Written by Julia Forbes, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
Ordering a bed in a box online is common today and eliminates the inconvenience of borrowing a vehicle for transport or paying delivery fees. However, buying a bed this way means that you likely won’t be able to test it out before it arrives. How can you know which bed in a box is best?
No need to fear! My fellow testers and I have done the research and written the reviews, narrowing the field down to just nine exemplary beds. Our picks below consider several features, including which mattresses best suit different sleeping positions and lifestyles. Consult this list to maximize your chances of choosing the best mattress in a box for you.
The 9 Best Bed in a Box Mattresses
- Nectar – Editor’s Pick
- Helix Midnight – Best Mattress in a Box for Side Sleepers
- DreamCloud Premier – Best Luxury Mattress in a Box
- Nolah Evolution – Best Soft Mattress in a Box
- The WinkBed – Best Firm Mattress in a Box
- Helix Dusk Luxe – Best Mattress in a Box for Back Pain
- Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Hybrid Mattress in a Box
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Cheap Mattress in a Box
- Birch Natural – Best Organic Mattress in a Box
My Video Review of The Best Bed in a Box
Compare Bed-in-a-Box Mattresses
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| Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress | Helix Midnight Mattress | DreamCloud Premier Hybrid Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Helix Dusk Luxe Mattress | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Birch Natural Mattress | |
| Rating | |||||||||
| Firmness | Firm: 7.5/10 | Medium-Firm: 6/10 | Medium: 5.5/10 | Multiple Firmness Options | Multiple Firmness Options | Medium-Firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-Firm: 6/10 | Multiple Firmness Options | Medium-Firm: 6/10 |
| Material | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty | Limited Lifetime Warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Limited Lifetime Warranty | Limited Lifetime Warranty | Limited Lifetime Warranty | Limited Lifetime Warranty |
| Shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping minus HI and AK | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping minus HI and AK | Free shipping minus HI and AK | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 365 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights |
| Best For | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Back Pain, Couples | Back Sleepers, Couples, Side Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Back Pain | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors | Back Sleepers, Couples | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Seniors |
Our Mattress Testing Team
How We Chose the Best-Bed-in-a-Box Mattresses
At Sleep Advisor, our mattress reviews are based on in-person findings from our cast of diverse testers.
The best beds in a box should go toe-to-toe with mattresses you find at a traditional brick-and-mortar retailer, but with added convenience and affordability. For this roundup, we prioritized features essential for bed-in-a-box mattresses, including support and durability.
Advice from a Medical Expert
“A mattress that provides optimal support and pressure relief typically possesses qualities such as medium-firmness, contouring materials like memory foam or latex, zoned support, responsive materials, pocketed coils, layered construction, strong edge support, and proper alignment for the spine.”
– Dr. Raj Dasgupta
What We Want to See in the Best Boxed Mattresses
Lots of things go into a mattress, and even more into one that comes in a box. Here’s what we prioritized when we made this list:
Support Elements
Latex, foam, springs—the combinations are endless when it comes to any mattress, not just a bed in a box. But since this bed is arriving all squished up into a cube, we want those support cores to be robust once they’re out of the box. All of these beds should deliver on that front.
Durability
Perhaps one of the most important when it comes to a boxed mattress, durability means the overall sturdiness of the mattress and its subsequent longevity. The mattress needs to be able to hold its shape over time, even after spending time decompressing.
Ease of Transport
Having a bed-in-a-box delivered directly to your doorstep is a convenient perk for shoppers. However, they can be heavy and cumbersome to move. So, we paid special attention to their weight and height, with those weighing less getting a little bump up in their consideration.
Also, as a mattress tester, I am constantly moving mattresses around, so I get pretty pumped when they come with handles, too.
Company Policies
Since online mattress retailers forgo all the time-consuming steps of buying a mattress in store, you should check out all they have to offer. Most understand you might be wary of purchasing a bed without testing it first, so they usually have trial periods in which you can return the bed for free if you decide you don’t like it. They can range anywhere from 100 nights to a full year, and we made sure all these companies offered them.
