The Secret to Finding a Comfortable Mattress Without Overpaying

Casper is probably the best known mail-order mattress, and for good reason. The New York City-based company, founded in 2014, has grown quickly and substantially in two years. Its founders believe that the only way to know whether a mattress is truly comfortable is by sleeping on it — so they offer a 100-day trial period. Designed and produced in the USA, it's also known for its fun ads, which New Yorkers will recognize from the subways. It only offers one type and firmness of mattress, which is made of memory foam.

Verdict: Most customers agree that the Casper is good for lovers of both soft and firm mattresses. Some have even reported that it relieves back and neck pain, and people are impressed with the easy delivery and unboxing. Overall, customers seem pretty happy with the mattress, though a few reviewers admit to being underwhelmed.

Cost: $500 (twin) to $950 (California king)

Trial Period: 100 days

Warranty: 10 years

If you're looking for a mattress company with social responsibility as a big part of its mission statement, here it is. Virginia Beach-based Leesa has three big social-impact programs: donating mattresses, planting trees, and supporting its local community. Its no-frills approach, both to its website and the mattress, is also a big selling point. Plus, the memory-foam mattress is said to adapt to different body shapes and sleeping styles so it should be a good fit for anyone.

Verdict: The Leesa mattress is cozy but supportive. Some reviewers said that they couldn't feel their partners moving and that the mattress stayed cool throughout the night. Side sleepers were also happy with the level of comfort.

Cost: $525 (twin) to $990 (California king)

Trial Period: 100 days

Warranty: 10 years

Saatva is the oldest mail-order mattress company on this list — and the most expensive. It was founded by mattress technology experts and furniture executives in 2010 and has its headquarters in Westport, CT. Unlike Casper and Leesa, Saatva comes in three firmness options: Luxury Firm, Firm, and Plush Soft. It is also the only mattress on this list with coils.

Verdict: Most customers seem not to mind the higher price tag, and they report feeling better rested than with other mattresses. Its flagship mattress is the Luxury Firm, and it seems to be the preferred option — even for people who tried the Firm and Plush Soft options. Other reviewers like the good customer service, full-service home delivery, and high-quality materials.

Cost: $599 (twin) to $1,299 (California king)

Trial Period: 75 days

Warranty: 15 years

On the other end of the price spectrum is Tuft & Needle, the cheapest option on this list. Tuft & Needle prides itself on being able to deliver a high-quality product without gimmicks or inflated pricing and pass the savings onto its customers. Manufactured in the USA, its mattress doesn't use memory foam, and instead it's innovated its own T&N Adaptive Foam and simplified the mattress down to two layers.

Verdict: Not surprisingly, people love the price tag of the Tuft & Needle mattress, and most agree that it's just as good as other, more expensive mattresses. While some reviewers thought it was too firm, others reported that it was just the right amount of firmness and doesn't sink too much. This one might require a bit of an adjustment period, as some customers said it got more comfortable over time.

Cost: $350 (twin) to $750 (California king)

Trial Period: 100 nights

Warranty: 10 years

This mail-order mattress company is the only non-US-based company on our list, but it does offer shipping to the States. Endy, based out of Toronto, seems like Canada's answer to the Casper mattress, with a charitable bent. Endy will donate a bed net to fight malaria with each mattress it delivers. It offers a simple and convenient shopping experience and the same warranty and trial period as Casper. While the twin size is more expensive than most on this list, its king, queen, and full sizes remain very affordable.

Verdict: Generally, people seem pretty happy with their Endy mattresses. Some customers reported a slight smell when they first opened them but that it seemed to go away after a short time. Others reported having a better sleep than on their old mattress. People say that the Endy conforms to your body but still offers support and is good for side sleepers.

Cost: $650 (twin) to $850 (king)

Trial Period: 100 days

Warranty: 10 years

Want more options? The Helix is a fully customizable, made-to-order bed. By combining body type and sleep preferences with sleep technology, it creates mattresses that are made to fit its customers. Helix believes in allowing people to be themselves, and it even has dual-customization available to customize each side of the bed. The Chicago-based company hand-assembles its beds in Illinois.

Verdict: With good customer service and easy returns, people are pretty happy with the Helix bed. People like the customization and say that the mattress is firm and cool. Some people thought the bed was too firm, but with so much customization available, this should be a pretty easy fix. Customers were also happy with the good customer service and easy returns.

Cost: $600 (twin) to $995 (California king)

Trial Period: 100 nights

Warranty: 10 years

The Ghostbed sounds like the perfect mattress for Halloween-lovers! The Ghostbed is made by Nature's Sleep, but it's only available online and is Nature's Sleep's answer to the mail-order mattress trend. The mattress is backed by 15 years of experience and research in the sleep industry. The firmness rating of 6.5 out of 10 allegedly provides the best balance between comfort and support, and it's thicker than most other memory-foam mattresses.

Verdict: Like Tuft & Needle's mattress, some customers said Ghostbed takes a few days to get used to, but once you do, you can look forward to sound sleeping. People agree that the bed has a good amount of firmness and softness and have said that it's cool to the touch.

Cost: $495 (twin) to $925 (California king)

Trial Period: 101 nights

Warranty: 20 years