The Best Online Mattresses
If you’re in the market for a new mattress, you’re in luck: 2026 seems to be the golden age of mattresses, with thousands of brands, styles and models available at just about every price point imaginable. That said, the mattress world’s tendency to only get more crowded can also create problems for shoppers.
The question, “Which mattress should I buy?” is now accompanied by even more questions, such as, “Which company’s shipping and return policies are best?,” “Do I need to try the mattress in person?,” “How long is the sleep trial?,” and more. Not to worry, though: In this guide, we’ve done much of the hard work for you and are sharing the best online mattresses available in 2026.
Bottom Line: What Is the Best Mattress to Buy Online?
Our expert team of mattress testers chose the Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress as our best online bed because of its affordability and high-quality construction. Its medium-firm, balanced foam feel works for a variety of sleeper types and preferences.
The Best Online Mattresses of 2026
- Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress – Nerd’s Pick
- Helix Midnight Mattress – Best Online Mattress for Couples
- Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid – Best Online Mattress for Combination Sleepers
- DreamCloud Classic Hybrid – Best Affordable Online Mattress
- Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress – Best Cooling Online Mattress
- Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress – Best Online Luxury Mattress
- Saatva Classic – Best Online Mattress for Back Pain
- WinkBed Mattress – Best Online Hybrid Mattress
Current Top Deals
- Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress – Save Up to 50% on Mattresses + 66% on Bundles
- Helix Midnight Mattress – 27% Off Sitewide with Code NERD27
- Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid – Up to 30% Off Mattresses and 35% Off Mattress + Adjustable Base Bundles; 25% Off Bedding
- DreamCloud Classic Hybrid – Save Up to 60% Off Mattresses + 66% on Bundles
- Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress – 25% Off Sitewide with Code LABORDAY25
Chosen by Experts and Advocates
Of the hundreds of mattresses our team has tested, all of them have one thing in common: They can be purchased online. We understand how overwhelming the amount of online mattresses available to you can be, so we do our due diligence in testing and reviewing each one that is shipped to us. Of all the mattresses we’ve ordered online, the ones on this list have performed the best, and are the most well-rounded. To learn more, check out our review process.
Nerd’s Pick – Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress
Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
The Nectar’s construction features multiple layers of specialized memory foam encased in a cooling cover to create a medium-firm feel that’s body-hugging yet supportive. It’s priced extremely reasonably for the quality that you’ll receive, which is a mix of slow-moving, cushioning foams and firmer response.
How We Select the Nerd’s Pick
We refer to the Nerd’s Pick as our “works for everyone option.” The Nectar mattress has a medium-firm feel with a balance of softness and support that makes it great for a variety of sleeper types. It relieves pressure and isolates motion without leaving you feeling “stuck” in your mattress. That said, I encourage you to read about the rest of our picks—you may find another mattress you love.
What our testers say: “The Nectar mattress is the value buyer’s version of Tempur-Pedic. It gave me that luxurious, slow-sinking feeling that cradles your body and cushions it from every angle. When put through our pressure relief test, the Nectar showed amazing results with no sign of tension in the shoulders and hips.” – Becca, Editor & Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Nectar Classic Memory Foam
- People who prefer a foam feel: If your heart’s set on the cradling, sinking feeling of a memory foam bed, the Nectar is a great choice.
- Those with hip and shoulder pain: Nectar is made with three layers of memory foam that deliver excellent pressure relief, according to our pressure maps. This helps prevent and alleviate hip and shoulder pain.
- Budget shoppers: Despite its high-quality construction, it’s sold at a lower price point than competing models in its category. You can get the Nectar for around $700 in a queen-size profile.
Who Might Not Like the Nectar Classic Memory Foam
- Hot sleepers: Nectar received a very low temperature regulation score (2/5) in our testing. This score means hot sleepers are unlikely to find relief on the Nectar.
- Seniors: Nectar’s foam construction does not bode well for people that need a mattress with supportive edges. Seniors can’t rely on the perimeter of this Nectar bed for mobility.
