Knowing where to buy a mattress in the USA can save you time, money, and a lot of 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. 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, 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.
This guide covers the main mattress-buying options in the USA and the factors you should consider before selecting a store.
What Are the Main Places to Buy a Mattress in the USA?
Across the United States, mattresses are available from many different types of sellers. Some retailers focus primarily on mattresses and sleep products, while others include mattresses within a broader furniture or home goods inventory.
Among the most common mattress retailers are:
- Locally owned mattress retailers
- Large national and regional mattress retailers
- Furniture retailers
- Warehouse clubs
- Department stores
- Large big-box stores
- Manufacturer-owned mattress stores and showrooms
- Internet-based mattress brands
- Large online marketplaces
- Mattress factory-direct retailers
The benefits and limitations differ among these shopping options. Shoppers who want to lie on several beds before choosing one may prefer a mattress showroom. If you already know the mattress construction and feel you want, buying online may offer greater convenience.
Local Mattress Stores
Independent mattress stores can be found in cities, suburbs, and smaller communities across the United States. An independent mattress retailer might run one local showroom or maintain multiple locations across a state or metro region.
Many local mattress stores carry several mattress brands. A local mattress showroom may offer a broad selection of mattress constructions, including traditional innerspring mattresses, memory foam beds, latex mattresses, and hybrids, plus adjustable bases, foundations, pillows, mattress protectors, and other sleep products.
Shopping locally can provide access to staff familiar with the products they sell. A single showroom visit may let you compare multiple mattress constructions and firmness choices.
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 check return policies and comfort exchange rules before purchase. Return and exchange terms are not the same at every mattress store.
National and Regional Mattress Store Chains
Another common place to shop is a national or regional mattress retailer. Some companies, including Mattress Firm, have locations in many U.S. markets, while other chains operate within certain states or specific regions.
Mattress chains typically devote most of their inventory to mattresses, beds, and related sleep 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 compare several mattresses during one store visit. Certain chains also publish inventory and product information online, allowing you to research models before going to a showroom.
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
Many furniture stores in the United States have separate areas for mattresses and sleep products. Retailers such as Ashley, Rooms To Go, and many regional furniture chains offer mattresses together with bedroom furniture, sofas, dining sets, and other 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.
A furniture store can still be a strong option when comparing mattress prices, especially if you also need bedroom furniture or want several large items delivered at once.
Buying Mattresses From Warehouse Clubs
Many Americans also purchase mattresses through large warehouse retailers. copyright and Sam's Club, for example, sell mattresses from multiple manufacturers through their stores and 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. Some mattresses are displayed for inspection, while others may be packaged or available primarily through the retailer's website.
Warehouse clubs can work especially well for shoppers who already know the differences among memory foam, innerspring, and hybrid mattresses and do not need to test many models.
Remember to consider membership requirements, delivery arrangements, return procedures, and whether mattress removal is available in your area.
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. 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.
Big-box retailers can be useful when shopping for lower-priced mattresses, guest-room beds, children's mattresses, dorm-room mattresses, or convenient bed-in-a-box products.
Do not base your comparison on the mattress brand alone, make sure you are comparing the same model. 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 manufacturers sell through retail partners where shoppers can test specific mattresses.
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, a brand-specific showroom may be useful. This can let you compare several models and firmness levels from the same manufacturer without evaluating unrelated mattresses.
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 major part of the U.S. mattress industry. Many companies sell mattresses directly to consumers and ship them to homes throughout much of the country.
Depending on the mattress, delivery may involve a compressed bed in a box or a full-size mattress delivered without compression. Some mattress companies also provide room-of-choice delivery or white-glove service.
Shopping online gives you access to many mattress brands without driving to multiple showrooms. Online shopping can also make it easier to compare specifications, pricing, policies, and construction details side by side.
The major disadvantage is that you usually cannot lie on the mattress before ordering it. 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 allows you to try the mattress at home for a set period before making a final decision. The length of a trial varies from one retailer or manufacturer to another.
Read the complete policy before buying. A retailer may require you to complete an adjustment period before becoming eligible for a return. Depending on the policy, a return may involve additional charges related to returning the mattress.
Do not equate a large number of trial nights with a no-cost return policy. Pay closer attention to the written return conditions than to the headline trial length.
Common Mattress Types Sold in the United States
Knowing the main mattress categories can make shopping easier. Most retailers group their inventory according to major categories such as innerspring, foam, hybrid, and latex.
Innerspring Mattresses
Innerspring beds combine a spring support core with upper cushioning layers. These mattresses range from simple traditional models to premium designs with thick comfort layers and individually wrapped coils.
Memory Foam Mattresses
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
Hybrid mattresses are built with springs combined with thicker foam or latex layers. Many American mattress retailers carry hybrids, which bring together elements of innerspring and foam mattresses.
Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses use natural latex, synthetic latex, or a combination of materials. Latex generally provides a more responsive feel than the deep contouring found in some memory foam mattresses.
