
27 Best Memorial Day Mattress Deals: Our Sleep Experts Found the Top Mattress Sales From Purple, Casper, Nectar and More
Now is a great time to upgrade your sleep for less with the best Memorial Day mattress deals. Our CNET sleep experts have tested dozens of mattresses to find the top beds worth buying from the current Memorial Day mattress sales. Score incredible savings on mattresses from top brands like Casper, Nectar and Purple. Whether you prefer memory foam or hybrid, or just want to upgrade your bedding, there's something for everyone on sale now. We'll keep this page updated throughout the holiday weekend, so be sure to return for the latest. Looking for some sleep accessories instead? Bedding, pillows and other sleep essentials are getting major discounts too.
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Memorial Day mattress sales from our favorite brands: Nectar, Saatva, Casper and more
Brooklyn Bedding
Brooklyn Bedding's beds are known for their quality and affordability, so it is notable that its prices have dropped 30%. CNET's best overall mattress, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature, drops below $999 for a queen with this sale. The Aurora Luxe, our favorite cooling bed of all time, is just less than $1,600. Down from $2,265, this is an excellent price for a bed that will help hot sleepers sleep better.
The 30% off sale is sitewide with the code MEMORIAL30.
Details
30% off sitewide with code MEMORIAL30 See at Brooklyn Bedding
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Nectar
Hands down, Nectar does some of the most generous sales of all the mattress brands, which is good because some of the newest Nectar beds can be pricey. For Memorial Day, Nectar beds are up to 50% off, and bundles are 66% off.
That means you can get the Nectar Classic Hybrid for $799 instead of $1,531. If you want to update your whole bedding setup, add the optional bundle for only $179. It includes a sheet set, two cooling pillows and a mattress protector. The all-foam model of this bed is only $649. Finding quality queen mattresses for less than $1,000 can be difficult, so this sale is big if you're a fan of dense memory foam.
Details
Up to 50% off mattresses + 66% off bundles See at Nectar
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Helix
Helix's early access Memorial Day sale is 25% sitewide with a free bedding bundle if you buy a Luxe or Elite mattress. Here at CNET, we're big fans of Helix mattresses, especially the comfy pillowtops on the Luxe models. The Helix Midnight Luxe, which I recommend to just about anyone who wants a medium mattress, is down to $1,780 with this sale. Admittedly, the Luxe beds are on the more expensive side. You can drop a tier to the core collection for more affordable beds. The Helix Midnight is $999 right now. If you choose from the core collection, you'll miss out on the free bedding bundle that includes a sheet set and mattress protector. The bedding bundle's value isn't more than the difference between the two prices so I don't think the free offerings are enough to move the needle for you.
I'm currently testing the Helix Frame, which is on sale for $187. I highly recommend it for people who want a no-fuss bed frame that is easy to assemble. Seriously, it took me less than 5 minutes to put it together.
Use the code MEMDAY25 to cash in on these savings.
Details
25% off sitewide + free bedding bundle with select mattresses with code MEMDAY25 See at Helix
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Saatva
For Memorial Day, Saatva is running an up to $600 off sale. The amount off will depend on the total of your purchase. A $925 to $1,999 purchase will save you $200, plus the extra $100 off promotion. You won't get that $600 off unless you spend more than $4,500. It's not the most generous sale we've seen from Saatva, but it's still a nice chunk off the top of a luxury bed. The Saatva Classic, our favorite firm bed, is only $1,799. That's $300 off. If you're looking for a bed specifically for back pain, the Saata Rx is reduced to $3,049 for a queen.
Details
Take up to $600 off See at Saatva
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Casper
Casper mattresses are up to 35% off for Memorial Day. The savings will vary by bed. Casper's best-selling all-foam bed, the One, is on sale for only $799 for a queen. That's 20% off. The more expensive the beds, the higher the discount. The Casper Snow cooling mattress is 30% off, which drops the price to $1,745.
