In the past decade, the mattress industry has evolved thanks to technology. Buying a mattress today is much different from it was twenty years ago. Even today with the hundreds of different online mattress companies to choose from, buying a mattress in-store is the best place. Buying a mattress in-store is the only way to test out a mattress before you commit to buying and ensures that you’re getting the perfect mattress for you.
Even with all the options available, it might be difficult to know where to begin when shopping for a mattress. The good news is you can buy a mattress from a variety of locations, including traditional mattress stores, department stores, and even from your own couch!
Read on to find out the pros and cons of each way to buy a mattress and decide what’s the best option for you.
Mattress Stores
Mattress stores like Mattress Firm or Sleep Outfitters are still popular places to buy mattresses. It’s easy to find mattress stores in your area, depending on where you live. At a mattress store, you can test out different products and decide then and there whether the mattress is right for you. Trained salespeople will be able to show you a variety of brands and models and guide you through the buying process.
If you decide to shop in a store, keep in mind that you will pay a higher price than if you shop online or purchase from a direct-to-consumer shop online. If you want to shop for a new mattress in-store and want to save a few bucks, wait for a holiday sale like President’s Day or Black Friday or the best deal.
Pros:
Staff can guide you through the process and provide recommendations.
Testing in-person.
Testing out different types of mattresses like memory foam, hybrids, latex, etc.
Cons:
Prices are higher than online stores.
Product offerings and brands are limited.
A salesperson may try to persuade you to purchase a mattress in order to get a commission.
Mattress Hybrid Showrooms
Hybrid stores are a new concept that combines both in-store and online shopping–SleePare is a hybrid mattress showroom. Hybrid stores offer both in-store and online fulfillment. This retail model utilizes online content, buy online and pickup in-store purchase options, online chat, and an online store. SleePare partners with the best-selling online-only mattresses, allows customers to test and sometimes purchase in-store, and/or buy the product with an exclusive coupon online.
Pros:
Multiple fulfillment options that allow customers to buy online and pickup in-store, etc.
Special discounts.
Heavy online presence and content inform customers about products ahead of time.
In-store testing for select products.
Both in-store and online customer service.
Cons:
Prices can be higher due to increased overhead for staff and store location.
Not all products will be available in-store for testing.
General Furniture Stores
Regular furniture stores are another place to find mattresses. However, the selection will probably be limited. Many smaller towns have furniture stores but not chains or stores that carry just mattresses. In some situations, a general furniture store may be a more convenient and accessible option. The staff at a furniture store are unlikely to be as educated about different types of mattresses as those at a mattress store.
Pros:
More likely to have a furniture store near you in a smaller town.
More products available for purchase than a mattress store (bed frames, other furniture, etc.).
Cons:
Limited inventory.
Sales and discounts will likely be lesser in value than at mattress stores or online.
Staff likely will not be as educated on mattresses as employees at mattress stores.
Department Stores
Mattresses are also available at department stores like Macy’s, Sears, and JC Penney. Department stores usually carry home goods, clothing, and accessories, so it might be more difficult to find a variety of mattresses in these stores. Unlike mattress stores and even some furniture stores, the employees at a department store might be as knowledgeable about mattresses as they are about other products in the store. If department stores have mattresses, you might be able to get one on sale at certain times of the year.c
Department stores will likely have a limited selection of mattresses and may not have a showroom-style display where you can test out the mattresses.
Pros:
Numerous products are available in one location.
You can shop for a variety of household items in one place.
Convenience–there are plenty of department stores.
Opportunity for sales and discounts.
Cons:
Limited selection.
Might not be able to test mattresses in department stores.
Salespeople might not be as knowledgeable about mattresses.
Online Mattress Stores
Buying a mattress online is where you will find the most variety and information about different types and styles of mattresses. When shopping for a mattress online, you can directly buy from the manufacturer. This way, you know exactly what you’re getting and will pay a lower price because you’re buying directly from the manufacturer so overhead costs are lower.
Some shoppers hesitate to buy a mattress online since you can’t test them out before buying. Online mattress companies have found a way around this by putting policies in place to help you out on your mattress-shopping journey. Many companies have implemented trial periods, free returns, and guarantees, making returning a mattress purchased online easy. Along with generous return policies, trials, and guarantees, you can easily find good sales on these websites and by searching for coupons online.
