You’ve seen the ads for all of those boxed mattress (AKA bed in a box) brands, and they seem so convenient: Pick out your size and firmness, have it delivered to your door, let it unfurl and air out for a day or two, and boom! New bed. But how do you shop for a comfortable mattress online—and actually commit to shelling out hundreds of dollars—when you haven’t laid down on it first? And what are you actually getting when you order one? I’ve got you covered. As PureWow’s home and décor expert, I know how important one’s sleep set-up can be, and a great mattress makes all the difference (plus a mattress topper). That's why I had PureWow editors test and review the 10 best mattresses you can buy online. From cooling mattresses to ones that are good for back pain, here are our top picks.
The 10 Best Mattresses to Buy Online, Tested and Reviewed By Our Editors
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The Best Mattresses to Buy Online at a Glance
Best Mattress Overall
Saatva Classic Mattress
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Best Medium-Firm Mattress
TEMPUR-PEDIC TEMPUR-Breeze LuxeBreeze
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Best Mattress Under $1,000
Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
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Best Cooling Mattress
Cocoon by Sealy Chill Mattress
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Best Mattress for Side-Sleepers
Avocado Green Mattress
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How I Tested the Best Mattresses to Buy Online
First, I had PureWow editors, staffers and friends put some of the buzziest mattress brands to the test. (Think: Saatva, Avocado, Cocoon by Sealy.) Then, I narrowed down my selections to make sure each mattress met the following criteria:
- Sleep improvement: Whether there was a noticeable difference in sleep quality (aka less tossing and turning)
- Materials: It includes memory foam, gel and/or innerspring coil technology (or a combination of both for hybrid mattresses)
- Firmness: Firmness falls between 6 and 9 on the firmness scale (level 1 being the softest, and 10 being hard as a rock)
- Thickness: It’s a minimum of 7 inches thick to offer enough loft for a comfortable night’s rest (excluding crib mattresses, which typically range from 4 to 6 inches thick)
- Trial Period and Returns: It has a minimum 30-day return policy that offers enough time to break it in.
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Best Mattress Overall
What We Like
- three firmness levels
- chiropractor-approved foam
- breathable cotton top layer
What We Don't Like
- some reviewers complained about slow delivery
Saatva
First up is a new take on the traditional innerspring, which is beloved by PureWow Senior Editor Dana Dickey for its combo platter of body-supporting elements. “Its construction is engineered to provide support where your back needs it most,” she explains in her PureWow100 review. This is because it’s designed to be hip- and spine-supportive at the base with high-density foam rails that prevent you from feeling slurped down into it. The mattress comes fit with three firmness levels to choose from and the five-layer construction includes an extra-quilted top for the lumbar region and 1,300 pocketed coils with chiropractor-approved memory foam. The dual-coil design also allows for more airflow, so it’s just as cooling as it is comfortable: “Previously, I’ve enjoyed the feel of memory foam mattresses but found them hot. The Saatva Classic has a top layer made of breathable organic cotton and three-inch pillow-top cushiness, so I’ve never overheated,” adds Dickey. “I also appreciate that it is crafted with a nice firm bumper of high-density rails around the bed so that they don’t droop, as is the case with too many memory foam mattresses…I wake up feeling more refreshed, and frankly, I drift off to sleep faster, since I’m not tossing and turning to feel comfortable.”
Fast Facts
- Materials: pocketed innerspring coils, high-density memory foam, euro pillowtop
- Thickness: 11.5 or 14.5 inches
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King
- Return Policy: Saatva offers a 365-night trial, and for the first 2 years, the retailer will replace your mattress with a new one at no extra charge. Otherwise, if you're not completely happy with your purchase, the company charges a $99 processing fee for return pickups.
