It isn’t easy to think of items we haven’t purchased on Amazon. Outdoor patio furniture? Yes. A pair of jeans? Absolutely. Now, shopping for mattresses online is all the rage.
Casper, Nectar, Purple — Amazon has it!
Because there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing the Prime truck mosey its way to your front door (#serotoninboost), we did a deep dive into the expert-backed strategies for ordering a mattress online — in part, by turning to a handful of sleep experts themselves.
“A good mattress will keep your spine aligned while you sleep,” Shelby Harris, PsyD, licensed clinical psychologist and director of sleep health at Sleepopolis, told the New York Post.
“Your sleep position, body type and personal preferences for feel and materials will all play a role in determining which mattress is best suited for your needs.”
Below, you’ll want to peruse our in-depth FAQ section, where we help answer the questions you stay up at night thinking about (probably on your meh mattress, which is why you’re reading this), like what to look for, depending on your usual sleep position and much, much more.
Below, Dr. Harris hand-picked the best Amazon mattresses you can snag right now (we’ve added some of our favorites too). Read on to see what she and our other experts say about what to look for online, how to clean your mattress, and even tips for sleepers in terms of sleeping position.
The Studio by Leesa Mattress uses a combination of memory foam and poly foam to give this mattress great support and pressure relief.
“This mattress also has great motion isolation, so it’s a good option for anyone who sleeps with a partner or a pet,” Harris notes.
Mattress Type: Memory foam | Firmness level: 5-7, relaxed firm | Amazon rating: 4.4 Mattress Size: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
The Purple Mattress has excellent temperature regulation and airflow, making it a good option for hot sleepers.
“The top layer of GelFlex Grid can help reduce pain and relieve pressure, so this is also a good choice for sleepers looking for a mattress to help with pain relief- or combination sleepers who change positions throughout the night,” Harris explains.
Mattress Type: Memory foam | Firmness level: Medium-Firm | Amazon rating: 4.5 | Mattress Size: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
“The Tuft & Needle Mattress is an all-foam medium-feel mattress that is very supportive, cooling and great for back sleepers who need to maintain healthy spine alignment throughout the night,” Harris highlights.
This mattress also comes at an affordable price point.
Mattress Type: Memory foam | Firmness level: medium firm | Amazon rating: 4.4 | Mattress Size: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
According to Harris, this mattress is best for side sleepers or anyone who enjoys a softer memory foam mattress.
“It uses six inches of memory foam on the top layer that decreases motion transfer, promotes spinal alignment and provides good edge support,” she adds.
Mattress Type: Memory foam | Firmness level: Medium-Firm | Amazon rating: 4.3 | Mattress Size: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Per Harris, this mattress has a medium-firm feel and is a good option for combination or hot sleepers.
“It uses coils and memory foam to provide pressure relief and support,” she says. “The memory foam is also charcoal-infused, which helps keep you cool while sleeping.”
Mattress Type: Hybrid | Firmness level: Medium | Amazon rating: 4.4 | Mattress Size: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King | Available in 10″ and 12″
“This is an all-foam mattress but has great cooling properties, such as gel infusion in the top layer of memory foam,” Harris shares.
It’s also a great option for those on a budget or shopping for a mattress to put in a guest room.
Mattress Type: Hybrid | Firmness level: Medium | Amazon rating: 4.2 | Mattress Size: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
“This mattress features a three-inch top layer of memory foam that is supportive enough for side sleepers or anyone who enjoys sinking into their mattress,” Harris shares.
It also comes at a lower price point compared to similar memory foam mattresses.
Mattress Type: Memory foam | Firmness level: Firm | Amazon rating: 4.5 | Mattress Size: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Although this mattress is all memory foam, it is infused with cooling gel, so you shouldn’t overheat during the night.
“It’s a good option if you’re looking for something that contours to your body and provides pressure relief,” Harris notes.
Mattress Type: Memory foam | Firmness level: Plush/Soft | Amazon rating: 4.5 | Mattress Size: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
According to Harris: “This bed is super soft and has great support for the hips and shoulders.” For this reason, it’s ideal for side sleepers.
