Knowing where to buy a mattress in the USA can help you save time and money while avoiding unnecessary frustration. Across the United States, shoppers can choose among many different mattress retailers, including local mattress stores, national chains, furniture stores, warehouse clubs, department stores, manufacturer showrooms, and online mattress companies. The best place to shop depends on your price range, preferred type of mattress, where you live, and whether in-store testing matters to you.
Mattress buying differs from most routine home purchases because comfort is highly personal. 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.
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 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.
Among the most common mattress retailers are:
- Locally owned mattress retailers
- Regional and national mattress store chains
- Furniture stores
- Membership warehouse clubs
- Department store retailers
- Large big-box stores
- Manufacturer-owned mattress stores and showrooms
- Online mattress companies
- Internet marketplaces
- Factory-direct mattress retailers
Every type of mattress retailer comes with specific advantages and potential drawbacks. 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
You can find local independent mattress stores in communities of many sizes throughout the United States. Some of these businesses have only one showroom, while others operate several stores within a 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 traditional innerspring mattresses, memory foam beds, latex mattresses, and hybrids, along with adjustable bases, foundations, pillows, mattress protectors, and other sleep products.
A benefit of buying from a local mattress store is that sales staff may have detailed familiarity with the beds they carry. 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.
Before buying from an independent retailer, make sure you understand its return and comfort exchange rules. Policies can vary greatly from one business to another.
National and Regional Mattress Store Chains
Another common place to shop is a national or regional mattress retailer. For example, Mattress Firm operates stores across many markets, while other mattress chains serve more limited geographic areas.
These stores focus heavily on mattresses and related sleep products. Many chain showrooms carry several recognized mattress brands, as well as adjustable bases, bed frames, foundations, pillows, and bedding accessories.
Specialty chains can be useful if you want to compare several mattresses in one location. Certain chains also show mattress availability on their websites, allowing you to research models before going to a showroom.
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. Even during a sale, look at the total purchase price rather than relying only on promotional claims.
Mattress Departments at Furniture Stores
Mattress departments are common at American furniture retailers. Stores such as Ashley, Rooms To Go, and numerous regional furniture chains sell mattresses 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 mattress inventory may differ from one furniture store location to another. A specialty mattress store may offer more models or more detailed mattress-specific assistance than a general furniture showroom.
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
Many Americans also purchase mattresses through large warehouse retailers. 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. You may find some beds on display, but other mattress models may remain packaged or be primarily available online.
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.
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.
Mattress selection can vary widely from one retailer or location to another. 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 an affordable mattress, a guest-room mattress, a child's mattress, a dorm-room mattress, or a convenient bed-in-a-box product.
Do not base your comparison on the mattress brand alone, check the exact model and specifications before buying. One manufacturer may produce many mattress lines with different materials, coil systems, foam layers, heights, and firmness levels.
Mattress Brand Stores and Manufacturer Showrooms
Some mattress brands have manufacturer-operated retail locations. 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 limits your comparison to one manufacturer's products.
Buying a Mattress Online
Online retailers have become a significant sales channel in the U.S. mattress market. 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. Some mattress companies also provide room-of-choice delivery or white-glove service.
Online shopping provides access to a large number of mattress brands without visiting several stores. It also makes it easier to compare mattress specifications, prices, customer policies, and construction details.
Unlike showroom shopping, buying online generally means you cannot lie on the mattress before purchase. Because of this, the sleep trial and return policy are especially important.
Check 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.
Read the complete policy before buying. 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 assume that a long advertised trial automatically means completely free returns. The written return terms are more important than the headline number of trial nights.
Mattress Types You Will Find at U.S. Retailers
Knowing the main mattress categories can make shopping easier. Mattress stores typically organize products by common construction categories.
Innerspring Mattresses
Innerspring mattresses use a coil support system combined with comfort materials above the springs. Innerspring construction can be found in everything from traditional budget beds to premium designs.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam mattresses use foam layers instead of a traditional spring support system. Memory foam is known for its close-conforming feel and ability to reduce movement across the bed.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses are built with a coil support core plus significant foam or latex comfort layers. Many American mattress retailers carry hybrids, which combine coil support with foam-based comfort.
Mattresses Made With Latex
A latex mattress can be made with natural latex, synthetic latex, or mixed latex materials. Latex generally provides more bounce and responsiveness than some closely conforming memory foam beds.