Best Medium-Firm Mattress
2. TEMPUR-PEDIC TEMPUR-Breeze LuxeBreeze
What We Like
- gravity-less feeling with spring support
- cooling tech actually works
- three firmness levels
What We Don't Like
- expensive
TEMPUR-PEDIC
Good for couples? Check. Medium support for every kind of sleep style? Check. Ultra-cool for hot sleepers? Check, check, check. Not only does the LuxeBreeze model combine innovative coil technology with the brand’s signature memory foam (developed by NASA, no less) but it also uses Pure Cool® Plus—a material that was specially engineered to minimize hot flashes and keep night sweats at bay. “The LuxeBreeze is marketed as feeling 10 degrees cooler—and by George, does she live up to that promise. The mattress is not only miraculously cold to the touch, but it actually stays cool for as long as you’re in it,” Executive Editor Dara Katz raves in a PureWow100 review. “A night on this mattress is like the absence of a mattress. I’m not thinking about what’s underneath because I feel simultaneously weightless and supported, likely thanks to the ‘happy medium’ feel of the medium-hybrid option (also available in ‘soft’ and ‘firm’ feels). The brand says it offers unmatched pressure relief and motion cancellation, which is another big promise, but it delivers on it.” She also adds: “It’s motion canceling—as in, your sleep partner isn’t awoken by your tossing and turning—and I have no complaints about my husband’s sleep patterns interrupting my sleep patterns, or vice versa.” Naturally, Katz’s only drawback was the price (see: number four on this list if you’re looking for a more affordable cooling mattress).
Fast Facts
- Materials: TEMPUR-Material™, Pure Cool® Plus material, 1,300 innerspring coils, SmartClimate® cover
- Thickness: 13 inches
- Sizes: Twin Long, Queen, King, Split King, California King, Split California King
- Return Policy: TEMPUR-PEDIC offers a 90-night trial with 10-year warranty. Refunds, exchanges and returns are addressed by the brand when concerns are brought to them.
Best Mattress Under $1,000
3. Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
What We Like
- $649 for a queen
- foam relieves pressure points
- infused with cooling gel
What We Don't Like
- only one firmness level
nectar
Looking for a budget-friendly mattress that’ll still feel on par with staying at a luxe, five-star hotel? Nectar’s memory foam model scored a 93 out of 100 in a PureWow100 review for its multi-layered memory foam, which can help melt away back pain and keep side sleepers comfortable. “First of all, the mattress’ five layers are designed to relieve common pressure points for a difference that I can actually feel when I lay down after a long day. Plus, its gel memory foam ensures that body heat gets distributed evenly throughout which is a total game-changer for hot sleepers like me. Those factors, combined with its medium firmness ensure that I sleep straight through the night and wake up feeling like I just got 10 plus hours of sleep,” writes former PureWow editor Kara Cuzzone. Not to mention that it’s only $649 for a queen—and it comes with a “forever” warranty (hard to come by in this price range).
Fast Facts
- Materials: gel memory foam, polyfoam and polyethylene
- Thickness: 12 inches
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King
- Return Policy: All of Nectar's mattresses come with a 365-day trial period, and offer free in-home returns that are processed within 24 hours. This mattress is also sold and fulfilled by Amazon with free returns within the first 100 days.
Best Cooling Mattress
4. Cocoon by Sealy Chill Mattress
What We Like
- temperature-regulating cover
- foam is firm yet adaptable
- affordable for the cooling tech
What We Don't Like
- leans towards the firm side (for anyone who wants plush)
Cocoon by Sealy
Naturally, Sealy is a tried-and-true brand that’s known for its unprecedented support, softness and durability. But according to PureWow’s Assistant Commerce Editor, Natalie LaBarbera, its new cooling mattress is a total game-changer. “I was happy to find that Cocoon by Sealy's ‘perfect blend of soft and firm’ description was pretty accurate,” she writes in a PureWow100 reivew. The mattress is designed to be just as cooling as it is comfortable, thanks to the premium stretch-knit cover which is infused with phase-change material that helps regulate your temperature as you fall asleep. Under the cooling cover, however, there are also three other layers of memory foam, coiling and support, making for a Goldilocks feel that’s firm yet adaptable. “If you're looking for a hybrid mattress with cooling technology at a price point that won’t make you short circuit, this could definitely be the match for you…it feels slightly cooler than other mattresses I've had in the past, but in my experience, how hot I get through the night depends more on which sheets and other bedding I'm using…Overall, though, my sleep quality (along with the condition of my body when I wake up) has definitely improved with this mattress.”
Fast Facts
- Materials: cooling memory foam with coil technology
- Thickness: 12 inches
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split California King
- Return Policy: Sealy offers a 100-night trial, and if you’re not happy, they’ll refund your money, pick it up for free, and donate the mattress to a local charity—no questions asked. Plus, it comes with a 10-year warranty.
