Honorable mentions
There are a few mattresses we tested that aren't outstanding but are quite good and worth mentioning, in case you're thinking about them.
Quail nests for $1,039: When it comes to all-foam mattresses from classic bedding brands, I like Casper above but Quail by Nest is a great choice if you want an all-foam bed that's a bit firmer and you're willing to heart. pay a little more. My biggest problem with the Nest is that despite its claimed cooling system—foam infused with minerals and designed with an airflow layer—I still found it a bit hot to sleep on it during my week of testing.
Helix Sunset Elite for $2,999: Our top pick, Helix, is also available Elite collection includes seven mattresses along a softness range. At 16 inches tall, it's the “tallest mattress on the Internet” and ships in two separate boxes, each heavy enough to meet maximum FedEx requirements. Firmness is determined by the foam density of the upper layer, which compresses into the larger support system. This makes the mattress adjustable if you regret ordering one. The bottom part has two separate microcoil layers. I spent a month sleeping on the Elite line's softest model, dubbed the Sunset, and appreciated the profound cuddling effect. Helix offers a 100-day trial period on all of its mattresses.
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Wayfair Sleep 14-inch Luxury Cooling Gel Hybrid Mattress for $405: This luxurious mattress has a cooling gel top layer that conforms to your body for comfort and features classic pocketed coils underneath for structure and support, with layers of memory foam that Varying thicknesses surround the coils for added support (the coils and memory foam blend help with low-motion motion). Knit overlays on the top and sides provide breathability and an overall cooling effect. The mattress is also compatible with Adjustable bed legshas solid edge support, is CertifiedPUR-US And Oeko-Tex certified (ensuring there are no toxic substances in your mattress) and comes with a 10-year warranty. This bed is extremely comfortable if you prefer a more luxurious mattress.
Mattresses should be avoided
There are some models you should avoid. Many of these beds are extremely affordable and if you're not picky, you might be fine. In other cases, the mattress is quite good but the price is not.
- the Magniflex Magnistretch 12 is made in Italy and advertises itself as having the effect of lengthening the spine. It was endorsed by retired Italian soccer player Giorgio Chiellini and current professional basketball player Stefano Tonut, who plays for the Italian equivalent of the Boston Celtics. Well, Magniflex certainly does something to the spine, although I find that very unwelcome. (It's worth noting that I To be Are not the same Martin Cizmar, who played professional soccer in Slovakia.) I lasted only two nights on the Magnistretch before crying, uncle, and limping to my next mattress tester. The feeling the next morning was as if I had slept in a hammock made of chain-link fence, and my lower back felt weak and creaky – it was most likely stretched, and if So it turns out I don't like having my back strained.
- the Number of sleeps Climate360 Smart Bed (5/10, WIRED Rating) can be temperature controlled, which is great. The adjustable kickstand makes it comfortable to watch TV, read or sleep. Unfortunately, the price tag has too many digits, and sleep experts recommend avoiding electronics before bed—advice that the Sleep IQ app challenges. Did we mention it costs about the same as a used Buick and weighs just as much?
- the Amazon Basic Mattress made with cheap foam, not dense enough, causing too much sinking.
- the Eco Comfort Umbrella Mattress it just doesn't meet its lavish price tag. The model we tested didn't have enough proper padding above its coils.
How firm or soft should your mattress be?
The biggest decision in every mattress purchase is how firm to get. In general, heavier people and those who sleep on their back or stomach will sleep better with firmer mattresses, while lighter people and side sleepers will prefer softer mattresses. Temperature also matters: A softer mattress will help you sleep warmer because your body is submerged in a layer of fabric and foam. Remember that all mattresses have a break-in period, and the way your mattress feels on your first night won't be the same after a week or two. Also consider that if you buy a firmer mattress and want to make it softer, a mattress topper is a great option—We have a complete guide to the best—but making a mattress firmer is much more difficult.
Do you want a hybrid or foam mattress?
Traditional mattresses are mainly made of springs with layers of foam and thin fabric. On the other hand, bed-in-a-box mattresses are foam or hybrid types that create foam layers with built-in springs. We tend to recommend hybrids because they're more stable and supportive, and they're often cooler because the springs leave room for airflow. Hybrid cars are usually a bit more expensive. Foam mattresses tend to be softer, lighter, and cheaper.
What size mattress do you need?
Prices in our guide are based on Queen size, which is the most popular size in the US. But everything we include comes in a variety of standard sizes, usually standard twin, XL twin, full, queen, king, and California king. You will want to purchase a mattress-based mattress the size of your bed frame.
How easy is it to set up a bed in a box?
Take it from someone who has dealt with dozens of problems over the past year: Mattresses delivered in boxes delivered by FedEx are relatively easy to deal with. Most of these mattresses are shipped vacuum-sealed and rolled up. Some are quite heavy—up to 150 pounds—and if you're ordering one of these, make sure someone is there to help you. After you spread out the mattress in the box and open the vacuum bag, it will immediately inflate, so open the box on your bed frame or near it. We have a helpful guide on how to arrange the mattress you buy online with more tips. Mattresses are usually ready to use after a few hours, but most manufacturers recommend giving the mattress two days to reach its normal state.
Should you wait for a sale to buy a mattress?
Mattresses are frequently on sale—Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Veterans Day have all somehow become mattress sales holidays. Additionally, online mattresses are often advertised as having year-round discounts. It's very likely that you can save hundreds of dollars by waiting for the next big sale event. WIRED covers all of these sales and carefully tracks mattress prices throughout the year so we can inform you of the best real deals rather than “sales” that don't vary much from price. regular offering.
Are online mattresses safe?
What if you don't like the mattress you bought online?
Most mattresses we've tested and recommended come with at least a 100-night test and a 10-year warranty. Before purchasing, be sure to check the company's policies as you may be charged a nominal return fee. Set yourself a reminder a few days before the return deadline to make a final visit.