When you’re ready to replace that mattress you’ve been sleeping on for a few too many years, you don’t have to make time to visit a store. Today it’s easy to shop online and order a high-end mattress to be delivered right to your door. In fact, many top brands have streamlined the delivery process by compressing mattresses into air-sealed bags and shipping them in a compact, easier–to–manage box. (Just keep in mind that they can still be heavy, so you’ll probably want to enlist some help when it’s time to set it up.) You won’t be skimping on quality, either; the best mattresses in a box are just as well-made and comfortable as what you’d find at your local brick-and-mortar store.
If you’re worried about buying a mattress without being able to test it out—it’s a major purchase, after all—you can rest assured that if your chosen mattress doesn’t work out, you won’t be stuck with it forever. Typically, mattress brands offer 100- to 365-day home trials, which gives you plenty of time to make sure your decision was the right one.
Ready to start getting a better night’s sleep? The following are the best mattresses in a box to help you get a better night’s sleep. For more help narrowing it down, check out our buying guide at the bottom of this story.
- Best Mattress In A Box Overall: Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
- Softest Mattress In A Box: Helix Sunset Luxe Mattress
- Best Memory Foam Mattress In A Box: DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid Mattress
- Most Supportive Mattress In A Box: Casper Original Mattress
- Best Mattress In A Box For Side Sleepers: Layla Memory Foam Mattress
- Best Mattress In A Box For Back And Stomach Sleepers: Amerisleep AS2 Mattress
- Best Budget Mattress In A Box: Tuft & Needle Original Mattress
- Best Hybrid Mattress In A Box: Leesa Hybrid Mattress
- Best Mattress In A Box For Hot Sleepers: Purple Mattress
- Best Innerspring Mattress In A Box: Parachute Eco Comfort Mattress
Best Mattress In A Box Overall
A Memory Foam Option That Conforms To Your Body
- Mattress type: Memory foam
- Trial period: 365 nights
- Firmness level: Medium-firm
The Nectar Memory Foam mattress is an unbeatable choice for your home, as its memory foam construction will conform to your body, and it feels softer than many of its competitors. This makes it better for side or back sleepers or anyone who simply likes the feel of a sinking into a mattress. The additional layers of memory foam in the Nectar mattress are also ideal for those who experience joint pain and want that perfect balance of cushioning and support at their pressure points.
Nectar is also a good place to start your mattress search, thanks to its generous one-year trial period, during which you’ll have plenty of time to decide if it’s the right mattress for you. Most other companies offer around 100 days, but if you’re someone who’s skeptical of the whole online bed-in-a-box shopping experience, the extended trial should put your concerns to rest.
Pros:
- Good balance of comfort and support
- Minimal motion transfer
- One-year trial period
- “Forever” warranty
Cons:
- No option to purchase without accessory package
Softest Mattress In A Box
A Soft Option That Delivers Pressure Point Relief For Sensitive Hips And Shoulders
- Mattress type: Hybrid
- Trial period: 100 nights
- Firmness level: Soft
For those who want to feel like they’re resting on a soft, fluffy cloud at night, Helix will deliver. The Sunset Luxe Mattress is a bed in a box that maximizes softness with a premium quilted pillow top, layers and layers of foam and pressure point relief for sensitive hips and shoulders. Helix also offers a more affordable standard Sunset model and a variety of other mattresses with varying levels of firmness. If you’re not sure which is best for your needs, start by taking the brand’s sleep quiz, which will point you in the right direction.
Pros:
- Plush pillow top
- Cooling cover
- Zoned support
Cons:
- Poor edge support
Best Memory Foam Mattress In A Box
A Hybrid Mattress That Provides The Perfect Mix Of Comfort And Support
- Mattress type: Hybrid
- Trial period: 365 nights
- Firmness level: Medium-firm
Yes, yes, we know. The DreamCloud is technically a hybrid mattress, which means it’s not 100% memory foam but has a layer of coils, as well. However, that isn’t keeping us from naming it the best memory foam bed in a box, as its application of foam truly helps to maximize the benefits of the material.