- Stomach sleepers: The soft comfort foams allow your body to sink into the mattress, but for people that sleep on their stomachs, this sinkage can throw the spine out of alignment.
Other User Reviews
With thousands of reviews on Nectar’s website, the Nectar Classic Memory Foam has an average 4.8 out of 5 stars. The majority of negative reviews found the bed too firm, too soft, or thought it started to sink too quickly. However, positive reviews praise its comfort and cushioning ability.
See our full Nectar mattress review to learn more. Want to keep searching? Visit our list of the best memory foam mattresses.
Best Online Mattress for Couples – Helix Midnight
Helix Midnight Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Helix, a prominent bed-in-a-box brand, is known for its customizability and versatility with six different hybrid mattresses available. The Helix Midnight, however, is Helix’s most popular bed. This is no surprise, since the bed caters to a variety of different sleeping positions. So, it’s more likely that it will be a great match for both you and your partner. With a balance of comfort and support provided by the pressure-relieving memory foam layer and the strong individually wrapped coils, we recommend this bed for side sleepers, back sleepers, and combination sleepers.
What our testers say: “One of the Helix Midnight’s biggest strengths is its ability to isolate motion—during our mattress tests, we detected very little motion transfer across the bed. These results mean that you and your partner shouldn’t disturb each other while moving around on the bed at night.” – Rachael, Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Helix Midnight
- Side sleepers: Our pressure map tests displayed amazing results for side sleepers of all sizes. The top foam layers hug the hips and shoulders, while the coils help evenly distribute your body weight.
- Hot sleepers: Couples shouldn’t overheat in this bed, since the Midnight’s breathable hybrid construction helps dissipate excess body heat.
- Value shoppers: With seasonal discounts, you can get a queen-size Helix Midnight for right around $1,000.
Who Might Not Like the Helix Midnight
- Combination sleepers: Though it’s a hybrid mattress, the thick foam layers stifle some of the mattress’s responsiveness. This means folks that toss and turn may have to put in a little work to do so.
- Stomach sleepers: Average-weight to heavyweight stomach sleepers may find the Midnight too soft to keep them aligned.
Other User Reviews
The Helix Midnight rates 4.5 stars out of 5 on the Helix website. The main negative is that reviewers tend to find it too soft for their liking and feel as though they’re sinking. Overall, though, users say they’re getting a great nights’ sleep and some pain relief.
If you’re in search of a firmer bed, we suggest taking a look at our idea of a great alternative, the Helix Dawn. You can also read our Helix Midnight mattress review to learn more, or visit our best mattresses for couples page for additional options.
Best Online Mattress for Combination Sleepers – Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
Product Details
Our Recommendation
If you change your sleeping position throughout the night, I’d recommend a mattress that can provide a balanced feel for most sleepers—like the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid. With supportive coils beneath a pillow-top cover and responsive foam layers, this is a solid option for combination sleepers. Our testers could move around on this mattress with ease and felt good pressure relief while still maintaining proper spinal alignment in just about every position.
We tested the Medium-Firm version of the Leesa Sapira Chill, and found this bed to be ideal for combination sleepers who favor their back and side. That said, this mattress may not be firm enough for larger sleepers; for people over 230 pounds that sleep on their stomachs, we’d likely recommend the Firm model.
Along with balanced support and responsive layers, the Leesa Sapira handles cooling well with perforated foam layers and individually wrapped coils offering plenty of airflow. Cooling fibers within the mattress top also help disperse heat, leaving a pleasant cool-to-the-touch feel, according to our expert testers.
What our testers say: “The Sapira Chill’s pillow top really adds a lot in terms of plushness and comfort. There was some nice cushioning around my hips and shoulders, which I really appreciated as someone with sensitive hips.” – Mattress Nerd In-House Tester
Who Might Like the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
- Combination sleepers: The hybrid construction of the Leesa Sapira Chill offers balanced support and comfort in most sleeping positions; plus, the responsive foam will allow sleepers to switch positions easily.
- Sleepers with joint pain: The solid combination of pressure relief and support provides enough cushioning for sensitive joints while keeping the spine properly aligned.
