The 10 Best Online Mattresses of 2024 | Expert Reviewed and Tested

Apr 16, 2024
Fact Checked
We researched and tested different online mattress brands and models to bring you the top 10.
Written by: Nicole Hernandez, DPT
Medically Reviewed by: Chester Wu, MD

Online mattress shopping can feel overwhelming. With so many choices online, it’s hard to know which option is right for you. After spending thousands of hours researching beds, we found the price and associated services (specifically, trial period and white-glove delivery options) to be among the most important considerations for older adults shopping online.

According to our focus group of eight recent mattress purchasers older than age 65, six reported trial period as being the top consideration when shopping. “I knew I didn’t mind spending the money on a new mattress because I could still return it if I didn’t like it, sometimes up to a year,” said one of the participants. While it adds peace of mind to try the mattress yourself in the store, focus group participants acknowledge how difficult it is to determine if it works for you until it’s in your home—no matter what an in-person salesperson may say.

In this review, we tested, researched, and chose the top ten online mattresses. We considered comfort first, but ultimately, every person has different preferences and will not know what’s right until you sleep on it. This is why the mattresses we chose to review have fair trial periods (find the terms linked under each product). Many also have added services like white-glove delivery or an easy exchange program to help prove their dedication to you, the customer. 

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Sean Ormond, a pain management physician from Atlas Pain Specialists, advises anyone with new or changing medical conditions to consult their doctor before purchasing a mattress. “They can help you identify any underlying medical issues that may be affecting your sleep and recommend strategies for improving your sleep quality.”

Best Online Mattress Overall

The Helix Midnight is the best online mattress for older adults because it offers a good balance of pressure relief, support, bounce, and motion isolation for comfortable sleep and easy mobility at a relatively low price. Helix also offers more individualized options based on your sleep preferences if you take the Helix online mattress quiz.

Best Online Mattress Overall
9.3
Excellent
Helix Midnight
Great pressure relief
100-night trial period
Accommodates a wide range of sleep preferences

Best online mattresses in 2024

Compare the best online mattresses as of April 2024

Provider Firmness Mattress type White-glove delivery option* Visit Site
Firm Hybrid No Check price
Soft Foam Yes Check price
Plush soft, luxury firm, firm Innerspring Yes Check price
Firm Hybrid No Check price
Softer, luxury firm, firmer, plus Hybrid No Check price
Soft, medium, firm Hybrid Yes Check price
Plush, luxury firm, firm Hybrid Yes* Check price
Firm Hybrid No Check price
Soft, medium, firm Hybrid No Check price
Soft, medium, firm Hybrid No Check price

**Free shipping and installation of new mattress, free removal of old mattress

*Only through the third-party partner, LoadUp

Best online mattresses of 2024, reviewed by experts

Helix Midnight: Best Online Mattress Overall

Helix Midnight

Best Online Mattress Overall
Fairly priced with frequent sales that lower the cost to less than $1,000 for a queen-size mattress
Medium-firm feel with great pressure relief and good support in most positions
Highly rated edge support and good bounce for easy bed mobility
Options to upgrade the knit cover to a cooling cover ($200 extra) or a pillow top ($400 extra)
Discount: 20% off sitewide, plus two free pillows
Key features
  • Material: Hybrid
  • Firmness: Firm
  • Trial period: 100 nights
  • Shipping: Free shipping
  • Warranty: 10 years
  • Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, short queen, king, California king, RV king
  • Mattress height: 11.5 inches
Pros and cons of the Helix Midnight mattress
Pros Relatively fair price Easy bed mobility Great pressure relief 100-night trial period Cons 10-year warranty is shorter than other brands No white-glove delivery
Our expert take

The Helix Midnight is a hybrid Hybrid mattresses combine the features of both innerspring and foam mattresses, with springs surrounded by a thick comfort layer of foam or latex. mattress featuring four layers of foam for pressure relief and individually wrapped coils to decrease motion transfer from a sleeping partner. Because of its medium-firm feel, it accommodates most body shapes and sleep positions. The only exception is a lighter-weight side sleeper who may appreciate a softer mattress to divert pressure from their shoulder and hip joints.

Although Helix rates this mattress’s firmness Brands rate firmness on a scale from one to 10. One is the softest, and 10 is the firmest. It’s generally accepted that 6.5 is considered medium on this scale. as medium-soft, our testers thought it felt more on the firmer side. Even though it contours the body well, its coil layer provides resistance and bounces back into shape when repositioning. Good responsiveness means you won’t feel stuck in bed while moving around or getting up in the morning, so if you like a mobility boost, this is a good bed for you.

But what makes this the best online mattress company is its personalized quiz. Although the Reviews Team likes the Midnight model for most people, Helix may have a different suggestion depending on your height, weight, and sleep habits.

Helix also offers a 100-night trial period, which is shorter than most, but it should be a sufficient amount of time to determine if it’s right for you. Our eight focus group participants reported that they knew whether they liked their mattress within the first two months (or roughly 60 days) of ownership.

You can choose to return your mattress after a 30-day adjustment period for a full refund. You can also exchange your mattress for a different model up to three times, although your third purchase will be final.

The 10-year warranty is also shorter compared to some other brands, but most mattresses only last between seven to 15 years, depending on wear and tear, which isn’t typically covered by a warranty plan.

