How Can You Score a Free Mattress?

Yes, you can actually score a free mattress—completely legit and without falling for scams. Whether you’re relocating, replacing an old bed, or helping someone in need, there are several reliable ways to get one without spending a dime.

Let’s face it—mattresses are expensive. A good one can easily set you back hundreds or even thousands of dollars. But what if you could skip the cost and still get a quality night’s sleep? From giveaway groups to mattress company trial offers, this guide will walk you through real, proven methods that everyday people use to get free mattresses.

Best Mattress Deals for Scoring One for Free

While not all mattress deals are completely free, some come pretty close—especially when they offer extended sleep trials or money-back guarantees. Here are three top mattress brands that regularly feature promotions, giveaways, or generous return policies you can take advantage of:

Nectar Memory Foam Mattress

Nectar offers a 365-night sleep trial and often runs promotions where you can get the mattress for free if you return it within the trial period—no strings attached.

Purple Mattress

Known for its grid technology and pressure relief, Purple also provides a 100-night risk-free trial. Occasionally, they include promotional giveaways through affiliate partners or social media.

Avocado Green Mattress

This eco-friendly brand offers a 1-year sleep trial and frequently collaborates with non-profits to donate returned mattresses. You may qualify through local programs or giveaways.

Find Free Mattresses Through Local Community Groups and Online Marketplaces

One of the most reliable ways to score a free mattress is by searching local community networks and online marketplaces. Many people give away gently used mattresses during moves, upgrades, or spring cleaning—and they just want them gone fast.

Check These Trusted Platforms

• Facebook Marketplace: Use filters to search “free mattress” in your local area. Look out for posts in “Buy Nothing” or local community groups.

• Craigslist – Free Section: Under the “For Sale” category, look for the “Free” section where people regularly list furniture and mattresses.

• Nextdoor App: This neighborhood-focused app is a goldmine for free household items. Turn on notifications to stay ahead of others.

Tips to Stay Safe and Get Quality

• Ask for Photos: Always request recent, close-up photos of the mattress. Avoid listings that don’t provide them.

• Inspect Before Taking: Look for visible stains, sagging, or signs of bed bugs. Bring gloves and inspect outdoors if possible.

• Transport Tips: Bring a friend to help load the mattress. Use a mattress cover or tarp to avoid damage during transport.

Bonus Strategy

• Offer to Pick Up Immediately: Many posters want the item gone the same day. Being quick gives you the upper hand.

Take Advantage of Mattress Trial Periods and Return Policies

Many mattress companies now offer generous trial periods that allow you to test the mattress at home—risk-free. If you’re not satisfied, you can return it for a full refund. Here’s the trick: when you return the mattress, most companies don’t resell it. Instead, they donate it, or allow you to keep it—free of charge.

Top Brands Offering Risk-Free Trials

• Nectar: 365-night trial with free returns.

• Casper: 100-night trial, hassle-free pickup and refund.

• Tuft & Needle: 100-night sleep trial with local charity partnerships for returns.

How to Use This Strategy

1. Buy the Mattress Directly from the Manufacturer: Avoid third-party sellers like Amazon, which may not honor trial returns.

2. Read the Fine Print: Make sure the return policy includes free pickup and full refund.

3. Return Window Timing: Set a reminder for the final return day in case you change your mind.

What Happens to Returned Mattresses?

Many brands partner with charities or recycling centers. Some allow you to donate the mattress yourself and provide proof, then issue a refund—so you end up keeping the mattress for free and helping someone else in need.

Apply for Free Mattress Programs from Charities and Non-Profit Organizations

If you’re in a tough financial situation or transitioning out of homelessness, there are legitimate charities and assistance programs that provide free mattresses to individuals and families in need. These aren’t one-off giveaways—they’re structured programs that operate locally or nationally.

National and Local Programs to Explore

• Furniture Bank Network: Operates in many U.S. and Canadian cities. They collect gently used mattresses and distribute them to people in need, including families, abuse survivors, and veterans.

• St. Vincent de Paul Society: Offers furniture vouchers, including for beds and mattresses, through local chapters.

• Salvation Army: Some locations provide mattress assistance through their Family Services programs. Contact your local office for eligibility details.

How to Apply

• Find a Local Chapter or Partnered Organization: Search by ZIP code on their websites or call their offices.

• Check Eligibility Requirements: Many programs require proof of income level, residency, or family size.

• Provide Documentation: You may need to show a lease, ID, or referral from a social worker.

