Top Tips for Saving on a Mattress... It's All About Timing

Is your current mattress giving you issues? If it’s feeling lumpy, springs are sticking out, or you’re simply concerned about the allergens that have collected over the course of the last seven years (or more!), you’re due for an upgrade. Yet mattresses can be a big-ticket item.

You may be wondering if there’s a time of year when you can save significantly on your next mattress.

The short answer is yes! If you’re willing to wait a few weeks or months for the best deal to roll around, you may be able to buy a mattress at a more affordable cost.

We’ve written this short guide on the best time of year to go mattress shopping so that you can weigh your choices and make the best decision for your financial and physical comfort. Let’s dive in!

Mattresses Throughout the Year

If you need a new TV, you’ll likely wait until Cyber Monday. A new car? Studies show that December is the best time to purchase new wheels. As with these other items, the cost of mattresses varies with the seasons.

However, thanks to unique features of the industry, there’s more than one good month to buy a mattress. The following are all great times of year to buy a mattress:

• February – Three-day weekends are generally a great time to buy mattresses, and President’s Day is no exception. As mattress manufacturers gear up to release new models in the spring, you may find steep discounts on last year’s mattresses. Beat the winter blahs by upgrading your sleep situation.

• May – Like President’s Day, Memorial Day is well-known for its mattress sales. You may find even steeper discounts at retail stores seeking to free up space for new spring inventory. This can be the perfect way to use your tax refund. Kick off your summer with a new breathable mattress to keep you cool as the temperatures rise! 

• July – Declare independence from sleepless nights thanks to Fourth of July mattress sales. This is another great holiday weekend for discounts, including mattress sales. Since many manufacturers have refreshed their stock by July, you may find deals on state-of-the-art hybrid mattresses. 

• September – Fall into comfort on Labor Day. With holiday expenses right around the corner, September can be a great time to buy something on your wishlist while you still have the savings. 

• November – Retailers celebrate moving into the black with Black Friday and Cyber Monday. If you’re hoping to buy a mattress in-person during this busy shopping period, prepare for crowds taking advantage of sales at retail stores. If you’re buying online, wait until Cyber Monday to maximize your savings.

If you need a mattress as soon as possible, simply circle the next date with potential savings and get ready to shop sales. 

If you’re looking to purchase a new mattress within the next 6-12 months, spend the intervening time doing research on the right mattress for your needs so that you’re prepared to make a purchase when the right sale rolls around. Whether you’re replacing your bed because of allergens, a need for better sleep, or just cause, it’s always a good idea to try and save money.

Other Factors to Consider

Now you know when to buy a mattress. However, there are several other purchasing factors that can impact your total savings, including where you buy your mattress and the kind of mattress you choose.

Where to Buy Your Mattress

Where should you buy a mattress? In a retail store, or online?

Both methods have their pros and cons.

• Brick and Mortar Stores – Many people want to try their mattress before they buy it. In this case, you’ll need to make a visit to a retail store. Another benefit of the in-person retail experience is the potential to haggle over your mattress price. The biggest downside to traditional retail? Commercial space and retail staff are expensive. The only way for retailers to cover for these costs is to mark up mattresses. In addition, you’ll likely have to pay for delivery—that, or experiment with driving your new mattress down the freeway!

• Online Retailers – Thanks to reduced overhead costs, online mattress retailers can offer their products at a more affordable price. You won’t be able to haggle, but you can take advantage of online sales, referral discounts, and Cyber Monday specials. Flexible return policies make it easy to return your mattress. For example, Casper considers the first 100 days after purchase as your sleep trial period. In addition, you can have your mattress shipped straight to your door—often for free.

Want to try your mattress in person before buying it online? That’s possible! You can stop by one of our 50 retail locations throughout the U.S. and try the mattress yourself before you buy it. 

It’s easier than ever to try your mattress in person and then take advantage of online buying.

