If you’re in the market for a new mattress, two big names you may be considering are Mattress Firm and Raymour & Flanigan. But which retailer offers the better deals, selection, and overall shopping experience?
This comprehensive guide compares Mattress Firm and Raymour & Flanigan across key factors to help you decide where to invest in your next great night’s sleep.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspects | Mattress Firm | Raymour & Flanigan |
| Founded | 1986 | 1910 |
| # of Stores | 2,500+ | 130+ |
| Key Brands Sold | Serta, Beautyrest, Stearns & Foster, Tempur-Pedic | Sealy, Stearns & Foster, Tempur-Pedic |
| Sleep Trial Period | 100-120 nights | 90-120 nights |
| Warranty Length | 10-25 years | 10-25 years |
| Financing Options | Mattress Firm card, Affirm, Progressive Leasing | Raymour & Flanigan card |
| Old Mattress Removal | Free | $25-$100 fee |
| Return Policy | Free returns | Possible restocking fee |
When it comes to top mattress retailers, both Mattress Firm and Raymour & Flanigan rank among the biggest names in the business.
But they take different approaches when it comes to store footprint, brand assortment, policies, and more.
Mattress Firm is the largest specialty mattress retailer in the U.S. with over 2,500 brick-and-mortar locations across 49 states.
With its vast nationwide presence and expansive brand selection including top names like Serta, Beautyrest, Stearns & Foster, and Tempur-Pedic, Mattress Firm aims to be a one-stop shop for all things mattress related.
Meanwhile, Raymour & Flanigan focuses more on a regional approach with just over 130 stores, all located within driving distance of its headquarters in Syracuse, New York. R&F sells premium mattress brands too like Sealy, Stearns & Foster, and Tempur-Pedic but offers a more curated selection tailored to its local Northeast and Midwest customer base.
When buying a mattress, key factors like cost, comfort, quality, and policies can vary significantly from one retailer to the next. Below we break down how Mattress Firm and Raymour stack up across some of the most important purchasing criteria.
Comparing Mattresses & Prices
Since mattresses are their bread and butter, let’s start by looking at the models and pricing you can expect from each brand.
Mattress Firm stocks mattresses across a wide spectrum of styles, materials, and price points. Budget-focused shoppers can find twin mattresses for as low as $99 while luxury mattress shoppers can splurge on king size beds over $5,000. With thousands of mattresses on display, you’re sure to find something suiting your preferences and budget.
Given its more intimate store footprint, Raymour & Flanigan sells around 100 different mattress models versus the 2,000+ you may see browsing a Mattress Firm showroom.
So while selection is narrower, R&F makes an effort to curate quality mattresses tailored specifically to meet the needs of its regional customer base.
Expect to pay anywhere from $200 for basic twin mattresses up to over $7,000 for top-of-the-line king size beds.
When it comes to direct price comparisons, some similar mattresses may cost less at Mattress Firm given its higher volume discounts while more niche local brands carried by Raymour may be more competitively priced through their stores.
Ultimately costs come down to the specific models and constant promotions run by both retailers.
It’s best to have an open mind on brands and prices when walking into any showroom. Let your comfort preferences and budget guide your mattress search rather than fixating on any one brand name or model. And don’t hesitate to negotiate! Both stores offer flexible pricing and want to make a deal.
Trying Mattresses In-Store
Maybe even more important than price is actually laying down and trying out mattresses before you buy. This hands-on experience can make all the difference between waking up feeling refreshed or aching all over.
With 10+ models on display per store, Mattress Firm provides exceptional opportunity to test out a wide range of mattress types side-by-side. Spend some time lying down on different mattresses and really evaluate what level of firmness, responsiveness, contouring and other features provide the best support and comfort.
Sales associates can offer suggestions based on sleeping position and problem areas but the most important judge is you.
Raymour & Flanigan also encourages customers to evaluate mattresses in person before purchase. With a smaller yet targeted assortment of mattress offerings, you may not walk out having tested quite as many beds.
But that focused selection also makes it easier to zone in on the right pick.
