Where to Shop for a Mattress in the United States
Where to Shop for a Mattress in the United States
Blog Article
If you are trying to determine where to buy a mattress in the USA, understanding your options can save time, reduce frustration, and help control costs. Mattress shoppers in the United States can buy from many types of retailers, such as local mattress stores, national chains, furniture stores, warehouse clubs, department stores, manufacturer showrooms, and online mattress companies. Which retailer works best for you will depend on several factors, including price range, preferred construction, location, and whether you value an in-person mattress test.
Unlike many household products, choosing a mattress is strongly influenced by individual comfort needs. Because comfort varies from person to person, the cheapest mattress is not always the best value. 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?
Across the United States, mattresses are available from several categories of retailers. Some specialize almost entirely in mattresses and sleep products, while others sell mattresses as part of a larger furniture or home goods selection.
Common places to buy mattresses in the United States include:
- Local independent mattress stores
- Regional and national mattress store chains
- Furniture retailers
- Warehouse clubs
- Department store retailers
- Large big-box stores
- Brand-owned mattress stores and manufacturer showrooms
- Online mattress companies
- Online marketplaces
- Factory-direct mattress retailers
The benefits and limitations vary by retailer type. A mattress showroom can be especially useful for shoppers who want to test several beds in person. Buyers who already know the mattress type and firmness they want may find online shopping more convenient.
Local Mattress Stores
You can find local independent mattress stores in major cities, suburban areas, and smaller U.S. communities. An independent mattress retailer might run a single store or maintain multiple locations across a state or metro region.
Independent mattress retailers often give shoppers access to multiple mattress brands. 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 several types of mattresses and firmness levels.
Local retailers may also compete with larger chains by offering services such as local delivery, mattress setup, old mattress removal, flexible pricing, or package deals that combine a mattress with a foundation or adjustable bed.
If you are comparing local mattress stores, always review the retailer's policies for returns and comfort exchanges before you pay. Return and exchange terms are often very different from one business to another.
National and Regional Mattress Retailers
Another common place to shop is a specialty mattress chain. For example, Mattress Firm operates stores across many markets, while other mattress chains focus on particular states or regions.
These retailers generally put mattresses and sleep products at the center of their business. A typical showroom may carry several well-known mattress brands, along with 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. Some retailers also provide online inventory information that lets you research models before visiting a store.
Store chains frequently advertise promotions around major U.S. shopping periods, including Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Black Friday, and other holiday weekends. However, shoppers should compare the final purchase price rather than assuming every advertised sale represents the lowest available price.
Buying a Mattress From a Furniture Store
Mattress departments are common at furniture stores throughout the United States. 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.
Buying from a furniture retailer may make sense when you need an entire bedroom setup, since one store may carry the mattress, bed frame, headboard, dresser, and nightstands.
One possible drawback is that selection can vary considerably by store. Compared with a general furniture showroom, a specialty mattress store may provide more mattress choices or more specialized assistance.
Furniture stores are still worth considering when comparing prices, especially if you are looking for a complete bedroom package or need delivery of several large household items at the same time.
Mattresses at Membership 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.
Warehouse clubs can offer competitive pricing, but the in-store mattress selection may be smaller than what you would find at a dedicated mattress showroom. Depending on the retailer, some mattresses may be available to view in the warehouse, while others are packaged or sold mainly online.
This option works well for shoppers who already understand the differences between memory foam, innerspring, and hybrid mattresses and do not need to test a large number of beds.
Remember to consider membership requirements, delivery arrangements, return procedures, and whether mattress removal is available in your area.
Department Stores and Big-Box Retailers
Another place to shop for a mattress is through department stores and major big-box retailers. Depending on the market, shoppers may encounter mattresses at stores such as Macy's, Walmart, Target, and other large retail chains.
The number and type of mattresses available are not consistent across every location. At certain stores you can test mattresses on display, while other retailers focus more on bed-in-a-box products ordered online or collected in-store.
A big-box retailer may be a practical choice for an affordable mattress, a guest-room mattress, a child's mattress, a dorm-room mattress, or a convenient bed-in-a-box product.
When comparing mattresses, look at the exact model rather than relying only on the brand name. One manufacturer may produce many mattress lines with different materials, coil systems, foam layers, heights, and firmness levels.
