(Last Update: 04/15/2025)
The right mattress is crucial for a good night's sleep and overall well-being.
A well-chosen mattress can vastly improve sleep quality, alleviate pain, and make waking up refreshed and energized a daily reality.
A good night’s sleep and overall health depend on the right mattress.
A good mattress can significantly enhance the quality of your sleep, reduce pain, and help you feel refreshed and energized daily.
Choosing the perfect mattress can seem overwhelming. But this mattress trials, warranties, and returns guide will break it down for you: the best mattress trial periods, warranties and returns, and top tips and advice for a successful mattress trial.
Trial periods offer customers a risk-free experience, allowing them to test a mattress in their own home before making a significant investment.
Unlike in-store testing, where you can only lie down for a few minutes, a home trial provides the adjustment period needed to determine if the mattress aligns with your sleep needs.
Mattress Sleep Trial Periods
What is a mattress trial period?
A mattress trial period is when a customer can try a new mattress in their home before making a final decision. Although sleep trials differ, most online mattress brands offer sleep trials, and most companies allow customers to return the newly purchased mattress for a full refund if unsatisfied.
How do mattress trial periods work?
Knowing how mattress trial periods work in your purchase process is key to a happy mattress purchase. Many mattress companies offer at-home trials so you can try the mattress in your space.
- Whether you’re a combination sleeper or have specific support needs, these free trials let you try the mattress for more than one or two nights. Hybrid mattresses and others are available to try in-store or online.
- The return process usually starts with a simple phone call or online request. This way, unwanted mattresses can be returned or exchanged, and there are no commitment worries.
- The terms and conditions of mattress sleep trial periods vary from brand to brand. But most sleep trials follow this process:
The customer has time to try the mattress (usually a minimum break in period of 90 to 120 nights), and the average mattress trial period is between 100 to 20 nights.
For example, Mattress Firm offers free, secure delivery and a 120-night mattress trial to find your perfect bed with complete confidence and satisfaction. Customers who are happier with the mattress can return it for a full refund.
THE BREAK-IN PERIOD
A break-in period in mattress-free trials is when your body adjusts to the mattress. It’s like breaking in a new pair of shoes; you need time to get used to the fit and feel. This period allows you to assess comfort and support before keeping or returning the product.
- The first break-in period is an important part of any sleep trial and usually takes 14 to 30 days of the sleep trial. This period allows your body to get used to the new mattress and the mattress to adjust to your body.
- Give the mattress time to have the required break-in period, as it might feel different from what you experienced in mattress stores or during your first few minutes of trying it out.
- If the mattress doesn’t meet your expectations after the break-in period, please return through the channels provided by the mattress company during the sleep trial and break-in period.
Return Procedures and Policies.
The return process typically starts by contacting a customer service representative to initiate a return. Most mattress companies have a specified duration for returns, ensuring a hassle-free return if the mattress does not meet expectations.
However, keep in mind that some brands may charge additional costs for processing.
The return process usually starts when a buyer contacts customer service. Return procedures and policies may vary from online mattress companies
- Please read the return process and fees before you buy a mattress.
- Return shipping, restocking, and old mattress removal fees can add up to the total cost of returning a mattress.
- And some brands may offer to exchange the mattress for a different model from their collection.
Mattress Warranties
A mattress is a significant investment, and its warranty period protects against manufacturing defects.
Mattresses with strong edge support and high-quality materials last longer, ensuring the mattress stays in excellent condition even if you frequently sit on the edges.
Checking the warranty details for a specific mattress model helps avoid unexpected surprises.
WHAT IS A MATTRESS WARRANTY?
- Understanding a mattress warranty is like having a safety net for your investment. It's a promise from the mattress company to repair or replace any physical defects in the mattress for a certain period.
HOW TO EVALUATE A MATTRESS WARRANTY?
- When evaluating a mattress warranty, caution is key. Please understand what's covered, the duration of the warranty, and whether it offers a full or partial refund if the mattress is defective.
