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Written by Livvi DiCicco, Certified Sleep Science Coach
Livvi has been writing and researching sleep-based content for over a year. This, alongside her penchant for napping and extreme tossing and turning, has made her something close to an โexpertโ in the realm of sleep science, sleep products, and sleep accessories. Sheโs been consulted for her knowledge of the sleep space by publications such as Authority Magazine, Bustle, and Livingetc.
Caitlin has more than 15 years of experience writing about sleep and fitness. After getting an M.A. in journalism from the University of Missouri, she spent nearly a decade as a staff writer and editor at Runnerโs World and Bicycling magazines.
Caitlinโs work has focused primarily on health, the outdoors, and parentingโand taken the form of everything from running shoe reviews to long, weepy personal essays about biking across the country. You can find her writing in Outside, Wirecutter, Lonely Planet, Menโs Health, ELLE, Popular Mechanics, Menโs Journal, Sierra Club Magazine, and more.
A side sleeper, lifelong sleepwalker (itโs a problem), and newly hardcore sleepmaxxer, when sheโs not editing and writing about health and gear, she likes to ride bikes, run trails, and be under the covers by 9:30 p.m.
After Sosha began writing sleep-related content, she knew she wanted to learn more about this important (yet often elusive!) aspect of human health and well-being. She became a Certified Sleep Science Coach to better understand what goes into getting a good nightโs restโincluding oneโs choice of mattress. Sosha now calls upon this training when she tests and writes about beds and sleep accessories, and when sheโs consulted for recommendations by publications such as Livingetc.
Shopping for a new mattress in-store means youโll have to contend with pushy salespeople, price markups, and figuring out a convenient pickup or delivery time. In this digital age, all this can make for quite the hassle, which is why online mattress shopping is on the rise.
Online mattress companies cut out the middleman and deliver beds from their factories to your doorstep, cutting costs for you and eliminating these possible problems. Moreover, the best online mattresses offer you the same level of comfort and quality of beds youโll find in brick-and-mortar storesโsometimes even better, if you opt for a higher-end option.
But with the hundreds of options out there, it can be difficult to whittle down the competition, especially if youโre too far from a showroom to see these beds in person. Thatโs where we come in. We did all the dirty work for you, testing all of the following mattresses in-person and vetting them to ensure you only buy the best of the bestโand a bed that fits your needs and preferences.
Clarityโs Clear Winner
In our opinion, the best online mattress is the Helix Midnight Luxe because of its versatile firmness, which provides comfort and support, plus the luxury features that give it a leg up in cooling, motion isolation, and responsiveness. Itโs a well-rounded mattress with a balanced feel that can accommodate a variety of sleeper types, and for a higher-end mattress, Iโd call it reasonably priced.
โThe crux of a comfortable mattress is the right balance of pressure relief and support,โ says our chief medical advisor, Dr. Raj Dasgupta. โThis ensures that pressure is taken off sensitive areas, like the joints and spine, while the body maintains proper alignment.โ
For an online mattress, itโs especially important, since you may not have the opportunity to try it out in a store. We had testers from each size category try out these beds to assess pressure relief and support, identifying which worked best for certain sleepers. Our testers noted whether they felt pressure buildup in any parts of their body and whether the bed helped support the natural curve of their spine.
We aimed to include beds that scored at least 4/5 for overall pressure relief, even if they did not achieve a high score for a specific body weight or sleeping position. Though we donโt have an official metric for support, Iโll note which sleepers will gain the most support from the mattress. Rest assured all beds on this list will offer a comfortable blend of both these categories.
Customer service can make or break an in-store experience, but itโs also important when it comes to shopping online. Online mattress manufacturers offer a ton of freebies in their company policies to make shopping online easier.
Most online mattresses are bed-in-a-box types, meaning theyโll come compressed to your door in a box for easy transportation. Usually, this delivery method is free throughout the contiguous United States. Some brands may even offer free white glove delivery, where someone will come to your house and set up your new mattress. Either way, itโs much easier than having to pick up a mattress at a store and shove it into your car.
Online mattresses also come with sleep trials, so you can get a feel for your bed before you commit to purchasing it. So long as you initiate a return within the trial period, youโll usually receive a full refund. Brands also offer some competitive warranties, with longer lengths usually signifying high-quality beds. Longer warranties and sleep trials earn higher scores in our evaluation.
We take all of these into account when rating a mattressโs customer service score, also out of 5. For the best online mattresses, we wanted to see a customer service rating of at least 4.3/5. This usually means a lengthy warranty, sleep trial, and responsive support from the brand.
A new mattress is a huge investment. Thankfully, most online mattresses may be better bargain buys. Brands can cut out the salesman and deliver to you straight from the factory, reducing fees or commission markups.
But itโs not enough for a mattress to simply have a lower price tag. We want to see mattresses that are built to last and perform well in our tests. This is why we refer to value rather than pure affordability.
We ensured that all of the beds on this list are worth their weight in gold, whether they have a cheaper or more expensive price. All of these mattresses are well-rounded performers with a price tag that complements all youโre getting with the mattress, be it fancy features or top-notch company policies.
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches selected the best online beds by looking for top performers in the categories above: pressure relief, support, customer service, and value.
But our full process involves testing several aspects of a bedโs performance, including cooling, motion isolation, and more. We evaluate and score these factors using specialized technology as well as firsthand accounts of how a bed feels to testers with different body types.
Once we have all those scores, we calculate the bedโs overall score using a weighted formula. This overall score is a good indicator of a mattressโs general quality, and is always a number out of 5.
As we decide which mattresses to feature on any roundup, we only include beds with an overall score of 3.5 out of 5 or higher. Even if a mattress does certain things well, we wonโt point you towards it if it falls below this baseline.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The Helix Midnight Luxe is a hybrid mattressโit has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress 6/10. This is slightly softer than the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$1,436-$2,924 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, short queen, king, California king, RV king
Side Sleepers
Side sleepers of all body types should feel cozy on this bed.
Back Sleepers
It has enough support for most back sleepers.
Hot Sleepers
This bedโs cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros
This bed has a hotel-like feel. The pillow top provides a plush comfort layer to sink into.
The Helix Midnight Luxe sleeps very cool, and impressed us during our temperature testing.
Even though itโs a hybrid mattress, this bed has good motion isolation. That means if you co-sleep, youโre less likely to feel your partnerโs movements.
Cons
Stomach sleepers probably wonโt find this bed supportive enough to keep their spine in proper alignment.
This is a luxury mattress model, so it wouldnโt be considered a budget-buy.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
15-year warranty
Returns
Youโll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day โbreak-inโ period.
The Helix Midnight Luxe is a premium medium-firm mattress that offers a hotel-like feel for a relatively affordable price. Its zoned support and supportive coil layers make it a great option for back sleepers. The only element in which it scored below average was responsiveness, so if you like a super bouncy bed or youโre a restless combination sleeper, consider another model.
