What Is the Best Time to Buy a Mattress? 6 Days to Remember

Are you tossing and turning on an old mattress, wondering if it’s time for an upgrade? You might think any weekend sale will do, but certain months (and even days) offer way better deals than others.

From holiday discounts to seasonal promotions, knowing when to buy can save you loads of money—and help you sleep better at night, literally and financially! Let’s break down the critical times and tips to score the perfect mattress for less.

When Is the Best Time to Buy a Mattress?

Knowing when to shop for your new mattress can save you a lot of cash. Surprisingly, there are a few specific times of the year when you’ll see the best prices. Let’s go through some general times you should look for.

Holiday Weekends

These are the big ones to watch out for. Long weekends like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Presidents’ Day are a jackpot of retail sales. Companies roll out significant discounts on mattresses, aiming to attract shoppers with extra time to browse. You’ll often find special promos—discounts, free accessories like pillows, or even bundled bedding deals.

March and April

Right around spring, mattress brands start releasing their latest models. That means they’ll need to make room on the showroom floor, which is excellent news for anyone looking to score a deal on the best models from the previous year. You’ll get the same reliability as the newer models but much cheaper.

End-Of-The-Year Sales

Year-end or clearance sales are also great times to shop. Nothing says “big sale” like Black Friday or Cyber Monday. These late November sales offer some of the best discounts across the board—mattresses included. You might find prices slashed as much as 50%, making it a great time to snag a high-end mattress.

6 Biggest Sales of the Year

We’ve already discussed some of the big sales events, but let’s explore the biggest sales days and why they’re golden opportunities for mattress deals.

1. Labor Day

With summer winding down and fall creeping in, retailers love using Labor Day weekend to clear out their stock. You’ll often see discounts on everything from budget options to top-of-the-line brands, plus added promotions like free delivery or added bedding bundles.

Shopping over a long weekend also means you can take your time. Browse your local mattress retailers, check online prices, and ensure you’re picking the right mattress for your back and your wallet.

2. Black Friday

Black Friday is practically a holiday in itself for deal lovers. With holidays right around the corner, stores compete to drop prices on big-ticket items. Discounts can hit 50% off or more, with retailers slashing prices to get people in the door or browsing online. If you’re not afraid of a bit of shopping crazy, Black Friday is a jackpot for mattress deals.

3. Cyber Monday

If battling Black Friday crowds isn’t your thing, Cyber Monday might just be what you need. This online shopping event, which occurs the Monday after Thanksgiving, is packed with great deals on mattresses.

Retailers know people are still hunting for holiday bargains, so they offer discounts online—often with special incentives like free shipping or exclusive website-only prices. Many brands keep the online prices nearly as low as during Black Friday, so you can shop for a mattress without ever leaving your house.

4. Prime Day

Prime Day is Amazon’s big discount day for Prime members, and mattresses are often part of the deal. Usually held mid-summer, brands partner with Amazon to offer limited-time discounts on select models. And, because it’s an online event, you get to avoid any in-store hassle.

5. Memorial Day

Another long weekend holiday, retailers use Memorial Day to get customers in with massive discounts as they clear out spring stock. It’s a win-win: the stores make room for new inventory, and shoppers get great deals on high-quality older models.

6. Presidents’ Day

Presidents’ Day in February is another prime shopping time. At the start of the year, many mattress retailers are pushing out old inventory to make room for new stuff. Discounts can range from modest markdowns to significant savings on premium mattresses, depending on the brand.

It’s also a quieter shopping season, which can work in your favor. Fewer crowds, more time to decide, and potentially better deals on the mattress you’ve had your eye on.

When Is the Worst Time to Buy a Mattress?