The DreamCloud mattress features four different foam layers surrounding its “targeted-support” coil layer, thus providing a perfect mix of comfort and support. Side sleepers may find the hybrid design to be too firm, but back and stomach sleepers will appreciate the comfortable support. The coil section will also reward couples with consistent support through the surface area so no one feels like they’re going to fall off in the middle of the night.
Pros:
- Ideal for all sleep positions
- Multiple foam layers for comfort and support
- One-year trial period
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- No option to purchase without accessories
Most Supportive Mattress In A Box
A Mattress With A “Zoned Support” Design That’s Great For Combination Sleepers
- Mattress type: Memory foam
- Trial period: 100 nights
- Firmness level: Medium
While technically not the first company to offer online mattress shopping, Casper is one of the most recognized mattress in a box companies, and its Original Mattress remains one of the best mattresses for sleep-lovers everywhere. Though the Casper mattress is made of memory foam, you won’t sink into it as much as other popular brands, making it a good fit for “combination” sleepers who don’t stay in one position all night. The Casper Original Mattress is also unique in its “zoned support” design, which basically means the midsection of the bed is firmer than the top and bottom sections, so your head is comfy while your spine is supported.
Pros:
- Zoned support
- Perforated foam for better airflow
- Hybrid option available
Cons:
- Longer off-gassing period
Best Mattress In A Box For Side Sleepers
A Dual-Sided Mattress That Delivers Both Soft And Firm Support
- Mattress type: Memory foam
- Trial period: 120 nights
- Firmness level: Soft on one side, firm on the other
Side sleepers need a softer-than-average mattress to take pressure off the hips and shoulders and allow the spine to straighten—but it can’t be so soft that the rest of the body sinks as well. The Layla Mattress is a top bed-in-a-box choice for people who sleep in this position, as it offers a comfortable memory foam construction and has a unique two-sided design.
The Layla Mattress offers two firmness levels in one—one side is soft, while the other is firm. This allows you to try out different firmness levels to find your sleep preferences. The mattress also features copper-gel memory foam, which helps prevent odors and dissipate body heat throughout the night.
Pros:
- Two-sided design
- Copper-infused foam prevents odors
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Poor edge support
Best Mattress In A Box For Back And Stomach Sleepers
A Firm Mattress That Keeps Your Spine Aligned
- Mattress type: Memory foam
- Trial period: 100 nights
- Firmness level: Medium-firm
Back and stomach sleepers need a firm mattress to keep their spine aligned, but finding the right level of firmness isn’t always easy. Luckily, Amerisleep offers several firmness options so you can zero in on the perfect fit.
For most back and stomach sleepers, the AS2 will be the best option. The memory foam-only AS2 is medium-firm and ideally suited for those who sleep on their backs. There’s also a hybrid option that includes a layer of coils that provide more edge support and is often beneficial to larger individuals.
Pros:
- Stays cool throughout the night
- Hybrid option available
- 20-year warranty
Cons:
- Not ideal for side sleepers
Best Budget Mattress In A Box
A Low-Cost Option That Still Feels Like Luxury
- Mattress type: Memory foam
- Trial period: 100 nights
- Firmness level: Medium-firm
If you’re bed-in-a-box shopping on a budget, you’ll be hard-pressed to find better value than Tuft & Needle. The Tuft & Needle Original mattress is made of two layers of foam and receives consistently high marks for its support and mid-range firmness. Plus, the foam is infused with heat-conducting graphite and cooling gel to prevent overheating at night, and for an additional fee, you can have the mattress treated to prevent the growth of bacterial odors, keeping it fresh for longer.
