Should you buy a mattress online or at Costco?

At Consumer Reports, we usually advise you to lie on any mattress you're considering for at least 15 minutes. But because warehouse clubs display mattresses standing up and websites offer only pictures and descriptions, you need to rely on those companies' return policies. And from our research, buying from them is fairly low-risk. Here are three top-pick memory foam mattresses from our mattress tests that you can buy online or at Costco.

Costco

This warehouse club received the second-highest satisfaction score from readers in our survey of subscribers' experiences with mattress stores. Costco doesn't say outright what its return policies are for mattresses, but from what we can tell, the company aims to satisfy and won't charge for shipping and handling if you contact them within a reasonable period of time, such as a few months after purchase. That goes for the website and the stores. You don't need to save the box.
Recommended mattress from Costco: Spring Air Back Supporter Natalie, $1,200.

Casper

If you really need to try the company's mattress, you'll have to go to either New York City or Los Angeles for one of Casper's only physical showrooms. Casper offers just one model in six sizes. Otherwise, you get 100 nights to decide whether to keep it. If not, Casper will let you exchange or return it for your money back with no restocking or other fees. Shipping is free, too.
Recommended mattress from Casper: The Casper, $850.

Tuft & Needle

You can try both mattress models that Tuft & Needle offers at its showroom in Phoenix, and it has a 30-night trial period. No mattresses actually go back to the company; instead, you're asked to donate it to a charity and show the seller the receipt for a full refund—or full credit toward an ­exchange. (If no charity is nearby, the company will arrange to have the mattress picked up.) No need to save the packing materials.
Recommended mattress from Tuft & Needle: Tuft & Needle Ten, $500.

Prefer to try it in a store?

For more choices, including top-rated innerspring, memory foam, and adjustable air mattresses see our full mattress Ratings and recommendations.

—Ed Perratore (@EdPerratore on Twitter)