A Comprehensive Guide To Walmart Mattresses On Clearance

Navigating the Types of Walmart Clearance Mattresses

Finding a mattress on clearance at Walmart can feel like hitting the jackpot, but understanding what you're looking at is key to making a smart purchase. Clearance sections often feature a mix of mattress types, each with its own unique feel and construction. Knowing the difference will help you identify the best deal for your specific sleep needs.

Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam mattresses are one of the most common types you'll find on clearance. Known for their body-contouring properties, they provide excellent pressure relief by cradling your shoulders, hips, and back. When you press into the foam, it slowly responds to your shape and weight, which helps distribute body weight evenly and can reduce tossing and turning. This makes them a fantastic choice for side sleepers and individuals who experience joint pain. They are also great at motion isolation, meaning you're less likely to be disturbed if your partner moves around during the night.

When you see a memory foam mattress on clearance, it could be due to a variety of reasons, such as being a discontinued model, an online return, or simply overstock. Pay close attention to the foam's density, often measured in pounds per cubic foot (PCF). A higher density (4-5 PCF) generally indicates a more durable and supportive mattress, while lower densities might feel softer but may not last as long. Also, check if it has cooling features like gel infusions or an open-cell structure, as traditional memory foam can sometimes trap heat.

Innerspring Mattresses

Innerspring mattresses are the traditional standard and are frequently available in clearance aisles. Their core support system is made of steel coils, which provides that classic bouncy and responsive feel. These mattresses offer firm support and are generally more breathable than all-foam models because air can circulate freely through the coil system. This makes them a great option for hot sleepers and those who prefer to sleep "on" their mattress rather than "in" it. Many back and stomach sleepers find the firm, even surface of an innerspring mattress comfortable.

Clearance innerspring models are often older floor models or last-season's inventory. When inspecting one, check the coil type if possible. Bonnell coils are the most basic and affordable, while pocketed coils (where each coil is individually wrapped) offer better motion isolation and more targeted support. Press down on different areas of the mattress to listen for squeaks or groans, which could indicate aging or damaged coils. Also, look at the comfort layer on top—the padding that sits above the coils—to ensure it isn't overly compressed or lumpy.

Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses aim to offer the best of both worlds by combining an innerspring coil system with significant comfort layers made of memory foam, latex, or polyfoam. This construction gives you the supportive bounce of coils along with the pressure-relieving contouring of foam. Hybrids are often considered a premium option, so finding one on clearance can represent a significant saving. They are suitable for almost any sleep position and are a popular choice for couples with different sleep preferences.

Because of their complex construction and higher price point, a hybrid on clearance is a fantastic find. It might be there because it was a customer return or a display model. When examining a clearance hybrid, pay special attention to the "edge support." Sit on the side of the bed to see if it sags significantly. Good edge support makes it easier to get in and out of bed and increases the usable sleeping surface. Also, inspect the foam layers for any signs of permanent indentation or sagging, as this could compromise the comfort and support the mattress is designed to provide.

Bed-in-a-Box Mattresses

The "bed-in-a-box" phenomenon has become incredibly popular, and Walmart carries many brands that use this compressed and rolled packaging. Occasionally, you'll find these boxes in the clearance section, often due to a customer return where the box was never even opened or has slight cosmetic damage to the packaging. These are typically foam or hybrid mattresses that are vacuum-sealed for easy transport. This can be one of the best types of clearance deals because the mattress itself is often brand new and has never been used.

If you find a bed-in-a-box on clearance, inspect the packaging carefully. If the box is severely damaged, there's a small chance the vacuum seal on the mattress inside could be compromised, which might affect its ability to expand properly. However, if the box is just scuffed or has a torn corner, the mattress inside is likely perfectly fine. Be aware that once you open it, you won't be able to get it back in the box, so make sure you are committed to the purchase and have a plan for transporting it home.

Understanding Walmart's Clearance System

To become a truly savvy shopper, it helps to understand why items land in the clearance aisle in the first place. A mattress doesn't end up with a bright yellow tag for just one reason. The price reduction is often tied to its condition, its history, or the store's need to make space. Knowing the backstory can help you assess the value of the deal and what, if any, compromises you might be making.

