The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Mattress on Amazon in 2023

If you‘re in the market for a new mattress, you‘ve likely considered purchasing one on Amazon. The retail giant has become a popular destination for mattress shoppers thanks to its wide selection, competitive prices, and the convenience of fast Prime shipping straight to your door.

But is buying a mattress on Amazon the right choice for you? As a mattress expert and self-proclaimed picky shopper, I‘ll walk you through everything you need to know, from the pros and cons to my top picks and insider tips. By the end, you‘ll have all the information you need to confidently decide if an Amazon mattress is the way to go.

The Rise of Online Mattress Shopping

First, let‘s take a look at how online mattress shopping has grown in recent years. According to a 2020 report from Furniture Today, online mattress sales have seen double-digit growth every year since 2017. In 2020 alone, 30% of all mattress purchases happened online, up from just 5% in 2016.

The COVID-19 pandemic only accelerated this trend, as more consumers opted to shop from home instead of visiting physical stores. Industry analysts predict that by 2025, nearly half of all mattress sales will take place online.

As the world‘s largest online retailer, Amazon has played a big role in this shift. While the company doesn‘t disclose specific sales figures, it‘s estimated that Amazon accounts for around 15-20% of the online mattress market. That puts it ahead of direct-to-consumer brands like Casper and Purple in terms of sheer volume.

Amazon‘s Mattress Selection: An Overview

So what kinds of mattresses can you find on Amazon? The short answer is: almost everything. From budget basics to high-end luxury models, Amazon carries a dizzying array of options to suit every preference and price point.

The most common types of mattresses sold on Amazon are:

• Memory foam: Made from viscoelastic polyurethane foam that contours closely to the body. Known for its pressure relief and motion isolation, but can trap heat. Popular Amazon memory foam mattresses include the Zinus Green Tea, Signature Sleep Memoir, and AmazonBasics Gel-Infused.

• Innerspring: Uses a support core of steel coils topped with comfort layers of foam or fiberfill. Provides a traditional bouncy feel and good airflow, but less contouring and more motion transfer. Best-selling innerspring models on Amazon include the Linenspa 8-Inch Hybrid and Modway Jenna 10-Inch.

• Latex: Made from natural or synthetic rubber latex that has a springy, responsive feel. Offers pressure relief and durability, but can be heavy and expensive. Top-rated latex mattresses on Amazon include the Pure Green Natural Latex and the Lucid 10-Inch Latex Hybrid.

• Hybrid: Combines an innerspring support core with thick comfort layers of memory foam or latex. Aims to provide the best of both worlds with contouring, support, airflow, and bounce. Popular hybrid picks on Amazon include the Tuft & Needle Mint and the Casper Element.

• Airbed: Uses adjustable air chambers instead of foam or springs to customize the firmness. Pricey and high-maintenance, but allows for dual-sided control. The best-rated airbed on Amazon is the Sleep Number 360 c2.

In terms of sizing, Amazon carries all the standard options including Twin, Full, Queen, and King. You can also find less common sizes like Twin XL, California King, and even custom dimensions for RVs, sofa beds, and cribs.

Prices on Amazon range from under $200 for a budget Twin to over $2000 for a premium King. However, the sweet spot for most shoppers is between $500 to $1200 for a Queen size mattress. You can often find discounts of 20% or more during major sales events like Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday.

Popular Mattress Brands on Amazon

In addition to its wide selection, one of the biggest draws of mattress shopping on Amazon is the ability to find both big-name brands and lesser-known manufacturers in one place. Some of the most popular mattress brands sold on Amazon include:

• Casper
• Tuft & Needle
• Zinus
• Lucid
• Linenspa
• Nectar
• Purple
• Leesa
• Sealy
• AmazonBasics

Of these, Zinus, Lucid, and Linenspa are among the best-selling with thousands of positive reviews. These brands focus on value pricing and convenient bed-in-a-box delivery.

On the higher end, Casper, Tuft & Needle, and Purple have a strong presence on Amazon and tend to get the highest customer satisfaction ratings. However, they also cost significantly more than budget brands.

It‘s worth noting that not all of these brands sell their full line of mattresses on Amazon. Some reserve certain models for their own websites or physical retail partners. Others only sell older or Amazon-exclusive versions on the platform. Always compare the specs and prices across multiple retailers to ensure you‘re getting the best deal.

The Pros and Cons of Buying a Mattress on Amazon

Now that we‘ve covered the basics of Amazon‘s mattress offerings, let‘s weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of going this route.

Advantages of Buying a Mattress on Amazon

1. Convenience: Being able to shop for a mattress from your couch and have it delivered to your door in a matter of days is hard to beat. No need to take time out of your busy schedule to visit a showroom or haggle with salespeople. Amazon makes the process about as easy as it gets.

2. Wide selection: Amazon offers an unparalleled variety of mattress brands, types, and price points to choose from. Whether you‘re looking for a budget foam bed or a luxury hybrid, you can probably find it here. The extensive user reviews also provide valuable insights into real-world performance.

3. Competitive pricing: Thanks to its massive scale and direct-to-consumer model, Amazon is able to offer very competitive prices on mattresses, especially during sales and promotions. It‘s not uncommon to see discounts of $200 or more compared to purchasing from other retailers or brands directly.

4. Prime shipping: If you‘re an Amazon Prime member, you can get free 2-day delivery on many mattresses. Some even offer free scheduled delivery and setup, saving you the hassle of wrangling a bulky bed yourself. Just be aware that not all sellers offer these perks, so read the fine print.