Not every day is a great day to buy a mattress—there are less-than-ideal times for buying a mattress if you’re hoping to snag a good deal. So, when should you hold off on making that big purchase? Let’s take a look:

• Before Major Sales Events: Imagine this: you buy a mattress on a random Tuesday, only to see it marked down by 30% the following week. Buying bright before significant sales events is a classic mistake.
• Earlier in the Year: January can be a tricky time to buy a mattress. While some retailers might throw in a small New Year’s or winter promotion, you’re unlikely to see the massive discounts that come later.
• Mid-Summer: Summer can also be oddly quiet in the mattress world—aside from Amazon’s Prime Day and potentially 4th of July sales. You’ll not likely see many standout sales during these months because retailers are generally waiting for the back-to-school season.
• Right After a New Model Launches: When a brand releases new mattress models, prices on those items tend to be at their peak. Stores are eager to promote the latest styles (and selling the new brands at high prices as a marker of scarcity), making them less likely to offer discounts immediately.

How Much Money Should You Spend on a New Mattress?

Deciding how much to spend on a new mattress can be overwhelming—there are budget options, luxury splurges, and everything in between. So, what’s the proper price range for you?

Let’s break down what you can expect to pay and what you’ll get at different price points.

• Budget-Friendly ($200 to $600): If you want to keep things affordable, there are plenty of decent mattresses in this price range. These are often basic memory foam models that still deliver comfort without all the extra features. Remember that while these options can be comfortable, they may not last as long as pricier choices.

• Mid-Range Comfort ($600 to $1,200): This price range is the sweet spot for many. You’ll get a big boost in quality with more supportive materials, advanced foam layers, and even some eco-friendly options. Mattresses in this range are usually durable enough to hold up for years without sagging.

• Luxury Sleep ($1,200 to $2,500+): Up to $1,200 can get you a mattress with unique upgrades, such as cooling gel, advanced memory foam, and pressure relief. Premium brands often offer features like natural latex, organic materials, and top-tier support systems that cater to specific sleep needs.

The price of a mattress isn’t just about comfort—there’s also value in the longevity of the mattress and added features. If you’re a side sleeper, struggle with sleep issues, or need a specific type of support such as back support or cooling, investing a bit more can make a world of difference in your sleep quality.

Tips on Buying the Right Mattress

Finding the right mattress isn’t just about timing—it’s also about knowing what you need for a good night’s sleep. There’s a lot to consider when choosing a mattress, from its firmness to your budget. Here’s a quick guide to help you zero in on the right mattress for your needs.

Your Budget

Let’s face it: mattresses can be a significant investment. Knowing your budget is the first step in making the shopping process smoother. Decide on a price range before considering your options, as this will keep you focused on models that fit your needs without breaking the bank.

A higher price doesn’t always equal better sleep, but spending within your comfort zone ensures you get value without any added stress. And don’t forget that sales can help reduce your budget even further!

Preferred Firmness

Are you a fan of cloud-like softness, or do you prefer a mattress with a bit more support? Firmness is key to comfort, and everyone’s preference is different. Mattresses typically range from plush to firm, so think about what makes you feel more relaxed at night.

If you’re not sure, you can also consider a medium-firm option—it’s often a safe middle ground that provides both support and softness. Some brands even let you try out the mattress for some time, so if you’re on the fence, choose one that offers a trial run to find your ideal firmness level.

Type of Mattress

Gone are the days when you just chose between spring and foam. Today, there are so many types of mattresses, each with its perks.

• Memory Foam: Memory foam mattresses contour closely to the shape of your body, relieving pressure on crucial pain points like shoulders and hips. Made from dense foam layers, they’re also great for motion isolation—you’re less likely to feel your partner’s movements during the night. The downside is that some memory foam mattresses can trap heat.

• Innerspring: This type of mattress provides a classic feel with good airflow. They’re built with metal coils that provide a firm, bouncy feel and solid support. These mattresses also have good airflow, which keeps you cool at night. However, they’re not as soft as memory foam, but they are pretty durable.

• Hybrid: Hybrids combine the best of both worlds, layering foam and coils for a balanced blend of comfort and support. Typically, they have a memory foam or latex layer on top for cushioning, with innerspring coils underneath for structure and airflow. This combo makes hybrids great for people who want pressure relief and a supportive base.

