Where to Shop for a Mattress Across the United States
Where to Shop for a Mattress Across the United States
Blog Article
Finding where to buy a mattress in the USA is easier when you understand the available shopping options, which can reduce shopping frustration. 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. Your ideal place to shop will vary according to what you want to spend, what kind of mattress you need, where you live, and whether you want to try it first.
A mattress is also not quite like most other household purchases. Because comfort varies from person to person, the cheapest mattress is not always the best value. A useful retailer comparison should include the mattress itself, as well as return policies, sleep trials, warranties, delivery charges, financing options, and old mattress removal.
Below, you will find an overview of the primary places to buy a mattress in the United States along with important considerations for choosing the right store.
Where Can You Buy a Mattress in the United States?
Across the United States, mattresses are available from many different types of sellers. 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:
- 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
- Internet-based mattress brands
- Large online marketplaces
- Factory-direct mattress retailers
The benefits and limitations vary by retailer type. 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.
Buying From Local Mattress Stores
You can find local independent mattress stores in communities of many sizes throughout the United States. 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. Inventory varies by retailer, but a local store may sell innerspring, memory foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses, along with adjustable bases, foundations, pillows, mattress protectors, and other sleep products.
A benefit of buying from a local mattress store is that employees may be knowledgeable about the mattresses in the showroom. You can usually compare several firmness levels and mattress constructions in one visit.
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.
Before buying from an independent retailer, make sure you understand its return and comfort exchange rules. Return and exchange terms are not the same at every mattress store.
National and Regional Mattress Retailers
U.S. shoppers can also buy from national and regional chains focused on mattresses. Companies such as Mattress Firm operate stores in many markets, while other chains serve specific states or regions.
Mattress chains typically devote most of their inventory to mattresses, beds, and related sleep products. Inside a typical specialty mattress showroom, shoppers may find several major manufacturers together with adjustable bases, bed frames, foundations, pillows, and other bedding accessories.
Specialty chains can be useful if you want to compare several mattresses in one location. You may also be able to research available mattresses on the retailer's website before heading to the store.
Major mattress chains often promote sales around 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.
Furniture Stores That Sell Mattresses
Many furniture stores in the United States have separate areas for mattresses and sleep products. 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 mattress inventory may differ from one furniture store location to another. Shoppers looking for the widest mattress mattress showrooms nearby selection or highly focused product guidance may find more options at a specialty mattress retailer than at a general furniture store.
A furniture store can still be a strong option when price shopping for a mattress, especially if you also need bedroom furniture or want several large items delivered at once.
Warehouse Clubs
Another common U.S. mattress shopping option is the membership warehouse club. Retailers such as copyright and Sam's Club sell mattresses from a variety of manufacturers online and in their warehouse locations.
A warehouse club may be appealing for value-focused shoppers, but it may not display as many mattresses as a dedicated mattress retailer. Some mattresses are displayed for inspection, while others may be packaged or available primarily through the retailer's website.
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.
When comparing warehouse clubs, factor in the cost and convenience of membership and delivery, as well as return procedures and local mattress removal services.
Buying Mattresses From Department Stores and Big-Box Retailers
Department stores and big-box retailers also sell mattresses throughout the United States. Depending on where you live, mattresses may be available through retailers such as Macy's, Walmart, Target, and other major chains.
Selection varies considerably. 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. A single manufacturer can offer numerous product lines that differ in construction and comfort.
Manufacturer Showrooms and Brand Stores
Some mattress brands have manufacturer-operated retail locations. Other brands have authorized dealers where shoppers can test specific 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 branded store can be useful if you have already narrowed your search to one manufacturer. At a branded store, you may be able to test different models and firmness choices from the same company without sorting through competing brands.
The main limitation is that you will have fewer opportunities to compare different brands directly.
Shopping for a Mattress Online
Buying mattresses online is now a common option for American consumers. Many companies sell mattresses directly to consumers and ship them to homes throughout much of the country.
Many mattresses are compressed and shipped in a box, while larger, heavier, or more complex models may arrive at full size. Depending on the brand, you may be able to choose a delivery service that brings the mattress to the desired room.
Shopping online gives you access to many mattress brands without driving to multiple showrooms. Websites allow shoppers to review mattress specifications, prices, customer policies, and construction details before deciding.
The biggest drawback is that most online purchases are made without lying on the bed first. Because of this, the sleep trial and return policy are especially important.
Check the Sleep Trial Before Ordering
With a sleep trial, you have time to use the mattress before deciding whether to keep it. The length of a trial depends on the company.
Before you purchase, read the full sleep trial and return policy. A retailer may require you to complete an adjustment period before becoming eligible for a return. Others may charge pickup, transportation, restocking, or processing fees.
A lengthy advertised sleep trial does not necessarily mean returns are completely free. What matters most is the detailed terms behind the sleep trial.
Common Mattress Types Sold in the United States
Mattress shopping becomes easier when you know the differences among the main construction types. Most mattress stores organize their inventory around several common construction types.
