Finding where to buy a mattress in the USA is easier when you understand the available shopping options, which can reduce shopping frustration. Across the United States, shoppers can choose among a broad range of mattress sellers, 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 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 many different types of sellers. Some specialize almost entirely in mattresses and sleep products, while others sell mattresses as part of a larger furniture or home goods selection.
The most common places to buy a mattress include:
- Local independent mattress stores
- National and regional mattress chains
- Furniture stores
- Warehouse retailers
- Department store retailers
- Large big-box stores
- Brand-owned mattress stores and manufacturer showrooms
- Internet-based mattress brands
- Online marketplaces
- Factory-direct mattress retailers
The benefits and limitations vary by retailer type. Shoppers who want to lie on several beds before choosing one may prefer a mattress showroom. Online shopping may be more convenient for buyers who already know their preferred mattress type and firmness.
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. Inventory varies by retailer, but a local store may sell innerspring, memory foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses, along with 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.
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.
Before buying from an independent retailer, make sure you understand its return and comfort exchange rules. Return and exchange terms are often very different from one business to another.
Buying From National and Regional Mattress Chains
Another common place to shop is a national or regional mattress retailer. Companies such as Mattress Firm operate stores in many markets, while other chains serve specific states or regions.
Mattress chains typically devote most of their inventory to mattresses and other sleep-focused products. A typical showroom may carry several well-known mattress brands, along with 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 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. An advertised sale does not always mean the lowest possible price, so shoppers should evaluate the total purchase price before buying.
Mattress Departments at Furniture Stores
Mattress departments are common at furniture stores throughout the United States. Retailers such as Ashley, Rooms To Go, and many regional furniture chains offer mattresses together with bedroom furniture, sofas, dining sets, and other furnishings.
Buying from a furniture retailer may make sense when you need an entire bedroom setup, since one store may carry the mattress, bed frame, headboard, dresser, and nightstands.
The main drawback is that mattress selection can vary by location. Shoppers looking for the widest mattress selection or highly focused product guidance 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 comparing mattress prices, especially if you also need bedroom furniture or want several large items delivered at once.
Mattresses at Membership Warehouse Clubs
Membership warehouse clubs are another popular place to buy mattresses in the USA. Retailers such as copyright and Sam's Club sell mattresses from a variety of manufacturers online and in their warehouse locations.
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 much of the selection may be boxed or listed 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.
Before buying, consider the membership rules, delivery process, return policy, and whether haul-away service is offered locally.
Department Stores and Big-Box Retailers
Department stores and large general 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.
The number and type of mattresses available are not consistent across every location. 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, look at the exact model rather than relying only on the brand name. A single manufacturer can offer numerous product lines that differ in construction and comfort.
Mattress Brand Stores and Manufacturer Showrooms
Some mattress manufacturers operate their own stores or branded showrooms. 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.
A manufacturer showroom may make sense when you have already narrowed your choices to one brand. This can let you focus on one brand's product range without evaluating unrelated mattresses.
The limitation is organic mattress stores obvious: a single-brand showroom does not provide the same direct comparison between competing manufacturers that a multi-brand mattress store can offer.
Where to Buy a Mattress Online
Online mattress shopping has become a major part of the U.S. mattress market. Consumers can buy directly from many mattress brands online and have beds shipped to their homes in much of the country.
Depending on the mattress, delivery may involve boxed shipping or a full-size mattress delivered without compression. Some mattress companies also provide premium delivery options that place the mattress inside your home.
One advantage of online mattress shopping is that you can research a broad selection from your home. Websites allow shoppers to review mattress specifications, prices, customer policies, and construction details before deciding.
The major disadvantage is that you usually cannot lie on the mattress before ordering it. Because of this, the sleep trial and return policy are especially important.
Review the Sleep Trial Before You Buy
A sleep trial allows you to try the mattress at home for a set period before making a final decision. Trial lengths vary by company.
Before you purchase, read the full sleep trial and return policy. A retailer may require you to keep and use the mattress for a minimum period before becoming eligible for a return. Other retailers may apply fees for returns, collection, transportation, or administration.
A lengthy advertised sleep trial does not necessarily mean there are no return-related costs. 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 the type of materials and support system used.
Innerspring Mattress Construction
Innerspring beds combine metal coils for support with comfort materials on top. These mattresses range from simple traditional models to premium designs with thick comfort layers and individually wrapped coils.
Mattresses Made With Memory Foam
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.
Mattresses With Hybrid Construction
A typical hybrid combines coils for support with substantial layers of foam or latex. Hybrids are common in American mattress showrooms because they combine characteristics of both foam and innerspring beds.