5. Easy returns: Amazon offers free returns on most mattresses within 100 days of delivery. If you don‘t like it, you can arrange for pickup and get a full refund with minimal fuss. However, some third-party sellers may have different policies or charge restocking fees, so always check before buying.

Disadvantages of Buying a Mattress on Amazon

1. Can‘t try before you buy: The biggest downside of shopping for a mattress online is not being able to see, feel, and test it out in person first. Comfort is highly subjective, so what feels great to one person may be terrible for another. Without actually lying on the mattress, it can be hard to predict if it will be a good fit.

2. Inconsistent information: Product descriptions and specs on Amazon can sometimes be incomplete or misleading, making it hard to comparison shop. Brands may use different terminology or metrics to describe their mattresses, leading to confusion. Always double check the details on the manufacturer‘s website if something seems off.

3. Overwhelming options: While having a lot of choices is generally a good thing, it can also be paralyzing for some shoppers. With hundreds of mattresses to sift through on Amazon, analysis paralysis is a real risk. The key is to do your research ahead of time and narrow down your options based on your specific needs and preferences.

4. Delivery hassles: Although Amazon offers free delivery on many mattresses, the actual experience can be hit or miss. Some customers report issues with missed deliveries, damaged packaging, or unresponsive carriers. And unless you pay extra for setup, you‘ll still need to unbox and assemble the mattress yourself.

5. Shorter warranties: Most mattresses sold on Amazon come with a standard 10-year warranty against manufacturing defects. However, some brands offer longer prorated warranties if you buy directly from them. Casper, for example, provides a 10-year non-prorated warranty plus an additional 10-year prorated period when purchased from its website.

5 Key Factors to Consider When Mattress Shopping on Amazon

To cut through the clutter and find the best mattress on Amazon for your needs, focus on these key considerations:

1. Materials: The type and quality of materials used in a mattress will greatly impact its feel, performance, and durability. Look for detailed descriptions of the comfort and support layers, including foam density, coil type and count, and fabric composition. In general, higher-density foams and natural materials like latex and cotton will cost more but last longer.

2. Firmness and support: Firmness refers to how hard or soft a mattress feels, while support refers to how well it keeps your spine aligned. Side sleepers usually prefer a softer mattress, while back and stomach sleepers tend to do better with a firmer bed. If you have chronic pain or specific pressure points, look for zoned support or targeted cushioning.

3. Certifications: To ensure a mattress meets safety and environmental standards, check for third-party certifications like CertiPUR-US (for foam), OEKO-TEX (for textiles), and GREENGUARD (for low emissions). These indicate the materials have been independently tested and verified to be free of harmful chemicals and pollutants.

4. User reviews: One of the biggest advantages of shopping on Amazon is the wealth of user reviews available. These provide valuable insights into real-world performance, durability, and customer service. Pay attention to comments about firmness, edge support, temperature regulation, and off-gassing odors. Be cautious of products with a low number of reviews or a high percentage of 1-star ratings.

5. Trial period and returns: Even with careful research, there‘s always a chance a mattress won‘t work out once you actually sleep on it. Look for mattresses with at least a 90-night risk-free trial period and free returns. Some brands offer even longer trials of 120 nights or more. Just be sure to read the fine print, as some may charge restocking fees or require you to keep the mattress for a certain number of nights before initiating a return.

My Top Mattress Picks on Amazon for Every Budget

With those factors in mind, here are my top Amazon mattress recommendations for different needs and price points:

Of course, these are just a few of the many great options available on Amazon. The key is to start with your personal preferences and non-negotiables (like price and firmness), and then narrow down your search based on the objective criteria outlined above.

How to Save Money on an Amazon Mattress

While Amazon is known for competitive pricing, there are still ways to save even more on your mattress purchase:

1. Shop sales events: Amazon regularly offers discounts of 20-40% on mattresses during Prime Day, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and other sales throughout the year. If you have flexibility on timing, it pays to wait for one of these events.

2. Check for coupons: Many mattress listings on Amazon have clickable coupons that can save you an extra 5-15% off the sale price. These are usually located right under the price on the product page.

3. Look for bundle deals: Some mattress brands offer discounts when you buy a bundle with other bedding products like pillows, sheets, or bed frames. These deals can be found on the mattress product page or the brand‘s Amazon storefront.

4. Consider Amazon Outlet: Amazon‘s little-known Outlet section sometimes includes discounted mattresses that have been returned or have minor cosmetic damage. You can find some great deals here, but quantities are limited and the selection changes frequently.

5. Use Amazon credit cards: If you have an Amazon Rewards Visa or Prime Rewards Visa, you can earn 3-5% cash back on your mattress purchase. Just be sure to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.

The Bottom Line on Buying a Mattress from Amazon

So, is buying a mattress on Amazon right for you? Ultimately, it depends on your unique needs, preferences, and risk tolerance.

If you prioritize convenience and selection, don‘t have time to visit showrooms, and are comfortable relying on user reviews to make a decision, Amazon can be a great choice. The free shipping, easy returns, and wide variety of brands at competitive prices are hard to beat.

On the other hand, if you strongly prefer to see and feel a mattress in person before buying, have very specific needs that require expert guidance, or want the longest possible warranty, you may be better off shopping at a specialty retailer or directly from a brand.

As a savvy consumer, the best thing you can do is arm yourself with knowledge and carefully weigh your options before making a decision. By keeping the key considerations outlined above in mind and taking advantage of Amazon‘s generous trial periods and return policies, you can greatly increase your chances of finding the perfect mattress for you — and getting a great deal in the process.