Should You Buy a Mattress Online? Here's the Honest Answer

Online mattress shopping has exploded over the past decade. The pitch is compelling: shop from your couch, free delivery, 100-night trials, easy returns. And for some people, it actually works out.

But for others — especially those with back pain, specific comfort needs, or partners with different preferences — buying a mattress without trying it is a gamble that doesn't always pay off.

Here's a fair, honest look at both sides.

When Buying a Mattress Online Can Work

Let's be fair. Online mattress purchases make sense in certain situations:

  • You've already tried the exact model in a store and know what you're getting
  • You're replacing an identical mattress that you already love
  • You sleep alone, have straightforward sleep needs, and aren't dealing with pain issues
  • You're buying a guest room mattress where perfection isn't critical
  • The retailer has a generous, easy return policy with free pickup (not just free shipping back)

When Online Mattress Shopping Tends to Fail

Most dissatisfied mattress buyers we talk to in our showrooms fall into one of these categories:

  • They have back, hip, or shoulder pain — comfort is too personal to guess at
  • They share a bed with a partner who has different firmness preferences
  • They're switching mattress types (e.g., innerspring to memory foam) for the first time
  • They bought based on reviews alone — reviews reflect averages, not your body
  • The return process was harder than advertised — you often have to arrange a charity donation pickup or pay restocking fees

What You Miss Without an In-Store Test

The feel can't be described accurately

"Medium-firm" means something different to every brand. One company's medium-firm might feel like another's plush. The only way to know is to lie on it. Spend at least 10 minutes on each candidate — in your actual sleep position, not just sitting on the edge.

Your partner's preferences matter

If you share a bed, both of you should be testing mattresses together. Motion isolation, edge support, and firmness preference are all things you can only assess side-by-side.

You can't assess the room-to-room size fit

A king mattress can be physically impossible to get up certain staircases or around tight corners. Showroom staff see this regularly and can flag potential delivery issues before you order.

A good salesperson adds real value

This isn't a sales pitch for salespeople. But someone who has helped hundreds of customers find the right mattress knows things that aren't in any review. They can quickly narrow your options, explain differences between models, and point you toward the right choice for your specific situation.

The Truth About Online Trial Periods

Many online mattress companies advertise 100-night or even 365-night trials. These sound reassuring, but the fine print matters:

  • Many require a 30-day "adjustment period" before you can return
  • Returns often require you to donate or dispose of the mattress yourself
  • Some charge restocking fees or deduct shipping costs from your refund
  • Customer service quality varies wildly between companies

An in-store comfort guarantee — like our 120-night comfort guarantee — typically comes with far more support. You have a local person to call, a real relationship with the store, and none of the logistics of shipping a 70-pound mattress.

The Smarter Approach: Research Online, Decide In-Store

The two don't have to be in opposition. Here's what we see work best:

  1. Do your research online. Read about mattress types, firmness levels, materials. Get familiar with the vocabulary. Understand your sleep position and any pain issues.
  2. Make a shortlist. Based on your research, narrow it to 2–4 types (e.g., hybrid medium-firm, latex firm).
  3. Come in and test. Bring your shortlist. Spend real time on each mattress — 10+ minutes, in position, eyes closed.
  4. Ask questions. What makes this model different? What's the return policy? What's included with delivery?
  5. Buy with confidence. You've done the research and the in-person test. You know what you're getting.

That combination — online research plus in-store testing — gives you the best of both worlds.

We have five LA showrooms where you can do exactly that. Find the one closest to you →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to buy a mattress online?

Sometimes, but not reliably. Online brands eliminate retail overhead but add marketing costs that can be just as high. In-store retailers often run competitive promotions — and you get the benefit of testing what you're buying and having local support if anything goes wrong.

What should I look for in an online mattress return policy?

Look for: full refund (not store credit), free return pickup (not "donate it yourself"), no restocking fee, and a trial period of at least 90 nights. Read the full terms before buying.

Can I try a mattress in a store and then buy it online for less?

Technically yes, though it's worth factoring in the full value: local support, comfort guarantees, white glove delivery, and the relationship with a store you can walk back into. Many brick-and-mortar retailers price-match or offer financing that online brands don't.

Are online mattresses lower quality?

Not necessarily. Some online brands make quality products. But quality can't be verified from a photo and a spec sheet — testing in person is still the only way to know if you will like it.

What's white glove delivery and is it worth it?

White glove delivery means your mattress is brought inside, set up, and your old mattress is removed — all handled for you. It's included with most purchases at LA Mattress Store and it's absolutely worth it for anything larger than a twin.