How to Shop for a Mattress Online [2020 & Beyond]

Buying a new mattress should always be a very meticulous and well thought out decision. And with this year’s health crisis leaving a whirlwind of uncertainty, it helps to know you can still shop for mattresses online. If you’re spending more time at home and need to upgrade your bed for additional comfort and support, now is the time to do so.

The booming growth of the mattress industry and the significant number of choices available can make shopping for a new mattress feel like an overwhelming task. There are many different mattress types, but there is also a range of sizes, comfort levels, and foundations to consider.

If you’re unsure of where to begin or what to look for in your online mattress shopping experience, our helpful guide will walk you through what you need to know to confidently shop online for your new mattress, including the different sizes and mattress types to look for to help improve your sleep.

The Mattress Types

When shopping online for a mattress, you’ll find every type you’d expect to see in a physical store, and you may even find some additional options that are online exclusives. So, what are the various mattress types available?

Innerspring Mattresses: These are the most common mattress options. They are made with a steel support system and comforting foam layer on top. Innersprings are often the bounciest option and provide exceptional edge support to keep you stable during the night. However, the natural spring from the foam layer doesn’t contour to the body as naturally as other materials if you’re hoping for that super-snug feel.
Memory Foam Mattresses: To put it simply, a memory foam mattress is any variety of an all-foam bed. The conforming aspects and pressure-relieving comfort foam help to improve your sleep efficiency by reducing impact and pressure points. The padded foam conforms to your body so that even your achiest bones and joints can comfortably sink into the pure softness of the mattress instead of feeling the weight of your body against a hard surface.
Hybrid Mattresses: The name says it all—a hybrid mattress is a combination of innerspring and memory foam. They are made using a pocketed coil support core along with multiple layers of foam or latex foam on top for added comfort. They are a great option because they offer the same pressure-relieving body-conforming characteristics as a memory foam mattress, but with the support structure of an innerspring mattress.
Latex Mattresses: Latex mattresses are a popular online option and a unique material to consider. The organic latex used in these mattresses are bouncy and contour nicely to the body to help keep you and your sleep partner in place. Certain box mattresses are commonly made of latex which can be appealing if that is the direction you plan to take.
Mattress in a Box: Speaking of —bed-in-a-box models are the easiest way to order a mattress online, and most models are stocked at Big Sandy Superstore’s to be taken home the day of purchase. You can pick up your order or try out any of the mattress in a box models in-store to see which one best suits your needs. Beds-in-a-box come in a variety of materials and qualities from several brands. They provide as much safe cushion and support as any other mattress type, and when ordered online, can be conveniently shipped to your door in a safe and secure box.

When it comes to swapping out your mattress, there are no hard rules. Just be aware that durable mattresses made with high-quality fabrics and materials will be able to withstand years of impact and natural wear and tear to outlast any cheaply made products. Once you’re ready to upgrade your bed, there are a few specific features that can help your dream mattress stand out from the crowd.

Do your research and be on the lookout for cooling properties, support, durability, motion transfer, edge support, and size. These features will help your mattress breathe and remain comfortable so you aren’t rustling the covers and waking up in a sweat. You'll be able to keep your head and neck aligned so you don’t wake up with any discomfort, and you can maximize your surface area to keep yourself in place so you don’t feel any movement. There’s no bigger pain than waking up in pain, so if you’re shopping online for a mattress, pick the one you know is made to last.

All of these things are equally important, but a sometimes overlooked aspect of sleep comfort is lying on the right sized mattress. It isn’t always clear which mattress size will best fit your bedroom space, but when deciding on the right mattress, consider how much sleeping surface area you desire, how much additional space you want to allow for movement and relaxation, and how many people will be sleeping in the bed. Don't invest in more mattress than you need—it's just not worth trying to squeeze a California King into a dorm room.

If you’re wondering about the different mattress sizes, we’ll help you find the option that best suits your space and sleep needs. And remember, not all mattresses are the same—exact measurements can slightly vary from mattress to mattress, so be diligent when looking for your preferred mattress size.

Twin

A twin mattress is the smallest size available outside of a crib or toddler’s bed. The Twin size mattress dimensions read around 39” x 75”. This is a great option for a child's bedroom or any teen or adult who isn’t sharing a bed and have limited space in their room. They are great for racecar beds and bunk beds, but it is not the recommended size for sharing with a sleep partner unless you like elbows and knees jammed into your side during the night.