Warranties, customer service, and transparency are also important. We believe these companies will treat you fairly while delivering the products they promised–and if you’re in any way dissatisfied, they should work to ensure you’re compensated for it.
The 9 Best Bed in a Box Mattresses
Nectar – Editor’s Pick
The Advisor Says: We believe that Nectar offers a quality bed backed up by generous policies, and for under $1,000 for a queen (after discounts). If you’re looking for a firmer foam mattress on a budget, the Nectar Classic has you covered.
Why It’s the Best Bed in a Box Overall
Because it’s often the first mattress that comes to my mind when someone says “bed in a box,” Nectar is my top pick for this roundup. This brand has been a fixture in the online mattress world for years, and they show no sign of slowing down.
If you ask me, the secret to their staying power is a mix of reliability and affordability. Their flagship mattress in a box is an all-foam model that feels delectably soft before it supports you with a firm base. Nectar’s policies are also worth mentioning—not many companies give you as much leeway with their sleep trial and warranty.
Testing Studio Soundbite
“So Nectar has got some of the best policies on the block. With your purchase, you get free shipping and returns, a year to try out the bed, and a lifetime warranty. How about that?”
– Julia Forbes, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
Our Favorite Feature
Cooling cover
All of Nectar’s mattresses feature a cool-to-the-touch top layer, which our testers appreciated on this all-foam mattress. Memory foam mattresses tend to trap more body heat than hybrid models, but Nectar takes extra steps to prevent that.
Customer Reviews of the Nectar Mattress
With over 55,000 reviews on Nectar’s website, the Nectar mattress has an average 4.7 out of 5 stars. On the aptly named r/BuyItForLife subreddit, a longtime Nectar user (u/Interesting-Dot4963) outlined their experience with the mattress: “It is so comfortable but it does feel hot. It feels luxurious but not terribly pricey.”
For a closer look: Nectar mattress review
For more top-rated beds: Most Comfortable Mattresses
Helix Midnight – Best Mattress in a Box for Side Sleepers
The Advisor Says: The Midnight has one of the most impressive score spreads of all the mattresses we’ve reviewed. The best word to describe it is “balanced”: it’s got pressure relief, support, and cooling power in spades, plus a versatile medium-firm feel that tends to satisfy lots of sleepers.
Why It’s the Best Bed in a Box for Side Sleepers
Helix has created whole mattress collections based on specific sleeping positions, and the Midnight was whipped up with side sleepers in mind. According to the brand, this mattress-in-a-box is also their most popular model.
It has a hybrid construction (foam upper layers on top of a spring support system), and its medium-firm feel was a hit with our review team. They thought it felt great on their sides and their backs.
Testing Studio Soundbite
“Helix evenly distributes weight for side sleepers. The hips don’t sink in more than the shoulders and vice versa… It offers the perfect balanced medium feel—not too soft; not too firm. There is definitely a sense of overall support.”
– Loren Bullock, Former Lead Product Tester
Our Favorite Feature
Pressure-relieving foams
Our testers loved how the Helix’s proprietary memory foam cradled pressure-prone areas like the hips, shoulders, and lower back. Side sleepers, especially those with sensitive joints, should find plenty of cushioning on this hybrid model.
Customer Reviews of the Helix Midnight Mattress
The Helix Midnight has nearly 8,000 reviews on Helix’s website, scoring at 4.6 out of 5. Users on Reddit’s r/Mattress page express worry over heating, with one redditor (u/BrandonR_24) saying, “I love the comfort of it but if I’m sweating in January I can’t imagine what it’d be like in June.” Otherwise, many say they had a “great experience with Helix and their customer service” (u/positmatt), but warn against making a decision until you’ve broken the bed in.
