Are you in the market for a new mattress? If so, you‘ve likely considered checking out the selection at Costco. The warehouse retailer is known for its wide array of products at competitive prices, and their mattress department is no exception. However, before you plunk down your credit card and haul home a new bed in a box, there are a few important things to know. As a savvy shopper myself, I‘ve done the research to bring you this comprehensive guide featuring 15 essential things to consider before buying a mattress from Costco.
1. Costco offers an extensive selection of mattress types and brands
One of the biggest advantages of mattress shopping at Costco is the impressive variety available, both in-store and online. You‘ll find all the most common mattress types, including:
- Innerspring
- Memory foam
- Latex
- Hybrid
In addition, Costco carries trusted brands like Sealy, Beautyrest, Tempur-Pedic, Casper, and more. With so many high-quality options to choose from, you‘re bound to find a mattress that suits your unique needs and preferences.
2. Don‘t expect to find many mattresses under the Kirkland Signature label
While Costco‘s exclusive Kirkland Signature brand covers a lot of product categories, mattresses are a notable exception. Currently, they only offer one Kirkland mattress model made by Stearns & Foster. If you had your heart set on a Kirkland bed, you may need to adjust your expectations. That said, the wide range of other top brands should provide plenty of excellent alternatives.
3. You can score major savings on name-brand mattresses
Perhaps the biggest draw of buying a mattress from Costco is the potential for substantial savings. Thanks to the company‘s immense bulk purchasing power, they‘re able to secure significant discounts from manufacturers which they then pass on to shoppers.
It‘s not uncommon to find exact mattress models priced hundreds of dollars less at Costco compared to other big box stores, mattress showrooms, or online retailers. For example, a king size Beautyrest mattress that retails for $1899 at Mattress Firm might be only $1299 at Costco – a savings of $600! If you have your eye on a specific high-end mattress, it‘s definitely worth checking Costco‘s price before buying elsewhere.
4. But Costco may not always have the absolute lowest price
While Costco‘s mattress prices are reliably low, savvy shoppers know it still pays to shop around. Depending on the specific model, size, and time of year, you may be able to find an even better deal at an online mattress brand or during a furniture store‘s clearance sale.
The rise of bed-in-a-box companies like Nectar, Leesa, and Tuft & Needle has increased competition and made the mattress industry more price-transparent. Don‘t assume Costco beats all other retailers on price. Do your homework, compare options, and factor in any available coupons or discounts before deciding where to buy.
5. Non-members may still be able to buy a Costco mattress
Contrary to popular belief, not all Costco mattresses require a membership to purchase, at least when shopping online. The product description will clearly state if it‘s a "member-only item." Any mattress without this designation should be available to non-members, albeit at a 5% surcharge over the listed price. If you find a great deal on a non-member mattress and don‘t mind the small upcharge, it may be worthwhile to check out as a "guest" rather than shell out $60 for an annual membership.
However, when shopping in-store, a valid Costco membership card is required at checkout. Certain coveted brands like Casper are also restricted to members online, so joining may unlock even more options and savings opportunities for serious shoppers.
6. Costco offers convenient delivery options for large items like mattresses
Once you‘ve chosen the mattress of your dreams, the next hurdle is getting it home. Fortunately, Costco makes the process easy by offering several delivery methods for oversized items:
- Standard shipping via common carrier for smaller, lighter weight items
- Scheduled delivery for large items, often with the option of "room of choice" service
- White glove delivery, where the items are brought into your home, unboxed, and packaging materials removed
The specific delivery options, fees, and scheduling process vary by item. Some mattresses include free standard shipping, while white glove delivery is often available for an added cost of $100-$200. Just be aware that unusual circumstances like remote location or stairs may trigger an additional surcharge.
7. Generous warranty coverage offers peace of mind
Another perk of buying your mattress from Costco is the solid warranty protection provided by both the manufacturer and the retailer. Most of the mattress brands sold at Costco come with a 10-20 year limited warranty from the manufacturer, which covers defects in materials and workmanship.
On top of this, Costco offers its own warranty coverage for members. The exact terms are a bit nebulous and vary by product category, but most large items like mattresses are covered under Costco‘s general satisfaction guarantee. This policy allows you to return the mattress for a full refund at any point if it fails to meet your expectations.
While some exclusions and limitations apply, Costco‘s warranty and return policies are among the most generous and hassle-free in the retail world. Having this extra layer of protection can provide valuable peace of mind and make it less risky to purchase a mattress before trying it out in person.
8. An unbeatable return policy minimizes buyer‘s remorse
Even with extensive research and a showroom test run, sometimes a mattress just doesn‘t work out once you sleep on it for a few nights. Costco understands this, which is why they offer an incredibly flexible return policy on mattresses and most other items.
If at any point you decide you‘re unsatisfied with your mattress, Costco allows you to return it for a full refund – even if years have elapsed since the original purchase date! While they may make exceptions for blatant abuse of the policy, in most cases all you‘ll need is the receipt or order number. This gives you ample time to make sure the mattress is a good long-term fit before committing.
9. Showroom models make it easier to "try before you buy"
If the idea of spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on a mattress you‘ve never laid on makes you anxious, you‘re not alone. While generous return policies help mitigate this concern, sometimes there‘s just no substitute for an old-fashioned showroom test.