- Hot sleepers: The Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid has infused cooling fibers on its cover, providing a crisp, cool feel that’s aided by the bed’s breathable layers.
Who Might Not Like the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
- Budget shoppers: This mattress from Leesa, comes with some solid features, but that also means a premium price tag of nearly $2,400 before any sales or discounts for a queen-size mattress.
- Light sleepers: The motion isolation is just so-so, meaning that restless sleepers’ movements can be felt across the mattress. This level of motion transfer may disturb a lighter sleeper.
Other User Reviews
According to Leesa’s website, the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid has earned 4.3 out of 5 stars from more than 250 customer reviews. Many buyers praise the mattress’s support and pressure relief, with some even saying it’s helped alleviate their back or hip pain. However, a few customers complain about delivery issues, or that the mattress is firmer or softer than advertised.
For more options, check out our picks for the best mattresses for combination sleepers.
Best Affordable Online Mattress – DreamCloud Classic Hybrid
DreamCloud Classic Hybrid
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Online mattresses can cost upwards of $1,000 (or more), which isn’t exactly affordable for most. So, if you’re looking for quality on a budget, you’ll find it in the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid. This mattress is made up of pressure-relieving foams and a sturdy coil unit for the optimal balance of softness and support. It’s also super bouncy, so it’ll be a match made in heaven for combination sleepers and sexually active couples.
What our testers say: “The further you sink into the mattress, the more you notice the support of the coil layer. We feel more ‘on top’ of this mattress than hugged by it.” – Becca, Editor & Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid
- Combination sleepers: If you switch between multiple sleeping positions, the DreamCloud’s mega-bounce will make it seamless.
- Back sleepers: The bed’s balanced feel is best suited to back sleepers who like to feel “on top” of their mattress rather than sink too far in.
- Budget shoppers: A queen-size DreamCloud mattress costs less than $700.
Who Might Not Like the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid
- Memory foam fans: If you like to sink deeply into your mattress, you won’t get that feeling on the DreamCloud.
- Lightweight sleepers: Sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds may not be able to sink into the surface of this bed and glean any pressure relief.
Other User Reviews
The DreamCloud Classic Hybrid earned 4.6 out of 5 stars on the company’s site. Most negative reviews talk about the bed being too firm or too soft for folks’ personal preferences. The majority of reviews like the bed’s support and affordable price.
Read more about this bed in our full DreamCloud mattress review, or check out some of our other affordable mattress recommendations.
Best Cooling Online Mattress – Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is a hybrid mattress made from a cotton and quilted polyfoam surface, two comfort layers, a transitional gel foam layer, and 8-inch pocketed coils followed by a high-density support core—almost every layer in this mattress is dedicated to keeping you cool. Its medium-firm feel works great for back and stomach sleepers, and the ease of movement is an ideal match for combo sleepers.
What our testers say: “Not only does the bed feel cool to the touch, but during our testing, we cut into the mattress to get a closer look at the cooling layers. The bed’s surface contains a Phase Change cooling material (PCM), the comfort layers are copper-infused, and the pocketed coils support the bed’s overall airflow and breathability.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
- Stomach sleepers: Both the medium and firm versions of the Aurora Luxe provide the perfect amount of elevation and cushion for stomach sleepers.
- Combo sleepers: We gave the Aurora Luxe mattress a near-perfect score for responsiveness, meaning it’s a great match for combination sleepers.
Who Might Not Like the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
- Budget shoppers: The Brooklyn Aurora Luxe is around $1,900 for a queen-size, which is reasonably priced for the features but is not what we consider to be a budget mattress.
- Side sleepers: The Aurora Luxe focuses more on keeping you cool than relieving pressure. If you want a Brooklyn mattress that offers both, check out the Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite.
Other User Reviews
On Brooklyn Bedding’s site, the Aurora Luxe has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Negative reviews seem to be focused on personal preference when it comes to whether the mattress was too firm or too soft. Overall, customers praise the cooling capabilities and comfortability of the bed.
