Buying a Mattress Online vs. In Store: Which is Better?

Is it better to buy a mattress in store or online? We get this question all the time. Before the internet revolutionized shopping, visiting a physical mattress store was your only option for mattress shopping — and most people found it exhausting. Today, you can order a mattress online with just a few clicks and have it delivered to your doorstep. 

But even in this age of convenience, the debate continues: is it a good idea to buy a mattress online, or should you visit a store in person?

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Everyone has different preferences for their shopping experience. There are benefits and downsides to both buying a mattress online and shopping in person; as mattress experts with 45 years of experience, we believe these two methods can actually work together beautifully at Texas Mattress Makers. 

Our mattress experts are here to break down the pros and cons of each shopping method so you can make an informed decision about finding your perfect mattress.

Buying a mattress online: Pros and cons

As buying a mattress online becomes increasingly popular, let’s explore both the advantages and the drawbacks of using the internet to purchase your new bed.

Pros

• It’s incredibly convenient. Shopping online allows you to browse and purchase from the comfort of your own home, saving you time by eliminating the need to drive to mattress stores nearby. No traffic, no parking hassles — just you and your laptop.
• Shop on your schedule. Physical stores have closing times, but websites are available 24/7 from any location. Whether it’s 2 PM or 2 AM (please go to bed at a reasonable hour!), you can browse mattresses in your pajamas from your couch.
• Access to exclusive deals. Many mattress brands run online-only promotions that can help you save significantly on your purchase. If you’re searching for “mattresses on sale near me,” you’ll be able to see different sales at once.
• Read real customer reviews. Customer reviews give you valuable insights into how a mattress actually performs from real people. While some salespeople might tell you every mattress is “the best,” reviews let you see which mattresses truly live up to the hype.

If you’re unsure where to start, online shopping can be a great way to scout your options. Check out our comprehensive guide on how to buy a mattress online for expert tips on navigating the digital marketplace.

Cons

Now here’s the truth: we think that online browsing is great for the research phase, but buying a mattress online from traditional retailers can come with more cons than pros. This Reddit quote said it best: “Don’t do online. Try them out. Online ones are pretty shifty. Make the effort.”

• You can’t feel a mattress through a screen. The description might say “medium-firm,” but what does that actually feel like? Does “medium” mean the same thing across every brand? Spoiler alert: it doesn’t. Understanding if a mattress is right for you requires actually lying on it — and if you wait until after purchase to do that, you might be disappointed.
• Most online retailers only sell bed-in-a-box mattresses. Quality mattresses don’t come compressed in a box. When you purchase a bed in a box, the components are squished and rolled, which can significantly reduce the mattress’s lifespan. These beds are typically made with lower-quality materials, meaning your sleep quality may suffer. This is the opposite of the buy it for life philosophy we believe in at Texas Mattress Makers.
• Limited selection means limited options. If you’ve browsed major online mattress retailers, you’ve probably noticed they offer fewer than 10 mattresses to choose from. While this might seem simpler, it’s actually a one-size-fits-all approach that puts you at a disadvantage. Finding the right mattress for your unique needs requires variety.
• Returns can be a nightmare. If you buy a bed-in-a-box and aren’t happy with it, the return process can be incredibly frustrating and time-consuming. This is especially true after the mattress break in period. Always read the return policy carefully before purchasing.

The bottom line? Convenience doesn’t always equal quality and comfort. While you might save time initially, you could end up spending more money in the long run replacing a mattress that wasn’t made with your specific needs in mind.

Is it worth it to go to a mattress store? Pros and cons of in-person shopping

You might say brick-and-mortar shopping is outdated, but we believe shopping for a mattress in person is the smartest way to make an informed decision. 

