Finding where to buy a mattress in the USA is easier when you understand the available shopping options, which can help you make a more efficient purchase. Across the United States, shoppers can choose among many different mattress retailers, 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. 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.
Where to Buy a Mattress in the United States
Across the United States, mattresses are available from several categories of retailers. While certain stores are specialty mattress retailers, others sell mattresses alongside a larger selection of furniture and household goods.
The most common places to buy a mattress include:
- Local independent mattress stores
- National and regional mattress chains
- Home furniture stores
- Warehouse clubs
- Major department stores
- General big-box retailers
- Mattress manufacturer stores and branded showrooms
- Online mattress companies
- Large online marketplaces
- Factory-direct mattress retailers
Every type of mattress retailer comes with its own pros and cons. If you want to physically test multiple mattresses before deciding, a mattress showroom may be the better choice. If you already know what type of mattress and firmness you prefer, buying online may offer greater convenience.
Independent Local Mattress Retailers
Across the United States, independent mattress retailers operate in urban, suburban, and smaller local markets. Some of these businesses have only one showroom, while others operate several stores within a state or metropolitan area.
Many local mattress stores stock products from multiple 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.
A benefit of buying from a local mattress store is that sales staff may have detailed familiarity with the beds they carry. In many local showrooms, you can compare different mattress types and comfort levels without visiting multiple stores.
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, review the return policy and comfort exchange terms. 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.
Mattress chains typically devote most of their inventory to mattresses, beds, 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. Certain chains also show mattress availability on their websites, allowing you to research models before going to a showroom.
Promotions are common at chain retailers around U.S. holidays and shopping events, including Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Black Friday, and other holiday weekends. Even during a sale, look at the total purchase price rather than relying only on promotional claims.
Mattress Departments at Furniture Stores
Mattress departments are common at American furniture retailers. 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.
Mattress choice at furniture stores is not always consistent across locations. Compared with a general furniture showroom, nearest mattress store a specialty mattress store may provide more mattress choices or more specialized assistance.
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
Membership warehouse clubs are another popular place to buy mattresses in the USA. For example, copyright and Sam's Club offer mattresses from several brands through both physical stores and their websites.
Although warehouse clubs may offer attractive pricing, 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.
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.
Remember to consider membership requirements, delivery arrangements, return procedures, and whether mattress removal is available in your area.
Buying Mattresses From Department Stores and Big-Box Retailers
Mattresses are also available from department stores and major general retailers. Stores including Macy's, Walmart, Target, and other large retail chains may offer mattresses, although availability differs by market.
Mattress selection can differ considerably by store. 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. Mattresses from the same manufacturer can vary greatly in materials, coil systems, foam layers, height, and firmness.
Manufacturer Showrooms and Brand Stores
Some mattress brands have their own stores and showrooms. For brands without their own stores, authorized dealers may provide access to specific mattress collections.
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. 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.
Shopping for a Mattress Online
Online retailers have become an important part of mattress shopping in the United States. Consumers can buy directly from many mattress brands online and have beds delivered across a large portion of the United States.
Some mattresses arrive compressed in a box, while heavier or more complex models may be delivered at full size. Depending on the brand, you may be able to choose a delivery service that brings the mattress to the desired room.
Online shopping provides access to a large number of mattress brands without visiting several stores. Online shopping can also make it easier to compare specifications, pricing, policies, and construction details side by side.
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.
Check the Sleep Trial Before Ordering
With a sleep trial, you have time to use the mattress before deciding whether to keep it. The length of a trial varies from one retailer or manufacturer to another.
Make sure you understand the complete policy before ordering. Some companies require a minimum adjustment period before a mattress can be returned. Depending on the policy, a return may involve pickup fees, transportation charges, restocking costs, or processing fees.
A lengthy advertised sleep trial does not necessarily mean returns are completely free. Pay closer attention to the complete return policy than to the headline trial length.
Common Mattress Types Sold in the United States
Understanding the major mattress types can simplify the buying process. Most retailers group their inventory according to major categories such as innerspring, foam, hybrid, and latex.
Innerspring Mattress Construction
Innerspring mattresses use a coil support system combined with comfort materials above the springs. Designs range from basic traditional beds to premium mattresses with thick cushioning and individually wrapped coils.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam beds rely on foam-based construction instead of traditional coils. Memory foam is known for its close-conforming feel and ability to reduce movement across the bed.
