Labor Day weekend is often considered a good time to buy a mattress, but how do the deals compare to Black Friday? While mattress prices typically hit their lowest points in October and November, the Labor Day mattress sales are well worth shopping if you need something right away.
I've been tracking sales and deals for nearly two decades, and over the last four years I've tested some of the best mattresses in the world. Here I'm sharing everything I know to help you decide when to buy a mattress: Labor Day or Black Friday mattress deals. Here's my take...
Today's top deals on popular mattresses
- Saatva mattresses: save $400 on every mattress
- DreamCloud mattress: up to 50% off
- Nectar mattresses: up to 40% off
- Helix mattresses: 27% off + free bedding
- Casper mattress: 35% off all mattresses
- Emma mattresses: up to 55% off
- Tempur-Pedic: 30% off cooling beds
- Brooklyn Bedding mattresses: 30% off sitewide
- Purple mattress: save up to $500
Labor Day vs Black Friday mattress sales: When should you buy?
Mattress discounts and free bedding bundles
In many cases, Labor Day sales offer a preview of what's to come during Black Friday when it comes to money-off discounts. However, I recommend not taking these markdowns at face value because MSRPs fluctuate throughout the year and usually hit their lowest point in late fall.
If you're hoping to score free bedding with your purchase, both Labor Day and Black Friday sales will deliver. That said, the value of these free gifts is usually better during the Cyber Monday mattress sales as brands try to attract more buyers while the dust settles from Black Friday.
This could mean adding more accessories, upgrading free bedding bundles to include higher-quality items, or offering free White Glove Delivery if it isn't already included.
Winner: Black Friday. Both sales offer large price cuts and some mattress brands add in generous free bedding bundles too, so if you need to buy a new bed urgently the Labor Day sales are a good time to buy. If you can wait a little longer, historically Black Friday has the cheapest prices of the year.
Fluctuating mattress prices
This is where the road begins to diverge. While a sleep brand may offer the same money-off discount for both Labor Day and Black Friday, pay attention to the MSRP to gauge how good a mattress deal really is. It'll usually be lower during the Black Friday shopping season, which kicks off around Halloween or early November.
Of course, there are outliers. For example, Saatva has been dropping the list price of its flagship Saatva Classic to its lowest point of the year in early September, which has been yielding better-than-Black Friday deals. Read our Saatva Classic mattress review to learn why we rate it the best hybrid mattress for most people.
On the other hand, some brands remain consistent in their discounts and MSRPs throughout the year. (WinkBed and Cocoon by Sealy are two that come to mind.) You can buy from these brands at any time of the year without worrying about missing out on potentially bigger savings.
Winner: Black Friday. If you need a mattress ASAP, the Labor Day sales are a great time to shop. However, if your goal is to buy a mattress at or near its historical price low, you're better off waiting until Black Friday.
Avoiding potential shipping delays
A downside to buying a mattress during Black Friday sales in November is the potential for shipping delays. Supply usually can't keep up with high demand driven by the year's lowest prices, resulting in backorders.
This is especially true if you're purchasing a handcrafted luxury mattress from brands like Saatva or Stearns & Foster. The sooner during Black Friday season you can buy, the better your chances of receiving it well before Christmas.
Shipping issues are less common during Labor Day sales. While prices are still very good, they don't generate the same level of frenzy as Black Friday deals. This can work to your advantage if you need a new mattress sooner rather than later.
Winner: Labor Day. The rock-bottom prices of Black Friday can lead to backorders and shipping delays. Labor Day sales are relatively more subdued, but they offer a better chance of receiving your mattress on time.
What about Prime Day and Cyber Monday sales?
Once again, Amazon is hosting its Prime Big Deal Days in October, although the exact dates have not yet been confirmed. While you can find deals on mattresses during Amazon Prime Day, they won't beat Black Friday or Labor Day sale prices.
However, if you're specifically looking for a cheap Amazon mattress or discontinued models from major name brands, you might have better luck.
As for Cyber Monday, most mattress brands are keen to extend their Black Friday deals, with some offering an extra $50 to $100 off or adding a larger bedding bundle. (We've seen Casper, Purple, and Tempur-Pedic do this in past years.) Just beware that the closer you get to the end of the year, the more likely you are to experience shipping delays.
The bottom line: shop according to your needs
Honestly, the best time to buy a mattress is when you need one – but timing your purchase around a major holiday or shopping event helps keep some extra cash in your pocket.
If you're focused on scoring the absolute cheapest price of the year for the mattress you've had your eye on, sit out this year's Labor Day sales and wait for Black Friday. The good news is you won't have to wait too long, as brands often launch their Black Friday specials well before the day itself. Based on recent years, I expect Black Friday early access deals to begin in late October.
On the other hand, if you absolutely can't wait to buy a new mattress, you'll still find great deals during this year's Labor Day sales. Plus, there's a lower risk of shipping delays compared to buying later in the year, so you won't be stuck with a worn-out mattress (or without a mattress altogether).
No matter when you buy, don't be swayed by price alone – and do your best to avoid other common mistakes when buying a mattress online. The money you save won't help you sleep better if the mattress you choose isn't the right fit for your needs.
