Struggling to get the restful sleep you crave? Waking up with back pain each morning?
These symptoms typically signal it’s time for a new mattress. The Better Sleep Council, as referenced by manufacturer Restonic, recommends replacing your mattress every 7-10 years based on your comfort and support preferences.
Though replacing your mattress is straightforward, the cost certainly isn’t trivial. Premium mattresses can run several thousand dollars depending on the brand, size, and materials. Fortunately, smart timing can help you land excellent deals.
Discover when to buy a mattress for maximum savings and how strategic shopping can save you thousands of dollars.
Mattress Pricing: What to Expect
The mattress market offers various styles, each engineered for specific sleep preferences. Your ideal mattress type will directly impact your expected investment.
Innerspring Or Hybrid
Innerspring mattresses represent an evolution from traditional coil systems. Each spring sits in an independent pocket, delivering superior comfort and support.
Hybrid or pillow-top mattresses combine innerspring technology with an extra upholstery layer for enhanced comfort.
These mattresses work well for back, side, and stomach sleepers alike. Quality options average around $900, with prices spanning $300 to $2,000. Pillow-top and other hybrid styles typically fall in the higher price range.
Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses differ significantly from innerspring designs. Constructed from durable polyurethane (similar to sofa or car seat materials), their high-density composition excels at support and pressure relief.
Without mechanical components, memory foam mattresses typically outlast traditional spring mattresses.
Side sleepers particularly benefit from memory foam construction. These mattresses carry an average price of $1,000, ranging from $250 to $4,000.
Latex
Latex mattresses share similarities with memory foam but utilize latex foam construction. They’re typically less dense and heat-retentive than memory foam alternatives. Latex designs accommodate all sleeping positions: side, back, or stomach.
Latex mattresses command the highest prices, with typical products averaging $1,500. Like memory foam, pricing ranges from $300 to $4,000 based on quality requirements.
Optimal Times for Brick-and-Mortar Mattress Shopping
Like most consumer goods, mattress pricing fluctuates seasonally. For traditional retail shopping, here’s when to maximize your savings.
March – May
Sleep Advisor identifies May as the prime mattress-buying season. The reason? Mattress manufacturers typically launch new products around June. Retailers offer substantial sales and discounts up to 60 percent off to clear existing inventory.
Memorial Day weekend represents the sweet spot when inventory clearance combines with traditional holiday markdowns for maximum savings.
Shopping earlier in spring can still yield benefits. Scott Paladini, CEO and founder of Bear Mattress, confirms that March and April offer excellent deal opportunities.
Holiday Weekends
Brick-and-mortar stores consistently run sales during holiday weekends, and mattresses are no exception!
Beyond Memorial Day, expect significant deals during Presidents Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Black Friday. Macy’s once advertised queen mattresses for just $139 during a Black Friday sale.
Online Mattress Shopping: A Cost-Effective Alternative
Traditional retail markups represent a significant drawback of brick-and-mortar mattress shopping. Increasingly, consumers turn to online retailers for their next purchase. On average, online shoppers can expect savings of about 15 percent compared to traditional retailers.
Concerned about shipping costs? Most online retailers specialize in memory foam or latex mattresses that compress into compact boxes. To compete effectively, they typically offer free shipping plus trial periods to ensure customer satisfaction.
Cyber Monday offers excellent online deals, but don’t overlook Amazon Prime Day. During Amazon’s mid-July celebration, the retail giant discounts virtually everything in their catalog—including mattresses.
Additional Money-Saving Strategies
Consider these proven tactics for reducing your mattress investment:
- Don’t buy the first one. Testing a mattress doesn’t create an obligation. Despite sales pressure, shop around to find the most comfortable option.
- Set a firm budget. Establish a maximum spending limit to prevent overspending or impulse purchases.
- Inquire about floor models. Floor model purchases can save up to 50 percent off retail prices.
- Target overstock sales. Retailers clearing inventory for new models create serious deal opportunities.
- Monitor store closings. Stores liquidating inventory before closure offer steep discounts.
- Consider used options. If someone you know is upgrading their mattress, you might secure their quality used one at a fraction of retail cost. However, be cautious about potential issues like bed bugs.
Final Thoughts: Strategic Mattress Shopping
Armed with this timing knowledge, you’re ready to invest in quality sleep without overspending. While mattresses represent a significant purchase, strategic shopping ensures you won’t break the bank.
Planning other home purchases? Explore our guides on the best time to buy a TV and optimal furniture buying timing.
