The traditional way we used to purchase mattresses was by walking into a brick-and-mortar store, having a salesperson show you a few beds; you lay on them and decide which mattress to take home after a few minutes of testing.
This has all changed since the introduction of online shopping, which allows you to purchase a mattress in the comfort of your own home. Companies offering a free trial will generally deliver the mattress to you free of charge, with 30 to 365 nights to try out the mattress. If you are not satisfied can send it back and receive a refund.
We recommend you also look at the fine print attached with these mattress trials to fully understand the terms and conditions.
(Important Facts, Studies, Advice, Considerations & FAQs In Conclusion).
| MATTRESS | TYPE | FIRMNESS | TRIAL & WARRANTY | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nectar Memory Foam mattress | Memory Foam | Medium-firm | 365 Nights Forever Years | £549 |
| Emma Original mattress | Memory Foam | Medium | 200 Nights 10 Years | £449 |
| Brook + Wilde Lux mattress | Hybrid | Soft, Medium or Firm | 100 Nights 10 Years | £699 |
| Simba Hybrid mattress | Hybrid | Medium-firm | 200 Nights 10 Years | £649 |
| Ergoflex 5G mattress | Memory Foam | Medium | 30 Nights 10 Years | £499 |
1. Nectar Mattress
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • 365-night trial • Forever warranty • 7 zoned supportive base | • Sleepers who prefer a medium-firm feel • Those seeking pressure relief • People who enjoy foam mattresses |
Nectar's medium-firm memory foam mattress manages to stand out amongst the UK market with its 365-night mattress trial and forever warranty. The Nectar mattress has scored very highly by customers of third-party review sites, with many customers stating the delivery and customer service is of high quality.
The Nectar mattress has a 5-layer design which includes the quilted cooling cover and positioning base material. In-between the cover and base, there is a memory foam layer designed to provide support and comfort while relieving pressure. Additionally, there is a dynamic support layer that can help regulate temperature and 7 zoned supportive base which supports areas such as the hips and shoulders.
On top of the mattress trial and warranty, Nectar also delivers the mattress at zero cost to you, and returns are also free.
2. Emma Original Mattress
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • 200-day free trial • HRX support foam • Temperature-regulating cover | • Those on a budget • Couples • Sleepers who value spinal alignment |
The Emma mattress is one most awarded mattresses in the UK and has received top customer reviews, with many commenting on the comfort of the mattress and the customer service. Emma includes a 200-day mattress free trial with their Original and Hybrid mattress, which can be vacuum-sealed and delivered in an easy to transport box.
The mattress uses 4 layers to deliver comfort while maintaining spinal alignment. The top cover is designed to regulate temperature, while the memory foam layer includes open pores to further increase airflow. In addition, there is also a layer of visco-elastic foam that has been created to relieve pressure and reduce motion transfer. The final layer is made from support HRX foam which is designed to counter any pressure for all sleeping positions.
Emma includes a 10-year warranty with the mattress, so you are covered if anything arises; however, it is advised to read the terms and conditions regarding the warranty.
*Based on Emma Hybrid model
3. Brook + Wilde Lux Mattress
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • Six-layer construction • Wave technology • 100-night trial | • Those who prefer a choice of firmness • Hot sleepers • People who enjoy hybrid mattresses |
The Brook + Wilde Lux mattress is made in the UK and offers 3 different degrees of firmness/comfort, soft, medium and firm. Each mattress is accompanied by a 100-night trial as well as a 10-year guarantee.
If you are not satisfied during the free trial, Brook + Wilde will help you exchange for a different firmness level or refund you. Brook + Wilde state you will need to trial the mattress for at least 30 days before requesting a refund or exchange. This is because it takes a while for your body to get used to a new mattress, especially if it's a big change from your previous mattress.
Regarding the mattress, it has a hybrid construction that includes six layers. The mattress has two layers of springs which can help to relieve pressure points and give the mattress a bouncy feel. To add comfort, the mattress uses its wave technology to aid spinal alignment and a layer of cooling memory foam, which is designed to mould to the body.