Additional information

We chose the Helix Midnight as the best online mattress because it’s affordable with a good balance of pressure relief, surface support, responsiveness, and edge support. Helix also acknowledges that every sleeper is different, so they created an online quiz for a personalized recommendation based on your preferences.

Woman sitting at edge of white and navy colored Helix Midnight mattress
The edge of the Helix Midnight firmly supported and stabilized our tester.

Our recommendation

Who will love it

  • Average-weight (130–250 pounds) and higher-weight (more than 250 pounds) people in any sleep position
  • People who need a responsive bed with good edge support for easy mobility
  • Partners with different sleep preferences looking for a middle-ground with decent motion isolation

Who should avoid it

  • Shoppers who need white-glove delivery to deliver the mattress straight to the bedroom
  • Lighter-weight (below 130 pounds) side sleepers who prefer a softer mattress for added pressure relief at the shoulders and hips

Customer service

You can reach Helix customer service by:

  • Phone: 831-777-5976, available Monday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET
  • Text: Text the word HELIX to 67069 and a representative will reply, available Monday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET
  • Email: help@helixsleep.com
  • Website: Submit a contact form
  • Chat: Live chat via the bottom right corner of the website, available seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET

Payment options

Credit card payment options include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Other options include Shop Pay, Amazon Pay, PayPal, and Google Pay. Helix also offers financing through Affirm and Katapult.

The company currently offers 30% off for military members, first responders, teachers, and college students. The discount code can’t be combined with other promotional codes.

Our top pick

Nectar Premier: Best Soft Online Mattress

Nectar Premier

Best Soft Online Mattress
All-foam soft mattress with excellent pressure relief for back and side sleepers
Top-rated for motion isolation, which limits motion transfer from one side of the bed to the other
Surprisingly good cooling capabilities for a soft foam mattress
Discount: Up to 40% off mattresses
Key features
  • Material: Foam
  • Firmness: Soft
  • Trial period: 365 nights
  • Shipping: white-glove delivery available
  • Warranty: Lifetime
  • Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
  • Mattress height: 13 inches
Pros and cons of the Nectar Premier mattress
Pros Great pressure relief Excellent motion isolation Good cooling properties Lifetime warranty One-year trial period Cons White-glove delivery costs $199
Our expert take

The Nectar Premier is our top choice if you’re looking for a soft, cloud-like mattress. During our testing, our team found that this mattress offers great pressure relief, so you feel hugged by the surface. It retains some support to reinforce your lumbar spine’s natural position without uncomfortable sagging, but our testers noted that higher-weight people (more than 250 pounds) may disagree.

Similar to most soft memory foam mattresses, the Nectar Premier has a moderate amount of sinkage. You will lie “in” the mattress rather than “on” it, which commonly leads to heat-trapping in all-foam mattresses, but Nectar incorporates phase change material A material that stores or releases heat to maintain a constant temperature. to keep the surface cool.

Although some people love the sinking feeling of a soft foam mattress, it makes bed mobility more difficult compared to bouncy coil or hybrid mattresses. Our Reviews Team also thought the edge support for Nectar Premier was average, which isn’t a bad rating but may not be protective of falls off the bed. Unless you pair this mattress with the Nectar adjustable bed base, people with mobility issues should choose a firmer mattress with better edge support, like the Saatva Classic.

Nectar also deserved a spot in our review because it’s one of the few brands that pairs with a long one-year trial period and a limited lifetime warranty. In-home delivery and setup (known as white-glove delivery) are also available for $199, but you’ll need to contact customer service to add it to your cart during checkout.

Additional information

The Nectar Premier is the “Best Soft Mattress” because of its contouring all-foam composition, which relieves pressure from joints and prevents motion from transferring across the mattress. Unlike other soft mattresses, this one maintains an average amount of support to reinforce the spine in a neutral position and prevent uncomfortable sagging throughout the night. Plus, the brand offers a one-year trial period to see how it performs over time.

Weighted ball sinking into a Nectar mattress
The Nectar Mattress is soft but supportive, cradling any weight that’s applied.

Our recommendation

Who will love it

  • Lower- to average-weight people who sleep in any position
  • Strict back and side sleepers who want pressure diverted away from the hips and shoulders
  • People who want to pair a mattress with an adjustable base

Who should avoid it

  • Higher-weight people who need a firmer and more supportive mattress for comfort
  • People with mobility issues or who are at risk for falling and need a responsive mattress with strong edge support
  • Stomach sleepers who need a firmer surface to avoid their hips from sagging into the mattress and swaying the lower back, which can feel uncomfortable

Customer service

You can reach Nectar customer service by:

  • Phone: 888-863-2827, available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT
  • Email: support@nectarsleep.com
  • Chat: Live chat available on the Nectar website seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT

Payment options

Payment options for Nectar include American Express, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, PayPal, and Amazon Pay. Nectar also offers financing through Affirm and Splitit and offers a lease-to-own option through Acima.

A 5% discount is available to military members, first responders, and health care professionals, but take note: this discount can’t be combined with other offers.

