Most people spend one-third of their lives sleeping (or trying to get to sleep), meaning a good mattress is one of the most beneficial investments you can make.
Sleep experts recommend replacing your mattress every six to eight years, though many factors determine how long your mattress will last. These factors include your weight and sleep pattern, the quality of materials, mattress maintenance, and whether or not pets sleep in the bed. To determine if it’s time for an upgrade, consider these questions: Does your mattress sag? Are you waking up uncomfortable during the night? Do you sleep better in a hotel bed? Do you have back pain or stiffness when you wake up?
Once you decide it’s time to replace your old mattress, the hunt can begin for a new one. Make sure to do some research to decide which is best for you. Our guide to the Best Mattresses of 2022 can help.
In addition, you should also decide how and where you want to buy your mattress. Do you want the convenience of online ordering, or is it important for you to try before you buy?
There are many different places to buy a new mattress, including online retailers, brick-and-mortar stores, or directly from mattress companies:
When Is the Best Time To Buy a Mattress?
The best time to buy a new mattress is between March and May. Most mattress stores have Memorial Day sales to clear out older inventory in preparation for the arrival of new stock in June, but many discounts and sales begin as early as March.
Other holidays such as Black Friday, Presidents Day, Labor Day, and the Fourth of July also offer great bargains. Shopping in June may get you the newest model mattresses, but June through September will also be the most expensive time to buy.
What Types of Mattresses Are There?
There are several main types of mattresses to choose from, so be sure to research which is right for you.
Innerspring mattresses have coils inside which allow for independent motion. These mattresses are known for being durable and staying cool at night.
Memory foam mattresses use your body heat to soften and form to your body for a comfortable sleep. These mattresses tend to relieve pressure and are less bouncy than a coil mattress, but may be too warm for some sleepers.
A latex mattress combines a layer of latex over springs or reflex foam, which provides excellent motion isolation, but it won’t be a good option for those with latex allergies.
If you’re looking for a combination of coils and layers of memory foam, a hybrid mattress may be your perfect fit. If you tend to sleep hot, a mattress with gel-infused cooling properties can help.
You should also consider which size of mattress is best for you. Today’s mattresses come in a wide variety of dimensions and depths, including some large ones like California King, so you should make sure your bed frame and room size can support whichever you choose.
Places To Buy Mattresses
Avocado
Avocado creates organic mattresses and bedding from 100% certified organic materials. The Avocado Green Mattress is No. 1 in our rating of Best Mattresses.
Included with your order are free shipping, a one-year risk-free trial, a 10-year full-coverage warranty, and 15 years of additional prorated warranty coverage. Crib mattresses are available, as are sheets, linens, and duvet covers. Check Avocado’s website for current promotions and discounts such as free pillows. You can purchase these eco-friendly mattresses from one of seven locations in California, New Jersey, or Washington, D.C., or order directly from Avocado’s website.
Pros:
Extended warranty with free delivery
Organic materials and eco-friendly focus
Cons:
Limited selection
Few brick-and-mortar locations for customers who want to buy in-person
Saatva
Saatva mattresses are available online with viewing rooms in New York City, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, and Los Angeles. The company offers a 180-night trial so you can make sure your new mattress is a good fit before committing for the long term. If during the trial you aren’t satisfied, you can receive a full refund, but be aware there is a $99 pickup fee for returns.
Bedding bundles that include sheets, pillows, and mattress pads are available for significant savings. Bedding includes a 45-day trial. Mattresses are warranted for between 15 and 25 years, depending on the mattress. Teachers, military personnel, healthcare professionals, first responders, and government employees can receive a $225 discount on purchases of $1,000 or more.
The Saatva Classic mattress is No. 1 in our rating of Best Spring Mattresses as well as tied for both the No. 4 spot in our rating of the Best Mattresses for Back Pain and the No. 6 spot in our rating of the Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers.
Pros:
Discounts for certain professions
Generous 180-night trial
Cons:
Limited viewing room locations around the country
$99 pickup fee for returns
Leesa
You can buy a Leesa mattress directly from the manufacturer or find one available at retailers like West Elm, Macy’s, and Pottery Barn. All-foam to hybrid mattresses are available, and bundled sets allow for additional savings.
Leesa offers a 100-night sleep trial on mattresses, while frames and accessories are limited to a 30-night trial, with only one return allowed per household. Free no-contact delivery is included in each purchase.
Additional accessories such as duvets, linens, and toppers are available and can be returned within 30 days if not damaged. Military members and referrals can receive 15% off their purchase. Keep an eye out for monthly discounts on mattresses or free pillows and accessories.
Pros:
Frequent discounts
Available from both the manufacturer and in some retail stores
Cons:
Limited returns per household
Frames and accessories have a short trial period
Purple
Purple mattresses are available directly from the manufacturer as well as in many major retailers. This grid mattress, which is designed for keeping cool, competes with traditional memory foam for a responsive sleep.