The Helix Midnight Luxe is a beloved favorite on Mattress Clarity, a luxury hybrid that has a balanced, medium feel that makes it approachable for a number of sleeper types. It features a plush, pressure-relieving pillow top plus a supportive coil unit. It received high marks for edge support (4.8/5) and cooling (4.5/5), alongside a 4.4/5 customer service score. The latter comes from the bedโs 120-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty.
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Firmness: 6/10
The Helix Midnight Luxe has a medium feel, skewing slightly softer than traditional medium-firm.
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Pressure Relief: 4.2/5
Above average. Only our heavyweight tester noted some pressure on his lower back while back-sleeping.
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Edge Support: 4.8/5
Above average. There was minimal sinkage when sitting or lying down at the edge of the mattress.
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Cooling: 4.5/5
Above average. The Midnight Luxe has a cool-to-the-touch feel at the surface.
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Motion Isolation: 4/5
Average. We could feel some movement from the other side of the bed during the coupleโs test.
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Response: 4/5
Average. This bed has bounce, but the pillow top is softer, potentially impeding some movement.
I tested out the Helix Midnight Luxe myself and found it came in at a 6/10 on our firmness scale, which is a true medium feel. This is mostly thanks to the dense cushioning you get from the top layers, which also lends the bed its pressure-relieving properties. Physical therapist Dr. Hannah Habeeb noticed this right away while resting on her back, noting she felt โzero pressure build-up.โ She added, โMy lower back is very well supported, so I donโt think Iโll sink in enough that it would get irritated.โ
Our pressure relief testers agreed, with their ratings leading to an overall score of 4.2/5 in this category. Dr. Habeeb and I liked how the pillow top contours to the lower back, eliminating the gap there. If I had this bed at home, Iโd want to sleep on my back more often.
Heavyweight tester Caine Wilkes was also able to find comfort on his side. โI usually sleep on my side, and I would recommend this for side sleepers in my weight category,โ he said. โThe plush top feels really nice and comfortable, while the bottom layers are more supportive.โ
With how soft it feels up top, I was expecting the Midnight Luxe to have pretty lackluster edge support. But I was pleasantly surprised; I never felt like I was sinking or going to slide off when sitting or lying down at the perimeter of the mattress. However, I did notice a discrepancy between the short and long edges of the mattress. If you plan on sitting on the foot of the bed to tie your shoes, for example, youโre going to notice a lot more sinkage.
If you sleep hot, though, the Midnight Luxe will have you covered there. When I lay down on the surface, I could feel the cover actively cooling me, especially around my neck, where it came in direct contact with the mattress. Itโs definitely cool-to-the-touch, and the gentle contouring from the pillow top means youโll be enveloped in this crisp feeling.
The only area that left me wanting was the Midnight Luxeโs responsiveness. Iโm a particularly restless combination sleeper, so I love a bouncy bed to help me quickly change positions. Thereโs a bit of this from the coils below, but itโs mostly muffled by the dense pillow top. I couldnโt roll from my back to stomach as seamlessly as I liked. While I donโt think itโll deter all combination sleepers, I think itโs something to keep in mind.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.4
Nectar
Nectar Classic
Medium-Firm Feel
Motion Isolation
Pressure Relief
Foam mattress
365-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Current Deals
Save Up to 50% on Mattresses & 66% on Bundles See Details
The Nectar mattress is an all-foam mattress. It has a plush comfort layer followed by a thin layer of transition foam. At the bottom, thereโs a layer of high-density base foam.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Nectar mattress a 7/10, which is a toucher firmer than the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$699-$1,798 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Couples
This mattress isolates motion well, which means couples shouldnโt feel movement come over to their side of the bed.
Side Sleepers
It offers great pressure relief for side sleepers under 230 lbs.
Back Sleepers
The Nectar mattress offers plenty of support for most back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Pros of the Nectar Mattress
This mattress has a slow-moving feel. If you like mattresses that contour to your body, this could be a great option.
The Nectar mattress isolates motion well, which is helpful for people who share a bed with a partner or a pet.
It offers plenty of pressure relief for side sleepers who weigh less than 230 lb.
Cons of the Nectar Mattress
Even though it has cooling gel-infused foam, itโs not the best mattress for hot sleepers.
Itโs not supportive enough for most stomach sleepers. In this position, you may feel your hips sink out of alignment, which can lead to lower back pain.
Because itโs an all-foam bed-in-a-box mattress, it has a 48-hour off-gassing period. Youโll need to let the mattress air out for two days before sleeping on it.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Forever warranty
Returns
Youโll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period.
The Nectar is an affordable all-foam mattress that offers lots of pressure relief and body contouring. It works well for most side sleepers, because it helps cushion shoulders and hips. It is also a good option for couples, because it isolates motion well. However, the Nectar mattress isnโt supportive enough for most stomach sleepers and heavyweight people. If you tend to sleep hot at night, you may want to look for a mattress with more cooling features. Learn more in our Nectar mattress video review.
If you want to save on your next mattress, look no further than the Nectar Classic. This all-foam mattress retails at just $649 for a queen size, offering a cushy, supportive feel thatโs built for back and side sleepers. Thanks to its cooling cover (for which it earned a 5/5 cooling score), this bed is also a great pick for hot sleepers. To top it off, the Nectar comes with a generous year-long trial and a lifetime warranty.
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Firmness: 7/10
This mattress has an โon-topโ feel that skews it slightly firmer than true medium-firm.
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Pressure Relief: 3.7/5
Below average. The Nectar offers better pressure relief for back sleepers.
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Edge Support: 3.4/5
Below average. While lying down along the edges of the Nectar Classic mattress feels seamless, thereโs a lot more sinkage when youโre seared at the perimeter.
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Cooling: 5/5
Exceptional. The bedโs cooling cover has a crisp feel.
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Motion Isolation: 4.7/5
Above average. Most disturbances should be stifled on the Nectar Classic, allowing light sleepers to sleep peacefully.
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Response: 4/5
Below average. The doughy nature of foam can make moving around a challenge on the Nectar mattress.
The Nectar mattress came in at a 7/10 on our firmness scale, just half a tick firmer than standard medium-firm. Despite it being a memory foam bed, Iโd say the Nectar has a more โon topโ feel, rather than the deep sinkage of other, softer mattresses. Dr. Habeeb recommended this profile to back sleepers, especially those with back pain: โItโs conforming to my lower back and placing the spine in a neutral position.โ
Our testers agreed with Dr. Habeebโs assessment, with heavyweight tester Matt Schickling calling the mattress โsupportive but surprisingly firm.โ On his back, he said, โI donโt feel any buildup in my shoulders, upper back, or lower back.โ
Average-weight tester Sosha Lewis was able to find comfort on her side. โI feel really good,โ she explained. โThough itโs pretty firm, itโs contouring my body, especially my hips. Itโs elevating them and creating a really nice balance.โ However, the lightweight tester did find the Nectar mattress a bit too firm for her liking, something to keep in mind if you have a smaller frame.