Saatva Classic: Best Online Mattress for Back Pain

Saatva Classic

Best Online Mattress for Back Pain
Designed with extra support across the center to reinforce the lower back
Impressive edge support prevents people from rolling off the side while repositioning or getting out of bed
Bed mobility feels easier on its bouncy and responsive surface
Discount: Save up to $350
Key features
  • Material: Innerspring
  • Firmness: Plush soft, luxury firm, firm
  • Trial period: 365 nights
  • Shipping: Free shipping and white-glove delivery
  • Warranty: Lifetime
  • Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king, California split king
  • Mattress height: 11.5 or 14.5 inches
Pros and cons of the Saatva Classic mattress
Pros Excellent lumbar support Protective edge support Multiple firmness levels Free white-glove delivery Lifetime warranty One-year trial period Cons Poor motion isolation due to bouncy coils
Our expert take

Lower back pain is experienced differently by each person, and no two conditions are the same. Consult your doctor or a physical therapist before purchasing a mattress to address back pain. They may have a tailored suggestion based on your symptoms or advise other solutions that better align with your treatment plan.

According to our survey of 600 recent mattress customers, 59% wished to alleviate lower back pain with their new mattress, and 40% of customers with lower back pain reported white-glove delivery was very or extremely important. [2] NCOA Adviser Mattress Survey. 600 respondents. Conducted using Pollfish. Launched January 2024. Testers agree that Saatva is the best-equipped brand for customers with lower back pain because of its array of supportive yet comfortable mattresses and free white-glove delivery. And if you’re unsure, take advantage of Saatva’s one-year trial period to try it out at home.

Our Reviews Team tested the luxury firm Saatva Classic mattress and was impressed by its ability to support the lower back while relieving pressure away from prominent areas, like the hips and shoulders. Saatva rates the luxury firm at five to seven on the firmness scale, which should feel about medium-firm—though we think it’s slightly on the firmer end.

Side sleepers with broad shoulders or wide hips may benefit from the plush soft version of this mattress for its added pressure relief. But we appreciate that this mattress incorporates targeted support at the center of the mattress to reinforce the spine in a neutral position—a design backed by research to decrease pain and increase comfort, particularly for side sleepers. [1] Bolton, Roman. Effects of Mattress Support on Sleeping Position and Low-Back Pain. Sleep Science and Practice. May 10, 2022

The Saatva Classic also deserves a spot in this review because of its responsive innerspring design, which makes repositioning and bed mobility easy. It received a high functional support subscore during our testing, which combined our firmness, support, bounce, and edge support This refers to the bed’s stability along the edges. ratings as an objective way to determine how well this mattress supports mobility.

Softer mattresses tend to be too forgiving and require more effort to roll over, push yourself up to sitting, and stand up from the edge of the bed. Firmer, bouncier surfaces provide more momentum, potentially reducing stiff and painful movement in the morning.

Testers felt like this mattress offered protective edge support, pushing them back toward the center when they got too close to either end. They felt very safe repositioning along the edge of this mattress, so people with painful and slow mobility (and caregivers) may appreciate this design for peace of mind.

From our focus group

During our focus group of mattress owners older than 65, two participants mentioned purchasing the Saatva Zenhaven Latex Mattress for its forgiving yet bouncy feel. If you prefer a softer mattress with excellent pressure relief, you may want to consider it, although it costs about $1,000 more than the Saatva Classic. One participant said they exchanged their Classic for the Zenhaven through online customer support without any issues.

Consider more options in our Best Mattresses for Back Pain guide.

Additional information

The Saatva Classic is the best online mattress for back pain because of its built-in lumbar support to reinforce the lower back’s natural position, and the bouncy surface that makes movements easier—and maybe less painful. Saatva is one of the few online mattress companies offering free white-glove delivery, so you don’t have to lift a heavy mattress or install it yourself. The company also offers a full one-year trial period, which is plenty of time to decide if it’s right for you.

Woman lying on her side at the edge of a Saatva Classic mattress
Our testers felt well supported when lying at the edge of the Saatva Classic.

Our recommendation

Who will love it

  • People with lower back pain who benefit from extra support in the lumbar area
  • Those who need help carrying the mattress into the bedroom and setting it up on the bed frame
  • Any type of sleeper—choose plush soft, luxury firm, or firm comfort levels to accommodate your preferences

Who should avoid it

  • Light sleepers who are easily disturbed by their partner’s movements
  • Shorter people may find that the lumbar support at the center of the mattress actually sits under their hips, which can be uncomfortable

Customer service

You can contact Saatva customer service by:

  • Phone: 877-672-2882, available 24/7
  • Email: info@saatva.com
  • Chat: Live chat available 24/7 via the bottom right corner of the Saatva website
  • Call or visit a viewing room

Payment options

Payment options include Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, Google Pay, and PayPal. Saatva also offers financing options through Affirm.

Saatva offers additional discounts to military members, first responders, health care professionals, teachers, college students, and seniors age 65 and older.

Emma Hybrid Comfort: Best Affordable Online Mattress

Emma Hybrid Comfort

Best Affordable Online Mattress
More affordable than most online mattresses
Good cooling
Stomach sleepers will feel the most pressure relief
Didn’t seem to support our testers as well as other mattresses despite a hybrid design and zoned support system
Discount: Up to 55% off
Key features
  • Material: Hybrid
  • Firmness: Firm
  • Trial period: 365 nights
  • Shipping: Free shipping
  • Warranty: 10 years
  • Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
  • Mattress height: 13 inches
Pros and cons of the Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress
Pros One-year trial period Good pressure relief for stomach sleepers Good motion isolation Cons Might not outlast the 10-year warranty No white-glove delivery Not as supportive as other mattresses
Our expert take

Price is one of the top considerations when looking for a mattress. According to our survey of 600 recent mattress customers, more than 48% budgeted for a mattress less than $1,000. [2] NCOA Adviser Mattress Survey. 600 respondents. Conducted using Pollfish. Launched January 2024. When the company runs a 50% off sale, the Emma Hybrid Comfort comes in under this budget in all six sizes—including the California king.

