Best Mattress in a Box for 2025, Tested by Our Sleep Experts

Our sleep experts found the best mattress in a box options to improve your sleep and eliminate the hassle of mattress shopping in-store. Get these top beds delivered straight to your door.

Our Experts

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Headshot of Taylor Leamey
Written by  McKenzie Dillon
Written by  Taylor Leamey
Article updated on 
Headshot of McKenzie Dillon
McKenzie Dillon Writer
McKenzie, a Certified Sleep Science Coach and proclaimed mattress expert, has been writing sleep content in the wellness space for over four years. After earning her certification from the Spencer Institute and dedicating hundreds of hours to sleep research, she has extensive knowledge on the topic and how to improve your quality of rest. Having more experience with lying on mattresses than most, McKenzie has reviewed over 150 beds and a variety of different sleep products including pillows, mattress toppers and sheets. McKenzie has also been a guest on multiple radio shows including WGN Chicago as a sleep expert and contributed sleep advice to over 50 different websites.
Expertise Certified Sleep Science Coach, Certified Stress Management Coach, Bachelor of English.
Headshot of Taylor Leamey
Taylor Leamey Former Senior Writer
Taylor Leamey wrote about all things wellness for CNET, specializing in mental health, sleep and nutrition coverage. She has invested hundreds of hours into studying and researching sleep and holds a Certified Sleep Science Coach certification from the Spencer Institute. Not to mention the years she spent studying mental health fundamentals while earning her bachelor's degrees in both Psychology and Sociology. She is also a Certified Stress Management Coach.
Expertise Sleep, Mental Health, Nutrition and Supplements Credentials
  • Certified Sleep Science Coach, Certified Stress Management Coach
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With over five years of mattress testing experience, we use our different sleeping position and body type perspectives to offer well-rounded, honest reviews.

What to consider

Firmness

Sleeping position

Feel

Construction

Body type

If you weigh over 230 pounds we recommend a hybrid mattress because they're more supportive, durable and long-lasting. If you weigh under that range, you'll be well off on either type of mattress.

Performance

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Is it time to ditch that old, worn-out mattress? If you're not getting quality sleep at night or are waing up with aches and pains, a new bed may make all of the difference. Upgrading your mattress no longer requires spending hours wandering around a store looking for the right one. You can now order one online and have it delivered right to your home in an easy-to-move box. At CNET, we specialize in testing the beds, including mattresses in a box. I’ve spent years testing and reviewing beds, so I know which ones are worth your money and which are just hype. Below you’ll find a bed for everyone, from side sleepers to hot sleepers to folks with back pain

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What is the best mattress in a box?

Side sleeper on DreamCloud Premier Hybrid mattress

The DreamCloud Premier Hybrid mattress has an accommodating firmness and feel that suits most sleepers.

Jon Gomez/CNET

We're awarding the title of best mattress in a box overall to the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid. This mattress boasts a luxurious look and is incredibly comfortable. The cashmere blend quilted cover and soft foam layers make it feel like you're floating on a cloud. With a medium to medium-firm profile and a responsive memory foam feel, this bed in a box is appealing to most people and can accommodate most sleeping positions.

Video: Best mattress in a box

Watch CNET senior video producer Owen Poole review the best mattresses in a box.

What We Updated: June 2025

Updated listicle format and selections. Removed Amerisleep AS2, Helix Plus Core and Leesa Legend Chill Hybrid. Added Saatva Rx, Big Fig and Aurora Luxe.

Best mattress in a box for 2025

Pros

  • Supportive and responsive
  • Suitable for any body type
  • Accommodating for most sleeping positions
  • 365-night warranty is extremely generous
  • Lifetime warranty

Cons

  • May not be soft enough for strict side sleepers
  • Not everyone likes the feel of memory foam

The DreamCloud Premier Hybrid is a 13-inch-thick premium mattress with layers of soft foam, gel memory foam and individually wrapped innerspring coils. It’s one of my top recommendations for people who want a foam pillow top feel.

Why we like this bed: The Dreamcloud Premier offers plenty of pressure relief, responsive contouring and enhanced support thanks to this design. When I lie on it, it has some of the sinking-in quality typically associated with memory foam. Still, it has a more responsive memory foam feel, making it our choice for best mattress in a box overall. Honestly, I’m not a huge fan of memory foam, and I love this bed. It leans more neutral than sink-in memory foam, which I think is suitable for the average person because you get all the benefits without the potentially polarizing feel. Not to mention, I’m a sucker for pillow tops that cushion my curves, and this bed does that and more. 