Details
Up to 35% off mattresses See at Casper
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Best Memorial Day sitewide mattress deals
DreamCloud
I'm a big fan of DreamCloud beds and I helped my brother buy one during the Presidents Day sale. Little did I know the Memorial Day mattress sale would be even better. I'm not sure I've ever seen a sale with up to 60% off. The DreamCloud Classic all-foam bed is only $799 for a queen, and the hybrid is only $649. If you're a pillowtop lover, I highly recommend DreamCloud.
Details
Up to 60% off mattresses See at DreamCloud
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Plank
Plank is offering a 30% off sitewide sale right now. That's a great sale for people who want extra-firm mattresses. The Plank Firm, a flippable all-foam mattress, is easily the firmest mattress I've ever tested. Right now, you can get it for less than $950. If you're looking for a hybrid bed, I'd recommend the Plank Firm Luxe, also on sale for a little more than $1,200.
Use the code MEMORIAL30 for this sale.
Details
30% off with code MEMORIAL30 See at Plank
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Avocado
Avocado beds are easily the best organic beds out there. Besides the eco-friendly construction, the Avocado Green mattress has the most green certifications of any brand. Avocado's Memorial Day sale is up to 20% off mattresses, bedding and furniture. That drops the cost of a queen Avocado Green bed to $2,099.
Use code HONOR10 for 10% off select eco organic mattresses, pillows and bedding.
Use code HONOR15 for 15% off select green mattresses.
Use code HONOR20 for 20% off select luxury organic mattresses.
Details
Up to 20% off mattresses, bedding and furniture See at Avocado
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Titan
Titan is running a 30% off sitewide Memorial Day sale across beds, accessories and bases. The Titan Plus mattress is CNET's choice for the best firm mattress for heavy people because of its extra-durable construction. The 30% off sale means you can get a queen Titan Plus mattress for only $874 with the code MEMORIAL30. Finding a quality bed for less than $1,000 is hard so this is an excellent sale for heavy back and stomach sleepers.
Details
30% off sitewide with code MEMORIAL30 See at Titan
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Nolah
Nolah's 35% off sitewide sale includes two free pillows with your mattress purchase. The Nolah Evolution is my favorite mattress for those looking for a soft mattress. The pillow top is one of the plushest options out there and a queen is currently on sale for $1,383 with two free pillows. This sale is across Nolah's beds, frames and bedding.
Details
35% off sitewide + 2 free pillows See at Nolah
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Dreamfoam
Budget brand Dreamfoam from Brooklyn Bedding is running a 30% off sitewide Memorial Day sale with the code MEMORIAL30. The beds are priced well for the budget tier so this sale only sweetens the deal. The Dreamfoam Doze, our favorite cheap firm mattress, is only $168 for the 7-inch model. The 11-inch model, which I recommend for side sleepers, is $234 for a queen. These beds aren't going to knock your socks off with special features or cooling covers but they're the most affordable online beds we've tested.
Details
30% off sitewide with code MEMORIAL30 See at Dreamfoam
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Naturepedic
Through June 2, Naturepedic is offering 20% off sitewide with the code MEMORIAL20. That means the Naturepedic Serenade mattress is only $1,599. Organic beds tend to be more expensive so it's not a bad price for an eco-friendly bed.
Details
20% off sitewide with code MEMORIAL20 See at Naturepedic
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Essentia
Another organic mattress that's on sale is the Essentia Grateful Eight. With the 25% off sale, you can snag this bed for only $2,125.50 for a queen. That's $708 in savings. Essentia is also offering free gifts with purchase on eligible mattress orders.
The Essentia sale includes more than beds. You can also get Essentia pillows, foundations and organic bedding. If you're looking for sleep essentials made from clean, non-toxic materials, you won't want to miss this sale.
Details
25% off sitewide See at Essentia
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Big Fig
Big Fig makes mattresses able to support bigger bodies up to 1,100 pounds, and right now you can get 25% off the brand's mattresses with the code MEMDAY. You can get the same discount on bedding and foundations when you purchase a bed as well. We like Big Fig's flagship mattress for its sturdy hybrid construction and comfort for all sleeping positions.