Some of these online mattress companies also have their products available for purchase on Amazon. If you decide to purchase on Amazon, ensure the trials and warranties apply.
Pros:
You can choose from a variety of brands and types.
Easily find discounts, sales, and promos.
You can purchase products directly from companies.
Some offer white glove delivery and disposal of your old mattress.
Cons:
You can’t try out mattresses before you buy them.
Customers have to do their own research on which products would work best for them.
Online Hybrid Stores
Many online mattress companies like Casper and Helix have opened brick and mortar stores in select locations. These stores allow customers to try out products in person that are usually available online only (similar to SleePare). At these stores, you can experience products in-person and then buy them online at your convenience. Inventory for purchase might not be guaranteed. If there is a certain mattress you want to try, check with the store to make sure it is in stock.
The staff at these stores are highly trained on company products and can help guide you through the process of buying their brand mattress. Online hybrid stores are a great option for people who don’t have the ability to transport a mattress to their homes from a store. Customers can also test and view products in-store and then buy them online with discounts and promos that might not be available at the hybrid store.
Pros:
You can try out products in-person.
Products can either be purchased in the store or online.
Knowledgeable staff can help you find the right product.
Cons:
Stores are only in select locations and can only reach a limited number of customers.
Sales and promos available online might not be available in the store.
Inventory may be limited.
Online or In-Store? Which Is Better?
Wherever you decide to buy a mattress, either in a store or online, is ultimately up to you. Both options have clear advantages and disadvantages. No matter which way you decide to shop for a new mattress, doing your research is the most important thing you can do when testing our mattresses and making your decision.
Here are a few things to consider when deciding where to buy your mattress:
Shop online if…
You’re looking for the best deal and want to save money.
You want to look at as many mattresses as possible.
You want the convenience of buying from the comfort of your own home and having your mattress delivered right to your door.
Shop in-store if...
You want the hands-on experience of testing in person.
You don’t want to do your own research on mattresses.
You don’t mind paying more.
You want to discuss options with a salesperson.
The Best Online Mattress Stores
There are many online mattress companies and stores to choose from. Since the bed-in-a-box industry exploded a few years ago, hundreds of options have popped up on the market. With so many options, it can be difficult to know which one will work best for you.
Not sure where to start? Here are five of our favorite online mattress companies.
Helix
Known for their hybrid options and sleep quiz, Helix mattresses are some of the most popular online mattresses today and have a wide assortment of mattresses to cater to a wide range of sleepers. Helix has a mattress for everyone, from all-foam to hybrid to organic.
Nectar’s award-winning memory foam mattress has been dubbed "America's most comfortable mattress" and one of Forbes' best memory foam mattresses of 2019. Nectar combines both quality and affordability that customers love.
WinkBeds aims to provide “the best sleep of your life” with their plush hotel-style mattresses. With three mattresses to choose from including an eco-friendly option, Winkbeds has an option for everyone.
Known for their innerspring models, Saatva set out to change the mattress industry's image by providing convenience, luxury products, excellent customer service, home delivery, and generous trial and return policies–-this fully online mattress company did just that.
Tuft & Needle is a popular and highly rated online mattress company. Their claim to online mattress fame? A gel and graphite layer that removes heat from the mattress to promote a cool and comfortable sleep surface.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Mattress
Still have some questions about buying a mattress? Here are a few FAQs to help guide you when deciding where to buy a mattress.
1. Where can I find the best-priced mattress?
If you're looking for a good mattress deal, you should look online instead of going to a local store. Online retailers have lower overhead costs so they can keep their prices lower. Also, most online stores will have coupons and promos available on their website or through email sign-ups.
2. Will the store let me buy the floor model?
This will depend on the store. It’s not uncommon for stores to allow customers to buy a floor model at a lower price when clearing out stock and moving in more inventory. If a store allows you to purchase a floor model, check it for damage and ensure that it is still covered under the manufacturer warranty.
3. Is it better to buy online or in store?
There are advantages to purchasing a mattress online, including reduced prices and longer sleep trials. You can easily compare prices, discounts, trials, and warranties online. If you need a new mattress ASAP, you might want to consider shopping at a store as online mattress orders can take several days to possibly a week or more to arrive.
4. Can I buy a used mattress to save some money?
Buying a used mattress is not recommended. Typically, you are unaware of the bed's history, exposing you to bed bugs, mold, and allergens. A mattress warranty is usually voided when ownership is transferred.