Adjustable Air Mattresses
Certain premium mattress systems contain air-based support that lets sleepers customize firmness individually. These products are different from temporary inflatable air mattresses used for guests or camping.
How to Choose a Mattress Store
The best mattress store is not necessarily the closest retailer or the store advertising the largest discount. Before choosing, compare the entire buying experience.
Consider the following factors when evaluating a mattress store:
- Mattress selection: A good selection should let you compare multiple materials, constructions, and firmness choices.
- 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.
- At-home trial: Find out the duration and conditions of the sleep trial.
- Warranty: Check the manufacturer's warranty conditions.
- Delivery: Ask whether the mattress will simply be shipped or placed in your bedroom.
- Old mattress removal: Find out whether old mattress haul-away is available.
- Financing: If financing is offered, compare the rate, financing period, and overall repayment cost.
Before completing the sale, confirm that the model on your receipt matches the mattress you tested in the showroom. Because mattress names and product lines can differ from one store to another, direct price comparisons are sometimes difficult.
Mattress Prices in the United States
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 the mattress itself and the retailer selling it. Within the same mattress collection, a queen typically costs more than a twin and less than a king.
Shoppers on a tighter budget may find basic foam and innerspring beds 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 specialty foam, latex, advanced support systems, cooling technology, handcrafted details, and adjustable features.
Price should be only one part of the decision, so also evaluate how long you expect to keep the mattress, how it supports your sleep position, and the available return protection.
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.
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 consider whether the mattress supports the lower back without excessive sinking. For stomach sleepers, adequate support can help limit excessive sinkage through the midsection.
Whenever possible, couples should test the bed together. Differences in body weight, sleep position, and firmness preference can affect which mattress works best.
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.
Choosing the Right Mattress Firmness
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.
Your preferred firmness can depend on body weight, sleeping position, mattress construction, and personal comfort. Two mattresses labeled "medium-firm" may also feel different because manufacturers do not use one universal firmness scale.
Firmness descriptions are most useful as rough reference points rather than exact measurements. 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
Mattress delivery options are not the same at every store. Before ordering, ask exactly where the mattress will be delivered.
Typical mattress delivery choices include basic doorstep service, delivery inside the home, room-of-choice placement, setup, and white-glove delivery. Certain delivery services also include packaging removal, old mattress haul-away, or foundation removal.
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
A new mattress purchase often creates another question, how will you dispose of the old mattress? The rules for getting rid of a mattress are not uniform across the United States.
A retailer may be able to combine new mattress delivery with old mattress removal. Local waste services, transfer stations, recycling programs, and private junk removal companies may also accept mattresses.
States including California, Connecticut, and Rhode Island have established dedicated mattress recycling programs. Because local rules and fees can vary, do not assume an old mattress can be placed with normal household trash.
A clean, usable mattress may sometimes be accepted by certain donation programs, although standards vary and many organizations will not accept 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 Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday.
Waiting until a holiday sale does not automatically mean you will get the lowest price. Prices and promotions can change year-round, including bundle offers, financing deals, and free accessory promotions.
Look at the complete value of the offer. A mattress with a somewhat higher price can still provide better overall value if delivery, setup, a foundation, old mattress removal, or stronger return terms are included.
Buying a Mattress Near You
A search for mattress stores near me is often the easiest way to find nearby retailers where you can test mattresses. In most U.S. metro areas, shoppers can choose from several different types of mattress sellers.
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. Smaller cities and rural areas may have fewer local options, making regional retailers and online mattress stores more important.
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.
Questions to Ask Before Buying a Mattress
Before completing your mattress purchase, consider asking the salesperson or online retailer these important questions:
- Is the mattress I want currently in stock?
- How much will I pay in total once delivery and additional charges are included?
- 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?
- 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 mattress be installed or set up by the delivery team?
- Can my old mattress and foundation be removed?
- When is the earliest the mattress can be delivered?
Getting these answers before purchase can prevent misunderstandings later.
Where to Buy Your Next Mattress
The best place to buy a mattress depends on the individual shopper. If you value personal service and the opportunity to test several mattresses, a local mattress store may be a good fit. National mattress chains may offer broad inventory combined with convenient store 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.
A good mattress comparison should involve comfort, policies, services, and value as well as 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. A little research before buying can make it much easier to find a mattress that mattress store near my location fits your body, sleeping style, budget, and home.