Details
25% off sitewide with mattress purchase See at Big Fig
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Zinus
Save up to 60% on Zinus' signature green tea mattresses this Memorial Day. You can get the Zinus original organic green tea mattress for $499, or opt for the ultra cooling version for $599. Plus, get an extra 10% off sitewide with code MEMORIAL10.
Details
Up to 60% off mattress + extra 10% off sitewide with code MEMORIAL10 See at Zinus
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Memorial Day mattress and accessory bundle deals
Birch
Birch is one of our favorite organic mattress brands. For Memorial Day, you can get 25% off with two free pillows when you buy a mattress with code MEMDAY25. Birch Natural is our pick for the best organic hybrid mattress, and you can get it for $1,399 during this sale.
While 25% is in line with a lot of the other sales, the two included pillows are a $149 value, so that's a nice addition.
Details
25% Off Sitewide + 2 Free Eco-Rest Pillows with code MEMDAY25 See at Birch
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Leesa
Leesa's ultra comfortable mattresses are some of my favorites. The Leesa Sapira Chill, our pick for the best luxury mattress, is on sale for $1,584. That's more than $679 in savings. It's still expensive but this is a good deal for the quality, especially because Leesa is adding a free sleep bundle that includes two pillows and a microfiber sheet set.
Details
30% off select mattresses + free sleep bundle See at Leesa
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Bear
Bear is a brand that makes affordable beds that will surprise you with how comfortable they are. The Memorial Day sale from Bear makes the beds almost impossible to pass up. There's sales of 35% off sitewide with two free pillows when you buy a mattress. With the code MD4TY, you can also knock 40% off mattresses.
The Bear Original mattress is one of my favorite all-foam mattresses for the price. With the sale, you can get a queen for only $649. The Pro Hybrid is only $1,113, a great price for a hybrid bed.
Details
35% off sitewide + 2 free pillows + 40% off mattresses with code MD4TY See at Bear
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Purple
Purple offers up to $700 off mattresses and bases for Memorial Day. The amount you save depends on the mattress and base. For example, the Purple Restore hybrid is $300 off. The sale also varies by base, like the Premium Smart Base, which is $300. Put those together, and you'll get closer to $600 off.
You don't have to buy a base to get the discount on the mattress but you have to get a mattress and a base to receive the discount on the base. The sales don't stop there, as Purple is offering 30% off bedding, pillows and more.
Details
Up to $700 off mattresses + bases See at Purple
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Layla
Up to $200 off is Layla's typical holiday sale, although the two free pillows do sweeten the deal. If you're interested in a Layla mattress, now's a good time to buy.
You also get 50% off all bases and accessories with your mattress purchase.
Our pick for the best bed for side sleepers, the Layla Hybrid mattress, is $200 off, bringing the queen's price down to $1,499. The memory foam model is $949, which is $150 off.
Details
Up to $200 off mattresses + two free pillows See at Layla
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All other Memorial Day mattress deals
Mattress Firm
Mattress Firm is offering several sales through the Memorial Day season. Most notably, select beds from top brands like Tempur-Pedic and Serta are up to 70% off. Qualifying mattresses also unlock a free base valued at up to $499 with the code ELEVATE. You can also get an extra 20% select mattresses and bedding today only with code HOLIDAY.
Details
Up to 70% off select mattresses See at Mattress Firm
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Sleep Number
Sleep Number's Memorial Day is up to 50% off iLE smart beds. The C2 smart bed, one of the more affordable beds from Sleep Number, is 10% off. That means a queen price is only $1,169. The Climate360 smart bed that actively warms or cools you is $2,000 off, dropping it to $7,999. The customizable smart beds from Sleep Number are well into the luxury price range so seeing chunks off is nice.
Sleep Number is also offering BOGO 50% off pillows and sheets. That includes one of my favorite sheets, the True Temp sheet set. They're breathable and great for hot sleepers.
