How to return a mattress to Amazon

There isn't much you can't find on Amazon, and that includes mattresses. But what happens if you buy one then later change your mind — or if there's a fault, and you need to return your purchase? This article will help you make sense of Amazon's sometimes-confusing mattress return policy.

All of our best mattress picks come with a trial period of at least 90 nights, and most can be returned free of charge. However, mattress returns at Amazon may vary by seller and brand — and you may not be able to send back a mattress that's already been used.

Before you shop for the best mattresses on Amazon, take a moment to understand the return protocol in case it doesn't work out for you.

How do Amazon mattress returns work?

According to the Amazon Returns Center, all mattresses (except for crib mattresses) have a 90-day return window. However, most product pages for mattresses indicate between a 30-day and 100-day return policy with a full refund, provided the item hasn't been opened.

Unboxed and expanded mattresses can't be returned to Amazon, but you'll usually get a refund within the designated return period. However, if you bought a mattress on Amazon from a brand that offers a trial period (such as Nectar or DreamCloud), their return policies may apply instead.

How to return an unopened mattress to Amazon

Did you order the wrong type or size of mattress? If so and you haven't unboxed it, you can return it to Amazon within 100 days of purchase (third-party seller terms may vary).

This is the best-case scenario for returning a mattress to Amazon as the process is fairly straightforward. Just go to the Amazon Returns Center and select the 'Heavy-Bulk' option where prompted, or call customer service (1-888-280-4331) to arrange a return.

Different companies collect returned mattresses for Amazon — either FedEx, UPS, or another courier. It may take up to 25 days for a return to be delivered to the seller, so there could be a small delay in receiving a refund.

Once a return is processed, Amazon says that refunds applied to a credit card will take 3-5 business days. For refunds applied to a debit card, it's up to 10 days. Refunds administered to an Amazon Gift Card will take 2-3 hours.

How to return an opened mattress to Amazon

For most of us, the need to return a mattress isn't going to arise until we’ve slept on it and decided that it doesn't suit our bodies. This is where purchasing a mattress from Amazon can prove troublesome.

Amazon only allows you to request a refund for an opened mattress up to 30 days from purchase. Once you start a return, you’ll need to explain why the mattress isn’t right for you, or if you believe it might be defective, to qualify for a refund.

What happens then? Amazon is vague on the details but experiences tend to vary according to customers who've shared their stories online.

Some shoppers who've returned a mattress to Amazon say they were able to arrange for freight pickup. Others claim they were instructed to return a fully-formed mattress themselves, either by wrapping it in plastic or rolling it up and fastening it, then slapping on a return label.

In several cases, customers were told to keep the mattress and find a way to dispose of it or donate it to charity. It seems to come down to how the Amazon representative you deal with interprets the policy.

Returning an opened mattress from a third-party seller

Third party sellers on Amazon have their own return policies, so you may be able to test the mattress for longer than 30 days.

However, we advise that you check the Warranty and Support section of the mattress listing or to contact the manufacturer directly to find out what their policy is for third-party seller mattresses purchased on Amazon.

Well-known brands with Amazon storefronts include Nectar Sleep, Casper, Tuft & Needle, and Tempur-Pedic.

Why can't you return a mattress to Amazon?

There are some occasions where you won't be able to return a mattress to Amazon. For example:

1. The returns period has passed
The most common reason for not being able to return a mattress to Amazon is losing track of how long you've had the mattress for. If you've missed the returns window, you won't get your refund.

2. You've confused 30 and 100 day return periods
If the mattress is opened and expanded, you only have 30 days to return it if you bought it directly from Amazon (not a third-party seller). You have 100 days to send it back if the mattress has not been unboxed.

3. You've damaged the mattress
If a mattress arrives damaged, you're entitled to a refund — but not if you damage the mattress. Cover it with a mattress protector and do your best to maintain good sleep hygiene to prevent stains, spills, and tears.

How to avoid returning a mattress to Amazon

Before you buy a mattress from Amazon

Before adding a mattress to your Amazon cart, check that you’ve ordered the correct type of mattress in the right size for your bed. (Unsure what size you need? Read our easy guide to mattress sizes for a breakdown of measurements.)

Regardless of whether you're buying a budget mattress or a premium bed, it's important to check the returns policy for that specific mattress listing on Amazon before you buy.

This is especially key for third-party seller listings, as the trial, warranty and returns policies may differ from Amazon's. For well-known brands, we recommend buying direct from them whenever possible

After you buy a mattress from Amazon

Once you receive the mattress, check the outer packaging for signs of damage during shipping. Next, check the labels on the box to clarify that it is the right mattress and size you ordered. If it's wrong, you’ll have 100 days to return it for a refund or exchange.

If you unbox the mattress then change your mind about it, you'll have 30 days to approach Amazon for a refund, unless you bought from a third-party seller that grants you a longer trial period. Our guide to mattress trials explains what the average trial length is and how to get the most out of them.