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The Best Time to Buy a Mattress: Your Ultimate Guide
Read this article to know the best time to buy a mattress. Learn the different mattress types, when to replace yours, plus tips for scoring a good mattress deal.
Going mattress shopping is an adventure, especially if your ideal destination is deep and restful sleep. Remember, great zzzs are crucial for your overall health and well-being. So, sleeping on the right mattress makes all the difference.
Choosing a mattress is a balancing act between comfort and support. Finding the right one without breaking the bank is also challenging. Think of it this way: a mattress is more than just a place to crash. It’s one of the essential sleep products for creating the ideal environment for good zzzs — comfy, quiet, dark and cool.
So, are you ready to explore the world of mattress shopping? Thought so. Let’s get started.
Key Takeaways
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The best time to buy a mattress is during spring, holiday weekends and big sales, to name a few.
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Choose your mattress wisely. Consider the type of mattress along with its firmness and suitability to your body type.
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Generally, a mattress has a lifespan of 10 years, but it also depends on its materials and how well it is maintained.
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Typically, you should replace your mattress after 10 years of use. However, if you notice signs of wear and tear, do it sooner.
Table of Contents
When Is the Best Time to Buy a Mattress?
Consider this: when you buy your mattress, it influences how much you spend, your options and even the product's quality. Yep. Timing matters.
So, whether you're a pro at finding deals or someone who prioritizes sleep above all else, knowing the right time to purchase a mattress is vital to good zzzs.
What’s the Best Time of Year to Buy a Mattress?
Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the Fourth of July are excellent times to buy a new mattress. Stores often attract customers with deals and special offers during these extended holiday weekends.
Spring is another great time of year to purchase a mattress. As the urge to spring clean peaks, stores are keen to empty their shelves to make space for new products. It’s an opportunity to score an excellent bargain on mattresses from the previous year.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are kind of like the Super Bowl of mattress bargains. Stores go all out, offering hefty price cuts, combo packages, and a variety of tempting promotions.
Come January and February, the post-holiday slump means retailers are determined to move their inventory. Expect fantastic clearance prices on top-notch mattresses.
How to Buy a Mattress: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you’ve got the timing down let’s explore the art of buying a mattress like a pro:
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Do your research. Before you waltz into a mattress shop, familiarize yourself with the different types. Know what they’re made of and what will work best for your sleep habits and body needs.
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Set a budget. High-quality mattresses tend to be pricey, so set a budget and stick to it. Yes, a restful night's sleep is essential, but it shouldn’t require overspending unless you have special medical needs.
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Try out different mattresses. Don't be shy! Test as many as you can, and don't rush. Bring your pillow and dress in comfy clothes to truly experience the mattress.
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Don't be afraid to haggle, especially during a sale or holiday weekend. You may get a better deal with a bit of negotiation. Retailers expect some haggling, and you might be amazed by your savings.
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Factor in delivery and setup. Some stores might provide free delivery or setup for specific items, so remember to ask.
What Should You Consider When Buying a Mattress for the First Time?
Making your first mattress purchase? Apart from the step-by-step guide in the previous section, here are factors to consider:
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Pick out a comfortable mattress. Just because it is a big brand or promises tons of features, it's not for you if it doesn’t feel right. That’s why trying it out is so important.
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Consider your sleeping position. Are you a back sleeper? Choose a mattress with a medium to medium-firm firmness. Are you a side sleeper? Go for a memory foam mattress that’ll support your neck, shoulders, back and hips. Sleep on your stomach? Pick a medium-firm to firm mattress to keep your spine aligned.
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Choose the mattress size according to your body type and how you sleep. For example, if you’re of a petite build, a twin mattress works. However, a queen-size mattress is a better option if you like to sleep sprawled out.
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Consider firmness. It may vary according to the brand. Test the mattress to see if it has the firmness you want.
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Check out verified shopper reviews online. Nothing beats a thumbs up (or down) from someone who has used the mattress. It’ll help you make an informed decision.
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Make sure the mattress has a warranty. This sleep product is an investment, and you want to ensure you get your money’s worth.
What Are the Best Types of Mattresses?
Okay, so now that you know how to buy a mattress, let's take a look at the different types:
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Innerspring Mattresses: These traditional mattresses have a coil-based support structure, delivering a bouncy, responsive feel.
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Memory Foam Mattresses: Memory foam contours to your body's curves, relieves pressure and minimizes movement.
