Walmart Mattress Return Policy 2022 [All You Need To Know!]

Buying a new mattress is an exciting purchase, but also a scary one. What if that plush pillowtop you chose online feels like a brick wall when you finally lie down? Or the firm coil mattress you thought would be comfortable instead leaves you with back pain after the first night?

With so much money at stake, it‘s comforting to know many mattress retailers like Walmart allow returns if you find the one you picked just doesn‘t work for you.

But before you haul that slab of foam back into the nearest Walmart, make sure you fully understand their policies. In this detailed guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about returning a mattress purchased at Walmart.

A Quick Overview of Walmart‘s Mattress Return Policy

Here are the key facts on Walmart‘s mattress return rules:

• 90 day return window – Mattresses can be returned for a full refund within 90 days of the purchase date.

• Original packaging required – The mattress must be in the exact same packaging and condition as when you received it.

• No used mattresses – Walmart will not accept any returns on mattresses that have been unboxed or slept on.

• Receipt preferred – You‘ll need to show the original receipt for returns. If you lost it, other proof of purchase may work.

• Refund in original form of payment – You‘ll be refunded however you paid, such as back to your credit card.

• Can exchange for another mattress – As an alternative, you can swap out the mattress for another one at Walmart.

So if your new mattress is still unused and in the original packaging, returning it for a refund or exchange at Walmart within 90 days is a smooth process. But once you open the box, it likely can‘t be returned.

Why the Strict No Used Mattress Returns Policy?

You may be wondering, why does Walmart refuse returns on any used or open-box mattresses? Many other retailers gladly accept gently used mattress returns after customers have tried them out.

Walmart strictly prohibits used mattress returns for health and sanitation reasons. Mattresses are extremely difficult to thoroughly clean and sanitize once they have been unboxed.

Here are some of the concerns around reselling used mattresses:

• Impossible to fully sanitize – No amount of cleaning can disinfect a used mattress completely. Bedbugs, dust mites, and bodily fluids can remain in the materials.

• Consumer health risks – Sleeping on a used mattress increases risks of being exposed to parasites, germs, or allergens from previous owners.

• Reselling prohibited in some states – Certain states prohibit retailers from reselling used mattresses altogether due to health hazards.

• Product devaluation – Once opened and slept on, a mattress loses significant value and integrity as a product. The materials compress over time.

To avoid putting the health of future customers at risk and comply with applicable laws, Walmart adopts a strict no returns policy on any mattress that has been used in any capacity.

However, if the mattress arrives faulty or damaged without being opened, Walmart may make an exception case by case. But prepare for the answer to generally be "no used mattresses accepted".

Common Types of Mattresses Sold at Walmart

To give you a better idea of what types of mattress purchases this return policy applies to, here are some of the most common ones found at Walmart stores and on Walmart.com:

Mattress Type	Features	Sample Brands
Innerspring	Made with metal coil cores and cushioning upholstery layers	Spa Sensations, Mainstays
Memory Foam	Visco-elastic polyurethane foam conforms to body shape	Zinus, Lucid
Hybrid	Combines coils and memory foam	Allswell, Slumber 1
Air Mattress	Inflatable chamber(s) allow adjusting firmness	Energize, Intex
Crib Mattress	Designed specially for infant cribs	Dream on Me, Kolcraft
Futon Mattress	Folds easily for convertible futons	DHP, Premium

You‘ll also find standard mattress sizes like twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king. Walmart sells premium mattresses over $1,000 yet also has budget-friendly options under $200.

No matter what type, size, brand, or price point, the same return policy applies. If it‘s been used at all, Walmart will not accept a return.

Scenarios: Opened Mattresses Walmart Could Accept for Return

While Walmart‘s default stance is not allowing any opened mattress returns, there are some scenarios where they may make an exception:

Visible and significant damage – If you unbox your mattress and find it is ripped, stained, sagging, or otherwise clearly defective, bring evidence to Walmart along with a complaint. They may approve an exchange or refund, but don‘t guarantee it.

Unbearable odors – Some owners report chemical or other foul smells coming from new memory foam mattresses. If the odor is overpowering even once unboxed, Walmart may allow an exchange.

Product not as advertised – If the mattress lacks features or sizes it was supposed to have, or materials are different, you may have a case to return it as a defective product.

Prematurecompression marks – Your brand new mattress arrives with obvious body impressions? Get them documented and request a refund due to defect.

Allergic reaction – In rare cases of clear allergic reaction or skin irritation from an unopened mattress, Walmart may permit a return.

Even with evidence and just cause, there is still no guarantee Walmart will approve your used mattress return request. But being able to visually confirm your complaint gives you the best shot.

Alternatives if Walmart Denies Your Mattress Return

What should you do if Walmart refuses to accept the return on your opened mattress? Here are a few potential alternative solutions:

• Use a mattress protector from the start to keep it in "like new" condition if you do want to return it.

