signature All-Foam Hybrid mattress impressed the Handbook Team because its unique design offers extensive pressure relief, zoned support under the midsection, and spring-like responsiveness—all while maintaining a cozy feel.
Our final verdict on the Nolah Signature All-Foam Hybrid
With its foam layers providing a cozy, weightless sensation for back, side, and combination sleepers, the Nolah Signature All-Foam Hybrid scored high for pressure relief. We didn’t expect to feel supported without a true coil layer. But the trademarked Zoned AirFoam system is dense in the center of the mattress and mimics the coil-based zoned lumbar support found in the Saatva Classic. Unlike Saatva, Nolah’s foam-based support system keeps the mattress soft, so it better accommodates side sleepers who need pressure relief at the shoulder and hip.
From our tester
“I love how well this mattress meets my curves and supports my lower back, even without the reinforcement of coils. It’s quite comfy. And since it’s all foam, it isolates motion really well, so I’d recommend it for light-sleeping couples who prefer a softer mattress.”
We like how Nolah offers multiple ways to customize your order so that you can pick and choose services based on your budget and needs. Nolah offers add-on accidental protection for $139, although regular site-wide promotions frequently reduce the price to $29. You also have the option to add white glove delivery and old mattress removal for $125. Nolah automatically bundles a 120-night trial period with your mattress (with a $99 fee for return pickup), but if you’re confident in your purchase, you can remove it to save between $65–$130. (The amount you save depends on the size of your mattress.)
Read more in our Nolah mattress review.
Best mattress for back pain: Saatva Rx
The Saatva Rx is the best mattress for back pain because it’s specifically designed to support the lower back in a neutral position using foam-topped coils for extra pressure relief. And we love that this mattress is also designed to improve your ability to move. Its 15-inch-thick profile and responsive innerspring layer boost your bed mobility, so you’re not fighting soft material to get out of bed.
Our final verdict on the Saatva Rx
Adequate sleep is key to recovery for those with chronic back pain. Research shows sleep deficiency is linked to increased pain perception, which further amplifies the condition. However, it can be difficult to break the cycle if your environment isn’t comfortable.
According to our Handbook Team survey of online mattress shoppers, more than 80 percent of mattress owners with lower back pain reported improved sleep after investing in a better mattress, and over half also experienced improved mental health as a result. While this is promising, always consult your doctor before purchasing a new mattress. They may have personalized recommendations, and a new mattress may not be appropriate for your treatment plan.
From our focus group
“The next day, I can legit remember feeling a thousand times more energized. It’s just been perfect. I mean, my back was hurting for years, and then I got the mattress, and I started to see changes.”
We like the Saatva Rx because it offers reinforcement for the lower back with foam-capped coils (called the Therapeutic Support Core) that also provide pressure relief throughout the mattress in any position. Similar to the Saatva Classic and Nolah Signature All-Foam Hybrid, you get zoned lumbar support that reinforces a neutral spinal alignment.
From our tester
“The Saatva Rx is easy to move around on. It’s not overly bouncy, but it has good responsiveness to help me get up and roll. Its edge support sags quite a bit during sitting, so it’s easy to slide off the tall surface. But it feels secure when I’m lying close to the edge, so I won’t roll off as I try to get up.”
As stated under the Saatva Classic above, this brand stands behind its products and provides its customers a comprehensive set of services. You get free white glove delivery, a lifetime warranty, and a one-year trial period with your mattress. Plus, if you look closely at the website’s footer, the brand offers $225 off purchases of $1,000 or more for health care professionals, military members, first responders, and other specified groups.
The Handbook Team found that many people with mobility issues or chronic pain also considered an adjustable bed. Read our Saatva Adjustable Bed Review to see if it’s right for you.
Best firm online mattress: Plank Firm
The Plank Firm is one of the firmest mattresses we tested. It beats other firm mattresses, like Bear Original, because of its flippable design with two firmness levels: medium-firm (feels like 7.5 out of 10) and extra firm (feels like 8.5 out of 10).
Our final verdict on the Plank Firm
We recommend the Plank Firm to firm mattress lovers because you get two firmness levels in one: medium firm on one side and extra firm on the other. This mattress is easy to flip because it only weighs 60–105 pounds depending on its size, which is relatively light for a mattress.