Mattress Type

There’s no point in getting a steeply discounted mattress if it’s the wrong mattress for you. Research to see which kind of mattress suits your needs:

• Memory foam – Supportive, durable memory foam has changed the mattress world forever. Memory foam collects fewer allergens, lasts longer, and provides superior support for side, back, and stomach sleepers alike. 

• Spring – Traditional spring mattresses have some advantages, including increased airflow. This can be helpful for hot sleepers. They are sometimes more affordable than their memory foam counterparts.

• Hybrid – Combine the best of both worlds with a spring and memory foam mattress for support and airflow, all-in-one.

You should also consider the overall cost of a new bed frame (if needed). While spring mattresses are often placed on box springs, foam and hybrid mattresses can be placed directly on a frame. However, they’ll need plenty of support from wooden slats.

Try out several kinds of firmnesses and materials at a mattress showroom so you can determine which works best for you. Then, find the right weekend to buy your new mattress and bed frame!

When Do I Need a New Mattress?

Are you unsure whether you actually need a new mattress? 

Different mattresses have different lifespans:

• Innerspring mattresses should last 7-10 years
• Memory foam mattresses should last 10-15 years
• Gel memory foam should last 10-15 years

However, while your mattress should last for 10 years, that doesn’t mean it will. What can affect the longevity of your mattress?

• Quality
• Moisture and humidity
• Presence of allergens

If you’re uncomfortable on a mattress you’ve had for five years, it could be because you purchased a low-quality mattress made with materials that degraded quickly. In some cases, mattresses come with a warranty, and you can get a replacement on the manufacturer’s dime.

However, it’s also possible that your body’s needs have changed due to injuries, hormones, or other factors.

Our rule of thumb? If you’re unable to get a good night’s sleep on your current mattress, it’s time for a new one. An investment in better sleep is an investment in your overall wellness and longevity.

While You’re Waiting, Upgrade Your Bed

If you’re reading this in December, you might feel discouraged. You’re sleeping hot, and you wake up with a sore back more mornings than not. Do you really have to wait until February to get better sleep?

No! Look for online sales and discount codes year-round.

In addition, you can always take advantage of financing with Affirm or another lender to make your payments manageable.

However, if you can wait a few months, there are other ways to upgrade your sleep situation.

Pillows

Are your lumpy, dusty pillows preventing you from achieving optimal alignment of your neck and spine? 

Upgrade your pillow situation, choosing from:

• Memory foam – Experience the benefits of memory foam before you commit to a mattress with these plush, supportive pillows.

• Down – Feather-filled, soft pillows are ideal for back sleepers. They’re also machine washable so you can say goodbye to allergens.

• Down alternatives – Whether you’re avoiding animal products or simply looking for something new, airy and supportive, down alternatives provide the best of both down and memory foam’s features.

Sheets and Mattress Covers 

A cooling mattress cover can be a temporary fix for a less-than-perfect mattress. Create a protective layer between your body and any irritants while also experiencing cooler sleep.

Likewise, the right sheets can make all the difference. If you struggle to fall and stay asleep, heat or skin irritation may be the culprit. A new set of sheets can help you feel like you have a brand-new bed.

Buy your new mattress in the same size as your current mattress so you’ll be able to use these new accessories for years to come.

Casper for Year-Round Comfort

Are you looking to improve your sleep? Take advantage of our year-round sheet, mattress protector, and pillow bundles to upgrade your bedroom right away.

When you’re ready to purchase a Casper mattress, try out our three hybrid and memory foam models in retail stores and Casper locations throughout the U.S. Each uses state-of-the-art technology to help you get better sleep on a nightly basis.

Buy your mattress online and get free shipping directly to your door (within the contiguous U.S.). Don’t wait for the next online sale—at Casper, it’s always the best time to buy a mattress. 

Sources:

The Spruce. Learn When to Replace a Mattress. https://www.thespruce.com/how-often-to-replace-mattresses-1391234