For a closer look: Helix Midnight review
For more top-rated beds: Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers
DreamCloud Premier – Best Luxury Mattress in a Box
The Advisor Says: Its fancy quilted cover and generous foam layers make the DreamCloud Premier a slightly softer bed than the original DreamCloud. But, it still skews firm for a hybrid, so it’s best for back and side sleepers who like an initial bit of cushion followed by lots of lift.
Why It’s the Best Luxury Bed in a Box
At 14 inches high and with cashmere in its cover, the DreamCloud Premier strikes a very elegant picture. It’s an upgrade from the brand’s flagship model, with more loft and cushion, but it still arrives at your home conveniently packaged in a box.
Even though I’m an established fan of the original DreamCloud model, I give the Premier major points for its softer feel. The Euro top makes this hybrid a luxury mattress in a box, but it doesn’t take away from the supportive core that I (and my spine) prize so much.
Testing Studio Soundbite
“The Euro top hugs the body as the memory foam layer conforms to your curves, giving you a more ‘in-the-bed’ feel.”
– Julia Forbes, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
Our Favorite Feature
Coil support system
The DreamCloud Premier features responsive innerspring coils that adapt quickly to your movements, making it easier to change positions without feeling stuck in the mattress.
Customer Reviews of the DreamCloud Premier Mattress
On DreamCloud’s site, the DreamCloud Premier earns 4.5 out of 5 stars and receives a majority of positive reviews. Users on the r/Mattress subreddit have mixed opinions, with some finding it too firm. Others say to give it a chance: “I hated it for the first 3 nights and swore it was going back, but both my partner and I are happy with the sleep we are getting and the relief we have both received with our back pain” (u/757gaycruiser).
For a closer look: DreamCloud Premier mattress review
For more top-rated beds: Best Luxury Mattresses
Nolah Evolution – Best Soft Mattress in a Box
The Advisor Says: The Nolah Evolution is a team favorite with a highly competitive score spread—our testers gave it at least a 4 out of 5 in every single performance category. It’s definitely a luxury mattress, with the height (and price) to match.
Why It’s the Best Soft Bed in a Box
Given that this bed has seven internal layers, it’s impressive that Nolah can fit the Evolution into a box at all. But they can, and you’ll be thankful for the easy transportation after you’ve seen the mattress’s stately 15-inch height.
This hybrid is available in three firmness options, and so far, we’ve tested the Luxury Firm. Even though it has “firm” in its name, Stuart deemed it “packed with soft layers for plush relief.” It has multiple foam layers that provide all the cushion you’ll need if you favor a pillowy sleep surface.
Testing Studio Soundbite
“However, my personal favorite aspect is the pressure relief! As a middle-aged CrossFitter with a janky hip, this bed eases so much of my pain.”
– Sosha Lewis, Senior Staff Writer
Our Favorite Feature
Pressure-relieving memory foam
The Nolah Evolution features a layer of gel-infused memory foam that cushions sensitive pressure points. The gel infusion also helps regulate temperature, which hot sleepers and couples should appreciate.
Customer Reviews of the Nolah Evolution
Earning 4.6 out of 5 stars from roughly 1,400 reviews on Nolah’s website, the Nolah Evolution seems to be a hit. In a review of the bed on the r/Mattress subreddit, u/cyriouslyslick said, “At my size [350 lbs, 6’ tall] I find it very plush, but still supportive.” Other users, however, have reported sagging along the edges and center of the bed after long-term use.
For a closer look: Nolah Evolution mattress review
For more top-rated beds: Best Soft Mattresses
WinkBed – Best Firm Mattress in a Box
The Advisor Says: Our testers often compare the WinkBed to a luxury hotel mattress, which is no surprise given its handcrafted touches and elegant hybrid design. It’s also one of the most customizable beds out there, with a firmness level for every body type.
Why It’s the Best Firm Bed in a Box
The WinkBed comes in three different firmness options (plus a model dedicated for heavyweight sleepers) to address your specific needs. If you’re looking for a firm bed with a lot of lift, consider the WinkBed’s Firm model.
