Waking up with a sore back? Packing up for a new place? Or maybe you and your partner just need more room to stretch out? It might be time for you to upgrade your sleep setup. But when is the best time of year to buy a mattress?
If you can wait, most Canadian mattress brands offer their biggest deals during major holidays and long weekends, like Boxing Day, Labour Day, and, of course, Black Friday. Buying your mattress during one of these sales can mean savings on your mattress and sleep accessories, plus free goodies with your purchase.
But with some brands, you might not even need to wait for a sale to get a great deal. Keep reading to find out the best times of the year to buy a mattress in Canada.
Best Times to Buy a Mattress Throughout the Year
We didn’t just list the best mattress deals throughout the year by calendar order. Instead, we ranked them by a mix of discount depth, how many companies participate, plus how easy it is to find and compare deals.
1. Black Friday & Cyber Monday: The Biggest Discounts of the Year (late November)
Black Friday is a well-known time of year to save big on important purchases like home appliances or to get deals on holiday gifts. Mattresses are no exception to this. While almost every consumer brand in Canada participates in Black Friday with deep discounts and doorbuster deals, mattress retailers also step up their game, offering some of the best—if not the best—deals of the year to help you get a better sleep.
Black Friday seems to start earlier each year, so you can usually find deals in early to mid-November, peaking on the Friday following American Thanksgiving (the 4th Thursday of November) and lasting through the weekend into Cyber Monday three days later.
Black Friday mattress deals usually include sizeable discounts on beds and bedding. Some Canadian brands, like Douglas, are well known for discounts like 50% off all accessories and things like bed frames when you buy a mattress. This is a good way to upgrade your entire sleep setup at once without breaking the bank.
Best For: Shoppers who want to get the best discount of the year, even if it means waiting months.
2. Boxing Day: Your Second Shot at Black Friday Pricing (December 26)
When all the gifts are unwrapped, and you’re missing the one thing you really wanted (or needed), you’re probably counting on Boxing Day deals. This holiday is our 2nd ranked best time of the year to buy a mattress.
In more recent years, Boxing Day deals have begun to start earlier than Christmas, and last at least a few days after the actual holiday on the 26th.
While Boxing Day mattress deals are usually generous, after a busy holiday shopping period, the stock of certain sizes and models might be limited. This is something to keep in mind if you have your heart set on a specific mattress.
Best For: Shoppers who might’ve missed some items on their Christmas wish list, and don’t mind a narrower selection in exchange for near-Black-Friday discounts.
3. Labour Day: Warm Up to Fall Sleep Savings (early September)
Labour Day, in our opinion, is an underrated time of year to buy a mattress. It falls on the 1st Monday of September in Canada, marks the last long weekend of the summer, and typically signals the start of the back-to-school and back-to-work season.
Some Labour Day sales last just the long weekend, while others will last a couple of weeks. Brands like Douglas or Juno offer discounts on big items like 20% off select bed frames when you buy your mattress. While brands usually focus on people who need a mattress most during this time, like new homeowners, people who are moving, or students, anyone can take advantage of Labour Day deals.
Best For: Shoppers who need a mattress before fall and don’t want to wait until November for a strong discount.
4. Canada Day / Moving Day: Summer Season Deals for Shoppers (July 1)
During the summer, a ton of Canadians get ready to move because the weather’s nice, it’s easier to haul stuff around, and the summer holidays make it easier for many parents to coordinate moving. Whether it’s switching up for the next school semester or finally moving into that dream home, a lot of folks are shopping for home goods at this time and can’t always wait until November to grab a good deal on a mattress.
That’s where Canada Day comes in. Falling on July 1st, lots of mattress brands (especially Canadian ones) offer deals and discounts to celebrate their heritage and offer some great prices to summer mattress shoppers.
In Quebec, July 1st (or “1er juillet”) isn’t just Canada Day: it’s also Moving Day. Because most renters’ leases expire on that day, most cities become a massive moving zone packed with trucks and boxes, making Quebecois sales heavily focused on move-in deals and new home setups.
Check out our list of the best mattresses in Canada to find brands that proudly celebrate July 1st with outstanding deals.
Best For: Shoppers who want to support Canadian-made brands specifically, are moving homes and need a new bed setup fast, or who don’t want to wait half a year for the bigger holiday sales periods.
5. New Year’s: Fresh Stock, Fresh Start (January 1)
New year, new you. Or at least maybe a new bed. The New Year sales fall at the tail end of the busy shopping season, which spans most of November and December, with sales typically offered on December 31st and January 1st.
While New Year’s Eve and Day deals might not be as big or widely offered as Black Friday and Cyber Monday discounts, they shouldn’t be disregarded. Brands are likely restocking products after the big Boxing Day sales rush, so better choices (and more stock) may be available to you. Plus, better sleep is always a great way to kick off your year!
Best For: Shoppers who’re in a “fresh start” mindset who happen to be shopping in early January, or those who may have missed out on the bigger sales periods but still want a good deal on a new mattress and can’t wait half a year or more for one.
6. Retailer-Specific Flash Sales: Fast Savings, Fewer Safety Nets
In this category, think of Amazon Prime Day or The Brick’s Tent Sale. These brands usually offer big sale days to attract new customers or clear out old stock. Some mattress deals can lead to savings, but there are drawbacks.
Because you won’t always know when a sale day from a big retailer is coming, there’s a chance of buying too early or missing out on the sale altogether. There are also sometimes requirements for getting savings, like becoming an Amazon Prime member. In addition, these short windows give you less time to evaluate your options and decide which one is right for your needs. Sales that revolve around clearance are usually final, so you might not be able to return the mattress if it isn’t the right fit.