As a hybrid mattress, the Emma contains foam and coils to give a mix of comfort and support. The coils are individually wrapped in fabric and stitched together, which helps to reduce motion transfer. It performed about average in our motion isolation tests and demonstrated a higher degree of bounce than most other mattresses. Testers said moving around on the Emma Hybrid Comfort was easy, so they could change positions without feeling stuck.

Although the company advertises the Emma Hybrid Comfort as a medium-firm mattress (6 out of 10), our Reviews Team rated it extra-firm (7.5 out of 10). The mattress also has zoned support, meaning different areas of the body lie on firmer or softer materials. In theory, this should mean the body touches the mattress with even pressure, with no gaps at the lower back. This feature didn’t meet our expectations during testing, but higher-weight sleepers may have a better experience than our average-weight tester.

In some ways, you get what you pay for with the affordable Emma Hybrid Comfort. Testers noted that you can hear a plastic crunching sound when pressing down on the mattress. They also said the cover material looks thin with poor stitching, which could make it wear down faster than other mattress options. Consider buying a mattress cover to protect it.

Your purchase is backed by a one-year trial period and a 10-year warranty.

Additional information

Although the final price depends on the company’s current sale prices, the Emma Hybrid Comfort is often the most affordable mattress in this review. A queen size retails for $1,319, but the company runs sales that can lower the price to less than $700. Despite its low cost, this mattress has a one-year trial and free shipping.

Woman sitting on the edge of an Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress
The edge of the Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress sank considerably when our tester sat on it. Some people may prefer a more stable edge.

Our recommendation

Who will love it

  • Back, stomach, and combination sleepers of any weight
  • Higher-weight (more than 250 pounds) side sleepers
  • People who need a firm, responsive bed that facilitates easy movement
  • Partners with different sleep preferences looking for a middle-ground with decent motion isolation

Who should avoid it

  • Shoppers who need white-glove delivery to carry the mattress into the bedroom
  • People who need excellent edge support for sleeping near the edge or safely getting in and out of bed
  • Lighter-weight (less than 130 pounds) side sleepers who prefer a softer mattress for added pressure relief at the shoulders and hips

Customer service

You can reach Emma customer service by:

  • Phone: 855-580-3662, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT
  • Email: support@emma-sleep.com
  • Chat: Live chat via the bottom right corner of the website, available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET

Payment options

Credit card payment options include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Other options include Shop Pay, Diners Club, Apple Pay, Meta Pay, PayPal, Google Pay, and Zip Pay. Emma offers financing through Klarna.

The WinkBed: Best Mattress for Couples

The WinkBed

Best Mattress for Couples
Limits motion transfer between partners despite its bouncy, responsive hybrid composition
Offers a $49 exchange program to test another mattress with a different firmness level
Discount: Up to $300 off on all mattresses
Key features
  • Material: Hybrid
  • Firmness: Softer, luxury firm, firmer, plus
  • Trial period: 120 nights
  • Shipping: Free shipping
  • Warranty: Lifetime
  • Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
  • Mattress height: 13.5 inches
Pros and cons of The WinkBed mattress
Pros Middle-ground medium firmness that accommodates most people Good motion isolation Four firmness levels Easy exchange program Lifetime warranty 120-night trial period Cons No white-glove delivery More expensive than other mattresses
Our expert take

Motion isolation is one of the most important characteristics of a mattress for couples to limit movement transfer from one side to the other. Unfortunately, most mattresses that isolate motion well are made of soft foam, which isn’t always supportive and can make movement feel difficult. The WinkBed is our Reviews Team’s top pick for this because it offers a layer of supportive coils under memory foam to balance pressure relief and responsiveness. Plus, the coils are individually wrapped to dampen motion across the mattress.

Testers felt that the luxury firm comfort level accommodated most sleep positions well. Stomach sleepers might prefer a firmer surface to prevent the hips from dipping into the mattress, which can be uncomfortable in the lower back. Combination sleepers, or people who switch positions at night, will find this mattress easy to move on without disturbing their partner.

Edge support is another important component for couples to consider. If a mattress has good edge support, you have more room to spread out without feeling like you’ll fall off the edge. Testers thought the WinkBed had a good amount of edge support during our testing. We placed a 10-pound ball on the surface and moved it toward the edge until it would roll off on its own.

In this case, it got one inch from the edge before rolling off, which was a good result. When we lay on the edge ourselves, we felt somewhat unstable but didn’t feel like we’d fall off. But when our guest tester (older than 65, average height, curvy) lay toward the edge, she described needing a four-inch buffer zone between herself and the mattress lip to feel safe while sleeping or repositioning.

