Buying a Mattress On Amazon 2022 (Is It Worth It, Returns + More)
Shopping for a new mattress can be a daunting experience. With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. In recent years, more and more mattress shoppers have turned to Amazon as an easy and affordable way to purchase a quality bed. But is buying a mattress on Amazon really worth it? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll look at the pros and cons of buying a mattress on Amazon, help you understand what to look for, provide tips for care and maintenance, recommend some of the best mattresses available, and ultimately help you decide if Amazon is the right option for your next mattress purchase.
The Benefits of Buying a Mattress on Amazon
There are several advantages that make Amazon an appealing platform for mattress shopping:
Huge selection – Amazon offers a massive selection of mattress brands and models. All the major national brands as well as dozens of smaller brands and Amazon private label mattresses are available. You’re sure to find options in every style and at every price point.
Lower prices – Without the overhead expenses of brick-and-mortar showrooms, Amazon mattresses are frequently priced below what you would pay in a retail store for the same brand and model. Amazon promos and sales can bring the prices down even further.
Free shipping – Amazon offers free shipping on most mattresses, which is a huge perk considering how bulky and heavy they can be. For Amazon Prime members, many mattresses ship for free in just 1-2 days. Returns are also free.
Convenience – Shopping for a mattress on Amazon means never having to step foot in a store if you don’t want to. You can browse options, read reviews, and make a purchase without leaving your home. For some, shopping online is less stressful than dealing with salespeople.
Transparent reviews – Amazon customer reviews can provide unbiased insight into how a mattress really performs for a variety of sleepers. You can learn what people like and don‘t like before making a purchase.
So if selection, price, convenience and real customer feedback are priorities for you, Amazon checks a lot of boxes. But there are some potential downsides to consider as well.
Drawbacks of Buying a Mattress on Amazon
Amazon makes mattress shopping easy, but there are a few reasons shoppers may want to exercise caution or avoid Amazon altogether:
No testing in person – One of the most useful parts of shopping in physical stores is being able to actually lay down on mattresses to see how they feel. Without being able to test them out, you won’t know if a mattress is the right firmness and feel for your preferences and sleeping position.
No expert guidance – Sales associates in physical stores can provide guidance on picking the right mattress for your needs. Amazon doesn’t offer this expertise, which may make comparison shopping more challenging.
Potential quality issues – Some reviewers cite problems like mattresses sagging sooner than expected. Compressing mattresses for shipping could negatively impact durability in some cases.
Unknown warehouse conditions – Mattresses could be stored in a warehouse for weeks or months before shipping, but you won’t know the conditions they were kept in. This could also affect quality.
Better direct pricing – While Amazon has competitive pricing, buying directly from a mattress brand’s website may offer lower prices, especially on higher end brands. Promos are often better as well.
For some shoppers, these cons may outweigh the pricing and convenience benefits of Amazon. But there are still plenty of ways to find a quality mattress on Amazon as long as you know what to look for.
Types of Mattresses Available on Amazon
You can find all the most popular mattress styles and materials sold on Amazon:
Memory foam mattresses – These conform closely to the body to relieve pressure points. Memory foam provides excellent motion isolation but can sometimes sleep hot. Leading brands like Zinus and Linenspa offer affordable options.
Hybrid mattresses – Hybrids combine the support of an innerspring coil system with the comfort of memory foam or latex on the surface. Many find hybrids provide the best of both worlds. Brands like Tuft & Needle, Casper, and Leesa sell hybrids on Amazon.
Latex mattresses – Made from natural or synthetic latex, these mattresses provide responsive contouring support. They are cooler, more buoyant, and more durable than all-foam. Latex hybrids are also popular.
Innerspring mattresses – The traditional style option, these contain steel coil support cores. Models with foam or pillow tops provide additional plush comfort. Classic Brands and Zinus have affordable spring mattresses.
Air mattresses – Amazon has a wide selection of air beds with adjustable firmness that can serve as temporary or guest beds. Brands like SoundAsleep excel in air mattresses.
Within each main category, you’ll find choices across the spectrum from budget-friendly to luxury.
