Where Should You Buy a Mattress in the United States
Where Should You Buy a Mattress in the United States
Blog Article
Knowing where to buy a mattress in the USA can make the shopping process easier while saving both time and money. Across the United States, shoppers can choose among a broad range of mattress sellers, including local mattress stores, national chains, furniture stores, warehouse clubs, department stores, manufacturer showrooms, and online mattress companies. Your ideal place to shop will vary according to budget, mattress type, location, and your preference for testing a bed before purchase.
A mattress is also not quite like most other household purchases. Because comfort varies from person to person, price alone does not determine the best purchase. Before choosing a mattress retailer, it helps to compare mattress construction, firmness, return policies, sleep trials, warranties, delivery charges, financing options, and old mattress removal.
This guide covers the main mattress-buying options in the USA and the factors you should consider before selecting a store.
Where Can You Buy a Mattress in the United States?
U.S. consumers can purchase mattresses through many retail channels nationwide. Some specialize almost entirely in mattresses and sleep products, while others sell mattresses as part of a larger furniture or home goods selection.
The most common places to buy a mattress include:
- Independent local mattress stores
- Regional and national mattress store chains
- Furniture retailers
- Membership warehouse clubs
- Department stores
- Big-box retailers
- Manufacturer-owned mattress stores and showrooms
- Direct-to-consumer online mattress companies
- Online marketplaces
- Factory-direct mattress sellers
Every type of mattress retailer comes with specific advantages and potential drawbacks. If you want to lie on and compare several beds before deciding, a mattress showroom may be the better choice. If you already know what type of mattress and firmness you prefer, buying online may offer greater convenience.
Buying From Local Mattress Stores
Across the United States, independent mattress retailers operate in urban, suburban, and smaller local markets. These businesses may operate a single showroom or several locations within one state or metropolitan area.
Independent mattress retailers often give shoppers access to more than one manufacturer. Depending on the store, you may find traditional innerspring mattresses, memory foam beds, latex mattresses, hybrids, adjustable bases, foundations, pillows, mattress protectors, and other sleep products.
Shopping locally can provide access to salespeople who know the available mattress lines. A single showroom visit may let you compare multiple mattress constructions and firmness choices.
Some independent mattress stores differentiate themselves through convenient delivery services, old mattress removal, flexible pricing, or packages that include a mattress with a foundation or adjustable bed.
When comparing independent stores, check the retailer's return policy and comfort exchange rules before paying. Policies can vary greatly from one business to another.
National and Regional Mattress Store Chains
Specialty mattress chains are another major option for shoppers in the United States. Companies such as Mattress Firm operate stores in many markets, while other chains serve specific states or regions.
These retailers generally specialize in mattresses and sleep-related products. Many chain showrooms carry multiple well-known manufacturers, as well as adjustable bases, bed frames, foundations, pillows, and bedding accessories.
One benefit of a specialty mattress chain is the ability to test multiple beds at the same location. You may also be able to research available mattresses on the retailer's website before heading to the store.
Promotions are common at chain retailers around U.S. holidays and shopping events, including Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Black Friday, and other holiday weekends. An advertised sale does not always mean the lowest possible price, so shoppers should compare the final cost before buying.
Mattress Departments at Furniture Stores
Mattress departments are common at American furniture retailers. You can find mattresses at furniture retailers including Ashley, Rooms To Go, and various regional chains, where beds are sold alongside bedroom furniture, sofas, dining sets, and other home furnishings.
Furniture stores can be convenient when furnishing an entire bedroom because you may be able to purchase a mattress, bed frame, headboard, dresser, and nightstands from one retailer.
The main drawback is that mattress selection can vary by location. A specialty mattress store may offer more models or more detailed mattress-specific assistance than a general furniture showroom.
Even so, furniture retailers can be worth comparing, particularly when you need several bedroom pieces or plan to have multiple large household items delivered together.
Buying Mattresses From Warehouse Clubs
Membership warehouse clubs are another popular place to buy mattresses in the USA. For example, copyright and Sam's Club offer mattresses from multiple manufacturers through both physical stores and their websites.
A warehouse club may be appealing for value-focused shoppers, but it may not display as many mattresses as a dedicated mattress retailer. You may find some beds on display, but much of the selection may be boxed or listed through the retailer's website.
If you already understand memory foam, innerspring, and hybrid mattresses and are comfortable buying without testing numerous beds, a warehouse mattress firm stores club may be a practical choice.
Remember to consider membership requirements, delivery arrangements, return procedures, and whether mattress removal is available in your area.
Department Stores and Big-Box Retailers
Mattresses are also available from department stores and major general retailers. Stores including Macy's, Walmart, Target, and other large retail chains may offer mattresses, although selection varies by location.
The number and type of mattresses available can vary substantially. At certain stores you can test mattresses on display, while other retailers focus more on boxed mattresses available for shipping or pickup.