- Coverage: What is covered by the warranty? Manufacturing defects, excessive sagging, or anything else?
Full or partial refund: Does the warranty offer a full or partial refund if the mattress is defective?
- Full or partial refund: Does the warranty offer a full or partial refund if the mattress is defective?
- Please read the fine print carefully and understand the terms before you buy. A full warranty from mattress manufacturers will give you peace of mind and protection against manufacturing defects, so your investment in a new mattress is secured.
Additional tips for evaluating mattress warranties:
Compare warranties from other brands: Not all warranties are created equal. Some brands offer better warranties than others.
When understanding a mattress warranty, don’t just scan the document. Take the time to read it thoroughly and understand all the terms. This diligence will ensure you fully know your rights and the mattress's coverage.
Please contact the mattress company’s customer service if you have questions about the warranty. They should be happy to answer them and help you out.
Types of Mattress Warranties
- A limited warranty is a promise from the manufacturer to repair or replace any physical defects in a mattress, usually within a certain period.
- A full replacement warranty will replace the mattress if it has physical defects within the specified period.
- A prorated warranty is a promise from the manufacturer to repair or replace the mattress if it has physical defects within a certain period.
- However, over time, the warranty's coverage will decrease. In simpler terms, it means that the longer you've had the mattress, the less the warranty will cover in case of a defect.
Comparing Return Policies
When buying a new mattress, comparing return policies is key.
Understanding the return policy of each brand will help you know what’s covered and what fees you’ll incur if you return the wrong mattress anyway.
Some mattress companies have no restocking or return fees, while others have more strict conditions or extra fees.
Hidden fees
- When returning a mattress, hidden fees are to be considered. Some companies may charge return shipping fees or restocking fees, which can add up and affect the total cost of the return.
- Know these fees and factor them in when choosing a new mattress to return your mattress to.
- Shipping costs may be higher for remote areas, so this should be considered when returning a mattress.
Some mattress companies may also void the free trial period if the mattress is ordered from a certain location, so it’s important to know any location-specific terms and conditions that apply to your mattress trial.
Pickup Arrangements
- Convenient pickup arrangements are important for remote users who need to return a mattress.
- Mattress pickup arrangements collect a mattress from the customer’s location, which can vary depending on the company or service provider.
- This can be scheduling a pickup date, putting the mattress out for regular garbage collection, or making special arrangements in advance.
Mattresses with Exceptional Trial Periods and Warranties
After considering all the factors and knowing the importance of trial periods and warranties, we’ve compiled a list of mattresses with the longest trial periods and warranties.
These mattresses are Puffy Lux Hybrid (101-night sleep trial) and Nolah Natural (120-night sleep trial).
Brands with Longest Sleep Mattress Trial
DreamCloud, Level Sleep, Awara, Avocado Vegan, and Nectar Memory Foam are the brands that offer the longest sleep trial of 365 days. This gives the customer enough time to test and adjust to their new mattress.
These have trial periods, strong warranties, and high customer satisfaction.
Best Overall Mattress
- Puffy Lux Hybrid mattress is our top pick for the best overall mattress. It offers a 101-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty. This mattress is designed with foam layers and a cooling gel layer, perfect for hot sleepers.
- What sets Puffy Lux Hybrid apart from most mattresses is its overall sleeping experience that caters to different sleep positions and preferences.
- With a balance of comfort and support, this is a great option for those looking for a high-quality mattress with a long trial period and warranty.
Best Budget-Friendly Mattress
- Nectar Memory Foam is a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly option. This mattress has a one-year free trial and financing with 0% APR through Affirm, so it’s affordable without compromising quality and comfort.
- The Nectar Memory Foam mattress has several layers of foam and cooling gel, providing support and more pressure relief for different sleep positions and for hot sleepers.