WinkBeds also deserves a spot in this review because of its exchange program. After discussing the return policy with customer service, we learned that the brand offers a unique exchange program for $49. If you’re unhappy with the firmness level you purchased, you can request to exchange it for another option within your 120-night trial period. WinkBeds will send you the second option and let you keep the first for up to 60 days while you decide which one to keep.

Once you choose your mattress, you get an “Any Reason” lifetime replacement even after the trial ends. You can trade your mattress for a new version of the WinkBed at any time (and for any reason) for 50% off the regular price.

Additional information

During our testing, the WinkBed scored high for motion isolation despite having a supportive and bouncy coil layer, making it an excellent choice for couples who are light sleepers. We think the medium (luxury firm) firmness level accommodates most sleep positions, but you can choose a softer or firmer mattress based on your preferences. If you get the wrong firmness level for you and your partner, WinkBed has a convenient exchange program that allows you to compare your old and new selections—more on this below.

Woman lying on a pressure map on a mattress and tester reading results on a laptop
Testers evaluating pressure relief using a pressure map on the WinkBed mattress.

Our recommendation

Who will love it

  • Couples who want to limit motion from one side to the other without sacrificing easy mobility and support
  • Partners who aren’t sure what firmness level they need and would like to try different options at home
  • People who sleep on their side or back, or those who switch positions throughout the night

Who should avoid it

  • Stomach sleepers who need a firmer surface for comfort
  • People who need white-glove delivery with their order

Customer service

You can reach WinkBeds customer service by:

  • Phone: 855-946-5233, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET
  • Email: info@winkbeds.com
  • Chat: Live chat available via the bottom right corner of the Winkbeds website

Payment options

Credit card payment options include MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, Shop Pay, Google Pay, and Apple Pay. WinkBeds offers financing through Bread Pay.

Winkbeds offers an additional discount of $50 to military members and first responders.

Bear Elite Hybrid: Best for Side Sleepers

Bear Elite Hybrid

Best for Side Sleepers
Zoned coil support prevents sagging and is designed to hug your body when side sleeping
Excellent pressure diversion away from prominent joints like the shoulders and hips, particularly for wide shoulders or curvy body types
Above-average motion isolation for couples who switch sides at night but don’t want to wake their partner
Discount: Up to 35% off, plus $400 in free sleep accessories
Key features
  • Material: Hybrid
  • Firmness: Soft, medium, firm
  • Trial period: 120 nights
  • Shipping: Free shipping
  • Warranty: Lifetime
  • Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
  • Mattress height: 14 inches
Pros and cons of The WinkBed mattress
Pros Excellent pressure relief for side sleepers Three different firmness options Good motion isolation for a hybrid 120-night trial period Limited lifetime warranty Cons Lacks bounce for easy bed mobility White-glove delivery costs $100 and old mattress removal costs an extra $75
Our expert take

The Bear Elite Hybrid is the best mattress for side sleepers because it offers research-backed zoned support at the midsection, impressive pressure relief at the shoulders and hips, and great responsiveness for people who like to flip sides. [1] Bolton, Roman. Effects of Mattress Support on Sleeping Position and Low-Back Pain. Sleep Science and Practice. May 10, 2022

Our team often recommends soft hybrids with zoned support for side sleepers as an optimal mix of support and pressure relief. Like Saatva, the Bear Elite Hybrid strengthens the coils along the center of the mattress to reinforce the lumbar area and maintain your spine in a neutral position.

But what makes this mattress best for side sleepers is its pressure relief—the medium-firmness version did a great job removing pressure from our shoulders and hips for a more comfortable sleep. Our pressure mapping system A mat with sensors that detects pressure buildup when someone lies across it. demonstrated almost no force buildup under our bodies, which was a rare and impressive result. Lighter-weight sleepers may prefer to choose the softer version of this mattress, and higher-weight sleepers may need to choose the firmer option. But we thought the medium was perfect for our average-weight testers.

If you flip sides often, this mattress is responsive enough to help. The surface pops up immediately after repositioning, so you don’t feel stuck on one side. Plus, the motion isolation is above average, which is a great result for a hybrid mattress. Your partner won’t feel you making small adjustments during the night.

Bear is among the best online mattresses for its white-glove delivery and clear return policy. You can purchase white-glove delivery for $100 and add old mattress removal for $75. And if you don’t like your mattress after 30 days, you can return it for a full refund within the 120-night trial period. If you’d rather exchange it for a different option instead, Bear will coordinate removing your old Bear mattress with the arrival of your new mattress, but your second purchase will be final.

Additional information

The Bear Elite Hybrid offers zoned support at the midsection for side sleepers, which is optimal to avoid sagging into the surface. It’s also one of the most comfortable mattresses for the shoulder and hip joints, scoring perfectly during our pressure relief testing. And if you need help installing your mattress, you can purchase white-glove delivery for $100 and old mattress removal for an additional $75.

 Blue and white Bear Elite Hybrid pillow-top mattress with a blue blanket folded across it
At 14 inches high, the Bear Elite Hybrid is one of the tallest mattresses we’ve tested.

Our recommendation

Who will love it

  • Side sleepers who want a good balance between pressure relief and support from their mattress
  • Couples who don’t want to wake their partner when switching sides at night
  • People with lower back pain who benefit from extra support in the lumbar area

Who should avoid it

  • People sticking to a budget—look for promotions and avoid paying full price
  • Those who like a bouncier, less forgiving mattress for easier bed mobility

Customer service

You can reach Bear customer service by:

  • Phone: 844-311-0035, available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET
  • Email: support@bearmattress.com
  • Chat: Live chat via the bottom right corner of the website, available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET

Payment options

Bear accepts MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, PayPal, and Google Pay, and Venmo. Financing is available through Affirm and ShopPay.

