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.
Mattress buying differs from many ordinary household purchases because comfort is highly personal. Comfort is personal, and the lowest price does not always mean the best value. Before deciding where to buy, review factors such as mattress construction, firmness, return policies, sleep trials, warranties, delivery charges, financing options, and old mattress removal.
This guide covers where mattresses are commonly sold across the United States and the factors you should consider before selecting a store.
What Are the Main Places to Buy a Mattress in the USA?
U.S. consumers can purchase mattresses through a variety of retailers nationwide. Some retailers focus primarily on mattresses and sleep products, while others include mattresses within a broader furniture or home goods inventory.
Among the most common mattress retailers are:
- Local independent mattress stores
- National and regional mattress chains
- Home furniture stores
- Warehouse clubs
- Department stores
- Large big-box stores
- Manufacturer-owned mattress stores and showrooms
- Internet-based mattress brands
- Online marketplaces
- Factory-direct mattress sellers
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.
Buying From Local Mattress Stores
Across the United States, independent mattress retailers operate in urban, suburban, and smaller local markets. These businesses may operate a single showroom or several locations within one state or metropolitan area.
Independent mattress retailers often give shoppers access to multiple mattress brands. Depending on the store, you may find traditional innerspring mattresses, memory foam beds, latex mattresses, hybrids, adjustable bases, foundations, pillows, mattress protectors, and other sleep products.
Shopping locally can provide access to staff familiar with the products they sell. A single showroom visit may let you compare several types of mattresses and firmness levels.
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.
When comparing independent stores, check the retailer's return policy and comfort exchange rules before paying. Policies can vary greatly from one business to another.
Buying From National and Regional Mattress Chains
U.S. shoppers can also buy from national and regional chains focused on mattresses. Companies such as Mattress Firm operate stores in many markets, while other chains serve specific states or regions.
These stores focus heavily on mattresses and related sleep 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.
One benefit of a specialty mattress chain is the ability to test multiple beds at the same location. Some retailers also provide online inventory information that lets you research models before visiting a store.
Major mattress chains often promote sales around 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.
Furniture Stores That Sell Mattresses
Many furniture stores in the United States operate 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.
Mattress choice at furniture stores is often dependent on the specific showroom. 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 online and in their warehouse locations.
A warehouse club may be appealing for value-focused shoppers, but it may not display as many mattresses as a dedicated mattress retailer. You may find some beds on display, but other mattress models may remain packaged or be primarily available 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.
When comparing warehouse clubs, factor in membership requirements and delivery arrangements, as well as return procedures and local mattress removal services.
Department Stores and Big-Box Retailers
Mattresses are also available from department stores and major general retailers. 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. At certain stores you can test mattresses on display, while other retailers focus more on boxed mattresses available for shipping or 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. One manufacturer may produce many mattress lines with different materials, coil systems, foam layers, heights, and firmness levels.
Manufacturer Showrooms and Brand Stores
Some mattress brands have manufacturer-operated retail locations. 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. This can let you compare several models and firmness levels from the same manufacturer without evaluating unrelated mattresses.
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
Online retailers have become a significant sales channel in the U.S. mattress market. Many mattress companies now sell directly to consumers online and ship to homes across much of the United States.
Depending on the mattress, delivery may involve a compressed bed in a box or a full-size mattress delivered without compression. Some mattress companies also provide room-of-choice delivery or white-glove service.
Shopping online gives you access to many mattress brands without driving to multiple showrooms. Online shopping can also make it easier to compare specifications, pricing, policies, and construction details side by side.
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 allows you to sleep on the bed for a specified time before deciding whether it is right for you. Trial lengths vary by company.
Before you purchase, read the full sleep trial and return policy. A retailer may require you to complete an adjustment period before becoming eligible for a return. Depending on the policy, a return may involve additional charges related to returning the mattress.
Do not equate a long sleep trial with free returns. The written return terms are more important than the headline number of trial nights.
Common Mattress Types Sold in the United States
Knowing the main mattress categories can make shopping easier. Mattress stores typically organize products by the type of materials and support system used.
Traditional Innerspring Mattresses
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.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam beds rely on layers of foam rather than a conventional spring system. These mattresses are often chosen for their conforming feel and ability to isolate movement between sleepers.
Mattresses With Hybrid Construction
Hybrid mattresses are built with a coil support core plus significant foam or latex comfort layers. Hybrid mattresses are common in U.S. showrooms because they blend features of foam and innerspring construction.
Latex Mattress Construction
Latex mattresses use natural latex, synthetic latex, or a combination of materials. Latex generally provides more bounce and responsiveness than some closely conforming memory foam beds.