With a lifetime warranty backing up its quality, the Nectar Memory Foam mattress is a smart choice for those looking for a budget-friendly new mattress with a long free trial period and strong warranty coverage.
How to Make the Most of Your Mattress Trial
Here are some tips to help you maximize your mattress trial. First, try the mattress in different sleep positions and pay attention to how it feels to your body weight and contours.
- Monitor your sleep quality during the new mattress trial period, which will help you determine whether the mattress is right for you.
- Apart from comfort and support testing, please ensure the mattress is placed in the right room where it should be. This will help with heat retention and reduce off-gassing odors from the mattress, making your mattress trial experience more comfortable.
Some sleepers find that their mattress retains heat, leading to a less than ideal sleep experience.
If you sleep hot, it's crucial to choose a mattress with cooling technology. A certified sleep science coach or other medical professional can offer guidance in selecting the best mattress based on temperature regulation.
Testing Comfort and Support
- Remember how it feels to lie down when testing comfort and support during the trial period.
- Try lying in different positions, such as back, side, or stomach, and see how the mattress reacts to your body weight and contours.
- Pay attention to pressure relief, edge support, and how the mattress supports your spine in different sleeping positions.
- Testing its comfort and support lets you determine if the mattress is right. Remember that your body may take some time to adjust to a new mattress, so be patient and give yourself enough time to fully experience it during the trial period.
Monitoring Sleep Quality
- Monitoring your sleep quality during the mattress trial period is crucial to determine if the mattress is for you.
- You can track your sleep patterns and comfort levels using wearable devices or smartphone applications like Oura Ring, Fitbit Inspire 2, or Sleep Cycle app.
- These tools will give you insights into your sleep quality, such as heart rate, movement, and sleep stages.
If your sleep quality declines or doesn’t improve, you can return the mattress and try another one.
How to Choose the Right Mattress Online
Choosing the right mattress can be challenging, but there are ways to make the process easier and more successful.
- Reading customer ratings and reviews can give you insights into the mattress quality, customer service, and other customer satisfaction.
- Comparing brands and offers will help you find the best mattress for you.
By taking the time to research and compare mattress brands thoroughly, you can make a more informed decision about which mattress is for you.
When buying a new mattress online, consider your budget, sleeping position, body type, and desired materials.
This will help you find the mattress that’s perfect for you.
Reading Customer Reviews
Reading customer reviews is key to selecting and buying a mattress online. These reviews will inform you about the mattress quality, customer service, and other customers' satisfaction.
When reading customer reviews, look for common themes or issues.
Also consider the credibility of the reviews and both positive and negative reviews.
Amerisleep, Casper, Purple, and Sleep Number offer a money-back guarantee in their mattress sleep trials. Each company’s warranty covers different situations; returned mattresses may have additional conditions. Make sure to read the fine print to avoid surprise fees.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right mattress online means understanding the mattress trial period, warranty, and return policy.
Following this guide, you can decide better and choose the perfect mattress.
Don’t wait—take advantage of the mattress trial period and warranty to ensure you’re investing in a mattress that will give you the sleep you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to mattresses that are returned after the sleep trials?
Several mattress companies offer a free trial period during which customers can donate their mattresses if unsatisfied with their purchase. In some cases, new mattresses can be recycled or thrown away. Some companies will even repurpose the returned mattress and sell it at a lower price. So returned mattresses have plenty of options to be put to good use.
How long should I try a mattress before returning it?
Try out a new mattress for at least 30 days before you return it. Get used to your new bed and ensure it fits you. Give yourself time to decide if this is the bed for you, but don’t wait beyond the return window!
Are mattress trials worth it?
If you’re still unsure about the type of mattress you want, a mattress trial will help you make a more informed decision. You can try out different mattresses in person or online before you commit, and this will give you feedback on the support, comfort, and feel of each mattress.
Can I return a mattress if I don't like it?
You can probably return the mattress if you don’t like it, as most companies will allow returns. But check their policy online or in person before buying online to know of any limitations.