Nolah Evolution 15″: Best Firm Mattress

Nolah Evolution 15″

Best Firm Mattress
High-scoring pressure relief despite its firm feel
Good functional support for easy bed mobility, including strong edges and good bounce
Discount: Up to 35% off sitewide
Key features
  • Material: Hybrid
  • Firmness: Plush, luxury firm, firm, comfort plus
  • Trial period: 120 nights
  • Shipping: Free shipping
  • Warranty: Lifetime
  • Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
  • Mattress height: 15 inches
Pros and cons of the Nolah Evolution mattress
Pros Three firmness options Good choice for easy mobility Optional 10-year accident protection 120-night trial period Lifetime warranty Cons Relatively expensive at regular price Mattress setup costs $150
Our expert take

The Nolah Evolution 15″ mattress is our pick for the best firm mattress because it’s universally comfortable to most sleepers despite its firm feel. Testers thought the luxury firm option was a 7 out of 10 firmness, or slightly firmer than medium, yet still comfortable for side sleepers due to its contouring foam layers. But you can also choose the firm option for a more solid surface, which is ideal for stomach sleepers.

Nolah’s Zoned AirFoam foam layers are designed differently than other brands we’ve researched. The foam is stabler in the center of the mattress and slightly perforated just above and below for “zoned” pressure relief, which is why it’s comfortable for side sleepers as a firmer mattress. You also get zoned support from the coil layer, which adds extra reinforcement for side and back sleepers.

This mattress also scored well during our functional support testing. Firmer mattresses tend to score higher because the surface doesn’t give underneath the sleeper, which makes it easier to roll and sit up. We also thought the mattress offered excellent edge support with enough responsiveness (bounce) to stand up easily.

Nolah also earned a spot in this review because you can choose the most important services at checkout, so you’re not paying extra for something you may not need. You can choose to add mattress removal and set up for $125, or remove the 120-night trial period to save $75 (although we recommend keeping the trial for peace of mind). Unlike most other brands, Nolah offers 10-year accidental protection through Mulberry for $139, although frequent promotions drop the price to $29. It might be a good idea to add protection if you have a pet or plan to move, just in case the mattress gets damaged.

Additional information

While firm mattresses are meant to feel solid and sturdy under the body, they should still offer pressure relief for comfort. That’s why the Nolah Evolution 15″ (luxury firm or firm) mattress is our top pick—it offers excellent pressure relief despite its firm feel, making it comfortable for every sleep position. We also like Nolah because it offers white-glove delivery (although it costs $125) and a unique opportunity to add 10-year accident protection for $139.

Woman sitting at edge of black and white Nolah Evolution mattress
The Nolah Evolution 15″ offers firm edge support, but at 15 inches tall, it may be too high for some people to sit comfortably.

Our recommendation

Who will love it

  • Any type of sleeper who loves a firm mattress
  • Those who appreciate a sturdy surface for easy bed mobility
  • Pet owners or anyone who anticipates wear and tear

Who should avoid it

  • Side sleepers who prefer softer mattresses
  • People sticking to a budget—look for promotions and avoid paying full price

Customer service

You can reach Nolah customer service by:

  • Phone: 866-403-6615, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT
  • Email: support@nolahmattress.com
  • Chat: Live chat available via the bottom right corner of the Nolah website, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT

Payment options

Nolah accepts MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, Shop Pay, and PayPal. Financing is available through Affirm.

Titan Plus: Best for Heavier People

Titan Plus

Best for Heavier People
Supports up to 1,000 pounds thanks to steel coils
Great for stomach sleepers and back sleepers
More affordable than many other options ($1,249 for a queen)
Discount: 25% off sitewide
Key features
  • Material: Hybrid
  • Firmness: Firm
  • Trial period: 120 nights
  • Shipping: Free shipping
  • Warranty: 10 years
  • Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split California King
  • Mattress height: 11.25 inches
Pros and cons of the Titan Plus mattress
Pros Affordable Excellent pressure relief for back sleepers Designed specifically for higher-weight sleepers Good bounce makes it easier to change positions Supports up to 1,000 pounds Cons Not suitable for couples with different firmness needs Trial period and warranty are shorter than others
Our expert take

During testing, the Titan Plus demonstrated excellent pressure relief for stomach sleepers of all sizes, but lighter-weight (less than 130 pounds) sleepers felt uncomfortable on their backs. This makes sense based on how the mattress is designed. A lighter-weight person is unlikely to compress the 8-inch steel coils inside the Titan Plus and therefore won’t feel the mattress contour to support their body. On the other hand, higher-weight (more than 250 pounds) sleepers should feel the mattress mold to their body without sinking.

The Titan Plus has average motion isolation and a good amount of bounce, which can give you some momentum to change positions or get out of bed. Its edge support is also average, so it may sink down too much for your liking as you sit at the edge and get ready for bed. One tester said that pushing up to a standing position was “easy, but there is a bit of give and the edge doesn’t seem very structured.”

