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. Which retailer works best for you will depend on your budget, the mattress type you prefer, your location, and whether you want to test the mattress first.
Mattress buying differs from most routine home purchases because comfort is highly personal. Because comfort mattress stores varies from person to person, the cheapest mattress is not always 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.
Below, you will find an overview of the primary places to buy a mattress in the United States along with important considerations for choosing the right store.
Where to Buy a Mattress in the United States
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
- National and regional mattress chains
- Furniture stores
- Warehouse clubs
- Major department stores
- Large big-box stores
- Mattress manufacturer stores and branded showrooms
- Online mattress companies
- Online marketplaces
- Factory-direct mattress sellers
The benefits and limitations differ among these shopping options. If you want to physically test multiple mattresses before deciding, a mattress showroom may be the better choice. Buyers who already know the mattress type and firmness they want may find online shopping more convenient.
Independent Local Mattress Retailers
Independent mattress stores can be found in cities, suburbs, and smaller communities across the United States. 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. A local mattress showroom may offer several types of mattresses, including traditional innerspring mattresses, memory foam beds, latex mattresses, and hybrids, plus 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.
Some independent mattress stores differentiate themselves through convenient delivery services, old mattress removal, flexible pricing, or packages that include a mattress with a foundation or adjustable bed.
If you are comparing local mattress stores, always review the retailer's policies for returns and comfort exchanges before you pay. Policies can vary greatly from one business to another.
National and Regional Mattress Retailers
U.S. shoppers can also buy from national and regional chains focused on mattresses. 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.
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.
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.
Mattress Departments at Furniture Stores
Many furniture stores in the United States have separate areas for mattresses and sleep products. 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.
One possible drawback is that selection can vary considerably by store. Shoppers looking for more mattress-specific help 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
Many Americans also purchase mattresses through membership-based warehouse clubs. For example, copyright and Sam's Club offer mattresses from multiple manufacturers through both physical stores and their websites.
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. Depending on the retailer, some mattresses may be available to view in the warehouse, while others are packaged or sold mainly online.
If you already understand memory foam, innerspring, and hybrid mattresses and are comfortable buying without testing numerous beds, a warehouse club may be a practical choice.
Before buying, check membership requirements, delivery options, return procedures, and old mattress removal availability.
Buying Mattresses From Department Stores and Big-Box Retailers
Department stores and big-box 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.
Mattress selection can differ considerably by store. At certain stores you can test mattresses on display, while other retailers focus more on boxed mattresses available for shipping or pickup.
A big-box retailer may be a practical choice for an affordable mattress, a guest-room mattress, a child's mattress, a dorm-room mattress, or a convenient bed-in-a-box product.
When comparing mattresses, compare specific models instead of assuming every mattress from one brand is similar. Mattresses from the same manufacturer can vary greatly in construction, thickness, and comfort characteristics.
Manufacturer Showrooms and Brand Stores
Some mattress manufacturers operate their own stores or branded showrooms. Other brands have authorized dealers where shoppers can test specific product lines.
Examples of widely recognized mattress brands sold in the United States include Tempur-Pedic, Sealy, Stearns & Foster, Serta, Beautyrest, Purple, Casper, and many others.
A branded store can be useful if you have already narrowed your search to one manufacturer. At a branded store, you may be able to test different models and firmness choices from the same company without sorting through competing brands.
The main limitation is that you will have fewer opportunities to compare different brands directly.
Where to Buy a Mattress Online
Buying mattresses online is now a major part of the U.S. mattress industry. Many companies sell mattresses directly to consumers and ship them to homes throughout much of the country.
Many mattresses are compressed and shipped in a box, while larger, heavier, or more complex models may arrive at full size. Depending on the brand, you may be able to choose white-glove delivery, room-of-choice delivery, or another upgraded service.
One advantage of online mattress shopping is that you can research a broad selection from your home. Online shopping can also make it easier to research mattress construction, prices, and retailer policies.
The major disadvantage is that you usually cannot lie on the mattress before ordering it. For that reason, the sleep trial and return policy become especially important.
Understand the Sleep Trial Before Ordering
A sleep trial gives you a period of time to use a mattress at home before deciding whether to keep it. Sleep trial periods are not standardized and can differ by brand.
Before you purchase, review all applicable trial terms. A retailer may require you to keep and use the mattress for a minimum period before becoming eligible for a return. Others may charge pickup, transportation, restocking, or processing fees.
Do not assume that a long advertised trial automatically means completely free returns. The written return terms are more important than the headline number of trial nights.
Types of Mattresses Available From U.S. Retailers
Understanding common mattress categories can simplify the buying process. Mattress stores typically organize products by common construction categories.
Innerspring Mattress Construction
An innerspring mattress is built around springs that provide support beneath comfort layers. Innerspring construction can be found in everything from traditional budget beds to premium designs.
Memory Foam Beds
Memory foam beds rely on layers of foam rather than a conventional spring system. Memory foam is known for contouring to the body and limiting motion transfer between partners.
Hybrid Mattress Construction
Hybrid mattresses are built with a coil support core plus significant foam or latex comfort layers. Many American mattress retailers carry hybrids, which bring together elements of innerspring and foam mattresses.
Latex Mattress Construction
Latex beds may contain natural latex, synthetic latex, or a blend of the two. Compared with some memory foam mattresses, latex beds often feel more responsive and less deeply contouring.