See our full Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress review to learn more. Want more cooling options? Go check out our guide to the best cooling mattresses.
Best Online Luxury Mattress – Bear Elite Hybrid
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Looking to level up your sleep experience? You’ll feel like royalty on a luxury mattress like the Bear Elite Hybrid. This hybrid bed is available in multiple firmness options, each topped with a dense, puffy pillow top that’ll offer plenty of cushioning. It provides a balance of response and motion isolation that should appeal to couples, as well.
Hot sleepers or athletes might want to consider upgrading to the Celliant cover; this material purportedly converts excess body heat into rejuvenating infrared energy to help with muscle recovery and waking up refreshed.
What our testers say: “The Bear Elite has a good balance of sink and lift, meaning that the mattress’s hand-quilted top layer has enough cushioning to feel soft but also gives enough support from the coils below. That said, while lying on this mattress, you can’t feel the coil support layer under you.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
- Couples: The Bear Elite Hybrid offers a nice mix of responsiveness while still absorbing motion, which should benefit light sleepers who share the bed with a restless partner.
- All sleeper types: Since it’s available in Soft, Medium, and Firm versions, you should be able to find the firmness that works best for your needs and preferences.
- Active sleepers: Upgrading to the Celliant cover may help athletic sleepers recover in their sleep and keep cool.
Who Might Not Like the Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
- Shoppers on a budget: As a luxury mattress, the Elite may be out of your price range if you’re looking to save.
- Traditional foam fans: While the pillow top of this bed is plenty cushy, it won’t provide the same slow-moving sink of traditional memory foam.
Other User Reviews
The Bear Elite Hybrid currently has a 4.6-out-of-5-star rating on the brand’s site. Reviews are mixed on the bed’s cooling ability, but the overwhelming response is positive and praises the bed’s sturdy, luxurious feel.
Check out our Bear Elite Hybrid review for more. You can also take a look at some of our other favorite luxury mattresses.
Best Online Mattress for Back Pain – Saatva Classic
Saatva Classic
Product Details
Our Recommendation
The Saatva Classic is the brand’s flagship mattress. This coil-on-coil innerspring model boasts additional hybrid elements along with a Euro-top cover, thick comfort layers of polyfoam and memory foam, a transitional layer of pocketed coils, and a support layer of more pocketed coils. With its combination of supportive coils and a plush pillow top, this mattress offers the balanced lift and comfort needed for sleepers with back pain.
Even better, the Saatva Classic comes in three firmness options and two thickness profiles to accommodate a wide variety of sleepers. We tested the Luxury Firm model, but no matter the firmness level you choose, this mattress should be both supportive and responsive, which also makes it a great choice for combination sleepers who want to change positions at night without feeling stuck in the mattress.
While the coils provide ample support for people with back pain, our testers noted those coils also prevent the Saatva Classic from isolating motion very well. If you share your bed with a significant other (or even a pet), you’ll likely feel any movements made throughout the night.
What our testers say: “Saatva has some of the best edge support we’ve ever seen in the Nerd Lab. It’s to the point where, when we test mattresses, I’ll compare every mattress’s edge support to Saatva. It’s the gold standard.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Saatva Classic Mattress
- Luxury mattress shoppers: Saatva’s sophisticated design resembles that of a high-priced luxury mattress: Euro pillow top, organic cotton cover, dual coil support, and reinforced edges.
- Hot sleepers: The coil layers in Saatva provide excellent airflow, which contributes to its perfect score in temperature regulation in our mattress lab testing.
- Seniors: The reinforced edges provide some of the best edge support we’ve come across, and every Saatva comes with white glove delivery, meaning the company will remove your old mattress and set up your new mattress for free—an ideal combo for older folks.
Who Might Not Like the Saatva Classic Mattress
- Light sleepers: This mattress doesn’t isolate motion all that well, so if you sleep with a partner who tosses and turns, you’re more likely to feel their movements.
- Budget shoppers: Saatva is a mattress with luxury features priced around $2,000 for a queen-size mattress. It’s reasonable given the quality, but it’s certainly not a budget price point.
