Searching to buy a new mattress online? Buying a new mattress can be an overwhelming experience. But with so many different types, brands, and models to choose from, how to buy mattress online?
This practical guide arms you with insider advice to save money and effortlessly choose the ideal mattress - no showroom visits required. Avoid the headache of crowded stores and high-pressure sales tactics. The National Bed Federation reported that in 2020, 51% bought their bed online vs 49% in a retail store. And 95% of consumers are satisfied with their purchase.
It means more people have got tips to buy furniture online than to visit showrooms. Equipped yourself too!
We outline everything needed regarding comparison criteria, features and purchasing tips when browsing top brands on the web. Whether looking for a mattress for yourself or for your kid’s race car bed, this one is a must read!
Let’s make an informed decision on buying a mattress online with this comprehensive mattress buying guide, step-by-step.
What to Consider When Shopping for a Mattress
The first thing you need to do is figure out exactly what you want in a mattress. Here are the key factors to consider:
1. Mattress Type
There are five main types of mattresses to choose from:
- Innerspring - Contains steel coils of varying gauges and numbers. Known for bounce, support, affordability.
- Memory Foam Mattress - Dense polyurethane foam that conforms closely to the body. Provides pressure relief.
- Latex - Made from rubber tree sap foam or synthetic latex. Responsive, bouncy, cooling.
- Hybrid - Combines coils with comfort layers of foam, latex, gel, etc. It will give you a balanced feel.
- Adjustable Air Bed - Inflatable chambers that can change firmness on each side. Best feature? Customizable.
Consider your sleep position and preferences for firmness, contouring, bounce, coolness, and budget.
2. Mattress Size
Make sure to get the right mattress size for your bedroom and sleeping situation. The standard sizes are:
- Twin - 38” x 75” (best for single sleepers)
- Full - 54” x 74”
- Queen - 60” x 80” (most popular choice)
- King - 76” x 80”
- California King - 72” x 84” (longest mattress)
Measure your bedroom and existing mattress to help decide. Don’t forget to consider any partners or pets sharing the bed.
3. Height and Thickness
Mattresses range from 5” to 20” thick. Thinner models tend to be cheaper with less layers. Thicker ones incorporate more advanced comfort technologies and materials.
Standard mattress heights:
- Low Profile - Under 8” high
- Standard Profile - 9” to 12” high
- High Profile - 13” to 20” high
Make sure your sheets will fit in the size of your mattress. We strongly recommend measuring the height of your bed frame and headboard clearance too, before ordering.
4. Firmness Level
Mattress firmness is subjective, but generally falls into these categories:
- Soft - Best for side sleepers. Conforms closely to the contours of the body. Rates around 2-3 on the 1-10 firmness scale.
- Medium Soft - Appeals to a wide range of sleepers. Balances contouring comfort and support. Rates around 4 on the scale.
- Medium Firm - Suits back and stomach sleepers. Gives adequate pushback support. Rates around 6-7 on the scale.
- Firm - Prevents sagging of the spine for back and stomach sleepers. Rates around 7-9 on the scale.
- Extra Firm - You cannot sink into extra firm beds and they have virtually no conforming.
Test different firmness levels in person to determine your personal preference.
How to Choose Mattress Online
Buying a mattress online makes the process easier by delivering directly to your home like Berre Furniture Toronto. But how do you assess a mattress you can’t try out in person first?
Focus on the Return Policy
The most important thing is making sure there is a solid return policy of at least 60 nights. This gives you several months to evaluate if the mattress is right for you.
Read Customer Reviews
It is important to read customer reviews on the brand’s website and resale sites to identify any common issues experienced by actual owners.
Sturdy Specs Like Materials and Construction
Look for details on each layer and how they provide benefits:
- Memory foam density, thickness and placement impacts contouring and pressure relief
- Transition and support foam types affect responsiveness and durability
- Coil types (like pocket spring mattress), royal coil, gauges and placement tune firmness, bounce and edge support
- Cover fabrics (like phase change) regulate temperature
It is advisable to know about your body preferences and choose your mattress accordingly.
Chat With a Sales Representative
Despite buying online, most mattress brands like Berre Furniture have customer service you can talk to via phone, email or chat. Tell them your needs and preferences to find the best mattress match.
Ask specific questions about materials, firmness, trial period and more. Knowledgeable staff should have personalized recommendations.
Compare Policies on Shipping, Returns, Warranties
- Free shipping and returns should have no hidden fees
- Look for at least 10 years total mattress warranty protection
- White glove delivery options conveniently install the mattress and remove old one
The best policies of authentic brands give you confidence in your purchase. At Berre Furniture, we give you that confidence which makes you feel lucky after your purchase.
Buyer Checklist
Print this handy sleep firm mattress buying guide checklist to bring shopping, whether in-store or online, to compare models side-by-side. Check off each section as you evaluate.