With their thick and cushy layers, memory foam mattresses tend to trap heat more than beds with coils, since thereโs less airspace. Nectar attempted to counteract this with a cooling cover, and in my tests, I was surprised to find it succeeded. While I wouldnโt call it truly cool-to-the-touch, it didnโt overheat the entire time I was lying on it. Hot sleepers unwilling to part with a foam feel may like this compromise.
The Nectar mattress has a firmer feel, but it also provides enough cushioning to absorb motion at the surface. I found this out in the partner test, where I had a fellow tester crawl into bed alongside me and flail around, switch positions, basically anything that mimicked sleeping beside a restless sleeper. As a light sleeper myself, I was pleased with the level of motion isolation I experienced; I only noticed some jostling when my partner got out of bed. Couples should therefore do just fine on this bed.
Folks who might want to steer clear of the Nectar are those looking for a rock-solid perimeter. While itโs not the worst Iโve seen from a foam mattress, thereโs quite a bit of sinkage when sitting on the edge of the bed. It makes getting out of bed a little difficult, something to consider if you have mobility concerns. In that case, you might prefer the Helix Midnight Luxe, which has much better edge support.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options available. We rated the Medium model at a 7/10.
Price
$1,456โ $2,799 (before discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, short queen, king, California king, split California king, RV king, RV bunk
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Side Sleepers
Great pressure relief for side sleepers who like a firmer feel.
Back Pain
Keeps the spine aligned while providing pressure relief.
Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
Available in a large variety of sizes. Whether youโre looking to add this to your bedroom or fit it in your RV, you should be able to find the right size.
This mattress offers excellent pressure relief despite its firmer feel, making it a great pick for multiple sleeper types.
Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
The Aurora Luxe feels cool, but our cooling tests showed an increase in surface temperature after a 7-minute nap.
Some heavyweight sleepers who weigh more than 230 lbs wonโt find enough support on this bed, especially if they sleep on their stomach.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
Youโll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day โbreak-inโ period. A removal fee of $99 will be deducted from your refund.
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe offers a responsive surface great for combination sleepers. Itโs also a good choice for sleepers who want a supportive mattress with plenty of pressure relief. Itโs available in a wide array of sizes, including specialized ones for RVs or small spaces. Learn more in our video review.
Soft beds are great, but if youโre like me, sometimes you need extra lift in your mattress. The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe should appeal to back and stomach sleepers who want a firmer, more supportive sleep surface. This is balanced out with excellent pressure relief, especially for back sleepers, that earned the bed an impressive 4.5/5 rating. Moreover, the bed comes with a 120-night sleep trial, so you can gauge its cooling capability for yourself. After that, itโs backed by a lifetime warranty.
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Firmness: 7/10
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling has a firmer feel.
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Pressure Relief: 4.5/5
Above-average. Back sleepers who love a firmer sleep surface will glean the most pressure relief.
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Edge Support: 4.6/5
Above average. The edges of the Aurora Luxe felt solid, only dipping slightly when seated at the perimeter.
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Cooling: 3.5/5
Below average. The Aurora Luxe feels cool and crisp, though it did hold onto heat during our temperature test.
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Motion Isolation: 4/5
Average. We felt our fellow testerโs movements when they were closer to our side of the bed.
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Response: 5/5
Average. The Aurora Luxe has decent responsiveness, but itโll likely require some effort to move around on top of.
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is available in three different firmness levels, including their mid-range Medium option. However, when we tested this mattress, we found it firmer than expected; it came in at a 7/10 on our firmness scale.
โI like firmer mattresses like this one for back sleepers,โ said Dr. Habeeb after trying out the mattress herself. This was echoed in our pressure relief testing, with our average-weight and lightweight testers most preferring the mattress on their back.
Our average-weight tester called the mattress โperfectโ for back sleepers. โIt provides enough firmness to keep the spine lifted and aligned, but it still has a ton of plushness that cushions the upper back and contours the lumbar zone,โ she explained.
Lightweight tester Riley Otis agreed, adding, โIt has a cushy feel, but itโs not teetering towards the โtoo softโ zone. My spine feels straight as an arrow.โ They also thought the mattress could work for side sleepers who like a firmer feel, but noted some folks with shoulder or hip pain would need more sinkage.
Our testers also found the Aurora Luxe had excellent edge support. In the seated position, only the pillow top compressed beneath our testerโs weight. โI sank down a few inches, but otherwise felt pretty secure and stable sitting there,โ she explained. She awarded the edge support while lying down a 5/5 rating, though: โThe edge was just as supportive as the center of the bed. No matter how close to the edge I got, I never felt like I was tilting or sliding off,โ she said.
The Aurora Luxe also offered some decent responsiveness. โThe pillow top is plush, so I had to exert just a little bit of effort to move between positions,โ our tester explained. โYet, there was no โquicksandโ effect, and I never felt trapped in the bed.โ While you may not be able to launch yourself across the surface, there should still be enough bounce to satisfy most combination sleepers and sexually active couples.
Speaking of couples, if you share the bed with a particularly restless partner, tread carefully with the Aurora Luxe. Our tester noticed quite a bit of disturbance when someone else was on the bed beside her. โI could feel most of my partnerโs motion whenever they rolled towards me,โ she said. โIf they got in and out of bed and shifted around, it wasnโt too noticeable, but rolling inward toward my side of the bed was a bit jostling.โ If you want excellent motion isolation, I recommend checking out the Nectar mattress instead.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The Bear Elite Hybrid is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Soft, Medium, and Firm. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Medium model a 6/10.
Price
$1,893-$3,920 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Side Sleepers
Back Sleepers
Hot Sleepers
Pros of the Bear Elite Hybrid
This mattress offers great value. Itโs made with high-quality materials and backed by a lifetime warranty, but available at a relatively affordable price point.
It comes with excellent edge support. The Bear Elite Hybridโs sturdy perimeter is helpful if you need a stable surface to get in and out of bed.
The bedโs cover and foam layers contain cooling materials to help regulate your body temperature. Its coil layer also promotes plenty of airflow to keep you cool.
Cons of the Bear Elite Hybrid
Doesnโt do the best job of isolating motion.
Likely not supportive enough for sleepers who weigh over 230 lbs.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
Youโll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day โbreak-inโ period.
The Bear Elite Hybrid is Bearโs most high-end mattress. It offers luxury features, like zoned support and extra height, while still offering the temperature regulation Bear mattresses are known for. Based on our testing results, weโd recommend this mattress to average-weight side and back sleepers, as well as hot sleepers. If youโre looking for a cheaper option, check out the Bear Star Hybrid. Learn more in our video review.