When testing the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid mattress, I found it to be around a medium or medium-firm. It's soft enough to cradle your shoulders and hips and supportive enough to promote spinal alignment. This mattress also provides reinforced edge support and reduced motion transfer, making it easier to switch your sleep position at night without disturbing your partner. 

Who should get this bed: I’d recommend this bed to anyone who wants a thick and durable mattress made to last. I think just about anyone will like this bed. Because of the firmness, it’s best for back, stomach and some combo sleepers. 

Who shouldn’t: This bed is noticeably firmer than many others, so I wouldn’t recommend the DreamCloud Premier to strict side sleepers, especially petite side sleepers. You’re not going to put enough pressure on the bed, and it will feel too firm.

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Pros

  • Optional Celliant-infused cover to help boost circulation
  • It's a great value at only $998 for a queen
  • Ideal for back and stomach sleepers
  • Excellent motion isolation makes it a solid pick for couples

Cons

  • It's a little too firm for strict side sleepers, especially under 150 pounds
  • Not as durable or supportive for heavier sleepers

The Bear Original is a unique bed-in-a-box mattress with a lower price tag than most of its competitors. It’s easily one of my favorite budget beds. It’s a comfy foam bed with a unique cover that earns extra points.

Why we like this bed: The Bear Original mattress is a quality bed at a wallet-friendly price tag. When testing this bed, I noticed that the dense foam contours around my body and offers pressure relief to my joints. It has that traditional, sinking-in feeling that memory foam lovers will enjoy. When I move around, the foam responds slowly and takes a few seconds to return to its original shape. This bed doesn’t rise to the level of Tempur-Pedic dense, though it’s a good choice if you’re aiming for that feel for a much more affordable price.

A queen Bear Original mattress retails for only $998, though I’ve seen that price drop to around $600 around holidays. So, if you time it right, you can get a quality bed for a steal. Online beds are usually between $800 and $1,200 for a queen.

Another thing about the Bear Original mattress that I like is the option to add a Celliant-infused cover to this mattress -- a material meant to boost blood circulation and promote muscle repair. Bear was one of the first companies to use this technology, which has become popular among athletes such as runners, weight lifters and swimmers.

Who should get this bed: The Bear Original’s firmness level is a medium-firm, making it great for back and stomach sleepers. Some combination sleepers can get away with it if they spend most of the night on their stomach or back. 

Who shouldn’t: I don’t recommend this mattress to side sleepers because of its firmness. It’s a little firmer than most side sleepers will like. Also, if you don’t like dense memory foam, don’t get this bed. Memory foam is one of those feels you either like or don’t, and no matter how affordable this bed is, it has a dense feel that some won’t like.

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Bear Original mattress review

Pros

  • Great choice for side sleepers
  • Two firmness levels in one mattress (flippable design)
  • Great motion isolation
  • Super soft cover

Cons

  • Not a budget pick at $1,699
  • Too soft for most stomach and back sleepers

For side sleepers, nothing feels better than plush, pressure-relieving memory foam. Thanks to its flippable design, the Layla Hybrid mattress gives side sleepers two chances to get it right.

Why we like this bed: There aren’t many flippable beds, and the Layla Hybrid is my favorite. The supportive coils are in the middle, sandwiched by foam layers for pressure relief. The soft side of the Layla hybrid is around medium-soft, while the firmer side is a tad above medium. Neither side is truly firm. It’s neat that it’s flippable, but honestly, that’s not the reason I recommend it. This bed is incredibly comfortable and has a soft cover.

I really like the responsive, almost airy memory foam feel the Layla Hybrid has. You get the body-contouring feel when you lie on it, though it doesn’t feel like it’s going to suck you into the foam layers. This is my preferred feeling when it comes to memory foam, and I think it’s a good choice for people who want more pressure relief but aren’t really to jump into the deep end with memory foam. 