For shoppers seeking budget-oriented beds, big-box stores can be useful, especially for guest rooms, children's rooms, or dorm rooms.
When comparing mattresses, look at the exact model rather than relying only on the brand name. A single manufacturer can offer numerous product lines that differ in construction and comfort.
Manufacturer Showrooms and Brand Stores
Some mattress manufacturers operate their own stores or branded showrooms. Other manufacturers sell through authorized dealers that display selected product lines.
Examples of widely recognized mattress brands sold in the United States include Tempur-Pedic, Sealy, Stearns & Foster, Serta, Beautyrest, Purple, Casper, and many others.
A manufacturer showroom may make sense when you have a strong preference for a specific mattress company. This can let you compare several models and firmness levels from the same manufacturer without evaluating unrelated mattresses.
Unlike a multi-brand mattress retailer, a brand-specific showroom limits your comparison to one manufacturer's products.
Shopping for a Mattress Online
Online retailers have become a significant sales channel in the U.S. mattress market. Consumers can buy directly from many mattress brands online and have beds shipped to their homes in much of the country.
Some mattresses arrive compressed in a box, while heavier or more complex models may be delivered at full size. Depending on the brand, you may be able to choose white-glove delivery, room-of-choice delivery, or another upgraded service.
Online shopping provides access to a large number of mattress brands without visiting several stores. Online shopping can also make it easier to research mattress construction, prices, and retailer policies.
Unlike showroom shopping, buying online generally means you cannot lie on the mattress before purchase. When you cannot test a bed beforehand, the sleep trial and return terms become much more important.
Understand the Sleep Trial Before Ordering
With a sleep trial, you have a defined period to evaluate the mattress in your own home. The length of a trial varies from one retailer or manufacturer to another.
Read the complete policy before buying. Some companies require customers to use the mattress for a certain amount of time before requesting a return. Depending on the policy, a return may involve additional charges related to returning the mattress.
Do not assume that a long advertised trial automatically means completely free returns. Pay closer attention to the written return conditions than to the headline trial length.
Mattress Types You Will Find at U.S. Retailers
Understanding common mattress categories can simplify the buying process. Most retailers group their inventory according to several common mattress construction types.
Traditional Innerspring Mattresses
An innerspring mattress is built around a coil support system with cushioning materials above it. Designs range from basic traditional beds to premium mattresses with thick cushioning and individually wrapped coils.
Mattresses Made With Memory Foam
Rather than using a traditional spring support system, memory foam mattresses are constructed primarily from layers of foam. These mattresses are often chosen for their conforming feel and ability to isolate movement between sleepers.
Hybrid Mattress Construction
A typical hybrid combines coils for support with substantial layers of foam or latex. Many American mattress retailers carry hybrids, which combine coil support with foam-based comfort.
Mattresses Made With Latex
Latex mattresses use natural latex, synthetic latex, or a combination of materials. They tend to have a responsive feel rather than the deep contouring associated with some memory foam beds.
Mattresses With Adjustable Air Support
With some premium air mattresses, sleepers can change support levels using adjustable air chambers. These should not be confused with temporary inflatable air mattresses used for guests or camping.
What to Look for in a Mattress Retailer
The best mattress store is not necessarily the closest retailer or the store advertising the largest discount. Before choosing, compare all parts of the purchase, not just price.
Key factors to compare include:
- Product selection: Choose a retailer with enough options to compare different materials and firmness levels.
- Clear pricing: Find out what the listed price includes and whether delivery or setup adds extra charges.
- Returns: Make sure you understand whether the store provides refunds, exchanges, store credit, or comfort exchanges.
- At-home trial: Check how long you can test the mattress and whether fees apply to returns.
- Warranty: Check the manufacturer's warranty conditions.
- Delivery: Confirm whether your order will be shipped to your address, delivered to the door, or set up in the bedroom.
- Old mattress removal: Check if your existing mattress can be taken away during delivery.
- Payment financing: Evaluate the full cost of financing, not just the monthly payment.
Before completing the sale, confirm that the model on your receipt matches the mattress you tested in the showroom. Retailer-specific model names or product lines can make it harder to compare prices directly.
What Does a Mattress Cost in the USA?
Mattress prices in the United States range from a few hundred dollars for basic models to several thousand dollars for luxury mattresses and adjustable sleep systems.
Price depends on mattress size, materials, construction, brand, thickness, features, and retailer. For the same model, you can generally expect a queen to be priced above a twin but below a king.
Lower-priced foam and innerspring mattresses are often available from several value-oriented mattress retailers. Mid-range mattresses offer a broader selection of hybrids, higher-density foams, enhanced coil systems, and thicker comfort layers. Higher-end mattresses may use specialty foams, latex, advanced support systems, cooling materials, handcrafted construction, or adjustable technology.