Mattresses With Adjustable Air Support
With some premium air mattresses, sleepers can adjust the firmness of separate sides 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 distance or the size of an advertised discount. Before choosing, compare the entire buying experience.
Important factors include:
- Product selection: A good selection should let you compare different mattress types and firmness levels.
- Transparent pricing: Confirm which services are included in the advertised price.
- Return policy: Check whether returns are handled through cash refunds, product exchanges, credit, or another process.
- Sleep trial: Find out how many nights the trial lasts and whether a return costs anything.
- Warranty coverage: Read the warranty terms to understand what problems qualify for coverage.
- Delivery: Find out whether the mattress is shipped, delivered to your door, or installed in your bedroom.
- Old mattress removal: Check if your existing mattress can be taken away during delivery.
- Financing: Compare interest rates, promotional financing terms, and total repayment cost.
Make sure your receipt identifies the exact bed you selected. 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
U.S. shoppers can find mattresses costing a few hundred dollars at the lower end and several thousand dollars for high-end models or adjustable sleep systems.
The cost of a mattress is influenced by size, materials, construction, brand, thickness, features, and where it is sold. Within the same mattress collection, a queen typically costs more than a twin and less than a king.
Lower-priced foam and innerspring mattresses are often available from online sellers, discount retailers, warehouse clubs, and local mattress outlets. Mid-priced mattresses may include features that are less common on entry-level models. Luxury and premium mattresses can incorporate a range of upgraded materials and technologies.
Rather than focusing only on the purchase price, consider how the mattress fits your needs over time and what protections come with the purchase.
Should You Test a Mattress Before Buying?
Testing a mattress in a showroom can help narrow your choices, but sitting on a bed for a few seconds is not enough.
For a more useful showroom test, test the mattress in your normal sleep position rather than simply sitting on it. Side sleepers should pay attention to pressure around the shoulders and hips. If you sleep on your back, consider how well the mattress supports your lumbar area. Stomach sleepers generally need enough support to keep the midsection from sinking too far.
Couples should test the mattress together when possible. The right mattress for a couple can depend on differences in body weight, sleeping position, and firmness preference.
A showroom test is still only a short evaluation. That is why at-home trial periods and comfort exchanges are valuable.
What Mattress Firmness Should You Buy?
Mattress comfort levels are often labeled soft, medium, medium-firm, firm, and extra firm. No one firmness level is ideal for everyone.
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.
Treat firmness labels as a starting point, not an exact standard. To lower the risk of ending up with the wrong firmness, choose a retailer that provides useful comfort exchange protection.
How Mattress Delivery and Setup Work
Mattress delivery options vary among retailers. Ask in advance whether delivery includes more than simply bringing the mattress to your address.
Mattress retailers may offer several delivery levels ranging from doorstep drop-off to full setup. Depending on the retailer, the delivery team may remove packaging and haul away an old mattress or foundation.
Apartment and condominium residents should confirm that building access will accommodate the delivery.
Old Mattress Disposal and Recycling
Replacing a mattress also means deciding what to do with the old one. Disposal rules differ by state, county, and city.
A retailer may be able to combine new mattress delivery with old mattress removal. Other disposal options may include local waste services, transfer stations, mattress recycling programs, and private junk removal companies.
Several states, including California, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, have established mattress recycling programs. 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.
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. Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday are often associated with mattress promotions.
A major sale weekend local mattress retailers may offer discounts, but it does not guarantee the best available deal. Manufacturers and retailers can change prices, bundles, financing offers, and free accessory promotions throughout the year.
Look at everything included with the purchase. 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.
How to Find Mattress Stores Near You
If you want to shop in person, searching for mattress stores near me can provide a useful starting point. Most U.S. metropolitan areas have a mix of independent mattress stores, national chains, furniture retailers, 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. 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. Use the directory to compare local stores and their offerings, then contact the store to confirm that the mattress you want to test is available.
Important Questions to Ask a Mattress Retailer
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?
- Is there a required minimum period before a comfort exchange?
- Will I be charged 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.
Choosing the Best Place to Buy a Mattress
The best place to buy a mattress depends on the individual shopper. A local mattress store may be ideal if you want personal service and the ability to test several beds. A national chain can provide broad product selection and convenient locations. 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.
A good mattress comparison should involve more than simply finding the lowest price. Your decision should account for the mattress itself and the policies surrounding the purchase.
Our mattress store directory can help you locate mattress stores across the United States, compare nearby retailers, and narrow your options 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.