Club Benefits
I'll let you in on a secret: there is no one single best mattress for every person, however choose the right one for your body type, sleeping position, and needs, and you'll see a big difference in how well you sleep (and how energized you feel the next day).
We conduct seven robust lab tests to capture objective data on the areas of a mattress that most affect sleep comfort: pressure relief, temperature, motion isolation, edge support. We also sleep on each mattress for three weeks at home. All of this data is fed into our scoring system to create an overall review score. Read our full mattress methodology here.
My team and I have tested over 140 mattresses, putting them though rigorous lab tests and extensive home testing, and have selected only the cream of the crop for this newly updated guide to the best mattresses of 2026.
There are options for every sleep position and budget here, and all are reduced in price in this weekend's Memorial Day mattress sales.
We've just completed our most recent round of lab testing. The Saatva Classic is still our number one option for most sleepers, with the Helix Midnight Luxe moving up into second position as our new overall recommendation for side sleepers. The DreamCloud Classic Hybrid remains our top value pick, but it has moved to third position because the Helix scored a half point more in our May lab tests.
1. The best mattress overall in 2026
The Saatva Classic is the highest-scoring mattress we've tested to date, and one of the comfiest beds I've slept on in five years of reviewing mattresses. It earned best-in-class 5/5 scores for pressure relief, temperature regulation, edge support and value for money in our rigious tests and evaluations, plus a 4/5 score for motion isolation (that's impressive for a bouncy hybrid).
Pressure relief: 5 out of 5
Temperature regulation: 5 out of 5
Motion isolation: 4 out of 5
Edge support: 5 out of 5
Value for money: 5 out of 5
The subjective feedback from our diverse testing panel backs up our lab data too: all of our testers found the Saatva Classic to be instantly comfortable, a dream for melting away aches and pains, and for staying cool through the night. I'm a stage 5 hot sleeper and I never once overheated on the Saatva, but I did on the Helix Midnight Luxe and the DreamCloud Classic. The hip and lower back pain that plagued me on other mattresses disappeared during my first night sleeping on the Saatva Classic, but it came back (though to a lesser degree) when I switched to testing the Midnight Luxe.
If you want the very best mattress in America right now, the Saatva Classic Luxury Innerspring Hybrid is our top recommendation. We've also crowned it the best hybrid mattress you can buy, plus the top mattress for couples. The Saatva Classic reduces all pressure points for ache-free sleep, regulates temperature so that you don't wake up in the night feeling too hot or too cold, and has edge support so strong you could park a car on it. That's great news for bed-sharing families like mine who need to maximize every inch.
Now is the time to buy the Saatva Classic too, as prices have returned to their cheapest of 2026 for Memorial Day. So who don't we recommend it to? Couples who share a bed and weigh over 600lbs between them – try The WinkBed (number 9) for a similar feel plus max support for heavier bodies.
- Read our Saatva Classic mattress review for full test data
2. The best mattress for side sleepers
The Helix Midnight Luxe reigned as our best mattress for side sleepers for the last two years — and after a recent retest, it's not relinquishing that title any time soon. Its 4.5/5 pressure relief score is second only to the Saatva Classic above, and it demonstrated above-average edge support and temperature control, with scores of 4/5 in each category. I personally prefer the Saatva Classic to the Helix Midight Luxe for side sleeping, because I like my body to stay on top of the mattress as opposed to sinking down, but we've crowned Helix as the top option for side sleepers because it best represents the feel of a side sleeping bed.
Pressure relief: 4.5 out of 5
Temperature regulation: 4 out of 5
Motion isolation: 3.5 out of 5
Edge support: 4 out of 5
Value for money: 4 out of 5
The Helix Midight Luxe is the more advanced version of the original Helix Midnight, boasting a cushy pillow top that alleviates pressure at the shoulders, hips, and knees — all critical points for side sleepers. It also features dedicated lumbar support via reinforced center coils — these aid alignment by reducing load on the lumbar spine. (It's one of the best mattresses for back and hip pain we've slept on.) The Midnight Luxe was naturally a hit among our side sleeping testers, but back sleepers on our panel also found it comfortable, especially with the optional ErgoAlign foam layer for additional lower back support.