Rather than focusing only on the purchase price, consider how the mattress fits your needs over time and what protections come with the purchase.
Should You Try a Mattress Before You Buy It?
Testing a mattress in a showroom can help narrow your choices, but sitting on a bed for a few seconds is not enough.
For a more useful showroom test, test the mattress in your normal sleep position rather than simply sitting on it. If you sleep on your side, notice whether the shoulders and hips experience uncomfortable pressure. Back sleepers should consider whether the mattress supports the lower back without excessive sinking. Stomach sleepers generally need enough support to keep the midsection from sinking too far.
Whenever possible, couples should test the bed together. Because partners may differ in body weight, sleeping position, and preferred firmness, the best mattress may need to accommodate both people.
Even a careful showroom test is only a brief evaluation. This is one reason a reasonable sleep trial or comfort exchange policy can be valuable.
Choosing the Right Mattress Firmness
Mattress comfort levels are often labeled using terms that indicate how soft or firm the bed feels. No one firmness level is right for every sleeper.
Your preferred firmness can depend on body weight, sleeping position, mattress construction, and personal comfort. Two mattresses labeled "medium-firm" may also feel different because manufacturers do not use one universal firmness scale.
Treat firmness labels as general guidance rather than precise measurements. You can reduce the chance of choosing an unsuitable firmness by trying beds in person and reviewing comfort exchange options.
Mattress Delivery and Setup
Delivery services differ between mattress retailers. Ask in advance whether the mattress will be left outside, brought indoors, or placed in your room.
Typical mattress delivery choices include different service levels depending on the retailer. Certain delivery services also include packaging removal, old mattress haul-away, or foundation removal.
Apartment and condominium residents should confirm that building access will accommodate the delivery.
How to Dispose of or Recycle an Old Mattress
A new mattress purchase often creates another question, how will you dispose of the old mattress? Disposal rules differ by state, county, and city.
Some mattress stores provide haul-away service as part of delivery. Local waste services, transfer stations, recycling programs, and private junk removal companies may also accept mattresses.
Several states, including California, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, have established mattress recycling programs. Shoppers should review local mattress disposal rules and possible recycling fees instead of assuming regular trash collection will accept a mattress.
A clean, usable mattress may sometimes be accepted by a local charity or nonprofit organization, although standards vary and many organizations will not accept used mattresses.
Best Times of Year to Buy a Mattress
You can find mattress sales at many times of year, but U.S. retailers often emphasize holiday events. Common U.S. mattress sale periods include major shopping events such as Presidents Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, and Black Friday.
A major sale weekend may offer discounts, but it does not guarantee the best available deal. Prices and promotions can change year-round, including discounts, package deals, financing incentives, and included accessories.
Look at the complete value of the offer. A mattress with a somewhat higher price can still provide more for your money when valuable services or accessories are part of the deal.
How to Find Mattress Stores Near You
A search for mattress stores near me is often the easiest way to begin comparing local mattress stores. Major metropolitan areas across the United States generally include a mix of specialty and general mattress sellers.
Large cities such as New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, copyright, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, Miami, Atlanta, Seattle, Denver, Boston, and Washington, D.C. often give consumers access to numerous mattress retailers within the surrounding area. Smaller cities and rural areas may have fewer local options, making regional retailers and online mattress stores more important.
A mattress directory can help you identify nearby retailers before you start driving from store to store. Compare locations, store types, mattress brands, and available services, then contact the retailer to confirm that the products you want to test are actually available at that location.
Questions to Ask Before Buying a Mattress
Before paying for a new bed, ask the salesperson or online retailer a few important questions:
- Do you currently have this mattress available?
- What will the complete price be after delivery and other fees?
- Can I return or exchange the mattress if it is uncomfortable?
- Is there a required minimum period before a comfort exchange?
- Are there return, pickup, transportation, or restocking fees?
- If I have a warranty issue, do I contact the store or the manufacturer?
- Does the warranty require a specific foundation or bed frame?
- Will the delivery team set up the new mattress?
- Can the delivery team remove my existing mattress and foundation?
- When is the earliest the mattress can be delivered?
Getting these answers before purchase can prevent misunderstandings later.
Choosing the Best Place to Buy a Mattress
No mattress retailer is ideal for everyone. Local mattress retailers can work well for shoppers who prefer face-to-face service and in-store mattress testing. A national chain can provide broad product selection and convenient locations. Value-focused shoppers may prefer large discount-oriented retailers, while online mattress companies can offer home delivery and brands that are not available in local showrooms.
A good mattress comparison should involve comfort, policies, services, and value as well as cost. Compare all major product and retailer factors before buying.
Use the directory to find mattress stores across the United States, explore retailers near you, and compare your options before shopping in person or online. A little research before buying can make it much easier to find a mattress that fits your body, sleeping style, budget, and home.
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