5. When is the best time of year to buy a mattress?
Most stores, both online and traditional retail will hold sales on mattresses during President’s Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, or other major holidays. If there is a mattress you are interested in, sign up for their mailing list to learn about upcoming sales and discounts.
6. How do I know if my mattress needs to be replaced?
One of the first ways to tell it is time for a new mattress is if you wake up fatigued or experiencing aches and pains. If this is the case, your mattress probably isn’t as supportive as it used to be. If you sleep somewhere else, like in a hotel or on your couch, and notice your sleep has improved, it’s time to start shopping for a new mattress.
Summary
Ultimately, where you decide to buy your mattress is up to you, your budget, location, and other factors like moving soon, transportation considerations, and the type of mattress you want. If you want the best experience when buying a mattress, we recommend buying a mattress in-store so you can test out the mattress beforehand, get expert advice, and test out other options if the one you were looking at originally isn’t what you thought.
Regardless of where you buy your mattress, ensure it is from a reputable website, store, or dealer. This way, you will ensure you are getting a quality and legitimate product. If you want to get a head start on mattress research, recommendations, and comparisons, visit SleePare!
Shanir Kol, founder and CEO of SleePare, pioneered the “Try and Buy” model in eCommerce, enhancing mattress shopping by combining in-store trials with online purchases. Launching in 1999, his company focuses on customer satisfaction and eco-friendly practices, aiming to minimize mattress waste and expand sustainably.
I was warmly greeted by Fazi, who listened to my concerns about the kind of mattress. I thought I might be looking for. She cordially offered information and insights relating to my search and then spent significant time with me showing a variety of mattresses that she thought would offer me good sleep and good value. It was an A+ experience.
Malcom was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. They’re to help but also patient and let me take my time, and happy to answer all my questions. A very positive experience, and I’m looking forward to improved sleep on my new mattress!
Visited Sleepare today. Valerio helped us out purchasing mattress. He was helpful, polite, and friendly. Got the mattress that we wanted with great price. Great experience.
Great experience. Store Manager, Fazi, is very welcoming and helpful. We were given enough information and time to make a decision with no pressure whatsoever. Made a daunting effort clear and simple. Would highly recommend.
Valerio helped my wife and I find the mattress we’ve been needing for months! He walked us through every option and told us the composition of each type! We would have been lost without him! We will only ever come back here for anything we need in terms of our bedding in the future! He made the process stress free and we’re walking out with exactly what we were looking for! 10/10
I feel grateful to live in an area where a showroom like this is available. After all, a mattress is one of the most important purchases we make in our lives, and it's certainly risky making a blind buy!During my appointment, not only was I able to physically test mattresses from companies that have no brick-and-mortar locations, but the associate named Fazi was absolutely instrumental in my ultimate purchasing decision. I was very impressed with her knowledge of the mechanics behind each mattress, and ways to distinguish between whether any bed-related accessories are worth the money. Even if you're not local to NYC, I'd highly recommend visiting here for a consultation. I'm glad the word is spreading about this place!
Wow, what a fantastic experience! The best customer service of any mattress store I've ever been too, bar none. Fazi was incredibly attentive, offering excellent feedback and advice throughout the process of exploring all the various products Sleepare has to offer. I was really impressed by her attention to detail, and the patience and care she showed me as I asked many (MANY) questions! I am very much planning on buying my mattress from SleePare -- can't recommend this store enough.
I had a great experience today when I visited SleePare Mattress Store in Manhattan on West 30th made all the more wonderful by Fazi. She is so knowledgeable, helpful, patient and kind. I had done a little research about beds over the last couple of weeks, but actually trying out the mattresses in this showroom with Fazi’s knowledge about each and her suggestions for me to ponder, I feel I am better equipped to pick the right mattress for me and my problematic lumbar spine. I would and will recommend highly to anyone looking to buy a mattress to go to SleePare. Thank you SleePare and Fazi!
I had a fantastic experience here. Had an evening appointment and the salesman, Valerio, spent 40 minutes with me explaining the differences between mattresses in great detail. He guided me to a choice that was both extremely comfortable and also not at the top end of my budget range. And he didn't even try to get me to buy something at the super high end. I didn't think I was going to make a purchase right on the spot, but he instilled so much confidence and comfort in the process that I walked out of the store having ordered my new mattress. Fantastic experience, thanks to Valerio!