The good news is, many Costco warehouse locations have showroom displays for some of their most popular mattress models. This allows you to experience the look and feel of the bed in person before ordering, whether you end up buying in-store or online. Costco also has partnerships with certain mattress brands which allow you to try the bed in a dedicated showroom and still receive Costco member pricing.
10. A Costco mattress may be light on eco-friendly and organic options
If buying a "green" mattress made with sustainable, non-toxic materials is a priority, Costco may not be the best choice. The retailer‘s current mattress selection is dominated by traditional innerspring and memory foam models, with very few options clearly marketed as eco-friendly or organic.
While some of the mattresses may contain a portion of plant-based foams or natural latex, the vast majority are made with conventional polyurethane foams and synthetic fabrics. If you have your heart set on a 100% organic mattress with robust environmental and health certifications, you‘ll likely need to shop with a specialty online brand or a local green mattress store.
11. Firmness level is crucial to your comfort, so choose carefully
One of the key factors that determines whether a mattress is a good fit for you is its firmness level. Mattresses typically range from extra soft to extra firm, with the majority of sleepers preferring something in the medium to medium-firm range.
Your ideal firmness depends on your body type, sleep style, and comfort preferences. Side sleepers and lighter weight individuals (<130lbs) often need a softer mattress to allow their hips and shoulders to sink in, while back and stomach sleepers and those over 230lbs usually require a firmer bed for proper spinal support.
Most of the mattress models sold at Costco are available in a medium to medium-firm feel to accommodate the widest range of sleepers, but some brands offer multiple firmness options. Be sure to do your research ahead of time and select a comfort level that aligns with your needs. When in doubt, opting for the middle of the road with medium-firm is a safe bet.
12. Don‘t forget to grab some new bedding while you‘re at it!
A new mattress is a perfect opportunity to upgrade the rest of your sleep setup as well. The Costco website has a huge selection of sheets, duvets, blankets, pillows, and mattress pads to complete your bedding refresh. As with the mattresses, most of these items are high-quality offerings from trusted brands at prices that beat other retailers.
Keep an eye out for seasonal specials on bedding basics, which can save you even more on your total purchase. Just be warned that some of the bedding "deals" may be everyday low prices rather than true limited time offers, so don‘t feel too pressured to buy on the spot.
13. Your credit card‘s extended warranty may not apply
Some credit cards, especially high-end travel rewards cards, include extended warranty benefits that add an extra year or two to the manufacturer‘s warranty term for eligible purchases. Many shoppers assume this perk applies to all of Costco‘s products, since the store only accepts Visa credit cards. However, this is often not the case for mattresses.
Most credit card issuers specify that their extended warranty is secondary to any other coverage provided by the retailer. Since Costco already offers an extremely generous satisfaction guarantee on mattresses, this effectively nullifies the credit card warranty extension. Don‘t let this minor exclusion dissuade you from purchasing a mattress with your Costco Anywhere Visa, but don‘t rely on it for added warranty either.
14. Look out for Buyer‘s Guides to learn more about specific brands/models
If you‘re considering a specific mattress brand or model sold at Costco, try googling "[Brand Name] Mattress Costco Review" or "Costco [Brand Name] Mattress Buyer‘s Guide." Since buying a new mattress is such a hefty investment, mattress nerd websites like SleepLiketheDead, TheSleepJudge, and Tuck often write in-depth reviews of popular models.
These guides go beyond basic specs and marketing claims to discuss real-world performance factors like durability, temperature control, ease of movement, edge support, and compatibility with different body types and sleep positions. Expert recommendations and customer insights can help you identify any red flags or standout features before pulling the trigger.
15. When in doubt, take advantage of Costco‘s risk-free trial period
Even with extensive research and in-store testing, sometimes the only way to know if a mattress is right for you is to sleep on it for a few nights. Rather than let uncertainty hold you back from a great deal on a new bed, embrace the freedom of Costco‘s generous return policy.
As long as you have your receipt or order number, you can return a mattress to Costco at any point for a full refund if it fails to meet your expectations. While the company may make exceptions for blatant abuse, in most cases the return process is straightforward. Some exclusions apply, so always check the fine print of your particular model before purchasing.
Knowing you can easily change course if needed gives you the confidence to take a chance on a new mattress and potentially upgrade your sleep experience. If it works out, great! If not, you have a safety net to fall back on while you keep searching for that perfect bed.
Conclusion
Buying a mattress is a big decision that impacts your health and well-being for years to come. While the Costco mattress buying experience isn‘t perfect, it offers a lot of compelling benefits that make it worth consideration for savvy shoppers. Between the wide selection, low prices, generous return policy, and flexible delivery options, purchasing a mattress at Costco can be a smart way to balance quality and affordability.
That said, as with any major purchase, it pays to do your homework first. Research several brands, read in-depth reviews, compare prices across multiple retailers, showroom test if possible, and understand the fine print of your warranty and return policy before swiping your card. With these tips in mind, you‘re well-equipped to navigate the mattress buying process at Costco or anywhere else. Here‘s to sleeping your way to better health!
