Best Black Friday Mattress Deals: 2025 Buyer Guide
Hunting for the best Black Friday mattress deals can feel overwhelming—prices swing wildly and every brand claims to be number one.
This guide distills what to expect, realistic price targets, and how to choose an affordable foam mattress that actually sleeps well.Where to find the best Black Friday mattress deals
Start with three hubs: direct-to-consumer brands (think well-known online names), big marketplaces (Amazon, Walmart, Target), and warehouse clubs like Costco mattresses for member-only pricing. DTC brands usually bundle extras (pillows, sheets, protectors) and long trials; marketplaces win on fast shipping and coupon stacking; clubs emphasize value and super-simple returns.
Discount patterns tend to repeat: budget foam lines often drop 20–40%, mainstream DTC brands land around 25–40%, and premium names cut 15–30% or add bundles like free adjustable bases or pillows. Warehouse clubs may offer instant savings plus card rewards. Watch for the “best memory foam mattress sale” phrasing—often a signal of a top-of-line promo, but verify specs before you click.
Timing matters. Good deals start early in November, but some of the year’s lowest prices hit between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. If a store offers price protection or price-match windows, buy when a size is in stock, then claim the difference if it drops.
Price benchmarks: what’s a ‘good’ Black Friday price?
Use these ranges as guardrails so you know a genuine deal when you see it. Prices refer to typical Black Friday sale prices for a queen unless noted.
- Cheapest memory foam mattress (8–10 inches): About $200–$350 after coupons on no-frills models from value brands or big-box exclusives. Expect basic covers, simpler foams, and shorter warranties.
- Affordable foam mattress (10–12 inches): Commonly $400–$800 for reputable DTC or club-store house lines with better density foams and longer trials.
- Hybrid memory foam (12–14 inches): Typically $700–$1,200 for pocketed coils + foam comfort layers. Great for edge support and airflow.
- Premium memory foam: Often $1,500–$2,400+ after promos for legacy brands, sometimes with add-ons (bases, toppers, pillows).
- Twin/Kids’ memory foam: $90–$250 for basic 6–8 inch builds during doorbusters; verify certifications and return policies.
- Size adjustments: King pricing is usually 25–40% more than queen; Cal king similar or a touch higher.
For Costco mattresses, member promos often sit in the “affordable” ranges above, with occasional premium features at mid-range prices. Also factor the return policy—a major value add that effectively reduces your risk.
How to spot quality in an affordable foam mattress
Deal price is only half the story. Here’s how to separate keepers from clunkers before you buy.
- Foam densities: For memory foam comfort layers, look for around 3.0 lb/ft³ or higher; premium memory foam runs 4–5 lb/ft³ for slower sink and better longevity. For support/base foam, 1.8 lb/ft³+ is a good sign in the mid-range.
- Cooling design: Gel-, graphite-, or copper-infused foams, perforations, and breathable covers help. Phase-change fabrics can add a cool-to-the-touch feel.
- Firmness fit: Side sleepers usually do best with medium to medium-soft for shoulder/hip relief; back sleepers often prefer medium-firm; stomach sleepers need firmer support to keep hips from dipping.
- Edge support: Hybrids win here; all-foam models should list higher-density perimeters or firmer base layers.
- Certifications: Look for CertiPUR-US foams and ideally OEKO-TEX textiles for added peace of mind.
- Trial and returns: DTC brands typically offer 90–365 nights. Warehouse clubs are famously generous. Know who handles pickup if you return.
- Warranty fine print: Favor 10+ years and lower body-impression thresholds (e.g., 0.75–1.0 inch vs. 1.5 inches).
- Off-gassing: All-foam beds may have a “new mattress” smell for a day or two. Unbox in a ventilated room and use a breathable protector.
Best foam mattress reviews: quick picks by need
Below are buying frameworks you can apply to any brand’s Black Friday page. Use them to interpret claims and find the real value.
Cheapest memory foam mattress (best under $350)
- What to expect: 8–10 inches, two or three layers, simple knit cover, minimal cooling tech.
- Who it fits: Guest rooms, college setups, lighter-weight sleepers, or short-term use.
- What to check: CertiPUR-US, at least 3 lb memory foam in the comfort layer, clear return window, and a warranty that actually covers impressions.
Best budget all-rounder (affordable foam mattress)
- Target build: 10–12 inches with a pressure-relieving memory foam top and firmer base foam.
- Comfort goal: Medium or medium-firm to suit couples and mixed sleepers.
- Value tells: Density disclosures, breathable cover, and a 100-night trial or better.
Best for side sleepers
- Feel: Medium to medium-soft with at least 2–3 inches of slower-response memory foam for deep contouring.
- Specs to scan: Zoned transition foam, thicker comfort stack, and high-pressure relief scores in reviews.
Best for back sleepers
- Feel: Medium-firm (around 6–7/10) to keep the lumbar region supported without pressure points.
- Specs to scan: Firmer transition foam, good spine alignment comments in customer feedback.
Best for hot sleepers
- Feel: Neutral to slightly firm helps you sleep “on” the bed rather than “in” it.
- Specs to scan: Graphite/gel infusions, open-cell foams, phase-change covers, or a hybrid coil core for airflow.
Best for couples and motion isolation
- Feel: Memory-foam-forward builds excel here; hybrids with thick foam tops are solid too.
- Specs to scan: Edge reinforcement for usable surface area, split-king availability if you and your partner prefer different feels.
Costco mattresses: value-focused picks
- Why Costco: Competitive pricing, frequent instant savings, and some of the easiest returns in retail.
- What you’ll see: House-brand and partner memory foam models with generous thickness, plus occasional appearances from bigger names.
- How to shop: Check member-only pricing online vs. in-warehouse, scan reviews for longevity comments, and factor Executive Membership rewards.
Retailer cheat sheet (and how to stack savings)
- Direct-to-consumer sites: Look for extra cart codes, email sign-up discounts, and bundle value (pillows, sheets, adjustable bases).
- Amazon/Walmart/Target: Clip on-page coupons, compare delivery dates, and stack with credit card rewards or cashback portals.
- Costco: Member pricing, seasonal instant savings, and excellent return policy; compare online vs. warehouse tags.
- Department stores: Doorbusters plus mail-in rebates or gift card promos—great if you’ll shop there anyway.
- Cashback & perks: Use portals (e.g., Rakuten/TopCashback), card-linked offers, student/teacher/military discounts, and price-match guarantees when available.
- Bundles to watch: Free pillows or protectors often beat a tiny price cut. White-glove delivery and haul-away are high-value add-ons.
Checklist before you click buy
- Confirm firmness and return window—can you exchange for a different feel?
- Check foam densities and certifications; avoid mystery specs.
- Measure hallways and bed frame clearance; note the box size and weight.
- Verify delivery timeline and whether setup/haul-away is included.
- Read indentation warranty terms and what counts as a defect.
- Set a hard budget and compare two alternatives before purchasing.
With realistic price targets and a quick eye for specs, you’ll cruise through the Black Friday chaos and land the right bed at the right price. Whether you’re hunting the cheapest memory foam mattress for a guest room or zeroing in on an affordable foam mattress for nightly use, these benchmarks and checklists will help you snag a true deal—not just a flashy sale tag.