Who should get this bed: If you primarily sleep on your side, you'll want a soft mattress that cradles and contours your body's curves -- that's where Layla comes in. I prefer the "firm" side because I'm a combo sleeper, but the "soft" side is extra plush for strict side sleepers or lightweight body types looking for a softer mattress. I can’t imagine anyone not liking this bed.

Who shouldn’t: While this bed is more than just its unique flippable design, it’s not a budget bed. It retails for $1,699 for a queen, and the best sale I’ve seen is $200 off. It’s on the pricier side, and if you don’t care that you can flip it, you could get away with a cheaper foam bed instead, like the Leesa beds.

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Layla Hybrid review

Pros

  • It's made with eco-friendly and organic materials
  • Hypoallergenic, antimicrobial and doesn't off-gas
  • Good for back, stomach and some combination sleepers
  • Suitable for all body types

Cons

  • Too firm for side sleepers without pricey pillow tops add-ons
  • The mattress is on the expensive side at $2,099

Natural and organic mattresses are more sustainably manufactured. The Avocado Green mattress is the best organic mattress in a box because it’s perfect for eco-friendly mattress brand shoppers.

Why we like this bed: The Avocado Green mattress is the leading bed in the organic space. The numerous natural certifications and the quality construction of this bed make it the best organic bed you can get. You can find organic Dunlop latex foam in Avocado's comfort layer, which is made from the baked sap of a Brazilian rubber tree. It may sound strange, but this latex mattress foam is bouncy, supportive and breathable; essentially the opposite of traditional memory foam. When I lie on it, I barely sink into it. 

It also has a more organic, outdoorsy smell than other bed-in-box mattresses I've tested, which have an off-gassing odor right when you pull them out of the box. 

Who should get this bed: Avocado is an ideal boxed mattress for people who favor their back or stomach when they sleep. It'll be supportive for any body type, whether you weigh 110 or 240 pounds.

Who shouldn’t: This is a really firm bed that doesn’t have much give. Side sleepers should stay far away from this bed, unless you can afford the pillow or box-top additions. That drives the $1,899 price up $800 for the pillow top and $1,680 for the softest option. That’s way out of many people’s budgets. 

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Avocado Green review

Pros

  • Unique construction is specifically made for back pain
  • Zoned support
  • Comfy pillow top
  • Great for side sleepers
  • 356-night trial
  • Lifetime warranty
  • White glove delivery makes set up easy

Cons

  • Too soft for back and stomach sleepers
  • Very expensive at $3,399 for a queen
  • Only one firmness option available

The Saatva Rx is a durable, quality mattress designed to ease back pain from conditions like scoliosis and sciatica. Unlike most beds for back pain, it is softer.

Why we like this bed: The Saatva Rx has a thoughtful construction that targets back pain. The base layer of coils has a unique feature, which Saatva calls the “Rx foam module.” Each coil has a foam tip for more cushion. Then there’s an additional layer of micro coils wrapped in high-density foam. It’s like every layer of this bed is meant to help with pain. When testing the Saatva Rx mattress, I found it to be just on the softer side of medium, between a four and five on the scale. Most beds recommended for back pain are extra firm to ensure the spine stays aligned at night. But not the Saatva Rx.

Who should get this bed: People who want a soft bed designed to relieve back and joint pain will like this bed. Because of its firmness, I’d recommend it only to side sleepers. Saatva is known for making high-quality beds, and the Saatva Rx is no different.

Who shouldn’t: Back and stomach sleepers will find this bed too soft to sleep on. Since it’s so soft, those sleepers will find that their hips and shoulders sink in at uneven levels, which would only aggravate back pain.

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Saatva Rx review

Pros

  • Super supportive construction is excellent for plus-sized sleepers
  • Responsive foam feel makes sure you don’t feel stuck
  • Best for back, stomach and combo sleepers

Cons

  • Too firm for many side sleepers
  • People under 150 pounds don’t need the added support
  • A little expensive if you’re on a tight budget

Heavy people need a durable mattress that will last. The Big Fig mattress offers advanced support that other beds can’t match. It can support up to 1,100 pounds. 

Why we like this bed: The Big Fig mattress has a classic, responsive foam feel. It’s the type of design that I associate with traditional beds, which I think most people will like. It’s a firmer bed, and you won’t get that sinking feel of memory foam. It’s more like the bed is propping you up; it’s that supportive. When it comes to firmness, the average person will find this bed to be around a medium-firm to firm or eight. Though if you’re over 300 pounds, it will feel a little softer than that. 