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Hybrid Mattresses: They’re a blend of innerspring coils and memory foam layers, delivering comfort and support.
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Latex Mattresses: These are crafted from either natural or synthetic latex. They’re famous for their long-lasting durability, quick responsiveness, and excellent breathability.
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Adjustable Air Mattresses: These feature adjustable air chambers that let you customize mattress firmness to your preferred comfort level.
How Long Should a Mattress Last?
So, how long do they last? It’s not as straightforward as you might think. The longevity of a mattress depends on several factors, such as:
Mattress Type
In general, most mattresses last up to 10 years. However, different materials have specific lifespans.
Innerspring mattresses typically last up to 7 years. They’re the least long-lasting among the mattress types. Meanwhile, a memory foam mattress’ lifespan depends on its density. The denser it is, the longer it lasts. Most memory foam mattresses last up to 10 years.
On the other hand, a hybrid mattress may last up to 10 years. Latex mattresses are known for their durability, lasting up to 12 years. However, according to Homes & Gardens, proper maintenance of a natural latex mattress can make it last up to 20 years(1).
Finally, adjustable air mattresses can last approximately 8 years or more.
Usage and Body Weight
If you often toss and turn during the night or lounge in bed more than most, your mattress will show signs of wear and tear sooner.
People with a higher body weight generally exert more force on a mattress, leading to quicker wear and tear. If you’re a plus-size sleeper (more to love!), choose a mattress that adequately supports your body weight.
Care and Maintenance
Nothing shortens your mattress’ lifespan more than neglect. If you want your mattress to last long, care for it well. Rotate and flip it regularly. Use a protective cover and keep it clean.
As a general rule, replace your mattress every 7 to 10 years. However, if you start seeing and feeling dips and bumps or an overall decrease in support, don’t wait to get a new mattress. We’ll discuss this further in the next section.
How Often Should You Replace a Mattress?
The truth is there's no single right way for how often you should replace your mattress. It depends on factors such as:
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Sleep Quality: If your mattress has become uncomfortable, your sleep quality suffers. You’ll have a more challenging time drifting off and staying asleep with a mattress that’s in (dire) need of replacing.
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Visible Signs of Wear and Tear: If you notice dips, lumps, or uneven surfaces on your mattress, it's a clear sign that you need to make the change.
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Body Changes: Your body changes as you age, which means your once comfortable mattress may no longer be suited to you.
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Allergies or Asthma: Replace your mattress if your allergy flare-ups are becoming more frequent or you start having difficulty breathing. It’s a sign of dust mites and other allergens sharing your bed. (Sometimes, even the most thorough cleaning won’t eliminate them.)
As mentioned earlier, the pros recommend replacing your mattress every 7 to 10 years. Remember the issues we discussed above. If you’re experiencing them, then it's time to start mattress shopping sooner.
What Are Tips for Getting the Best Deal on a Mattress?
Snagging a great deal on a mattress is so satisfying! Shop smart to prevent regretting your purchase. You already know the best time to buy a mattress, plus the importance of haggling. Here are some additional tips and hacks to help you land the best mattress bargain:
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Bundle and Save: Many retailers offer discounts if you buy a mattress and other products such as a box spring, bedframe or bedding.
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Check for Financing Options: Some retailers offer zero-interest financing or installment plans, making purchasing that luxury mattress easier on your wallet.
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Check for Warranties and Return Policies: This is a reminder to ensure your mattress has a warranty. You should also look for a good return policy that’ll give you peace of mind and protect your investment.
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Shop Online: Buying a mattress online often saves you money. Online retailers usually have lower operating expenses to offer better deals. Remember to read customer reviews and the return policy before clicking the buy button. (The downside to this, though, is you can’t test the mattress before purchasing it.)
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Coupons and Promo Codes: Hunt for discounts, promotional codes, and cashback deals online to maximize your savings.
Conclusion: Make Your Mattress Purchase Worthwhile
Congratulations! Now, you know the best time to buy a mattress (and then some).
We hope you find the mattress of your dreams using the tips and information in this blog post. Consider other sleep aids, like bedding and 100% blackout sleep masks, to boost your sleep quality.
Good sleep is invaluable. It gives you the energy to live your best life every day. Investing in an excellent mattress is prioritizing your zzzs and overall well-being.
Shop smart and sleep well!
Sources:
(1) “How long should a mattress last?” Homes & Gardens, www.homesandgardens.com/shopping/how-long-should-a-mattress-last. Accessed 12 August 2024.
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