4. Simba Mattress
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • 200-night trial • Aerocoil spring-comfort layer • Certi-PUR certified | • Those with a bigger budget • Eco-conscious individuals • Sleepers who enjoy edge-support |
The Simba Hybrid mattress uses 100% recycled materials to create a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly mattress. It is a highly acclaimed and awarded mattress with many excellent reviews on third-party sites.
This hybrid mattress uses 5 layers to make up its construction. To help provide a cooler nights sleep, the mattress includes a breathable sleep surface and their Aerocoil spring-comfort layer. For increased comfort, there is also an open-cell Simba pure layer with added edge support to help prevent the sides from sagging. All foam used within the mattress is Certi-PUR certified, meaning that no damaging heavy metals or dyes were used in manufacturing.
The Simba mattress comes with a 200-night trial period, which begins as soon as it arrives packed and sealed in a box. Simba also offers a 10-year guarantee, so you are covered for a decade if any problems arise in this time frame.
5. Ergoflex Mattress
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • Visco-elastic memory foam • Cool-sleep airflow system • Medically recommended | • Those looking for an orthopaedic mattress • Individuals with allergies • Sleepers seeking reduced motion transfer |
Ergoflex has been selling their bed-in-a-box mattresses for over a decade and offer their Ergoflex 5G mattress with a 10-year warranty and a 30-night mattress trial. This may be lower than the average; however, your body often only needs about a month to get used to a new mattress.
The Ergoflex mattress uses a large amount of foam within its construction, including 9cm of visco-elastic memory foam, which is designed to contour to the body, relieve pressure and reduce motion transfer. The mattress is also medically recommended by the Back Doctor which could be helpful if you are looking for a mattress to help with back pain. In addition, the mattress also includes a cool-sleep airflow system which can help to increase breathability.
Moreover, the mattress claims to be asthma friendly, as well as being hypoallergenic and anti-microbial. The mattress has also been Certi-PUR, and OKEO-TEX certified, which means it complies with British standards.
Free Trial Explained
When buying a mattress in-store, you may often spend about 10 minutes trying out each mattress until you eventually give in to pressure from the salesperson and make the purchase. The obvious time constraints involved in shopping for a new mattress means it’s often not enough to ensure it’s the best option for you. For this reason, many mattress companies offer a free trial period.
A free trial is the time in which you can try out and adjust to a new mattress. On average, it can take about a month to ‘break in’ a new mattress; therefore, many free trials last for a month minimum. With the mattress market booming, a free trial is a good way for companies to stand out amongst the crowd and offer that little bit extra. A free trial differs from a return policy which is often for a shorter amount of time, usually around two weeks.
Considerations During The Free Trial Period
If you’ve been offered a free trial with your purchase, it would be wise to take full advantage and make sure this is the ideal mattress for you. Here are some points that you should consider during the free trial to ensure you’re getting the most out of your money.
- Firmness: While firmness is often subjective, many mattresses fall under soft, medium or firm. For heavy people, a firmer mattress is recommended as it can provide extra support. For those suffering from back pain, studies✓ have found a medium-firm mattress to be effective.
- Comfort: Many place comfort at the top of their list when purchasing a mattress. Therefore, you should consider how much pressure relief the mattress offers and if it can maintain correct spinal alignment. Memory foam mattresses are often favoured for their soft cushioning properties.
- Noise: If you tend to move a lot during the night or are planning on using the mattress for sex, this is something you should take into consideration. In general, pocket sprung mattresses tend to make more noise, whereas memory foam mattresses are known for being quieter.
- Durability: A mattress can be one of the most-used products you’ll end up buying during your lifetime. For this reason, it’s crucial that the mattress offers long-lasting durability and is not prone to sagging.
- Motion Isolation: This can be particularly beneficial for those searching for a mattress for couples. A mattress with good motion isolation should have reduced or no motion transfer, meaning it should stay still and stable, even when your partner is moving around.
Free Trial Length
Different mattress companies can offer different time periods for their free trials. However, some companies don’t provide any trial, so it’s worth double-checking this before purchasing.