Firm doesn’t always mean uncomfortable. WinkBed incorporates zoning in both its coil unit and its foam. Its combination of pressure-relieving foams and innerspring coils cushions and supports the areas that need it most. My fellow reviewers Mark and Sean were both impressed by how the WinkBed merges pressure relief with this precise kind of support.
Testing Studio Soundbite
“No matter which firmness you choose, the feel is pretty similar. The mattress is very bouncy and buoyant, and the pillow top layer adds a cushy level of comfort while the coils keep your body mostly elevated on the mattress.”
– Loren Bullock, Former Lead Product Tester
Our Favorite Feature
Multiple firmness options
The WinkBed comes in three firmness options (and a “Plus” model for bigger bodies) to accommodate various sleeping styles.
Customer Reviews of the WinkBed
On the WinkBeds site, the WinkBed has over 9,000 reviews and a score of 4.8 out of 5 stars. A reddit user (now-deleted) on r/Mattress posted an in-depth review of the mattress during its trial period, summarizing: “As for final thoughts, as a combo sleeper I think the Luxury Firm was the right choice. There is some pressure on my side, but not terrible at all, especially compared to my old one.”
For a closer look: WinkBed mattress review
For more top-rated beds: Best Firm Mattresses
Helix Dusk Luxe – Best Mattress in a Box for Back Pain
The Advisor Says: Helix designed their Dusk line to provide the necessary support most back sleepers need, and we think they delivered—especially with their higher-end model. If you’re a back sleeper looking for a luxury mattress with added cooling features, benefits for couples, and an overall comfy feel, check out the Dusk Luxe.
Why It’s the Best Bed in a Box for Back Pain
A bed in a box that’s too plush can cause your body to sink into the layers and lie unevenly, often misaligning your spine and causing back pain. The Helix Dusk Luxe was designed to prevent this outcome, and its perfect pressure relief score should also benefit sleepers with pain concerns.
Its combination of proprietary foams creates a mattress that should work well for back sleepers above all. A cooling cover and breathable foams contribute to the bed’s temperature-regulating ability, too.
Testing Studio Soundbite
“Luckily, the Helix Dusk Luxe is a hybrid mattress that’s the perfect middle ground for your back woes.”
– Loren Bullock, Former Lead Product Tester
Our Favorite Feature
Tencel cover
The top layer of the Helix Dusk Luxe is a smooth, cool-to-the-touch cover that should prevent sleepers from overheating at night.
Customer Reviews of the Helix Dusk Luxe
On Helix’s website, the Dusk Luxe has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars (and more than 1,500 reviews). On the r/Mattress subreddit, one user (u/Applecats9) said that after one week of using the mattress, “it’s been like a dream.” Another, however, noted its softness didn’t work for them over time: “I really like how plush the Dusk Luxe initially felt but I also feel like my pelvis area is really sinking now, causing pain” (u/InterContinental_100).
For a closer look: Helix Dusk Luxe mattress review
For more top-rated beds: Best Mattresses for Back Pain
Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Hybrid Mattress in a Box
The Advisor Says: This is a memorably bouncy and supportive hybrid with state-of-the-art cooling elements. It had a delightful balance of cushion and lift for back and stomach sleeping in particular.
Why It’s the Best Hybrid Bed in a Box
Hybrid mattresses include both foam comfort layers and an innerspring system for support. They’re pretty mainstream in the bed-in-a-box world these days, but in my opinion, the Bear Elite Hybrid manages to be a cut above its competitors.
The Bear Elite Hybrid features Celliant fibers, a performance fabric designed to promote healthy blood flow and potentially aid in muscle recovery. For sleepers who want to turn the cooling up another notch, Bear also offers an optional upgrade that adds an extra cooling layer beneath the cover.
Testing Studio Soundbite
“We tested the medium option, which is a medium-firm six out of ten. But no matter which firmness you choose, the feel is pretty similar. There’s a lot of softness and cushion from the pillow top, but you still feel that full body support. You can’t feel the coils at all.”
