- Ideal for side sleepers
- Medium-firm comfort level
- Great motion isolation
- Get 20% off sitewide with code: MARCH20
- Dual coil design
- Great edge support
- Organic cotton cover
- Cashmere-blend cover
- Great for hot sleepers
- Lifetime warranty
- Excellent pressure relief
- 365-night trial
- Motion absorbing foam
- Soft, med, or firm options
- Great cooling features
- Made in the USA
- Adjustable firmness levels
- Sleep tracking tech
- Ideal for couples
How to Choose the Right Mattress Online: Key Features That Make All the Difference
Shopping for a mattress online can feel overwhelming—dozens of materials, layers, firmness levels, and buzzwords can make even the savviest shopper pause. But behind the marketing jargon, certain key features truly set mattresses apart. Understanding these elements will help you make an informed choice, ensuring you find a mattress that suits your body, sleep style, and preferences.
Here’s a breakdown of the most important features to consider when comparing mattresses online:
1. Mattress Type: Foam, Hybrid, or Adjustable Air
The core construction of a mattress significantly influences comfort and support:
Memory Foam Mattresses are known for their contouring ability, offering pressure relief and motion isolation. They are ideal for those who want a "hugging" feel.
Hybrid Mattresses combine foam layers with innerspring coils, offering a balance of cushioning and support. These often provide better airflow and bounce.
Adjustable Air Mattresses allow you to customize firmness levels on each side, which is perfect for couples with different comfort needs.
Each type has its pros and cons, and your preference may depend on your sleeping position, weight, and whether you share your bed.
2. Firmness Level
Firmness isn’t one-size-fits-all. Most mattresses are rated on a scale from 1 (very soft) to 10 (extra firm). Generally:
Side sleepers tend to prefer medium to soft mattresses (4–6) that cushion the shoulders and hips.
Back sleepers often go for a medium-firm level (6–7) for balanced support.
Stomach sleepers usually benefit from firmer surfaces (7–8) to keep the spine aligned.
Some mattresses are designed with multiple firmness options or even offer "zoned" support for different areas of the body.
3. Pressure Relief and Zoned Support
Good mattresses reduce pressure on key areas like the shoulders, hips, and lower back. Look for materials like high-density memory foam or latex that contour without sagging.
Zoned support systems take this further by offering firmer support in the lumbar region and softer cradling under the shoulders. This design helps align the spine and reduce aches, particularly for back and side sleepers.
4. Motion Isolation
If you share a bed with a partner (or a pet), motion isolation is crucial. Memory foam and hybrid mattresses with individually wrapped coils do an excellent job of minimizing movement transfer. This means fewer sleep disruptions when one person tosses and turns—or gets up in the middle of the night.
5. Cooling Features
Overheating is a common complaint, especially with traditional memory foam mattresses. Newer mattresses address this with cooling gels, breathable covers, and airflow channels. Thanks to the open space between coils, hybrids tend to sleep cooler than all-foam models.
If you’re a hot sleeper, look for materials engineered to regulate temperature—such as phase-change fabrics, perforated foams, or moisture-wicking covers.
6. Edge Support
Edge support refers to how well a mattress holds up around its perimeter. This matters if you tend to sleep near the edge or use the mattress for sitting.
Foam mattresses often compress more at the sides, while hybrid models typically include reinforced edges that provide a stable feel and increase usable sleep space.
7. Durability and Materials
Durability depends on the quality of materials used. Higher-density foams, natural latex, and tempered coils generally last longer and retain their shape better over time.
Pay attention to the base layer construction, coil count (for hybrids), and certifications like CertiPUR-US® for non-toxic foams. A longer warranty period can also indicate better overall durability.
8. Adjustability and Smart Features
Some premium mattresses include smart features like adjustable firmness, sleep tracking, or temperature controls. These high-tech beds may be ideal for those with specific needs or preferences, though they usually come at a higher price.
9. Trial Period and Return Policy
Online mattress brands typically offer generous trial periods ranging from 90 to 365 nights. This allows you to test the mattress in your home, which is crucial since your body needs time to adjust to a new sleeping surface.
A risk-free return policy ensures you’re not stuck with a mattress that doesn’t meet your expectations.
10. Certifications and Eco-Friendly Materials
Eco-conscious shoppers should look for mattresses made with organic or recycled materials and those certified by third parties. Examples include:
CertiPUR-US® for low-emission foams
OEKO-TEX® for textile safety
GREENGUARD Gold for emissions
GOTS/GOLS for organic materials
These certifications not only reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals but also reflect better environmental practices.
Final Thoughts
When comparing mattresses online, focusing on these key features—construction type, firmness, cooling, support zones, motion isolation, and more—will help you sort through the options and find the right fit. Everyone’s sleep needs are different, but by understanding what to look for, you can shop with confidence and wake up feeling truly rested.