The Plank Firm mattress is ideal for stomach sleepers who need a sturdy surface that prevents the lower back from sagging into the mattress. Higher-weight sleepers (weighing more than 250 pounds) who want firm yet soft surfaces might also enjoy this mattress in every sleep position. The medium-firm side may be most comfortable for side and back sleeping, while the extra-firm side is best for stomach sleeping. Experiment with each side to determine what works best for you.
From our tester
“During testing, we dropped a 10-pound weight on the bed to determine its motion isolation score. Couples will barely feel their partner toss or get out of bed due to this mattress’s all-foam composition. And if you and your partner like to spread out while you sleep, you won’t feel like you’re about to fall off because the edge support is quite strong.”
Aside from its flippable design, we think the Plank Firm mattress is similar to the Bear Original. It also offers a 120-night trial period to test your mattress at home. You can return your mattress after the 30-day break-in period for a full refund. You’ll have to pay a $99 return fee, but Plank will waive the fee if you choose to exchange your mattress for a new one. In that case, you’re only responsible for paying for the price difference, and Plank will arrange for your mattress to be removed when the new one arrives. Keep in mind that a second mattress purchase is a final sale, so you don’t get another trial period.
Read more in our Plank Firm review.
What to consider when purchasing a mattress online
No matter where you buy a mattress, it’s important to find an option that accommodates your needs and preferences. Here’s what to keep in mind.
Sleeping position
Back, side, and stomach sleepers all need a mattress with enough support to maintain a neutral spine. Beyond that, different sleep styles benefit from varying levels of firmness. Back and combination sleepers often do well with a medium-firm to firm mattress that will ensure lumbar support. Stomach sleepers benefit from firm support that keeps the hips properly elevated. Side sleepers often need a softer mattress with cushioning around the hips and shoulders to prevent pressure from building.
Mattress type
Mattresses come in various configurations, from hybrid to memory foam to innerspring. Personal preferences can help narrow your choices. Hot sleepers, for example, may want to consider a hybrid mattress because it’s a more breathable option than an all-foam mattress. If you’re looking for pressure relief, a memory foam or latex hybrid could be a good fit.
Body type
Body weight plays a big role in how soft or firm a mattress feels. Heavier sleepers often need a firmer mattress to minimize sinkage. Lighter sleepers, on the other hand, do better with softer mattresses that have pressure-relieving materials.
Is it worth buying a mattress online?
Buying a mattress online can be a great decision. The best test of a mattress is sleeping on it for at least 30 days, which isn’t something you can do in a store. Most reputable online mattress brands offer sleep trials that range from 100 to 365 days, which gives you plenty of time to decide if it’s a good fit. They also have warranties that protect against manufacturer defects.
Sleep accomplishes many essential functions that don’t happen when we’re awake, like cell and tissue repair, brain maintenance, immune system strengthening, and hormone release. When we don’t get quality sleep, these processes don’t occur effectively, which raises our risk for a variety of health issues, including cardiovascular disease and mental health issues.
Chelsie Rohrscheib, sleep expert and neuroscientist at Wesper in New York City, New York
Buying a mattress online also makes it easy to compare different brands and models, read through customer reviews, and track sales prices and promotions—all from the comfort of home.
Our testing experience
The Handbook Team hand-tests every mattress we review. We evaluate brands and models by recording our findings on a 42-question standardized testing form to identify standout features and services, document issues with each product, and describe our personal experience buying and lying on each mattress. For example, we record:
- Firmness score and whether the mattress is best for back, side, or stomach sleepers.
- Starting temperature of the mattress and how much it heats up after two testers lie on the mattress for five minutes.
- How many times a 10-pound ball bounces on the mattress after dropping from a height of two feet in order to arrive at a mattress bounce score.
We paid close attention to specific considerations that sleepers of all ages seek, as identified by respondents in our survey of 600 mattress owners. This included price, features, and the set-up process. We also interviewed real people to better understand the motivations behind shopping for a new mattress as well as the benefits of purchasing one.
Purchase mattress as mystery shoppers.
Set up mattress in testing lab.
Lie on mattress and rank firmness.
