Should You Buy a Mattress on Presidents’ Day? Read This Before You Click “Add to Cart”
Daniel Zvi
Presidents' Day mattress sales are often marketed as a patriotic duty to save money, but the real driver is logistical: February is the end of the mattress industry’s fiscal year. Unlike Black Friday, which is about mass volume, Presidents' Day is about clearing floor space for new spring inventory.
If you are looking for deep discounts on premium, high-end hybrids or luxury memory foam beds, Presidents' Day is often superior to Black Friday. This is because retailers are desperate to offload last year's remaining stock before the new models arrive in March. However, because this is a clearance event, stock is strictly limited.
🛏️ What do most shoppers miss before Presidents' Day mattress sales?
Many shoppers overlook how mattress pricing and model cycles work — and that can turn a “deal” into a dud.
Mattress brands typically release new models or rebrand old ones just after major sales like Presidents' Day. That means the “50% off” banner you see might actually apply to a discontinued or re-labeled version whose original MSRP was quietly increased weeks earlier.
According to analysts at Tom’s Guide and TechRadar, mattress brands often raise list prices 2–4 weeks before holiday weekends, then drop them again to simulate massive discounts. In reality, the net savings often average 15–25 percent, not the headline “70 percent off.”
⚠️ Key things to check before Presidents' Day
- Model year changes: New versions often roll out in early spring (March/April). If you buy the previous model now, you might pay nearly the same price for outdated specs.
- MSRP history: Search the brand’s official site or tools like CamelCamelCamel to see real price history — not inflated “was” prices.
- Trial & return policies: Some brands shorten their free-trial period during "Clearance" promotions; always verify it’s at least 100 nights.
- Shipping backlogs: During sale peaks, delivery windows can extend by 3–4 weeks. Order early if timing matters.
- Warranty terms: Check that the sale model carries the same warranty length as full-price versions, especially for "Closeout" items.
đź’ˇ Why this matters
Doing this homework transforms you from a reactive buyer into an informed one. When you understand how pricing and inventory cycles work, you can recognize a genuine markdown — and skip the FOMO that drives rushed purchases.
Our top picks for February 2026
9.9
Innerspring
đź›’ When is Presidents' Day actually a good time to buy a mattress?
Presidents' Day can be one of the best times to buy a mattress — but only when you know what’s behind the discounts.
Historically, mattress prices dip by 15–30 percent below winter averages as brands clear inventory ahead of spring releases. Retailers also compete heavily during February, which means extra bundle offers such as free pillows, adjustable bases, or extended trial periods.
đź•“ Why timing matters
- Early-bird deals (Early February): Many brands start “Presidents' Day week” early. Prices are often similar to day-of-event discounts, but stock and delivery slots are wider.
- Actual Presidents' Day weekend: Expect sitewide codes and bundles (e.g., “Save 25 % + free bedding”).
- Post-Holiday Week: Some retailers roll out "Last Chance" clearance for floor models rather than deeper price cuts on new stock.
In other words, the “best” time isn’t one day — it’s the two-week window around the holiday when major retailers compete most aggressively.
đź’ˇ When waiting really pays off
Waiting for Presidents' Day makes sense if:
- You’re eyeing a specific brand that rarely discounts until major holidays (e.g., premium hybrids).
- You want bundle value (pillows, protectors, frames) more than base price reduction.
- You can tolerate possible back-order delays.
- But if your mattress is already overdue for replacement — sagging or over 8 years old — holding out might not be worth the discomfort.
When you might regret waiting for Presidents' Day mattress deals
While Presidents' Day offers real discounts, waiting too long can backfire. Many shoppers assume deals always get better as the day approaches — but that’s not always true in the mattress industry.
Mattress sales tend to run in seasonal cycles, and by late February, many popular models are already sold out or on back order.
Tom’s Guide reports that some retailers “quietly discontinue” last-year models before major holidays to clear warehouses — meaning the deal you’re eyeing could be on a soon-to-be-retired product rather than a current one.
1. Stock shortages & delayed delivery
Top models and sizes (especially queen and hybrid) can sell out weeks before Presidents' Day.
- Popular beds like Saatva or Nectar Premier often hit back-order by mid-February.
- Shipping surges can delay delivery by 3–6 weeks, leaving you waiting well into March or April.
- If you know your preferred model, consider ordering early when prices are already dropping.
2. Inflated “doorbuster” discounts
Many “up to 70 % off” claims are marketing tactics based on artificially raised MSRPs earlier in the season.
- Use price-tracking tools (e.g., Honey, CamelCamelCamel, Keepa) or your own notes from January listings to confirm whether it’s a true markdown.
3. Limited return and trial terms
Some brands shorten or modify their trial periods during big sale events. Always double-check that you’re still getting:
- At least a 100-night trial
- A 10-year warranty (minimum)
- Free returns or exchanges if you’re not satisfied
- If a “doorbuster” deal excludes these, it’s not worth the savings.
4. Post-sale remorse
FOMO can lead to impulse buys on mattresses that don’t fit your body type or sleep position.
- Remember: comfort and longevity matter more than short-term discounts. A 25 % off mattress that you keep 10 years is a better investment than a 50 % off one that causes pain and gets replaced early.
🧮 How to tell if a Presidents' Day mattress deal is really a good deal
Not every big headline equals a big saving. Here’s how to separate real discounts from marketing illusions and make sure you’re getting actual value — not just a flashy banner.
âś… 1. Check the real MSRP
Manufacturers often inflate “original” prices before sales.
- Search the model name on Google Shopping or Amazon to see historical prices.