Pros

• You can test mattresses to find your perfect match. At Texas Mattress Makers, we believe shopping for a mattress in person is crucial. A mattress is an incredibly personal purchase, and finding the right mattress fit directly impacts your overall well-being and sleep quality. By trying before you buy, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting — no surprises, no regrets. Trust us, don’t skip this step.
• See how mattresses actually perform over time. Here’s something that sets us apart from other mattress stores in Houston: all the mattresses in our showrooms are already broken in. This means you can experience how the comfort and support layers feel after you’ve slept on them for a few weeks, not just on day one. This gives you a much clearer picture of what to expect long-term.
• Get expert guidance, not a sales pitch. We completely understand wanting to avoid pushy salespeople. At Texas Mattress Makers, our team consists of experts — not commission-driven salespeople. Our staff has deep knowledge of the components and technology in each mattress and can pair you with a bed that satisfies all your needs. 
• Enjoy the best sales in store and online. We believe that customers should be able to enjoy amazing savings both in-store and online. We often offer promotions on top of our already low, factory-direct prices, so you are getting the best mattress for the best price guaranteed.

We have a list of questions to ask when buying a mattress that we walk through with every customer, because we’re in the business of providing you with the best night’s sleep, not just making a quick sale.

Cons

In our expert opinion, there are truly no significant cons to buying a mattress in person. Yes, it requires some time — driving to the showroom, speaking with our experts, and trying out mattresses — but that time investment practically guarantees you’ll find the right mattress for your unique needs. When you consider you’ll spend roughly 8 hours a day on this mattress for the next 10+ years, a few hours of your time now is absolutely worth it.

How Texas Mattress Makers combines the best of both worlds

How do people buy mattresses online while still getting expert guidance and quality assurance? At Texas Mattress Makers, we’re dedicated to providing an accommodating shopping experience that lets you choose your own journey.

The convenient yet smart way to shop online

If you prefer to shop from home, you can take our Sleep Quiz to get personalized mattress recommendations, or call one of our experts at (713) 341-6252 to discuss your unique needs over the phone. 

We’ll walk you through the purchasing process and help you select a mattress from the comfort of your home. You can browse our selection and make a purchase directly from our website — making us a convenient option when searching for the best place to buy a mattress.

After that phone consultation, you might decide to order a mattress online directly from our website, or you might want to visit a showroom to try the recommended mattresses yourself (which we highly recommend). Both options are available to you.

And here’s the best part: if our showroom inventory doesn’t meet all of your needs, ask us about our custom mattress capabilities. As a local Houston manufacturer, we can create your dream mattress that is built to your exact specifications and within your budget. Every mattress is handcrafted right here in our Downtown Houston factory and sold for lower, factory-direct prices.

The Verdict: Buying a Mattress Online and In-Person is Simple at Texas Mattress Makers

So, what’s the best approach? Is it better to buy a mattress in store or online? While we heavily encourage everyone to visit a mattress store nearby (hopefully us) to try out beds in person, we’ve created a hybrid approach that makes buying a mattress online simple and accessible. 

Here’s what we recommend: 

1. Start your research online, read reviews, learn about different mattress types, and even browse our inventory. 
2. Then, when you’re ready to make a decision, come to a showroom to test the mattresses in person, or call us to speak with an expert who can guide you through the selection process over the phone. 

This hybrid approach gives you the convenience of online shopping with the confidence that comes from expert guidance and hands-on testing.

The Texas Mattress Makers in-person shopping experience is truly unlike anything else in the mattress industry. We’re not a big-box retailer or an online-only company — we’re a locally-owned family business that’s been serving Houston for 45 years. When you shop with us, you’re supporting local manufacturing and getting a mattress made right here in Texas. 

Houston has voted us the best place to buy a mattress for four years in a row, so you know we must have great mattresses.

Whether you choose to stop by a showroom, shop online, or combine both approaches, we’re here to help you find the perfect mattress. Visit any of our mattress stores in Houston today!

More Helpful Articles by Texas Mattress Makers:

• Mattress Manufacturer vs. Mattress Retailer: Which Is Better?
• Experts Answer: How Long Should a Mattress Last?
• Let’s Compare Mattresses: Ours vs. The Competition
• Why Mattress Body Impressions are Crucial for Quality Sleep
• How to Select Mattress Size