The mattress world gets more overwhelming every day. Memory foam? Cooling? Adjustable? There are so many choices when shopping for a new bed, it’s hard to know where to begin. Our guide is designed to help you know what to look for and where to shop for the best mattress buying experience possible. Get ready to sleep easy again.
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Updated May 20th, 2019
Mattress buying 101
You might not even know it, but there are a lot of things you should consider when investing in a new mattress. The material your mattress is made of can have a serious impact on its durability and your nighttime comfort. We’ve compared all the types available, as well as providing suggestions on what to look for in your mattress retailer.
Types of mattresses available
When you buy a mattress online, you’ll run into different makes and materials that include:
Foam. Today’s foam mattresses are a lot different from your traditional memory foam. Most materials now offer special cooling and comfort features to reduce heat and those extreme body indents characteristic of older foams.
Hybrid. A hybrid mattress typically comprises a combo of foam layers and coils to offer the best of both worlds.
Latex. Latex mattresses are made of a type of foam rubber created through a specific manufacturing process, including Talalay and Dunlop.
Spring. Spring mattresses are considered the “traditional” mattress type and contain metal coils sandwiched in between layers of other materials added for comfort.
Pros and cons of each mattress type
Mattress Type
Pros
Cons
Foam
Reduces motion transfer
Contours to your body
Can retain heat and “sleep hot”
Hybrid
Provides the benefits of both foam and coils
Can be a solid choice for a wide range of sleep positions
Typically on the pricey side
Latex
Environmentally responsible materials and process
Durable
Can be on the firm side
Spring
Can be very supportive
Tends to stay cool
Uneven support across different areas of your body
Choosing the right mattress from among online brands doesn’t have to be complicated, as long as you’re willing to do a little legwork before making your final decision.
When shopping for a mattress online, keep these top tips in mind:
Know your must-haves
What’s the most important feature for you — is it staying within a budget? How about comfort or durability? Know what you absolutely can’t sacrifice, then mold your decision around those qualities.
Compare shipping and returns
Trial periods vary by brand, so learn how long you have to sleep on your mattress before giving it the green light. Shipping costs also vary, especially if you live in Alaska, Hawaii or Canada.
Get in touch with support
How quickly did you get help? Were reps able to answer your questions? Were they friendly? Answers can really matter down the road if you need help, want to make a warranty claim or require a return.
If it’s time to replace your bed, don’t delay. Sleeping on an uncomfy mattress is unpleasant and unnecessary with all the great and affordable options available today. Getting a better night’s sleep is as easy as deciding what mattress is best for you and waiting for it to arrive on your doorstop.
According to our latest research, the average cost of mattresses available for purchase online in the USA is $926.24.
The average cost of each size is:
Twin: $645.40
Full: $717.15
Queen: $966.76
King: $1,217.75
California King: $1,223.46
The most affordable mattress brand is Live and Sleep, with an average price across all sizes of $532.33. Saatva’s Zenhaven mattress is the priciest, with an average cost of $1,874.00. Prices subject to change. Data obtained: December 2018
Gabrielle Pastorek is a writer at finder.com, regularly researching and creating shopping and finance reviews, as well as car and loan comparisons. She holds an MFA from the University of Pittsburgh, and her essays and short stories can be found in The Collagist, Blue Monday Review, Blotterature and others. When she’s not writing, Gabrielle can be found out in the barn with her horse, Lucy.
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