Walmart Mattress Return Policy 2022: A Comprehensive Guide

As an ecommerce expert with over 10 years of experience managing returns and inventory, I often get questions about retailer policies. One that comes up frequently is Walmart‘s rules around returning mattresses.

In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll cover everything you need to know about Walmart‘s mattress return policy in 2022. Whether you recently bought a memory foam, innerspring, or air mattress from Walmart, you‘ll learn:

• Under what conditions can mattresses be returned?
• Does Walmart accept used mattress returns?
• What are the options if you‘ve lost your receipt?
• How do air mattress returns differ?
• When can a return request be denied?

Plus plenty of tips and best practices for smooth mattress returns based on my expertise!

Let‘s start with a high level overview of Walmart‘s policy, then dive into the specifics.

Walmart‘s Mattress Return Policy: The Short Version

Before digging in, here are the key facts on Walmart‘s rules around mattress returns:

• Mattress returns are allowed within 90 days of purchase.
• The mattress must be unopened in the original packaging.
• If you have the receipt, you‘ll get a full refund.
• Without a receipt, exchanges only past $25.
• Used, opened, or damaged mattresses are generally not returnable.

Pretty straightforward so far. But let‘s explore some of the nuances and exceptions in more detail.

Returning an Unopened, New Mattress

First, the ideal scenario – you have an unopened mattress within the 90 day window along with your original receipt.

As long as the mattress is still factory sealed inside the original packaging, Walmart will happily accept the return.

According to Walmart‘s customer service team, you‘ll get a full refund back to your original payment method when returning with a receipt. It‘s a no-questions-asked policy.

This allows customers to effectively "test out" a mattress risk-free. If it‘s just not the right fit for your sleep preferences, Walmart has you covered with their 90 day window.

So feel free to buy that plush pillowtop or firm memory foam mattress to try in your home. Just hold on to the receipt in case you want a refund!

Why Won‘t Walmart Accept Used Mattress Returns?

Here is where Walmart‘s policy gets more strict – used mattresses are considered non-returnable.

Once a mattress, topper, or pad has been unboxed and used – even just for a few nights – Walmart will not accept a return due to health and sanitation concerns.

This blanket policy applies to any type of mattress purchased at Walmart – memory foam, hybrid, innerspring, etc.

Walmart also cannot resell customer used bedding like mattress toppers due to hygiene issues and restocking difficulties.

While this may seem inconvenient, Walmart‘s no used mattress returns policy is similar to other major retailers like Amazon, Costco, and Target.

All disallow returns on used mattresses and bedding for sanitation reasons and to prevent fraud. It is an industry-wide policy.

Here‘s how the major retailers compare on used mattress returns:

This table shows that Walmart‘s policy aligns with competitors – used mattresses are simply not returnable at any major retailer.

Exceptions: Returning a Used Mattress to Walmart

Now, are there any situations where Walmart may make an exception on their used mattress policy?

There are two scenarios where you may be able to return a used mattress to Walmart:

1. If the mattress is defective or damaged.

Issues like sagging, loose springs, rips, uneven shape, or other manufacturing flaws can often be grounds for returning a used mattress, even outside the 90 day window.

Walmart may approve an exchange or store credit if the damage is verifiable on inspection and you have proof of purchase.

2. If the mattress has a persistent unpleasant odor.

Unbearable mattress off-gassing or chemical smells that do not fade can also warrant a return exception. Prepare to explain the odor issue.

In these cases, reach out to Walmart‘s customer support line at 1-800-WALMART to make your case and start the return process. Have your order info ready.

While not guaranteed, being able to demonstrate a genuine defect or issue greatly improves your chances of Walmart issuing an exception on a used mattress.

Returning without the Original Receipt

Now what if you need to return your new, unopened mattress but have lost the receipt? Is there still hope?

Walmart does allow mattress returns without a receipt, but there are more caveats:

• You‘ll be asked to show your original payment method (credit card used for buying the mattress) and photo ID. Walmart will attempt to lookup your purchase using this to verify details.

• Walmart limits customers to only 3 no-receipt returns per 90 day period. After this, additional returns without a receipt will be denied until the next 90 day window starts.

• Any no receipt returns over $25 will not get a cash refund back. You‘ll only get a merchandise credit for future exchanges at Walmart.

• Be ready to pay any price differences if exchanging for a more expensive mattress model.

While doable, no-receipt mattress returns will likely involve more time and headaches verifying your purchase at the store. Having that original paper receipt makes things 10x easier.

My advice? Keep those receipts stored away in a safe place as you approach the 90 day mark. You just never know.

Special Case: Returning Air Mattresses

Now for air mattress returns specifically, Walmart‘s policy differs a bit:

• Used or opened air mattresses can be returned, unlike traditional mattresses.
• The 90 day return window still applies to air beds, even if opened.

So feel free to inflate and try out an air mattress from Walmart. As long as you have the receipt and are within 90 days, Walmart will take it back even if it‘s been used.

This more lenient policy accounts for the fact air mattresses are designed for temporary or travel use, unlike permanent sleep mattresses.

The same 3 return limit and photo ID requirements apply for no-receipt air mattress returns. Overall, much more flexible than traditional mattresses.

When Could a Mattress Return Be Denied?

If you‘ve met all the criteria – within 90 days, have receipt, unopened mattress – Walmart will gladly process a return in nearly all cases.

However, each individual Walmart store does have the right to deny a return at their discretion. Reasons may include:

• Suspicion of mattress damage or usage upon inspection.
• Inability to verify purchase without receipt.
• Surpassing the 3 no-receipt return limit per 90 days.
• Any other store policies not fully satisfied.

Don‘t be discouraged if your local Walmart turns down a mattress return once. Try taking it to another location in your area before giving up. Persistence pays off.

Can I Return My Mattress at Any Walmart Location?

Luckily, Walmart allows mattress returns at any store location, not just the original purchasing store.

This offers customers tons of flexibility. As all purchase records are linked in Walmart‘s databases, any location can lookup and process a return seamlessly.

So if you‘ve moved or the original Walmart you bought from is now far away, simply visit another more convenient Walmart when it‘s time to return an unopened mattress within policy.

Just be sure you bring the complete original packaging and receipt to avoid any issues. The associate can handle the rest!

Tips for a Smooth Walmart Mattress Return

After a decade managing returns and inventory in ecommerce, I‘ve learned some best practices for ensuring a seamless return experience.

Here are my top tips for easy Walmart mattress returns:

• Keep the original packaging and do not throw it away during your trial period. This is required for returns.

• Carefully repackage the mattress prior to returning – seal it back up fully in plastic to look unopened.

• Hold on to the original paper receipt or digital order confirmation. Much easier than returning without it.

• Know the 90 day policy window so you don‘t miss it.

• Return to a different location if your local store denies the request the first time.

• Be polite and patient with associates when returning. Remember, they don‘t make the rules.

Follow these pointers and your Walmart mattress return should go off without a hitch!

Walmart Mattress Return Policy: Quick Summary

Let‘s recap the key facts around returning a mattress purchased at Walmart:

• Mattress returns allowed within 90 days of purchase
• Must be unopened in original packaging
• Receipt gets a full refund, no receipt gets an exchange
• Used mattresses not accepted (except some air mattresses)
• Defective mattresses may still be returnable
• 3 no-receipt returns allowed per 90 days
• Returns can be done at any Walmart location

I hope this comprehensive guide has provided you clarity on Walmart‘s mattress return policy details for 2022 and answered all your questions!

As an ecommerce expert, I‘m happy to help explain retailer policies. Don‘t hesitate to reach out with any other mattress or return related queries.