Where is the Best Place to Buy a Mattress?

Where is the Best Place to Buy a Mattress? – Purchasing a new mattress is an important investment that can improve your sleep comfort and support for years to come. But finding the right mattress at the best price can be a confusing and stressful process with so many brands, types, and retailers to choose from. This comprehensive guide compares mattress stores, bed-in-a-box brands, department stores, warehouse clubs and online retailers to uncover the pros, cons, and best deals at each. With insider tips for saving money and finding a quality, comfortable mattress tailored to your needs, you’ll discover the ideal place to buy your next mattress.

Key Factors When Choosing a Mattress – Where is the Best Place to Buy a Mattress?

Before deciding where to buy, it’s helpful to understand what type of mattress you need and key factors like:

• Mattress type – Major types include innerspring, memory foam, latex, hybrid, adjustable air and waterbed. Each has unique benefits and drawbacks.
• Firmness – Mattress firmness is ranked on a 1-10 scale, with 1 being very soft and 10 being very firm. Medium firmness around 5-7 suits most people.
• Sleep position – Your preferred sleeping position (back, side, stomach) affects the ideal firmness and mattress type for proper support.
• Mattress size – Make sure to get the right mattress length and width for your bedroom size and if sharing with a partner.
• Special considerations – Factors like body type, pain points, allergies and sleeping hot can influence the best mattress design for your needs.
• Return policy – In case the mattress doesn’t work for you, look for at least 30 days to return or exchange it.
• Warranty – A 10-year limited warranty is standard. Some premium mattresses offer 20 years or lifetime coverage.
• Price – Expect to spend $500-$1100 for a quality queen-size mattress. Many retailers offer sales around holidays.

Taking the time to understand your ideal mattress based on sleep habits, body type, health factors and preferences is vital to long-term comfort and support. Next, let’s explore the major places to buy a mattress and the advantages of each option.

Purchasing from Mattress Specialty Stores – Where is the Best Place to Buy a Mattress?

Dedicated mattress showrooms and retailers have boomed in popularity in recent years, led by brands like Mattress Firm, Sleep Number, Mattress Warehouse and regional chains. Their model focuses exclusively on beds and bedding by providing:

• Wide selection – Stores showcase models from many top mattress brands in one place for comparison. You can test out different mattresses directly.
• Knowledgeable assistance – Mattress sales associates are trained to assess your needs and recommend appropriate models to try.
• Comfort guarantees – Many retailers allow 30-120 night trials to test the mattress at home. If it isn’t right, you can return or exchange it.
• Free delivery – Most offer free shipping and old mattress removal with the purchase of a new mattress. White glove delivery may also be available.
• Credit financing – Stores can provide credit cards and financing specifically for mattress purchases if needed.
• Convenient locations – With thousands of stores across the U.S., a mattress specialty shop is never far away.

The major downsides to consider are:

• Higher prices – Specialty stores tend to be more expensive than buying direct or online. Employees work on commission which adds cost.
• Pushy sales tactics – Some sales staff can come across as overly pushy. Be firm about your budget and sleep needs.
• Limited selection online – Specialty retailers showcase a wider array of models to test in-store. Online selection is often more limited.

Overall, the convenience of trying before you buy and personalized service make mattress specialty showrooms a top choice for many buyers. Just be prepared to negotiate on price and don’t feel pressured into purchasing.

Buying Mattresses from Bed-in-a-Box Brands – Where is the Best Place to Buy a Mattress?

The explosive growth of direct-to-consumer “bed in a box” mattress brands like Casper, Purple, Nectar and Tuft & Needle has disrupted the industry. Their model skips retailers by shipping compressed mattresses straight to your door. Benefits include:

• Lower prices – Cutting out the middleman leads to substantial savings over retailers. Average queen price is $700-$1300.
• Convenience – Mattresses ship quickly to your home for easy self setup. Old mattress removal may be available.
• Return policies – Brands offer 90-100 night home trials. Returns are free if you aren’t satisfied.
• Warranties – 10-20 year limited warranties are standard. A few brands provide lifetime guarantees.
• Innovative designs – Many bed-in-a-box mattresses feature unique materials like latex and copper-infused foams.
• Recommendation tools – Complete online sleep quizzes to find your ideal type, firmness and size.

