Best Time to Buy a Mattress: Every Sale Event Worth Knowing

Timing your mattress purchase right can save you hundreds of dollars. Mattress retailers run predictable, recurring sales throughout the year — and if you know when they happen, you can shop with confidence instead of impulse.

This guide covers every major sale window, what to realistically expect, and how to avoid the common traps.

02The Mattress Sale Calendar

Mattress prices follow a pattern. Retailers discount aggressively around holidays when foot traffic spikes. Here's when the real deals happen:

January — New Year Clearance

The weeks after New Year are one of the least-hyped but genuinely good windows to buy. Retailers are clearing out previous-year models to make room for new inventory. If you don't need the latest model, January clearance can deliver solid value on name-brand mattresses.

February — Presidents' Day

Presidents' Day weekend is one of the year's stronger mattress sale events. Discounts of 20–40% off are common. This is a reliable window if Black Friday feels too frantic or you need a mattress before spring.

May — Memorial Day

Memorial Day is consistently one of the biggest mattress sales of the year. It marks the unofficial start of summer — a time when people are refreshing their bedrooms. Expect broad discounts across brands and firmness levels.

July — Fourth of July

The July 4th holiday brings mid-year sales, often with bundle deals (free pillows, mattress protectors, or adjustable base upgrades). Discounts are real but typically not as deep as Memorial Day or Black Friday.

September — Labor Day

Labor Day is the summer send-off sale. Retailers push hard to move inventory before fall. Like Memorial Day, this is a dependable window — particularly for hybrid and innerspring models.

November — Black Friday & Cyber Monday

The biggest mattress sale event of the year. See the section below for details on how to approach it.

December — Year-End Clearance

If you missed Black Friday, December gives you one more shot. Year-end clearance targets remaining stock — often discontinued models or floor samples. The selection narrows, but the prices can be deep.

03Black Friday & Cyber Monday: What to Expect

Black Friday delivers the steepest mattress discounts of the year — typically 30–50% off, sometimes more on clearance or discontinued models. Here's what makes it different from other sale windows:

  • Biggest price drops of the year — many retailers save their best offers for this window
  • Bundle deals — free pillows, mattress protectors, or adjustable bases included
  • Extended sales — most retailers stretch deals through Cyber Monday or the full week
  • Early access — signing up for store emails often unlocks pre-Black Friday pricing

Cyber Monday extends the window with online-exclusive deals. If you prefer browsing at home first and buying in-store, Cyber Monday pricing often stays live through the weekend.

04How to Shop Smart During Sales

Sales can create urgency that leads to bad decisions. These habits help you stay focused:

  • Set your budget before the sale starts. Know your upper limit so a tempting upgrade doesn't blow past it.
  • Narrow it down to 2–3 options in advance. Research mattress types, firmness, and brands before the event so you're not starting from scratch when deals go live.
  • Compare the same model across retailers. A 40% off sale price at one store might match the regular price at another.
  • Read the return policy carefully. A good trial period is more important than the sticker discount. LA Mattress offers a 120-night comfort guarantee — that protection matters more than saving $50.
  • Don't skip the in-store test. Especially if you're buying a mattress at a price point above $800, feeling the mattress in person saves returns and regret.

05Clearance vs. Sale: Know the Difference

Not all discounts are equal. Here's how to read them:

Type What It Means Good For
Holiday Sale Temporary price reduction on current models Anyone — full selection available
Clearance Permanent markdown on discontinued or floor models Budget shoppers, specific model seekers
Year-End Clearance Deep cuts on remaining stock before inventory reset Flexible shoppers open to limited selection
Bundle Deals Base price plus free accessories Shoppers who need a full sleep setup

Clearance models are often excellent quality at a real discount — but you're buying what's there, not what you originally had in mind. If you have a specific mattress in mind, stick to holiday sales.

06Why Trying a Mattress In-Store Still Matters

Online mattress reviews are helpful, but firmness ratings don't translate the same way for every body type. A mattress described as "medium" by one person might feel firm to you.

LA Mattress has 5 showrooms across Los Angeles where you can test the actual mattress before you commit. Our sleep experts can also help you narrow options based on your sleep position, body type, and any pain points. Find a location near you.

If you buy during a sale and it's not right, our comfort guarantee gives you 120 nights to decide — not just a few days.

07Who This Guide Is For

  • Good fit: Anyone planning ahead who wants to buy strategically rather than reactively
  • Good fit: Shoppers who want to understand why prices change throughout the year
  • Not needed: If you need a mattress today — just come in. Our everyday pricing is competitive and we don't play games with "fake" inflated MSRPs.

08Frequently Asked Questions

When is the single best time to buy a mattress?

Memorial Day and Black Friday are the two strongest sale events. If those don't work with your timeline, Presidents' Day and Labor Day are close behind. There's a legitimate sale roughly every two months throughout the year.

Are mattress Black Friday deals actually good or just marketing?

Both exist. At reputable retailers, Black Friday discounts on current models are real. The trap is "sale" prices that were inflated beforehand. Stick to brands and models you've already researched so you can evaluate the deal on its merits.

Should I buy a mattress online or in-store during a sale?

In-store is better if you haven't tested the mattress yet — especially for purchases over $800. Online works well for repeat purchases or when you know exactly what you want. At LA Mattress, you can browse online and buy in-store during the same sale.

What types of mattresses go on sale during Black Friday?

All types — memory foam, hybrid, latex, and innerspring. Premium brands like Tempur-Pedic and Stearns & Foster participate too, though their discounts are typically smaller.

Is financing available during sale events?

Yes. Financing options are available year-round at LA Mattress and can be combined with sale pricing. It's a good way to get a better mattress without stretching your budget in one shot.

Do clearance mattresses have warranties?

It depends. Ask before you buy. Clearance models that are discontinued may have limited or no manufacturer warranty. Floor samples may have store-only coverage. Always confirm before purchasing.

How far in advance should I start researching before a sale?

Two to four weeks. That's enough time to identify 2–3 strong candidates, read reviews, and visit a showroom to test them. Going into a sale with a short list makes it much easier to pull the trigger on the right deal.

09Ready to Shop?

If you're planning around an upcoming sale — or want to see what's in stock today — visit one of our 5 LA showrooms or browse mattresses online. Our team can help you find the right fit at the right price, no pressure.

Find a store near you | Learn about financing | Our 120-night guarantee