The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Why trust us? Experts reveal the best time to buy a mattress – including the month that’s ‘surprisingly cheap’. Black Friday isn’t your only chance to score an affordable bed. Read more: The best mattresses, tried and tested by experts.
Let’s be honest, a mattress is no one’s favourite purchase. They tend to cost hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds, and getting the right one is essential for ensuring you get a good night’s rest. That’s why we’ve asked the experts for their opinions on the cheapest time to buy a mattress.
“With so much of our lives spent in bed, comfort and support are essential to sleep and wellbeing,” says Judith Ackers, head of marketing for Land of Beds. So, if you’re finding that your mattress is no longer comfortable and supportive, it’s likely time to replace it. At IndyBest, we’ve recently updated our best mattresses of 2026 guide with a range of firmness levels and materials to suit all sleeping styles. But if you’re not in a rush to invest in a new mattress, you may be wondering if you can score a better deal by waiting for sales to hit. We consulted experts from Land of Beds and Mattress Online to help you save – here’s what they told us.
Black Friday isn’t the only time you can get a bargain
Unsurprisingly, the biggest sales event of the year is a cheap time to buy a mattress. But experts insist that Black Friday isn’t your only opportunity to score an affordable bed.
“Contrary to popular belief, some of the most competitive pricing occurs outside of key sales periods,” says Steve Adams, CEO of Mattress Online. “While Black Friday and January sales will traditionally have strong offers, more quiet periods of the year can offer surprisingly cheap bargains.”
Ackers agrees: “Black Friday is typically one of the cheapest times of year for mattress deals, but it's not the only moment to find good value. Promotions run throughout the year, so buying should be guided more by need than by timing.”
Mattress prices often fall in late spring, experts say
If you’re looking to replace your mattress in the next month or two, you may be in luck, says Adams.
“March is one of the industry's quietest times; desperation to keep factories busy and retailers looking to clear stock are winners for consumers,” he says. However, you haven’t missed your window just yet. “March is closely followed by the end of May bank holiday and the month of June. Customers start thinking about garden furniture and holiday costs – not buying a mattress – so prices can trend down.”
Tips for buying a cheaper mattress
When it comes to buying a new mattress, you don’t want to skimp on quality. But there are ways to keep costs down while still getting the bed you need.
“When it comes to springs, more doesn't always mean better,” says Adams. “The benefits of upgrading from 1,000 springs to 5,000 has depreciating returns – I would say 2,000 springs is the sweet spot.”
Despite this, Adams doesn’t recommend compromising on size, especially if you sleep in the same bed as your partner. “I would recommend getting the biggest size your room will allow; if you share a bed, this will measurably improve your sleep,” he advises.
But depth isn’t as important, according to Adams. “Unless you're of a more substantial stature, mattress depth is overrated, as you're paying more for fillings you may not need.”