Potential downsides to weigh:

• No in-person testing – You can’t try a bed-in-a-box mattress before buying unless visiting select showrooms. Rely on reviews.
• Wait times for exchanges – Exchanging a mattress bought online can mean a 1-3 week wait for a replacement to ship.
• Off gassing odor – Some compressed foam mattresses briefly emit a chemical “new mattress” smell when unpacking.

Overall, buying directly from one of the top online brands provides serious savings. Trial periods give time to decide if it’s right for you.

Purchasing Mattresses at Department Stores – Where is the Best Place to Buy a Mattress?

Shopping giants like Macy’s, JCPenney, Kohl’s and Sears have furniture departments that stock mattress selections focused on mid-range prices and familiar brands. Benefits include:

• Established brands – Department stores carry leading mattress manufacturers like Sealy, Serta, Tempurpedic and Stearns & Foster.
• Sales and promotions – Department stores are known for offering regular sales, discounts and financing offers on mattresses.
• Bundles – It’s common to save $100 or more when buying the mattress and box spring together.
• Easy returns – Items can usually be returned or exchanged within 30-90 days if the mattress doesn’t work out.
• Multiple locations – With most chains having many physical stores, you can go test mattresses in person before ordering online.

Potential drawbacks:

• Limited selection – Floor space limits the variety of mattress models available to test out. Just a handful of options per brand.
• Few specialty options – Specialty mattress designs found at mattress retailers and online brands will be hard to find.
• Add-on sales pressure – Department stores are notorious for pushing pillows, protectors and warranties. Be firm that you just want the mattress.
• Slightly older models – Department stores sometimes sell the previous year’s versions and may have limited newer innovations.

All in all, the wide availability, name brands, and frequent sales at department stores make them solid places to buy a mattress on a budget. Just don’t expect the biggest selection.

Purchasing Mattresses at Warehouse Club Stores – Where is the Best Place to Buy a Mattress?

Bulk shopping destinations like Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s Wholesale Club offer select mattress models at discount prices. Strengths include:

• Private label brands – Club stores sell their own private label mattresses that can only be purchased at their locations.
• Deep discounts – Warehouse club mattresses are typically priced 20-40% less than name brands of comparable quality.
• Satisfaction guarantee – Many locations provide 90-day comfort guarantees. You can exchange or return the mattress if unhappy.
• Two quantity options – Clubs sell both individually wrapped queen, king and twin mattresses so you can buy one at a time or in bulk.
• Members only item – You must have a paid membership to purchase a mattress at a warehouse club store or online.
• Easy setup – Clubs offer optional “white glove” delivery to install the new mattress and remove old bedding from your home.

Potential weaknesses:

• Limited selection – Expect just 2-4 mattress options. Costco has the widest choices.
• Must buy foundations – Separate box springs or foundations are required with each mattress purchase.
• Hard to test – Floor models are rarely available so testing mattresses in-store before buying can be difficult.
• Membership purchase required – You’ll need to pay for either a Sam’s Club or Costco membership to buy and take advantage of their mattress trial and return policy.

Overall, warehouse clubs merit strong consideration for their private label quality and 20-40% typical savings off traditional mattress brands. Just know selection is narrow and you generally cannot test before buying.

Ordering Online From e-Commerce Retailers – Where is the Best Place to Buy a Mattress?

Online-only mattress sellers like Amazon, Overstock, Wayfair and Walmart have exploded in recent years thanks to the convenience and discounts of buying directly online. Key benefits include:

• Huge selection – Online sites showcase models from dozens of top mattress manufacturers, unlike stores that carry just a few select brands. All sizes available.
• Low prices – Direct shipping and no showrooms allow major e-retailers to sell mattresses 20-30% under standard prices you’d find elsewhere.
• Free shipping – Most major retailers offer free standard shipping to the continental U.S. Amazon provides shipping within 1-3 days for Prime members.
• Return policies – Retailer policies like Amazon allow 100 day returns, but you pay return shipping.
• Ease of research – Detailed mattress specifications and features plus customer reviews make it easy to research before buying.
• Contactless shopping – Entire process can be done from the safety and convenience of home.