– Loren Bullock, Former Lead Product Tester
Our Favorite Feature
Celliant cover
The plush, cool-to-the-touch feel of the Bear Elite Hybrid’s cover layer was our testers’ favorite part of this model.
Customer Reviews of the Bear Elite Hybrid
According to Bear’s website, where the Bear Elite has over 4,200 reviews, the mattress scores 4.6 out of 5 stars. On r/Mattress, users praise the bed’s ability to support, as even a user who decided to return the bed (u/Fun-Map-9705) stated “I felt proper spinal alignment in all sleeping positions. No pain or achiness upon waking.” But another user (u/mexidorian) warned, “This mattress softens up significantly just past the trial where they allow a refund.”
For a closer look: Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review
For more top-rated beds: Best Hybrid Mattresses
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Cheap Mattress in a Box
The Advisor Says: For shoppers on a budget, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is one of the top hybrids we recommend. It’s simultaneously soft and bouncy, with three firmness options and decent cooling power.
Why It’s the Best Cheap Bed in a Box
A good hybrid mattress should include tough springs and durable yet cozy foams. In these regards, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid definitely makes the grade—and it’s priced more affordably than many other hybrids you could order.
As my fellow tester Mark put it, “[this] mattress is where affordability meets quality.” During testing, we were particularly impressed with its performance in the support, pressure relief, and cooling categories. Based on our experience with the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid, we think it’s a great fit for back sleepers, hot sleepers, and couples.
Testing Studio Soundbite
“Now, cost wise, this bed comes in just under $1,000 for a queen with our coupons, which is a very affordable price for a mattress of this quality in this day and age.”
– Loren Bullock, Former Lead Product Tester
Our Favorite Feature
Supportive innerspring coils
During testing, we were impressed by the Signature Hybrid bed’s Ascension X Coil system. We found it delivered balanced lumbar support without causing excessive motion transfer.
Customer Reviews of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
On Brooklyn Bedding’s website, the Brooklyn Signature has nearly 12,000 reviews and a score of 4.7 out of 5 stars. A three-month review on the r/Mattress subreddit had one customer saying that the bed “has such a nice plushness to the top, that makes it feel similar to my featherbeds” (u/Kimmy0721). However, another user (u/mustela13) reported that even with a mattress topper, “it’s still way too hard.”
For a closer look: Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress review
For more top-rated beds: Best Cheap Mattresses
Birch Natural – Best Organic Mattress in a Box
The Advisor Says: Dare we say the Birch Natural is the bed that comes to mind when we think latex? As the name implies, this bed combines natural components with quality construction, yielding a supportive, luxurious, and eco-friendly mattress.
Why It’s the Best Organic Bed in a Box
If you like your home goods green, then the Birch Natural may be your ideal mattress-in-a-box. It’s certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard for all its organic components, and it features natural latex foam instead of synthetic polyfoam.
In addition to its eco-friendly pedigree, the Birch Natural has a medium-firm feel that should gladden most kinds of sleepers. My colleague Stuart found it to be an enjoyably bouncy bed—great for combination sleepers that change position throughout the night.
Testing Studio Soundbite
“Every aspect of the Birch Natural is true to the name and free of any harmful chemicals or shady production practices: you’ve got GREENGUARD Gold, Global Organic Textile Standard, Eco Institute, and fair trade certifications here.”
– Julia Forbes, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
Our Favorite Feature
Organic materials
We were impressed by the high-quality organic materials used throughout the mattress, which provide a comfortable sleep surface and improved durability. These materials are also naturally hypoallergenic, making this bed a great option for folks with allergies or sensitivities.
Customer Reviews of the Birch Natural
According to Birch’s website, the Birch Natural scores 4.5 out of 5 stars. On the r/Mattress subreddit, one user (u/raindogsunderground) outlines the positives and negatives of their experience with the Birch mattress: “Motion isolation doesn’t really happen well with latex in my experience, especially compared to memory foam. It’s bouncy by nature. But for me the [p]eace of mind with no chemicals more than makes up for it. I recently bought a Birch, and am really happy with it.”
