Best Time to Buy Mattresses (Memory Foam) (2026 Guide)
Save 30-50% on memory foam mattresses by timing your purchase right. Here's exactly when to buy.
Are you in the market for a new memory foam mattress? Prices can swing dramatically throughout the year—up to 50% off during peak sale events. Waiting just a few months could save you hundreds of dollars. This guide reveals the best and worst times to buy, month-by-month breakdowns, and specific product recommendations to maximize your savings. Whether you need a budget Twin or a premium King, timing is everything.
Executive Summary
The best time to buy memory foam mattresses is during Black Friday week (late November). Save 30-50% compared to regular prices. If you can't wait, early January or Prime Day (July) are also excellent opportunities for 20-40% off.
Why Timing Matters
Mattress manufacturers follow a predictable seasonal cycle: new models debut in spring, and retailers clear out old inventory during holiday sales. Prices can fluctuate by $300-$1000 on the same mattress depending on the month. For example, the popular Nectar Memory Foam Mattress typically sells for $799 but drops to $499 on Black Friday. By understanding this cycle, you can avoid paying full price and time your purchase for maximum savings.
Best Time to Buy: Black Friday Week
Expected Savings: 30-50%
Black Friday is the holy grail for mattress deals. Retailers compete aggressively, often offering their lowest prices of the year on memory foam mattresses. Many brands also include free pillows, sheets, or bed frames as bonuses. The deals start online as early as Monday before Thanksgiving and continue through Cyber Monday. Historically, prices are 30-50% off MSRP, with luxury brands like Tempur-Pedic seeing rare discounts.
What to Expect:
- 30-50% off MSRP on most memory foam mattresses
- Free accessories (pillows, sheets, bed frame) with purchase
- Extended warranties or free trial periods
- Flash sales and limited-time offers
- Price matching guarantees from major retailers like Amazon
- Bundle deals (mattress + foundation + pillows)
- Increased availability of premium brands at discount
- Lowest prices of the year on online-only brands like Casper, Purple
Alternative: Prime Day & January Clearance
Prime Day in July is Amazon's biggest sale, and mattress brands frequently offer sitewide discounts similar to Black Friday—but often slightly lower at 20-35% off. January is a clearance period as retailers clear out older models to make room for spring releases. During these times, you can still find excellent deals, especially on previous generation models.
Worst Time to Buy
The worst time to buy a memory foam mattress is during late spring (April-May) and early summer (June) before major sales. New models are released in spring, and retailers keep prices high to maximize profits on fresh inventory. You'll likely pay full MSRP with few discounts. Also, avoid buying during August when back-to-school promotions shift focus to other categories, leaving mattress deals scarce. During these months, savings are typically 0-10% at best.
Month-by-Month Breakdown
Recommended Products
1. Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress
The Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress is a top-rated budget option, combining pressure-relieving memory foam with a refreshing green tea infusion to combat odors. It comes in multiple thicknesses (6, 8, 10, 12 inches) and fits most bed frames. Perfect for guest rooms or tight budgets, it offers a medium-firm feel that suits back and stomach sleepers. The mattress is compressed and rolls for easy setup.
Best Time to Buy: Buy during Prime Day or Black Friday for up to 20% off.
2. Linenspa 10 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress
The Linenspa 10 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress combines a high-density base foam with a gel memory foam layer to provide a cooler sleep surface. It has a medium-firm feel that appeals to most sleepers. The cover is soft and removable. At under $300 for a queen, it's one of the best value memory foam mattresses on Amazon, with over 100,000 positive ratings.
Best Time to Buy: Best price during Prime Day or Black Friday; often drops to $219.
3. Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress is a direct-to-consumer favorite, featuring a 365-night trial and lifetime warranty. It has a medium-firm feel with a quilted top layer that provides plush comfort without sinking. The foam layers include a cooling gel memory foam that helps regulate temperature. Nectar frequently runs promotions, often including free pillows or a mattress protector.
Best Time to Buy: Black Friday is best; often drops to $549 with free pillows.
4. Casper Original Foam Mattress
The Casper Original Foam Mattress features three layers of foam: a breathable open-cell top, a zoned support middle layer, and a durable base. The zoned support provides extra firmness at the hips and softer foam at the shoulders for spinal alignment. It's a great balance of comfort and support, suitable for all sleeping positions. Casper often includes free sheets or pillows in their sales.
Best Time to Buy: Black Friday can save 20-30%; also watch for Casper's own site sales.
5. Purple Gel Flex Mattress
The Purple Gel Flex Mattress uses a hyper-elastic polymer gel grid that adapts to pressure and never loses its shape. It provides excellent airflow and stays cool throughout the night. The grid technology is especially good for pressure points like hips and shoulders. Purple mattresses are durable and have a unique feel—not too soft, not too firm.