Other User Reviews
According to Saatva’s website, the Classic comes in at 4.8 out of 5 stars from more than 6,000 reviews. Customers are generally positive, praising the bed’s high-quality construction and comfort. Still, some buyers complained about issues with the delivery, or they felt the bed didn’t hold up as long as they would’ve liked.
See our full Saatva Classic mattress review to learn more. Not a Saatva fan? Check out more of the best mattresses for back pain.
Best Online Hybrid Mattress – The WinkBed
WinkBed Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
The WinkBed is an excellent choice for a hybrid mattress, as it’s known for its excellent support and durability. Plus, it comes in at a great price for the quality. Its balanced feel is complete with impressive cooling features that should keep the hot sleepers cool at night. This mattress should be a great long-term investment, since its quality materials should help it last between seven and 10 years. And for the cherry on top, the WinkBed comes with an impressive 120-night trial and lifetime warranty. This should give you plenty of time to decide whether or not this is the right mattress for your needs.
What our testers say: “The WinkBed is like the favorite child in your family. It wins all the awards, never does anything wrong, and everybody seems to just love it. It could be because we experienced top-of-the-line pressure relief in our mattress tests.” – Becca, Editor & Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the WinkBed Mattress
- Hot sleepers: The WinkBed contains a Tencel cover, which is optimal for temperature control, as well as a Euro-pillow top with gel-infused foam and breathable coils—all great features for hot sleepers.
- Combination sleepers: We gave the WinkBed a 5/5 for ease of movement in our mattress tests, meaning combo sleepers should have no problems switching sleeping positions.
- Heavy people: The WinkBed comes in a “Plus” option, which is specially made for plus-size sleepers. This bed is more supportive, cooling, and durable than the other WinkBed options. Learn more in our WinkBed Plus mattress review.
Who Might Not Like the WinkBed Mattress
- Couples: Because it doesn’t have the best motion isolation, the WinkBed may not be the best choice for couples, since light sleepers may feel their partner tossing and turning at night.
- Those who enjoy a memory foam feel: WinkBed has a bouncy, elevating feel rather than the slow-responding, engulfing feel of a memory foam mattress.
Other User Reviews
On the WinkBeds site, the WinkBed earns a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Most negative reviews focus on problems with delivery and removal. Overall, though, people seem satisfied and consider the bed supportive and sturdy.
See our full WinkBed mattress review to learn more, or check out our other favorite hybrid mattresses.
Why Buy a Mattress Online?
Affordability & Easy Set-Up
The direct-to-consumer mattress brands have been growing and expanding as many shoppers are able to have a personalized mattress shipped directly to their door. Also known as a bed-in-a-box, online mattresses often come rolled in a box with simple instructions to decompress the mattress. Although the box is much less cumbersome than a fully expanded mattress, it is still just as heavy, so you may need help moving it. If you’re curious how much mattresses weigh, we have a guide for that.
Some compressed mattresses may take time to expand and can produce an odor, known as off-gassing, when the new mattress is first opened. But don’t worry: Mattress off-gassing is not dangerous. Memory foam mattresses often have the strongest off-gassing, but most odors will dissipate within 24 hours of setting up the mattress.
All of our picks for the best affordable mattresses are made by online companies. With no middlemen or brick-and-mortar stores, the manufacturers cut costs and the consumer receives the same mattress at a lower price. A majority of the online brands consistently offer sales and deals that bring that price down even further.
Trial Period & Warranty
For hesitant shoppers, the average online mattress comes with a 100-night trial period for you to find out if the mattress is right for you. The risk-free trial provides time for the mattress to conform to your body, with most brands requiring you to sleep on the mattress for 30 nights before initiating a return. Besides a trial period, many purchases include around a 10-year warranty that covers manufacturing defects, certain indentations and other issues that arise throughout the life of a mattress. For more information, check out our article on what is a mattress warranty?
Types of Mattresses You Can Buy Online
Innerspring Mattresses
Innerspring mattresses are the most traditional mattress type and perhaps the most well-known. Although these mattresses have been around for a while, many brands incorporate new materials to provide various firmness options and feel preferences.
