Buying a mattress online sounds easy. A few clicks, a box at your door, and suddenly you’re sleeping better. At least that’s what marketing promises. When it comes to something you’ll spend nearly a third of your life on, convenience shouldn’t be the deciding factor. Choosing the right mattress should be.

When you search “best mattress” online, you’ll quickly notice something: most results are dominated by bed-in-a-box brands. These companies spend heavily on digital advertising and affiliate marketing, which is why they appear at the top of so many lists. However, popularity online doesn’t automatically mean it’s the best fit for your body, sleep style, or long-term comfort.

One of the biggest drawbacks of buying online is that you can’t truly test the mattress before purchasing. Consumer Reports has long recommended lying on a mattress in-store before buying because shoppers who test mattresses first are more likely to be satisfied with their purchase.

Despite the “risk-free trial” messaging, online mattress returns are surprisingly common. Research and industry reporting show online mattress return rates are significantly higher than traditional in-store purchases because comfort, firmness, temperature, and support often feel different after several nights of sleep. Some industry estimates place direct-to-consumer online mattress return rates to be 4 to 5 times higher than that of a traditional retail purchase.  

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That’s where shopping with a trusted local retailer like Montgomery’s can truly make a difference.

When you shop at one of our locally owned locations in Sioux Falls, Madison, Watertown or Aberdeen, you can compare comfort levels, ask questions, and work with experienced sleep specialists who help match you to the right mattress the first time. You’re not relying on internet reviews written by strangers with different sleep needs than your own.

You’re also buying confidence. Quality brands backed by established manufacturers often provide better durability, support, and warranty protection than many compressed bed-in-a-box models designed primarily for shipping convenience.

If your mattress still doesn’t feel perfect after sleeping on it? That’s why we offer a sleep exchange program. Real sleep comfort isn’t determined in five minutes but it also shouldn’t become a frustrating online return process.

At the end of the day, a mattress is one of the most important purchases for your health and well-being. Don’t buy based on what’s easiest to ship. Buy based on what helps you sleep your best for years to come. Trust the local experts at Montgomery’s to help you find the right mattress for better sleep today.

Mattress on sale at the Montgomery's Sioux Falls location.