Latex Mattresses
A latex mattress can be made with natural latex, synthetic latex, or mixed latex materials. They tend to have a responsive feel rather than the deep contouring associated with some memory foam beds.
Adjustable Air Mattresses
Some premium mattresses use adjustable air chambers that allow sleepers to modify the firmness of each side of the bed. Adjustable air-chamber mattresses should not be confused with basic inflatable mattresses for camping or occasional guests.
Choosing the Right 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:
- Product selection: A good selection should let you compare multiple materials, constructions, and firmness choices.
- Transparent pricing: Confirm the total cost and any extra charges for delivery or setup.
- Return policy: Understand whether the retailer offers refunds, exchanges, store credit, or comfort exchanges.
- At-home trial: Review the trial length and any fees connected with returning the mattress.
- Warranty: Check what the mattress warranty covers and which defects are excluded.
- Mattress delivery: Ask whether the mattress will simply be shipped or placed in your bedroom.
- Old mattress removal: Ask whether your existing mattress can be hauled away.
- Financing: If financing is offered, compare the rate, financing period, and overall repayment cost.
It is also useful to check whether the mattress you tested in the showroom is the exact model listed on your receipt. Because mattress names and product lines can vary among retailers, direct price comparisons are sometimes difficult.
Mattress Prices in the United States
U.S. shoppers can find mattresses costing anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the product.
Mattress pricing varies according to dimensions, materials, construction method, manufacturer, thickness, features, and retail channel. Within the same mattress collection, a queen typically falls between twin and king pricing.
Budget shoppers can find entry-level foam and innerspring 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. Premium beds may include specialty foams, latex, advanced support systems, cooling materials, handcrafted construction, or adjustable features.
Rather than focusing only on the purchase price, consider expected lifespan, support for your sleeping position, and the retailer's return protections.
Should You Test a Mattress Before Buying?
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 lie in your usual sleeping position for several minutes. Side sleepers should pay attention to pressure around the shoulders and hips. Back sleepers should consider whether the mattress supports the lower back without excessive sinking. Stomach sleepers generally need enough support to keep the midsection from sinking too far.
Couples should test the mattress together when possible. Because partners may differ in body weight, sleeping position, and preferred firmness, the best mattress may need to accommodate both people.
A showroom test is still only a short 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. The best firmness is personal and varies from person to person.
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. 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
Different mattress sellers offer varying delivery and setup 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. Certain delivery services also include taking away packaging and the sleep products you are replacing.
Apartment and condominium residents should confirm that building access will accommodate the delivery.
Mattress Disposal and Recycling
A new mattress purchase often creates another question, how will you dispose of the old mattress? Disposal rules differ by state, county, and city.
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 formal programs for mattress recycling. Shoppers should review local mattress disposal rules and possible recycling fees instead of assuming regular trash collection will accept a mattress.
A clean, usable mattress may sometimes be accepted by certain donation programs, although standards vary and many organizations will not accept used mattresses.
When Is the Best Time to Buy a Mattress?
Mattress retailers run promotions throughout the year, but holiday weekends are common times for sales in the United States. Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday are often associated with mattress promotions.
A major sale weekend may offer discounts, but it does not guarantee the best available 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.
How to Find Mattress Stores Near You
If you want to shop in person, searching for mattress stores near me can help you identify nearby showrooms. Major metropolitan areas across the United States generally include a mix of specialty and general 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.
Using a mattress directory can make it easier to identify local retailers in advance. 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
Before completing your mattress purchase, consider asking the salesperson or online retailer these important questions:
- Is the mattress I want currently in stock?
- What will the complete price be after delivery and other fees?
- Can I return or exchange the mattress if it is uncomfortable?
- Is there a mandatory adjustment period before I can exchange the mattress?
- Will I be charged return, pickup, transportation, or restocking fees?
- If I have a warranty issue, do I contact the store or the manufacturer?
- Does the warranty require a specific foundation or bed frame?
- Will the delivery team set up the new mattress?
- Is old mattress and foundation haul-away available?
- What is the expected delivery time for this mattress?
Clarifying these details before buying can help prevent misunderstandings after the sale.
Finding the Right Place to Buy Your Next Mattress
The best place to buy a mattress varies according to your needs and preferences. 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. Value-focused shoppers may prefer warehouse clubs or big-box retailers, while online mattress companies can offer home delivery and brands that are not available in local showrooms.
The key is to compare more than the mattress price. Your decision should account for comfort, construction, firmness, size, trial terms, returns, warranty coverage, delivery, setup, financing, and disposal.
Our mattress store directory can help you find mattress retailers throughout the USA and research local shopping choices 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.