The breathable Tencel cover kept us cozy, but we recommend upgrading to the GlacioTex cool-touch cover if you run very hot at night. (For max cooling, add the graphite-infused CoolForce comfort layer, or try the Bear Elite Hybrid at #6.) The plush pillow top didn't impact the sturdiness of the edges — we could comfortably sit on the sides— but it did limit ease of movement for some of our testers. Motion isolation is in the middle of the pack (3.5/5); you're likely to notice your partner's movements, but unless they're prolonged, they shouldn't disrupt your sleep.
The Helix Midnight Luxe is the most expensive mattress on this list, even beating out its luxury rival, the Saatva Classic, most times. Helix mattress sales cut as much as 27% off — but make no mistake, this is a bona fide splurge. If you're a side sleeper on a much smaller budget, check out the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid directly below this entry. Otherwise, we believe the Midnight Luxe is worth the investment for side sleeper bliss every night.
- Read our Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress review for full test data
3. The best mid-range mattress
The DreamCloud Classic Hybrid is the best mattress-in-a-box for its sheer value for money. A queen-size is regularly $649, and it comes with a one-year sleep trial and a lifetime warranty — just like the Saatva Classic at the top of this list. It's not just the affordable cost that earns it a spot in this guide, either. During our tests, the DreamCloud scored a 4/5 in pressure relief, temperature control, and edge support. (The outlier is motion isolation, which earned 3.5/5.)
Pressure relief: 4 out of 5
Temperature regulation: 4 out of 5
Motion isolation: 3.5 out of 5
Edge support: 4 out of 5
Value for money: 5 out of 5
The 12" DreamCloud has dual foam comfort layers, a bed of individually-wrapped coils, and a quilted top. This culminates in a medium (6/10) feel that our testers found suited for side and back sleeping. It won't cushion quite like the Helix Midnight Luxe above, but it'll contour the joints to prevent pressure buildup in the joints. Stomach sleepers will want to look for a firmer mattress to support their midsection; our choice is the all-foam Siena Signature (#4), another affordable mattress that exceeded our expectations.
This value hybrid doesn't skimp on the little things. For instance, it has reinforced perimeter springs, a common feature in higher-end beds. We could use every inch of the surface without fear of falling overboard. The CloudQuilt cover helps maintain a neutral sleep temperature, but very hot sleepers may not find it effective enough for their needs. (Look at the Bear Elite Cooling Hybrid at #6.) Motion isolation is the DreamCloud's weak point, but it's far from the worst we've seen. The responsive surface helps with ease of movement, which was an issue with the pillowy Midnight Luxe.
DreamCloud mattress sales are evergreen, so you don't have to time your purchase to avail of the best savings, as with most entries on this list. (Price drops are exceedingly rare, although you may score a free bedding set with purchase.) The DreamCloud Classic is for those who have champagne tastes on a sparkling cider budget. We consider it the best mattress for under $1,000.
- Read our DreamCloud Classic Mattress review for full test data
4. The best cheap mattress
The Siena Signature punches above its budget price tag in many ways. In our lab tests, it scored 4.6/5 in motion isolation — the best of any mattress in this guide — and 4/5 in edge support, which is impressive for sub-$300 all-foam queen mattress. For those reasons and more, we think the Siena is the best affordable mattress-in-a-box you can buy.
Pressure relief: 3.8 out of 5
Temperature regulation: 3.3 out of 5
Motion isolation: 4.6 out of 5
Edge support: 4 out of 5
Value for money: 4 out of 5
If you're expecting the soft hug of memory foam, you won't get it here. Our testing panel rate it an 8 out of 10 on our firmness scale. Lead tester Ruth Jones says she finds it second only to the Plank Firm mattress (also tested) as the firmest bed she's tried, but the subtle pressure relief of the Siena prevents it from feeling rock solid. It's by far the best affordable mattress for back and stomach sleepers we've slept on; most side sleepers will find it too unyielding at their shoulders and hips.