Who should get this bed: I think the Big Fig mattress is the best bed for heavy people because it’s so supportive and has a comfortable, foam feel. It’s an ideal choice for someone who wants a classic bed, rather than slow-moving memory foam.

Who shouldn’t: I wouldn’t recommend this bed to average or petite body types. For the average person, I’d suggest you go with the Brooklyn Bedding Signature. It reminds me somewhat of Big Fig, but it only costs $1,332 before sales. Big Fig isn’t unreasonably priced at $1,899, though it’s definitely up there.

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Big Fig review

Pros

  • Medium firmness level accommodates all sleeping positions
  • Strong hybrid construction suits all body types
  • Helix has its own quiz that matches you with a bed

Cons

  • It's more expensive than your average online mattress at $2,373

Finding a mattress in a box perfect for you is hard enough, let alone a bed that accommodates two different sleepers. Helix Sleep set out to make a mattress for everyone and even has its Sleep Quiz to match you with one of its 10-plus beds. 

Why we like this bed: The Helix Midnight Luxe is a comfy mattress for any body type, regardless of how much your significant other weighs. It has a middle-of-the-road firmness level that will appeal to all sleeper positions: back, side, stomach and combination. Where the Helix Midnight Luxe stands out for me is the feel. I love plush pillow tops, and the Helix Midnight Luxe has one of the most comfortable ones I’ve ever tested. Lying on my side is a dream, because it hugs my hips but still provides plenty of cushion. It's not like a memory foam mattress, which some couples don't find mutually agreeable, but it's a soft, responsive mattress. It’s a fluffy, luxurious feel and look that you just want to dive into.

Who should get this bed: The Helix Midnight Luxe has middle-of-the-road firmness, making it particularly good for couples. It can accommodate just about any sleeper and body type. It’s a safe choice for any couple.

Who shouldn’t: Unfortunately, the Helix Midnight Luxe costs $2,373. That pushes it out of many people’s budgets. That said, you can drop down a level in Helix’s collection and opt for the Core Midnight bed. You won’t have the fluffy pillow top, though it’s still very comfortable.

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Helix Midnight Luxe review

Pros

  • Three firmness options
  • The coolest bed I’ve ever tested
  • Neutral foam feel that most people will like
  • Additional pillow top available

Cons

  • Expensive at $2,265, though it’s reasonable for a cooling bed
  • No true firm option

The Aurora Luxe is the most effective cooling mattress I’ve ever tested. It's an easy choice for hot sleepers. 

Why we like this bed: Many beds say they will help you sleep cool, but fall flat. The Aurora Luxe from Brooklyn Bedding is the best cooling bed you can get. The second I laid a hand on this bed, I could immediately feel the cooling tech in the cover. Not only is this an actively cooling bed for hot sleepers, but it also has an extremely comfortable neutral foam feel. The foam layers provide plenty of pressure relief, though you won’t sink in far like you would with memory foam. It’s the type of feel that anyone will find comfortable. Add a pillow top to your Aurora Luxe at checkout if you want a plusher feel. 

The Aurora Luxe gets extra points because it’s available in three firmness options: Soft (medium-soft or three), Medium (medium or five) and Firm (medium-firm or seven). I love to see beds with multiple firmness options because they allow you to choose the firmness that best suits your needs.

Who should get this bed: Hot sleepers seriously need this bed. It’s the most effective cooling bed I’ve ever tested, and it has a classic comfort that will appeal to anyone.

Who shouldn’t: The firmest option of the Aurora Luxe is only a seven out of 10 on our scale. While I think that’s plenty firm for most people, if you want a wicked firm bed, this might not be for you.

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Pros

  • Responsive memory foam feel
  • All-foam or hybrid construction
  • Nectar runs really good sales. I’ve seen up to 50% off
  • The bed sleeps temperature neutral

Cons

  • All-foam construction probably won’t be supportive enough for heavy people
  • Not firm enough for some back and stomach sleepers

I know some die-hard memory foam mattress fans love the hugging, conforming feel that memory foam provides. Nectar Premier, the brand's upper-level foam option, does just that. 

