A mattress test is a specific period of time (defined by the manufacturer) during which you can test your new mattress at home. Some of them are described as risk-free, which means there are no shipping or return costs for you, while others are not. Therefore, these mattress tests will incur returns or processing fee if you change your mind during the test.
100-day mattress tests are the most common, and most of this year’s best mattresses for all budgets come with at least a 100-day test. Some brands offer 365-night trial periods, and those are the best in terms of longevity. Again, some of them will be risk-free and some will not.
Some brands also attach certain conditions to the testing process, such as using a mattress protector on your new bed during the testing period, otherwise you will void the test terms. Here’s what you’ll learn from this article:
- What is a mattress test
- How mattress tests work
- Mattress tests are free
- What are the best mattress tests by brand
- Why 100-Day Mattress Tests Are Most Popular
- Which companies sell mattresses with 365 day trials
- You can get a free mattress assessment with no upfront payment
What is a mattress test?
Mattress testing is very common among online brands because they want you to feel confident buying a new bed without seeing it in person first. But the main goal is to ensure that the mattress’s firmness and comfort levels are right for your body type and sleeping position. This is particularly important if you’re switching from one mattress type to another – for example, if you’re upgrading from an inner-spring mattress to one of the best memory foam mattresses.
If you share a bed with a sleeper, you will also experience how the bed behaves with motion transfer. A mattress test is also more reliable than the quick test you would do on a bed in a store. However, one downside is that in a showroom you can feel as many mattresses as you want.
Each manufacturer sets their own terms. Most mattress tests in the US and UK allow you to sleep in your new bed for 30 to 365 nights. Many tests are described as risk-free, which means you won’t have to pay for shipping or returns if you decide the mattress isn’t right for you.
When a review is not risk-free, you may have to pay a return fee or a processing fee. The amount varies by brand, with some explaining that they charge a fee to cover the cost of processing a returned mattress.
So if you want to try out a new bed at home without incurring any hidden costs, always look for the words ‘risk-free mattress test’. At the very least, choose a brand that offers free shipping and free returns – but check the T&Cs to make sure they don’t include any caveats. For example, “you will receive a refund if you prove the mattress was donated to a charity”.
How do mattress tests work?
100-day mattress tests are the industry standard, but there is a lot of variation. Tests can last anywhere from 30 nights (the minimum that experts recommend you try a new bed) to 365 nights. The best brands for testing 365 night mattresses are Nectar Sleep, DreamCloud, Eve Sleep, Avocado Green, WinkBeds, Awara and Saatva.
Most companies claim that testing starts the day the mattress is delivered to your home, so we recommend doing the following as soon as the bed arrives:
Check the packaging for signs of damage and contact the brand immediately if you notice damage to the box as it may affect the mattress interior. This is rare as boxed mattresses are very well protected, but be careful, especially with water damage.
Check external labels to make sure you get the right mattress in the right size.
Unpack the mattress the same day if you can, it will have enough time to expand (up to 48 hours) before you start sleeping on it.
Sleep on the mattress as soon as you can and for at least 30 days. This is the average time it takes most people to get used to a new bed, but you may need more time.
Finally, if you decide after at least 30 days that you want to return your mattress or exchange it for a different firmness, contact the manufacturer or retailer to begin this process – don’t procrastinate.
Are there free mattress tests?
Not all mattress trials are free, and even then we need to be clear about what ‘free’ means in this context: you won’t get a completely free mattress to try without any commitment.
If you find a company that offers risk-free testing, that means you still have to pay for the mattress upfront. But you will get 100% of your money back if you decide to return the mattress within the trial period and as long as you have complied with the terms of the trial. For example, you return the mattress in its original condition, without any signs of wear or damage. Each brand has different criteria, so read this before you buy.
Mattresses purchased via financing are the only exception to the 100% refund rule on risk-free trials. You may find that fees and interest charged are not refunded during the trial period. Again, check the terms of the financial plan before committing.
What are 365 Night Mattress Tests?
As the description suggests, a 365-night test means you have a full year to test out your new mattress at home. That means you can sleep in it in all seasons to ensure it’s refreshing and breathable in spring and summer (or year round if you overheat at night), cozy in fall and winter, and able to support and comfort. your body night after night. night.
A 365 night mattress test is a big advantage over 100 night tests because you will have a much stronger idea of how durable your new mattress is. You will be able to see if you are prone to premature sagging and correct these branding issues if necessary. That said, most mattress warranties will insure your mattress against premature sagging.
You’ll find 365 nightly tests on luxury mattresses and the odd bed-in-a-box (like the Nectar Mattress). At the other end of the price spectrum, the best cheap mattresses typically come with a 100-night trial period.
The best mattress tests by brand and length
To get a good mattress feel, choosing a bed with at least 100 nights of testing is a good way to see if it’s for you in terms of comfort, firmness, and so important cooling, especially when the weather gets warmer.
Here is a list of some of the best tests available in the US and UK right now:
| Brand: | Test duration: | |
| green avocado | 100-365 nights | |
| Awara | 365 nights | |
| DreamCloud | 365 nights | |
| Night of sleep | 365 nights | |
| nectar sleep | 365 nights | |
| Saatva | 365 nights | |
| Emma sleeps | 200 nights | |
| Simba Sleep | 200 nights | |
| blinkers | 120 nights | |
| bear mattress | 120 nights | |
| big fig | 120 nights | |
| Layla | 120 nights | |
| Nolah | 120 nights | |
| Sertão | 120 nights | |
| casper | 100 nights | |
| brook + wilde | 100 nights | |
| Sealy Chill’s Cocoon | 100 nights | |
| propeller sleep | 100 nights | |
| Purple | 100 nights |
When can I end my mattress test?
Some brands take a minimum 30-day test run before you can return the mattress for a refund. However, not all brands specify a minimum trial period, and if your mattress is defective, you can return it for a refund or exchange right away.
Mattress tests: summary
Mattress tests are a great way to help you make an informed decision when choosing a mattress. This is especially useful if you’re considering switching to a different type of mattress, such as a memory foam mattress to an innerspring mattress, or if you’re looking for a firmer bed.
Look for risk-free mattress testing as this means you won’t have to pay to return or exchange your mattress. However, it’s always a good idea to read the fine print before committing to purchasing any mattress in case there’s any reason it can’t be returned.
Many brands advise that you sleep on the mattress for a set period of time first – usually 30 days – so your body can get used to it. This prevents you from starting the return process prematurely, when in fact you could be sleeping in your dream bed if you just gave it a few more weeks.
Some brands also say that you should use a mattress protector during testing, to ensure the mattress is in the best possible condition if you ever want to return it. Overall, mattress tests are an excellent way to see if a bed is the right choice for you, especially if you are considering investing in a more expensive brand.
If you’re not ready for a new bed but need more sleeping comfort, take a look at our guide to this year’s best mattress toppers to add more support, firmness, softness or cooling as needed. To rest your head in a better place, we’ve also rounded up the best pillows for every budget.