What actually happens when you want to return your mattress? First, you need to make sure the mattress is in good condition with no tears or stains. If there is damage to the mattress, you may not be able to return it. This is why it can be good to use a mattress protector when trying out a new bed.
If you bought the mattress in-store, the retailer will typically send someone to pick it up for you, but you may be charged a fee. If you purchased online, the company will usually arrange for the mattress to be picked up.
Once the mattress makes it back to its destination, a refund will be issued. Note that some brands do charge a shipping fee for returns.
Here is the process simplified:
- Make sure you have all the information you need: To start the return process, you’ll need your order number and the date of purchase. Double check the return policy to make sure you’re still within the trial period.
- Contact the company you purchased from: Reach out to the retailer and tell them you’d like to return or exchange your mattress. Depending on their individual policies, they’ll be able to tell you how to proceed and schedule a time for your mattress to be picked up.
- Wait: It’s now time to wait for the mattress to be picked up; you’ll need to be home when they come to collect it. They will likely ask you to bring it to your front door depending on the type of housing you live in.
- Make sure you get your refund: It will likely take anywhere from three to 10 business days for the refund to go through, so contact the company if you have been waiting longer. Note that the refund will not begin to process until after the mattress has been picked up.
What To Know When Exchanging A Mattress
The process of exchanging a mattress is similar to the return process. When doing an exchange, you’ll need to choose between the other models that the brand offers. Make sure you know the reason you don’t like your current mattress so you can find one that works better for you. It may be helpful to check out our mattress buying guide to ensure you know what will work for your body and sleep style.
Like always, read all the fine print to understand the company’s sleep trial and warranty for both the new mattress and the one you want to swap out. You can then contact the company and schedule a time for them to pick up the bed. Some companies will be okay with you donating the mattress rather than sending it back, so be sure to get a receipt or record of the donation if that’s the case.
What If You Can’t Return Your Mattress?
Let’s say you’re outside the company’s trial period, you’ve damaged the mattress, or you’re otherwise ineligible to return or exchange your mattress. What can you do then?
Sadly, you won’t be able to get your money back, but you can still dispose of an unwanted mattress in an environmentally safe way by recycling it. Pretty much every part of the mattress from the cover to the coils can be recycled and repurposed in some way. Some states allow mattresses to be donated, so this is another way to help the community and give to someone in need. Some companies will also dispose of the mattress for you (for a fee) even if they won’t give you a refund.
No matter how you choose to dispose of your mattress, try to not let it become one of those sad, abandoned mattresses that you sometimes see on the side of the road.
Brands With Popular Return Policies
We want you to purchase a mattress with a great return policy, so here are some of our favorites:
Amazon Return Policy
Amazon will let you request a return or refund within 100 days of product shipment. If the mattress is unopened and in its original packaging you can return it to the company. They will not take it back if it has been opened or used, but you are still eligible for a refund. Note that Amazon may not honor the standard company trial period if you buy from them instead of the company directly.
See some of our top picks for the best Amazon mattresses.
Bear Return Policy
Trial period: 120 nights
Warranty: Lifetime
30-night minimum required: Yes
No returns or refunds will be given after the trial period is up. You must try the mattress for a minimum of 30 nights before Bear will let you initiate a return. You may only return a mattress one time.
Check out our reviews on the Bear, the Bear Star Hybrid, and the Bear Elite Hybrid mattresses.
Brooklyn Bedding
Trial period: 120 nights
Warranty: 10-year warranty
30-night minimum required: Yes
Brooklyn Bedding will exchange the mattress or offer a full refund within the trial period. They also offer three ways to help adjust your mattress, such as providing a cushioning topper, to help you avoid returning it.
Check out our reviews on the Signature Hybrid, the Brooklyn Bowery, and the Aurora Luxe mattresses.
Casper
Trial period: 100 nights
Warranty: 10-year limited warranty
30-night minimum required: Yes
Casper offers free returns and full refunds during the 100-night trial period.
Check out our reviews on the Casper Original, the Casper Hybrid, and the Casper Wave Hybrid mattresses.
Helix
Trial period: 100 nights
Warranty: 10-15 year warranty (depending on the mattress model)
30-night minimum required: Yes
Helix will not accept returns outside of the trial period.
Check out our reviews on the Helix Midnight, the Helix Dusk, and the Helix Twilight mattresses.
Layla
Trial period: 120 nights
Warranty: Lifetime warranty
30-night minimum required: No
Layla donates all returned mattresses to charity.
Check out our reviews on the Layla and the Layla Hybrid mattresses.
Leesa
Trial period: 100 nights
Warranty: 10-year warranty
30-night minimum required: Yes
Leesa donates returned mattresses to charity.
Check out our reviews on the Leesa Original, the Leesa Hybrid, and the Leesa Sapira Hybrid mattresses.
Nectar
Trial period: 365 nights
Warranty: Lifetime warranty
30-night minimum required: Yes
Nectar mattresses become ineligible for warranty claims and returns if you have yet to open them within 90 days of delivery.
Check out our reviews on the Nectar, the Nectar Premier, and the Nectar Classic Hybrid mattresses.
Nolah
Trial period: 120 nights
Warranty: Lifetime warranty
30-night minimum required: Yes
Nolah charges a $99 transportation fee when returning a mattress.
Check out our reviews on the Nolah, the Nolah Evolution, and the Nolah Signature mattresses.
Saatva
Trial period: 365 nights
Warranty: Lifetime warranty
30-night minimum required: Yes
Saatva has a $99 processing fee for pickups.
Check out our reviews on the Saatva, the Saatva Latex Hybrid, and the Saatva HD mattresses.
Mattress Return FAQs
Do all mattress companies allow returns?
While most companies allow returns within a certain timeframe, some do not accept returns. Make sure to read all the terms and conditions before buying a mattress and understand their policies before purchasing.
Can you return a mattress if it’s too firm?
Yes. If you don't like the way a mattress feels, you can usually return or exchange it for one that feels better. However, if you are unable to return it, you can also invest in a mattress topper that may provide some extra cushioning.
How long do you have to return a mattress?
Every company offers a different trial period, usually between 100 and 365 nights. However, most companies require you to keep the mattress for a minimum of 30 days before it will process any returns. Again, read all the fine print!
What happens when you return your mattress?
Once the mattress gets picked up, it’s up to the company what to do with it, but mattresses are often recycled or donated. Some companies partner with charities to donate unwanted mattresses to those in need. Others may resell the bed for a cheaper price.
Can you put a mattress-in-a-box back in the box?
You’d have a very hard time. There’s a reason why these mattresses in a box can take 24 to 48 hours to fully decompress once you open them. It’s because machines compress them so they can get into the box. Unless you have one of these machines at home, you won’t be getting the mattress back into that box.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to sleep, you shouldn’t have to settle. If your new mattress isn’t leaving you well-rested and pain-free, then you have every right to return it or exchange it for one that’s right for you. Lack of sufficient sleep correlates to an abundance of health problems, so it’s important that you’re getting the best rest possible.
Once again, remember to read all the fine print and terms and conditions before purchasing a new mattress. You wouldn’t want to decide to return your mattress and then realize you’re outside the trial period. Be sure to understand all the facts and research thoroughly before purchasing. When in doubt, Sleepopolis likely has the answer to any sleep or mattress-related question you may have.
