Where Should You Buy a Mattress Across the USA
Where Should You Buy a Mattress Across the USA
Blog Article
Knowing where to buy a mattress in the USA can help you save time and money while avoiding unnecessary frustration. American shoppers have a wide range of buying options, including 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.
A mattress is also a more personal purchase than many other household items. A low price can be attractive, but the least expensive mattress is not necessarily the best choice. 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. While certain stores are dedicated mainly to mattresses and sleep products, others sell mattresses alongside a larger selection of furniture and household goods.
The most common places to buy a mattress include:
- Locally owned mattress retailers
- Large national and regional mattress retailers
- Furniture retailers
- Membership warehouse clubs
- Department stores
- Big-box retailers
- Mattress manufacturer stores and branded showrooms
- Online mattress companies
- Internet marketplaces
- Factory-direct mattress retailers
Every type of mattress retailer comes with its own pros and cons. Shoppers who want to lie on several beds before choosing one may prefer a mattress showroom. Buyers who already know the mattress type and firmness they want may find online shopping more convenient.
Independent Local Mattress Retailers
Across the United States, independent mattress retailers operate in large cities, suburbs, and smaller communities. Some of these businesses have only one showroom, while others operate several stores within a state or metropolitan area.
Local mattress retailers often carry products from several manufacturers. 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 local delivery and setup, 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. Return and exchange terms are not the same at every mattress store.
National and Regional Mattress Store Chains
U.S. shoppers can also buy from specialty mattress chains operating across national or regional markets. For example, Mattress Firm operates stores across many markets, while other mattress chains serve more limited geographic areas.
Mattress chains typically devote most of their inventory to mattresses and other sleep-focused products. Inside a typical specialty mattress showroom, shoppers may find multiple mattress brands together with adjustable bases, bed frames, foundations, pillows, and other bedding accessories.
If you want to try multiple beds in one place, a specialty chain can be convenient. Some retailers also provide online inventory information that lets you research models before visiting a 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. Even during a sale, compare the final price instead of assuming an advertised discount is automatically the best deal.
Mattress Departments at Furniture Stores
Many American furniture retailers have dedicated mattress departments. 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 more than just a mattress, since one store may carry the mattress, bed frame, headboard, dresser, and nightstands.
One possible drawback is that selection can vary considerably by store. Shoppers looking for more mattress-specific help may find more options at a specialty mattress retailer than at a general furniture store.
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.
Buying Mattresses From Warehouse Clubs
Membership warehouse clubs are another popular place to buy mattresses in the USA. Retailers such as copyright and Sam's Club sell mattresses from a variety of manufacturers through their websites and stores.
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. Some mattresses are displayed for inspection, while others may be packaged or available primarily 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 club may be a practical choice.
Before buying, consider the membership rules, delivery process, return policy, and whether haul-away service is offered locally.
Buying Mattresses From Department Stores and Big-Box Retailers
Mattresses are also available from department stores and major general retailers. Depending on where you live, mattresses may be available through retailers such as Macy's, Walmart, Target, and other major chains.
Selection varies considerably. Some stores have mattress displays where customers can test beds, while others focus primarily on boxed mattresses that can be ordered online or picked up from a store.
A big-box retailer may be a practical choice for a lower-cost bed, a guest-room mattress, a child's mattress, a dorm-room mattress, or a convenient bed-in-a-box product.
Before purchasing, compare the exact mattress model rather than the brand name alone. 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 run company-owned stores or branded showrooms. Other brands have authorized dealers where shoppers can test specific product lines.
U.S. mattress shoppers may encounter major brands such as Tempur-Pedic, Sealy, Stearns & Foster, Serta, Beautyrest, Purple, Casper, along with numerous other manufacturers.
If you already prefer a particular manufacturer, shopping at its branded store can simplify your search. You may be able to compare multiple firmness levels and models from that brand without sorting through unrelated products.
Unlike a multi-brand mattress retailer, a brand-specific showroom does not make it as easy to compare competing manufacturers.
Buying a Mattress Online
Online mattress shopping has become a major part of the U.S. mattress market. Many mattress companies now sell directly to consumers online and ship to homes across much of the United States.
Some mattresses arrive compressed in a box, while heavier or more complex models may be delivered at full size. Some mattress companies also provide premium delivery options that place the mattress inside your home.
Shopping online gives you access to many mattress brands without driving to multiple showrooms. It also makes it easier to compare mattress specifications, prices, customer policies, and construction details.
Unlike showroom shopping, buying online generally means choosing a mattress before physically testing it. When you cannot test a bed beforehand, carefully reviewing the sleep trial and return policy is essential.
Understand the Sleep Trial Before Ordering
With a sleep trial, you have time to use the mattress before deciding whether to keep it. Trial lengths vary by company.
Make sure you understand the complete policy before ordering. Some retailers require customers to keep a mattress for a minimum adjustment period before requesting a return. Depending on the policy, a return may involve pickup fees, transportation charges, restocking costs, or processing fees.
Do not equate a long sleep trial with free returns. The written return terms are more important than the headline number of trial nights.
Types of Mattresses Available From U.S. Retailers
Understanding the major mattress types can simplify the buying process. Mattress stores typically organize products by the type of materials and support system used.
Traditional Innerspring Mattresses
Innerspring mattresses use a coil support system combined with comfort materials above the springs. Designs range from basic traditional beds to premium best local mattress stores 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 built with foam layers. Memory foam is known for contouring to the body and limiting motion transfer between partners.
Hybrid Mattresses
A hybrid mattress combines a coil support system with substantial foam or latex comfort layers. Hybrid mattresses are common in U.S. showrooms because they combine characteristics associated with both spring and foam beds.