• See if the manufacturer (not Walmart) provides a comfort guarantee allowing used mattress returns if you don‘t like it.

• Look into donating the gently used mattress so it doesn‘t go to waste.

• Re-sell the mattress on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or OfferUp to attempt to make back some money.

• Repurpose the mattress somewhere else in your home, like for a child‘s room or guest bedroom.

• Disassemble the mattress layers and use foam pieces for DIY furniture cushioning.

• Invest in a mattress topper to see if it provides a temporary comfort improvement.

While you may lose out on a return, taking your loss and finding other uses for the mattress prevents it from going to waste.

Returning an Air Mattress to Walmart

Air mattresses fall under different return guidelines than regular mattresses sold at Walmart. Even if you fully unpack, inflate, and use an air mattress, you can still return it within 90 days.

Walmart allows air mattress returns because:

• They are easier to clean, sanitize, and repack than foam or innerspring mattresses.

• Air chambers fully deflate, allowing mattresses to be restored to original condition.

• No impression marks or compression occurs from using an air mattress briefly.

• Lower price points mean less financial risk to Walmart from Returns.

However, there are still some conditions to qualify for an air mattress return:

• Fully cleaned – Remove any dirt, stains, or odors before deflating and returning.

• Original packaging – Have the original box, instructions, pump, and all included parts.

• Within 90 days – The standard 90 day Walmart return window applies.

• Re-sellable condition – No tears, holes, or other damage from use. Still safe for another customer.

So feel free to test out an air mattress completely risk-free. As long as you keep it clean and cared for, Walmart accepts returns within 90 days, even if used briefly.

Statistics on Mattress Returns

How common are mattress returns anyway? Here are some interesting statistics:

• Over 20% of mattress purchases are returned – that‘s 1 in 5 customers who find the mattress they chose isn‘t the right comfort or fit.

• Online mattress purchases have a 30% return rate, compared to 10% in-store. Consumers more readily return mattresses bought sight unseen.

• Memory foam mattresses see higher return rates around 18% compared to 15% for innerspring. The different feel causes adjustment issues.

• Mattresses under $1,000 have higher return rates around 22%. Cheaper ones often lack durability and longevity.

• Within trial periods, around half of all returned mattresses are exchanged for a different mattress rather than refunded.

As you can see, mattress returns are very prevalent. Walmart processed over $200 million in mattress returns alone in 2021. Analyzing this data makes it clear why Walmart refuses used returns – they‘d be dealing with a massive volume.

Steps to Successfully Return a Mattress to Walmart

Ready to request a mattress return or exchange at Walmart? Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Check your receipt – Locate your original Walmart receipt to have for the return. If you don‘t have it, try looking up the order number online.

2. Visit any store before 90 days – Bring the untouched mattress in original packaging to any Walmart within the 90 day window.

3. Bring ID and payment card – Have your photo ID and the original payment card ready in case the receipt is missing.

4. Request a "return to stock" – Let the associate know you need to return an unopened mattress. Do not accept an even exchange.

5. Get refund receipt – You should receive confirmation of return showing refund will process to original payment method.

6. Inspect refund – Log into your card account to confirm the mattress refund comes through after a few days.

7. enjoy your new mattress hunt – With the refund all set, you can take your time finding the perfect new mattress that meets your needs!

Follow these tips, and the Walmart mattress return process should go off without a hitch. Just resist the temptation to open the box and try it out first!

Can Walmart Reject a Mattress Return?

While Walmart aims to please customers, they reserve full right to deny a mattress return under certain circumstances:

• You lack the original receipt, order number, or payment proof

• It is past the 90 day timeframe from original purchase date

• The mattress has been opened or shows any signs of use

• All original packaging and parts are not included

• The mattress is soiled, stained, or otherwise damaged

• You have made excessive no receipt returns recently

• Local laws prohibit reselling used mattresses

If for any reason your mattress return does not meet all Walmart criteria, you may be out of luck. Your best recourse is trying another Walmart location or escalating to corporate customer service. But a denied return is ultimately up to store manager discretion.

The Bottom Line

Walmart provides affordable mattress options from top brands making them an ideal one stop shop. Their flexible 90 day policy allows worry-free returns or exchanges as long as the mattress remains unopened in its original packaging.

This gives you ample time to unbox your mattress at home, inspect it thoroughly, and decide if it will work for your comfort needs. If not, Walmart happily accepts returns on unused mattresses for a refund or exchange.

However, it is vital you do not remove any packaging or try out the mattress in any way if you think you may want to return it. Walmart strictly prohibits used mattress returns for health and sanitation reasons.

Knowing Walmart‘s policies on mattress returns in advance provides peace of mind in case you need to swap out your initial mattress choice for a better night‘s sleep.