For those that do offer a free trial - most mattress companies generally offer around 100 nights. With the growing popularity surrounding online shopping and with increasing competition, some popular manufacturers have increased their trial periods to 200 nights. A few companies offer a 365-day trial; this allows you to test the mattress across all seasons.
Benefits Of A Free Trial
There are several advantages to a free trial, such as financial reasons or for those with doubts. Ultimately, a free trial should offer peace of mind and allow for a more convenient and easy-going customer experience.
- Uncertainty: There is often a lot of information surrounding the type of mattress and how it can benefit you as a sleeper. If you’re unsure which mattress to go for, a free trial can help you test it out without any long-term commitments.
- First-time buyers: If you’re purchasing a mattress for the first time, it can be challenging to know which mattress is the right fit for you, especially with all the new terminology surrounding the different types of mattresses. A free trial can allow for this first-time experience to be a little less daunting.
- Quality: For many, testing a mattress in-store is not enough time to ensure its quality and durability in the years to come. An extended free trial can allow you to test the mattress for a longer time. In some cases, you can even test the mattress across different seasons for that extra reassurance.
- Financial Security: Despite cheap mattresses being available, more often than not, purchasing a mattress can be expensive and should be considered an investment as they can last many years. For this reason, a free trial can ensure that you are getting what you pay for and offer a little financial security if you’re not happy with your purchase.
Online Mattress Shopping
A key reason why so many mattress companies now offer free trials is the rise in popularity of online shopping rather than purchasing in-store. The BBC has analysed this growing trend and found that in November 2006, only 2.8% of total sales were online, whereas, in April 2020, this increased to 30%. Furthermore, UNCTAD also did a survey involving 3700 participants worldwide and found that due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, over half stated that they shop online more frequently.
"In the post-COVID-19 world, the unparalleled growth of e-commerce will disrupt national and international retail frameworks."
Carlo Terreni, President, NetComm Suisse eCommerce Association
This rise in online shopping also extends to the way people shop for mattresses; with all the specifications and terminology surrounding mattresses, browsing online can be a quick and convenient way to view the information at your own pace. Adding free trials takes the risk away from online shopping as it can decrease any concerns the customer may have, knowing they can return it for free if dissatisfied.
In this way, a free trial can be a good marketing tool as it gives the customer a sense of security and can therefore make them more eager to make the purchase.
Understanding The Fine Print
As with most products that contain the word ‘free’, there is often a list of terms and conditions that come with it. By searching through the terms and conditions of popular mattress companies, we have compiled a list of the important points you need to watch out for regarding the free trial period.
- Packaging: While many mattress companies will collect the mattress free of charge, it’s worth checking how much responsibility you have regarding re-packaging.
- Third-Party Sites: Many free trial periods may only apply if you purchase directly on the company’s website. Therefore, if you are purchasing on a third-party site, you should check if the free trial is still valid or if the time period has been reduced.
- Company Rights: Although unlikely, some terms and conditions state that the company have the right to alter the trial without prior notice. This is rare but should be taken into account nonetheless.
- Proof: Some mattress companies will require reasons for returning the mattress, as well as a description of the condition after the trial. This is so the company can decide if it’s worth refurbishing or if it needs to be thrown away or recycled.
- Cleanliness: While you should be able to use the mattress as you please after purchasing, some mattress companies will ask that you use a mattress protector during the trial period. This is to protect the mattress against any stains so that it’s easier to re-furbish if you choose to return it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which mattress has a free trial?
Most mattresses offer a free trial - you can often find this information on their website, or you can contact a sales representative.
What do stores do with a used mattress after a trial period?
A mattress will rarely be re-used in the same condition as it was returned. Often mattress companies will re-furbish the mattress, so it’s fit for a new customer. Otherwise, used mattresses can be thrown away or recycled.
What mattress company is offering a 100-day free trial?
Most mattress companies will offer a minimum trial of 100 days. Some companies have increased this to 200 days in recent years, and some even offer a 365-day trial.
