Knowing where to buy a mattress in the USA can save you time, money, and a lot of frustration. Mattress shoppers in the United States can buy from many types of retailers, such as 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.
Unlike many household products, buying a mattress involves highly personal comfort preferences. A low price can be attractive, but the least expensive mattress is not necessarily the best choice. 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.
This guide explains the main places to buy mattresses throughout the United States and what to consider before choosing a store.
What Are the Main Places to Buy a Mattress in the USA?
Mattresses are sold through several types of retailers across the country. Some specialize almost entirely in mattresses and sleep products, while others sell mattresses as part of a larger furniture or home goods selection.
Common places to buy mattresses in the United States include:
- Locally owned mattress retailers
- Regional and national mattress store chains
- Home furniture stores
- Warehouse clubs
- Department store retailers
- Big-box retailers
- Manufacturer-owned mattress stores and showrooms
- Internet-based mattress brands
- Internet marketplaces
- Factory-direct mattress retailers
The benefits and limitations vary by retailer type. A mattress showroom can be especially useful for shoppers who prefer trying different mattresses before buying. Buyers who already know the mattress type and firmness they want may find online shopping more convenient.
Buying From Local Mattress Stores
You can find local independent mattress stores in major cities, suburban areas, and smaller U.S. communities. These businesses may operate a single showroom or several locations within one state or metropolitan area.
Local mattress retailers often carry products from several manufacturers. 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 salespeople who know the available mattress lines. You can usually compare several firmness levels and mattress constructions in one visit.
To compete with larger chains, local retailers may provide services such as mattress delivery, installation, haul-away, negotiated pricing, and bundled purchases that combine a mattress with a foundation or adjustable bed.
Before buying from an independent retailer, review the return policy and comfort exchange terms. Return and exchange terms are not the same at every mattress store.
National and Regional Mattress Store Chains
Another common place to shop is a specialty mattress chain. Some companies, including Mattress Firm, have locations in many U.S. markets, while other chains operate on a more regional basis.
These stores focus heavily on mattresses and related sleep products. 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. You may also be able to review models and store inventory online before your visit.
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. Stores such as Ashley, Rooms To Go, and numerous regional furniture chains sell mattresses alongside bedroom furniture, sofas, dining sets, and other home furnishings.
Furniture stores can be convenient when furnishing an entire bedroom because you may be able to purchase a mattress, bed frame, headboard, dresser, and nightstands from one retailer.
One possible drawback is that selection can vary considerably by store. Compared with a general furniture showroom, a specialty mattress store may provide more mattress choices or more specialized assistance.
A furniture store can still be a strong option when price shopping for a mattress, 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. copyright and Sam's Club, for example, sell mattresses from multiple manufacturers through their stores and websites.
Although warehouse clubs may offer competitive mattress prices, their in-store mattress selection can be more limited than the inventory at a specialty showroom. Some mattresses are displayed for inspection, while others may be packaged or available primarily through the retailer's website.
This option works well for shoppers who already understand the differences between memory foam, innerspring, and hybrid mattresses and do not need to test a large number of beds.
When comparing warehouse clubs, factor in the cost and convenience of membership and delivery, as well as return procedures and local mattress removal services.
Mattresses at Department Stores and Big-Box Stores
Another place to shop for a mattress is through large general merchandise stores. Depending on the market, shoppers may encounter mattresses at stores such as Macy's, Walmart, Target, and other large retail chains.
Selection varies considerably. 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.
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.
Buying From Manufacturer Showrooms and Brand Stores
Some mattress manufacturers operate their own stores or branded showrooms. Other manufacturers sell through retail partners where shoppers can test specific mattresses.
Examples of widely recognized mattress brands sold in the United States include Tempur-Pedic, Sealy, Stearns & Foster, Serta, Beautyrest, Purple, Casper, and many others.
If you already prefer a particular manufacturer, shopping at its branded store can simplify your search. 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.
Shopping for a Mattress Online
Buying mattresses online is now a common option for American consumers. Many companies sell mattresses directly to consumers and ship them to homes throughout much of the country.
Many mattresses are packaged as bed-in-a-box products, while larger, heavier, or more complex models may arrive at full size. Certain companies also offer room-of-choice or white-glove delivery services.
One advantage of online mattress shopping is that you can compare numerous brands without visiting several physical stores. Websites allow shoppers to review product details and buying terms before deciding.
The biggest drawback is that most online purchases are made without lying on the bed first. For that reason, the sleep trial and return policy become especially important.
Check the Sleep Trial Before Ordering
With a sleep trial, you have a defined period to evaluate the mattress in your own home. Trial lengths vary by company.
Read the complete policy before buying. Some companies require a minimum adjustment period before a mattress can be returned. 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. Pay closer attention to the written return conditions than to the headline trial length.
Mattress Types You Will Find at U.S. Retailers
Knowing the main mattress categories can make shopping easier. Mattress stores typically organize products by common construction categories.
Innerspring Mattresses
Innerspring mattresses use a coil support system combined with comfort materials above the springs. Innerspring construction can be found in basic mattresses as well as higher-end models featuring thick cushioning 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 an innerspring-style support system with foam or latex comfort materials. Hybrid mattresses are common in U.S. showrooms because they combine characteristics associated with both spring and foam beds.