Best Mattress for Side-Sleepers
What We Like
- medium-firm feel reduces aches
- plush box-top construction
- cooling organic latex
What We Don't Like
- slow delivery time
AVOCADO
Sticking with the theme of cooling mattresses: latex is a naturally breathable material that provides excellent airflow—and it has inherent resilience, which prevents it from trapping heat like generic memory foams. That’s why former PureWow editor Nicole Briese gave this hybrid a 95-point score in her review: “It’s a 100 percent organic mattress with three standout features: a hybrid Dunlop latex rubber foam innerspring, which is naturally antimicrobial, a breathable cotton cover and its wool filling, which is known to wick away moisture and be flame-retardant.” Beyond that, however, the mattress also features 1,459 individually wrapped support coils, which target seven ergonomic zones. “From the very first night I slept on this mattress, I knew my days of hip agony were over. I put my full weight on my side and waited for the familiar stabbing to come—but none did,” Briese adds. It’s available in firm, medium and plush feels and the latter includes an ultra-plush box-top construction that’s ideal for side sleepers: “The medium-firm cush of the Avocado Green [offered] a just-right level of support for my aching sides… with the addition of the pillow top, the firmness rating is lowered, which Avocado says makes it ideal for side sleepers.”
Fast Facts
- Materials: Dunlop latex, wool, organic cotton, coil system
- Thickness: 11, 13 or 15.5 inches
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Return Policy: Avocado offers a 1-year trial where you can return the mattress after a minimum of 30 days. However, it’s worth mentioning that it must be in its original, unaltered state and suitable for donation (i.e., with tags and without stains, tears, excessive odors or soiling).
Most Investment-Worthy Mattress
6. Purple Rejuvenate Premier Mattress
What We Like
- 30 patents for its cushioning tech
- GelFlex adapts to your sleep style
- ultra-plush pillow topper
What We Don't Like
- expensive
purple mattress
If there’s one mattress that lives up to its $6,000+ price tag, it’s this one from Purple. I tested it during a stay at Topping Rose House in Bridgehampton, and all I can say is—it’s the most comfortable thing this tuchus has ever touched. The construction, which lives up to five-star hotel accommodations, features a whopping 18.5 inches of moldable latex, supportive foam and edge-to-edge coils. But what makes it unlike anything else on the market is the Purple GelFlex Grid. It not only adapts as you move, so it’s supportive in every position, but the grid also holds 30 patents for its cushioning technology. What I loved most about the feel was how it’s bouncy like an innerspring yet adaptive like a memory foam. The hyper-elastic gel instantly flexed to support all of my sleep positions—I’m a side- and stomach-sleeper—and the pillowy Euro-top is the personification of plush. It genuinely feels like you’re lying on a cloud. Add to that the fact that it stays nice and cool, thanks to a proprietary temperature-neutral material that naturally draws heat away from the body. Even my mom, who has severe night sweats, stayed cool and dry the entire trip. That coupled with the comfort is worth every penny if you’re serious about getting a good night’s rest.
Fast Facts
- Materials: Euro pillow topper, taylay latex, GelFlex® Grid, comfort foam, responsive coils
- Thickness: 18.5"
- Sizes: Twin XL, Queen, King, California King, Split King
- Return Policy: Purple offers a 100-night trial. They’ll issue a full refund—and have it picked up—if you don’t love it. The mattress also comes with a 10-year warranty, and they’ll replace it if anything goes wrong within the active coverage period.
Best Pillowtop Mattress
What We Like
- two-inch quilted Euro topper
- feels bouncy like an innerspring
- breathable foam draws heat away
What We Don't Like
- pillowtops are prone to denting over time
NOLAH
Another mattress I just can’t get enough of? This dreamy pillowtop hybrid from Nolah. It features nine impressive layers of comfort, and if you’re someone who prefers a marshmallowy feel, you’ll appreciate its ‘plush’ feel, which ranks as a 4.5 on the firmness scale (also available in ‘luxury firm’ and ‘firm’ feels). And as if the two-inch pillowtop’s curve-hugging design wasn’t enough, it also has eight inches of pocketed coils for responsive pressure relief and targeted support: It’s great for side-sleepers like me; the layer of graphite-infused foam offers a sturdy foundation that keeps my hips aligned. I also appreciate how this hybrid has a bouncier, more innerspring-like feel, since I often find memory foam to be too dense. Not only does it genuinely live up to its cloud-like promise, but it also feels breathable and temperature-regulating (thanks to the graphite).