Buying From Manufacturer Showrooms and Brand Stores
Certain mattress manufacturers sell directly through their own retail locations. Other manufacturers sell through retail partners where shoppers can test specific mattresses.
Well-known mattress brands available in the United States include Tempur-Pedic, Sealy, Stearns & Foster, Serta, Beautyrest, Purple, Casper, among many others.
If you already prefer a particular manufacturer, a brand-specific showroom may be useful. At a branded store, you may be able to test different models and firmness choices from the same company without sorting through competing brands.
Unlike a multi-brand mattress retailer, a brand-specific showroom limits your comparison to one manufacturer's products.
Where to Buy a Mattress Online
Buying mattresses online is now a common option for American consumers. Consumers can buy directly from many mattress brands online and have beds delivered across a large portion of the United States.
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 compare specifications, pricing, policies, and construction details side by side.
The biggest drawback is that most online purchases are made without lying on the bed first. When you cannot test a bed beforehand, carefully reviewing the sleep trial and return policy is essential.
Understand the Sleep Trial Before Ordering
A sleep trial gives you a period of time to use a mattress at home before deciding whether to keep it. Trial lengths vary by company.
Make sure you review the full terms before buying. Some companies require a minimum adjustment period before a mattress can be returned. Depending on the policy, a return may involve additional charges related to returning the mattress.
A lengthy advertised sleep trial does not necessarily mean there are no return-related costs. The written return terms are more important than the headline number of trial nights.
Common Mattress Types Sold in the United States
Understanding the major mattress types can simplify the buying process. Mattress stores typically organize products by the type of materials and support system used.
Innerspring Mattress Construction
Innerspring mattresses use a coil support system combined with comfort materials above the springs. Designs range from basic traditional beds to premium mattresses with thick cushioning and individually wrapped coils.
Mattresses Made With Memory Foam
Memory foam beds rely on foam-based construction instead of traditional coils. Memory foam is known for contouring to the body and limiting motion transfer between partners.
Hybrid Mattresses
A typical hybrid combines an innerspring-style support system with foam or latex comfort materials. Hybrid mattresses are common in U.S. showrooms because they blend features of foam and innerspring construction.
Mattresses Made With Latex
A latex mattress can be made with natural latex, synthetic latex, or mixed latex materials. Latex generally provides a more responsive feel than the deep contouring found in some memory foam mattresses.
Mattresses With Adjustable Air Support
With some premium air mattresses, sleepers can change support levels using adjustable air chambers. These products are different from temporary inflatable air mattresses used for guests or camping.
Choosing the Right Mattress Store
Choosing a mattress store should involve more than simply finding the closest retailer or biggest sale. Before choosing, compare all parts of the purchase, not just price.
Important factors include:
- Mattress selection: Look for enough choices to compare different materials and firmness levels.
- Transparent pricing: Ask what is included in the advertised price and whether delivery or setup costs extra.
- Return policy: Understand whether the retailer offers refunds, exchanges, store credit, or comfort exchanges.
- Sleep trial: Review how long the mattress can be tested and what return charges may apply.
- Warranty: Review the mattress manufacturer's warranty and what types of defects are covered.
- Mattress delivery: Confirm whether your order will be shipped to your address, delivered to the door, or set up in the bedroom.
- Mattress haul-away: Check if your existing mattress can be taken away during delivery.
- Payment financing: Compare interest rates, promotional financing terms, and total repayment cost.
Make sure your receipt identifies the exact bed you selected. Mattress names and product lines can sometimes differ between retailers, which can make direct price comparison harder.
How Much Does a Mattress Cost in the USA?
U.S. shoppers can find mattresses costing anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the product.
Price depends on mattress size, materials, construction, brand, thickness, features, and retailer. A queen mattress usually costs more than a twin but less than a king within the same product line.
Lower-priced foam and innerspring mattresses are often available from online sellers, discount retailers, warehouse clubs, and local mattress outlets. Mid-range mattresses offer a broader selection of hybrids, higher-density foams, enhanced coil systems, and thicker comfort layers. Luxury and premium mattresses can incorporate specialty foam, latex, advanced support systems, cooling technology, handcrafted details, and adjustable features.
