What It's REALLY Like to Buy a Mattress Online

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Buying a mattress isn't something to be taken lightly. It comes with all sorts of concerns, like what you'll pay, how the mattress feels, how it'll age, and whether a salesperson will cut you a deal.
An online mattress purchase brings up similar questions, but it's one of the most common ways to get a new bed now. Gone are the days of going to a showroom and flopping down on a display model. Now you can browse tons of sites for online mattress companies, and prices often beat what you'd see in a brick-and-mortar store.
SEE ALSO: How to Buy Furniture Online
Whether you're actually in the market for a new mattress, or you're curious about all those online mattress brands, here's everything you need to know.
[h=3]When to Replace Your Mattress[/h] Conventional wisdom used to recommend replacing your mattress anywhere from every seven to every 10 years.
These days, there are so many types of mattresses that there's no hard-and-fast rule to conform to. How you care for the mattress (and what it's made of) can determine how long it lasts. As long as you're sleeping comfortably and taking good care of your mattress, it should easily last several years.
[h=3]In-Store and Online Mattress Shopping[/h] Many shoppers think that buying a mattress involves going to a showroom and trying it out in person. This allows them to test the bed, and maybe even negotiate for a better price. Thus, they might feel reluctant to make that kind of purchase online. However, shopping in-store won't always pay off. If you're unsure, you can utilize both methods and go with the one that works best for you.
One thing that almost everyone seems to agree on is that research is key if you're going to buy a mattress online.
For instance, you can do a bit of research online and narrow your choices down to a handful at most. Then see if there's a local showroom where you can try those same models out in person. Before you visit, make sure to note the online prices (including delivery costs and return windows). That way, you can see the differences in-store and try to haggle for a better deal.

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[h=2]What It's Like to Buy a Mattress Online[/h] Curious about what it's actually like to buy a mattress online? We decided to survey everyone at DealNews (again!), and ask those who have bought mattresses this way to tell us about it. As you'll read below, most of their experiences are positive, and none of our colleagues have had to return their mattresses. Even better, everyone we spoke with recommended going the online route, based on their own experiences.
SEE ALSO: Your Guide to Holiday Deals in 2020
One thing that almost everyone seems to agree on is that research is key. You might be aware that different pillows are better options than others, depending on the position you sleep in — whether it's on your back, your side, or your stomach. Sleep position is important to consider when buying a mattress, as well.
Additionally, consider the firmness of a mattress if you have chronic pain. The right level of firmness can help when trying to manage back pain, for instance, and too soft of a mattress could be a problem. (Consult your doctor about back pain or any other medical issue.)
[h=3]Reassuring Return Policy[/h] Stacey Sullins, President of DealNews

Bought from: Saatva (Loom & Leaf mattress)

How does this mattress compare to others you've bought?
The Loom & Leaf mattress is made of memory foam, rather than a traditional innerspring mattress. As a side sleeper, it's more comfortable to me. Memory foam is usually a love-it-or-hate-it-type thing, but I love it.

Would you recommend this company to others?
Absolutely.

Would you recommend purchasing a mattress online to others?
Yes, as long as you've done your research and know what type of mattress is comfortable to you. Are you a hot or cool sleeper? Do you want a double pillow-top so you can flip the mattress? Are you a back, stomach, or side sleeper? Once you know all of that, I would recommend reading online reviews from customers that have purchased from the brand and have owned the mattress for more than a month.

What's the weirdest thing about buying a mattress online?
For me, not being able to lay on a mattress and test the comfort level before I made a purchase was a bit uncomfortable. Loom & Leaf has a generous return policy, so some of that fear was relieved knowing they stood behind their product.

Were you happy with your purchase?
I continue to be very happy with the purchase. In fact, my parents have since purchased a similar mattress online because of my experience.

[h=3]Fluffy Bed but No Support[/h] Michael Bonebright, Senior Blog Editor

Bought from: Amazon (Tuft & Needle queen mattress for $575 in April 2018)

How does this mattress compare to others you've bought?
This Tuft & Needle bed is easily the most comfortable bed I've owned, aside from the random sinking when I sit down. It's awesomely soft and marshmallowy! But it's not supportive at all, and that's a real shame.

Would you recommend this company to others?
I'm on the fence about recommending it, to be honest. If you and your partner have zero back issues, it's probably a great choice! It's definitely one of the cheaper mattresses that are purportedly better than traditional memory foam.

Would you recommend purchasing a mattress online to others?
Absolutely! Trying mattresses out in a store is a terrible, awkward way to shop. Just about every online mattress service offers a really generous return plan. You don't really have anything to lose.

What's the weirdest thing about buying a mattress online?
If you're like me, you'll read a billion online reviews and learn way too much about how other humans sleep.

Were you happy with your purchase?
I'm almost two years into this purchase, and I really want to like my bed — but it kind of sucks. I have serious back issues, and I need a level of support that this mattress simply can't provide. Worse, when I sit down on my bed, my bottom sinks right down to the hard frame! It springs right back up, but it's jarring and annoying.

How has your purchase held up?
I actually decided to buy my mattress online after reading my fellow DealNewsers' stories in our previous article! While my mattress is kind of mediocre, I don't regret buying a mattress online at all.