Details
Up to 50% off iLE smart beds See at Sleep Number
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Tuft & Needle
For Memorial Day, Tuft & Needle is running a 20% off select beds sale, including 20% off the Original mattress and the Original Hybrid mattress. Bedding is 40% off, excluding body pillow covers and pillows.
Details
20% off select mattresses + 40% on select bedding See at Tuft & Needle
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Amerisleep
We've reviewed Amerisleep for a long time and its beds have appeared on several of our best lists. For Memorial Day, you can save $600 on mattresses using the code MD600. That means the AS2 is only $949 instead of $1,549. You'll be hard-pressed to find such a quality queen bed for less than $1,000. If you've been considering Amerisleep, now is a great time to buy.
Details
Save $600 on mattresses with code MD600 See at Amerisleep
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Serta
For Memorial Day, you can save up to $925 on Serta iComfort adjustable bed sets. The savings amount varies by mattress. The Serta iComfort mattress is on sale for $1,074 instead of $1,299, a savings of $225. The iComfortPro is $325 off at $1,674 for a queen.
There's also an extra $25 off sale pricing for the Serta Counting Sheep's birthday.
Details
Save up to $925 on Serta iComfort adjustable bed sets See at Serta
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Beautyrest
Beautyrest is offering up to $900 off mattresses with the purchase of an adjustable base for its Memorial Day sale. The discount varies by mattress. The purchase of a mattress from the Beautyrest Black collection allows you to save 50% on any two pillows with the code PILLOW50 at checkout.
Details
Up to $900 off select mattresses with an adjustable base See at Beautyrest
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My Green Mattress
If you've been looking for a more affordable organic bed than popular options like Avocado, you should check out My Green Mattress. You can now snag organic mattresses, bedding and bases from My Green Mattress for 15% off. The Natural Escape organic hybrid bed is only $1,444 for a queen during the Memorial Day sale. The $50 discount for military families can be stacked on this sale.
The Pure Eco Organic Kids Mattress is not included in this sale.
Details
15% organic beds, bedding and bases See at My Green Mattress
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Is Memorial Day a good time to buy a mattress?
Memorial Day is a good time to buy a mattress if you're in the market for one. Some of the sales are generous, especially the ones that throw in extra pillows and bedding.
I've been doing this long enough to notice sales trends across brands. For instance, Saatva usually peaks around $600 off mattresses, while Nectar has been known to mark 50% off. Most big names offer sales within a specific range so if you can't afford a mattress right now, don't sweat it. There's always another holiday coming.
Should you wait until Prime Day to buy a mattress?
No, it's not necessarily better to wait until Amazon Prime Day in July to buy a new mattress. While some brands will offer deals around that time, nearly all mattress companies offer discounts leading up to and during Memorial Day. Additionally, upcoming tariffs may increase the prices of mattresses across the board, so if you want to snag a new bed for a lower price, significant sales are happening now.
Our sleep and deals experts monitor the web to uncover the best discounts and help you save big. Check back, as we update our deals pages often.