Best Time to Buy: Best deals on Black Friday and Fourth of July; up to 30% off.
6. Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt Medium Hybrid Mattress
The Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt Medium Hybrid combines the iconic TEMPUR memory foam with a support coil system for enhanced edge support and airflow. It offers the famous pressure-relieving comfort that molds to your body while reducing motion transfer. This is a premium mattress for those who want the best sleep experience and are willing to invest.
Best Time to Buy: Tempur-Pedic rarely discounts deeply; best chance is Black Friday (20% off).
7. Saatva Classic Memory Foam Mattress
The Saatva Classic Memory Foam Mattress is an innerspring hybrid that also includes a memory foam comfort layer for pressure relief. It offers three firmness levels (Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, Firm) and two heights (11.5" and 14.5"). Saatva is known for its high-quality construction, organic cotton cover, and free white-glove delivery. It's a favorite among luxury mattress reviewers.
Best Time to Buy: Saatva runs rare sales (15% off) around Black Friday and Memorial Day.
8. Lucid 10 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress
The Lucid 10 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress combines gel-infused memory foam with bamboo charcoal for odor control and cooling. It has a medium-firm feel and a soft cover. It's a great mid-range option that balances comfort and price. Lucid mattresses are known for their durability and often go on sale.
Best Time to Buy: Prime Day and Black Friday often drop to $249.
9. Novilla 10 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress
The Novilla 10 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress is a budget-friendly option that doesn't skimp on features. It has a gel-infused top layer for cooling, a transition foam layer for pressure relief, and a high-density support base. The cover is removable and machine washable. It's a solid choice for kids' rooms, guest rooms, or anyone on a tight budget.
Best Time to Buy: Look for coupons on Amazon; Black Friday can save 15-20%.
10. Molblly 10 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress
The Molblly 10 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress offers an incredibly low price for a queen-size mattress with gel memory foam. It has a 3-layer construction: gel memory foam, comfort foam, and high-density support foam. It's medium-firm and suitable for back and stomach sleepers. Molblly also includes a free sample of memory foam pillow.
Best Time to Buy: Already cheap; Black Friday may drop $30-40.
11. Serta Perfect Sleeper 11 Inch Memory Foam Mattress
The Serta Perfect Sleeper 11 Inch Memory Foam Mattress offers a medium-plush feel with a layer of gel memory foam for cooling. Serta is a well-known brand, and this model is designed for comfort and support. It features a custom support layer that helps reduce pressure points. It's a good middle-ground option for those who want a name brand without luxury pricing.
Best Time to Buy: Best price during Black Friday; often drops to $599.
12. Tuft & Needle Original Memory Foam Mattress
The Tuft & Needle Original Memory Foam Mattress is a no-frills memory foam option that focuses on comfort and durability. It uses adaptive foam that is softer than traditional memory foam and more responsive, making it easy to move around. The mattress has a medium-firm feel and includes a cooling gel top layer. It's a strong competitor to Casper and Nectar at a similar price.
Best Time to Buy: Black Friday often sees 20% off; subscribe to their email for deals.
Pricing Strategies
Wait for Black Friday
Research models you want early (summer).,Set price alerts on CamelCamelCamel for those ASINs.,Monitor prices from October onwards to spot real deals.,Buy during Black Friday week, ideally Cyber Monday for additional sitewide discounts.
Prime Day Shopping
Identify target mattresses and add to a wishlist.,Check for early Prime Day deals a few days before.,Be ready to purchase lightning deals quickly.,Compare with other retailers like Walmart for price matching.
January Clearance Grab
Search for 'clearance' or 'last chance' on brand websites.,Check Amazon Warehouse Deals for open-box returns.,Visit local mattress stores for floor model discounts.,Act quickly – popular sizes sell out fast.
Holiday Weekend Sales (Memorial Day, Labor Day)
Sign up for brand newsletters to get promo codes.,Compare offers across Amazon and brand direct sites.,Look for bundle deals (free pillows, sheets).,Buy early in the weekend for best selection.
End-of-Year Clearance
Search for 'Christmas sale' or 'year-end clearance'.,Check Amazon's 'Deals' section for mattress offers.,Call local stores about floor model or display discounts.,Expect limited availability – have backup choices.
If You Need It Now
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Bottom Line
The absolute best time to buy a memory foam mattress is during Black Friday week in late November, with average savings of 40-50% off MSRP. If you can't wait that long, Prime Day in July and January clearance sales are excellent second choices, saving 20-40%. Avoid buying in April-June and August, when prices are highest. Use price tracking tools to confirm you're getting a genuine deal. Remember to factor in free accessories and extended trials that often come with holiday sales. For the best value, consider mid-range options like Nectar or Linenspa, and always check Amazon Warehouse Deals for extra savings.
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Mattresses (Memory Foam)