Mattress Type: Memory foam | Firmness level: Firm | Amazon rating: 4.5 | Mattress Size: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
The Casper Original Mattress is made entirely of foam and has a middle layer that stays soft for certain sections of the body and firm for others.
“It also has great pressure relief and support, so it’s a good option for back sleepers or those who have back pain,” Harris notes.
Mattress Type: Memory foam | Firmness level: Medium-Firm | Amazon rating: 4.4 | Mattress Size: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
If you like things firm, but not too firm, you may like this mattress as much as the thousands of customers who’ve purchased it on Amazon. Its memory foam is infused with charcoal to keep odors and bacteria at bay, while the quilted cover is removable for washing. It’s available in a variety of sizes, includes a fire-retardant layer, and is compatible with the majority of base frames.
Mattress Type: Memory foam | Firmness level: Medium-Firm | Amazon rating: 4.3 | Mattress Size: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King | Available in sizes 6 inches to 12 inches
If you’re searching a firm mattress for back support but truly prefer something softer, the Coolvie Hybrid may be for you. It has seven layers of cushioning support, including one that’s pressure relieving and another for airflow. While some customers complain that it’s too soft, others think it’s dreamy and maybe you’ll be one of them. Compatible with a variety of frames, including flat platform or adjustable bed.
Mattress Type: Memory foam | Firmness level: Medium-Firm | Amazon rating: 4.3 | Mattress Size: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King | Available in sizes 8- 12 inches
More than 21,000 customers on Amazon give the Novilla Mattress a five star rating. They praise it for its easy set up, breathability, and firmness level. Featuring four layers of comfort, the top layer has 2 inches of cooling gel — ideal for those who run hot at night time. Layer two and three offer extra ventilation. Again, great if you need to beat the heat. The final layer is 3 inches of supportive high density foam to cushion the spine. While some customers with joint issues aren’t impressed by it, for those simply seeking a solid night sleep, it’s a knock out of the park. Or should we say bedroom?
Mattress Type: Memory foam | Firmness level: Medium | Amazon rating: 4.4 | Mattress Size: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King | Available in sizes 10 inches and 12 inches
For an affordable option that is planet-approved, try the Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress. Its CertiPUR-certified foams are free of formaldehyde and other problematic stuff, while its green tea and charcoal infused layer keeps moisture away — and the bacteria that follow it. Thousands — and we mean thousands — of Amazon shoppers love it!
Mattress Type: Memory foam | Firmness level: Plush/Soft | Amazon rating: 4.4 | Mattress Size: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King | Available in sizes 5-12 inches
Are you one of those people who don’t remember your dreams? Maybe this mattress from DreamCloud will change that. It offers seven supportive layers (two of them gel-based) to support the back and neck. Its firmness level is a 6.5, making it not too hard, not too soft — yes, we just made a Boys II Men reference. What we like best is that it’s available in a variety of styles, including classic memory and premiere rest hybrid. Compared to some of our expert and staff picks, it doesn’t have an abundance of reviews and ratings. However, the price point is solid, and the reviews that are there are mostly positive.
Mattress Type: Memory foam | Firmness level: Medium | Amazon rating: 4.3 | Mattress Size: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King | Available in sizes 12- 16 inches
Ahead, our team of sleep experts answers some of the most frequently asked questions about ordering a mattress on Amazon online, along with what to know depending on specific sleep preferences.
“A good mattress should balance support and comfort, meaning that it keeps your spine in alignment while also preventing any pressure points,” David Rubin, director of product testing at TheSleepDoctor.com, told The Post.
According to Harris, your sleep position, body type, and personal preferences for feel and materials will all play a role in determining which mattress is best suited for your needs. “You also want to consider cost, convenience, durability, whether or not you sleep with a partner and any sleep issues you may regularly face — hot sleepers, back pain, etc. — and shop for mattresses designed as remedies for these specific needs.”
A significant aspect to consider: if you’re frequently changing positions, there is a good chance your sleep is fragmented, leading you to lose out on the deeper stages of sleep. This makes you more likely to wake up tired, even if you thought you got 8 hours of sleep.
“When you’re trying out the mattress, you should be able to lie in one position without moving around for at least a few minutes,” Alanna McGinn, CEO and certified sleep expert at Good Night Sleep Site, told The Post. “If you can do that, you’ve found a good mattress.”
