If you are trying to determine where to buy a mattress in the USA, understanding your options can help simplify the buying process and avoid wasted time or money. 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 several factors, including price range, preferred construction, location, and whether you value an in-person mattress test.
Mattress buying differs from most routine home purchases because comfort is highly personal. Because comfort varies from person to person, the cheapest mattress is not always the best value. Before deciding where to buy, review 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 Can You Buy a Mattress in the United States?
U.S. consumers can purchase mattresses through a variety of retailers nationwide. 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:
- Independent local mattress stores
- National and regional mattress chains
- Home furniture stores
- Membership warehouse clubs
- Department store retailers
- General big-box retailers
- Manufacturer-owned mattress stores and showrooms
- Direct-to-consumer online mattress companies
- Large online marketplaces
- Factory-direct mattress retailers
Every type of mattress retailer comes with specific advantages and potential drawbacks. If you want to physically test multiple mattresses before deciding, a mattress showroom may be the better choice. If you already know the mattress construction and feel you want, buying online may offer greater convenience.
Buying From Local Mattress Stores
You can find local independent mattress stores in communities of many sizes throughout the United States. An independent mattress retailer might run one local showroom or maintain multiple locations across a state or metro region.
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.
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.
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.
Buying From National and Regional Mattress 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. A typical showroom may carry several well-known mattress brands, along with 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.
Major mattress chains often discount mattress store promote sales around well-known U.S. shopping periods such as Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday. However, shoppers should compare the final purchase price rather than assuming every advertised sale represents the lowest available price.
Buying a Mattress From a Furniture Store
Mattress departments are common at furniture stores throughout the United States. You can find mattresses at furniture retailers including Ashley, Rooms To Go, and various regional chains, where beds are sold alongside bedroom furniture, sofas, dining sets, and other home 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 mattress inventory may differ from one furniture store location to another. 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 comparing mattress prices, especially if you also need bedroom furniture or want several large items delivered at once.
Mattresses at Membership Warehouse Clubs
Another common U.S. mattress shopping option is the membership warehouse club. copyright and Sam's Club, for example, sell mattresses from multiple manufacturers through their stores and websites.
A warehouse club may be appealing for value-focused shoppers, but it may not display as many mattresses as a dedicated mattress retailer. 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
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 vary widely from one retailer or location to another. At certain stores you can test mattresses on display, while other retailers focus more on boxed mattresses available for shipping or pickup.
For shoppers seeking budget-oriented beds, big-box stores can be useful, especially for guest rooms, children's rooms, or dorm rooms.
When comparing mattresses, look at the exact model rather than relying only on the brand name. 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 brands have authorized dealers where shoppers can test specific product lines.
Well-known mattress brands available in the United States include Tempur-Pedic, Sealy, Stearns & Foster, Serta, Beautyrest, Purple, Casper, among many others.
If you already prefer a particular manufacturer, shopping at its branded store can simplify your search. This can let you compare several models and firmness levels from the same manufacturer without evaluating unrelated mattresses.
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.
Where to Buy a Mattress Online
Buying mattresses online is now a common option for American consumers. Consumers can buy directly from many mattress brands online and have beds delivered across a large portion of the United States.
Depending on the mattress, delivery may involve a compressed bed in a box or a full-size mattress delivered without compression. Some mattress companies also provide room-of-choice delivery or white-glove service.
Shopping online gives you access to many mattress brands without driving to multiple showrooms. Websites allow shoppers to review mattress specifications, prices, customer policies, and construction details before deciding.
The biggest drawback is that you normally cannot test the mattress in person before placing an order. For that reason, the sleep trial and return policy become especially important.
Review the Sleep Trial Before You Buy
With a sleep trial, you have time to use the mattress before deciding whether to keep it. Trial lengths vary by company.
Before you purchase, read the full sleep trial and return policy. A retailer may require you to complete an adjustment period before becoming eligible for a return. 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.
Mattress Types You Will Find at U.S. Retailers
Understanding common mattress categories can simplify the buying process. Most retailers group their inventory according to major categories such as innerspring, foam, hybrid, and latex.
Innerspring Mattress Construction
An innerspring mattress is built around springs that provide support beneath comfort layers. Designs range from basic traditional beds to premium mattresses with thick cushioning and individually wrapped coils.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Rather than using a traditional spring support system, memory foam mattresses are constructed primarily from layers of foam. Memory foam is known for contouring to the body and limiting motion transfer between partners.
Hybrid Mattresses
A hybrid mattress combines a coil support system with substantial foam or latex comfort layers. Hybrid mattresses are common in U.S. showrooms because they blend features of foam and innerspring construction.