The consistent edge-to-edge support, combined with minimal motion transfer, makes it one of the best affordable mattresses for couples. (It's even available as a split king, which is an unusual but welcome choice for a budget bed.) Our lab tests revealed that the Siena warms up quickly, but it sheds that heat almost just as fast. Our testers didn't wake up sweaty on the Siena, as they have with other cheap foam mattresses. The Siena is the best bed you'll find for temperature regulation in this price class; it even rivaled the premium Bear Elite Cooling Hybrid (#6) in our objective thermal tests.
We recommend the Siena for temporary or short-term solutions, like a guest bedroom or a college dorm mattress. Siena runs a perma-sale, so prices remain steady year-round, although they've dropped over the last several months. (A queen-size now costs $294, down from $359.) You may be able to find even lower prices at Amazon during major sale events, but you'll miss out on the generous 180-night trial that comes with buying directly from Siena. Either way, a 10-year warranty applies, as does free delivery to your doorstep.
- Read our Siena Signature Mattress Review for full test data
5. The best memory foam mattress
The Nectar Premier is our top-rated memory foam mattress, delivering that 'hug' you'll find with a Tempur-Pedic, but without paying a premium. The Nectar scored a 3.2/5 in pressure relief, largely due to the slow response of its foams, indicating that support could be better — but it also translates to much-needed cushioning at the joints for side and back sleepers.
Pressure relief: 3.24 out of 5
Temperature regulation: 3.5 out of 5
Motion isolation: 4 out of 5
Edge support: 4 out of 5
Value for money: 4 out of 5
The Siena Signature above may look better on paper if you're judging exclusively by the scores, but it's also a shorter, much firmer mattress than the 13-inch Nectar Premier, which our testing panel rate a medium-firm, or 6.5-7 out of 10 on the firmness scale. The comfort layers were cozy enough to turn our stomach-sleeping lead tester, Ruth Jones, into a side sleeper during her time with this mattress. It'll also appeal to lighter back sleepers who don't want a decidedly firm bed. Stomach sleepers will prefer the firm Siena.
With the second-best motion isolation score (4/5) among our top entries, along with a 4/5 edge support score, the Nectar Premier is a sound choice for bed-sharers. The cool-touch cover is soothing to lie on, and it doesn't even absorb as much heat as our top cooling mattress, the Bear Elite Hybrid (#6). (That's quite impressive, given this is an all-foam bed.) It loses points for having the slowest cooling rate among our top six, but it's still among the better memory foam mattresses for hot sleepers we've tried.
While the Nectar Premier has the lowest overall score at 3.7/5, it's still a very good rating and a fantastic value for money, with a perma-sale price of $949 for a queen. Dense, contouring, luxury-feeling foam mattresses like this normally cost twice as much, and they often don't include the one-year risk-free trial and lifetime warranty that Nectar does, either. This one is for the side sleepers and couples who want to get a lot back for relatively little.
- Read our Nectar Premier Mattress Review for full test data
6. The best cooling mattress
The Bear Elite Hybrid is the best cooling mattress we've tested. It's the only bed in this guide to score a perfect 5/5 in temperature control, with the fastest heat shedding rate we've recorded. Like the the Saatva Classic (#1), it comes in three comfort levels and features targeted lumbar support. However, it has the lowest edge support and motion isolation scores on the list, with a 2.5/5 and a 3.2/5, respectively, so we're reluctant to recommend it for bed-sharing.