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[h=3]Go for the Higher Price Point[/h] Kristen Harris, Executive Assistant to the President

Bought from: Amazon (Casper mattress, but wanted the Prime delivery)

How does this mattress compare to others you've bought?
I used to have a standard pillow-top mattress, which I love and sometimes miss, but I feel like a foam mattress has been pretty okay. I would definitely get the nicer, higher-priced Casper mattress next time (I purchased the Essential).

Would you recommend this company to others?
Yes.

Would you recommend purchasing a mattress online to others?
Yes! Now you can buy Casper mattresses at Target, Costco, and other stores, and it's delivered right to your doorstep.

Also, shopping online made me more aware of things I needed to look for to ensure my purchase was protected, such as the warranty details. If I had purchased in-store, I may have overlooked the fine print. My parents once bought a mattress that had a 7-day return policy — after that, you'd be lucky if you'd get 50% back.

What's the weirdest thing about buying a mattress online?
I didn't find any of it weird — maybe it's being a late millennial in the internet age, but I saw it the way I see any online purchases.

Were you happy with your purchase?
Yes.

[h=3]'The Best Mattress We've Ever Purchased'[/h] Chuck Phillips, Director of Client Success

Bought from: Nest Bedding

How does this mattress compare to others you've bought?
It's still the best mattress we've ever purchased.

Would you recommend this company to others?
Absolutely!

Would you recommend purchasing a mattress online to others?
Based on this experience, yes.

What's the weirdest thing about buying a mattress online?
Seeing the mattress arrive in a box the size of an end table and then a few minutes later... boom, you have a king-size bed.

Were you happy with your purchase?
Extremely.

How has your purchase held up?
It's been exceptional. We haven't experienced any sort of breakdown in the integrity of the mattress. No dips or low spots around pressure points.

[h=3]Convenient Delivery[/h] Gennady Lager, Senior Director of Search Marketing

Bought from: Casper

How does this mattress compare to others you've bought?
It is the best mattress I've ever bought. I've only ever bought a few mattresses in my life, so it's not hard to be best. With that said, I do like it. The delivery and free return option was a big selling point.

Would you recommend this company to others?
Yes.

Would you recommend purchasing a mattress online to others?
Yes, with the caveat that if you have to move it yourself, like upstairs or something, you will need help. These things are heavy, especially if you get a king!

What's the weirdest thing about buying a mattress online?
Not trying it first, although there are now physical stores where you can try out an online mattress before buying it.

Were you happy with your purchase?
Yes.

How has your purchase held up?
I'm still very happy with my Casper. It's been over three years and it still feels new.

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[h=3]Our Bed Is Better Than Ever[/h] Julie Ramhold, Blog Senior Staff Writer

Bought from: Amazon (Linenspa mattress)

How does this mattress compare to others you've bought?
It was much more affordable and so much more comfortable than other mattresses we've had. It's better than any innerspring we've ever slept on, and we can't imagine not having memory foam now.

Would you recommend this company to others?
Absolutely (both Amazon and Linenspa).

Would you recommend purchasing a mattress online to others?
Definitely.

What's the weirdest thing about buying a mattress online?
The fact that it's vacuum-sealed and has to expand before you can use it.

Were you happy with your purchase?
Very happy with it.

How has your purchase held up?
Extremely well. We've had it nearly four years and no complaints at all.

[h=3]Most Supportive Mattress Ever[/h] Keira Wagner, Assistant Editor

Bought from: Amerisleep

How does this mattress compare to others you've bought?
This is the most supportive mattress I've purchased, and I noticed a difference immediately.

Would you recommend this company to others?
Yes.

Would you recommend purchasing a mattress online to others?
Yes, but do your research first.

What's the weirdest thing about buying a mattress online?
Nothing stands out to me, but I know some people worry about purchasing something they can't try out first. Since so many places offer guarantees now, you don't really have to worry about whether or not you'll like your mattress. Just do your research to make sure there are no hidden fees for returning it if you aren't happy.

Were you happy with your purchase?
Yes.

[h=3]Make Sure to Do Your Research[/h] Heather Lovett, Public Relations Director

Bought from: Overstock.com

How does this mattress compare to others you've bought?
It's my favorite.

Would you recommend this company to others?
Yes, the delivery is pretty quick. I have returned other items to Overstock before and there was no issue at all. I would compare them to Amazon when it comes to the ease of returns — even for large products.

Would you recommend purchasing a mattress online to others?
Absolutely. Even if you go in a furniture store, you don't always get to try out every single item. I feel like there are more options for buying online. Even though returning it would be a pain, it's worth it if you can get quality on a budget.

What's the weirdest thing about buying a mattress online?
Nothing weird comes to mind. I think if you do your research, you'll end up with something that you like.

Were you happy with your purchase?
Yes, I have actually bought this same brand online several years ago, so I was confident I would like it. Though there's always some anxiety around making a big purchase online when you don't get to try it out ahead of time.

How has your purchase held up?
I still love it. I will probably end up buying this mattress again.
Readers, have you bought a mattress online? What was your experience like? Let us know in the comments below.

Related DealNews Blog Posts:
  • How to Buy Furniture Online
  • What to Expect From Presidents' Day Sales in 2020
  • Do Your Best Discount Shopping Every Month in 2020!



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