The best innerspring mattresses use steel coils as a support system and are topped with layers of memory foam, latex, or other comfort materials. They are bouncy and responsive to movement, giving the feeling of sleeping “on” the mattress rather than “in” it. Because of this, an innerspring mattress makes a great choice for combination sleepers or heavy sleepers who need additional support.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses are among the most popular mattress types, as they allow manufacturers to combine the best qualities of innerspring mattresses and foam mattresses. Hybrids are constructed using individually wrapped coils at their support core and have at least one to two layers of comfort foams.
Hybrids can be great for back pain by providing stabilizing support underneath pressure-relieving comfort layers. Hybrid mattresses are able to suit a wide range of sleepers, ranging from lightweight side sleepers to heavyweight stomach sleepers depending on the firmness level and materials of the mattress.
Keep in mind that hybrid mattresses tend to be among the most expensive models on the market, thanks to their sometimes complex constructions, as well as the quality and variety of materials used in their makeup. It should also be noted that hybrid mattresses are constructed in a very specific way, as are many other mattress types. You’ll want to make sure you have the right side facing up before you sleep on the bed. In fact, you likely don’t need to flip your mattress at all, just rotate it head-to-foot regularly.
Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses are constructed with comfort layers of latex foam and a polyfoam or latex support core. While most similar to all-foam mattresses, latex mattresses have unique qualities that set them apart from any other mattress type on the market.
Latex, derived from the rubber tree, can be converted into the foam through the Dunlop or Talalay process. Both types of latex foam have unique properties, but the Dunlop latex is generally used as a support layer. Talalay, which is plusher and more conforming, is more common in the comfort layers or as the support core of softer latex mattresses. Both types of latex are more responsive and bouncy than memory foam or polyfoam but not as responsive as the combination of materials used in a hybrid or innerspring mattress.
The benefits of latex mattresses include their durability and resistance to sagging, ability to sleep extremely cool (a natural property of latex), the fact that it is naturally dust-, mold-, and bacteria-resistant, and that they can be made almost entirely from organic materials. If you’re an eco-conscious shopper or want a mix of responsiveness and a foam feel, you may enjoy a latex mattress and some of the best organic mattresses.
Foam Mattresses
Most foam mattresses are constructed with a mix of foams and use a high-density polyfoam in their support layer and a mix of polyfoam and memory foam in the comfort layers. They’re known for their signature pressure-relieving, sinking, and cradling feel, which is highly appealing for those who enjoy pressure relief and like the feeling of sleeping “in” the bed rather than “on” it. Foam mattresses are some of the best side sleeper mattresses because they cradle the hips and shoulders.
Memory foam mattresses can be ideal for sleepers who suffer from chronic pain, as the conforming materials are designed to cradle pressure points for a better night’s sleep. They also suit couples well—all foam types are relatively quiet, but they aren’t as responsive as latex or hybrid models for sex. Keep in mind that despite their great comfort levels, all-foam mattresses tend to lack in the same areas: temperature-neutrality, durability, and edge support.
Curious about edge support? Check out our article that answers the question, “What is Edge Support in a Mattress?”
Important Factors to Consider
Once you’re certain of the type of mattress you want to purchase, you’re well on your way to deciding on the best online mattress for your bedroom. From there, make sure to think over the following considerations—these are equally as crucial as mattress type when it comes to choosing a bed that’s right for your body, budget, and sleeping style.
Your Sleeping Position
Back sleepers, side sleepers, stomach sleepers, and combination sleepers: There’s no “right” or “wrong” way to sleep, per se, but every sleeper has a preferred style. Understanding your preferred sleeping position is essential to choosing the best mattress because it will allow you to choose a bed that will properly align your spine in that position. In short, a properly aligned spine equals a better night’s sleep, more energized days, and a body that’s more resilient, healthy, and equipped to recover.