Pressure relief: 4.6 out of 5
Temperature regulation: 5 out of 5
Motion isolation: 3.2 out of 5
Edge support: 2.5 out of 5
Value for money: 4 out of 5
The Celliant-infused cover that was once an optional upgrade now comes standard — and we're glad. This specialist cover, along with the copper-infused comfort foam, allows the mattress to draw in heat and then quickly release it for a neutral microclimate. Our lead tester, Eve Davies, was in the process of training for a marathon when she slept on the Bear Elite Hybrid and claims it helped her with recovery, especially on particularly warm evenings. (A new upgrade option adds a layer of PCM-infused foam.)
We tried the Bear Elite Hybrid in Medium, which our panelists rate a 6 out of 10 on our firmness scale, and found it well-balanced for every position. The high-density foams and zoned lumbar coils support and contour to the body well. There is plenty of pressure relief — it scored a 4.6 out of 5 in that category, second only to the Saatva Classic. Naturally, strict side sleepers or smaller people may want to go for the soft version. Stomach and back sleepers, as well as larger people, might want to go for the firm version.
Bear markets its beds to athletes — and we agree that the Bear Elite Hybrid is the best mattress for active people — but we also recommend it for anyone who needs relief from severe night sweats. Regular Bear mattress sales cut as much as 40% off, with the best discounts reserved for holidays. Benefits include a 120-night sleep trial, a limited lifetime warranty, and free shipping.
- Read our Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress Review for full test data
Also tested and recommended
The best mattresses compared
Here's a summary of how our top five mattresses compare in the five most important areas we test: pressure relief, temperature regulation, motion isolation, edge support and value for money. Swipe or click to the right or left to navigate to the performance area you're most interested in.
Test results side-by-side
How our top five mattresses compare on firmness, pressure relief, temperature control, motion isolation, edge support and value for money
Firmness
| Product | Value (Scale) |
|---|---|
| Saatva Classic | 6.5 |
| DreamCloud Classic | 6 |
| Siena Signature | 8 |
| Nectar Premier | 6.5 |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | 6 |
Close up on temperature control
Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.
Good temperature regulation is critical for getting a restful night's sleep. According to global analytics and advisory firm Gallup, 57% of adults in the US report being too hot at least occasionally while sleeping (or trying to sleep), and 46% of typically hot sleepers have experienced sub-par sleep. That's why we focus so closely on temperature regulation: if you're too hot - or too cold - your sleep suffers.
The good news is, all the mattresses in our top five were rated at least 'good' at regulating temperature, with the best ones (the Bear Elite and Saatva) rated 'outstanding'.
Here's how we tested it. We asked a biologically female mattress tester of average body weight to lie on each mattress for 15 minutes and then get off. We used a thermal imaging camera to track heat at six standardized points to see how much heat each mattress absorbs, on average, per minute, and how quickly it dissipated heat. Here's a close-up of how our top five mattresses performed.
Temperature regulation lab test results
How effectively each mattress absorbed, managed, and dissipated heat
| Timestamp (minutes) | Saatva Classic (°F) | DreamCloud Classic (°F) | Siena Signature (°F) | Nectar Premier (°F) | Bear Elite Hybrid (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1 | 3.5 | 7.3 | 8.1 | 8 | 8.2 |
| 2 | 6.3 | 7.1 | 8 | 8.1 | 9.5 |
| 3 | 5.5 | 6.9 | 8.6 | 6.76 | 9.2 |
| 4 | 5.4 | 7 | 8.4 | 5.6 | 9.3 |
| 5 | 4.6 | 7.1 | 8.1 | 5.7 | 9.8 |