Type | Determine if you want innerspring, memory foam, latex, hybrid or airbed |
Size | Choose Twin, Full, Queen, King or California King |
Thickness | Select low, standard or high profile height |
Firmness Level | Soft, medium or firm based on your sleep position |
Return Policy | 60-night (or more) trial period just in case |
Reviews | Read third-party/customers evaluations on factors like support and durability |
Materials | Review specs of each layer and quality materials used |
Customer Service | Chat with brand experts to find best mattress recommendation |
Policies | Check shipping, warranty and optional white glove delivery |
Following this clear criteria allows you to shop smarter and find the perfect mattress with confidence it will meet your needs and budget. Consult the checklist when browsing options to compare what matters most.
Let’s dive deeper into the key considerations when selecting a new mattress for you or your family.
Mattress Composition - What’s Inside Matters
Mattress technology has come a long way from basic innersprings. Today's beds incorporate innovative materials and precision engineering to enhance comfort and support.
Understanding mattress anatomy gives you the knowledge to compare models more meaningfully. Let's analyze the five main mattress components and latest technologies revolutionizing sleep.
1. Cover Layer
The mattress cover encases internal layers while providing a soft, breathable sleeping surface. Modern textile technologies deliver enhanced benefits:
Phase change covers thermal regulating ceramic microcapsules. This absorbs and stores excess heat, releasing warmth when needed to maintain skin comfort.
Copper-infused covers utilize the natural conductive properties of copper woven into polyester fabric. This draws heat away from the body for a cooler sleep surface. Antimicrobial copper also inhibits bacteria growth.
Removable covers with zippers allow easy cleaning to keep mattresses fresh. Look for machine washable materials.
2. Comfort Layers
Under the cover, comfort layers cradle areas like the shoulders, hips and lower back needing conformity. Materials like memory foam or latex contour closely while preventing sagging.
Gel foam has cooling gel beads or liquid added to viscoelastic polyurethane foam. This helps conduct away unwanted trapped body heat for better temperature regulation.
Zoned foam uses cut-out channels and targeted support pods to allow flexibility only where needed like under the shoulders. Its added firmness keeps the lumbar spine aligned.
Responsive latex provides bouncy contouring for easier movement. Natural Dunlop or Talalay latex breathes better than synthetic latex alternatives.
3. Transitional Layer
Transition foam prevents sleepers from sinking too deeply into the mattress once comfort layers compress. This maintains support.
Polyfoam acts as an affordable "mid layer" separating upper and lower components. Higher density foam lasts longer without excessive softening.
Latex is a popular transitional layer choice allowing easy movement for combination sleepers. Its zoned channels also boost support.
4. Support Layer
The support core bears the bulk of your body weight to keep the spine properly aligned. Our experts say innersprings and high-density foam prevent sagging.
Pocketed coils move independently to isolate motion transfer between sleep partners. Offset coil placement allows zoning tailored to different body areas.
Solid foam like high-density polyurethane or latex foam provides uniform support without potential squeaking noises from springs. The denser foams tend to last longer.
Hybrid designs combine both pocketed spring and foam support cores to get the benefits of responsiveness, contouring and improved edge support in one mattress.
5. Base Layer
A firm base foam stabilizes the above layers while preventing sliding or slipping within the mattress interior.
High-density polyfoam is durable enough for daily use as a foundation. Standing up to years of compression, it extends the mattress lifespan, which is a plus!
Edge support foam is added around the perimeter of the base layer for improved stability getting in and out of bed. This allows full use of the mattress surface.
As you evaluate different mattresses, look closely at specifications of materials used in the cover, comfort, transitional, support and base layers. This indicates quality and specific benefits you can expect.
Common Questions About Mattresses
Wondering how often to replace your mattress? This FAQ has answers to the questions consumers typically ask from our online sales representative.
How Long Does a Mattress Last?
With average use, most quality mattresses last 7-10 years before needing replacement. Regularly rotating your mattress helps prevent uneven wear and extends usable life.
Signs it’s time for a new bed include visible sagging, waking up sore or investing in frequent mattress toppers to mask discomfort.
Which Is Better: Memory Foam Mattress, Latex or Innerspring Mattress?
There’s no universally best mattress type. Choose based on your sleep position, firmness preference and priority features like pressure relief, bounce, coolness or budget.
Memory foam best isolates motion transfer between partners and provides close contouring around pressure points. Latex sleeps cooler and is very responsive. Innersprings have unmatched airiness for non-conforming support.
Should I Flip or Rotate My Mattress?
No flipping needed, unless indicated. Most modern mattresses contain comfort layers intended to stay on top for optimal performance. Flip capable double-sided models are rare.
Do still rotate your mattress head-to-foot every 3-6 months to help it wear evenly. This easy practice extends mattress lifespan.
Ready to Choose Your New Mattress?
With this definitive guide’s advice for comparisons on types, layers, specs, features plus expert tips for buying mattresses online, you have everything needed to shop smart.
It’s a big investment that impacts your daily comfort and health. Take time making your decision on how to choose mattress. Determine must-have priorities and nice-to-have features before falling for fancy marketing claims or being overwhelmed by choices.
Remember, there is no “best” mattress overall. But there is a best mattress specifically for YOU based on your sleep style, body type plus preferences for firmness, pressure relief, responsiveness and other needs.
Now you can feel fully confident on how to buy mattress online tailored to your personal criteria for restful sleep and waking up pain-free for years to come. Sweet dreams!