• Be Patient and Polite: These programs are often run by volunteers or stretched staff—kindness goes a long way.

Special Tip

• Work with a Caseworker or Social Services: They can often connect you directly to programs you might not find on your own.

Look Out for Free Mattress Giveaways, Contests, and Brand Promotions

Mattress brands are constantly competing for attention—and that means opportunities for you to score one for free through giveaways, social media contests, or influencer promos. With a little consistency and luck, you could land a brand-new mattress at no cost.

Where to Find Mattress Giveaways

• Instagram & TikTok: Brands like Leesa, Saatva, and Purple frequently partner with influencers to run giveaways. Follow hashtags like #freemattress, #mattressgiveaway, or #sleepbetter.

• Official Brand Websites: Many companies run regular sweepstakes. Nectar, Helix, and Avocado often promote giveaways tied to new product launches or holidays.

• Newsletter Sign-Ups: Some brands reward subscribers with contest entries or exclusive offers.

Tips to Increase Your Chances

• Engage Often: Comment, like, and share posts to increase your visibility to brands and contest hosts.

• Use a Separate Email: Keep contest entries organized and avoid clutter in your personal inbox.

• Read the Rules: Some giveaways are limited to specific states or require certain actions like posting a review or tagging friends.

Bonus Resource

• Giveaway Aggregator Sites: Websites like Giveaway Frenzy and Sweepstakes Fanatics list current mattress and furniture giveaways all in one place.

Ask Local Hotels, Colleges, and Furniture Stores About Mattress Disposal or Donation Events

You might be surprised to learn that hotels, universities, and furniture retailers often replace mattresses on a regular basis—and many of those mattresses are in perfectly usable condition. Instead of tossing them, some institutions donate them or give them away during scheduled events.

Where to Inquire

• Hotels: Large hotel chains like Marriott, Hilton, and Holiday Inn frequently update mattresses every 3–5 years. Some locations partner with charities or directly offer old units to the public.

• College Dormitories: Colleges often replace mattresses in bulk during summer or between semesters. Campus facilities or housing departments may give away older mattresses before new inventory arrives.

• Furniture Stores: Local stores sometimes offer floor models or customer returns for free or deeply discounted. Ask if they have a donation program or clear-out event.

How to Score One

1. Call Ahead: Speak with a manager or facilities supervisor. Explain you’re looking for mattress donation events or upcoming inventory updates.

2. Be Flexible with Pickup: Many giveaways are first-come, first-served and require immediate transport.

3. Offer Help: Volunteering to help with a donation event or pickup logistics may put you on a priority list.

Bonus Tip

• Contact Local Disposal Services: Some junk removal companies redirect reusable mattresses to charities or donation centers and might give them away rather than dump them.

Conclusion

Scoring a free mattress isn’t just a dream—it’s a real possibility if you know where to look. Whether you’re browsing local giveaways, leveraging mattress trial periods, applying to charitable programs, entering brand contests, or checking with institutions like hotels and colleges, there are multiple ways to land a quality mattress without spending a dime.

FAQs

Is it really possible to get a free mattress?

Yes, it is! Many people have successfully scored free mattresses through community programs, mattress trial returns, giveaways, and local charity donations. With a little research and effort, you can find these opportunities near you.

How do mattress trial periods work?

Most mattress companies offer trial periods ranging from 90 to 365 nights. If you’re not satisfied during the trial, you can return the mattress for a full refund. Many companies also donate the returned mattresses, meaning you might even get to keep it for free after returning it.

Are free mattress programs available for everyone?

Charity and non-profit mattress programs often have eligibility criteria. These programs generally prioritize individuals in need, such as low-income families, the homeless, or victims of domestic violence. You may need to provide proof of income, residency, or need to qualify for these programs.

Can I trust free mattress offers from Facebook or Craigslist?

While there are many genuine offers, you should be cautious. Always request photos, inspect the mattress in person, and make sure there are no signs of damage or pests. Avoid offers that seem too good to be true or come from unfamiliar sources.

Do mattress brands really give away mattresses for free?

Yes, many mattress companies run promotions and giveaways via social media, contests, or special events. While winning a free mattress requires luck, entering contests and following brands on social media is a great way to increase your chances.

Can I get a mattress from a hotel or college?

Hotels and colleges often replace mattresses on a regular schedule. Some may donate or give away older mattresses, especially if they are still in good condition. It’s worth asking local hotels, dormitories, or schools about their disposal or donation practices.