Best overall Memorial Day mattress sales
Casper
Nectar
Leesa
Bear MD4TY
DreamCloud
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28 minutes ago
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In the largest single foreign investment in US history, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company has unveiled a $100 billion investment, drawing global attention and prompting concern in Taiwan. TSMC, which produces more than 90% of the world's advanced semiconductor chips that power everything from smartphones and artificial intelligence (AI) applications to weapons, will build two new advanced packaging facilities in Arizona, among others. Here's everything you need to know about advanced packaging technology, which has seen exponential demand growth along with the global AI frenzy, and what that means for the struggle between the US and China for AI dominance. While the two countries have announced a temporary truce that rolled back disruptive three-digit tariffs for 90 days, the relationship remains tense because of ongoing feuding over chip restrictions imposed by the US and other issues. Last month at Computex, an annual trade show in Taipei that has been thrust under the limelight because of the AI boom, the CEO of chipmaker Nvidia, Jensen Huang, told reporters that 'the importance of advanced packaging for AI is very high,' proclaiming that 'no one has pushed advanced packaging harder than me.' Packaging generally refers to one of the manufacturing processes of semiconductor chips, which means sealing a chip inside a protective casing and mounting it to the motherboard that goes into an electronic device. Advanced packaging, specifically, refers to techniques that allow more chips — such as graphic processing units (GPU), central processing units (CPU) or high bandwidth memory (HBM) — to be placed closer together, leading to better overall performance, faster transmission of data and lower energy consumption. Think of these chips as different departments within a company. The closer these departments are to each other, the easier it is, and less time it takes, for people to travel between them and exchange ideas, and the more efficient the operation becomes. 'You're trying to put the chips as close together as possible, and you're also putting in different solutions to make the connection between the chips very easy,' Dan Nystedt, vice president of Asia-based private investment firm TrioOrient, told CNN. In a way, advanced packaging keeps afloat Moore's Law, the idea that the number of transistors on microchips would double every two years, as breakthroughs in the chip fabrication process become increasingly costly and more difficult. While there are many types of advanced packaging technologies, CoWoS, short for Chips-on-Wafer-on-Substrate and invented by TSMC, is arguably the best known that was thrown under the limelight since the debut of OpenAI's ChatGPT, which sparked the AI frenzy. It has even become a household name in Taiwan, prompting Lisa Su, CEO of Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), to say that the island is the 'only place that you can say CoWoS and everybody would understand.' Advanced packaging has become a big deal in the tech world because it ensures AI applications, which require a lot of complex computing, run without delays or glitches. CoWoS is indispensable to producing AI processors, such as the GPUs produced by Nvidia and AMD that are used in AI servers or data centers. 'You could call it the Nvidia packaging process if you want to. Almost anyone making AI chips is using the CoWoS process,' said Nystedt. That is why demand for CoWoS technology has skyrocketed. As a result, TSMC is scrambling to ramp up production capacity. In a visit to Taiwan in January, Huang told reporters that the amount of advanced packaging capacity currently available was 'probably four times' what it was less than two years ago. 'The technology of packaging is very important to the future of computing,' he said. 'We now need to have very complicated advanced packaging to put many chips together into one giant chip.' If advanced fabrication is one piece of the puzzle in terms of chip manufacturing, advanced packaging is another. Analysts say having both pieces of that jigsaw in Arizona means the US will have a 'one-stop shop' for chip production and a strengthened position for its AI arsenal, benefitting Apple, Nvidia, AMD, Qualcomm and Broadcom, some of TSMC's top clients. 'It ensures that the US has a complete supply chain from advanced manufacturing to advanced packaging, which would benefit the US' competitiveness in AI chips,' Eric Chen, an analyst with market research firm Digitimes Research, told CNN. Because advanced packaging technologies key to AI are currently only produced in Taiwan, having it in Arizona also reduces potential supply chain risks. 'Instead of having all eggs in one basket, CoWoS would be in Taiwan and also the US, and that makes you feel more safe and secure,' said Nystedt. While CoWoS got its moment recently, the technology has actually existed for at least 15 years. It was the brainchild of a team of engineers led by Chiang Shang-yi, who served two stints at TSMC and retired from the company as its co-chief operating officer. Chiang first proposed developing the technology in 2009 in an attempt to fit more transistors into chips and solve bottlenecks in performance. But when it was developed, few companies took up the technology because of the high cost associated with it. 'I only had one customer … I really became a joke (in the company), and there was so much pressure on me,' he recalled in a 2022 oral history project recorded for the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California. But the AI boom turned CoWoS around, making it one of the most popular technologies. 'The result was beyond our original expectation,' Chiang said. In the global semiconductor supply chain, companies that specialize in packaging and testing services are referred to as outsourced semiconductor assembly and test (OSAT) firms. In addition to TSMC, South Korea's Samsung and America's Intel, as well as OSAT firms including China's JCET Group, America's Amkor and Taiwan's ASE Group and SPIL are all key players in advanced packaging technologies.