Hybrid mattresses are renowned for their complementary construction: soft, cushioning comfort layers balanced by supportive, springy coils. The Bear Elite Hybrid only amplifies whatโs already great about hybrid mattresses: It has a sumptuously soft pillow top thatโll have you sinking deeply into the surfaceโbut youโll also get plenty of bounce from the coils, a feature that earns the bed its perfect response score. On top of that, the mattress is backed by a lifetime warranty, and you get 120 nights to give it a whirl.
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Firmness: 6/10
The mid-range model for the Bear Elite Hybrid skews slightly soft.
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Pressure Relief: 4.3/5
Above average. The Bear Elite offers better pressure relief for back sleepers.
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Edge Support: 4.6/5
Above average. The edges barely budged when sitting or lying down on them.
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Cooling: 2.5/5
Below average. We had conflicting results in our cooling test, but it heated up quite a lot.
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Motion Isolation: 4/5
Average. We could feel movement from the other side of the bed, but itโs likely not enough to wake a light sleeper.
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Response: 5/5
Exceptional. Even with the softer pillow top, moving around was a breeze.
The Bear Elite Hybrid is available in three firmness options: soft, medium, and firm. We tried out the Medium model and found it to be an apt descriptor; it came in at 6/10 on our firmness scale, just a smidge softer than medium-firm.
Dr. Habeeb found this profile was โreally comfortable on the side.โ She added, โThe mattress conforms to your body really nicely, and my spine feels neutral. Overall, nothing is hurting, and thereโs no pressure.โ
Our heavyweight tester Matt, however, much preferred the bed for back sleeping. โI feel like my hips and shoulders are well-aligned, and Iโm not noticing any pressure,โ he said. โIf youโre a heavy back sleeper, Iโd say this is a good pick.โ Ultimately, our testers rated the bedโs pressure-relieving ability at a 4.3/5.
My colleague Cait Giddings also noticed the pillow topโs cushioning during her tests, but she found it did little to impede her ease of movement. โI didnโt sink very far into it,โ she explained. โToggling through different sleep positions felt very easy. The bouncy core of the mattress made it a breeze to launch myself in and out of bed or roll around.โ This means the Bear Elite Hybrid should work well for combination sleepers and sexually active couples.
Moreover, the responsive nature of the bed assisted Cait during her edge support assessment. โIt was so easy to get out of this bed that I felt like I essentially bounced out,โ she said. On top of that, she didnโt have any issues with the mattress sinking beneath her weight when sitting or lying down at the perimeter: โI felt like I could lie on the absolute farthest reaches of the bed without sliding or rolling out.โ
Where Cait encountered mixed results was the cooling test. She used a thermal gun to measure the increase in surface temperature after lying on the bed for a few minutes, and found it went up a whopping 12.6 degrees. โI wouldnโt describe this bed as โsleeping hotโ, despite its thermal gun results,โ she said. โI didnโt feel the mattress heat up at all while I was lying there.โ
If youโre looking for a truly cool mattress, consider taking a look at the Leesa Original. You can also read our full Bear Elite Hybrid review for more information about this bed.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The Saatva is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Luxury Firm model a 7.5/10, which is a bit firmer than average.
Price
$1,399-$3,118 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king, split California king
Stomach Sleepers
It provides enough lift under the hips for stomach sleepers to maintain spinal alignment.
Back Sleepers
Back sleepers should feel fully and evenly supported.
Back Pain
Built-in lumbar support features may help combat lower back pain.
Pros
Itโs available in multiple firmness options (and two heights!).
The Luxury Firm model of the Saatva Classic will work well for most back sleepers, as its zoned support encourages spinal alignment.
Its high-density foam and dual coil units should ensure longevity and durability.
Cons
If you like the feel of a memory foam mattress, youโre not going to love the springiness of the Saatva.
This mattress also doesnโt offer much in the way of motion isolation, which could be a problem for light sleepers.
Shipping
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
Youโll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day โbreak-inโ period. A removal fee of $99 will be deducted from your refund.
The Saatva Classic is a luxurious hybrid mattress that should be a great long-term investment. Its claim to fame is that it boasts two coil units instead of one, with a layer of shorter micro-coils above its classic innerspring unit. Itโs available in multiple firmness options and two heights for lots of customizability.
We think its Luxury Firm model is one of the best mattresses for back sleepers, and two of our Certified Sleep Science Coaches actually own this bed. However, light sleepers with a rowdy partner and fans of memory foam should look elsewhere. Learn more in our video review.
Some folks might associate shopping for beds online with low-quality or budget buys, but there are a lot of high-end, luxury options available. My personal favorite is the Saatva Classic; itโs the mattress I sleep on every night. It has the feel of a traditional innerspring mattress, but itโs topped with a dense, tufted pillow top that lends the entire bed a luxe feel. We also awarded it perfect scores for edge support, responsiveness, and customer service. Saatva has some of the most generous policies weโve seen from an online retailer, offering a year-long sleep trial, a lifetime warranty, and free white glove delivery with every mattress.
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Firmness: 7.5/10
The Luxury Firm model of the Saatva Classic feels pretty firm.
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Pressure Relief: 4.5/5
Above average. Even with its firmer feel, the Saatva offers great pressure relief.
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Edge Support: 5/5
Exceptional. You can sit and lie down on the edges of the Saatva Classic with minimal sinkage.
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Cooling: 4/5
Average. The Saatva Classic has a comfortable, temperature-neutral feel.
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Motion Isolation: 2.7/5
Below average. We could feel every little movement our fellow testers made on the Saatva.
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Response: 5/5
Exceptional. Thanks to its two innerspring layers, the Saatva Classic is plenty bouncy.
The Saatva Classic comes in multiple firmness levels, but we tested the mid-level option, the Luxury Firm. This is the model I own, and Iโd rate it slightly firmer at 7.5/10 on our firmness scale. However, this firmness doesnโt mean that you wonโt get the pressure relief you need. Dr. Habeeb appreciated how comfortable she felt resting on her side: โItโs very plush and adds a lot of contouring at my hips and shoulders,โ she explained. โI feel no pressure at my joints.โ
My fellow testers also liked the mattress on their back. Heavyweight tester Matt Schickling likened the alignment to โa stretch when you havenโt stretched in a while.โ He added, โOn my side and back, I feel totally aligned and well-supported overall.โ His results, combined with the other glowing opinions of our lightweight and average-weight testers, led to the Saatva earning a 4.5/5 for overall pressure relief.
The Saatva Classic is outfitted with two innerspring units for double the support, contributing to its firmer feel and also resulting in double the bounce. I can launch myself across the surface of this mattress with extreme ease, and it makes repositioning during the night a breeze. Sexually active couples should also appreciate this when it comes to the main event.