Innerspring Mattress Construction
Innerspring mattresses use a coil support system combined with comfort materials above the springs. These mattresses range from basic spring beds to more advanced models with substantial cushioning and pocketed coils.
Mattresses Made With Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses use foam layers instead of a traditional spring support system. These mattresses are often chosen for their conforming feel and ability to isolate movement between sleepers.
Hybrid Mattress Construction
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
Latex mattresses use natural latex, synthetic latex, or a combination of materials. Latex generally provides more bounce and responsiveness than some closely conforming memory foam beds.
Mattresses With Adjustable Air Support
Some premium mattresses use adjustable air chambers that allow sleepers to modify the firmness of each side 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
Choosing a mattress store should involve more than distance or the size of an advertised discount. 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 the total cost and any extra charges for delivery or setup.
- Returns: Check whether returns are handled through cash refunds, product exchanges, credit, or another process.
- Sleep trial: Check how long you can test the mattress and whether fees apply to returns.
- Warranty coverage: Review the mattress manufacturer's warranty and what types of defects are covered.
- Delivery: Find out whether the mattress is shipped, delivered to your door, or installed in your bedroom.
- Old mattress removal: Check if your existing mattress can be taken away during delivery.
- Financing: Compare interest rates, promotional financing terms, and total repayment cost.
Before completing the sale, confirm that you are purchasing the exact mattress model you tried. Because mattress names and product lines can differ from one store to another, direct price comparisons are sometimes difficult.
How Much Does a Mattress Cost in the USA?
In the United States, mattress prices can range from a few hundred dollars for entry-level 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 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. Mid-priced mattresses may include features that are less common on entry-level models. 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 Try a Mattress Before You Buy It?
Trying a mattress in a showroom can make it easier to narrow your choices, but a few seconds of sitting on the bed is not a useful test.
When testing a mattress, try to spend several minutes in the position you normally sleep in. Side sleepers should evaluate whether the mattress cushions the body's main pressure points. Back sleepers should check whether the lower back feels supported while the body remains properly positioned. Stomach sleepers often prefer enough support to prevent the midsection from sinking too deeply.
Couples should test the mattress together when possible. Because partners may differ in body weight, sleeping position, and preferred firmness, the best mattress may need to accommodate both people.
Trying a mattress in-store provides a limited preview of long-term comfort. Because an in-store test is limited, return and exchange protections can be especially helpful.
What Mattress Firmness Should You Buy?
Retailers commonly describe mattress firmness as soft, medium, medium-firm, firm, or extra firm. The best firmness is personal and varies from person to person.
The firmness that feels best may depend on your body weight, sleep position, mattress construction, and personal preference. Because there is no universal firmness scale used by every manufacturer, 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.
Mattress Delivery, Installation, and Setup
Different mattress sellers offer varying delivery and setup options. Before placing your order, confirm where the delivery team will leave or place the mattress.
Typical mattress delivery choices include different service levels depending on the retailer. Certain delivery services also include taking away packaging and the sleep products you are replacing.
If you live in an apartment, condominium, or building with limited access, check hallway dimensions, elevator rules, loading restrictions, and delivery scheduling before purchasing a large mattress or adjustable base.
Old Mattress Disposal and Recycling
Replacing a mattress also means deciding what to do with the old one. The rules for getting rid of a mattress are not uniform across the United States.
Some retailers offer mattress haul-away when delivering a replacement. Local waste services, transfer stations, recycling programs, and private junk removal companies may also accept mattresses.
Mattress recycling programs have been established in several states, including California, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Because requirements and recycling fees differ by location, do not assume an old mattress can be placed with normal 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.
Best Times of Year to Buy a Mattress
You can find mattress sales at many times of year, but holiday weekends are especially common promotional periods in the United States. Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday are often associated with mattress promotions.
Waiting until a holiday sale does not automatically mean you will get the lowest price. Throughout the year, mattress sellers may adjust prices, bundles, financing promotions, and free accessory offers.
Compare the complete package. A slightly higher mattress price may still represent better value if it includes delivery, setup, a foundation, old mattress removal, or a better return policy.
Where to Buy a Mattress Near You
Searching for mattress stores near me is a good starting point when you want to test beds locally. In most U.S. metro areas, shoppers can choose from several different types of mattress sellers.
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. Smaller cities and rural areas may have fewer local options, making regional retailers and online mattress stores more important.
Before traveling between multiple showrooms, a mattress directory can help you find and compare nearby retailers. 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 the mattress I want currently in stock?
- What will the complete price be after delivery and other fees?
- Can I return or exchange the mattress if it is uncomfortable?
- Do I have to keep the mattress for a minimum period before requesting 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 mattress be installed or set up by the delivery team?
- Can my old mattress and foundation be removed?
- What is the expected delivery time for this mattress?
Getting these answers before purchase can prevent misunderstandings later.
Choosing the Best Place to Buy a Mattress
No mattress retailer is the best choice for every shopper. 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. 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.
The most important point is to compare the entire purchase rather than only the mattress cost. Consider comfort, construction, firmness, mattress size, sleep trial terms, returns, warranty coverage, delivery, setup, financing, and old mattress 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.
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