One of the most common reasons is overstock. Corporate buyers may have ordered too many units of a particular model, and as the season changes or new models are released, stores need to clear out the old inventory to make room for the new. These mattresses are brand new, in perfect condition, and offer some of the best value. Similarly, a mattress might be part of a discontinued line. When a manufacturer updates its products, the previous versions are sold off at a discount. Again, these are new mattresses, but you may have difficulty finding information or reviews about them online since they are no longer in production.

Another major source of clearance mattresses is customer returns. Many online mattress brands sold through Walmart offer a trial period. If a customer returns a mattress within that window, the store cannot legally resell it as "new." Depending on the store's policy and the condition of the mattress, it may be cleaned, repackaged, and sold on clearance at a steep discount. Finally, floor models that have been on display for customers to test out are eventually sold off. These have experienced some light wear but are often still in excellent shape and can be a source of incredible savings.

Key Considerations Before You Buy

You've found a mattress, it looks great, and the price is right. Before you head to the checkout, there are a few final, crucial checks and considerations to make. A clearance purchase is often final, so doing your due diligence in the store is essential to avoid buyer's remorse and ensure you're bringing home a quality product that will last.

How to Check for Damage on a Clearance Mattress

A thorough inspection is the most important step. If the mattress is out of its packaging, start by looking for any visible stains, rips, or tears in the fabric. Even small cosmetic issues can be a bargaining chip for a further discount. Pay close attention to the seams and stitching to ensure they are intact. Uneven or frayed stitching could be a sign of poor manufacturing or rough handling.

Next, assess the structure. Lie down on the mattress if possible, or at the very least, press down firmly with your hands across the entire surface. Feel for any unusual lumps, dips, or sagging areas. These could indicate that the internal foam has been compromised or the coils are damaged. For innerspring or hybrid models, listen for any squeaking or crunching sounds as you apply pressure. Finally, check for any odors. A slight "new mattress" smell is normal for foam products, but a strong, musty, or unpleasant odor could be a red flag for mildew or improper storage.

Does a Clearance Mattress Come with a Warranty?

This is a critical question to ask a store associate before you buy. In most cases, clearance items, especially those marked as "as-is," do not come with the original manufacturer's warranty. The warranty is a promise from the manufacturer against defects, and once an item is sold on clearance, that agreement is typically voided. This is one of the main trade-offs for the deep discount you receive.

The lack of a warranty means that if the mattress develops a sag or a spring breaks a month after you get it home, you will have no recourse. This is why the physical inspection in the store is so vital. You are accepting the mattress in its current state. Some stores may have their own limited return policy for clearance goods, perhaps allowing a return within a very short window (e.g., 24-48 hours), but this is rare for large items like mattresses. Always clarify the store's policy on final sale items before completing the purchase.

Tips for Transporting Your New Mattress Home

Once you've made the purchase, the logistical challenge of getting it home begins. If you've purchased a bed-in-a-box, it will likely fit in the back of an SUV or even a large car's backseat. However, for a full-size, uncompressed mattress, you'll need a larger vehicle. A pickup truck, cargo van, or a vehicle with a sturdy roof rack is ideal. Never try to bend or fold a traditional innerspring or hybrid mattress to fit it into a car, as this can permanently damage the coils and support structure.

When securing the mattress, it's best to wrap it in a plastic mattress bag, which you can often purchase at Walmart or a moving supply store. This will protect it from dirt, moisture, and tearing during transit. Use strong ratchet straps or rope to tie it down securely. If using a roof rack, strap the mattress down across both its length and width to prevent it from catching the wind and shifting. If using a truck bed, lay it flat and secure it tightly so it doesn't slide. Driving slowly and avoiding highways, if possible, is always a wise precaution when transporting such a large item.

Conclusion

Shopping for a Walmart mattress on clearance can lead to substantial savings and a great new bed. The key to success is to be an informed and patient shopper. By understanding the different types of mattresses you might encounter, from pressure-relieving memory foam to bouncy hybrids, you can better identify what fits your sleep style. Knowing why an item is on clearance—whether it’s overstock, a floor model, or a return—gives you context for the deal you’re getting. Most importantly, a thorough in-person inspection for damage and a clear understanding of the store's warranty and return policies will ensure your bargain buy is a dream come true, not a future headache. With these tips in mind, you can confidently navigate the clearance aisle and find the perfect mattress for a fraction of the price.

For further reading and to see current selections, you can visit:

• Walmart's Official Mattress Page
• Sleep Foundation - Mattress Education and Reviews