XL Twin

Taking one step up, the XL Twin size mattress dimensions come in at 39” x 80”. It’s a longer bed but the width remains at 39”. If your child hits a rapid growth spurt or you’re trying to furnish your narrow bedroom space, this is a trusted option. Sheets and bedding will also be just as easy to come by as many college dorm beds are an XL twin.

Full

The Full size mattress measurements come in at 54” x 75”. This is the ideal size if you are challenged for space in your bedroom; providing plenty of quality comfort without eating up your living area. If you sleep alone or you’re a couple who like to snuggle together nice and close, this is the bed for you. The Full length remains the same length as a Twin mattress, but the width is given an added 15” of space for plenty of room to comfortably stretch out.

Queen

Grab your crown because now you’re sleeping like royalty. Queen size mattress dimensions rest at 60″ x 80”, so with that much room, say goodnight to aches and pains. A Queen size mattress provides more than enough space for you, your sleep partner, and your pets. This is a solid option for a small family or a single sleeper who prefers a little extra sleep space to sprawl out comfortably.

California King

“California Dreamin’” will be much more than a catchy hit song from the 70s, it will become your reality once you rest your head on a California king mattress. Keep a Golden State of mind and welcome your very own throne with a massive California King size mattress measurement of 72” x 84”. It’s slightly longer than a standard King size mattress but it has a narrower width. You no longer have to worry about your toes dangling off the edge of the bed—this is the largest bed on the market, making it the ideal choice to ensure comfortable and plush slumber for taller sleepers.

King

Are you still unsure whether to purchase a King or California King mattress? The only real difference to consider is a slight adjustment in size. If you and your sleep partner are looking for a mattress wide enough to fit two adults and all your children or furry family members, then the wider design of a King mattress is the prime choice to provide extra space. Providing ample room to sprawl out and relax, the dimensions for a standard King size mattress are 76″ x 80″. It’s the same length as a Queen but much wider. If you don’t have anyone joining you in bed at night, it can be a great option to fill up space in a large master bedroom.

When it comes down to finding your ideal mattress size, there is no right or wrong answer. Assess your ideal construction and materials, sleep type, preferred material, and budget—then shop around to find the best available option for you.

Don’t forget to consider your sleep position and comfort level. Your comfort levels are a range of soft and firm mattress types. You can start with an extra-plush and go all the way up to extra-firm. These factors go hand-in-hand when it comes to good sleep, and having an idea will help as you shop online for a new mattress.

Make the Most of Your Online Mattress Shopping Experience

Similar to shopping in a physical store, it helps to have a general idea of what you want before you start shopping. Research all the top brands and features ahead of time—this will save you time and reduce the chance of having to return the product later on.

The good thing about shopping online is you’ll never have to haggle, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still find some stellar product sales and discounts. Major holidays are a great time for mattress sales online and in-store. Be on the lookout for the next big promotion and be ready to strike.

Hurry to get your mattress out of the box and in your bedroom. Make sure you will be home around the expected delivery time and carefully follow the unboxing instructions to allow the mattress to regain its shape and breathe properly. Once you take it out of the box, make sure it will work for you and your sleep needs. If it’s not the right fit, don’t be hesitant to make an exchange. Our team will be available to accommodate your needs so you can find the mattress you’ve been dreaming of.

Here at Big Sandy Superstore, you can shop our entire catalog of amazing mattresses from top-name brands online or in-store. We carry the products you can trust to improve your sleeping habits from extra-plush to extra-firm and everything in between. Rest your head and sink into a memory foam mattress or doze off for a nice siesta on a hybrid mattress that combines cooling power with a padded pressure-reducing top layer to provide a stable and supportive sleep surface. No more tossing and turning and no more counting sheep, shopping online for gel mattresses, plush pillow tops, Euro tops, or firm tops is the only sleep cure you need.

Confidently Navigate our Catalog

And don’t miss our special catalog, too! When you click on the mattress category, you can select the “More Ways to Shop” filter and a drop-down menu will open. Find options from “In Stock to “Best Sellers” and Twin size mattress dimensions to King size mattress dimensions to see what quality sleep products we have available.

Here are some of the current available mattress sizes for which you can apply filters:

Using Chat or Phone to Ask Questions

If you have any questions about shopping online for mattresses or any of our other sleep accessories, we are always available by chat or phone to assist you.

Simply click the icon on the bottom-right side of our homepage. A window will pop up where one of our team members will be able to live-chat with you. If phone calls are your thing, remember to give us a call at your preferred location or our toll-free number at 888-610-2449