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Bed Basics

Should I Shop for a Mattress In-Store or Online?

An illustration Sleep Expert® and a customer talking in store next to a mattress.
Leo Medrano

When searching for a good night’s sleep, there’s nothing more important than finding the right mattress. And not just any mattress—your perfect mattress. If you’re shopping for a mattress, it’s easy to head to mattressfirm.com and start scrolling. But what if we told you getting your mattress in-store might be even easier in the long run? If you’re not sure which route to take, we’ve teamed up with one of our Sleep Experts®, Kelly Villegas, to help you make the right decision.

Buying a Mattress In-Store vs. Online: Which Is Right for You?

If you’re short on time, buying a mattress online may seem like the best option. But before we give you our expert-approved mattress-shopping tips, keep in mind there are pros and cons to each. The biggest perk of shopping in-store is getting the help of our Sleep Experts®, who are trained to make your mattress shopping experience quick and easy. Plus, we have thousands of stores across the nation, so you won’t have to go far!

Four Key Benefits of Buying a Mattress In-Store

Now that you know the benefits of buying a mattress online, here are a few reasons you might like buying a mattress in-store.

1. Sleep Expert® Guidance

Meeting your perfect (mattress) match has nothing to do with luck and everything to do with our Sleep Experts®. With 200+ hours of training under their belts, they’re serious about your sleep and will get to know you and your sleep goals for a personalized shopping experience. With unparalleled expertise, they’ll give you mattress shopping tips and find you a dreamy new bed in no time.

2. We’re in Your Neighborhood

When looking for the best place to buy mattresses, nobody wants to make a long trek across town. Luckily, Mattress Firm has more than 2,400 stores in 49 states, so you don’t have to go out of your way to buy a mattress in-store. We’re just around the corner: Find your nearest store.

3. The Right Bed Is Right Here

No matter how much online shopping you do, nothing beats falling in love with your new mattress in person. “The first advantage of buying in-store is the ability to see and try your new sleep system right away,” Villegas reminds us. “I would say customers make a more informed decision because they will get to bond and connect with their mattress choice from the start.”

4. In-Store Exclusives

Whether it’s in-store-only discounts like floor models or our value zone beds, you can snag some great deals in person that may not be available online. Plus, some of our top brand mattresses are available to try, buy and take home the same day.

How To Shop for a Mattress In-Store: Tips & Considerations


When learning how to purchase a mattress, a little research goes a long way. Before you swing by a store, we recommend noting your current mattress brand or model, which can help your Sleep Expert® cross out similar mattresses that might be too similar (or upgrade you to one just like it, but better).

Keep in mind what your current sleep disruptors are and what your main goals are (Pain relief? Cooling?). Does your partner snore or move around too much? Do you sleep hot and need some cooling relief? Or do you wake up achy and want something that’ll have you waking up refreshed?

Testing out beds in person with Sleep Expert® guidance can be extra helpful, as they can point out the features that’ll apply to your sleep concerns and goals. It’s the best way to ensure you're getting the support and comfort you need for quality sleep.

Should You Get a Mattress Online or in a Store?

Now that you know the ins and outs of where and how to purchase a mattress, let us help you reach the final verdict. All in all, buying a mattress online vs. in-store comes down to each person’s individual priorities. Shopping online gives you the biggest selection to choose from, while shopping in-store can save you time by allowing you to try the bed on-site (and some being ready to take home the same day). For those prioritizing budgets, mattressfirm.com makes it easy to filter by price, but you might miss out on exclusive in-store discounts.

Our expert “hack” for how to purchase a mattress (no matter how you shop)? The MattressMatcher®. Villegas recommends it because “being able to select their desired comfort, size, & budget…will narrow down results.” One you have those results, take them to the store with you so you can go in with a better idea of what you want. It can make shopping for a mattress even more efficient.

When It’s Best To Buy a Mattress Online

If you’re someone who likes to see every option before you purchase a bed, buying a mattress online can be a good bet. But sometimes, it’s exactly that—a bet—if you’re willing to buy a mattress without testing it out in person. “It is a little risky,” Villegas adds, “but it all comes down to what matters to customers.” If you decide online shopping is the right path for you, you have up to 120 nights to make sure you love it or your money back.*

One pro to buying a mattress online, Villegas notes, is that it “will take away some customers feeling pressured to buy” and “gives a better selection.” Plus, you can read customer reviews to see what shoppers are raving about. Maybe you’re looking for a guest bed, or you’ve already tried a few mattresses and know exactly what you want. Shopping online can give you the whole picture of the wide selection of beds we carry. Plus, seeing everything at once and reading customer reviews can make the process more efficient, depending on what you’re looking for.

Pro tip: We have a handy tool called the MattressMatcher®—a quick, seven-question quiz that’ll help determine the top mattress picks for you. Less work, more sleep.

Shop for a Premium Mattress In-Store or Online at Mattress Firm

No matter who you are or how you sleep, we have the perfect match for you. With our wide selection of top brands and a premium selection of mattresses, we’ll find you the perfect match so you can get your best rest.

Whichever route you choose to take, you can get your new bed your way with a range of delivery and shipping options. And if going into a physical store is holding you back or you’re simply overwhelmed by the entire process, that’s ok. Be honest with your Sleep Expert®—they’ve seen it all and are trained to help everyone with their individual sleep needs. And remember, no matter which you choose, we offer a guaranteed low price and 120 nights to make sure you love your new bed—or your money back.*

*Restrictions apply.

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