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 simply finding the closest retailer or biggest sale. Compare the complete buying experience before making your decision.
Key factors to compare include:
- Product selection: Choose a retailer with a useful range of mattress constructions and comfort levels.
- Transparent pricing: Confirm which services are included in the advertised price.
- Return policy: Make sure you understand what happens if you want to return the mattress.
- Sleep trial: Check how long you can test the mattress and whether fees apply to returns.
- Warranty: Review the mattress manufacturer's warranty and what types of defects are covered.
- Delivery: Find out whether the mattress is shipped, delivered to your door, or installed in your bedroom.
- Old mattress removal: Ask whether your existing mattress can be hauled away.
- Financing: If financing is offered, compare interest rates, promotional terms, and the total amount you will repay.
It is also useful to check whether the mattress you tested in the showroom is the exact model listed on your receipt. Retailer-specific model names or product lines can complicate side-by-side mattress comparisons.
What Does a Mattress Cost in the USA?
U.S. shoppers can find mattresses costing anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the product.
Price depends on mattress size, materials, construction, brand, thickness, features, and retailer. For the same model, you can generally expect a queen to be priced above a twin but below a king.
Budget shoppers can find entry-level foam and innerspring mattresses through online retailers, discount stores, warehouse clubs, and local mattress outlets. In the mid-range, shoppers generally see a broader variety of materials and construction features. Premium beds may include specialty foams, latex, advanced support systems, cooling materials, handcrafted construction, or adjustable features.
Price should be only one part of the decision, so also evaluate how long you expect to keep the mattress, how it supports your sleep position, and the available return protection.
Should You Try a Mattress Before You Buy It?
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, lie down as you would at home and remain there for several minutes. If you sleep on your side, notice whether pressure builds around major contact points such as the shoulders and hips. If you sleep on your back, consider lower-back support and whether your body sinks too deeply. Stomach sleepers generally need a surface that prevents excessive sinking around the torso.
Whenever possible, couples should test the bed together. Differences in body weight, sleep position, and firmness preference can affect which mattress works best.
A showroom test is still only a short evaluation. This is one reason a reasonable sleep trial or comfort exchange policy can be valuable.
What Mattress Firmness Should You Buy?
Mattress comfort levels are often labeled soft, medium, medium-firm, firm, and extra firm. There is no single firmness level that works for everyone.
Body weight, sleeping position, mattress design, and individual comfort preferences can all influence the firmness you prefer. Two mattresses labeled "medium-firm" may also feel different because manufacturers do not use one universal firmness scale.
Use firmness labels as a starting point rather than an exact measurement. You can reduce the chance of choosing an unsuitable firmness by trying beds in person and reviewing comfort exchange options.
How Mattress Delivery and Setup Work
Delivery services differ between mattress retailers. Ask in advance whether the mattress will be left outside, brought indoors, or placed in your room.
Mattress retailers may offer doorstep delivery, in-home delivery, room-of-choice service, setup, or white-glove delivery. Certain delivery services also include taking away packaging and the sleep products you are replacing.
Before purchasing a large mattress or adjustable base for a building with restricted access, verify that the delivery can be completed without access problems.
How to Dispose of or Recycle an Old Mattress
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 take your old mattress away at the same time it delivers the replacement. Other disposal options may include municipal disposal services, recycling facilities, and junk removal providers.
Mattress recycling programs have been established in several states, including California, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Because local rules and fees can vary, do not assume an old mattress can be placed with normal household trash.
A clean, usable mattress may sometimes be accepted by certain donation programs, although standards vary and many organizations will not accept 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.
Waiting until a holiday sale is not a guarantee of the best value. Prices and promotions can change year-round, including discounts, package deals, financing incentives, and included accessories.
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
Searching for mattress stores near me is a good starting point when you want to test beds locally. In most U.S. metro areas, shoppers can choose from several different types of mattress sellers.
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.
Using a mattress directory can make it easier to identify local retailers in advance. After comparing nearby mattress shopping options, verify directly with the retailer that your preferred models are in stock for testing.
Important Questions to Ask a Mattress Retailer
A few questions can help clarify the purchase terms before you pay for a new mattress:
- Is the mattress I want currently in stock?
- 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?
- Is there a required minimum period before a comfort exchange?
- Will I be charged return, pickup, transportation, or restocking fees?
- If I have a warranty issue, do I contact the store or the manufacturer?
- Are there foundation or bed-frame requirements under the warranty?
- Will the delivery team set up the new mattress?
- Is old mattress and foundation haul-away available?
- When is the earliest the mattress can be delivered?
Clarifying these details before buying can help prevent misunderstandings after the sale.
Choosing the Best Place to Buy a Mattress
No mattress retailer is the best choice for every shopper. If you value in-person assistance and showroom testing, a local mattress store may be a good fit. A large chain can be useful when you want convenient access to a broad selection. Warehouse clubs and big-box retailers may appeal to value-focused shoppers, while online mattress companies provide convenient home delivery and access to brands that may not have local showrooms.
The most important point is to look beyond price alone. Consider comfort, construction, firmness, mattress size, sleep trial terms, returns, 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. A little research before buying can make it much easier to find a mattress that fits your body, sleeping style, budget, and home.