Identifying the Best Deals and Sales Periods
When it comes to purchasing a mattress at the best possible price, timing is everything. The most opportune times to find a mattress on sale are typically during major holidays, end-of-season clearances, and during retail events such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or Presidents’ Day. Apart from these, the month of May is often considered the ideal time to buy a mattress, as this is when retailers typically roll out new models and look to clear out older inventory.
Annual Sale Events and Holidays
New Year Sales
The New Year brings resolutions and the promise of fresh starts, and for retailers, this means enticing customers with sales. It is an excellent time to start looking for a mattress, as stores may be still trying to push the last bits of their previous year’s inventory.
Presidents’ Day
Taking place on the third Monday in February, Presidents’ Day is renowned for its mattress sales. As one of the first major sale holidays of the year, retailers often offer significant discounts to attract customers who are ready to update their homes at the start of the year.
Memorial Day
Late May is a prime time for mattress shopping. New mattress models traditionally hit the market in June, making May the month where companies are clearing out older models to make room. The Memorial Day weekend sales are a perfect opportunity to snag a high-quality mattress at a lower price.
Our Top 5 Mattress Picks
Updated September 2026EGOHOME 8-Inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress, Full, Medium Firm
Best for most bedrooms. A medium-firm green tea memory foam mattress with a cooling gel layer, delivered rolled in a box.
- Full size, 8 in
- Medium firm
- Cooling green tea gel
- CertiPUR-US, fiberglass free
OhGeni Queen Air Mattress with Built-in Pump, 18-Inch Raised
Best for guests and camping. Inflates in about three minutes with the built-in pump and sits 18 inches off the floor, so it feels like a real bed.
- Queen, 18 in raised
- Built-in pump
- 800 lb capacity
- Waterproof PVC
Novilla 6-Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress, Twin
Best budget twin. A slim gel memory foam twin that suits kids' rooms, bunk beds and trundles where a thick mattress won't fit.
- Twin, 6 in
- Gel memory foam
- Cooling
- CertiPUR-US
Zinus 8-Inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress, Twin
Best-known brand. Zinus's long-running green tea foam design in twin size, with both CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX certified materials.
- Twin, 8 in
- Green tea memory foam
- CertiPUR-US & OEKO-TEX
GAESTE 8-Inch Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress, Full, Medium Feel
Best for hot sleepers. Cooling gel memory foam with a medium feel, plus a machine-washable, anti-slip cover you can actually clean.
- Full size, 8 in
- Medium feel
- Cooling gel foam
- Washable cover
- Fiberglass free
Fourth of July
Patriotic fervor brings not only fireworks but also fantastic mattress deals. During the Fourth of July, retailers slash prices and might throw in some extras like pillows or mattress protectors to sweeten the deal.
Labor Day
The first Monday in September offers another chance to find mattresses at competitive prices. Labor Day sales often extend over the weekend, giving shoppers ample time to browse different offers and retailers.
Veterans Day
In honor of those who have served, Veterans Day also serves as an opportunity for mattress retailers to serve up deals. This holiday falls in November and can provide savings just before the shopping chaos of Black Friday commences.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday
The retail holidays right after Thanksgiving — Black Friday and Cyber Monday — are some of the most hectic, yet rewarding days to buy a mattress. With huge price reductions and special online deals, this is the time when you can find premium mattresses for a fraction of the cost.
Seasonal Changes and Store Inventory Cycles
In the retail world, everything has a season, and mattresses are no exception. Understanding inventory cycles can be crucial for finding the best deals.
End of Winter/Early Spring
During March and April, retailers are looking to make room for new stock. This makes it a perfect time for bargain hunters to purchase last season’s models.
May: The Golden Month
As mentioned before, new mattress models will typically come out in June. So, May is the golden month for mattress shopping. It’s during this time that retailers become most aggressive with their sales in order to clear out old stock.
Unannounced Sales and Discounts
Sometimes, sales happen without a significant holiday or season change to anchor them. It’s wise to keep an eye on your favorite mattress brands or subscribe to their newsletters for any unannounced sales. Additionally, some retailers have exclusive offers available only to their email subscribers or social media followers.
Online vs. In-Store Mattress Shopping
The rise of online mattress companies has changed the landscape of mattress sales. Internet-based mattress brands often have ongoing promotions that could rival traditional in-store sale events. Plus, the convenience of trying a mattress out in your own home with money-back guarantees can make online shopping an attractive alternative.
Online Exclusive Sales
Many online mattress companies offer exclusive online sales and year-round discounts. This often includes holidays where brick-and-mortar stores are closed, giving online retailers a unique advantage.
In-store Negotiation
Shopping in person may offer the advantage of negotiation. While this doesn’t work with all retailers, some stores might be willing to drop the price further, throw in a free mattress protector or bedding set, or offer better financing terms if you’re willing to haggle.
The Role of Coupons and Discounts
In addition to sales, coupons and promo codes can significantly reduce mattress prices. Often available online, these incentives are either directly from the mattress company or through third-party discount sites.
Future Considerations: Sales Trends and Consumer Data
Understanding previous years’ trends and consumer behavior can also be helpful. For instance, if a certain model has continually gone on sale during a particular period, it’s likely it may do so again. Staying informed about industry news can also provide hints about when the next big sale might occur.
How to Prepare for Mattress Shopping
When you know the best times to buy a mattress, it’s important to also be ready to make the purchase. Here are a few tips to prepare:
- Set a budget and stick to it to avoid overspending.
- Research beforehand to know which type of mattress you want.
- Check out reviews and ratings to ensure quality purchases.
- Be ready to act quickly as some sales may be limited in stock or time.
Finishing Thoughts
In summary, the best time to buy a mattress on sale is generally during major holiday weekends, end-of-season clearances, or during special retail events throughout the year, with May being particularly notable. Whether you decide to shop online for convenience and year-round sales, or in a store where you might negotiate better deals, keep an eye on sales trends, prepare by doing proper research, and always look for additional coupons and discounts. With this approach, you’ll be better positioned to find a mattress that provides comfort, support, and, importantly, great value for money.