Why we like this bed: The Nectar Premier offers a traditional memory foam feel that takes a few seconds for your whole body to be cocooned by the material. It’s a memory foam lover’s dream. I often compare it to a watered-down Tempur-Pedic. It’s more responsive and easier to move around, though it still cradled me when I lied on it. It'll also suit most sleeping positions, including back, stomach, side and combination. It's supportive, but that contouring memory foam feel gives it a cozy, plush feel we didn't necessarily expect.

I’ll point out that while it says there is cooling tech in this bed, I wouldn’t say it rises to the level of being an actual cooling mattress. It’s nice to see, but if you’re a hot sleeper looking for active cooling, you won’t get it here.

Who should get this bed: I think the Nectar Premier offers a sweet spot that satisfies both memory foam lovers and those who don’t prefer it. I found it to be a tad above medium, meaning any sleeping position can sleep comfortably on it. Nectar offers a 365-night trial that gives you plenty of time to think about it. The beds come with a lifetime warranty.

Who shouldn’t: This foam mattress is best for individuals who weigh less than 230 pounds. The Nectar Premier is also available as a hybrid construction, which I advise for most heavier folks. Thanks to the coil layer, it will stand up to the test of time better. It’s only slightly more expensive at $2,330, though I’ve seen it drop as far as $1,099 before.

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Nectar Premier review

Pros

  • WinkBed is an ultra-durable mattress that will last
  • Three firmness levels
  • Good for all body types
  • Super fluffy pillow top

Cons

  • It's a luxury mattress, so the $1,799 price tag isn't a surprise

Aside from being one of the most beautiful beds I've ever seen, the WinkBed is also very comfortable and reminiscent of a luxury hotel mattress. It combines two mattress characteristics everyone wants: support and pressure relief.

Why we like this bed: As I’ve mentioned, I love pillow tops. One of my favorite pillow-top beds is the WinkBed. It’s fluffy and luxurious. Overall, the WinkBed mattress has a classic feel that pairs well with how supportive the bed is. For me, it checks all the boxes for a bed. The foundation layer is made with strong, individually wrapped steel coils with zones meant to be softer and firmer where you need it.

There are three firmness levels, giving each sleeping position a chance to cater to their specific needs. Side sleepers can opt for the "Softer" option, which feels more like a medium-soft, while back and stomach sleepers will probably find the "Luxury Firm" or "Firm" models more comfortable. The firmer the mattress, the more support it offers. Whichever you choose, your bed will come with a lifetime warranty, an impressive offer that speaks to the mattress's durability.

Who should get this bed: If you like pillow-top beds as much as I do, check out the WinkBed mattress. It’s a burly, luxury mattress I’d expect to see in a fancy hotel. Its hefty construction makes it a good choice for any body type.

Who shouldn’t: WinkBed isn’t the most affordable bed, though I think the price is warranted. It’s $1,799 for a queen.

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WinkBed Mattress review

Best mattress in a box compared

Mattress typePrice (queen)Sleep trial period Warranty
DreamCloud Premier Hybrid$2,330365 nightsLifetime
Bear Original All-foam$855120 nightsLifetime
Layla Hybrid Flippable hybrid $1,699120 nights10-year limited
Avocado Green Latex hybrid$2,099365 nights25-limited warranty
Saatva Rx Neutral hybrid $3,399365 nightsLifetime
Big Fig Hybrid $1,899120 nights20-year prorated
Helix Midnight Luxe Hybrid$2,399100 nights15-year limited warranty
Aurora Luxe Hybrid $2,265120 nights10-year limited
Nectar Premier Memory foam $2,249365 nightsForever
WinkBed Hybrid $1,799120 nightsLifetime warranty

Other mattresses we've tested

Our CNET Sleep editors put together this list by rounding up their favorite picks from the more than 300 mattresses they've tested. This list highlights some of the best but several quality mattresses were close to making it and deserve an honorable mention.

Purple mattress: One of the most popular bed-in-a-box mattresses on the market is the (non-hybrid) Purple mattress. Most people either love it or it's a little too different for them. Its main comfort material is hyper-elastic polymer, which is gel-like and extremely springy. It makes you feel like you're floating but you can slightly feel the grid of small squares shifting underneath you as you move. It feels pleasant and comfy and appeals to most sleeping positions but it's unlike any mattress you've slept on before. Feel free to reach out to Purple for a sample of its special hyper-elastic polymer material. 