For a closer look: Birch mattress review
For more top-rated beds: Best Organic Mattresses
Other Bed-in-a-Box Mattresses We Tested
While these mattresses didn’t make our list, each of these beds is a great fits for bed-in-a-box shoppers. Check out our featured recommendations below.
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What Is a Mattress in a Box?
A bed in a box is a mattress purchased online that is then compressed, rolled up, and shipped to the customer in, you guessed it, a box. Buying a mattress online can help eliminate overhead costs for a more affordable product. Receiving your mattress in a box also makes it easy to transport.
Because these beds have been compressed before shipping, manufacturers often recommend giving them a day or two to air out and expand to their full size before you sleep on them.
Reasons to Order A Boxed Mattress by Mail
- Convenience via Home Delivery – One of the biggest draws of buying a mattress online is convenience. Customers can have their new bed delivered by mail right to their door.
- Generous Trial Periods – Many brands now offer extended mattress trial periods, sometimes up to a full year.
- No Overbearing Salespeople – Many clerks in an actual mattress store are on commission, so they may become quite pushy when trying to make a sale. When shopping on the web, there are no salespeople trying to convince you to make a purchase.
How to Unbox A Mattress That Comes in a Box
Once your bed-in-a-box mattress is delivered, leave it in the box to make it easier to transport to the room where it will be used. Then, we can begin the unboxing process.
- Carefully open the top of the box, take the mattress out, and place it onto your bedframe. The mattress will likely be wrapped in vacuum-sealed plastic sheeting. You can use a pair of scissors to remove the packaging but pay close attention to avoid cutting the mattress when removing the wrapping.
- Once all plastic is removed, the bed will begin to expand. During this process, you may notice a slight chemical odor, especially if your mattress contains synthetic materials such as poly foam or memory foam. This is known as off-gassing. Placing your bed in a well-ventilated area can help speed the off-gassing process along, and if you’re sensitive to smells, we advise waiting to sleep on your new bed until the smell fully dissipates.
- It can take up to 48 hours for your mattress to reach its full size. Sleeping on your mattress during this time frame may affect its ability to fully expand. If you can afford to wait, we recommend it. After the two days are up, you can sleep to your heart’s content on your new bed.
What to Consider When Buying a Bed in a Box
Bed-in-a-box mattresses have exploded in popularity due to their convenience. However, considering that you won’t be able to test the mattress out before purchasing, there are some factors that you will want to consider ahead of time.
Type of Mattress
You might be surprised that a lot of mattresses can come in a box, even if they have coils. Here’s the most common bed-in-a-box types and what they’re known for:
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses have been around for decades–and for a reason. They are reliable, durable, and cooling. However, due to the myriad of coils that make up their base, they are not as easy to compress, roll, and slide into a box. Some manufacturers do offer innerspring beds shipped in a box, but you will have fewer options than if you looking for a memory foam, hybrid, or latex mattress.
Memory Foam
One of the most common and inexpensive options is a memory foam mattress. Memory foam is a cushiony material that conforms to your body, making it feel like your bed is giving you a soft and gentle hug.
There is a wide range of quality and price when it comes to memory foam. Some of the cheapest and some of the most expensive options you’ll find are both made from memory foam. The differences will have to do with the type of foam used in the bed, how dense it is, if it has additives like gel or copper, whether it’s made in the U.S. or abroad, and whether it’s certified to be non-toxic.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses combine innerspring coils with foam or latex. Typically, the base of the bed will consist of coils, and the top layers will have different types of foam for cushioning and support. A hybrid bed is usually a little more expensive, but they’re a popular choice among people who are reluctant to stray from the innerspring construction.
Latex
Latex is a lot like memory foam in that it’s a contouring material, but unlike memory foam, you don’t sink into it as slowly. Latex is known for having a bit of bounce, too, which is ideal for combination sleepers or couples who are sexually active.