A 10% discount is available for military personnel, healthcare workers, first responders, truck drivers, and educators. There is also sometimes a 10% discount for referrals, with Amazon gift cards as an extra perk.
If you select the Premier Delivery option for your mattress, delivery workers will remove your old mattress while dropping off your new one. You can also try the mattress free for 100 nights, with free delivery when ordering online.
Pros:
Available in many locations
Convenient delivery options
Cons:
Smaller discount for key professions than some competitors
Brooklyn Bedding
Mattresses, frames, pillows, sheets, blankets, protectors, and even masks are available from this Arizona-based company. Brooklyn Bedding showrooms are available in the company’s home state, as are limited partner locations, but you can order a new mattress online if you are outside Arizona. A generous 120-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty on mattresses are included, while sleep accessories have a 30-day trial and a defect warranty of one to three years.
A 25% discount is offered for military personnel, first responders, educators, medical providers, and college students. Standard shipping on all delivery and exchanges is free, however, foundations and adjustable bases are non-refundable.
Pros:
120-night sleep trial with free returns
Generous discount for many groups, including students
Cons:
Non-returnable frames and foundations
Limited locations outside of Arizona for in-person purchasing
Tempur-Pedic
This longtime industry giant offers mattresses, bases, and bedding directly from its website as well as brick-and-mortar Tempur-Pedic stores and other retailers. Online orders are shipped for free, typically arriving within seven business days, though you’ll have to pay a shipping charge for online returns. Locally purchased mattresses have refund amounts determined by each retailer’s return policy, though foundations are not returnable for any amount.
Mattresses include a 90-night sleep trial, with limited guarantees of 10 years. Most bases include a three-year warranty on parts and labor and a 25-year warranty on frames. Accessories are only returnable if damaged at delivery or defective and have limited warranties. To file a warranty claim, you must have registered your product at the time of purchase.
Pros:
Available for purchases at many retailers and online
Many positive online reviews
Cons:
Strict stipulations on warranties and returns
Shipping charges for online returns
Macy’s
Visit a Macy’s in-store or online to view an abundance of mattresses. Popular and lesser-known mattress brands are available in thousands of different options, with prices ranging from hundreds to many thousands of dollars. Discounts are often available for many mattresses and accessories, but these change often so check at the time you are purchasing. Delivery methods and warranties vary depending on your choice of mattress and brand, so call customer service for information on individual return policies.
Pros:
Wide variety of brands, mattresses, and price points to choose from
Frequent sales and promotions
Cons:
Warranties and returns vary depending on purchase
Mattress Firm
This Houston-based mattress store chain was founded in 1986 and carries brands such as Serta, Simmons, and Purple. If you find a lower price on your mattress within 120 days of purchase, you may receive the difference back. Verified medical professionals, emergency personnel, and first responders all qualify for an extra 10-20% discount.
Warranties on mattresses purchased here are generally between 10 to 20 years depending on the brand. Some offer repairs, replacements, or purchase price towards another mattress. Sales are offered frequently for holidays. You may return your mattress within 120 days for a credit towards a different mattress, but be aware that a $99.99 return fee plus 10% of the purchase price for restocking will be charged. Make sure not to remove the mattress tag or the 120-day sleep trial will be invalid.
Pros:
Prices are often negotiable in stores, with frequent sales available
120-day trial
Cons:
Complicated return stipulations, with return and restocking fees
Casper
Casper offers free delivery (usually within three to 11 days) and free return pickup, with a sleep trial of 30 days. The Casper Nova Hybrid tied for the No. 1 spot in our rating of Best Mattresses in a Box, while its Original Foam tied for the No. 2 spot in our rating of the Best Memory Foam Mattresses. Check out the “Snoozewear” line for sleep products such as pillows, slippers, and robes. You can also call to schedule a nap appointment at one of the store’s locations for a personalized appointment with a sleep specialist to help find your perfect mattress.
You can also find many discounts. Military personnel, healthcare workers, teachers, and students may all receive a 20% discount when verified online, while referrals can give you a $100 gift card and 20% off your friend’s order. Online, you can find “Last Call” sale prices on certain mattresses, sheets, weighted blankets, and other accessories, or save up to 20% with bundle discounts.
Pros:
Lots of sale options and rewards for referrals
Nap appointments for specialized assistance
Cons:
Limited selection available in-store
Relatively short free trial
Wayfair
Headquartered in Boston and Berlin, Wayfair has 18 fulfillment and 38 delivery locations across the U.S., Germany, and the U.K. This company has developed its own mattress brands but also carries many other very recognized brands such as Casper, Sealy, Serta, and Tempur-Pedic. You can also find a variety of mattress options including memory foam, coil, hybrid, and even air mattresses. Mattresses include a 100-night free trial. Once per order, you may refund or exchange the mattress by calling or emailing, and shipping is included. Wayfair does not have brick-and-mortar stores and sells exclusively online.
Pros:
100-night trial
Frequent sales and a wide variety of mattresses to choose from
Cons:
Online only, so you can’t try mattresses out before you buy
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