What to Look for When Buying a Mattress on Amazon
Because you can’t try an Amazon mattress in person before buying, it’s important to carefully evaluate the specifications and reviews:
Density – Higher density foams (5 lbs/cubic foot and above) tend to be more durable and supportive. Lower density foams (under 3 lbs) may compress sooner.
Coil gauge – Lower coil gauges (between 12 and 15) generally provide more durable support. Gauges under 12 are optimal but often cost more.
Coil count – More coils usually equates to better conforming support. Queen sizes may have anywhere from 400 to over 1,000 coils depending on the brand and price point.
Certifications – CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certifications mean foams are made without harmful chemicals.
Trial period – Brands like Nectar and Tuft & Needle offer generous 365-night trials so you can test out the mattress.
Return policy – Even without a trial, you should have a 30 to 100 day window to initiate a return if the mattress doesn’t work out.
Number of reviews – More customer reviews allow you to better evaluate consistency and durability.
Average rating – 4 stars and above indicates happier customers overall. Sort reviews by most recent for the best sense of current product quality.
Thoroughly vetting the specifications, certifications, policies, and reviews will help you find a quality, durable mattress on Amazon that matches your preferences.
Care and Maintenance Tips for Mattresses
To get the most out of your mattress and extend its usable life whether purchased on Amazon or elsewhere, keep these care tips in mind:
Use a solid, supportive foundation. Slatted foundations or adjustable bases work best to prevent sagging.
Rotate your mattress regularly from head to foot to minimize impressions in foam.
Protect your mattress with a waterproof mattress protector to prevent stains.
Vacuum the surface occasionally to remove dust and allergens. Spot clean stains immediately.
Don’t overinflate air mattresses or they could rupture. Top off to full inflation before each use.
Allow boxed mattresses time to fully expand after unboxing before sleeping on them.
With proper care and maintenance, even budget Amazon mattresses can provide many years of comfortable sleep.
Recommended Mattresses to Consider on Amazon
If you’ve weighed the pros and cons and decided Amazon is right for you, these mattresses offer quality and value:
Zinus 12-Inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress
- Excellent value with 4.4/5 star average rating
- Multiple layers of conforming memory foam
- Infused with green tea for freshness
- CertiPUR-US certified foams
- Low VOC emissions
- Available in all standard sizes
- Prices from $249 (Queen) to $399 (King)
Tuft & Needle Mint Mattress
- Proprietary T&N Adaptive Foam is bouncy and cooling
- Reinforced edges provide better support
- Graphite and ceramic gel infusion pulls heat away
- Antimicrobial treatment prevents odors
- Easy to set up with flexible 100-night trial
- Prices from $595 (Twin) to $1,195 (King)
Linenspa 10-Inch Latex Hybrid Mattress
- Responsive latex layer on top
- Individually-encased steel coils for support
- Foams are CertiPUR-US certified
- High 4.3/5 star rating after 20,000+ reviews
- Available in all sizes for $379-$649
Sleep Innovations Shiloh 12-inch Memory Foam Mattress
- Multi-layer memory foam design
- Middle support layer prevents sagging
- High density bottom foam adds durability
- Charcoal infusion absorbs moisture and odors
- Foldable design makes shipping manageable
- Queen size under $400
For other top-rated and affordable options, mattresses from brands like Olee Sleep, Classic Brands, and Lucid are also worth considering. With a savvy purchasing strategy, finding your perfect Amazon mattress match is totally achievable.
Is Buying a Mattress on Amazon Worth It?
Amazon makes buying a mattress incredibly simple. The convenience, fair pricing, broad selection, free shipping, and wealth of review data are all compelling reasons to take the Amazon route. But it’s important not to equate inexpensive with poor quality. Not all budget-friendly Amazon mattresses are bad, especially when proper care is provided.
There are also benefits to buying directly from a mattress brand, like the potential for superior quality control. And some brands don’t make all their latest models available on Amazon. Testing in person before purchasing is ideal if possible.
Ultimately there is no definitive yes or no answer on whether buying a mattress on Amazon is “worth it.” It depends entirely on your priorities and personal needs. For many shoppers, Amazon offers an optimal blend of affordability, convenience, and product accessibility. But do your due diligence reading reviews and understanding mattress specifications before purchasing. Apply the advice in this guide, and you should feel confident finding a high quality mattress on Amazon that suits your budget. Sweet dreams!