Latex Mattresses
Latex beds may contain natural latex, synthetic latex, or a blend of the two. 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 adjust the firmness of separate sides of the bed. Adjustable air-chamber mattresses should not be confused with basic inflatable mattresses for camping or occasional guests.
How to Choose a Mattress Store
The ideal mattress retailer is not always the nearest store or the one promoting the biggest sale. Compare the complete buying experience before making your decision.
Key factors to compare include:
- Mattress selection: A good selection should let you compare multiple materials, constructions, and firmness choices.
- Transparent pricing: Confirm which services are included in the advertised price.
- Return policy: Make sure you understand whether the store provides refunds, exchanges, store credit, or comfort exchanges.
- Sleep trial: Check how long you can test the mattress and whether fees apply to returns.
- Warranty: Review the mattress manufacturer's warranty and what types of defects are covered.
- Delivery: Confirm whether your order will be left at the door or brought inside and installed.
- Old mattress removal: Ask whether your existing mattress can be hauled away.
- Financing: If financing is offered, compare interest rates, promotional terms, and the total amount you will repay.
It is also useful to check whether the mattress you tested in the showroom is the exact model listed on your receipt. Because mattress names and product lines can vary among retailers, direct price comparisons are sometimes difficult.
How Much 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.
Mattress pricing varies according to dimensions, materials, construction method, manufacturer, thickness, features, and retail channel. For the same model, you can generally expect larger sizes to cost more, with a queen usually between twin and king.
Budget shoppers can find entry-level foam and innerspring mattresses through online retailers, discount stores, warehouse clubs, and local mattress outlets. In the mid-range, shoppers generally see a broader variety of materials and construction features. Premium beds may include specialty foams, latex, advanced support systems, cooling materials, handcrafted construction, or 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.
If possible, lie in your normal sleeping position for several minutes. 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 often prefer enough support to prevent the midsection from sinking too deeply.
If two people will share the mattress, it is useful for the couple to evaluate the bed at the same time. Because partners may differ in size, sleep habits, and comfort preferences, the best mattress may need to accommodate both people.
A showroom test is still only a short evaluation. Because an in-store test is limited, a good sleep trial or comfort exchange policy can reduce purchase risk.
How to Choose Mattress Firmness
Retailers commonly describe mattress firmness as soft, medium, medium-firm, firm, or extra firm. There is no single firmness level that works for everyone.
Body weight, sleeping position, mattress design, and individual comfort preferences can all influence the firmness you prefer. Because there is no single industry-wide firmness standard, two mattresses labeled "medium-firm" can feel different.
Use firmness labels as a starting point rather than an exact measurement. Testing mattresses or choosing a retailer with a good exchange policy can reduce the risk of selecting the wrong feel.
How Mattress Delivery and Setup Work
Different mattress sellers offer different levels of delivery service. 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 white-glove service. Depending on the retailer, the delivery team may remove packaging and haul away an old mattress or foundation.
Apartment and condominium residents should confirm that building access will accommodate the delivery.
How to Dispose of or Recycle an Old Mattress
Replacing a mattress also means deciding what to do with the old one. The rules for getting rid of a mattress are different depending on your state and municipality.
Some retailers offer mattress haul-away when delivering a replacement. Depending on your location, mattresses may also be accepted by waste collection services, transfer stations, recycling programs, or private junk removal companies.
Several states, including California, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, have established mattress recycling programs. 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 your old mattress remains in usable condition, donation may be possible through some charities or nonprofit groups, but acceptance policies vary and many do not take 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 Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday.
Waiting until a holiday sale is not a guarantee of the best value. Throughout the year, mattress sellers may adjust both pricing and promotional incentives.
Look at the complete value of the offer. Paying slightly more may make sense when the purchase includes services that would otherwise cost extra.
Where to Buy a Mattress Near You
If you want to shop in person, searching for mattress stores near me can provide a useful starting point. Most U.S. metropolitan areas have a mix of independent mattress stores, national chains, furniture retailers, and department stores.
Shoppers in major markets 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. may have dozens of mattress showrooms within driving distance. People living in less populated areas may have fewer physical mattress stores nearby, increasing the importance of online sellers and regional retailers.
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.
What to Ask Before You Purchase a Mattress
Before paying for a new bed, ask the salesperson or online retailer a few important questions:
- Is this mattress currently in stock?
- How much will I pay in total once delivery and additional charges are included?
- What happens if the mattress is uncomfortable, can I return or exchange it?
- Is there a mandatory adjustment period before I can exchange the mattress?
- Are there return, pickup, transportation, or restocking fees?
- Who handles warranty claims, the retailer or manufacturer?
- Must the mattress be used with a particular foundation or bed frame to maintain warranty coverage?
- Will the delivery team set up the new mattress?
- Can the delivery team remove my existing mattress and foundation?
- How soon can the mattress be delivered?
Clarifying these details before buying can reduce confusion later.
Where to Buy Your Next Mattress
There is no single best place to buy a mattress for every shopper. A local mattress store may be ideal if you want personal service and the ability to test several beds. A national chain can provide broad product selection and convenient locations. Warehouse clubs and big-box retailers may appeal to value-focused shoppers, while online mattress companies provide convenient home delivery and access to brands that may not have local showrooms.
The most important point is to look beyond price alone. Your decision should account for comfort, construction, firmness, size, trial terms, returns, warranty coverage, delivery, setup, financing, and disposal.
Use our mattress store directory to find mattress stores across the United States, compare retailers in your area, and narrow your search before visiting a showroom or ordering a mattress online. By researching your options first, you can more easily find the right combination of comfort, size, price, and convenience.
Report this page