Summer’s unofficial start is here once again. And with it come some of the best memory foam mattress prices we’ve seen this year. Retailers and brands don’t often slash prices this low. That makes this holiday weekend an excellent time to shop. Especially if you’re hoping to improve your sleep this summer.

The fact is there are a ton of great promotions out there right now. So how can a shopper hope to sort through them all?

We’re here to help. Each year we put together a detailed guide to the best deals of the holiday weekend. We’ve also got smart tips on selecting the best mattress for your money. This information can help you score a comfortable bed at a great price. It’s all about savvy shopping tactics.

Best of all? You’re sure to find a great deal no matter your budget or your preferences. Sears, Macy’s, Mattress Firm, Tempurpedic, Amerisleep, Sleepy’s, and others are all expected to roll out discounts in 2018. The numbers should start coming in shortly before Memorial Day. This year the holiday falls on May 28^th.

All of Amerisleep’s models are high-quality options worth considering. But the AS3 might be the most loved of all. The medium-firm bed is designed to deliver maximum comfort for a range of sleepers. And it’s racked up nearly 5,000 enthusiastic customer reviews. Here are a few more features that make this model stand out:

Exceptional back support and pressure point relief for comfortable sleep.
Bio-Pur foam, is a proprietary plant-based memory foam. Bio-Pur is five times more breathable than traditional foams. It’s cool and comfortable—and won’t sink or sag over time.
A special fabric cover made from Celliant. This is an FDA-approved, Thermo-reactive fabric proven to increase blood flow.

Like all of Amerisleep’s models, the AS3 is currently on sale. You’ll get $200 off the list price of $1,399 with code MD200. But hurry—this offer ends after Memorial Day.

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Other Brands On Our Shortlist

Ready to start shopping now? Amerisleep might be our top pick. But other top-rated memory foam brands are also running discounts. Here are a few more solid options to think about.

Tempurpedic. This is an established brand with a wide range of options. The Cloud Luxe and Rhapsody Luxe models tend to be rated the best. Tempurpedic is offering discounts of $50 to $400. (Depending on the model and size.) Prices start from $1,724 for queen beds.
Essentia. This brand markets itself as a natural memory foam option. (But it appears to be a latex-foam blend. It also offers limited info on specific details.) Their models have earned decent reviews. You can save 20% off this holiday weekend. Beds start at $1,556 for a queen.

Ready to take advantage of all the great offers—and sleep better this summer? Read on for our guide to some of the very best savings. Find expert tips for shopping and comparing prices too.

2018 Memorial Day Mattress Sales

It’s no big secret. The holiday weekend is a great time to save money on a new bed. Mattresses from nearly every brand are discounted for a short time.

Here we’ve compiled charts with some of the best discounts we could find. Some brands have announced their deals already. Others are still rolling in. Once the info is released, we’ll post it here. We’ll also include detailed comparisons so you can make an informed buying decision. (Because price is just one important factor for mattress shopping. We’ll talk more about that later.)

We’ve divided the discounts up by memory foam mattress type. This can make it easier to find the right price if you already know what you’re looking for.

Plant-Based Memory Foam Mattresses

Most memory foam is made from petroleum. These models replace a portion of the petroleum with plant-based ingredients like soybeans. Some consumers find this eco-friendly approach more appealing. If you’re among them, these beds may be right for you.


Amerisleep AS3	12” profile, med 3” 4.0 lb plant-based MF 2″ affinity layer 7” plant-based core	$1,199.00	Amerisleep 100 days / 20 years
Amerisleep AS5	14” profile, plush 3” 4.0 lb plant-based MF 2″ 3.0 lb hive flex layer 2″ 1.65 lb affinity layer 7” plant-based core 4.7/5 from 270+ reviews	$1,899.00	Amerisleep 100 days / 20 years
Essentia Classic 8 Bed	8” profile, med-firm 2” ‘natural’ MF (latex) 6” natural latex core Organic cotton cover	$2636.00	Essentia 60 days / 20 years
Essentia Energie Opus Bed	?” profile, medium 3” ‘natural’ MF (latex) 5” natural latex core Organic cotton cover	$3,400.00	Essentia 60 days / 20 years

Get the scoop on plant-based memory foam. See why these foams rank high for customer satisfaction.

Traditional Memory Foam Mattresses

There are lots of traditional memory foam models out there. These are some of the standout deals that also rank high for comfort.


Tulo Medium Mattress in Queen	10” profile, medium 2” ? lb MF 3” ? lb polyfoam 5” foam core	$575.00	Macy’s 60 days / 1 year
Hotel Collection Aireloom Vitagenic Memory Foam Firm Queen Mattress	10.5” profile, firm 1” ? lb copper MF 2” ? lb slow MF ?” foam core	$1,899.00	Macy’s 60 days / 10 years
Tempur Cloud Supreme Bed	11.5” profile, med-soft ?” ?” lb MF ?” core	$2,524.00	Tempurpedic 90 days / 10 years
Tempurpedic Contour Supreme Queen Set	11.5” profile, med-firm ?” ?lb MF ?” core	$2,524.00	Macy’s 90 days / 10 years

Gel Memory Foam Mattresses

These foam-based beds have special gel added to the material. Brands claim that adding gel helps the beds sleep cooler. However, shoppers don’t always agree. Looking at customer reviews can tell you if a model meets up to these claims.