Here’s what to look for each sleeping position:
- Side Sleepers: Side sleepers’ bodies come into contact with the mattress deeper in the hip and shoulder areas, and they need the mattress to sink deeply here in order for their spines to remain aligned. Look for mattresses with very conforming top layers, like those found in hybrid and memory foam mattresses. Head over to our list of the best mattresses for side sleepers for more information.
- Back Sleepers: Individuals who sleep on their backs need slight relief at their hips and shoulders, but not so much as to throw their spine out of alignment. The hips shouldn’t sink too far, nor should the shoulders, and some mattresses with Zoned Support systems can work well for back sleepers.
- Stomach Sleepers: We’ll let you in on a secret: Stomach sleeping isn’t recommended by anyone in the medical field, but millions of people (like me) are dedicated to this position, anyway. If you’re a stomach sleeper or a combo sleeper who enjoys the stomach position, look for a firmer mattress that will prevent your pelvis from sinking too deeply into the mattress, which would throw off your spine’s alignment and create aches and pains. For more info, head over to our best mattresses for stomach sleepers page.
- Combination Sleepers: This type of sleepers changes positions throughout the night and does best on a mattress with a firmness level and features that accommodate for this tendency. For most individuals at an average weight, that means a medium-firm mattress with features tailored to their needs and preferences (breathability, “in” vs. “on” the mattress feel, motion isolation, etc.).
What Firmness & Feel Do You Prefer?
The industry-standard scale for firmness is 1–10, with 1 corresponding with the softest mattresses available and 10 corresponding with the firmest. Most mattresses fall between 3 and 8 on the scale, but the vast majority are between 4 and 7. The right mattress firmness for your body depends on your sleeping position, height, weight, and slightly on your personal preferences. For the most part, though, your sleeping position and weight are the most important things to consider.
For example, take an average-weight person (between 130 and 230 pounds). Most will find that a mattress that’s medium-firm suits their body, with side sleepers leaning more toward the softer side of that spectrum for hip and shoulder pressure relief and stomach sleepers leaning more toward the firmer side of that spectrum for hip support.
As a second example of how body type impacts firmness level, consider a lightweight sleeper (below 130 pounds). Most lightweight sleepers will enjoy softer mattresses, which allow them to sink sufficiently into the surface in a way that firmer beds wouldn’t. Just like the average-weight sleeper, lightweight side sleepers will lean toward the softer side of the firmness scale, and lightweight stomach sleepers will lean toward the heavier side of the firmness scale.
Lastly, heavyweight sleepers (above 230 pounds) generally like firmer beds. The best firm mattresses tend to provide enough support for their bodies to prevent sinking and throwing the spine out of alignment, often being a 7 or higher on our firmness scale.
Lifestyle Needs & Special Concerns
Once you’ve decided on the type of mattress you want and the firmness level that’s appropriate for your body, you can start taking more individualized considerations into account. Here are some examples:
- Chronic Pain: Those who deal with back pain, have spinal issues, or suffer from aches in their joints should consider beds marketed as “orthopedic,” or at least look for mattresses that have features to help alleviate these issues. Memory foam beds and hybrids with memory foam layers do an excellent job at providing a mix of conforming and support for these sleepers. For our recommendations that provide support, see our best orthopedic mattresses.
- Tendency to Sleep Hot: Some (if not most) sleepers tend to sleep hot. To prevent waking up sweaty, look for mattresses with features that improve airflow and breathability. These can include gel and copper-infused comfort layers, cooling mattress covers, pocketed coils for improved airflow, and more.
- Disturbed Easily: If you sleep with a spouse, partner, or pet and wake easily to their movements throughout the night, we recommend looking into a bed with standout motion isolation. This will help minimize the transfer of the movements of your partner or pet to your side of the mattress, increasing the likelihood that you’ll sleep throughout the night.
- Athlete: If you’re an athlete or work out regularly, a mattress that has materials to improve recovery—with things like infrared energy and special gels—can be a consideration. Our article on the best mattresses for athletes has more on this subject.
Budget
The cost of online mattresses varies drastically from just several hundred dollars to several thousand. Whatever your budget, you’ll be able to find an online mattress that fits into that range. That said, the mattress price tag is closely correlated with quality and, while not perfectly so, this is something to keep in mind when purchasing your online mattress.
