Finding where to buy a mattress in the USA is easier when you understand the available shopping options, which can save you time and money. 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. Which retailer works best for you will depend on your budget, the mattress type you prefer, your location, and whether you want to test the mattress first.
A mattress is also a more personal purchase than many other household items. Because comfort varies from person to person, the cheapest mattress is not always the best value. Before deciding where to buy, compare factors such as 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 to Buy a Mattress in the United States
Mattresses are sold through many different retail channels across the country. While certain stores are specialty mattress retailers, others sell mattresses alongside a larger selection of furniture and household goods.
Common places to buy mattresses in the United States include:
- Locally owned mattress retailers
- National and regional mattress chains
- Home furniture stores
- Membership warehouse clubs
- Department store retailers
- General big-box retailers
- Manufacturer-owned mattress stores and showrooms
- Internet-based mattress brands
- Online marketplaces
- Mattress factory-direct retailers
Each option has its own benefits and 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.
Buying From Local Mattress Stores
Independent mattress stores can be found in cities, suburbs, and smaller communities across the United States. 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. 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 compare different mattress types and comfort levels without visiting multiple stores.
To compete with larger chains, local retailers may provide local delivery, 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 review the retailer's policies for returns and comfort exchanges before you pay. Policies can vary greatly from one business to another.
National and Regional Mattress Retailers
Another common place to shop is a specialty mattress chain. Companies such as Mattress Firm operate stores in many markets, while other chains serve specific states or regions.
These retailers generally put mattresses and sleep products at the center of their business. 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 publish inventory and product information online, 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, compare the final price instead of assuming an advertised discount is automatically the best deal.
Furniture Stores That Sell Mattresses
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.
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.
One possible drawback is that mattress inventory may differ from one furniture store location to another. Compared with a general furniture showroom, a specialty mattress store may provide more mattress choices or more specialized assistance.
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.
Mattresses at Membership Warehouse Clubs
Another common U.S. mattress shopping option is the membership warehouse club. 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 understand the main mattress construction types 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. Stores including Macy's, Walmart, Target, and other large retail chains may offer mattresses, although selection varies by location.
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.
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.
When comparing mattresses, compare specific models instead of assuming every mattress from one brand is similar. 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 brands have their own stores and showrooms. Other manufacturers sell through authorized dealers that display selected 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.
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.
The limitation is obvious: a single-brand showroom does not provide the same direct comparison between competing manufacturers that a multi-brand mattress store can offer.
Buying a Mattress Online
Buying mattresses online is now a major part of the U.S. mattress industry. Many mattress companies now offer direct-to-consumer purchasing with nationwide or broad U.S. delivery.
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.
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. For that reason, the sleep trial and return policy become 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. A retailer may require you to complete an adjustment period before becoming eligible for 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. Pay closer attention to the complete return policy 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 several common mattress construction types.
Traditional Innerspring Mattresses
Innerspring beds combine metal coils for support with comfort materials on top. These mattresses range from basic spring beds to more advanced models with substantial cushioning and pocketed coils.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Rather than using a traditional spring support system, memory foam mattresses are built with foam layers. They are known for contouring around the body and reducing motion transfer between sleeping partners.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses are built with a coil support core plus significant foam or latex comfort layers. Hybrids are common in American mattress showrooms because they combine characteristics of both foam and innerspring beds.
Mattresses Made With Latex
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-Chamber Mattresses
Some premium mattresses use adjustable air chambers that allow sleepers to modify the firmness of each side of the bed. These should not be confused with temporary inflatable air mattresses used for guests or camping.
How to Choose a Mattress Store
Choosing a mattress store should involve more than simply finding the closest retailer or biggest sale. Compare the complete buying experience before making your decision.
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: Confirm which services are included in the advertised price.
- Returns: Make sure you understand whether the store provides refunds, exchanges, store credit, or comfort exchanges.
- Sleep trial: Find out the duration and conditions of the sleep trial.
- Warranty coverage: Read the manufacturer's warranty and the list of covered defects.
- 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 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. Mattress names and product lines can sometimes differ between retailers, which can make direct price comparison harder.
What 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.
Price depends on mattress size, materials, construction, brand, thickness, features, and retailer. 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 basic foam and innerspring beds 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. Higher-end mattresses may use more costly materials and advanced comfort or support features.
Instead of choosing a mattress based only on price, compare how long you expect to use it, how well it supports your sleeping position, and the retailer's return protections.
Should You Test a Mattress Before Buying?
An in-store mattress test can be helpful, although briefly sitting on a bed does not tell you enough about comfort or support.
For a more useful showroom test, test the mattress in your normal sleep position rather than simply sitting on it. Side sleepers should evaluate pressure relief around the hips and shoulders. 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.
Whenever possible, couples should test the bed together. 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 limited compared with sleeping on the mattress overnight. That is why at-home trial periods and comfort exchanges are 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 general indicators rather than exact measurements. You can reduce the chance of choosing an unsuitable firmness by testing mattresses or buying from a retailer with a strong exchange policy.
How Mattress Delivery and Setup Work
Different mattress sellers offer varying delivery and setup mattress stores around my area options. Ask in advance whether delivery includes more than simply bringing the mattress to your address.
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.
Old Mattress Disposal and Recycling
When buying a replacement mattress, you also need to decide how the old mattress will be removed. The rules for getting rid of a mattress are different depending on your state and municipality.
A retailer may be able to take your old mattress away at the same time it delivers the 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. 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.
When to Shop for Mattress Sales
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.
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 mattress with a somewhat higher price can still provide more for your money when valuable services or accessories are part of the deal.
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. Major metropolitan areas across the United States generally include local mattress retailers, large chains, furniture stores, 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. 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. 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
A few questions can help clarify the purchase terms before you pay for a new mattress:
- Is this mattress currently in stock?
- What is the total price including 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?
- Will I be charged return, pickup, transportation, or restocking fees?
- Who handles warranty claims, the retailer or manufacturer?
- Are there foundation or bed-frame requirements under the warranty?
- Will the delivery team set up the new mattress?
- Can my old mattress and foundation be removed?
- When is the earliest the mattress can be delivered?
Knowing the answers in advance can help you understand exactly what to expect from the purchase.
Choosing the Best Place to Buy a Mattress
There is no single best place to buy a mattress for every shopper. Local mattress retailers can work well for shoppers who prefer face-to-face service and in-store mattress testing. National mattress chains may offer a wide product selection and locations in many markets. 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 key is to compare more than the mattress price. Compare all major product and retailer factors before buying.
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.