I recently visited Sleepare for the second time to shop for a new mattress, and Valerio made the experience truly exceptional. From the moment I walked in, he was friendly, attentive, and genuinely interested in helping me find the perfect mattress for my needs.Valerio was incredibly knowledgeable, explaining the differences between various types of mattresses, firmness levels, and materials in a way that was easy to understand. He took the time to ask about my sleeping habits and preferences, ensuring their recommendations were tailored to me.What really stood out was he’s patiencethere was no pressure to rush or make a decision. He encouraged me to take my time testing out different options and answered all my questions thoroughly.Thanks to Valerio, I found a mattress that feels perfect, and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. If you’re shopping for a mattress, I highly recommend working with Valerio he truly care about customers and go above and beyond to provide excellent service!
We walked in today at Sleepare in nyc and were greeted by Malcom. We told him what we were looking for (a good quality mattress that helps support hip injuries, is comfortable for back and side sleepers and is not too soft) and although we came in with a Dream Cloud, as soon as we laid on it we didn’t like how much we sunk in. We ended up lovingggg the Helix Dawn which to our surprise was a firm mattress with a plush pillow top and that’s the one we both liked. Malcom let us lay as long as we wanted and gave us insight on each mattress. He was cheerful and attentive and made us feel like the experience was worth it. He also told us about a bundle sale that was ending the same day as our visit and we chose to purchase and get the bundle. So we got a mattress and a mattress cover, pillows, and bedsheets for free! So excited to receive the mattress! Thanks Malcom!
Wow… just wow. Went to try some mattresses and didn’t think I would get such an amazing experience, and it’s all thanks to Valerio! He’s so personable and a great person. Super knowledgeable and professional, and makes you feel right at home. He has your best interest in mind and will not try to sell you the most expensive mattress, but the one that suits you the best. Thanks Valerio for an amazing experience!
Our Sleepare experience was enhanced by Valerio, who made shopping for a mattress a truly enjoyable experience! He had great advice and knowledge of all the different types of mattresses, which helped us make our final choice.
I had a wonderful experience at SleePare. I made an appointment the day before and included my budget along with some preferences and sleep habits (I recommend doing this as well if visiting). I was helped by Malcolm who was incredibly helpful and already had some beds lined up according to my appointment notes. Malcolm was super helpful and not pushy at all. He took great consideration of my constraints and helped me narrow down my choice as well as answer my countless questions. I had some brands in mind but with their help I was able to find a mattress that wasn’t even on my radar and I was much more happy with. This is a great spot to check out online mattress brands in person before committing to a purchase or sleep trial. Overall I was very happy with my experience and definitely recommend Malcolm to help you out!
What a great shopping experience! Valerio answered all our questions and held guide us to find the perfect mattress. On top of the great service, Valerio made us feel welcomed and we trusted his expertise! Very happy with our shopping experience!
Was recommended to come and I loved the experience!!! The service is great, great help in trying to find the perfect mattress explaining the differences between the different types of springs, gel, etc. If you are trying to find a new mattress I recommend going in person to find what you like.
I just walked in.Fazi was ready to help me out. She is smart easy to talk to and knows a lot about these mattresses. 30 minutes later I bought an amazing Helix Elite mattress.Fazi made the purchase easy.
I love this place. I was so clueless to what I wanted and needed. And Fazi i think the name of the guy he gave exceptional service. I would recommend 10/10
I had an absolutely incredible experience shopping at SleePare! I can't express enough how impressed and grateful I am for the outstanding assistance I received from Fazi. Despite not having an appointment, she went above and beyond to help me understand which mattress would suit my sleep style best. Her knowledge, patience, and attentiveness were remarkable.I visited the store multiple times—testing mattresses again and again, aligning payments, and even exploring pillow options—and every single time, I was treated with the utmost care and respect. The service was nothing short of exceptional, and I’m beyond thrilled to be finalizing my purchase with SleePare. Thank you for such an amazing experience!
I made an appointment online, went to the showroom and was assisted by Fazi. She was attentive, *not* pushy, the showroom and mattresses were clean and in great shape. Excellent service through the entire process from entrance to purchase (over the phone). Would HIGHLY recommend to anyone looking to try any popular online mattress brands!!