Along with trying out display floor samples, R&F also has a mattress diagnostic service using advanced technology to match you with an ideal comfort fit.
When visiting either retailer, wear loose clothing and spend at least 10-15 minutes lying in your go-to sleeping position on each mattress.
Bring your pillow from home or ask to try out ones they have to really mimic the comfort.
Don’t feel shy about taking your time, lying down in pajamas if needed, and asking lots of questions. Mattress buying is an investment so hands-on experience is hugely valuable for making the smartest decision.
Delivery, Setup & Old Mattress Removal
One major perk offered by both Mattress Firm and Raymour is free delivery on mattress purchases. Scheduling typically offers a 4-hour arrival window so you can plan accordingly to be home. Just make sure you measure dimensions ahead of time so your new mattress will fit through doors, hallways and up any stairs.
Upon delivery, Mattress Firm teams will set up your new mattress in the room of your choice as well as remove and recycle your old mattress free of charge. This white glove delivery service takes the hassle out of setup and disposal.
Just point the delivery crew to where you want your new bed placed as well as where they can grab the old mattress you’re replacing.
Raymour & Flanigan also include premium delivery with scheduled setup in your preferred bedroom. But unlike Mattress Firm, you’ll pay an added fee if you want that old mattress taken away.
Prices range from $25 for basic twin mattresses up to $100 for king size removals. So factor in these potential costs if you don’t want to handle disposing the mattress yourself.
Pro Tip: Schedule mattress delivery at either retailer for later in the day. This allows you to strip your old bedding and stage the room for quick and easy mattress swap.
Sleep Trials & Return Policies
Here’s some good news if still feeling uncertain about big mattress decisions – both Mattress Firm and Raymour & Flanigan offer generous trial periods on mattress purchases.
Known as “comfort guarantees,” these policies allow you to take a mattress home and truly evaluate if it’s the best fit night after night.
Mattress Firm comfort guarantees span 100-120 nights, depending on specific mattress brand.
If the mattress doesn’t live up to expectations for comfort and support during the trial window, give the local store a call to initiate a return.
As long as there are no product defects or damages, Mattress Firm offers free mattress returns and works to coordinate donation or recycling of the gently used bed.
Similarly, Raymour & Flanigan provides 90 to 120 night comfort guarantees so you can try out mattresses at home before fully committing.
If you decide to return the mattress, contact customer service within the trial period and they’ll schedule pickup and issue a full refund. Do note that depending on mattress condition, Raymour may charge restocking fees up to $250.
Sleep trials provide exceptional insurance when buying a mattress. Make sure to rotate your mattress monthly and carefully evaluate comfort, support and alignment after 30 days and again at the 90 day mark.
If you wake up with lingering aches and pains, then it may be time to move on and try another mattress before the comfort guarantee expires.
Financing Options
A new quality mattress commands a significant price tag, often ranging anywhere from $800 up to $2,500 for queen sizes. Since not everyone has that money to spend all at once, financing options allow you to invest in better sleep while paying over time.
Mattress Firm stands out by offering customers three flexible financing alternatives beyond just credit cards. This includes special financing with the Mattress Firm credit card, point-of-sale leasing through Progressive, and instant online approval using Affirm.
Combined with regular sales, you can score a top-rated mattress for $0 down and monthly financing under $100 in many cases.
Raymour & Flanigan also provides financing exclusively through the Raymour & Flanigan credit card issued by Wells Fargo bank.
This card has no annual fee and offers deferred interest plans, allowing you to make monthly payments over 6, 12, 18 or 24 months.
Down payments range from 15% to 30% with longer terms having lower minimums.
When leveraging store financing, just be sure to understand key terms like interest rates, payment due dates, total costs, and penalties should you miss or prepay balances early.
Read all disclosures carefully rather than simply jumping at low minimum payments or deferred interest pitches. Make sure you can manage typical payments once promotional periods end.
Additional Policies & Perks To Consider
Along with the purchasing basics covered so far, a few extra policy perks and limitations factor into whether Mattress Firm or Raymour & Flanigan earn your business. Let’s compare a few more notable highlights.