Pros:
- Good value
- Foam retains shape well
- Optional antimicrobial treatment
Cons:
- Not ideal for side sleepers
Best Hybrid Mattress In A Box
A Memory Foam Mattress With The Added Benefit Of Innersprings
- Mattress type: Hybrid
- Trial period: 100 nights
- Firmness level: Medium-firm
The Leesa Hybrid Mattress offers the benefits of memory foam and innersprings, giving you the best of both worlds. It features a top comfort layer of foam with ventilation holes for better breathability, followed by a memory foam layer and more than 1,000 pocket spring coils as the base. This combination of materials allows the mattress to cradle your body and provide relief to pressure points, while still offering superior edge support and durability. The mattress has a medium-firm feel and it works well for all sleeping positions. According to the brand, it may also help alleviate lower back pain.
Pros:
- Hybrid construction
- Superior edge support
- Ideal for all sleep positions
Cons:
- Long off-gassing period
Best Mattress In A Box For Hot Sleepers
A Mattress With 1,400 Air Channels And An Extra Two-Inch Layer Of Memory Foam
- Mattress type: Hybrid
- Trial period: 100 nights
- Firmness level: Medium-soft
If you frequently overheat during the night, the Purple Mattress might be just what you need. This product features the brand’s signature “Purple Grid,” which is made from a temperature-neutral gel with more than 1,400 air channels, ensuring it doesn’t retain any of your body heat. The Grid also serves to cushion pressure points like your hips and shoulders and it springs back into its original shape as you adjust your position.
Purple offers two versions of this mattress—the standard Purple Mattress, which features a two-layer comfort foam base, as well as the Purple Plus, which has a premium three-layer foam base and an extra two-inch layer of comfort foam for more dynamic support.
Pros:
- Multiple models available
- Superior temperature regulation
- Maintains shape well
Cons:
- Very heavy
Best Innerspring Mattress In A Box
A Mattress With A Traditional (But Upgraded) Innerspring Design
- Mattress type: Innerspring
- Trial period: 100 nights
- Firmness level: Firm in the middle, softer at the head and feet
Most mattresses in a box are made from some type of foam, but the Parachute Eco Comfort Mattress has a more traditional innerspring design. It’s made from layers of wool pads and pocketed steel coils, which are arranged to create several different ergonomic support zones. Softer coils toward the top of the mattress provide more give for your shoulders, while firm coils toward the center offer support for the spine.
The Parachute Eco Comfort Mattress is made from all eco-friendly materials and it’s free from foams, adhesives and chemical flame retardants. It arrives in a box via standard ground shipping, allowing for DIY setup, but the brand also offers white glove delivery for an additional fee.
Pros:
- Superior support
- Eco-friendly materials
- No off-gassing
- Optional white glove delivery
Cons:
- Expensive
What To Consider When Buying A Mattress In A Box
There are a wide range of mail-friendly mattresses in a box available today. Like with any mattress purchase, you’ll want to consider several key factors to find the best option for your needs.
Firmness
Mattresses range from soft to firm on a scale of 1 to 10. Your sleep position, combined with how you prefer your mattress to feel, will point you in the right direction. Most mattress models have more than one firmness option available.
Sleep Position
Choosing a mattress firmness that complements your sleep position can not only improve the quality of your sleep but also prevent aches and pains in the morning. In general, people who sleep on their side (the most popular position) do best with a mattress that’s slightly soft to medium firm. Those who sleep on their stomach benefit from a medium firm to slightly firm mattress, while medium-firm can also be a good match for back sleepers or those with frequent back pain.
Material
Many boxed mattresses are made with memory foam because it’s easy to compress for shipping. However, you can also choose from plenty of hybrid mattress models, which combine foam and coils for softness and support, as well as a few traditional innerspring mattresses in a box (see the Parachute Eco Comfort, above). If you’re still unsure which type to get, here’s a brief breakdown of each:
- Memory foam: This material (as well as latex and other foams) is known for its ability to contour to your body, offering responsive comfort, support and joint pain relief. Couples appreciate memory foam because it excels at minimizing motion transfer—this means you won’t feel your partner if they move or get out of bed. For those with adjustable bed frames, the flexibility of memory foam is ideal for reclining up and down. Now, for the cons: Memory foam has a tendency to trap heat, though popular brands are designing their mattresses with new cooling materials. And while some sleepers enjoy sinking into a cozy bed at night, others don’t like the encapsulating feel and prefer to lie more “on top” of their mattress. As far as delivery and set up, memory foam mattresses tend to be very heavy, so plan accordingly if you have one shipped to you.
