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A quality mattress is essential to a good night's sleep, but it's also a big investment, so you'll want both the best mattress and the best price. Luckily, there's no better time than Labor Day weekend to cash in. And who better to point you in the right direction than someone who tests mattresses for a living?

As a product analyst within the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, I spend much of my 9-to-5 researching all the latest and greatest mattresses out there. I've evaluated 200 mattresses in the past two years, and surveyed more than 10,000 people from our consumer tester panel on the mattresses they've owned. So, it's fair to say that I know a thing or two about the most popular mattresses online and in stores.

Is Labor Day a good time to buy a mattress?

It depends. Many mattresses are always “on sale,” so it’s hard to know when you’re getting a better deal over holiday weekends. Generally, though, a holiday weekend (like Labor Day or Memorial Day weekend) is when you'll consistently see competitive offers across different brands.

This year, I've noticed that Labor Day sales are better than expected: Most sales match Memorial Day (which is when we've seen the biggest savings) and a few even outperform it. A recent trend I've noticed are more free add-ons, like pillows, sheets and mattress protectors. Don't overlook these, especially if you're in the process of moving (or are in the market for a bedding refresh).

Many online mattress-in-a-box brands used to give out free pillows with your new mattress—but recently, it's not as common. I especially love a free mattress protector, as sheets and pillows can be hit or miss depending on your preferences (though some of our top-tested mattress brands sell excellent bedding).

Still, don't get too blinded by the bundled savings if you don't already love the mattress itself—you don't want to end up with a mattress you won't like!

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

Many early Labor Day sales have already started but not all are remarkable or noteworthy. If you're hoping to swap ASAP and can't afford to wait (especially if you want to get ahead of all the shipping delays after the holiday weekend), you'll still be getting a fair discount.

But if you have a little more flexibility, I'd recommend keeping an eye on your personal favorites until a week (or two) before Labor Day (so, around August 25). That's when most brands tend to get the most competitive with discounts.

Some brands may have post-holiday extended sales, but they're often not as good, so I don't recommend waiting too long.

So what are the best Labor Day sales on mattresses?

I’ve compared this year’s Labor Day Mattress Sales against other sales that are offered year-round and here are the best ones from my expert point of view:

✔️ Saatva Classic Mattress — 20% off

  • Why we love it: This is our recommendation if you prefer a traditional innerspring mattress with a bouncy feel rather than the sink-in, cushioning feel of memory foam.
  • The deal: These mattresses have regularly been increasing in price and the current list price is $2,095 for a Queen, but we typically see it on sale for around $1,700 to $1,800. Saatva is currently offering Good Housekeeping readers 20% off all mattress purchases over $1,000 (which is higher than its current 15% sale) when shopping through our exclusive link. This brings a Queen down to $1,676.

✔️ Bear Elite Hybrid — 40% off

  • Why we love it: If I could only recommend one hybrid mattress, it would be the Bear Elite Hybrid. It was one of the first mattresses to introduce zoned support, meaning it provides extra give or support in key areas. All of our testers unanimously agreed that it's improved the quality of their sleep.
  • The deal: While listed at $2,427 for a queen, we typically see it hover around 30% off for $1,699. You can currently take 35% off with code EARLYLD, and GH readers can use code GH40 for 40% off instead, for a price of $1456 for a Queen.

    ✔️ Helix Dusk Luxe Mattress — 27% off

    • Why we love it: The Dusk Luxe has a true medium feel and uses a blend of latex and memory foam on top of coils for a more responsive feel. It's a great option for couples and people who change their sleeping position throughout the night.
    • The deal: Its list price is $2,374 for a queen, but it's usually on sale for around $1,780. Right now, you can get 20% off mattresses during the brand's Early Access Sale, and GH readers can take 27% off using code GH27, which takes the price down to about $1,733–lower than usual. Plus the brand will throw in pillows, sheets and a mattress protector with the purchase for select models.

    ✔️ Tempur-Pedic ProAdapt — $400 off

    • Why we love it: This mattress features Tempur-Pedic's legendary memory foam, which conforms and adapts to your body as you sleep for precise support. If you like the pressure-relieving and cradling feel of memory foam, this is the mattress I'd recommend. One of our testers even said it was "love at first sleep."
    • The deal: This is the biggest sale I've seen this year for Tempur's Adapt line. You can take $400 off the ProAdapt or LuxeAdapt.

    My expert tips for scoring Labor Day mattress sales

    While it's great to score a deal and save on a mattress, 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 sales, I recommend having a list of three to five options to look out for. 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 tends 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 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 shipped to you for self set-up, 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, but 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 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.

      Product Reviews Analyst Grace Wu is one of GH's leading mattress experts, evaluating all types of mattresses so she can make the best recommendation for every type of sleeper. Wu regularly coordinates consumer testing and writes about beds for every type of sleeper. At the GH Institute, she leverages her Master of Engineering in materials science & engineering and a Bachelor of Science in fiber science from Cornell University.

        Headshot of Grace Wu
        Grace Wu
        Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Product Analyst

        Grace Wu (she/her) is a product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she evaluates fabric-based products using specialized equipment and consumer tester data. Prior to starting at Good Housekeeping in 2022, she earned a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. While earning her degrees, Grace worked in research laboratories for smart textiles and nanotechnology and held internships at Open Style Lab and Rent the Runway.