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 Test a Mattress Before Buying?
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, lie down as you would at home and remain there for several minutes. If you sleep on your side, notice whether pressure builds around major contact points such as the shoulders and hips. 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.
If two people will share the mattress, it is useful for both sleepers to test it together. Because partners may differ in size, sleep habits, and comfort preferences, the best mattress may need to accommodate both people.
Even a careful showroom test is limited compared with sleeping on the mattress overnight. This is one reason a reasonable sleep trial or comfort exchange policy can be valuable.
What Mattress Firmness Should You Buy?
Mattress firmness is usually described with terms such as soft, medium, medium-firm, firm, or extra firm. The best firmness is not the same for all shoppers.
Body weight, sleeping position, mattress design, and individual comfort preferences can all affect how firm a mattress feels to you. Two mattresses labeled "medium-firm" may also feel different because manufacturers do not use one universal firmness scale.
Use firmness labels as a starting point rather than an exact measurement. You can reduce the chance of choosing an unsuitable firmness by trying beds in person and reviewing comfort exchange options.
Mattress Delivery, Installation, and Setup
Delivery services differ between mattress retailers. Before placing your order, find out exactly what the delivery service includes.
Common delivery options include doorstep delivery, delivery inside the home, room-of-choice delivery, mattress setup, and details here white-glove service. Depending on the retailer, the delivery team may provide cleanup and old mattress removal.
Apartment and condominium residents should check hallway dimensions, elevator policies, loading restrictions, and delivery schedules before ordering a large mattress or adjustable base.
How to Dispose of or Recycle an Old Mattress
When buying a replacement mattress, you also need to decide how the old mattress will be removed. Disposal rules differ by state, county, and city.
Some mattress stores provide haul-away service as part of delivery. Depending on your location, mattresses may also be accepted by several local disposal and recycling services.
Mattress recycling programs have been established in several states, including California, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Requirements and recycling fees can vary, so shoppers should check local rules rather than assuming a mattress can be left with regular household trash.
If the mattress is still clean and usable, local charities or nonprofit organizations may accept it, but donation standards differ and many organizations do not take used mattresses.
When Is the Best Time to Buy a Mattress?
Although mattress promotions appear year-round, major U.S. holiday weekends are common sale periods. Common U.S. mattress sale periods include Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, 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 bundle offers, financing deals, and free accessory promotions.
Compare the complete package. Paying slightly more may make sense when the purchase includes services that would otherwise cost extra.
How to Find Mattress Stores Near You
Searching for mattress stores near me is a good starting point when you want to test beds locally. Major metropolitan areas across the United States generally include local mattress retailers, large chains, furniture stores, and department stores.
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.
Using a mattress directory can make it easier to identify local retailers in advance. After comparing nearby mattress shopping options, verify directly with the retailer that your preferred models are in stock for testing.
Important Questions to Ask a Mattress Retailer
Before completing your mattress purchase, consider asking the salesperson or online retailer these important questions:
- Do you currently have this mattress available?
- What will the complete price be after delivery and other fees?
- Am I allowed to return or exchange the mattress if the comfort is not right?
- Is there a mandatory adjustment period before I can exchange the mattress?
- Will I be charged return, pickup, transportation, or restocking fees?
- Who handles warranty claims, the retailer or manufacturer?
- Does the warranty require a specific foundation or bed frame?
- Will the delivery team set up the new mattress?
- Is old mattress and foundation haul-away available?
- How soon can the mattress be delivered?
Knowing the answers in advance can help you understand exactly what to expect from the purchase.
Finding the Right Place to Buy Your Next Mattress
No mattress retailer is ideal for everyone. A local mattress store may be ideal if you want personal service and the ability to test several beds. A large chain can be useful when you want convenient access to a broad selection. Warehouse clubs and big-box stores can be attractive for shoppers focused on value, while online mattress sellers provide convenient delivery and access to brands without nearby physical locations.
A good mattress comparison should involve more than simply finding the lowest price. Compare all major product and retailer factors before buying.
Our mattress store directory can help you find mattress retailers throughout the USA and research local shopping choices before you visit a showroom or buy online. By researching your options first, you can more easily find a mattress that suits your body, sleeping habits, budget, and living situation.
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