Best time to buy a mattress without overpaying

Verdict: Wait for a holiday weekend, unless yours has failed. The trial period is worth more than the extra discount.

When is the best time to buy a mattress? Most years, stores run mattress sales on long holiday weekends, and again around the November shopping season. Dates change each year, so check the retailer for the current offer.

Why do mattress sales repeat so often?

Many mattress brands and stores seem to be on sale all the time. The "was" price is often a high list price that few people pay. So a banner that says half off may just show the usual price. Use the three-step check from how to check price history before you buy where a chart exists, and compare the same size at two other stores.

What matters more than the discount?

The sleep trial. A mattress can feel fine in a store and wrong on night ten. Look for a trial of at least a month, and read who pays for return shipping or pickup. Some stores charge a fee or ask you to donate the mattress. Terms differ, so read the store's own page.

The warranty. Most warranties cover defects, not comfort. A protector is often required to keep it valid.

The size and thickness. Check that it fits your frame and your sheets.

The exception

If your mattress is hurting your back or sleep, do not wait for a holiday. A fair price today beats months on a bad bed. Ask a doctor if pain is a concern.

For a wider view of the calendar, read the best time to buy 10 common things.

A quick way to compare two offers

Write down the final price, the trial length, who pays to send it back and the warranty length for each offer. A lower price with a 30 day trial and a fee to return can cost more than a higher price with a free return. Also check the thickness and the size, since the same name can cover several models. Terms change by season, so read the store's own page on the day you buy.