Finding where to buy a mattress in the USA is easier when you understand the available shopping options, which can reduce shopping frustration. American shoppers have many different places to shop, 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 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 different from many other household purchases. Comfort is personal, and the lowest price does not always mean 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.
What Are the Main Places to Buy a Mattress in the USA?
Across the United States, mattresses are available from several categories of retailers. Some retailers specialize almost exclusively in beds and sleep accessories, while others include mattresses within a broader furniture or home goods inventory.
Among the most common mattress retailers are:
- Locally owned mattress retailers
- National and regional mattress chains
- Furniture retailers
- Warehouse retailers
- Department store retailers
- Large big-box stores
- Brand-owned mattress stores and manufacturer showrooms
- Online mattress companies
- Large online marketplaces
- Mattress factory-direct 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.
Buying From 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 a single store or maintain multiple locations across a state or metro region.
Many local mattress stores carry several mattress brands. A local mattress showroom may offer several types of mattresses, including traditional innerspring mattresses, memory foam beds, latex mattresses, and hybrids, plus adjustable bases, foundations, pillows, mattress protectors, and other sleep products.
One advantage of shopping locally is access to sales staff who may be familiar with the mattresses they sell. In many local showrooms, you can test several firmness levels and mattress constructions during one visit.
To compete with larger chains, local retailers may provide services such as mattress delivery, installation, haul-away, negotiated pricing, and bundled purchases 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. These policies may differ significantly between retailers.
National and Regional Mattress Store Chains
Specialty mattress chains are another major option for shoppers in the United States. For example, Mattress Firm operates stores across many markets, while other mattress chains focus on particular states or regions.
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.
Specialty chains can be useful if you want to compare several mattresses in one location. You may also be able to review models and store inventory online before your visit.
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
Many American furniture retailers have dedicated mattress departments. Retailers such as Ashley, Rooms To Go, and many regional furniture chains offer mattresses together with other major home furnishings.
If you are furnishing a complete bedroom, a furniture store can be convenient because you may be able to purchase the bed and matching furniture in one place.
The main drawback is that mattress selection can vary by location. Shoppers looking for more mattress-specific help 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
Many Americans also purchase mattresses through membership-based warehouse clubs. For example, copyright and Sam's Club offer mattresses from several brands through both physical stores and their websites.
Although warehouse clubs may offer competitive mattress prices, their in-store mattress selection can be more limited than the inventory at a specialty showroom. Depending on the retailer, some mattresses may be available to view in the warehouse, while others are packaged or sold mainly online.
If you already understand the major mattress categories and are comfortable buying without testing numerous beds, a warehouse club may be a practical choice.
Remember to consider membership requirements, delivery arrangements, return procedures, and whether mattress removal is available in your area.
Mattresses at Department Stores and Big-Box Stores
Department stores and big-box retailers also sell mattresses throughout the United States. Depending on the market, shoppers may encounter mattresses at stores such as Macy's, Walmart, Target, and other large retail chains.
Selection varies considerably. Some retailers allow customers to try beds in-store, while others mainly sell boxed mattresses for online ordering or store pickup.
For shoppers seeking lower-priced mattresses or convenient bed-in-a-box options, big-box stores can be useful, especially for guest rooms, children's rooms, or dorm rooms.
Do not base your comparison on the mattress brand alone, check the exact model and specifications before buying. Mattresses from the same manufacturer can vary greatly in materials, coil systems, foam layers, height, and firmness.
Buying From Manufacturer Showrooms and Brand Stores
Some mattress manufacturers operate their own stores or branded showrooms. Other brands have authorized dealers where shoppers can test specific product lines.
Well-known mattress brands available in the United States include Tempur-Pedic, Sealy, Stearns & Foster, Serta, Beautyrest, Purple, Casper, among many others.
A branded store can be useful if you have already narrowed your search to one manufacturer. 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.
Where to Buy a Mattress Online
Online retailers have become a significant sales channel in the U.S. mattress market. Many companies sell mattresses directly to consumers and ship them to homes throughout much of discount mattress store the country.
Depending on the mattress, delivery may involve boxed shipping or a full-size mattress delivered without compression. Certain companies also offer room-of-choice or white-glove delivery services.
One advantage of online mattress shopping is that you can compare numerous brands without visiting several physical stores. Websites allow shoppers to review mattress specifications, prices, customer policies, and construction details before deciding.
The biggest drawback is that you normally cannot test the mattress in person before placing an order. When you cannot test a bed beforehand, carefully reviewing the sleep trial and return policy is essential.
Check the Sleep Trial Before Ordering
A sleep trial allows you to sleep on the bed for a specified time before deciding whether it is right for you. The length of a trial depends on the company.
Before you purchase, read the full sleep trial and return policy. Some companies require customers to use the mattress for a certain amount of time before requesting a return. Others may charge pickup, transportation, restocking, or processing fees.