There are two types of latex: natural, which is sourced from the sap of a rubber tree; and synthetic, which is petroleum-based. Natural latex is more expensive, but sometimes it’s also more durable and eco-friendly. If you’re on a budget, a good option is to get a latex mattress that has a blend of both natural and synthetic materials.
Firmness
“Firmness” describes the feel of a mattress on a spectrum from soft and plush to firmer and more solid. Some mattresses that come in a box enable you to choose one of multiple firmness levels when you make your purchase. These models may have minor differences in their construction to achieve these different feels.
Certain beds are known for their cloud-like feel, whereas others are marketed as firm or medium-firm (which is considered the average). If a mattress is too soft, it can cause certain body parts to sink too deeply into the bed. If it’s too hard, then getting comfortable can be difficult. The best firmness for you is dependent on your sleeping position and body type.
Sleeping Position
Your sleeping position can be a key determinant when it comes to the mattress-in-a-box you pick because different positions require different comfort and support needs.
- Back sleepers tend to prefer medium-firm beds that offer an even ratio of support and pressure relief.
- Side sleepers gravitate toward softer mattresses, which take pressure off of their shoulders and hips as they snooze.
- Stomach sleepers need a firmer mattress to prevent their hips from sinking too low and nudging their spine out of alignment.
- Combination sleepers who change positions throughout the night should look for mattresses with high responsiveness, so they don’t get “stuck” in layers that compress too deeply.
Weight and Body Type
Your body weight also plays a significant role when it comes to finding a mattress that best fits your needs. Although many people can find mattresses of all types that will work for them, you may want to examine the kind of bed you choose more closely.
- Lightweight people (weighing less than 130 lbs) may want to look for softer, plusher mattresses to keep pressure from building up. Beds on the softer side help lighter people push down into the comfort layers that provide pressure relief.
- Conversely, firmer mattresses are often a good choice for heavier people (weighing more than 230 lbs) because they are less likely to allow the sleeper to push through the top comfort layers too quickly, which could compromise spine alignment and pressure relief.
Off-Gassing
A possible downside of ordering a mattress in a box is something called off-gassing. You might’ve experienced it if you’ve bought other mail-order products–a (sometimes chemical) smell once you unbox the item. For mattresses, this is completely normal and harmless.
The cause is often the foams found in the mattresses. In order to get shipped to you, these beds are shrunk down and packaged straight from the factory. This cuts down on time and overhead costs, but it doesn’t give it time to “air-out,” and instead traps that “new bed smell” in there.
The easiest way to deal with off-gassing is to let your bed sit out for a bit. As it decompresses, the smell should begin to waft away.
The unboxing and off-gassing process take anywhere from hours to days to complete, though, so be wary if you’re wanting a ready-to-use bed straight out of the box.
Customer Service
We understand that buying a mattress online is putting a lot of trust in the manufacturer. That’s why it’s important to get familiar with a company’s policies before pulling the trigger on your final purchase. Make sure that the trial time is ample enough to make a decision on the mattress (at least 30 days at the very minimum), and that the warranty is at least 10 years. (You might want to take a look at the fine print too!)
Most mattress companies have dedicated customer service teams who want to help you pick out the right bed for you. Use their online chat or give them a call to get all your questions answered–before, during, and after your purchase. If you feel at any time that they aren’t being transparent with you, maybe you should check out another supplier.
Budget
A big advantage of shopping online is that you’re buying directly from the manufacturer, eliminating overhead costs that can drive up prices. So if you want to save more money, a bed-in-a-box mattress could be very helpful for this.
How much a mattress costs is often directly related to the quality of construction. Higher-priced brands might use premium materials and often contain more natural substances. More expensive products also tend to have higher-density foams. You’ll want to balance what’s a good deal and what might be a bad-quality product. Make sure you do your research to ensure a cheap mattress won’t sag within a year or two, and you don’t end up having to buy something new.