Latex Mattresses
Latex beds may contain natural latex, synthetic latex, or a blend of the two. They tend to have a responsive feel rather than the deep contouring associated with some memory foam beds.
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
The ideal mattress retailer is not necessarily the closest location or the retailer with the largest advertised discount. Before choosing, compare all parts of the purchase, not just price.
Key factors to compare include:
- Mattress selection: Look for enough choices to compare different materials and firmness levels.
- Clear pricing: Find out whether advertised pricing includes delivery, setup, or other services.
- Return policy: Make sure you understand what happens if you want to return the mattress.
- Sleep trial: Find out the duration and conditions of the sleep trial.
- Warranty: Check the manufacturer's warranty conditions.
- 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: Evaluate the full cost of financing, not just the monthly payment.
It is also useful to check whether the mattress you tested in the showroom is the exact model listed on your receipt. 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?
In the United States, mattress prices can range from budget-friendly prices in the hundreds to several thousand dollars for premium beds.
Price depends on mattress size, materials, construction, brand, thickness, features, and retailer. Within the same mattress collection, a queen typically costs more than a twin and less than a king.
Shoppers on a tighter budget may find entry-level mattresses through online retailers, discount stores, warehouse clubs, and local mattress outlets. Mid-priced mattresses may include features that are less common on entry-level models. Higher-end mattresses may use specialty foams, latex, advanced support systems, cooling materials, handcrafted construction, or adjustable technology.
Rather than focusing only on the purchase price, consider expected lifespan, support for your sleeping position, and the retailer's return protections.
Is It Worth Testing a Mattress in a Store?
Testing a mattress in a showroom can help narrow your choices, but sitting on a bed for a few seconds is not enough.
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 check whether the lower back feels supported while the body remains properly positioned. Stomach sleepers generally need enough support to keep the midsection from sinking too far.
Whenever possible, couples should test the bed together. The right mattress for a couple can depend on differences in body weight, sleeping position, and firmness preference.
Trying a mattress in-store provides useful information but only for a short period. 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 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 mattress store that delivers 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, Installation, and Setup
Different mattress sellers offer different levels of delivery service. Before ordering, ask exactly where the mattress will be delivered.
Common delivery options include doorstep delivery, delivery inside the home, room-of-choice delivery, mattress setup, and white-glove service. Some retailers will also remove packaging, an old mattress, or an old foundation.
Before purchasing a large mattress or adjustable base for a building with restricted access, verify that the delivery can be completed without access problems.
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.
Some mattress stores provide haul-away service as part of delivery. Other disposal options may include local waste services, transfer stations, mattress recycling programs, and private junk removal companies.
States including California, Connecticut, and Rhode Island have established dedicated mattress recycling programs. Shoppers should review local mattress disposal rules and possible recycling fees instead of assuming regular trash collection will accept a mattress.
If your old mattress remains in usable condition, certain organizations may accept it, but acceptance policies vary and many do not take used mattresses.
When to Shop for Mattress Sales
Although mattress promotions appear throughout the year, major U.S. holiday weekends are common sale periods. Retailers frequently advertise mattress deals around Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday.
A major sale weekend may offer discounts, but you should not assume it is always the cheapest time to buy. Prices and promotions can change year-round, including bundle offers, financing deals, and free accessory promotions.
Look at everything included with the purchase. Paying slightly more may make sense when the purchase includes services that would otherwise cost extra.
Buying a Mattress Near You
If you want to shop in person, searching for mattress stores near me can provide a useful starting point. In most U.S. metro areas, shoppers can choose from independent mattress stores, national chains, furniture retailers, and department stores.
Large cities 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. often give consumers access to many mattress showrooms within the surrounding area. People living in less populated areas may have fewer physical mattress stores nearby, increasing the importance of online sellers and regional retailers.
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.
Questions to Ask Before Buying a Mattress
A few questions can help clarify the purchase terms before you pay for a new mattress:
- Do you currently have this mattress available?
- What will the complete price be after 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?
- Are there return, pickup, transportation, or restocking fees?
- Are warranty claims handled by the retailer or by the mattress 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?
- What is the expected delivery time for this mattress?
Clarifying these details before buying can reduce confusion later.
Where to Buy Your Next Mattress
No mattress retailer is the best choice for every shopper. A local mattress store may be ideal if you want personal service and the ability to test several beds. A large chain can be useful when you want multiple mattress choices and easy-to-find retail locations. Warehouse clubs and big-box stores can be attractive for price-conscious buyers, while online mattress sellers provide convenient delivery and access to brands without nearby physical locations.
A good mattress comparison should involve more than simply finding the lowest price. Compare comfort, mattress construction, firmness, size, sleep trial terms, return policies, warranty coverage, delivery, setup, financing, and old mattress disposal.
Use the directory to identify local mattress stores and reduce the number of retailers you need to investigate before shopping in person or online. By researching your options first, you can more easily find a mattress that suits your body, sleeping habits, budget, and living situation.