Buying a mattress in-store or online each comes with benefits and drawbacks. Purchasing a mattress in-store lets you test the mattress firsthand before buying, which is a major perk considering most mattresses cost several hundred or even thousands of dollars. When you buy in-store, you have a chance to lay on a mattress and see if it feels comfortable to you. With that said, laying on a mattress for 10 minutes isn’t always the most thorough way to test for comfort.
Buying a mattress in-store may also net you better deals, especially if you buy from a salesperson or bundle your mattress with other sleep items. You might even be able to snag free delivery and hauling away of your old mattress, which isn’t always easy to dispose of on your own.
Buying online offers the convenience of one-click purchasing. It doesn’t require an IRL visit, and you likely won’t encounter any pressure to purchase a higher-end or more expensive mattress than you initially intended. That being said, you won’t have a chance to test a mattress before buying it, and while online purchases often include trial and return periods, going through the hassle of returning a bulky item like a mattress may end up being quite the headache. However, you can get a great deal on an online mattress if you shop around major shopping weekends like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday/Cyber Monday.
Types of Mattresses
There are four main types of mattresses sold today. Here’s how they differ.
- Hybrid mattresses are made of a coil system layered with foam or natural fibers.
- Memory foam mattresses conform to the shape of your body and offer pressure relief. These mattresses don’t have a coil system.
- Latex mattresses are made from natural or synthetic latex that tends to be hypoallergenic and more durable than other mattress types.
- Innerspring mattresses are supported by a coil system with a softer material padding the top, such as foam, fiber, or another layer of coils.
FAQs
What mattress brand is considered the best?
While there’s no one universal best mattress brand for everyone, leading mattress brands in the U.S. include Helix, Saatva, Casper, Tempur-Pedic, Sealy, and Beautyrest. The best mattress brand for you ultimately depends on your preferred sleeping position, comfort preferences, style, and budget.
When is the best time to buy a mattress?
Mattress sales occur throughout the year, but many mattress brands offer their deepest discounts in the spring around Memorial Day or late fall during Cyber Weekend. Other holidays with mattress sales include July 4th and Labor Day.
How much should you spend on a mattress?
How much you should spend on a mattress varies based on your budget, but the average queen-size mattress costs between $1,500 and $2,000. If you’re looking to splurge, a luxury queen-size mattress (which is likely to net you higher-end features like cooling and motion isolation) probably costs north of $2,000. However, this investment will likely be worth it for the benefits.
How long should a mattress last?
The average mattress lasts 10 to 12 years. If you’re nearing or past that window, you may want to consider replacing your mattress, as mattresses can sag or get lumpy over time. General upkeep and cleaning a mattress regularly may also help extend its lifespan.
Do I need a hybrid or memory foam mattress?
Hybrid and memory foam mattresses each come with benefits and drawbacks. Memory foam, for instance, is best for pressure relief and contouring to your body (or that “hug-like” feeling). Hybrid mattresses, on the other hand, are better for temperature regulation and offer more buoyancy for those who change positions in their sleep. The best mattress type for you ultimately depends on your sleep style and preferences.