- Sales Tax: One key fine print difference comes down to sales tax. Mattress Firm charges local sales tax upfront on all mattress purchases based on the store location. Meanwhile Raymour & Flanigan only charges sales tax to customers in New York based on shipping destination. For out of state buyers having mattresses delivered, you’ll avoid paying extra sales tax at the time of purchase.
- Warranties: Both retailers provide excellent support when it comes to product warranties. Standard coverage spans 10 years though many premium mattresses offer warranties lasting up to 25 years. If any defect covered under warranty occurs, they’ll coordinate repair or replacement of mattresses so you get a full lifespan of use.
Gift Cards: Looking to give the gift of better sleep? Mattress Firm and Raymour & Flanigan both offer physical and e-gift cards that make great presents. Gift card amounts range from $50 up to $500+ in case you want to fund a loved one’s next mattress splurge!
Bonus Offers: Carefully review any limited time bonus offers promoted by either retailer when you shop. It’s common to boost savings by bundling free pillows, mattress protectors or sheet sets when you buy select mattress models. Just double check terms as added freebies may hold you to stricter return policies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Based on verified customer reviews and ratings, Mattress Firm consistently ranks as the #1 top-rated mattress retailer across market research and review sites. With its broad assortment coupled with flexible return policies, Mattress Firm satisfies more mattress shoppers overall compared to competitors like Raymour & Flanigan and Sleepy’s.
For the widest selection of quality mattresses at prices spanning high to low, Mattress Firm stands out as the singular best mattress company that’s accessible to shoppers nationally. No matter your budget and preferred mattress style, you’re guaranteed to find options suiting your comfort needs among their 2,000+ models on display.
While satisfaction varies person to person, Tempur-Pedic regularly tops lists of customer satisfactory and mattress brand reliability. Featuring proprietary NASA-developed materials providing adaptive alignment and cushioning, Tempur-Pedic earns rave reviews for instantly relieving pressure points while still supporting proper posture. And customers experience very few issues with these durable, high-resiliency foam mattresses over years of use.
Both Mattress Firm and Raymour & Flanigan sell popular Tempur-Pedic models, though you’ll typically find a greater selection with Mattress Firm. Costs stay relatively consistent between retailers when comparing prices on exact Tempur-Pedic mattresses.
As the leading specialty mattress retailer claiming over 25% total market share, Mattress Firm casts a big shadow over competitiors in the space. Top national competitors shoppers may also consider for mattress purchases include Sleep Number, Casper, Saatva, Sleepy’s, Ashley HomeStore and regional players like Raymour & Flanigan.
While other retailers give Mattress Firm a run in select markets, none match their overall scale, community presence and purchasing power. Competitors deploy varying omni-channel sales models blending online with stores to reach customers. But the sheer accessibility and choice of testing mattresses in Mattress Firm’s 2,500+ nationwide locations continues fueling their industry dominance year after year.
Closing Remarks
At the end of the day when comparing Mattress Firm vs Raymour & Flanigan for your next mattress, there’s reasons to shop either retailer. Key advantages of each include:
Mattress Firm
- Broadest selection with 2,000+ models across styles, materials and prices
- Convenient locations make testing mattresses easier for more shoppers
- Competitively priced with frequent promotions across top brands
- White glove delivery with old mattress removal included
Raymour & Flanigan
- Focused selection makes narrowing options less overwhelming
- Specialized recommendations based on diagnostic testing
- Low or no sales tax savings for out-of-state purchases
- Regional presence with local customer service team
Ultimately it comes down personal preferences. If you know exactly what you want already or appreciate a more personalized local shopping experience, Raymour & Flanigan makes for a solid bet.
But for most buyers who want flexibility across budgets and testing mattresses first, Mattress Firm simply provides better accessibility and options. With over 2,500 stores across the country, you can walk into a Mattress Firm just about anywhere and test the exact mattress you’re considering before buying with confidence.
No matter which retailer you select, remember to evaluate in-store comfort, understand all policies, and take full advantage of generous sleep trials. Investing in the right mattress means setting yourself up for better sleep and waking up pain-free for years to come.