If you're sleeping on a saggy bed, waking up with aches, or dreading bedtime, it’s probably time for a new mattress. But when should you actually buy one?
As someone who’s spent the last decade testing over 600 mattresses—ranging from luxury hybrids to budget memory foam—I’ve learned that timing your purchase can make a massive difference. I’m not talking 5% off—we’re talking hundreds in savings, bundled accessories, white-glove delivery, and sometimes even risk-free 365-night trials.
So, when is the best time to buy a mattress? Let's dig into the data, industry cycles, and insider sales patterns; pllus a few personal pro tips to help you maximize value.
TL;DR... What is the best time of year to buy a mattress?
The best times to buy a mattress are:
- Holiday Weekends (especially Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Presidents Day)
- Early Spring (March–April) for new model rollouts
- Black Friday / Cyber Monday
- End of the Year(clearance deals on discontinued models)
- Anniversary Sales (especially from online DTC brands like Saatva, Helix, or Tempur-Pedic)
But timing alone won’t guarantee you a good deal. You need to know how to shop, too.
Why timing matters: mattress pricing trends
The mattress industry follows predictable retail cycles, just like fashion or electronics. New inventory tends to launch in the spring, which means older models go on deep discount beforehand. Meanwhile, online brands ramp up promotions around major holidays to compete in a crowded market.
Here’s what most people don’t realize: Mattress margins are high—even up to 50%—so there's plenty of wiggle room for retailers to offer big markdowns during promotional periods.
Best times of year to buy a mattress
Let’s break down the best buying windows and what makes each one valuable:
1. Presidents Day (mid-February)
Presidents Day often flies under the radar, but many DTC brands and big-box retailers use this weekend to kick off their first major sale of the year. Expect:
- 15–25% off sitewide
- Free pillows or sheets bundled in
- Limited-time upgrade offers (e.g., free base or adjustable frame
Pro Tip: If you're eyeing a luxury mattress (think: Sleep Number, Stearns & Foster), this is a great time to snag an upscale model without paying MSRP.
2. March & April: pre-spring refresh
Most manufacturers roll out new models around March and April. To make room, retailers slash prices on older inventory.
You’ll often find:
- Last year’s top-rated beds at 20–40% off
- Floor models or open-box returns at massive discounts
- Retailers bundling older accessories (mattress toppers, protectors)
My Take: This is one of the most underrated times to shop. Mattress shopping hits a post-Presidents Day seasonal lull, so brands offer extra incentives to get people to buy during March and April.
3. Memorial Day (late May)
Memorial Day has become a mattress-buying staple—and for good reason. Expect full-on sales across nearly every brand and retailer.
Common deals:
- 20–35% off across product lines
- Accessory bundles worth $300–$600
- Free shipping, extended trial windows
Insider Insight: Many brands set their lowest spring prices during this time, especially on crowd-pleasers like the Helix Midnight Luxe or the WinkBed.
4. Fourth of July & Labor Day
Both holidays hit during peak “back-to-school” shopping season, which retailers leverage to attract students, parents, and new homeowners.
You’ll find:
- Steep discounts on budget and mid-range models
- Aggressive promotions from online-only brands like Nectar or Bear
- Inventory clear-outs in brick-and-mortar stores
5. Black Friday & Cyber Monday (late November)
This is the most hyped mattress sales window of the year—and for good reason.
Expect:
- 25–40% off across DTC brands
- Sitewide tiered discounts (spend more, save more)
- Upgraded shipping or adjustable base promos
Caveat: Inventory moves fast, and customer support can get overloaded during Black Friday, so be decisive.
6. End of year & New Year sales
From late December through early January, retailers often clear out discontinued models and overstocked SKUs.
Perks include:
- Best deals on showroom floor models
- Rare markdowns on premium luxury brands
- Added perks like white-glove delivery or extended returns
One year, I snagged a showroom model of a Stearns & Foster Reserve mattress (normally $3,500+) for just over $1,800.
What about online mattress sales?
Direct-to-consumer mattress brands (think: Casper, Saatva, Avocado, WinkBed, etc.) offer more frequent discounts throughout the year—but the best values still align with major holidays.
DTC brands to watch for holiday sales:
- Helix:Tiered sitewide discounts + free pillows
- Brooklyn Bedding: 25% off + bundles
- Nectar: Flash sales with up to 40% off
- Bear: Excellent bundles with cooling accessories
Watch brand anniversary sales too—many startups celebrate with flash deals or limited drops.
Should you wait for a sale?
Only wait if:
- You’re not in pain or losing sleep
- Your current mattress is still usable
- You have time to comparison-shop
Don’t wait if:
- Your mattress is causing back pain or poor sleep
- You already found a solid discount (20–30%) on a well-reviewed model
- You need a bed for a move or guest room soon
Sleep is health. Saving $100 isn’t worth another 3 months of shoulder pain.
My advice? Buy when it’s best for you
While data shows you’ll find the steepest mattress discounts around holidays and model transitions, the real best time to buy is when your body is asking for it.
The best night’s sleep I ever had came from a mattress I bought on a random Tuesday in April, not Black Friday. Why? Because it was the right bed, and I was done waking up tired.
If you see a great price on a mattress with strong reviews, a long trial period, and free returns, don’t wait for a slightly better deal.
Final thoughts
Timing your mattress purchase strategically can save you serious cash, but don’t let perfect be the enemy of good. Sales come and go, but good sleep is priceless.
Recap: the best times to buy a mattress
- Presidents Day
- March–April Model Changeovers
- Memorial Day
- Labor Day
- Black Friday / Cyber Monday
- End of Year Clearance
Keep your eye on the calendar. But more importantly, listen to your body.