Hybrid Mattresses
A typical hybrid combines coils for support with substantial layers of foam or latex. Hybrid mattresses are common in U.S. showrooms because they blend features of foam and innerspring construction.
Mattresses Made With Latex
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.
Adjustable Air Mattresses
With some premium air mattresses, sleepers can adjust the firmness of separate sides of the bed. Adjustable air-chamber mattresses should not be confused with basic inflatable mattresses for camping or occasional guests.
How to Choose a Mattress Store
The best mattress store is not necessarily the closest retailer or the store advertising the largest discount. Compare the complete buying experience before making your decision.
Important factors include:
- Mattress selection: Look for enough choices to compare different materials and firmness levels.
- Transparent pricing: Confirm the total cost and any extra charges for delivery or setup.
- 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: Review the mattress manufacturer's warranty and what types of defects are covered.
- Mattress delivery: Ask whether the mattress will simply be shipped or placed in your bedroom.
- Old mattress removal: Find out whether the retailer can remove your old mattress.
- 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. Because mattress names and product lines can vary among retailers, direct price comparisons are sometimes difficult.
Mattress Prices in the United States
Mattress prices in the United States range from a few hundred dollars for basic models to several thousand dollars for luxury mattresses and adjustable sleep systems.
Price depends on mattress size, materials, construction, brand, thickness, features, and retailer. A queen mattress usually costs more than a twin but less than a king within the same product line.
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. Luxury and premium mattresses can incorporate specialty foam, latex, advanced support systems, cooling technology, handcrafted details, and 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 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. 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.
Whenever possible, couples should test the bed together. The right mattress for a couple can depend on the individual needs of both sleepers.
Trying a mattress in-store provides a limited preview of long-term comfort. This is one reason a reasonable sleep trial or comfort exchange policy can be valuable.
Choosing the Right Mattress Firmness
Retailers commonly describe mattress firmness as a range from soft through extra firm. The best firmness is personal and varies from person to person.
Body weight, sleeping position, mattress design, and individual comfort preferences can all influence the firmness you prefer. The term "medium-firm" is not standardized, so beds carrying the same firmness label may not feel identical.
Use firmness labels as a starting point rather than an exact measurement. 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. Before ordering, ask exactly where the mattress will be delivered.
Mattress retailers may offer doorstep delivery, in-home delivery, room-of-choice service, setup, or white-glove delivery. Certain delivery services also include packaging removal, old mattress haul-away, or foundation removal.
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.
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.
Mattress recycling programs have been established in several states, including California, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Shoppers should check municipal or state requirements instead of assuming regular trash collection will accept a mattress.
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.
When to Shop for Mattress Sales
Mattress retailers run promotions throughout the year, but holiday weekends are common times for sales in the United States. Retailers frequently advertise mattress deals around several major U.S. holidays and Black Friday.
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 full mattress deal, not only the sticker price. Paying slightly more may make sense when the purchase includes services that would otherwise cost extra.
Where to Buy a Mattress 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 local mattress retailers, large chains, furniture stores, 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. Smaller cities and rural areas may have fewer local options, making regional retailers and online mattress stores more important.
Before traveling between multiple showrooms, a mattress directory can help you find and compare nearby retailers. Use the directory to compare locations, retailer types, mattress brands, and services, then contact the store to confirm that the mattress you want to test is available.
Important Questions to Ask a Mattress Retailer
Before completing your mattress purchase, consider asking the salesperson or online retailer these important questions:
- Is the mattress I want currently in stock?
- What is the total price including delivery and other fees?
- What happens if the mattress is uncomfortable, can I return or exchange it?
- Is there a mandatory adjustment period before I can exchange the mattress?
- Will I be charged return, pickup, transportation, or restocking fees?
- Who handles warranty claims, the retailer or manufacturer?
- Must the mattress be used with a particular foundation or bed frame to maintain warranty coverage?
- Will the mattress be installed or set up by the delivery team?
- Is old mattress and foundation haul-away available?
- How soon can the mattress be delivered?
Getting these answers before purchase can prevent misunderstandings later.
Where to Buy Your Next Mattress
There is no single best place to buy a mattress for every shopper. Local mattress retailers can work well for shoppers who want personalized help and the ability to try multiple beds. A national chain can provide broad product selection and convenient locations. 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. Compare all major product and retailer factors before buying.
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.