If you’re waking up sore, sinking into a crater of regret, or just plain tired of your old mattress, it’s time for an upgrade. But before you drop hundreds (or thousands) on a new bed, let’s talk timing because buying a mattress at the right time can save you serious cash. Not all mattress sales are created equal, and some months are downright terrible for deals. Here’s when to shop, when to wait, and how to snag the best discounts without losing sleep.
Presidents’ Day: The First Big Sale of the Year
February isn’t just for heart-shaped chocolates it’s also prime time for mattress deals. Presidents’ Day weekend (third Monday of February) kicks off the first major sale event of the year, with retailers slashing prices by 20-40%. Brands like Tempur-Pedic, Sealy, and Purple use this holiday to clear out old inventory, so if you don’t mind grabbing last year’s model, this is your moment. Bonus points if you stack the savings with a free pillow or bedding bundle (a common Presidents’ Day promo).
Memorial Day: The Best Time to Buy Before Summer
If you missed the February sales, Memorial Day (last Monday of May) is your next shot at scoring a mattress for cheap. By this point, brands are ramping up for new releases, meaning last season’s beds need to go. Expect discounts of 30-50% across major brands, plus retailers like Mattress Firm and Macy’s pushing aggressive doorbuster deals. If you’re eyeing a higher-end model (like organic latex luxury), this is a great time to find one at a reasonable price.
Fourth of July: The Underrated Sales Event
You know what pairs well with fireworks? A fresh mattress. While Fourth of July sales aren’t as famous as Memorial Day or Black Friday, they’re sneaky-good. Many brands offer sitewide sales with discounts around 20-40%, and since summer is notoriously slow for mattress sales, retailers sweeten the pot with extras like free adjustable bases or extended warranties.
Labor Day: The Gold Standard of Mattress Sales
If you want the best all-around time to buy a mattress, Labor Day (first Monday of September) is it. By this point, new mattress models have officially launched, and retailers need to get rid of old stock fast. This means massive markdowns, sometimes up to 60%, plus freebies like free shipping, sheets, and mattress protectors. Whether you’re shopping in-store or online, this is one of the biggest opportunities to snag a deal before the holiday madness begins.
Black Friday & Cyber Monday: The Deepest Discounts, But…
Yes, Black Friday and Cyber Monday (late November) bring some of the lowest prices of the year, with savings ranging from 30-70% on popular brands. But here’s the catch: Everyone is shopping, which means limited stock, shipping delays, and sometimes lower-quality models made specifically for these sales – a little-known retail trick. If you’re patient and don’t mind fighting off the online hordes, this is the cheapest time of the year to buy a mattress, just double-check the model numbers to make sure you’re not getting a budget version disguised as a deal.
New Year’s Sales: If You Can Wait Until January, Do It
January isn’t traditionally thought of as mattress season, but New Year’s sales can be surprisingly good. People are all about “new year, new you”, and retailers capitalize on that mindset with steep discounts on memory foam and hybrid beds. If you’re after something like a Casper, Nectar, or Leesa, this might be the time to strike. The downside? Selection can be limited after the Black Friday rush.
What Time of Year Should You Avoid Buying a Mattress?
March, April, and early summer (June-July) are generally the worst times to buy a mattress. Prices are high, sales are rare, and retailers aren’t in a hurry to move inventory. If you absolutely must buy during these months, look for bundle deals or financing offers to soften the blow.
When Should You Buy?
If you’re looking for the best time to buy a mattress, your top choices are:
- Labor Day: best all-around discounts and variety
- Black Friday & Cyber Monday: biggest markdowns, but be cautious of “sale models”
- Presidents’ Day & Memorial Day: great for clearance deals
Need one ASAP? Check out a July 4th or New Year’s sale, just don’t expect the same jaw-dropping price cuts as peak sale events. If you’re already suffering through bad sleep, waiting for the perfect deal might not be worth another three months of tossing and turning.