Labor Day is a good time to buy a mattress—and this year, the deals are especially impressive. While we typically consider Memorial Day the best shopping holiday for mattress sales, I’m seeing some of the biggest discounts of the year right now.

I lead mattress testing at the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles, Apparel & Paper Lab—so beyond sifting through feedback from hundreds of our consumer testers, I’m constantly tracking pricing changes and sales.

Here’s my advice on all things Labor Day when it comes to mattress shopping, including whether you should buy now or wait, and what to consider before making such a big investment.

SHOP EARLY LABOR DAY MATTRESS SALES

Is Labor Day a good time to buy a mattress?

Yes, a holiday weekend (like Labor Day or Memorial Day) is when you'll consistently see competitive offers across different brands.

This year, I've noticed that early Labor Day sales are much better than expected. Most discounts match Memorial Day—which is when we've seen the biggest savings—and a few even outperform it. I’m also seeing the inclusion of free add-ons with a mattress purchase (like pillows, sheets, and mattress protectors).

When will this year’s Labor Day mattress sales start?

Many early Labor Day sales have already started, and we predict others will roll in by the August 20. So if you're hoping to shop immediately, you'll still get a fair discount—just keep in mind that more sales are likely on their way.

If you do have a little more flexibility, I'd recommend keeping an eye on your personal favorites until a week (or two) before Labor Day. That's when most brands tend to get the most competitive with discounts.

Some brands may have post-holiday extended sales, but they might not be as good. Therefore, I don't recommend waiting too long (unless, of course, you’d like to hold off until Black Friday—another great time to score a mattress on sale). Just keep in mind that shipping times might be less predictable during the Black Friday shopping rush.

My expert tips for scoring Labor Day mattress sales

While it’s exciting to find a mattress on sale, you'll want to ensure you're happy with the one you end up with. (After all, we spend a third of our lives in bed, and the right mattress is vital for proper rest.)

Before you even look at Labor Day weekend deals, I recommend having a list of three to five mattress preferences. This way, you won't be overwhelmed by the sheer number of models and discounts.

Here are some quick tips that I swear by to choose the right mattress for you:

Decide what type of mattress you want.

✔️ Innerspring beds are known for their firm, bouncy feel and breathable nature.

✔️ Motion-isolating memory foam mattresses cradle your body for tailored pressure relief (but tend to trap heat).

✔️ Hybrid mattresses combine springs with substantial foam for a balance of comfort and support.

  • Shop our best-tested picks for hybrid mattresses:
    • The Bear Elite Hybrid is the best we've ever tested, offering ergonomic zoned support and comfort.
    • The Helix Dusk Luxe is another favorite, especially among couples who can't agree on firmness level.

✔️ Latex beds have a springy texture that makes you feel like you're sleeping "on top" of them and can be organic with notable motion transfer.

✔️ Adjustable smart mattresses allow you to control the firmness level or temperature of each side of the bed but are notably pricey compared to the rest.

Figure out your desired firmness level.

Consider your sleep position, build, and personal preferences:

  • Soft to medium mattresses are best for side sleepers. Similarly, people with smaller bodies will likely need a softer surface to feel comfortable all night.
  • Firm mattresses are best for stomach sleepers—and people with bigger frames will likely benefit from a firmer bed with more support. For example, mattresses for people over 250 pounds are uniquely constructed with extra support, including reinforced coils.
  • Medium firmness mattresses are best for back or combination sleepers.

Take any concerns and preferences into account.

Double check the delivery method.

Many mattresses sold online are compressed in a box (hence the "mattress in a box" moniker), and they’re shipped to you for self-setup, while some will coordinate threshold or white glove delivery. Each delivery method has its pros and cons, so you'll want to decide what's best for you.

Check out trial periods and return policies.

These days, many (if not all) mattress brands and retailers have trial periods so you can Goldilocks your way through options. Some are more generous than others, and some come with strings attached (like return fees).

Be sure to do your research on your top contenders so you aren't caught off guard if it's ultimately not the right bed for you. Don't dwell too much on warranties: Most brands will only cover manufacturer's defects (rather than wear or tear over time).

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

At the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we've been testing home products for over 125 years. We've closely followed the online mattress industry's rapid expansion since 2014. Each year, our pros research and review hundreds of mattresses and analyze countless data points. Rounding out our Lab evaluations, we also survey readers and organize consumer tests, so we can track real-life feedback.

As a senior textiles analyst, I’m one of GH's leading mattress experts. I regularly coordinate consumer testing and write about beds for every type of sleeper. At the GH Institute, I leverage my Master of Engineering in materials science and engineering and a Bachelor of Science in fiber science from Cornell University.