These coil units also help prop up the perimeter of the mattress, which gives the Saatva some of the greatest edge support Iโve ever seen in a mattress. I have a small bedroom, so Iโm often using the edge of my bed as a seat to tie my shoes or do other mundane tasks. During this, the edge never collapses under my weight. Itโs the same for sleepingโI can sling one leg over the edge of the mattress and not slide off once throughout the night.
When it comes to the Saatva, I have few complaints overall. However, if I had to pick an area for improvement, itโd definitely be its motion isolation. Iโm a notoriously light sleeper, able to sense when someone is thinking about moving beside me, and Iโve found that the Saatva Classicโs springy surface seems to amplify more than it stifles. If you sleep with a partner, be aware that youโre going to feel every little movement from their side of the bed.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.7
Leesa
Leesa Original Mattress
Foam
Combination Sleepers
Good Value
Foam mattress
100-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Current Deals
20% Off Select Mattresses; Up to 25% Off Adjustable Base and Mattress Bundle See Details
The Leesa Original is a foam mattress, meaning the bed features foam comfort layers.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Leesa Original a 8/10, which is fairly firm.
Price
$849 โ $1,599 (before discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king
Back Sleepers
Back sleepers of all sizes should feel nice support.
Side Sleepers
Excellent contouring for lightweight to average side sleepers.
Couples
Excellent motion isolation makes the bed great for couples.
Pros
A medium-firm bed that will support most sleepers.
Good value for the price.
Cons
Not for heavyweight sleepers over 230 lbs.
People looking for a firm mattress.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
Youโll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day โbreak-inโ period.
The Leesa Original mattress features high-density foam for a balance of comfort and support, suiting a range of sleeping styles. This bed comes at an affordable price-point. Learn more in our video review.
Memory foam mattresses are popular picks when it comes to online mattress shopping. Theyโre often the more affordable option, and theyโre easily compressed for bed-in-a-box delivery. One of our favorite all-foam mattresses to recommend is the Leesa Original. This bed scored 4s and above in all of our performance categories, including perfect scores for cooling and responseโtwo areas that foam beds rarely do well in. It also comes with a 120-night sleep trial and a limited lifetime warranty.
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Firmness: 8/10
The Leesa Original has a surprisingly firm feel.
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Pressure Relief: 4.4/5
Above average. The Leesa Original offers pressure relief and support in equal measure, though itโs better-suited to back sleepers.
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Edge Support: 4/5
Average. The Leesa Original mattress has good edge support for a foam bed.
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Cooling: 5/5
Exceptional. This bed feels cool and airy, perfect for hot sleepers.
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Motion Isolation: 4/5
Average. You wonโt feel too much movement on the Leesa Original; lighter disturbances should be stifled.
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Response: 5/5
Exceptional. Moving around on the Leesaโs firm surface is a breeze.
The Leesa Original came in at a 8/10 on our firmness scale, which is decidedly firm, especially for an all-foam mattress. It gives the mattress more of an on-top feel than the super-sink of traditional memory foam. Dr. Habeeb thought this supportive nature could work well for sleepers who need it, such as those with back pain: โI think it would provide relief for people with back pain, offering the necessary support at the lower back to keep you in a relatively neutral position.โ
Despite its firm feel, the Leesa Original still earned a 4.4/5 for overall pressure relief. Lightweight tester Riley Otis preferred the mattress on her back, saying, โI donโt have any pain or pressure. I feel very comfortable, cozy, and supported.โ On the other hand, heavyweight tester Caine Wilkes liked the mattress on his side, calling it โvery supportive for an all-foam mattress.โ He added, โI donโt feel any pressure, and it feels really comfortable as I sink in.โ
Softer foam beds usually have a slow-moving feel, while the Leesaโs firmer feel gives it a uniquely responsive nature. Our in-house tester felt as though she didnโt sink too deeply into the mattress, which made moving around easier. โI didnโt notice any effort when lifting my body off the bed,โ she said. You wonโt get โstuckโ in this mattress trying to move around, a plus for especially restless combination sleepers.
Most foam beds are also notorious for trapping heat, but the Leesa is a great pick for hot sleepers. The mattress doesnโt feature a cooling cover, but our in-house tester thought the mattress felt cold during her temperature test. โI felt like the mattress was cool to touch at first and almost a little chilly,โ she explained. โAs I lay there, I noticed it did get more comfortable in temperature, but never too warm.โ The surface temperature of the bed only rose about 4.5 degrees, a sign of exceptional cooling, especially for foam.
While hot sleepers are set on this mattress, its firmness may pose a problem for lightweight sleepers. Dr. Habeeb noted that โit could cause unnecessary pressure buildup.โ If youโre a lightweight side sleeper looking for a foam mattress, you might like the Nectar instead, which has a cushier feel.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The Birch Luxe is a luxury hybrid mattress that uses natural foam and wool for comfort and steel coils for support.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest, we rated the Birch Luxe a 7/10, meaning itโs quite firm.
Price
$1,623-$3,123 (before discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Back Sleepers
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleepers
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Pros of the Birch Luxe
This bed is one of the firmer options, which is great if you like a bed with less sinkage and more pushback.
The Euro-top has you feeling like youโre sleeping in the lap of luxury, all wrapped in an eco-friendly package.
Itโs strong edge support could be beneficial for sleepers who need a firm surface to bear down on in the morning.
Cons of the Birch Luxe
As a more responsive mattress, you wonโt feel hugged by the bed, which may not be preferable.
Organic and sustainably-sourced materials make the Birch Luxe one of our pricier picks.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
Limited lifetime warranty
Returns
Free refunds during the trial period.
Shopping sustainably online? The Birch Luxe Natural is a great organic mattress thatโs sure to please sleepers looking for an eco-conscious option. Itโs made up of layers of natural latex and wool, which give the bed a cozy yet bouncy feel, earning it a 5/5 responsiveness score. Latex isnโt just sustainable, itโs great for combination sleepers or sexually active couples who want the bounce of coils but the pressure relief of memory foam. But it has its own unique feel, so you may want to take advantage of the brandโs 120-night sleep trial to see if itโs right for you.
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Firmness: 7/10
The Birch Luxe has a slightly firmer feel.
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Pressure Relief: 4.3/5
Above average. Both back and side sleepers should feel relief on this mattress, though especially the former.
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Edge Support: 4.7/5
Above average. The Birch Luxeโs edges remained steady whether we sat or lay down on them.
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Cooling: 3.5/5
Below average. The Birch Luxe didnโt feel particularly cool, but neither did it heat up to an uncomfortable degree.
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Motion Isolation: 3.8/5
Below average. Light sleepers may feel some of their partnerโs larger movements from their side of the bed.
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Response: 5/5
Exceptional. Latex and coils make this bed extremely bouncy.