| 6 | 4.6 | 7 | 8.6 | 5.3 | 8.9 |
| 7 | 5.8 | 7 | 9.2 | 5 | 9.3 |
| 8 | 5 | 6.2 | 8 | 6.2 | 10 |
| 9 | 5.4 | 6.5 | 8.4 | 7.4 | 10 |
| 10 | 5.5 | 6.7 | 7.9 | 6.4 | 9.6 |
| 11 | 5.1 | 6.1 | 8.3 | 6.2 | 9.4 |
| 12 | 4.8 | 6.5 | 8.2 | 5.9 | 9.3 |
| 13 | 4.7 | 6.5 | 9 | 6.1 | 9 |
| 14 | 5 | 6.7 | 9 | 6.3 | 10.1 |
| 15 | 5.2 | 6 | 9.8 | 6.6 | 10.5 |
| 16 | 5.3 | 3 | 3.6 | 3.9 | 3.3 |
| 17 | 2.3 | 2.3 | 3.4 | 2.8 | 1.1 |
| 18 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 3.1 | 1.9 | 0.2 |
| 19 | 1 | 1 | 2.2 | 2.3 | 1.2 |
| 20 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 2.2 | 2.1 | 1.4 |
| 21 | 0.5 | 0 | 2.3 | 1.6 | 0.2 |
| 22 | 0.4 | -0.4 | 1.6 | 2 | 0.2 |
| 23 | 0.3 | 0 | 1.8 | 2.1 | -0.3 |
| 24 | 0 | 0.2 | 2 | 2.5 | -0.4 |
| 25 | -0.9 | 0 | 1.8 | 2.4 | -0.1 |
| 26 | -1 | -0.7 | 2.1 | 1.4 | -0.7 |
| 27 | -1.2 | -0.7 | 2.1 | 1.6 | -0.8 |
| 28 | -1.3 | -0.6 | 2.1 | 1 | -0.7 |
| 29 | -0.5 | 0 | 0.4 | 1.1 | -1.3 |
| 30 | -0.6 | -0.3 | 1.5 | 0.3 | -1.1 |
Pressure relief refers to how well a mattress contours to your body, aligns your spine and distributes weight to prevent pressure building up.
See our pressure relief lab test results ▼
It’s probably not a concept the average person has first in mind when choosing a mattress, but it’s one of the most critical factors that can contribute to a good — or bad — night’s sleep.
All our top mattresses scored at least 'good' here. Our lab test involved placing a 25kg weight on the shoulder and hip areas to simulate the body's main pressure points.
We considered any mattress with a sinkage of 3.5 inches or more to have good pressure relief, if it also demonstrated responsive support by returning quickly to its original state when the weight was removed. We then combined this lab data with subjective feedback from our testing panel for the final score.
Pressure relief lab test results
The deeper the indentation and faster the response time, the better the ability of a mattress to relieve pressure
Hip indentation (25kg)
| Product | Value (inches) |
|---|---|
| Saatva Classic | 4.75 |
| DreamCloud Classic | 4.5 |
| Siena Signature | 4 |
| Nectar Premier | 4 |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | 3.875 |
How we test mattresses
Buying a mattress is a big decision — not just for your wallet, but your health too. Our expert team has been testing mattresses for half a decade, and we've just launched our brand-new mattress methodology comprising seven robust data-led lab tests, plus extensive value for money analysis.
Here's a breakdown of our new approach to testing mattresses at Tom's Guide, and the five most critical areas we test and analyze:
1. Pressure relief (Comfort and support)
Why it matters: This is a top reason for most mattress purchases. Although it’s somewhat subjective, an ideal mattress cushions pressure points (particularly at the hips and shoulders) while maintaining healthy spinal alignment. Without that balance, you'll start to develop aches and pains.
How we test: We use a 25kg (55lb) weight to simulate the body's heaviest touch points across multiple areas to measure indentation depth (how much the surface sinks after five minutes) and recovery time (how long it takes for the mattress to snap back into place). This allows us to assess how a mattress reacts when weight is put on it. We also use a laser level and a tripod to observe a tester's alignment when side sleeping.
How we score: Indentation depth makes up 60% of our pressure relief (comfort and support) score, as the right balance is key to preventing pain. Mattresses receive a higher score for faster recovery times; anything over eight seconds is considered slow-moving (and therefore difficult to move around on).
2. Temperature regulation
Why it matters: Overheating disrupts sleep. The best mattresses dissipate heat and promote a neutral (or comfortable) temperature for an individual.