- Innerspring: When you think of a traditional mattress, you think of an innerspring. These utilize coils as the main support system and are known for providing superior support. Some sleepers prefer this firmer feel, while others prefer more plushness. They also tend to sleep cooler because the spring construction allows for airflow. That said, innerspring mattresses have a tendency to create uncomfortable pressure points and can sink in the middle over time, so if you choose this type of mattress, be sure you get a quality one. See the Parachute Eco Comfort, above, which is a modern take on an innerspring; it’s made with pocketed steel coils for a softer feel.
- Hybrid: Hybrid mattresses are very popular since they combine the best parts of memory foam and innerspring mattresses—namely, comfort and support. Generally, the coils create the base layer while the upper layers are made with soft foams for a body-cradling feel. Often, hybrids also made with proprietary cooling materials to keep sleepers comfortable, plus the coils allow for some breathability. They may have a slightly bouncier feel than memory foam mattresses, but quality hybrids are designed to reduce motion transfer quite effectively, which is great for couples. While you can choose a hybrid mattress in any firmness level, even those with the most marshmallowy foam layers won’t offer the same “sinking” feeling as an all-foam mattress (which may or may not be a plus for you).
Delivery Method
Many mattress orders include free delivery, but that usually means you’ll be the one to bring the mattress inside, take it to your bedroom and set it up. Some brands also offer “white glove” delivery, which typically includes setup plus removal of packaging materials and your old mattress.
Trial Period
Because companies realize that buying mattresses in a box can feel a bit risky, most of them provide trial periods of 100 days or more—occasionally an entire year—during which you can get a true feel for your new bed. Before clicking “purchase” though, double-check the brand’s trial period policy and make sure it’s one you’re comfortable with.
Other Features
Going beyond the basics, some mattresses in a box offer cooling or pillow top covers, while others have antimicrobial treatments that prevent odors or designs that incorporate two firmness levels (one on each side, or one on the top and another on the bottom).
Frequently Asked Questions About Mattresses In A Box
What Is A Mattress In A Box?
Mattress brands usually ship their mattresses in a box via standard package carriers (like UPS) rather than specialized delivery companies. Your mattress will arrive tightly compressed inside an air-sealed bag, and once you bring it inside, simply remove the packaging to allow the mattress to expand to its full size. (Make sure you only open it once it’s in your bedroom.) Because the mattress won’t require a delivery crew, you don’t necessarily have to be home to receive the package.
Is A Mattress In A Box Worth It?
Skipping in-person shopping and having a new mattress simply show up at your door is certainly convenient, so it’s not surprising that mattresses in a box have become popular. This option can also save you money, depending on what you choose. Most mattresses in a box cost between $900 and $2,000 for a queen size. Further, browsing for beds online offers more options than one you’d find at your typical mattress store.
Most online mattress retailers also include an impressive trial period. Usually, you’ll be able to sleep on your new mattress risk free for 100 days, but some brands, like Nectar, provide an entire year. If you’re not happy with your purchase, you can return it for free.
Can You Sleep On A Mattress In A Box Right Away?
Be aware that you may not be able to sleep on your new mattress immediately. Depending on the brand and type, the ideal time period for a mattress in a box to expand once you take it out of the box ranges from several hours to two days.
Is A Mattress In A Box Better Than A Traditional Mattress?
Everyone has their own preferences and priorities in mind when shopping for a new mattress, so the short answer is ... it depends. (For example, if innerspring is your favorite mattress type, the brick-and-mortar route may be your best bet.) On the plus side, mattresses in a box are easily accessible and can be more affordable, and brands offer reassuringly generous home trial periods.
What Kind Of Mattresses Come In A Box?
Popular mattress brands like Leesa, Helix and Amerisleep offer high-quality memory foam and hybrid mattresses in various firmness levels.
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