• Latex: Latex mattresses are made from either natural or synthetic latex, offering a buoyant, bouncy feel that doesn’t trap heat as much as foam. They’re naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, making them an excellent option for allergy sufferers. Plus, the material is incredibly durable.

The Right Size

It might sound obvious, but choosing the right size mattress is crucial. Do you sleep solo, or is this mattress meant for two? A twin might be fine if you’re short on space, but couples usually find a queen or king more comfortable.

If you or your partner need extra room to stretch out—or if your pets are regular sleep buddies—a larger size might be worth the investment. Keep in mind your room dimensions, too; the last thing you want is to buy a mattress that barely fits through your doorway.

Best Time to Buy a Mattress: Expert Insights

Expert insights can make a big difference in helping you find the right mattress. Industry professionals, sleep experts, and consumer researchers have studied the trends, giving us a clearer picture of when—and how—to shop smarter for a mattress.

For example, sources like the Sleep Foundation provide extensive information on mattress types, buying tips, and expert-recommended products [1]. Need some insights on getting better sleep based on your specific needs? Check out the National Sleep Foundation for truly helpful sleep health tips.

What the Community Says

There’s no better place to find shopping advice than from real shoppers. On forums, review sites, and social media platforms, mattress buyers share their experiences and recommendations, offering insight from the user’s perspective.

A common thread? Of course, they mention holiday weekends as the best time to score the best deals. But they also offer some great advice on other ways to save money. For example, on r/Mattress, one Reddit user, Snooloosey, wrote that many brands, like Mattress Firm, offer price matching [2]. So if you miss a big holiday sale, you can still get the same price.

Another tip that Redditors found is that you can email or call brands if you miss a sale. U/state_issued revealed that they asked when the next sale was, and “they told me to just email when I’m ready to buy, and they would send me a code [3].”

You can also search using keywords like “When is the best time to buy a tempurpedic mattress?” You’ll get all kinds of valuable tips, like from u/a-rec, who suggests, “Best time? Now. Best place? Costco. Yes, older model, but still quality [4].”

FAQs on the Best Time of Year to Buy a Mattress

Outside of the obvious, “What is the best time of year to buy a mattress,” let’s look at some of the other most commonly asked questions about this topic.

What Is the Best Month to Buy a Mattress?

May is the best time of year to buy a mattress! Many brands offer discounts during Memorial Day sales, making it a great time to score a deal on a new mattress.

When Do Mattresses Go on Sale?

The biggest mattress sales usually happen around holiday weekends—like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday. These sales offer steep discounts and special promotions that are hard to beat.

What Time of Year Is Cheapest to Buy a Bed?

Late spring and fall are often the cheapest times to buy a bed, especially around Memorial Day and Labor Day. Retailers clear out inventory, so it’s a perfect time to buy at a discount.

How Often Should a Good Mattress Be Replaced?

A good mattress should be replaced every 7 to 10 years [5]. If it’s sagging, causing discomfort, or not giving you a restful sleep, it’s probably time to shop for a new one.

What Type of Mattress Will Last the Longest?

Latex mattresses tend to have the most extended lifespans, often lasting over 15 years with proper care. They’re incredibly durable, hypoallergenic, and resist sagging better than most other types.

Final Thoughts

After reading this guide, you’ll be ready to make an informed choice about when and what mattress to buy. Knowing the best time to buy a mattress and the best types to choose can help you get more value for your money and improve your sleep quality.

Here’s a quick recap of what to keep in mind when trying to land a cheap mattress:

• The best sales months and events are May (Memorial Day), September (Labor Day), and November (Black Friday).
• Major holiday weekends bring the steepest discounts—look out for Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday, and Presidents’ Day sales.
• The ideal time for budget buyers is late spring and fall, thanks to seasonal clear-outs.
• A quality mattress typically lasts 7 to 10 years.
• Latex mattresses are the most durable, often lasting over 15 years.

Happy mattress hunting!