Tuft & Needle mattress: Like Purple, Tuft & Needle started off as a bed-in-a-box brand but has since become so well-known and well-received that you can find the brand's products in popular brick-and-mortar bedding stores. It's a simple and affordable two-layer mattress with a generally comfortable neutral foam feel. It's great if you're looking for a safe pick that won't break the bank. 

Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress: Brooklyn Bedding manufactures its own mattresses, something many mattress brands don't do. It's for this reason I think it's able to sell its beds at such great prices. Its Signature mattress is a basic but quality hybrid mattress with a supportive individually wrapped coil base layer. This makes it ideal for all body types. In addition to that, its three firmness level options make it appealing to all sleeping positions.

DreamCloud mattress: DreamCloud offers luxurious mattresses you can barely believe came out of a box. I personally know two people who sleep on a DreamCloud mattress and they love it. It's made with individually wrapped coils in the base layer for added support and memory foam that's more responsive than the typical material. Not to mention, it's made with premium materials that make it up to par with luxury hotel mattresses.

How we test mattresses in a box

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CNET mattress expert Owen Poole tests motion isolation using a glass of water.

Aly Lopez/CNET

CNET editors pick the products and services we write about based on editorial merit. When you buy through our links, we may get a commission. 

We test bed-in-a-box mattresses the same way we test any mattress. Most of the beds I've personally tested are online beds. Some of the primary features we look for when testing are:

  • Firmness: We can determine how hard or soft a mattress is by testing and comparing it to the hundreds of other beds we've examined over the years. We use a one to 10 scale with 10 being the firmest and mattress industry terms to describe the firmness. This includes the soft-to-firm scale, including medium, medium-firm and medium-soft. Firmness helps determine the type of sleeping position the bed is best for.
  • Feel: Feel is different than firmness. This refers to the way you perceive a mattress when you lay down; what do all the materials together feel like? Many beds boast a slow-responding memory foam feel, while others have more of a neutral feel. Some beds have a mixed foam feel that offers the best of both worlds. Whatever it is, we'll describe it in detail for you considering you can't feel the bed over the internet. 
  • Construction: We take a deep look at the construction of each mattress and the materials it uses. This helps determine how durable a mattress will be and the kind of body type the bed will be most suitable for. 
  • Motion isolation: Nobody wants a mattress where you can feel your partner's every move. We test motion isolation by lying on a mattress with our partner or placing a glass full of water at the end of a mattress to see how much it moves when we bounce around. 
  • Edge support: If you co-sleep with somebody, you want a strong mattress edge so you don't feel like you're going to roll off if you end up near the side. In the course of our testing, we laid on each edge and bounced to see how sturdy it felt. 
  • Temperature: We test how hot a mattress sleeps by using our own experience on the mattress. We utilize hot sleepers who offer their perspective and will even pull out the temperature gun if necessary. Materials largely influence how hot a mattress is going to sleep. 

Read more about how we test mattresses.

Factors to consider when choosing a mattress

When you're looking for a new bed to replace your old mattress, there are a few key things to consider: your favorite sleeping position, your body type, relevant health conditions, materials and your budget. Your most dominant sleeping position should help dictate your best bed mattress type and firmness level of your bed. Your body weight, on the other hand, should help you determine whether you'd be OK on a foam mattress, or if you should opt for the extra support of a hybrid mattress bed. Your budget will help you narrow down the best mattress-in-a-box type you have the means to spend money on. Lastly, different health conditions require different mattress needs, and materials help determine whether or not you'll find the bed comfortable.

Sleeping position

  • Side sleepers usually sleep best on a medium to soft mattress. They typically need a bed that gives underneath the shoulders and hips to prevent joint pain and offer pressure relief. 
  • Back and stomach sleepers may want to consider medium to firm beds that provide back and spinal support. Soft mattresses that give may cause back pain.
  • Combination sleepers should cater to their dominant position, or go for a bed with a medium profile that offers both support and pressure relief. 

Body type

  • The more body weight you have, the softer a mattress is going to be and the more support you'll need. Hybrid mattresses tend to be the best for individuals over 230 pounds because steel is stronger and more durable than foam. Foam mattresses, on the other hand, won't be as supportive or long-lasting.
  • Average to petite individuals can sleep just fine on a foam or hybrid mattress. Just remember, the lighter you are, the more likely you are to experience a firmer mattress. 

