You have five options for buying a mattress: 

1. Mattress Stores

Mattress stores can be independent or than can be regional or national chains. The advantage of a mattress store is usually good selection, the entire store is dedicated to mattresses, and salespeople are knowledgeable.

2. Department Stores and Furniture Stores

Mattresses may be purchased at department stores like Sears and Macy's, and at furniture stores like Levitz and Ikea. Mattresses often feel like a real specialty when you go to a department store or furniture store. For instance, in many stores the mattress salespeople will only work in the mattress department, and not be swapped from one department to another as is often the case with other departments. Make sure you shop at department or furniture stores that have a good selection of mattress manufacturers and models.

3. Dedicated Stores from Specialty Manufacturers

Some of the specialty mattress companies, like Select Comfort and Duxiana, sell out of retail stores that only carry their brand. The advantage to the manufacturer is focus, but for the shopper the lack of choice does not facilitate cross-manufacturer comparison. The lack of choice can also result in pressure from the salesperson to choose from among the manufacturer's models. However, if you are interested in a specialty mattress that is only sold in this manner, you don't have much choice but to go to their store.

4. Direct from Online Manufacturers

Some manufacturers, particularly specialty mattress manufacturers and "up and coming" brands, sell their products direct to the consumer through their online sites. If you know what you want, and are interested in buying direct, visit the Web site of the brand manufacturer to see if they sell direct. 

5. Online Etailers

There are several, major online etailers that sell mattresses at a national level. These include Mattress.com and USAmattress.com.