That said, these deals can be convenient and a good way to save a little money when you’re not purchasing near the popular holiday sales periods. Before pulling the trigger on flash sales, we recommend to cross-shop these offers with Canadian brands. Local alternatives may not exactly match on prices, but they often offer extra perks for added value like extended sleep trials, free bedding bundles, and Canadian-made quality.
Best For: Shoppers who value speed and convenience over consumer protections in case the mattress isn’t the right fit, and don’t mind its unpredictability (e.g., the timing of the event or which items will be on sale).
Should You Wait to Buy a Mattress, or Buy Now?
With all the buzz of modern marketing and social media advertising, it can be hard to cut through the clutter and determine which deals are worth waiting for, and which ones won’t make a difference if you do.
We think that if you can afford to wait to buy your next mattress, there are some sale days or even periods that are worth waiting for. Our top recommendations are:
- Black Friday / Cyber Monday
- Boxing Day
- Long weekends like Labour Day or Canada Day
Sales that might be convenient if you happen to be shopping at that time, but aren’t usually worth waiting for:
- Minor holidays/sales (e.g. Valentine’s Day, Halloween, etc.)
- Brand-specific sales events
Don’t Wait for Summer: The RV Mattress Buying Window
If you’re shopping for a camper, trailer, or motorhome mattress, traditional holiday sales aren’t always the driving factor. Major brands rarely run promotions tailored specifically to short queen, custom RV, or narrow sizes.
In this case, early April is the ideal window to buy. Early spring is when campers across the country are opening up their RVs to get ready for camping season. Waiting until later in the summer to purchase can mean dealing with extended shipping times and order backlogs right when you want to be on the road. Don’t get stuck sleeping on an old, worn-out mattress during your first getaway of the year!
The Best of Both Worlds?
It’s worth mentioning that certain Canadian brands, such as Douglas, operate under a “Price Promise”. This promise is one they make to their customers to always keep their prices as low as possible. No flash deals, no artificially inflated prices that are slashed during sales periods to convey a bigger discount, and no missing out on the best price. Douglas mattresses are never discounted. This means that any sleeper can get the best deal on their mattress year-round without waiting for a big sale.
And if you’re worried about locking in the wrong bed at the wrong time, you don’t always have to be stuck. Some brands, including Douglas, back their mattresses with a 365-night sleep trial, so you have time to actually test it at home before it’s a final decision, and receive a full refund with free pick-up if the firmness just isn’t right.
At the end of the day, if your sleep is suffering, you shouldn’t delay upgrading your mattress for too long. Luckily, brands like Douglas, Juno and Logan & Cove make it easy to get a great price on a quality mattress year-round.
If you’re planning to wait for a big sale to shop, do your research early so you know how to choose the right mattress and which firmness level is right for you.
Ready to shop? Check out our list of the best mattresses in Canada to decide which one to add to your holiday shopping list.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best time of the year to buy a mattress?
If you’re not in immediate need of a mattress, you can sometimes get a good deal in the second half of the year, around times like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Boxing Day. If you’re due for a replacement sooner rather than later, smaller deals and sales pop up year-round, which can help you save. Plus, if you buy from a brand that offers a “Price Promise” (like Douglas or Logan & Cove), you’re guaranteed to get the mattress at the best possible price you can, no matter what time of year it is.
How much should I pay for a mattress?
Quality mattresses are available for a range of different budgets and prices in Canada, typically ranging from $500 to $2,000 for a queen size.
Mattresses that cost more than $2,000, $3,000, or even $4,000 don’t always perform much better than well-made options in the $1,000–$1,500 range. In our testing, the differences in comfort and durability are often small. Pricier mattresses may come with extra materials or features, but those additions don’t always make a big difference in how the mattress feels or holds up over time.
How often should I replace my mattress?
According to experts, a good mattress should last 7–10 years. However, this can vary depending on the materials used in the mattress’s construction and how frequently it is used. There’s no strict rule, but if you notice visible sagging, lumps, or a decline in comfort and support, it may be time to replace it. Regular maintenance and proper care can help extend a mattress’s lifespan.
Should I buy a used mattress?
While buying a used mattress might seem like an easy way to save money, it is generally best to avoid them altogether.
Mattresses trap sweat, dead skin, dust mites, and allergens over time, and even professional cleaning can’t guarantee the elimination of hidden issues like mold, deep-set bacteria, or bed bug infestations. On top of the health and hygiene risks, used mattresses rarely come with return policies or warranty protection, meaning you could end up stuck with a sagging bed and no recourse.
We recommend considering a new value-priced mattress instead. If cost is your primary concern, you don’t have to compromise on health or peace of mind with affordable brand-new options like Juno ($549 for a queen). Brand-new materials, full manufacturer warranties, and longer-than-average sleep trials, all at a price point that often rivals refurbished or used models.
What should I look for when buying a new mattress?
Finding the right affordable mattress takes more than just testing it out. Keep these key factors in mind when you’re choosing a mattress to get the best value without compromising on comfort or quality:
- Budget: Set a spending limit and watch for online deals to stretch your dollar further.
- Construction: Decide between foam, hybrid, or innerspring models. Each type has its pros and cons.
- Firmness: Get the right firmness for your preferred sleep position. (Did you know medium-firm suits most sleepers? Check our list of the top-rated medium-firm mattresses.)
- Motion Isolation: If you share your bed with a partner, choose a mattress that limits movement transfer.
- Edge Support: If you sit on or sleep near the edge of the mattress, solid edge support is a must.
- Bounce: Need help getting out of bed, or just love a springy feel? You’ll want a mattress with extra bounce.
- Body Pain: Look for pressure-point relief and zoned support if you deal with aches or joint pain.
- Temperature: If you’re a hot sleeper, go for materials that promote airflow and help you stay cool.
- Company Policies: Review the company’s sleep trial, warranty, and online reputation before buying.
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