How we test: Using a medical-grade thermal imaging camera, we measure passive cooling (how much heat the mattress absorbs while our tester lies on it) and active cooling (how quickly it releases that heat once our tester gets up).
How we score: We combine the results of our passive and active cooling tests. Mattresses with minimal heat retention receive higher marks.
3. Motion isolation
Why it matters: Couples and families who share a bed with kids or pets need a mattress that prevents movement from transferring.
How we test: We drop a weighted ball next to a sensitive scientific accelerometer to simulate a partner shifting in bed, measuring the initial impact absorption and the motion-damping speed.
How we score: Our motion isolation score is weighted 60/40 initial impact absorption to motion-dampening speed. The most important thing we look for is how well a mattress prevents motion from reverberating across the surface.
4. Edge support
Why it matters: Strong edges allow couples to maximize every inch of their sleep surface, give sleepers with mobility issues a steady surface to push off from, and indicate how durable a mattress will be over time.
How we test: To measure sitting stability, we place a 25kg (55lb) weight on the middle perimeter of the mattress and measure the vertical sinkage after five minutes. As for sleeping security, our testers lie on the mattress and note (in inches) how far from the edge they feel most secure.
How we score: Sitting stability makes up 60% of our edge support score, with higher marks for lower sinkage. Sleep security makes up the remainder, with mattresses providing consistent edge-to-edge support receiving a perfect grade.
5. Value for money
Knowing you're getting a good mattress at a good price is important, so we've developed a new scoring rubric to give each mattress we test a rating out of 5 for value for money.
To create an overall value for money score, we consider the build quality of a mattress, and the quality of the materials. The better the quality, the higher the score, because these two factors indicate the likelihood of durability and longevity. In other words, how long we expect this mattress to last – a critical consideration when assessing value for money.
We also factor in the performance of the mattress in our lab tests versus price, plus the benefits (sleep trial, mattress warranty, and level of shipping) you get with the mattress.
Here's how our Top 5 mattresses score in terms of value for money:
- Saatva Classic – 5 out of 5
- DreamCloud Classic – 5 out of 5
- Siena Signature – 4 out of 5
- Nectar Premier – 4 out of 5
- Bear Elite Hybrid – 4 out of 5
- Longevity and assurance (35%): Encompasses the length of the mattress warranty and sleep trial.
- Build quality and materials (30%), Accounts for materials, construction, and country of origin.
- Price competitiveness (25%): Regards how a mattress is priced against direct competitors, using queen-size as a benchmark.
- Brand consensus and user rating (10%): Based on verified customer ratings and overall brand reputation.
How we measure subjective feedback
At the end of the day, we're humans sleeping on these mattresses, not inanimate objects. Our diverse group of testers lie on a mattress in all positions (side, back, and stomach) and make note of any pressure buildup (or relief) in their touchpoints.
Sensory feel and performance: This relates to how cool or warm a mattress feels to our testers upon first contact and after extended use.
Partner disturbance assessment: One tester gets in and out of bed and shifts positions while another tester lies still and measures the level of perceived disturbance for light sleepers.
Sit and sleep assessment: Our testers sit on the edge of the mattress to assess security and stability, then lie near the perimeter to gauge whether or not they'll roll off the bed.
How we score mattresses
The final rating a mattress receives is the sum of its performance across all five categories (a maximum score out of 25). For example, a final score of 23 or more culminates in a 5-star rating, while a score of 18-22 earns a 4-star rating.
Meet the testing team
We constantly have a wide selection of mattresses in on review to make sure our rankings are up-to-date — the entire Tom's Guide Sleep team gets involved. Here’s who tested the mattresses in the most recent version of this guide:
I’ve been reviewing mattresses and sleep products for more than five years, and led the development of our brand-new testing methodology. Of our top-ranked mattresses, I’ve slept on both the Saatva Classic and DreamCloud Classic, and oversaw the testing of all five in our Sleep Lab. I’m extremely excited to bring you the latest version of this guide: it’s backed by more data than ever before, which makes it easier than ever to recommend these brilliant mattresses.