Do not equate a long sleep trial with free returns. What matters most is the actual written return policy, not simply the advertised number of trial nights.
Common Mattress Types Sold in the United States
Understanding common mattress categories can simplify the buying process. Most retailers group their inventory according to several common mattress construction types.
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.
Mattresses Made With Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses use foam layers instead of a traditional spring support system. They are known for contouring around the body and reducing motion transfer between sleeping partners.
Hybrid Mattress Construction
A typical hybrid combines coils for support with substantial layers of foam or latex. Hybrid mattresses are common in U.S. showrooms because they blend features of foam and innerspring construction.
Latex Mattresses
A latex mattress can be made with different forms of natural and synthetic latex. Compared with some memory foam mattresses, latex beds often feel springier and less enveloping.
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. These products are different from temporary inflatable air mattresses used for guests or camping.
Choosing the Right Mattress Store
The best mattress store is not necessarily the closest retailer or the store advertising the largest discount. Evaluate the complete purchase process before deciding where to buy.
Consider the following factors when evaluating a mattress store:
- Mattress selection: Choose a retailer with enough options 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: Find out how many nights the trial lasts and whether a return costs anything.
- Warranty coverage: Check the manufacturer's warranty conditions.
- Mattress delivery: Confirm whether your order will be shipped to your address, delivered to the door, or set up in the bedroom.
- Old mattress removal: Find out whether the retailer can remove your old mattress.
- Financing: Compare interest rates, promotional financing terms, and total repayment cost.
It is also useful to check whether the mattress you tested in the showroom is the exact model listed on your receipt. 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?
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.
Mattress pricing varies according to the mattress itself and the retailer selling it. A queen mattress usually costs more than a twin but less than a king within the same product line.
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. Luxury and premium mattresses can incorporate a range of upgraded materials and technologies.
Price should be only one part of the decision, so also evaluate durability, support, and retailer policies.
Should You Test a Mattress Before Buying?
An in-store mattress test can be helpful, although you should spend more than a few seconds evaluating it.
When testing a mattress, try to spend several minutes in the position you normally sleep in. Side sleepers should evaluate pressure relief around the hips and shoulders. Back sleepers should check whether the lower back feels supported while the body remains properly positioned. For stomach sleepers, adequate support can help prevent the center of the body from dropping too deeply into the mattress.
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 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.
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.
Your preferred firmness can depend on body weight, sleeping position, mattress construction, and personal comfort. The term "medium-firm" is not standardized, so beds carrying the same firmness label may not feel identical.
Use firmness labels as a starting point rather than an exact measurement. To lower the risk of ending up with the wrong firmness, test the mattress when possible and look for a reasonable exchange policy.
Mattress Delivery and Setup
Mattress delivery options vary among retailers. Before placing your order, find out exactly what the delivery service includes.
Typical mattress delivery choices include basic doorstep service, delivery inside the home, room-of-choice placement, setup, and white-glove delivery. Depending on the retailer, the delivery team may remove packaging and haul away an old mattress or 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
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 mattress stores provide old mattress removal when the new bed is delivered. Other disposal options may include local waste services, transfer stations, mattress recycling programs, and private junk removal companies.
States including California, Connecticut, and Rhode Island have formal programs for mattress recycling. Requirements and recycling fees can vary, so shoppers should check local rules rather than assuming a mattress can be left with regular household trash.
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.
When Is the Best Time to Buy a Mattress?
You can find mattress sales at many times of year, but U.S. retailers often emphasize holiday events. Retailers frequently advertise mattress deals around several major U.S. holidays and Black Friday.
However, waiting for a holiday does not guarantee the best deal. Prices and promotions can change year-round, including discounts, package deals, financing incentives, and included accessories.
Evaluate the entire package before deciding. 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 find nearby retailers where you can test mattresses. Most U.S. metropolitan areas have a mix of independent mattress stores, national chains, furniture retailers, and department stores.
In major U.S. markets including New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, Miami, Atlanta, Seattle, Denver, Boston, and Washington, D.C., shoppers may have dozens of mattress stores and 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. After comparing nearby mattress shopping options, 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?
- Am I allowed to return or exchange the mattress if the comfort is not right?
- Do I have to keep the mattress for a minimum period before requesting a comfort exchange?
- Are there return, pickup, transportation, or restocking fees?
- Are warranty claims handled by the retailer or by the mattress manufacturer?
- Does the warranty require a specific foundation or bed frame?
- Does delivery include setup of 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.
Where to Buy Your Next 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 multiple mattress choices and easy-to-find retail locations. 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.
The key is to compare more than the mattress price. Consider comfort, construction, firmness, mattress size, sleep trial terms, returns, warranty coverage, delivery, setup, financing, and old mattress disposal.
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. Doing some research before purchase can make it easier to choose a mattress suited to your body, sleep style, budget, and home.