Potential cons:

• No testing – Since you cannot try mattresses in person, you must rely heavily on product descriptions, specifications and reviews when purchasing online. This makes selecting the right firmness tricky.
• Restocking fees – Some discount websites charge restocking fees of up to 15% for returned mattresses they must repackage and resell at a loss.
• Inconsistent stock – The specific mattress you want may go in and out of stock frequently as inventory varies.
• Shipping delays – While sites quote 1-5 day delivery, some mattress purchases can take 2-3 weeks to arrive depending on manufacturer inventory.

For shoppers willing to purchase a mattress without testing, buying online provides serious savings. Just be extra thorough with your research before purchasing.

7 Tips for Finding the Best Mattress at the Best Price – Where is the Best Place to Buy a Mattress?

While each retailer and brand has pros and cons, here are some tips for taking advantage of sales cycles and maximizing savings:

• Shop extended holiday weekends – Mattress sales around Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day and President’s Day typically offer the deepest discounts of the year from 20-50% off or more.
• Ask for price match – If you are able, request retailers match a competitor’s lower advertised price when possible. Just confirm policies first.
• Buy the display model – Ask about purchasing the store’s demo mattress. They are often steeply discounted yet practically new.
• Consider last year’s model – If buying at department stores, see if they offer the previous year’s version which is usually marked down significantly.
• Split purchases – Take advantage of buying just the mattress online and then getting the matching box spring or foundation locally at the lowest price.
• Don’t buy unnecessary add-ons – Avoid marked up “package deals” for items like mattress covers which you can purchase much cheaper separately.
• Check return policy – Buying a mattress with at least a 30-90 day comfort guarantee provides flexibility if it doesn’t work out.

Taking the above steps can help you save $100-$500 on a quality mattress. Next, let’s summarize the main options for the best place to buy a mattress.

Where to Get the Best Mattress for Your Situation – Where is the Best Place to Buy a Mattress?

When it comes to finding where to buy the ideal mattress at a great price, the right choice depends a lot on your needs and preferences:

• Mattress specialty stores are best if you want wide in-store selection, personalized service and convenience. Just expect to pay more unless you can negotiate or wait for a holiday sale.
• Online bed-in-a-box brands give the best upfront value and process if you are comfortable buying a mattress online without testing.
• Shop department stores like Macy’s and JCPenney for modest selections of name brands at sale prices and the ability to see some mattresses locally first.
• Warehouse clubs merit strong consideration if you want deep discounts on mid-range mattress brands and do not require wide selections or testing.
• Online retailers such as Amazon, eBay and Wayfair offer rock-bottom pricing if you are okay ordering a mattress strictly online without trying it first.
• Buy used from Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace or second hand stores to save big if you are willing to accept an older mattress from a stranger. Highly cost effective but less reliable.

No matter where you choose to buy, focus on understanding your body, sleeping habits and mattress needs first. Then utilize store policies like comfort guarantees and warranties to your advantage in case the mattress underperforms.

Following these tips will help you discover the ideal mattress showroom, brand or online retailer for your unique preferences, budget, and requirements. Sweet dreams and savings!

Summary: Where to Find the Best Mattress Deals

• Mattress Stores – Unparalleled selection. Expert advice. Pricey unless sale timed.
• Online Brands – Convenience and value buying direct. Trial periods remove risk.
• Department Stores – Name brands for less. Average selection. Sales common.
• Warehouse Clubs – Deepest discounts on private labels. Samples limited.
• Online Retailers – Cheapest prices buying online. No testing. Research is key.
• Used – Major savings buying secondhand. Less reliability and durability.

Final Considerations for Purchasing a Mattress

• Focus first on identifying your ideal mattress type, size, firmness and features based on your sleep habits, body type and preferences.
• Compare retailer prices online for the mattresses you are interested before going in-store.
• Shop extended holiday weekends for peak seasonal savings from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
• Take advantage of sleep trials and return policies, especially when buying online.
• Don’t feel pressured into unnecessary add-ons like warranties and pillows.
• Read mattress specifications carefully and seek out independent reviews from bedding sites and experts.
• Prioritize an established brand and high-quality materials for durability and longevity.

Finding the optimal mattress is a very personal decision based on your needs and budget. Ultimately, purchasing from a retailer that combines competitive pricing, a robust trial period, strong warranty, and convenient services will set you up for long-lasting comfort and satisfaction.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.