Lie on back, side, and stomach to find the best sleeping position.
Place 10-pound ball in mattress center and measure sinkage.
Find biggest pressure points using pressure map reading.
Evaluate cooling capabilities by recording temperature differences.
Drop 10-pound ball onto mattress to measure bounce score.
Test motion isolation.
Test edge support.
Calculate composite scores.
As our testers evaluated each brand and its features, we considered why many people choose a new mattress in the first place. Of our respondents, 42 percent decided to purchase a new mattress for “improved comfort and support for better sleep,” while only seven percent did so for “pain relief and targeted support.” The most common pain respondents wanted relieved was lower back pain.
Despite only 42 percent of respondents prioritizing comfort and support for better sleep when shopping for a new mattress, 68 percent reported they sleep longer on their new mattress and 49 percent and 45 percent, respectively, said their stress and anxiety had improved after switching to their new mattress. Almost all mattress owners we surveyed (95 percent) were at least somewhat satisfied with their new mattress. We consulted sleep experts, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and pain specialists to understand what mattresses offer that make an overwhelmingly positive impact.
According to our survey
According to our survey, about 80 percent of all respondents said their new mattress helps them sleep better, and 65 percent reported improved mental health.
In order to focus on the mattresses themselves, we structured our test designs to objectively rank each one based on a range of criteria. For example, we tested things like bounce, edge support (the sturdiness of your mattress edge), and cooling capabilities the same way on each mattress and compared the results. That way we can accurately compare each mattress’s score in an unbiased way while also sharing our subjective point of view as mattress testers and experts.
For mattresses purchased online, we also considered the buying experience. Lastly, we compared warranty lengths, trial periods, and white glove delivery (in-home delivery and setup) options. While most brands offer warranties, not all are comprehensive. And many brands on the market don’t have free white glove delivery. This could be a deal-breaker if you’re nervous to invest in a new mattress because you’re worried the bed won’t get set up properly or offer what you need. We factored in considerations like the length of time it takes to unbox an online mattress, the set-up process, off-gassing, and how long it takes before a mattress can be slept on.
A note on our testing
We acknowledge that every body is different, and what feels comfortable to one person may not feel comfortable to another. Throughout our reviews, we refer to weight categories as light (below 130 pounds), average (130–250 pounds), and heavy (above 250 pounds) to distinguish between body weights.
Typically, lighter sleepers perceive mattresses to feel firmer than they are, and higher-weight sleepers perceive mattresses to feel softer than they are. Keep in mind that most mattresses are designed for the average-weight person.
Frequently asked questions
Some people might prefer to buy their mattresses online to avoid pushy salespeople in a mattress store or for convenience, but they sacrifice the ability to see how the mattress feels in person. Luckily, some of the best mattress brands online offer a trial period of 120 nights or more, so you can try it at home before fully committing.
Mattresses in our list cost $511–$3,795 at regular prices, but many brands offer frequent promotions that cut costs by several hundred dollars.
You should purchase a mattress online if it fits your budget and offers a trial period with easy returns. Otherwise, you may want to try the mattress in person before financially committing.
All mattresses listed in our review offer a warranty. In fact, most offer a limited lifetime warranty that covers a new mattress if you discover defective workmanship or materials. Each brand has its own warranty terms, so make sure you understand them before you buy.
- Bolton, R., Hulshof, H., Daanen, H. A., & van Dieën, J. H. (2022). Effects of mattress support on sleeping position and low-back pain. Sleep Science and Practice, 6(1), 3. Link
- Caggiari, G., Talesa, G. R., Toro, G., Jannelli, E., Monteleone, G., & Puddu, L. (2021). What type of mattress should be chosen to avoid back pain and improve sleep quality? Review of the literature. Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology: Official Journal of the Italian Society of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, 22(1), 51. Link
- Haack, M., Simpson, N., Sethna, N., Kaur, S., & Mullington, J. (2020). Sleep deficiency and chronic pain: Potential underlying mechanisms and clinical implications. Neuropsychopharmacology, 45(1), 205–216. Link
- Scott, A. J., Webb, T. L., Martyn-St James, M., Rowse, G., & Weich, S. (2021). Improving sleep quality leads to better mental health: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 60, 101556. Link