Mattresses Made With Latex
A latex mattress can be made with different forms of natural and synthetic latex. Latex generally provides more bounce and responsiveness than some closely conforming memory foam beds.
Mattresses With Adjustable Air Support
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.
What to Look for in a Mattress Retailer
The ideal mattress retailer is not necessarily the closest location or the retailer with the largest advertised discount. Compare the complete buying experience before making your decision.
Key factors to compare include:
- Mattress selection: Choose a retailer with enough options 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 whether the store provides refunds, exchanges, store credit, or comfort exchanges.
- Sleep trial: Check how long you can test the mattress and whether fees apply to returns.
- Warranty: Check the manufacturer's warranty conditions.
- Delivery: Find out whether the mattress is shipped, delivered to your door, or installed in your bedroom.
- Old mattress removal: Check if the retailer provides removal of the mattress you are replacing.
- 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?
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. 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 Test a Mattress Before Buying?
Trying a mattress in a showroom can make it easier to narrow your choices, but a few seconds of sitting on the bed is not a useful test.
If possible, lie in your normal 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.
If two people will share the mattress, it is useful for the couple to evaluate the bed at the same time. Differences in body weight, sleep position, and firmness preference can affect which mattress works best.
Trying a mattress in-store provides a limited preview of long-term comfort. That is why a useful sleep trial or comfort exchange policy can add important protection.
How to Choose Mattress Firmness
Mattress firmness is usually described with terms such as soft, medium, medium-firm, firm, or extra firm. No one firmness level is ideal for everyone.
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 one manufacturer's medium-firm mattress may feel different from another's.
Firmness descriptions are most useful as general indicators rather than exact measurements. You can reduce the chance of choosing an unsuitable firmness by trying beds in person and reviewing comfort exchange options.
Mattress Delivery and Setup
Mattress delivery options are not the same at every store. Before ordering, ask exactly where the mattress will be delivered.
Typical mattress delivery choices include basic doorstep service, delivery inside the home, room-of-choice placement, setup, and white-glove delivery. Some retailers will also remove packaging, an old mattress, or an old foundation.
Apartment and condominium residents should confirm that building access will accommodate the delivery.
How to Dispose of or Recycle an Old Mattress
A new mattress purchase often creates another question, how will you dispose of the old mattress? Mattress disposal regulations vary among states, counties, and cities.
Some mattress stores provide haul-away service as part of delivery. Depending on your location, mattresses may also be accepted by several local disposal and recycling services.
States including California, Connecticut, and Rhode Island have established dedicated mattress recycling programs. Requirements and recycling fees can vary, so shoppers should check local rules rather than assuming a mattress can be left with regular household trash.
If your old mattress remains in usable condition, donation may be possible through some charities or nonprofit groups, but acceptance policies vary and many do not take used mattresses.
When to Shop for Mattress Sales
You can find mattress sales at many times of year, but U.S. retailers often emphasize holiday events. 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. Manufacturers and retailers can change prices, bundles, financing offers, and free accessory promotions throughout the year.
Look at everything included with the purchase. 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.
Where to Buy a Mattress Near You
A search for mattress stores near me is often the easiest way to find nearby retailers where you can test mattresses. Most U.S. metropolitan areas have a mix of independent mattress stores, national chains, furniture retailers, and department stores.
In major U.S. markets including New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, Miami, Atlanta, Seattle, Denver, Boston, and Washington, D.C., shoppers may have a large number of nearby mattress retailers. Smaller cities and rural areas may have fewer local options, making regional retailers and online mattress stores more important.
A mattress directory can help you identify nearby retailers before you start driving from store to store. After comparing store locations, retailer categories, brands, and services, verify directly with the retailer that your preferred models are in stock for testing.
Important Questions to Ask a Mattress Retailer
Before paying for a new bed, ask the salesperson or online retailer a few important questions:
- Do you currently have this mattress available?
- What is the total price including delivery and other fees?
- Am I allowed to return or exchange the mattress if the comfort is not right?
- Is there a mandatory adjustment period before I can exchange the mattress?
- Are there 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?
- Can the delivery team remove my existing mattress and foundation?
- What is the expected delivery time for this mattress?
Knowing the answers in advance can help you understand exactly what to expect from the purchase.
Choosing the Best Place to Buy a Mattress
There is no single best place to buy a mattress for every shopper. If you value personal service and the opportunity to test several mattresses, a local mattress store may be a good fit. A national chain can provide broad product selection and convenient locations. Value-focused shoppers may prefer large discount-oriented retailers, while online mattress companies can offer home delivery and brands that are not available in 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 our mattress store directory to find mattress stores across the United States, compare retailers in your area, and narrow your search before visiting a showroom or ordering a mattress online. Doing some research before purchase can help you find a bed that better matches your comfort needs and price range.