Fast Facts
- Materials: Tri-Zone™ coils, graphite-infused foam, cooling quilted Euro topper
- Thickness: 15 inches
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King
- Return Policy: You can try the Nolah Evolution for 120 nights, and if you want to exchange it or send it back outright, you can do so after the first 30 days. You'll receive a refund, minus a $99 gas and labor fee. The mattress is also sold and fulfilled by Wayfair where you can try the mattress for up to 100 nights and call the Wayfair mattress experts to return or exchange it for a full refund.
Best Mattress for Couples
8. Tuft & Needle Mint Hybrid Mattress
What We Like
- can’t feel your partner tossing
- medium-firm feel is a compromise
- machine-washable cover
What We Don't Like
- expensive
tuft & needle
Made with a combination of Tuft & Needle's signature foam and high-quality pocketed springs, this mattress basically evaporates motion from your partner. Not only that but it also features a medium-firm feel that’s great for couples who need something that’s plush yet firm. “I move around A LOT in my sleep. Like...a LOT. And my husband said he doesn't feel me moving around at night anymore, and I definitely don't feel him,” one Chicago-area couple in their 30s explained in a PureWow100 review. “This is a HUGE perk, and while I miss rolling into my husband all night long, it's nice to be on opposite sides of the bed not even knowing the other person is there.” The mattress also features a 2-inch layer of Micro Diamond Memory Foam, which draws heat away from the body, and it’s all wrapped up with a removable, machine-washable cover.
Fast Facts
- Materials: T&N Adaptive® foam, cooling gel and graphite, machine-washable knit cover
- Thickness: 6.5
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Return Policy: Tuft & Needle ships the mattress free to your doorstep in 2 to 5 business days and it includes a 10-year limited warranty with a 100-night sleep trial. The mattress is also sold and fulfilled by Amazon where it can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 100 days of receipt.
Best Plush Mattress
What We Like
- has a very soft sink-into-it feel
- layers of cushioning with gel pods
- includes springs for spinal support
What We Don't Like
- will be too soft for anyone who needs firmness
Casper
Here, an ultra-soft option that’ll give you a cloud-like, sink-into-it feel (as opposed to more supportive and medium-firm options on this list). Casper’s Nova mattress scored 89 points out of 100 in a PureWow100 review for its pocketed micro coils—combined with layers of foam and gel-filled pods—which were designed for side sleepers like former PureWow editor Dena Silver. “Those of us who prefer to sleep on our left or right sides need a little more cushioning to avoid waking up with all those aches and pains—but that doesn’t mean we want to give up the support that a firmer model might offer. Casper was able to figure out a happy medium between the two, resulting in this new hybrid design that features two layers of breathable foam and one layer of springs. There are also seven zones of targeted support for a happy back, including a pressure-relieving zone under the shoulders and a touch more support in the areas where your waist, lower back and hips usually fall,” writes Silver. However, she also writes: “That said, if you don’t necessarily enjoy a super soft, almost sink-into-it feel, this bed isn’t for you…[I felt like] I’d replaced my original mattress with an actual marshmallow. My new Casper mattress was so soft, that I had to exert a ton of effort to readjust or flip over since it felt like I was sinking so deep into the cushy foam.”
Fast Facts
- Materials: polyurethane foam with encased springs
- Thickness: 12-inches
- Sizes: Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Return Policy: Shipping and returns are free. Plus you get a 100-night trial, and if you opt to send it back, many returned mattresses are donated to charity.