Serta Perfect Sleeper Alesbury Mattress	8” profile, firm 1” ? lb gel MF 1″ poly foam 6” core	$297.00	Mattress Firm 100 days / 10 years
Serta iComfort Blue 300 Firm Set	11.25” profile, firm 3/4” ? lb gel MF 1″ ? lb MF 1″ poly foam 1.5″ ? lb MF 7” core	$1,399.00	Sears 120 days / 10 years
Hotel Collection Aireloom Vitagenic Memory Foam Firm Mattress	10.5” profile, firm 1″ ? lb copper MF 2” ? lb slow MF ?” core	$1,899.00	Macy’s 60 days / 10 years
Serta iComfort Blue Max 5000 Elite Mattress	13.5” profile, med firm 1″ ? lb gel MF 3” ? lb MF 2″ ? lb polyfoam 2” suspension layer 6” foam core	$2,499.00	Serta 120 days / 10 years

Some Smart Advice for Getting a Great Memorial Day Mattress Deal

These discounts only run through the weekend, so time is limited. But there are ways to make the most of it. It’s worth thinking about your preferences ahead of time. You should also start researching options that meet your needs. That way you can compare sale prices for just a few models when it comes time to shop.

Another tip? Don’t get caught up in the hype. It’s great to save some money, of course. But you shouldn’t settle for something you aren’t totally happy with. If you can’t find an option you love this holiday weekend, don’t worry. There will be more chances to score a great discount later in the summer.

Making the Most of Memorial Day Mattress Sales: What to Look for in a Memory Foam Mattress

This weekend’s sale is just a blip on the calendar. But your mattress will (hopefully) be with you for a long time. Most shoppers expect their beds to last for eight to ten years. And most of us spend around a third of the day in them. That’s a lot of use—so make it count! Resist the urge to get wrapped up in the hype of a sale. Retailers might want you to act now. But hasty decisions can result in regret. Not to mention lots of restless nights.

So start by thinking about what you really want or need from your new bed. It’s a good idea to consider things like:

How firm do you like your sleeping surfaces?
Are you a side sleeper or a back sleeper?
Do you prefer natural or eco-friendly materials?
What’s your budget?

All of these are important questions. It’s smart to have answers before you start shopping. Still, it’s normal to be unsure at first. No one else can really tell you which mattress will be best for your specific needs. But learning about the different types and features will help you figure all of this out. Here are some things to keep in mind.

Memory Foam Mattress Firmness and Density

Memory foam mattresses come in different firmness and density levels. Firmness and density are somewhat related. But the two terms describe different qualities. Shoppers should understand both.

Firmness refers to the amount of pressure needed to compress the foam. Indentation Load Deflection (ILD) ratings are used to measure a foam’s firmness. ILD measures the amount of force needed to compress four inches of foam by 25% using a 50-square-inch plate. A higher ILD number translates to a firmer mattress. (Measured in pounds.) Usually base support foams will measure between 25 and 40 ILD. Comfort layers will measure between 10 and 25 ILD.
Density is the relationship between the material’s mass and volume. It’s measured in pounds per square foot. Densities for foam used in beds usually range from 1 to 7 pounds. A density range of 3 to 5 pounds is ideal for most people. Lower densities are less durable and might not have enough pressure relief. Higher densities can sleep too warm. They can also have a viscous feel that makes it hard to move. Most foam mattresses have layers of varying densities. So you’ll want this information for each layer.

So, what does all of this mean when shopping for a mattress? Density and firmness can tell you whether you’re likely to find a bed comfortable. (The thickness of the layers can also play a role.) This is especially important if you’re buying online since you can’t feel the bed before you buy it.

Here’s some basic info on what you might need to look for.

Back sleepers: Seek out a medium- to medium-firm mattress. It’s generally regarded as the most comfortable option. It can also help prevent back pain.
Stomach sleepers: These sleepers tend to prefer firmer mattresses. Beds that are too soft can let the torso sink in. This can be a recipe for lower back pain.
Side sleepers: These sleepers tend to be happiest on softer mattresses. The extra cushioning offers more comfort for the shoulders and hips.

Your size matters too. Those on the petite side might prefer a softer foam. Being lighter means you lack the weight needed to compress firmer foams. So you can get by with shallower comfort layers. Heavier people or those with larger frames might prefer a firmer, denser foam. These foams tend to be more durable. The thicker comfort layers can also prevent pressure points. Research from SleepLikeTheDead.com suggests that people over 250 lbs. opt for a thickness of 12 inches or more.

