Your Ultimate Guide to Finding Unsold and Clearance Mattresses in 2026

A high-quality mattress is one of the best investments you can make for your health, but the price tag can often be a major hurdle. If you’re looking for incredible comfort without the premium cost, you’ve come to the right place. This guide provides actionable strategies for finding unsold mattresses and clearance deals in 2026.

Understanding "Unsold" and Clearance Mattresses

Before you start your search, it’s important to know what you’re looking for. The terms “unsold” and “clearance” cover a few different categories, and understanding them will help you find the best value.

  • Overstock: Sometimes, a retailer simply orders too many of a particular model. To make room for new inventory, they need to sell these brand-new, factory-sealed mattresses at a significant discount. This is often the best-case scenario for a bargain hunter.
  • Floor Models: These are the mattresses that have been on display in the showroom for customers to try out. They are technically unused for sleeping but may have very minor signs of wear. They are often sold at a steep discount, but you should always inspect them carefully.
  • Discontinued Models: When manufacturers like Sealy, Serta, or Tempur-Pedic release their new lineup for the year, retailers need to clear out the previous year’s models. These are new mattresses, often with excellent features, that are marked down simply because they’ve been replaced.
  • Canceled Orders or Minor Blemishes: Occasionally, a mattress might have a small cosmetic flaw from the factory (like a stitching error) or be part of a special order that was canceled. These mattresses are perfectly functional and offer a great opportunity for savings.

It is important to note that these categories are different from “used” or “returned” mattresses, which have been slept on and brought back to the store. The deals we are focusing on are for new mattresses that have never been in a customer’s home.

The Best Times of Year to Shop for a Mattress

Timing is everything when it comes to getting a great deal. While you can find clearance items year-round, certain periods offer the deepest discounts. Mark your calendar for these key shopping windows in 2026.

  • Major Holiday Weekends: This is the most well-known strategy for a reason. Retailers run huge sales events around holidays. Key dates include:
    • Presidents’ Day (February)
    • Memorial Day (May)
    • Fourth of July
    • Labor Day (September)
    • Black Friday and Cyber Monday (November)
  • Late Winter to Early Spring (February - May): Most new mattress models are released during this time. This is the prime season for finding last year’s models on clearance as stores make space for the new inventory.
  • End of the Year (December): Retailers are trying to meet annual sales goals and clear out old stock before the new year begins, leading to some excellent end-of-year clearance events.

Where to Find Incredible Mattress Deals

Now that you know when to look, let’s explore where to find these hidden gems, both in-person and online.

In-Person Stores and Outlets

Visiting a physical store allows you to inspect the mattress before you buy, which is especially important for floor models.

  • Specialty Mattress Retailers: Stores like Mattress Firm are a great starting point. Head straight to the back of the store or ask a salesperson directly, “Do you have a clearance section?” or “Are there any floor models or discontinued models you’re trying to sell?” They are often happy to point you toward the deals.
  • Furniture Stores: Large furniture retailers such as Ashley HomeStore or Raymour & Flanigan have dedicated mattress sections. Just like specialty stores, they clear out old inventory and sell floor models at a discount.
  • Department Stores: Don’t overlook department stores like Macy’s. Their home goods departments often have mattress sales, and they participate in the same annual clearance cycles as other retailers.
  • Warehouse Clubs: Stores like Costco and Sam’s Club offer excellent prices on mattresses year-round. While their selection is more limited, they sometimes have special buys or manager markdowns on specific models that represent a fantastic value.
  • Mattress Outlets and Liquidators: A quick search for “mattress outlet” or “mattress liquidator near me” can uncover local businesses that specialize in selling overstock and discontinued models from major brands. These stores offer some of the lowest prices available, but it’s crucial to inspect the products and understand their policies.

Online Retailers

The online “bed-in-a-box” market has created even more opportunities for savings.

  • Direct Brand Websites: Companies like Casper, Purple, Nectar, and Saatva all have “Sale” or “Clearance” sections on their websites. This is where they often sell mattresses from canceled orders or older models. Check these pages frequently, especially around holidays.
  • Major Online Marketplaces: Websites like Amazon, Overstock (now part of Bed Bath & Beyond), and Wayfair are massive platforms with huge selections. Use their filter options to sort by “Sale” or “Clearance.” Look for “last year’s model” in product descriptions to find hidden deals.
  • Online-Only Outlets: Some websites specialize in selling overstock inventory. A great example is the US-Mattress outlet section, which often features deep discounts on well-known brands.

Pro Tips for Securing the Best Deal

Finding a clearance tag is only the first step. Use these strategies to ensure you’re getting the best possible value and a product you’ll love.

  1. Always Inspect the Mattress: If you’re buying a floor model or from an outlet, check it thoroughly. Look for any stains, tears, or structural issues. Lie on it to make sure it feels right.
  2. Ask About the Warranty: This is critical. Clearance items, especially floor models, may come with a limited or completely voided manufacturer’s warranty. Always ask the retailer to clarify the warranty status in writing before you buy.
  3. Don’t Be Afraid to Negotiate: For floor models with minor cosmetic flaws, you can often negotiate a better price. Politely point out the issue and ask if they can offer an additional discount. The worst they can say is no.
  4. Factor in Delivery: A low price can be less appealing if it comes with a high delivery fee. Ask about the cost of delivery and whether they offer removal of your old mattress. Online brands often include shipping in the price, which is a significant advantage.