Best Firm Mattress
10. Allswell The Brick Mattress
What We Like
- firm but not rock-solid
- copper gel is cooling
- minimizes motion transfer
What We Don't Like
- feels more medium-firm than firm (as the title suggests)
Allswell
“The Brick isn’t rock solid; customers rated it a 5.5 to 7.5 on its 10-point firmness scale, putting it about a point higher than its other models,” writes VP of Editorial Candace Davison in her review. “While doctors used to recommend very firm mattresses in the past, a 268-person survey found that people with lower back pain had the poorest sleep on very hard beds, according to Harvard Health Publishing…[The brick’s] medium-firm to firm level can be just right for providing support without being stiff,” Davison explains. “Under its firm top layer, there’s one inch of copper gel-infused memory foam, designed to transfer heat, so you don’t wake up sweaty. Under that is two inches of high-density foam for support, and just under that is a set of individually wrapped coils, giving the mattress its springiness. But the coils’ best feature, hands down, is that they minimize motion transfer, so if your partner gets up in the middle of the night, there isn’t a ripple that jolts you awake.” She also adds: “One month [after sleeping on this mattress], I wake up each morning ache-free, ready to roll out of bed.”
Fast Facts
- Materials: copper gel-infused memory foam, high-density foam and individually wrapped coils
- Thickness: 12 inches
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Return Policy: Allswell offers a 100-night trial (limited one per household per year) in case The Brick is too firm.
What to Consider When Shopping for a Mattress Online
- Firmness/Softness: First, take a look at the firmness scale to see how your mattress is rated 1-10. Then, you want to select a number based on your sleep position—firmer for back and stomach sleepers, softer for side sleepers, and medium-firm for a balanced feel.
- Size: Consider your space and sleeping arrangement—Twin/Twin XL for singles or small spaces, Full/Queen for couples or those who want more room, and King/California King for maximum space.
- Type: Consider what kind of feel you’re after—memory foam molds to you for adaptive, contouring support; innerspring gives you more bounce and breathability; hybrids offer a mix of comfort and support and latex is perfect if you want something natural, durable, and cooling. (See the FAQ section below for more on this.)
- Sleep Position: You also want to match your mattress to how you sleep—back sleepers generally need medium-firm, side sleepers do best with a softer mattress, and stomach sleepers should stick with something firmer.
- Temperature Regulation: If you’re a hot sleeper, look for a mattress that includes cooling features, like gel foams that draw away heat or breathable fabric covers that wick away sweat.
- Motion Isolation: For couples, it’s worth considering a mattress with good motion isolation, like memory foam, to avoid waking each other up with every toss and turn.
- Warranty & Return Policy: Make sure you’re covered with a trial period (usually 90-120 days) and an easy return policy, so you can test it out at home and return it if it’s not quite right. Also, be sure to check the warranty—you want to look for a minimum of 10 years to ensure you’re protected against any defects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best materials for a mattress?
- Memory foam: Memory foam allows your body to sink into the mattress, which creates a cradled feeling, and can be great for back and neck support, according to Kaye. One con, however, is that these mattresses tend to retain heat, so they’re not the best option for a warm sleeper. Additionally, you have to really like that cradled feeling, as opposed to a mattress that bounces back when you lie on it. One more note for the environmentally conscious: Memory foam is often treated with flame retardants and doesn't decompose.
- Innerspring mattresses: These mattresses are more like a traditional mattress, as the springs react to your movements. They often feel firmer than foam, and the interconnected coils are extra-durable and reduce the ripple effect that occurs when you move from one side of the bed to the other.
- Latex mattress: This type of mattress is both responsive and has pressure-relieving capabilities (so you sink into it, but it bounces right back when you shift position or get up). They are also hypoallergenic and typically combine latex with either springs or reflex foam to ensure the surface is super durable and supportive.
- Hybrid mattress: A hybrid mattress combines a little bit of everything—typically coils and other soft materials like foam, wool or cotton. Sleepers can experience both the pressure relief of the foam layers and the sturdy feel of a classic spring mattress.
When is the best time to buy a mattress?
Naturally, you want to keep an eye on major holiday sales—from Memorial Day and Labor Day to Black Friday and Cyber Monday. But holidays aside, Scott Paladini, CEO and founder of Bear Mattress says late winter and early spring is the best time of year to invest. “By March or April, new mattress models will typically be in stores,” Paladini tells NerdWallet.com. “As new mattresses arrive, shoppers can save money by opting for an older model or a floor sample straight from the showroom floor.” To that end, it’s also worth mentioning that most companies offer pretty generous return policies so that you can try out the mattresses over several weeks (or even months) to determine whether they’re right for you.