Health conditions

  • People who sleep hot or women suffering from menopause should opt for a cool sleeping mattress to help keep body heat down. Either a bed like a Purple mattress which is made with a special gel-like material that offers airflow and doesn't retain heat, or a bed like GhostBed Luxe that has special cooling tech throughout the bed. 
  • Those with arthritis or joint pain should consider a mattress that will relieve pressure on the medium to soft side that cradles the pressure points.
  • People who suffer from back pain may sleep most comfortably on a medium-firm mattress profile. It offers ample support and will relieve pressure at the same time, to prevent the back from sagging and cradle pressure points. 

Materials

  • Memory foam is typically a pressure-relieving material and responds slowly to pressure for a hugging, conforming feel. It can be hard to switch your sleep position, especially if you're a combination sleeper.
  • Latex foam is either synthetic or naturally sourced from the sap of tropical rubber trees. Latex foam beds are bouncy, durable and supportive. They are also hypoallergenic and antimicrobial. The downsides? Natural and organic latex mattresses can be pricey, and they aren't as good as memory foam at isolating motion.
  • Poly foam is a synthetic foam that bounces more than memory foam but is softer than latex foam. Most comfy couch cushions are made with this foam. it's breathable and affordable, but may not be as durable as other foams. 
  • Innersprings or coils are found in traditional and hybrid mattresses. They make a bed more supportive and durable. 

Trial, shipping and warranty

Every online mattress brand offers some level of a trial and warranty for its beds. The duration of the trial will vary by the brand you choose. Most mattress trials are around 100 nights, although some brands offer an entire year, like DreamCloud or Avocado. Trial isn't something that should make or break your buying decision, but it is something to keep an eye on so you have enough time to decide if the bed is right for you.

Most online mattress brands offer free shipping, although that’s not always the case with returns. Pay attention to each brand's return policy as some will charge a processing fee if you return them. Thankfully, there aren't that many that charge you for returns.

Budget

  • You can find mattresses at just about any price. Cheap bed-in-box mattresses can go for a few hundred dollars. 
  • The average bed in a box is around $850 to $1,200. 
  • Premium beds that are of the highest quality or designed with extra bells and whistles usually go for over $1,200. 

Mattress in a box FAQ

What is a bed in a box?

A bed in a box is a mattress that’s compressed, vacuum-sealed and rolled up inside a cardboard box for easy shipping. This concept has exploded in popularity over the last five years because it makes buying a mattress online more convenient, eliminating the need for in-store shopping and showroom visits. Once unboxed, the mattress expands to its full size within a few hours to a day.

How long do mattresses in a box last?

A bed in a box typically lasts seven to 10 years, depending on its materials and care. Memory foam mattresses generally last seven to 10 years, while hybrid models with coils tend to last six to 10 years. Proper maintenance, like rotating your mattress and using a supportive foundation, can help extend its lifespan.

How will I know when I need a new mattress?

If you're waking up with back pain you didn't go to bed with the night before, that's a good indicator. Keep a lookout for sags, deep imprints, body impressions and the overall quality of your bed. If you bought your mattress a decade ago, it's probably time to replace it.

How soon do I need to unbox my new mattress?

You can wait a few days to a week to unbox your new mattress, but brands suggest you unbox within one to two months to avoid damage. You should also give it a few days to fully decompress and inflate, but you're able to sleep on it in the meantime. 

What is the best bed in a box?

Some of the best mattresses that come in a box include the Casper mattress, Purple mattress, Nectar mattress, Helix mattress and Avocado mattress. These are some of the biggest names with the most popular mattresses, and for good reason. 

Where do I buy a 'bed in a box' mattress?

Most bed-in-box mattresses are sold online through the different brands' websites, but you can get the most popular brands at retail stores such as Target or Costco, like the Purple mattress or Casper mattress. 

How much does a bed in a box cost?

There's a wide spectrum of bed-in-a-box mattresses prices, from budget to luxury. Most fall within these ranges:

  • Budget: Around $200 to $600 
  • Average: Around $700 to $1,200
  • Affordable luxury: Around $1,300 to $1,800
  • Luxury: Around $1,900 and up
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.