Adjustable Air Mattresses
Certain premium mattress systems contain adjustable air chambers that can change firmness on each side. 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 necessarily the closest location or the retailer with the largest advertised discount. Compare the complete buying experience before making your decision.
Important factors include:
- Product selection: Look for enough choices to compare different materials and firmness levels.
- Transparent pricing: Find out whether advertised pricing includes delivery, setup, or other services.
- Returns: Check whether returns are handled through cash refunds, product exchanges, credit, or another process.
- At-home 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: Find out whether the mattress is shipped, delivered to your door, or installed in your bedroom.
- Old mattress removal: Ask whether your existing mattress can be hauled away.
- Financing: Evaluate the full cost of financing, not just the monthly payment.
It is also useful to check whether the mattress you tested in the showroom is the exact model listed on your receipt. Retailer-specific model names or product lines can make it harder to compare prices directly.
How Much Does a Mattress Cost in the USA?
U.S. shoppers can find mattresses costing a few hundred dollars at the lower end and several thousand dollars for high-end models or adjustable sleep systems.
The cost of a mattress is influenced by size, materials, construction, brand, thickness, features, and where it is sold. A queen mattress usually costs more than a twin but less than a king within the same product line.
Shoppers on a tighter budget may find entry-level mattresses through online retailers, discount stores, 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 a range of upgraded materials and technologies.
Rather than focusing only on the purchase price, consider expected lifespan, support for your sleeping position, and the retailer's return protections.
Should You Try a Mattress Before You Buy It?
Trying a mattress in a showroom can help eliminate unsuitable options, but a few seconds of sitting on the bed is not a useful test.
For a more useful showroom test, lie down as you would at home and remain there for several minutes. Side sleepers should pay attention to pressure around the shoulders and hips. If you sleep on your back, consider how well the mattress supports your lumbar area. For stomach sleepers, adequate support can help limit excessive sinkage through the midsection.
Couples should test the mattress together when possible. Differences in body weight, sleep position, and firmness preference can affect which mattress works best.
Even a careful showroom test is limited compared with sleeping on the mattress overnight. That is why a useful sleep trial or comfort exchange policy can add important protection.
How to Choose Mattress Firmness
Mattress firmness is usually described with terms such as soft, medium, medium-firm, firm, or extra firm. No one firmness level is right for every sleeper.
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 testing mattresses or buying from a retailer with a strong exchange policy.
Mattress Delivery, Installation, and Setup
Mattress delivery options vary among retailers. Ask in advance whether the mattress will be left outside, brought indoors, cheap mattress stores near me or placed in your room.
Mattress retailers may offer several delivery levels ranging from doorstep drop-off to full setup. Some retailers will also remove packaging, an old mattress, or an old foundation.
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.
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. Mattress disposal regulations vary among states, counties, and cities.
A retailer may be able to take your old mattress away at the same time it delivers the replacement. Other disposal options may include local waste services, transfer stations, mattress recycling programs, and 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 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
Mattress retailers run promotions throughout the year, but holiday weekends are common times for sales in the United States. Common U.S. mattress sale periods include major shopping events such as Presidents Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, and Black Friday.
However, waiting for a holiday does not guarantee the best deal. Throughout the year, mattress sellers may adjust both pricing and promotional incentives.
Evaluate the entire package before deciding. 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. 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, Phoenix, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, Miami, Atlanta, Seattle, Denver, Boston, and Washington, D.C. may have dozens of mattress showrooms within driving distance. In smaller cities and rural communities, local mattress selection may be more limited, which can make regional retailers and online mattress stores more useful.
Before traveling between multiple showrooms, a mattress directory can help you see which stores operate in your area. After comparing store locations, retailer categories, brands, and services, verify directly with the retailer that your preferred models are in stock for testing.
What to Ask Before You Purchase a Mattress
A few questions can help clarify the purchase terms before you pay for a new mattress:
- Is this mattress currently in stock?
- What will the complete price be after delivery and other fees?
- What happens if the mattress is uncomfortable, can I return or exchange it?
- Do I have to keep the mattress for a minimum period before requesting a comfort exchange?
- What fees, including pickup, transport, or restocking charges, apply to returns?
- Who handles warranty claims, the retailer or manufacturer?
- Are there foundation or bed-frame requirements under the warranty?
- Does delivery include setup of the new mattress?
- Can the delivery team remove my existing mattress and foundation?
- What is the expected delivery time for this mattress?
Clarifying these details before buying can help prevent misunderstandings after the sale.
Where to Buy Your Next 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. 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.
A good mattress comparison should involve comfort, policies, services, and value as well as cost. Compare comfort, mattress construction, firmness, size, sleep trial terms, return policies, warranty coverage, delivery, setup, financing, and old mattress disposal.
Our mattress store directory can help you locate mattress stores across the United States, compare nearby retailers, and narrow your options before you visit a showroom or buy online. A little research before buying can make it much easier to find a mattress that fits your body, sleeping style, budget, and home.