Mattress Buying: In-Store or Online?

For stains, cracking, sagging, dents, or anything of that nature that happen over time, you’re probably out of luck, as this is very much in the early-on sort of scenario. Similarly, let’s say that the stitching of the cover comes undone or it’s clear that the bed wasn’t put together the way it should’ve been, as it’s falling apart. This would be considered a “manufacturing defect” and also should be covered.

Here’s one very important piece of information to keep in mind if you find yourself dealing with one of these two categories: Be ready to prove it. Outlined in the fine print, and depending on the brand, you may notice that customer service mentions that images showing defects on the mattress will be needed. Some may go so far as to confirm what kind of bed frame or base you have been using, because warranty coverage does not apply if the mattress slats are spaced too widely apart.

Always use your mattress properly. If there are signs you were using it as your own personal trampoline park, the warranty is most likely void.

Pinpointing the Deals

Buying in person has its perks, too, and can’t be written off completely. The biggest one? Some folks just prefer to lay eyes (and of course, their physical selves) on a bed before buying. That is totally understandable. You may also have the opportunity to negotiate your final price, and it’ll likely go home with you that very day instead of taking a few days or even a week. Some companies will also offer sleep trials, like Mattress Firm. If you’re going to shop in person, it’s very important to consider the reputation of the company behind the brick-and-mortar location.

Plenty of online mattress brands, like Saatva and Casper, have their own storefront locations scattered across the contiguous United States. The beauty of having both an online and physical presence is that the deals can be lateral.

Saatva offers the same discounts online, in stores, and over the phone, so every customer gets the same price, says Gale. And there are often added discounts worth paying attention to: “At Saatva, for example, we offer special discounts to military veterans, teachers, health care workers, and other groups. You might want to ask whether you can get a bundled discount based on the products you’re interested in, like a mattress and base combo or a mattress and bedding bundle.” You can also shop at opportune times, and Gale suggests key holidays like the Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Black Friday.

Throw It in the Actual Cart

On the other hand, there are some brands that will put their merchandise in third-party storefronts. If you choose to go down the third-party route, make sure it is, in fact, partnered with the brand. Gale warns that unauthorized stores may sell mattresses with limited or no warranty coverage, which increases your risk if something goes wrong. This doesn’t always mean that you are covered under the brand’s warranty policy if you purchased from a partner store. Instead, you might have to rectify any issues like defects with the store itself. But sometimes, you are good to go. “Verified vendors also typically provide stronger customer support, more flexible return policies, and added transparency—sometimes even enhancing the manufacturer’s warranty,” he says. To figure out which of these will be the case for you, read the mattress warranty and policy information thoroughly.

Photograph: Saatva

Fine Print Reminder

So if you take away nothing else from this, always, always read the fine print of a mattress warranty. It’ll help you create a checklist of items to look for regarding the purchasing process. While this is additional work on top of figuring out the particular mattress you’re homing in on, it really aims to provide you with peace of mind. But if you’re looking for a helping hand, not to worry. Our team regularly tests out new beds—we spend at least a week sleeping on any mattress before recommending it—to scope out what’s worth the coin. You can check out our guides: Best Organic Mattresses, Best Mattress for Side Sleepers, Best Mattresses for Back Pain, and more.