The Birch Luxe Natural came in at 7/10 on our firmness scale, a little firmer than a traditional medium-firm. Latex has a unique buoyant feel, but itโs also a nice alternative to memory foam for pressure relief. As a result, our testers found comfort on their sides and backs while resting on the Birch Luxe.
Our testers, particularly our lightweight tester, noted that while there was pressure relief, there wasnโt much sinkage while resting on her back. โI like a bit more contouring around my lower back, but overall, I feel pretty aligned,โ she explained. She found the most comfort resting on her side: โI feel really great support, and thereโs a lot of pressure relief, making things comfortable.โ
Latex mattresses are known for their bounce, and the Birch Luxe Natural is no different. โI feel like this mattress has great responsiveness, so itโs really easy to switch positions,โ our in-house tester said after moving around on the surface. She also noted that the Birch Luxe has a flat sleep surface rather than a tufted pillow top, so thereโs no chance of getting โstuckโ in any contours or valleys.
Sometimes, latexโs buoyancy lends it a more wobbly feel, which can lead to edge instability. However, our tester thought the edge of the mattress held up well when bearing weight. โIt only got worse when I scooted far off the edge,โ she explained. โLying down at the perimeter, I feel supportedโeven in an exaggerated position, though I wouldnโt want to sleep like that.โ This means you should be able to spread out to your heartโs content.
A common pitfall of latex mattresses is their lack of motion isolation. Unfortunately, that seemed to be the case with the Birch Luxe. The bounce that makes it so great for combination sleepers can amplify smaller movements during co-sleeping. Our tester noted that they felt the most disturbance when their partner got in and out of bed, but noted that they could probably sleep through it. Especially light sleepers might want to opt for something with a higher motion isolation score, like the Titan Plus Core.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The Titan Plus Core is a hybrid mattress. This means it has coils at the bottom and foam on top.
Firmness
The Titan Plus Core mattress is firm. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated it a 7/10.
Price
$699-$1,499 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split California king
Heavyweight sleepers
This mattress has a thick comfort layer and sturdy coils that can handle heavier weights.
Stomach Sleepers
It offers lots of hip support, which can help stomach sleepers maintain the correct spinal alignment.
Couples
This mattress has great responsiveness paired with very good motion isolation.
Pros of the Titan Plus Core
It works well for people who weigh 230 โ 500 lb, thanks to its supportive feel.
This mattress has great responsiveness and motion isolation, a tough balance to pull off.
Itโs breathable and cool, so it works well for hot sleepers.
Cons of the Titan Plus Core
Lightweight people might not get enough pressure relief on this mattress.
Its edge support is pretty good, but not perfect.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
Youโll receive a refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day โbreak-inโ period. A removal fee of $99 will be deducted from your refund.
The Titan Plus Core mattress works well for back and stomach sleepers, and even most side sleepers (though lightweight people might want a softer bed). Itโs firm, coming in at 7/10 on our firmness scale, and has lots of bounce to help with repositioning.
Some sleepers over 230 pounds may find that traditional mattresses donโt offer the support they need. Thatโs why Brooklyn Bedding created the Titan Plus Core, a bed specifically built for bigger bodies. Its industrial-strength coil layer should ensure you remain comfortably lifted on the surface, while the pillow top provides just the right amount of contouring.
Despite this, even our lightweight testers found comfort on the Titan, a sign of a truly well-rounded mattress. The bed earned 4s and above in all of our performance categories, including high marks for responsiveness (5/5) and pressure relief (4.3/5). It also comes with a 120-night sleep trial and a generous lifetime warranty.
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Firmness: 7.5/10
The Titan Plus Core has a firmer feel to better support heavyweight sleepers.
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Pressure Relief: 4.3/5
Above average. Moving around on top of the Titan Plus Core is completely effortless.
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Edge Support: 4.2/5
Above average. We only noticed some slight sinkage while seated on the edge of the mattress.
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Cooling: 4/5
Average. The surface of the Titan Plus Core feels cool and wicks away excess heat.
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Motion Isolation: 4.3/5
Above average. We could feel some movement in our coupleโs test, but nothing too disruptive to interrupt sleep.
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Response: 5/5
Exceptional. Moving around on top of the Titan Plus Core is completely effortless.
The Titan Plus Core hybrid came in at a 7.5/10 on our firmness scale, which is pretty firm. However, sleepers of all sizes should be able to glean some manner of pressure relief from this mattress. Even our lightweight tester found the mattress comfortable on both her back and side.
โLying on my side, I donโt notice any pressure buildup at all,โ she explained. โThe mattress feels very supportive, giving me plenty of lift through my hips and shoulders, while still offering just enough cushioning to ease tension around my joints.โ She called resting on her back โalmost weightless,โ and found plenty of alignment in this position, too.
Our in-house tester appreciated the quilted cover of the mattress, noting it provided just enough softness for comfort without impeding her movement during the responsiveness test. โThe bedโs firmer feel kept me from sinking too deeply, so I never felt stuck or restricted by the foam layers,โ she said. โI think combination sleepers and older sleepers who value easy mobility will really enjoy how simple it is to move around on this bed.โ
Moving around on the mattress should be easy indeed, but it also shouldnโt affect your partnerโs sleep, thanks to the bedโs surprising motion isolation. With another person in the bed, our in-house tester wasnโt jostled around, even as she remained aloft on the firmer surface. โWhen my partner climbed into bed, I noticed a bit of motion transfer but nothing disruptive,โ she explained. โI could sense the shift, but it didnโt actually move me or make me bounce around.โ Based on this, she awarded the bed a motion isolation score of 4.3/5.
The Titan also scored admirably in our cooling test, earning a 4/5, but I will note that this rating comes with a caveat. We tried out the mattress with the GlacioTex cover, which our testers called โrefreshingโ and โcool-to-the-touch.โ However, this cover doesnโt come included with the standard model, so youโll have to pay extra for it. (Want an alternative? We found that the Leesa Original mattress looked and felt cool right out of the box.)
Didnโt find what you were looking for in the list above? Not to worryโhere are some other beds our testers love that come highly recommended:
DreamCloudโ If youโre after affordability, youโll like the DreamCloud hybrid. This bed is priced similarly to the Nectar, our pick for the best cheap online mattress. Like the Nectar, this bed is a quality mattress, featuring a pillow top and sturdy coil unit. Itโs a bit on the firmer side, so it may not be a fit for all sleeper types, but we loved its ability to relieve pressure.
Nolah Evolution โ The Nolah Evolution is a luxury hybrid mattress that stunned us in our performance tests. Itโs not just comfy and cushy; itโs a great pick for couples, thanks to its motion isolation and cooling capability. However, the Nolah Evolution mattress arrived in rough shape: The box was a bit beat up, making it difficult to open and putting a damper on the โeasy assembly.โ For a luxury online mattress, weโd want to see better. Now, Nolah offers free white-glove delivery with a large purchase, so you might want to take advantage of it.
Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid โ If youโre looking for a step up from the Leesa Original mattress, check out the brandโs Sapira Chill Hybrid. As the name implies, this hybrid has a plethora of cooling features geared towards satisfying hot sleepers. But we were most impressed by the bedโs balanced, accommodating feel. Though many folks can enjoy the Sapira Chill, it didnโt score as high overall as the Leesa Original, and itโs quite a bit more expensive, so it didnโt make the final cut.
Latest Updates: In April of 2026, we updated this panel to reflect new pressure relief testing across our top picks, as well as some extra points in our buyerโs guide. We also tested out the new-and-improved Aurora Luxe mattress by Brooklyn Bedding. The review you see in this list reflects that modelโs performance.
What is an Online Mattress?
An online mattress is as straightforward as it sounds: a mattress that you can buy online. These beds are usually shipped direct-to-consumer from the manufacturer. This cuts out the middleman and lowers costs. Theyโre a great option for folks who hate shopping in-person or just love a good deal and painless purchase process.
You may have noticed that most online mattresses are whatโs called a bed-in-a-box. This means that they arrive compressed in a box, which youโll have to open and set up yourself. You usually have to wait some time for the mattress to fully expand, around 24 hours or so.
Since you canโt see and touch the bed before you buy it, many online mattresses come with a sleep trial. This is a period of time wherein you can try out the mattress and decide if itโs right for you. You can usually return the mattress for a full refund, so long as itโs within the trial period. Some brands may charge for removal or ask that you donate the mattress yourself, but itโs overall a great compromise. Itโs also more in-depth than trying out the bed in-store for a few minutes.
What Should You Look For in an Online Mattress?
To take the guesswork out of shopping for an online mattress, we ensured every pick on this list is comfortable, backed by great manufacturer policies, and priced reasonably for the mattress you receive. For more insight into what makes a great online mattress, letโs dive deeper into how we test and evaluate each of these metrics.
Pressure Relief
Pressure builds up along areas that dig deep into the mattress surface, and if it isnโt relieved, it can lead to pain and discomfort. Thatโs why we consider pressure relief an important measure of a bedโs comfort. Side and back sleepers benefit most from pressure-relieving mattresses, as their hips, shoulders, and lower back sink into the bed in each position. Pressure relief is also beneficial for sleepers with sensitive joints or conditions like arthritis.
We test pressure relief by having testers of each weight category rest on top of the mattress, switching between their back and side. They note whether they feel any pressure buildup or relief in any areas and rate their comfort out of 5. Sometimes, these results are accompanied by pressure maps. These come from a mat placed beneath our tester, which uses thermal imaging to record how much pressure builds up along the body, creating a color-coded map that gives us a clear picture of potential problem areas.
Some mattresses fare better for certain sleeper types when it comes to pressure relief. A heavyweight side sleeper may experience more comfort than a lightweight back sleeper, for example. The overall pressure relief score you see is the average of all of our testersโ ratings, but some score higher in certain weight categories or sleeping positions.
Support
Itโs not enough for a bed to be soft, cushy, and pressure-relieving. You need the support to back that up. A supportive mattress will keep your spine in its proper alignment, following its natural S-curve. Proper spinal alignment helps prevent pain or discomfort, ensuring you get a comfortable nightโs sleep.
We donโt have a specific score system for support, but we test it when evaluating the firmness of the mattress. Our testers lie down in each sleeping position, judging how aligned they feel. They note any parts of the body that feel too lifted or sink in too far. We aim to have testers of each weight category give every sleeping position a try, so we can get a holistic picture of how supportive the mattress feels overall. At the end of our testing, we have an idea of which sleeper types will feel supported on the bed.
Customer Service
Buying a mattress online should be a seamless experience, and if you encounter any issues, youโll want prompt customer service. Our customer service score doesnโt just encompass how easy a site is to navigate or how long youโre on hold, we take a look at the company policies that come along with your purchase.
Most online mattresses come with free delivery, often in the form of a bed-in-a-box. This means the mattress is compressed and will need time to expand upon unboxing. But it also means you can easily transport it to the room itโs going to be in, rather than trying to lug a rectangle up a flight of stairs. If a mattress arrives boxed in our studio, we go through the unboxing process ourselves, seeing if it can be done alone or it requires help, whether thereโs any off-gassing (chemical smell), and how long it takes for the bed to fully inflate.
If manual labor of any kind isnโt your thing, many mattress brands also offer white glove delivery, whether for free or with a certain purchase threshold. A team will come to your house with your already unboxed bed, set it up on your bed frame, and even remove your old mattress, if necessary. If a brand offers free white glove delivery, weโll award it a 5/5 for unboxing, since you donโt have to do any work.
Sleep trials are also a popular freebie, offered to quell the fears of folks who like to try before they buy. You get a set period of time to use the mattress, at which point you can decide whether or not itโs the one for you. So long as you initiate a return within the designated trial period, youโll usually receive a full refund. Most trials last only a few months, but some last a full yearโa feat thatโll earn a perfect 5/5 rating for our trial score.
Once you own the mattress, though, itโs backed by a warranty. We see warranties not just as an insurance policy, but also a preview of how long you expect a bed to last. The typical mattress has a 10-year lifespan, so most warranties will fall at or around this number. However, a number of brands offer lifetime warranties, meaning your product is protected forever. This also earns a 5/5 rating in our warranty evaluation.
The customer service score is an average of all our evaluations, and overall should act as a marker for how easy the buying process should feel from start to finish.
Value
Mattresses can run you hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the size you need and the features you must have. The beds on this list range in price, from about $650 to over $2,000 for a queen. That doesnโt mean that the cheap beds are going to be low-quality or the high-ticket items are scams, though. We ensure that every mattress we recommend offers great value.
To judge a bedโs value, we pit the price tag against the bedโs construction and durability, how it performed in our tests, and the company policies that come with it. Generally, beds with high scores in multiple categories are considered well-rounded performers, and longer sleep trials and warranties can enhance the buying experience. These are things that will add to the overall value.
Many cheap mattresses offer a lot of bang for their buck, like the Nectar mattress, which impressed us with its cushioning and cooling capability. But if you can spring for a luxury option, these can be worth the extra cash. The tricked-out Saatva Classic comes with a lifetime warranty, year-long trial, and free white glove delivery, for example.
Online shoppers can have different budgets, so thatโs why we include a number of options on our list. But, rest assured, you wonโt be ripped off by any of the beds we recommend.
What Else Is Important When Buying an Online Mattress?
If youโre still unsure of what mattress is going to work best for you, Iโve put together some of the most common factors that influence what will be ideal for your needs.
Type of Mattress
There are four main mattress types, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. This means that certain sleeper types may fare best on certain mattresses.
