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A new mattress is a big investment, so you want to make sure you get the best bang for your buck. Finding the best time to buy a mattress impacts price, most people’s biggest factor. However, price isn’t the only thing to consider when you start mattress shopping, but it’s undeniably important. On top of factors like size, firmness, and material, you want to know you’re getting a good deal.
Shopping for a new mattress used to be a matter of driving to your nearest mattress dealer to see what they had in stock. While some of those brick-and-mortar stores still exist today, the majority of mattress sales have gone online. Shopping for a mattress online gives you the opportunity to compare prices and, best of all, take advantage of seasonal deals.
Here’s what you need to know to get the best deal on a new mattress.
When Should You Replace Your Mattress?
Before you start shopping for a new mattress, take a moment to make sure it’s the right decision. Mattresses can be pricey, so you want to make sure you get as much life out of yours as possible before you have to replace it. That being said, there are certain signs to look for which indicate it’s time for a change.
Here are some signs it’s times to replace your mattress:
- It has started to sag in the middle or at the corners
- One side is higher, lower, softer, or lumpier than the other
- It has become lumpy or bumpy throughout
- It’s developed indentations or imprints of your body
- The springs have started to squeak or groan
- The edges of the mattress have started to fray or tear open
- You wake up several times throughout the night
- It takes you a long time to get comfortable enough to fall asleep
- You wake up with pain, stiffness, or soreness in the morning
Generally speaking, mattresses last for about 7 to 10 years with proper cleaning and maintenance. The higher the quality of the materials and the firmer your mattress, the longer it will last without sagging or developing indentations. Using a proper foundation for your mattress can extend its life as well.
The Best Time to Buy a Mattress
If you have your heart set on a new mattress, take a moment to think about the qualities you’re looking for in a new mattress then start looking for deals. If getting a new mattress isn’t an immediate concern, it pays to take your time with the search to make sure you get the best price.
May
The best time to buy a mattress, both online and in stores, is the month of May. Mattress manufacturers often roll out new products in June, so May is when you’re likely to find the best deals on inventory they need to clear out to make room. In stores, you can save up to 50% on a new mattress and many online mattress dealers offer up to 30% savings. Plus, Memorial Day falls in May which opens up a whole new wave of deals and discounts.
Late Winter/Early Spring
While May is when you’re likely to get the best deals, you may find your options somewhat limited by the inventory any individual store has leftover. If you have a certain manufacturer in mind or if you want to compare a variety of options, the later winter or early spring is a great time to shop. Some manufacturers start clearing out inventory in March and April to avoid having to scramble when May rolls around.
Holiday Weekends
Retailers in every industry typically time their promotions to correlated with holiday weekends. Memorial Day in May, Labor Day in September, and even President’s Day in February yield plenty of savings – and don’t forget whatever weekend happens to fall closest to the Fourth of July. Federal holidays where people have the day off work are generally the best when it comes to discounts.
Black Friday
Though most holiday weekends yield sales on mattresses, the biggest shopping days of the year fall between Thanksgiving Day and the end of November. Black Friday – the day after Thanksgiving – is known for being filled with consumer chaos but it’s also a great opportunity to snag an unbeatable deal. If you’re shopping online, Cyber Monday – the Monday after Thanksgiving – is your best bet.
When NOT to Shop for a Mattress
The truth is, most mattress dealers offer sales and discounts throughout the year, so you’re unlikely to have to pay full price if you don’t want to. If you simply can’t stand your mattress any longer, it’s not worth the pain and suffering to wait weeks or even months to get a good deal. You can’t put a price on quality sleep, so do yourself a favor and upgrade your mattress when it becomes necessary.
That being said, it’s not the best time to buy a mattress in the summer after new products are released, in the early fall before the holiday season, and in the beginning of January. In these situations, you’re likely to pay full price. These are the times of year when manufacturers have plenty of stock, so they don’t tend to offer as many promotions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I pay for a good mattress?
The cost of a new mattress varies greatly depending on the size, construction, and materials. Generally speaking, however, you can expect to pay between $200 and $1500 for a mattress. Premium mattresses can cost upwards of $3,000 but for a decent queen-sized mattress you should be prepared to spend about $1,000.
Where is the best place to buy a mattress?
While buying a mattress used to require a visit to your local mattress dealer, that’s no longer the case. You can still shop at brick-and-mortar mattress shops, but many manufacturers have begun to sell only online. Online mattress stores are a great place to find unique mattresses and competitive pricing.
Is a good mattress worth the money?
If you consider the fact that the average person spends about a third of their life sleeping, a good mattress is definitely worth the investment. You don’t necessarily need to shell out a fortune for a premium model, but don’t waste your money on a cheap mattress made from poor quality materials. It won’t deliver the support and pressure relief you need and it won’t last you very long.