At $1,249 for a queen, the Titan Plus is one of the most affordable mattresses in our review. You can return it within 120 days to get a refund if you don’t like it, and it’s covered by a 10-year warranty. Titan also sells the Plus Luxe mattress, which feels softer than the Plus and may be a better option for side sleepers.

Additional information

People who weigh above 250 pounds may find that soft or medium-firm mattresses sag too much, leaving them sore and unable to change positions easily. Our Reviews Team chose the Titan Plus as the best mattress for heavier people because its firm design reduces sagging. Instead, higher-weight sleepers should feel gently cradled in all positions.

10-pound ball on a bare Titan Plus mattress with gray pillows
The Titan Plus is a firm mattress that doesn’t sink easily under this 10-pound ball.

Our recommendation

Who will love it

  • Higher-weight (more than 250 pounds) people in any sleep position
  • Stomach sleepers of any weight
  • Anyone who prefers an extra-firm mattress

Who should avoid it

  • Shoppers who need white-glove delivery to carry the mattress into the bedroom
  • Lighter-weight (less than 130 pounds) and average-weight (130–250 pounds) side sleepers who prefer a softer mattress for added pressure relief at the shoulders and hips
  • Lighter-weight (less than 130 pounds) back and combination sleepers
  • Hot sleepers who need high-performance cooling materials

Customer service

Titan is a Brooklyn Bedding brand. You can reach Brooklyn Bedding customer service by:

  • Phone: 623-624-1222, available seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET
  • Email: support@brooklynbedding.com
  • Website: Submit a contact form
  • Chat: Live chat via the bottom right corner of the Titan website, available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET, and Saturday through Sunday from 11 a.m to 7 p.m. ET

Payment options

Credit card payment options include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Other options include Shop Pay, PayPal, Amazon Pay, and Google Pay. Titan offers financing through Affirm.

Brooklyn Bedding currently offers 30% off for military members, first responders, medical providers, students, and teachers. The discount code can’t be combined with other promotional codes.

Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid: Best Value Mattress

Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

Best Value Mattress
Regularly priced queen mattresses cost around $1,300, but frequent promotions drop the price below $1,000
The medium-firm version offers a good balance between pressure relief and support, but you can choose softer or firmer versions
Discount: 25% off sitewide
Key features
  • Material: Hybrid
  • Firmness: Soft, medium, firm
  • Trial period: 120 nights
  • Shipping: Free shipping
  • Warranty: 10 years
  • Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, short full, queen, short queen, Olympic queen, king, short king, California king, split California king, three RV king options
  • Mattress height: 12.25 inches
Pros and cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress
Pros Three firmness options 14 size options Budget-friendly 120-night trial period Cons No white-glove delivery Side sleepers may prefer an option with better pressure relief
Our expert take

Our testers found that the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is a good budget-friendly choice because it offers good pressure relief and decent support with high-quality materials. In fact, one of our first impressions was how the quilted cover looked thicker and felt more luxurious than some more expensive models, such as the Nectar Original.

While we tested the medium firmness, which felt like a 6 out of 10 to us, strict side sleepers may opt for the softer version. Our average-weight tester noticed some pressure buildup during our pressure map testing. It wasn’t uncomfortable, but those with shoulder pain may appreciate extra relief from a more forgiving surface.

The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid closely matches the Emma Hybrid Comfort in price and testing performance, but the Signature Hybrid is less likely to leave gaps between you and the mattress. It also comes in far more sizes to ensure it fits your space. Finally, because it’s available in three firmness options, you can customize the feel without paying extra. Depending on current sales, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid may be more expensive than the Emma Hybrid Comfort, but the higher price may be worth it for a softer, more supportive mattress.

And if you’re unsure whether this mattress is right for you, take advantage of the 120-night trial period. After the 30-day break-in period, if you don’t like how your mattress feels, Brooklyn Bedding will arrange for your mattress to be donated through a company called Sharetown for $99. If you decide to try another make or model, the 120-night trial doesn’t apply, and the second mattress isn’t eligible for return.

Additional information

If you’re looking to make the most of your money, our team recommends the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid. A regularly priced queen costs around $1,300, but with promotions, you can purchase this model below $1,000, with a 120-night trial period and 10-year warranty included.

Woman in black jeans sitting at edge of navy and white Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid sank when our tester sat at the edge.

Our recommendation

Who will love it

  • Back sleepers the most, but you can change the firmness level to accommodate your sleep preferences
  • Combination sleepers who appreciate bouncy coils for easy mobility
  • People on a budget below $1,000

Who should avoid it

  • Those who need white-glove delivery with their purchase
  • Light-sleeping couples may find that this mattress doesn’t isolate motion well

Customer service

You can reach Brooklyn Bedding customer service by:

  • Phone: 623-624-1222, available seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET
  • Email: support@brooklynbedding.com
  • Website: Submit a contact form
  • Chat: Live chat via the bottom right corner of the Titan website, available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET, and Saturday through Sunday from 11 a.m to 7 p.m. ET

Payment options

Accepted credit card payments include MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, Amazon Pay, Shop Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal. Financing through Brooklyn Bedding is available through Affirm.

A 30% discount and free shipping is available for military members, first responders, medical professionals, educators, and college students.