Memory Foam Mattress
Foam mattresses are made up of multiple layers of foam, whether itโs memory foam or other synthetic foams. These beds are known for their cushioning, often lending them a slow-moving, pressure-relieving feel. This makes them great mattresses for couples looking for motion isolation, alongside sleepers with sensitive joints. However, if you like a bouncy bed, you might want something with springs. The same is true for hot sleepersโfoam beds are notorious for trapping heat.
Innerspring Mattress
Innerspring mattresses are some of the most traditional mattress types out there, most likely the bed your parents or grandparents slept. These beds feature an interconnected coil unit, which gives the bed a bouncy, supportive feel. Theyโre lacking in comfort layers, so they may not offer the most pressure relief, but their coils allow for much more airflow than your typical foam mattress.
Hybrid Mattress
Hybrid mattresses combine the best of foam and spring mattresses. These beds feature a coil unit plus thick comfort layers. Most commonly, these comfort layers are foam, but they can be anything from latex to wool. The result is a balance of softness and support that makes hybrids an attractive pick for many sleeper types. Their feel and cost can vary depending on the construction, but many high-end options can run you thousands of dollars.
Latex Mattress
Latex is derived from the sap of rubber trees and is a popular component for sustainable mattresses. Some studies claim that latex is more breathable and pressure-relieving than your typical memory foam. Weโve definitely found latex is much more responsive than memory foam, giving beds a uniquely buoyant feel. However, the organic nature of latex makes it more expensive than foam, so it may not be a popular choice for all shoppers.
Sleeping Position
Based on the advice of our chief medical advisor and many studies, medium-firm mattresses promote the necessary spinal alignment to prevent back pain. However, this firmness may not appeal to all sleeper types. โThe ideal firmness for your needs depends on many factors,โ says Dr. Dasgupta. โThis can be your preferred sleeping position, body weight, or any other medical conditions you might face.โ
If youโre struggling to find the right firmness for your sleeping position, Iโll go over what we recommend to look for in a mattress for each.
Side Sleepers
Sleeping on your side puts pressure on the hips and shoulders, so itโs important to have a mattress thatโs soft enough to cushion these areas and provide the necessary pressure relief. For some sleepers, a medium-firm mattress may be too firm to achieve that. They may fare better on a softer mattress, especially those with comfort layers of foam or latex.
Back Sleepers
Back sleepers are perhaps the most suited to the medium-firm recommendation. These sleepers need a blend of softness and support, and medium-firm mattresses offer just that. Just be certain that your spine is in a comfortable alignment, and that the gap at your lumbar area is filled in, lest youโll be at risk for back pain. A medium or medium-firm hybrid mattress that offers some contouring may work best for these sleepers.
Stomach Sleepers
Stomach sleepers need a mattress that can properly support them. Oftentimes, a too-soft mattress will lead to the hips falling out of alignment, causing lower back pain. Thatโs why we recommend stomach sleepers opt for firmer mattresses, especially those with a supportive coil layer.
Combination Sleepers
If you switch between two or all sleeping positions, youโre whatโs known as a combination sleeper. As one myself, I recommend considering a responsive mattress. This extra bounce makes it easier to move around on the surface of the bed, and you wonโt feel โstuckโ as you try to get comfortable. Coils and latex are the best for this.
Body Type
As Dr. Dasgupta mentioned, your body weight can also affect how comfortable a mattress feels to you. If youโve been experiencing a mattress as firmer or softer than expected, you may want to take your body shape into account when choosing a new mattress.
One of our heavyweight testers (left) and one of our lightweight testers (right) evaluating the same mattress
Sleepers over 230 pounds may find typical mattresses donโt offer enough support. They can sink too far into the mattress, meaning they might feel softer than advertised, or theyโll โbottom outโ on the uber-firm support layers or coils. Either way, it can be uncomfortable. We recommend that sleepers experiencing this issue opt for firmer mattresses, or a mattress specifically designed for heavy people, like the Titan Core Hybrid.
On the other hand, sleepers under 130 pounds may encounter the opposite issue: struggling to sink too deeply into a mattress. This can interfere with pressure relief, as the mattress wonโt contour to areas that need it, spelling trouble for side sleepers and folks with joint pain. Therefore, lightweight sleepers may want to look for a softer mattress than whatโs recommended for their sleeping position.
A lot of factors go into whatโs right for you, which can make choices seem overwhelming, but always remember that your personal comfort is paramountโfind what helps you sleep at night (literally) and stick with it.
Performance Features
Youโll also want to consider any performance features that will help you sleep better. For example, if you sleep with a partner, you might want a mattress that offers great motion isolation. This means you wonโt feel them moving around from your side of the mattress. If youโre sexually active, you may like a bed that has plenty of bounce. Hot sleepers could opt for beds with cooling features, like breathable covers and gel-infused foams. Sleepers who spread out on their mattress or deal with mobility issues might need strong edge support.
Thankfully, we evaluate all of these areas in our tests, giving each a score out of 5. We also assign superlatives to each mattress based on which sleepers will appreciate these features the most, like the best cooling mattress or the best mattress for couples. It makes perusing your options easier, especially when youโre shopping with personal preferences at the forefront.
Best Online Mattress FAQs
Whatโs the best mattress to buy online?
In our opinion, the best mattress to buy online is the Helix Midnight Luxe. This luxury hybrid has everything you could want in a mattress: a comfortable medium-firm feel, supportive coils, a plush pillow top, and a well-rounded performance in categories that should appeal to just about every sleeper.
Is it a good idea to order a mattress online?
Ordering a mattress online has many advantages. It can cut overhead costs and time that would be spent shopping around and setting up delivery in-person. Many also come compressed in a box for easy transportation and set-upโor free white glove delivery. Plus, these beds usually come with generous sleep trials so you can try before you buy.
Shopping in-store does have its upsides. You can see and touch the bed before you purchase, even before you enter into a sleep trial.
Low, F.-Z., Chua, M. C.-H., Lim, P.-Y., & Yeow, C.-H. (2017). Effects of Mattress Material on Body Pressure Profiles in Different Sleeping Postures. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 16(1), 1โ9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2016.09.002
Radwan, A., Fess, P., James, D., Murphy, J., Myers, J., Rooney, M., Taylor, J., & Torii, A. (2015). Effect of different mattress designs on promoting sleep quality, pain reduction, and spinal alignment in adults with or without back pain; systematic review of controlled trials. Sleep Health, 1(4), 257โ267. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleh.2015.08.001
Livvi has been writing and researching sleep-based content for over a year. This, alongside her penchant for napping and extreme tossing and turning, has made her something close to an โexpertโ in the realm of sleep science, sleep products, and sleep accessories. Sheโs been consulted for her knowledge of the sleep space by publications such as Authority Magazine, Bustle, and Livingetc.