- If you can’t find that data, use a tracker like CamelCamelCamel to confirm whether the price drop is genuine.
- Tip: A true discount should be at least 15–25 % off the regular selling price — not a fake markdown from an inflated MSRP.
🕵️‍♀️ 2. Compare model years and versions
Mattress brands sometimes release slightly updated versions (with new covers or minor material tweaks) right before spring. If you see an unusually large discount, check whether the model is:
- Last year’s design being phased out.
- A renamed version of an older model.
- It’s not necessarily bad — but make sure you’re paying the right price for the right generation.
🔍 3. Look beyond the sticker price
Bundles often add value — but only if you actually need the extras.
- Free pillows or protectors are worth about $50–$100.
- Adjustable base or frame bundles can be valuable if they fit your size and space.
- If the accessories don’t matter to you, focus on base price instead of “bundle value.”
🔄 4. Confirm trial, return, and warranty terms
A strong deal still needs strong protection. Before checking out, make sure you’re still getting:
- At least a 100-night sleep trial
- Free returns or exchanges
- A 10-year or lifetime warranty
- If a “special sale” limits these, skip it — no savings are worth losing peace of mind.
đźšš 5. Factor in delivery timing
During Presidents' Day, shipping delays are common.
- If you need your mattress quickly, buy early (early February) rather than waiting for the holiday Monday.
- Some brands offer guaranteed delivery cutoffs or local warehouse shipping — look for those perks.
🧠6. Watch for post-holiday “price matching”
Some mattress brands honor lower prices for a short window after the sale.
- If your retailer offers a price-match guarantee, you can buy early and still get refunded if the price drops later.
🧩 Takeaway
A real deal gives you quality, savings, and guarantees. If any of those three are missing, it’s not a bargain — it’s just marketing.
Our top picks for February 2026
📆 Your pre–Presidents' Day mattress buying strategy for 2026
Presidents' Day is chaotic for mattress shoppers — prices move fast, inventory changes hourly, and early deals vanish before the main event. Here’s how to prep before the big weekend so you can shop smart, not stressed.
đź•’ 1. Start tracking prices now, a lot of the sales are already live
Don’t wait for the holiday weekend to compare. Search your favorite brands weekly and screenshot or note the current pricing. This helps you spot true markdowns when the sale banners appear.
- Pro tip: TechRadar notes that genuine mattress discounts start appearing around early February, weeks before the holiday itself.
🛏️ 2. Read real reviews (not just sale pages)
Brands highlight discounts, not durability. Use trusted sources to compare longevity, firmness, and warranty terms before you’re pressured by a countdown timer.
💰 3. Set a spending range — not a single number
Prices fluctuate based on size and configuration. Instead of fixating on a single “deal price,” decide on a comfortable range (for example, $900–$1,100 for a queen hybrid). That way, you can move quickly when a good sale appears instead of second-guessing.
đź“© 4. Sign up for early-access and insider emails
Most major mattress brands send subscriber-only early deals 3–5 days before Presidents' Day. Getting on their lists (and your own Top5 Mattresses alerts) means you’ll see promotions before they sell out.
📦 5. Know your delivery timeline
If you want your new mattress immediately, buy by February 10–12 to avoid backlogs. Late-February orders often don’t ship until mid-March.
🧩 6. Use your comparison checklist
Before hitting “Add to Cart,” confirm you’ve checked:
- âś… Real price drop (vs inflated MSRP)
- âś… Trial length and warranty
- âś… Delivery ETA
- âś… Model year / version
- ✅ Accessories you’ll actually use If you can tick all five, you’re ready to buy confidently — with or without a countdown clock.
🎯 Final tip: Make your short list now using Top5-Mattresses.com’s Best Mattresses 2026 guide. That way, when the deals drop, you’ll know instantly whether it’s the right time — or just hype.
Our top picks for February 2026
🎯 Final Thoughts — Don’t Let FOMO Make Your Mattress Decision
Presidents' Day can be the best time of year to buy a mattress — if you know what to look for. Real savings come from doing your homework early: tracking prices, comparing brands, and knowing which features actually matter to your comfort.
The truth is, many shoppers overspend or rush into the wrong mattress because of countdown clocks and “doorbuster” hype. But when you understand pricing cycles, warranties, and model updates, you’ll never wonder if you actually got a good deal — you’ll know it. This year, skip the noise and shop with confidence.
🛏️ Compare trusted mattress brands before the rush See our top picks to find the best-reviewed mattresses of 2026 — so when the sales drop, you’re ready to click add to cart without regret.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Presidents' Day the best time to buy a mattress?
A. Historically, yes—for specific categories. While Black Friday is volume-driven, Presidents' Day is often best for clearance deals on high-end models as brands clear space for spring inventory.
Q. Should I wait until Presidents' Day to buy a mattress?
A. It depends—if the mattress you want is in stock and meets your needs now, waiting may not add much value; some analysts say earlier sales or ongoing discounts may already be as good.
Q. How do I know if a Presidents' Day mattress deal is actually good?
A. Compare the mattress’s current sale price with its true MSRP, check for model-year changes (2025 vs 2026), ensure return/trial policies are intact, and verify shipping timelines.
Q. Will mattress prices go lower than Presidents' Day?
A. Rarely—prices typically rise in March as new models hit the floor. You likely won't see deep discounts again until Memorial Day.
Q. What happens if the mattress model is discontinued during a Presidents' Day sale?
A. You may get a lower price, but you’ll face risks: fewer replacement options, shorter support for parts, and less consumer recourse if something goes wrong.
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Daniel Zvi
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