Ruth joined the Tom’s Guide Sleep team nearly two years ago and has slept on the Siena, Nectar Premier and Zinus Green Tea mattresses here (among many others) — she’s something of a memory foam expert. She also joined the Saatva, DreamCloud and Bear Elite testing panels, getting hands-on with all our best mattresses and contributing to their final scores.
Lauren’s been testing and reviewing mattresses for over a year now, and had the pleasure of sleeping on the DreamCloud Classic mattress at number two for three weeks. She also extensively tested the Saatva Classic, Bear Elite Hybrid and Nectar Premier in our Sleep Lab.
Eve’s our in-house sleep tech and cooling mattress expert, and has been on the Tom’s Guide Sleep team for over a year. She headed-up our Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review — she originally slept on it for three weeks, but it’s now her mattress of choice — and was on the testing panel for both the Saatva and Dreamcloud Classic mattresses
Our resident hybrid mattress expert, Frances has been reviewing mattresses and toppers for more than two years. She sat on the testing panel for the Saatva Classic, Siena Signature and Nectar Premier mattresses in this guide
Nicola has been on Tom’s Guide sleep desk for two years, during which time she’s helped review some of the best mattresses for back pain and side sleepers. She joined the testing panel for the Saatva Classic, Bear Elite Hybrid and Siena Signature.
Mattress shopping advice
How to choose the right mattress firmness
All sleep brands rate the firmness of their mattresses on a 10-point scale, with 1 being soft and fluffy and 10 being a slab of stone. While this seems straightforward, there's no universal standard of mattress firmness as every brand has its own interpretation of what's plush and what's hard.
This is why it's important to purchase a mattress according to your sleep style and weight, as that'll influence how firm your mattress should be. If you're not keen on extremes, medium-firm is a good starting point. (Most hotel mattresses are medium-firm to cater to as many guests as possible.)
If your mattress comes in a box, make sure to set it up as soon as possible — the longer a mattress is compressed, the more it'll affect the overall bed feel. You should always buy a mattress with a trial period so you can exchange or return it for something that's a better fit.
How to buy a mattress online
The online mattress space has boomed over the last decade as sleep brands endeavor to make the buying process as simple as possible. Still, it's natural to have reservations about making such a big-ticket purchase from your laptop or smartphone. Here's how you can make the experience of buying a mattress online as painless as possible:
1. Don't buy without a mattress trial
Even if you've seen the mattress you want to buy up-close in a store, you won't know how it really performs until you're able to sleep on it each night. The average mattress trial is 100 nights, with some brands offering up to a full year so you can sample it across all four seasons. Remember that it takes at least three weeks for your body to adjust to a new sleep surface, and most brands won't accept returns before 30 days.
2. Know what the mattress warranty covers
More online sleep brands are keen to offer a mattress warranty for life to ease the minds of concerned customers. However, these terms aren't uniform across all companies — and many lifetime warranties are prorated after a certain point, meaning you'll have to at least pay in part for repairs or returns. Know what you may be getting into before you click 'buy' to prevent headaches later.
3. Consider shipping and delivery options
Most online sleep brands sell mattresses in a box, which means you'll have to set it up. This keeps the costs low, but if you're unable to unbox and haul a mattress yourself, consider a brand that offers White Glove Delivery. With this service, your mattress is delivered flat and set up in a room of your choice. Brands like Saatva and Tempur-Pedic provide free White Glove Delivery, while others charge a fee. White Glove Delivery often includes removal of your existing mattress, as well.
4. Do your homework
Know what type of mattress you need before you start shopping. (Refer to our buying tips above to help you out.) Also, read reviews from professional testers like ourselves and everyday shoppers who share your sleep preferences. Don't just focus on the glowing or scathing reviews, either — most people's experiences will be somewhere in the middle.