Best mattress showroom in town! customer service was perfect. Fazi was very knowledgeable about her work and was able to help me out with all of the questions i had about my purchase. highly recommend the mlily power cool!!!
Call me old fashioned but l have no idea how people buy mattresses without trying. I specifically came to Sleepare to try online mattress brands that are very popular right now and I got to work with Fazi. She explained all ins and outs of the mattresses they carry and helped me find the most supportive one specifically for me. I bought Leesa Legend Chill and am super excited about my new mattress. I will definitely update on how it feels in a couple of weeks
I had a great experience here with Valerio. He really took his time showing us every mattress and explaining the differences and what to look for. No pressure at all. Plus, it was nice to check out all the online mattresses in person.
The salesman we worked with was helpful and nice. Since we were still in decision mode, we left and when I got home I checked a few of the manufacturers online that we saw in the store. To my dismay, this store does not carry models sold by the manufacturers online. They only carry versions made for retail, that is one-offs. And the model that was closest to the online version was $900 more in the store. When we decided to go to this store we were expecting the same exact model as seen online, so it wound up being a bit of a waste of time. The store advertises that you can try mattresses sold online. Not really true.
My boyfriend and I had a terrific experience buying a HelixMidnight Elite from Sleepare. We came just to take a look but Fazi was so amazing we did not have any reasons NOT to buy it. We also got bedding bundle with it as a part of Black friday sales, I am super thrilled!
I went to buy a mattress since I moved to NYC recently, and I needed a new mattress. This showroom was amazing, especially their staff. Very attentive, listened to all my needs, and carefully helped me select a perfect mattress for me. Special thanks to Fazi, who helped me figure out the best mattress. I never knew that my back was hurting because I did not select the best mattress that fit my needs.
This was my first experience of actually going to a mattress store. I usually order my mattress online. The moment I walked in and was browsing, Fazi came up to me, introduced herself, and asked if I needed any help. She gave me so many recommendations, and I had no idea selecting a perfect mattress for myself could be so entertaining. I end up buying the flat-top mattress. I would recommend this store and ask for Fazi she is the best.
Fazi was amazing! She made mattress shopping easy and stress-free by really listening to what I was looking for and offering expert advice. She’s super knowledgeable, and patient, and never pushed me toward anything I didn’t want. The store had a great selection, and I found the perfect mattress thanks to her help. Highly recommend visiting this store and working with Fazi!
I had an amazing experience at this mattress store, and it’s all thanks to Fazi! From the moment I walked in, she made me feel welcome and at ease. I wasn’t entirely sure what I was looking for, but Fazi took the time to ask the right questions and truly listen to my preferences. She guided me through all the options without rushing me, and I could tell she genuinely cared about helping me find the perfect mattress—not just making a sale.
I came to try Helix mattresses because I kept seeing them everywhere online. I am glad that this showroom has all of the most popular online brands because when I tried the Helix - I didn’t like it as much. I guess I am not a “pillow top” person, so I went with more “flat top” mattress without tufting and I love it! Fazi answered all 10000 questions I had and did not push me at all😍🥰
I came in to try out the Helix mattresses after seeing them everywhere online. I'm really glad I visited this showroom because they carry all the popular online brands, and it gave me the chance to try a few different options. After testing the Helix, I realized it wasn’t the right fit for me. I’m just not a fan of the pillow top feel, so I ended up choosing a more “flat top” mattress without the tufting—and I absolutely love it!Fazi was incredible throughout the whole process. She answered all my questions (and I had a ton of them!) without ever making me feel rushed or pressured. Her knowledge and patience really made a difference, and she made the whole experience fun. I truly appreciated her time and expertise. Highly recommend working with her if you’re mattress shopping!
Did you know that online-mattress brands are available to try in-store? Test a luxury Bear brand mattress in-person with these tips from our experts.
Did you know that online mattress brands are available to try in-store? Test a luxury Bear brand mattress in-person with these tips from our experts.
Discover where to try a Casper mattress in your area. Visit SleePare stores for a firsthand experience and expert guidance on your perfect sleep solution.
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Meet The Author:
Shanir Kol
Shanir Kol, founder and CEO of SleePare, pioneered the “Try and Buy” model in eCommerce, enhancing mattress shopping by combining in-store trials with online purchases. Launching in 1999, his company focuses on customer satisfaction and eco-friendly practices, aiming to minimize mattress waste and expand sustainably.