If you’re buying the bed for a temporary living space, such as an apartment, rental, or dorm room, your budget might be appropriate if it’s slightly lower. If you’re on a tighter budget, then you might want to consider looking at the best mattresses under $1,000. If you’re a new homeowner buying a king-size bed for the master bedroom in your “forever home,” we recommend investing in a mattress that’s high-quality, as cheaper ones may not be as comfortable and may even be more prone to sagging. Noticing that your mattress is sagging? Learn how to fix a sagging mattress now.
Recap of the Best Online Mattresses
| Mattress Model | Award | Nerd Score |
| Nectar Classic Memory Foam | Nerd’s Pick | 4.3/5 |
| Helix Midnight | Best Online Mattress for Couples | 4.3/5 |
| Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid | Best Online Mattress for Combination Sleepers | 4.2/5 |
| DreamCloud Classic Hybrid | Best Affordable Online Mattress | 4.7/5 |
| Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe | Best Cooling Online Mattress | 4/5 |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | Best Online Luxury Mattress | 4.3/5 |
| Saatva Classic | Best Online Mattress for Back Pain | 4.3/5 |
| WinkBed | Best Online Hybrid Mattress | 3.9/5 |
Final Thoughts
Nowadays, it’s easy to find a great mattress online and have it delivered right to your door without having to step foot in a mattress store. I hope this guide helps you navigate the overwhelming online mattress space to find the best mattress for you. If you still don’t know where to start, all of our options come with risk-free trial periods, so you can try out anything that sounds like a match for your needs. Happy shopping!
Best Online Mattresses FAQs
Is it safe to buy a mattress online?
It is certainly safe to buy a mattress online. All of the companies that we feature on our best-of lists are reputable and trustworthy. If you’re still feeling a bit skeptical, we recommend reading the customer reviews of a company before you decide to shop through them. Don’t forget, too, that most online mattress companies have a sleep trial period built into their terms. If you don’t love your bed, you often have three months with it before the return window closes.
How much should a mattress cost?
A quality mattress should cost at least $500 for a queen-size; anything below that likely doesn’t offer great durability, and you’ll. likely need to drop hundreds of dollars on a new mattress in a few years. We find that the sweet spot to find a quality mattress that suits your needs is about $1,000 for a queen.
Visit our article “How Much Does a Good Mattress Cost?” for more information.
What is the best mattress online?
The best mattress for a person depends on preferences and budget. With mattress preferences being so subjective, you’ll need to do the necessary legwork to determine what will be the most comfortable mattresses for a good night’s sleep.
That said, we think the Nectar Classic Memory Foam mattress will be a solid pick for most people due to its solid construction and affordable price.
What is the most popular mattress size?
A queen is the most popular mattress size because it easily and comfortably sleeps one or two people and it fits in most bedrooms without taking up too much space. Because queen-size mattresses are so popular, most brands carry that size, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding one, either. For a list of our favorites, visit the best queen mattresses.
What mattress material lasts the longest?
Latex hybrid mattresses last the longest because they are made with the most durable materials: coils and latex foam. Latex foam is more durable than memory foam, and coils break down slower than foam support layers. Either way, if you’re looking for a long-lasting mattress, look for a hybrid bed with pocketed coils and reinforced edges. Reinforced edges ensure you can use the entire mattress space, instead of hovering in the middle, leading to body indentations.
Loren Bullock
Mattress & Bedding Expert
About Author
Loren is the Lead Mattress Reviewer at Mattress Nerd. She has prioritized sleeping for as long as she can remember, rarely deviating from seven to nine hours each night. As an editor on Mattress Nerd, Loren aims to help people achieve optimal sleep health and pick the best sleep accessories for their needs. You can find her testing mattresses, exploring the best sleep hacks, and telling you about her findings on Mattress Nerd’s YouTube channel and on TikTok.
Combination Sleeper
Education & Credentials
- Certified Sleep Science Coach