One of the most common complaints shoppers have is that their new bed is firmer or softer than expected. Avoiding this problem isn’t always possible. However, looking at the ILD and density information can help. If you’re still unsure, consider going for something on the firmer side. The mattress will soften with wear. And you can always add a topper for extra cushioning in the meantime.

Many companies also offer at-home trial periods. This is more common with online brands, which may offer risk-free returns for up to four months after purchase. In short, make sure you can return your mattress if it doesn’t suit you. Especially when you’re buying during a sale.

Types of Memory Foam Mattresses

Firmness and density are two key factors to keep in mind. But you’ll also want to consider what your bed is made from. There’s not necessarily a right or wrong answer here. It’s much more a matter of personal preference. For instance, some people are sensitive to certain types of chemicals. They might feel better when they avoid exposure as much as possible.

Memory foam mattresses are made with foams that contain petroleum and other chemicals. In general, these beds score good marks for comfort among reviewers. But two common complaints that set brands apart are heat and odor.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be emitted from foams. (They’re also emitted from other materials like paint, varnish, glues, and even plants.) This off-gassing causes odors that can be unpleasant. And some can also be harmful to your health. Retailers will often advise consumers to air their mattresses out before using them. This tactic can help with odor reduction.

Know that some foams may be more likely to off-gas than others. Denser foams are more prone to off-gassing. But plant-based foams don’t off-gas as much. That’s because they have a lower percentage of VOCs. Some manufacturers may also use low-VOC glues or fire barrier materials.

Heat sensitivity is another common issue. In all, about 15% of people find they sleep warmer than they’d like. Traditional memory foam uses body heat to soften and mold to your shape. It retains heat longer, so it recovers slowly once you move. (Remember those older marketing materials with the handprint? Those featured traditional memory foam.) Not everyone likes that sensation though. People with mobility issues can also find slow-recovery foams harder to sleep on.

Gel foams are another option. These are usually traditional foams that have gel swirled into the material. Gel beads may also be incorporated within the foam. More and more manufacturers are offering gel foams. But these materials don’t seem to enhance coolness or breathability all that much. They might make a very small difference at best.

Then there are plant-based foams. These are often temperature-neutral. This means the foam molds quickly using pressure. The feel doesn’t change at normal room temperature ranges. Shoppers who buy plant-based foam tend to have fewer (if any) complaints about sleeping hot.

Mattress Covers

Don’t just look at the mattress materials themselves. It’s also important to pay attention to the mattress cover. This is the material that surrounds the entire mattress. It can impact your overall comfort and affect how long your mattress lasts.

Mattress covers can be made from many different fabric types. There are a few good options out there. The main thing is that the cover is breathable. Many people also prefer beds with removable covers. This makes them easier to clean.

Manufacturers often use natural materials like bamboo, cotton, or wool in higher-end products. Natural materials tend to be the most breathable. But they might be blended with synthetic materials like polyester. This can make a cover stretchier or more durable. But it could make the mattress feel a little warmer. Some brands also use specialty fibers like Coolmax or Celliant. These are designed to further improve comfort and breathability.

Warranties and Return Policies

We’ve talked at length about the factors that can make for a great mattress. Another thing you’ll want to keep a close eye on is the return policy and warranty. You don’t want to end up stuck with a product you don’t love. Or one that’s defective.

The good news is that many memory foam brands offer long at-home trial periods. This is especially true for online retailers. In general, longer trial periods are better. Why? It can take a while to get to know a new bed and adjust to it.

Most good brands will give you at least a month to try your bed at home. (Less than that isn’t ideal, so you may want to steer clear.) If you can find a three- or four-month trial, even better. The return policies should also be fair. Ideally, you should be able to make a return at no cost to you during a trial period.

Warranties can be trickier to navigate. A longer warranty doesn’t necessarily guarantee a better quality bed. Most warranties will cover more in the first few years than they do later on. The terms are usually split between a full replacement period and a partial replacement period.

So find out what your brand covers and for how long. A mid-range or high-end brand should come with a 10-year full replacement warranty. Another 10 years of partial replacement is ideal. It’s also wise to check how deep impressions must be to be considered defects. A warranty that covers shallower impressions (.75″ or more) is always better.

Finding the Best Memorial Day Mattress Deal: Summing It Up

There are lots of things to consider when seeking out a great deal over the holiday weekend. It’s worth taking your time to find a model that will truly meet your needs. Ideally, the best time to do this is before prices start dropping. That can help steer you away from impulse buys.

Once sale time rolls around, you can compare prices for your top picks. In the end, there’s a good chance you could end up saving a few hundred dollars or more.

In the end, every sleeper has different needs as well as a different budget. What works for someone else might not necessarily work for you. That said, Amerisleep’s AS3 is our ultimate top pick. This bed is versatile and made from high-quality materials. But just as important? It’s offered at a truly great price. The regular $1,399 price tag represents an excellent value. But you can snag it for just $1,199 over the holiday weekend. It’s a deal that can’t be beaten.

So shop around and find what works. Whatever you end up buying, you can feel good knowing that you found a great deal. And that alone could help you sleep a little more soundly.