Birch Natural: Best for Combination Sleepers

Birch Natural

Best for Combination Sleepers
Regularly priced queen mattresses cost around $1,300, but frequent promotions drop the price below $1,000
Excellent functional support score due to its quality edge support and bouncy surface
Discount: 20% off sitewide, plus two free Eco-Rest pillows
Key features
  • Material: Hybrid
  • Firmness: Medium
  • Trial period: 100 nights
  • Shipping: Free shipping
  • Warranty: 25 years
  • Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
  • Mattress height: 11 inches
Pros and cons of the Birch Natural mattress
Pros Incorporates natural latex material instead of foam Responsive and bouncy for easy repositioning Optional 10-year accidental damage coverage 100-night trial period 25-year warranty Cons White-glove delivery option depends on location and which products are purchased ($129–$398) Shortest mattress (11-inch height) in this review
Our expert take

The Birch Natural is our pick for combination sleepers due to its second-highest score for functional support, just short of the Saatva Classic. We think Birch does a slightly better job isolating motion thanks to its hybrid composition, which incorporates individually wrapped coils and latex (a natural alternative to traditional memory foam) to dampen movement and avoid waking a sleeping partner.

Our Reviews Team thought this mattress excelled in its edge support. One of our testers said “I’m impressed. If I roll to the edge, it pushes me back toward the center, almost like a guard rail.” If you move often in your sleep, this mattress may be a good option to prevent falling off the bed.

We liked that this mattress offers a good amount of contour with supportive materials that push into your spine’s natural curves. Still, occasional side sleepers may find that there’s not enough contour and pressure relief at the shoulders and hips. If you’re a combination sleeper who often finds yourself sleeping on your side, we recommend adding the 3-inch wool and latex mattress topper to soften the surface, although it’ll cost about $623 more.

Your purchase comes with a 100-night trial period and a 25-year warranty. You also have the option to add white-glove delivery if it’s available in your area, as determined when you enter your ZIP code during your purchase. White-glove delivery costs anywhere between $129–$288, depending on how many items you purchase and whether you need old furniture removed. For example, if you need to set up a new mattress and adjustable base with removal services, you’d pay $239.

Additional information

The Birch Natural is one of the best mattresses we tested for its functional support, which means it’s easy to move on its surface. Combination sleepers will appreciate its trusty edge support and responsive, bouncy feel for effortless repositioning. We also like how supportive this mattress feels with good overall pressure relief, although occasional side sleepers may need to add the mattress topper (an extra $623.80) for added cushion under the shoulders and hips.

Weighted ball sinking moderately into a Birch Natural mattress
The Birch Natural supports and contours the weight of this weighted ball.

Our recommendation

Who will love it

  • Combination sleepers who want the freedom to toss and turn without fighting their mattress’s material
  • People searching for natural materials in their mattresses
  • Those who appreciate an extra boost from their sleeping surface for easy bed mobility

Who should avoid it

  • Occasional side sleepers who need more pressure relief at the shoulders and hips
  • Light-sleeping couples may find that this mattress doesn’t isolate motion well
  • People looking for a taller mattress to pair with their existing bed frame—since this is one of the shortest mattresses in our review and may sit too low for people with back, hip, or knee pain

Customer service

You can reach Birch customer service by:

  • Phone: 917-540-5525, Monday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET.
  • Email: info@birchliving.com
  • Website: Submit a contact form
  • Chat: Live chat available on the Birch website Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET

Payment options

Accepted credit card payments include MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, Google Pay, Shop Pay, Amazon Pay, and PayPal. Financing through Birch is available through Affirm.

A one-time 25% discount is available for military members, first responders, teachers, and college students.

Bottom line

When shopping online for a mattress, you want to choose a brand with a variety of options, a hassle-free trial period and returns process, and easy delivery options. Our team recommends Helix if you need a brand that offers a variety of mattresses bound to fit your needs. Although the Midnight model is our top pick in this review, you can take the quiz to determine the best mattress for you.

Frequently asked questions

Some people find it convenient to purchase a mattress online because they can avoid salespeople and shop from the comfort of their homes. According to focus group participants who recently purchased a mattress, most people were OK with buying a mattress they hadn’t tested in person as long as it had a lengthy trial period.

Some brands allow free returns while others charge a fee. Be sure to read and understand the brand’s return policy before you buy so you’re not surprised if they charge you for a return.

In this review, mattresses that are compressed, rolled, and delivered in a box will cost between $1,249–$2,499 for a queen. Cost depends on the brand and materials.

Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.

Sources

  1. Bolton, R., et al. Effects of Mattress Support on Sleeping Position and Low-Back Pain. Sleep Science and Practice. May 10, 2022. Found on the internet at https://sleep.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s41606-022-00073-x
  2. NCOA Adviser Mattress Survey. 600 respondents. Conducted using Pollfish. Launched January 2024.
Nicole Hernandez is a writer and physical therapist who empowers people to make informed decisions about their health as a writer and clinician. She has written for NCOA, AginginPlace.org, and physical therapy clinics to educate readers on fall and injury prevention, rehabilitation, home modifications, and other clinical themes including hearing aids and medical alert systems.
Dr Chester Wu
Chester Wu Medical Reviewer
Dr. Chester Wu is board certified in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine, training at Baylor College of Medicine and Stanford University School of Medicine, respectively. He has since established his own private practice in Houston, TX where he provides psychiatric and sleep medicine services.
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