Best Bed-in-a-Box Mattresses: Price Comparison
| Mattress | Award | Price (Queen Size) | Review |
| Nectar | Editor’s Pick | $1,567 | Nectar mattress review |
| Helix Midnight | Best for Side Sleepers | $1,479 | Helix Midnight mattress review |
| DreamCloud Premier | Best Luxury Mattress | $2,639 | DreamCloud Premier mattress review |
| Nolah Evolution | Best Soft Mattress | $2,277 | Nolah Evolution mattress review |
| WinkBed | Best Firm Mattress | $2,570 | WinkBeds mattress review |
| Helix Dusk Luxe | Best for Back Pain | $2,499 | Helix Dusk Luxe mattress review |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | Best Hybrid Mattress | $2,284 | Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Best Budget Option | $1,465 | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress review |
| Birch Natural | Best Organic Mattress | $1,874 | Birch mattress review |
Best Bed in a Box FAQs
Are mattresses in a box good?
Yes, mattresses in a box have become increasingly popular in the past decade. As such, there are now many more options than there were when they first entered the marketplace. This competition has encouraged mattress manufacturers to continue to raise their standards and address issues. You can find many high-quality and durable mattresses in a box.
How do I return a mattress in a box?
The return policy for these mattresses will vary among brands. If you are within the trial period, you should be able to receive a full refund for the bed, though some companies may ask you to wait at least 30 days before returning the bed. When you’re ready to initiate a return, you can contact the manufacturer, who will explain what you need to do.
Some companies will then coordinate a pickup time and date on which they’ll retrieve the mattress. However, this is not universal among brands. Therefore, we recommend understanding the full details of the return policy so that you don’t have any unexpected issues if you have to return the item.
Where is the best place to buy a mattress in a box?
There are many places where you can order a bed in a box. While most are online, some companies even have showrooms where you can test the mattress out before ordering one.
For trusted and established brands, you can click the link to their site and order directly through the company. There is next to no worry, as the manufacturers have generous trial and warranty periods. Third-party sites with the same brands, however, do not always come with the same perks.
You can also order beds from sites like Amazon, Walmart, and Costco. Amazon has an exceptionally wide range of products – even top brands. If you order from any of these sites, just make sure to read the reviews so you have a clear picture of what you are ordering.
How long does a mattress-in-a-box last?
A quality mattress-in-a-box should last 5 to 7 years or more — the same amount of time as a mattress you buy in a store. Its materials, construction, and usage will all affect its longevity, as will the care and maintenance you provide after purchasing it.
Mattresses with fewer layers and less durable materials, such as interconnected spring units or outdated foams, won’t last as long as more modern beds. If you’re looking for a mattress that won’t sag too quickly, consider ones that have undergone extensive stress testing.
Do you need a base or box spring for a bed-in-a-box?
Most mattresses that ship to you in a box do not require a box spring. However, manufacturers often recommend using a slatted platform bed or foundation to keep your mattress well-supported (and off the floor).
You might also want to look into adjustable bases, as many bed-in-a-box mattresses are compatible with these high-tech frames.
Certain beds may have more specific requirements for their bases. While shopping, always check the mattress’ product page or the brand’s FAQ page to see what foundations are the best match for a given bed-in-a-box.
Can you re-roll a bed-in-a-box?
No, you can’t re-roll a bed-in-a-box. Before your bed is rolled and shipped to you in a box, it is compressed by a special machine. This makes it flatter and more manageable to roll. Although you may be able to use plastic and a vacuum sealer at home to attempt to roll your mattress back up, it isn’t likely that it will be tight enough to get back into a box.
If you have to return your bed-in-a-box for whatever reason, don’t try to put it back in the box. Usually, the company will send a team to collect the decompressed bed.
Julia Forbes
Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
About Author
Julia is a product tester at Sleep Advisor, specializing in testing out mattresses and sleep accessories – she’s in the right line of work, because she loves to sleep.
Stomach Sleeper
Education & Credentials
- Certified Sleep Science Coach