“The mattress is truly the foundation of our good night sleep. Our bed is where we spend (or should spend) one third of our lives, so make sure to take time to find the right mattress that suits you personally. There is no one size fits all when it comes to mattresses. What is important is that the mattress supports you in your desired sleeping position and is appropriate for your personal preference for plush or firm.”
Rebecca Robbins, PhD, instructor of sleep medicine at Harvard Medical School, shared with The Post
Ahead, our sleep experts list and explain the different types of mattresses you can order online:
According to Rubin, back sleepers “generally need a medium firm mattress with solid support.” This can come from any material, though a hybrid — he shares — is most likely to provide the right balance of support and cushioning with the slimmest margin for error.
“If a mattress is too firm, back sleepers could experience back or shoulder pain due to unnecessary tension throughout the night,” Harris adds. “If the mattress is too soft, the spine can’t align correctly and can also cause pain in the morning.”
“It’s important to keep your body aligned when sleeping on your side,” McGinn advises. “You want to take the pressure off your hips and shoulders and will be looking for plush and ultra plush mattress options like a memory foam or pillow top mattress.”
That said, side sleepers should avoid a mattress that’s too soft, according to Ruth, as that can cause the spine to curve and fall out of alignment. (Related: Best pillows for every sleeper)
Stomach sleepers will most likely find a firm or ultra-firm mattress the most comfortable. “A firm mattress will help align the hips with the shoulders while on their stomach,” Harris notes. “A soft mattress may cause the hips to sink out of alignment with the rest of the spine, which can be uncomfortable and lead to pain in the morning.”
Looking for a highly supportive mattress between a seven and nine on the firmness scale is ideal. “Stomach sleepers will likely do best on an innerspring or hybrid mattress,” she adds.
“A memory foam mattress can be a great choice for cold sleepers as they lock in the heat,” McGinn shares. Harris adds that these may look like breathable innerspring mattresses, and you’ll want to steer clear of any mattress that boasts added cooling materials.
Interestingly, bedding plays a significant role, according to Rubin. “Flannel sheets, thick blankets and comforters and even weighted blankets can make any mattress feel warmer.” (Related: Best duvet covers)
Innerspring mattresses promote airflow, helping circulate body heat and increase breathability. Latex mattresses are also naturally cooling and won’t trap your body heat, keeping you cool while you sleep. “There are a lot of mattresses that have cooling materials as well, such as copper-infused foams or Phase Change Material,” Harris adds.
“This is where you may want to choose an innerspring coil mattress that provides better airflow and a cooler sleep,” says McGinn.
Like any product, It’s important to do your research. But, with mattresses, pay close attention to the construction, foam density (generally, the denser, the better) and any unique technology the mattress may include (Phase Change Material, moisture-wicking properties, etc.), according to Harris.
“Check if the brand offers a trial period in case you need to return your mattress if it doesn’t work for you or arrives defective,” she points out. “Keep in mind that every brand is different, and you should always read the fine print regarding warranties and returns before you purchase a new mattress.”
According to Rubin, it takes your body 21 to 30 days for your circadian rhythm to adjust and get used to a new mattress, so make sure your mattress trial period is at least 60 days.
Especially with online mattress shopping growing in popularity, McGinn notes, shuffling through online store reviews can give you the best information you need to make sure that you are choosing the best mattress for your specific sleep needs.
If your mattress starts to sag or has noticeable impressions, it’s probably time to replace it, according to Rubin.
“In general, a mattress should last about six to nine years, depending on the material,” he adds. Memory foam will have the shortest lifespan, too.
“Outside of this time frame, if your mattress is uncomfortable, negatively affecting your sleep or is noticeably saggy or damaged in certain areas, it may be time to shop for a replacement,” McGinn recommends.
Ahead, our team of sleep experts provides some helpful tips for cleaning and ensuring your mattress is in the best shape possible — even after your first sleep:
According to Harris, baking soda is a natural deodorizer that makes it perfect for cleaning a mattress. “It’s also relatively mild, which means you can use it on fabrics safely without fear of damage. Combining baking soda with vinegar is a well-known cleaning tip for shifting difficult or set stains.”
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