If your bed has seen better days and you’re waking up sore or tired, it might be time for an upgrade — and yes, timing really does matter. Believe it or not, knowing when to buy a new mattress can save you a significant amount of money. But here’s the thing: not all mattress sales are created equal. Many of those flashy deals are more hype than help.
This guide is here to cut through the noise and offer honest, no-nonsense advice. Whether you’re eyeing a memory foam, hybrid, latex, or innerspring mattress, we’ll walk you through the best times to buy, how to spot a real deal, and where to shop smart. No gimmicks, just clear tips to help you find the perfect mattress without overspending so you can sleep better and feel better every morning.
Key Takeaways
- Major Holidays: Retailers often offer significant discounts during holidays such as Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday. These periods are popular for promotions and sales events.
- Late Winter and Early Spring: As new mattress models are introduced, older models are discounted to make room for new inventory. This is an opportune time to find deals on previous year’s models.
- Back-to-School Season: Late summer, especially around August, sees promotions targeting students and families preparing for the new school year.
Business Insider - Online Sales Events: Events like Amazon Prime Day and Cyber Monday offer online-exclusive deals, making it a good time to shop for mattresses online.
Why Timing Matters When Buying A Mattress
Mattress prices aren’t fixed. They rise and fall throughout the year based on demand, promotions, and market trends. Buying at the wrong time could mean paying far more than necessary for the same mattress someone else snagged at a discount just weeks earlier. That’s why it’s important to understand how you can choose a mattress wisely and when to make your move.
Many people focus only on comfort or price, but it’s also helpful to ask what are mattresses made of — materials like memory foam, latex, or coils can affect both price and sleep quality. Timing your purchase can also help you afford better craftsmanship, like mattresses made in USA, which are known for their quality and durability.
Big brands know when shoppers are ready to buy — and they use flashy sales to reel you in. But with the right timing, you can beat the system and save big.
Major Holidays = Major Discounts
Some of the best mattress sales happen during big U.S. holidays like:
- Presidents’ Day (February)
- Memorial Day (May)
- 4th of July
- Labor Day (September)
- Black Friday & Cyber Monday (November)
During these times, stores roll out deep discounts and bundle deals. Think free pillows, sheets, or even adjustable bases. Retailers are eager to clear out older inventory, especially as new models hit the market shortly after.
If you’re starting to notice signs you need a new mattress like waking up sore, feeling lumps, or tossing and turning more than usual, these holiday sales can be the perfect opportunity to upgrade. It’s also a great time to explore common mattress materials like memory foam, latex, and hybrid options, which each offer different benefits depending on your sleep style. Shopping during these peak times lets you score high-quality sleep at a fraction of the cost.
End Of Winter: New Models Hit Stores
From late January through March, mattress companies start rolling out their new collections, and that’s great news for smart shoppers. Retailers need to clear out last year’s inventory to make room, which often leads to deep discounts on perfectly good mattresses that just happen to be a season old.
If you’re not hung up on having the latest design or trend, this is a perfect time to save big. Most of the updates in new models are minor, often cosmetic or marketing-driven, so you’re still getting excellent quality. With markdowns and clearance deals, you can often afford a higher-end model without blowing your budget. Keep an eye out for floor models and clearance tags, they can offer incredible value if you’re ready to buy.
Back-To-School Season = Budget Buys
August and early September aren’t just for school supplies, they’re also a great time to find deals on mattresses. During back-to-college sales, retailers slash prices on twin XL beds, mattress toppers, and convenient bed-in-a-box options. While these sales are geared toward students, they’re also a smart opportunity for anyone hunting for a budget-friendly mattress.
If you’re furnishing a guest room, replacing a bunk bed mattress, or just need a smaller size, this is one of the best times to shop without overspending. It’s also a good moment to think about how often you should replace a mattress. If it’s been seven to ten years, or if your current one is sagging, uncomfortable, or affecting your sleep, it might be time for an upgrade. Back-to-school season may not seem obvious, but it offers real savings if you know where to look.
When NOT To Buy A Mattress
Try to avoid shopping:
- Right after a major sale event (like the day after Black Friday).
- In early December, when stock is limited and retailers reset.
- During early summer (June), which tends to be a slower promotion period.
During these times, prices may creep back up, and fewer options are available in-store. You’ll also face more pressure to buy quickly.
Where You Buy Matters As Much As When
Timing your mattress purchase is important, but where you buy it can make just as much of a difference. Big box stores and national chains often mark up prices and then advertise fake sales to make you think you’re getting a deal. On the other hand, local manufacturers and off-brand specialty retailers usually offer better value year-round without the gimmicks.
These smaller retailers often prioritize quality, transparency, and personalized service over flashy ads. You’ll likely get helpful insights like understanding what a bed anatomy is and why certain materials matter for your comfort and support. It’s a more thoughtful buying experience that helps you make informed decisions.
And if you’re curious about the history behind it all, learning who invented a mattress adds an interesting layer to your purchase, it’s amazing how far we’ve come from simple straw beds to today’s high-tech sleep systems.
Tips To Maximize Mattress Savings
Here are quick ways to get the most for your money:
- Shop around holiday weekends but don’t rush.
- Compare specs, not just prices — look at foam density, coil count, and materials.
- Ask for extras — pillows, sheets, delivery, or extended trials.
- Use price trackers if shopping online.
- Read real reviews on third-party sites, not just brand testimonials.
And remember, some of the best value mattresses are made by local or regional brands, often hidden behind the noise of national advertising.
May Is National Sleep Month (And Sales Follow)
May isn’t just about warmer weather and longer days, it’s also National Sleep Month, which means the mattress industry goes all-in on promoting better sleep. Retailers often roll out sales that last the entire month, not just over Memorial Day weekend, making it a great time to shop without the pressure of a flash sale.
Since people naturally start thinking about comfort, wellness, and fresh routines in the spring, mattress brands tap into that mindset with deals and promotions. It’s a perfect time to explore your options, compare materials, and really understand what fits your needs.
Whether you’re upgrading your main bed or buying for a guest room, May offers space to research, test, and ask questions, all without feeling rushed. If you’re focused on improving your sleep, this month gives you the perfect excuse to invest in something that truly makes a difference.
Final Thoughts: Smart Timing Means Smarter Sleep
Buying a mattress isn’t just another shopping trip. It’s an investment in your sleep, your health, and your everyday comfort. You’ll be spending a third of your life on it, so it’s worth getting it right. The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune to find something high-quality. Knowing the right time to buy a mattress can make all the difference.
By planning ahead, keeping an eye on seasonal sales, and steering clear of flashy marketing gimmicks, you set yourself up for a better deal and a better night’s sleep. The key is to shop smart, understand your needs, take your time, and be picky about what really matters to you. A little strategy goes a long way. When you get the timing right, you’re not just saving money, you’re setting yourself up for years of cozy, restful sleep.
