The best mattresses in a box are the ultimate convenience, delivering a brand-new mattress right to your door. Special equipment compresses the mattress in an air-sealed bag and rolls it tight into a box for easy shipping. When it arrives, the box though heavy, is much more manageable to get to your bedroom, and you can set up your new bed in minutes before sleeping on it that night. They come with lengthy trial periods, too, so you can still return it if you decide it's not for you.
I've set up, tested, and slept on over 70 beds in a box, toured a mattress factory, and talked to several experts for this guide. Our top pick for this guide and our best mattress overall is the Leesa Sapira Hybrid. It has an average firmness ideal for most sleep positions, heat dissipation catering to hot sleepers, and motion isolation and edge support to please couples. Our budget pick is the Allswell Mattress, a sub-$400 hybrid with superb motion isolation and edge support, though it's too firm for most side sleepers and traps heat.
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Our top picks for the best mattress in a box
Best overall: Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress - See at Leesa
Best budget: Allswell Mattress - See at Walmart
Best under $1,000: Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress - See at Nectar
Best foam: Tempur-Pedic Cloud Mattress - See at Tempur-Pedic
Best for side sleepers: WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress - See at WinkBeds
Best for stomach sleepers: Awara Premier Natural Luxury Hybrid Mattress - See at Awara
Best for back sleepers: DreamCloud Premier Hybrid Mattress - See at DreamCloud
Best cooling: Nest Bedding Finch Latex Mattress - See at Nest Bedding
Best for heavy people: Big Fig Classic Mattress - See at Big Fig
Best organic: Birch Mattress by Helix - See at Birch
Best overall
The Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress is the most comfortable mattress we've tested that suits most sleep positions thanks to its medium firmness. We also like it as an option for people with back pain. Save an extra $25 with our exclusive code INSIDER25.
What we like
What we don't like
Before regularly testing mattresses, I slept on the Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress for a full year and loved it. It's ideal for all sleeping styles, and our top pick of the best mattresses for back pain. My wife and I are combination sleepers — she spends more time on her back and I on my side. We were both impressed with the Leesa Sapira's exceptional support and comfort.
The Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress is excellent for soothing back pain. I have intermittent back pain, but I rarely experienced flare-ups while testing the Sapira. Couples will also appreciate the impressive motion isolation properties and edge support that keep them comfortable to the very edge of the bed.
The Leesa Sapira comprises four layers of foam and airflow-facilitating pocket springs. Even on the most humid nights, my hot-sleeping body stayed cool.
Read our full Leesa Hybrid Mattress review and our Leesa mattress brand overview for other popular mattresses we've tried from the company.
Best budget
The Allswell Mattress is the best hybrid we’ve tested for under $500. It's firm enough to support stomach and back sleepers and ideal for couples with its impressive edge support and motion isolation.
What we like
What we don't like
At $317, the Allswell Hybrid Mattress is the best mattress under $500 I've tested, earning it the top spot in our guide to the best cheap mattresses. I slept best on my stomach and back while testing this Walmart-exclusive bed because of its firm feel. While the pressure relief was adequate for the price point, I thought it needed improvement.
The 10-inch-thick Allswell has several CertiPUR-US-certified foam layers. Polyethylene is used in the top fabric to improve the cooling properties. Below that is high-density support foam. Next, comfort foam and gel-infused foam supply pressure relief. The individually wrapped pocket springs layer offers firm support, airflow, and durability. The base layer is high-density foam for additional durability and support.
The edge support and motion isolation are superb, making the Allswell a smart choice for back-sleeping couples. However, if you're a hot sleeper, you might want to consider other options. Of the budget beds we tested, the Allswell was one of the hottest, a bonus if you're a cold sleeper.
Read our full Allswell Mattress review.
Best under $1,000
The all-foam Nectar is a versatile mattress that contours to your body to relieve pressure and back pain. It's well-suited to most sleep positions.
What we like
What we don't like
If you can stretch your budget a little further, the Nectar Classic memory foam mattress is the best mattress under $1,000 (and it still falls far below that threshold too. It's the perfect option if you love the conforming support of memory foam and a balance of uncompromising comfort and value.
Back pain sufferers who sleep on their side will appreciate the medium firmness of the Nectar. Yet, back and stomach sleepers may also find it's supportive enough. I'm a side sleeper, and during testing, my back was free from pain.
The Nectar is made of three foam layers, all CertiPUR-US certified. The top layer is gel memory foam, followed by a transition layer that adapts to your body's contours to relieve pressure. The base layer is made of durable, supportive foam. The cover is a Tencel-poly blend for breathability. The mattress usually kept me cool, although I did wake up warm a few nights. When I returned to bed after a bathroom trip in the night, any heat had dissipated.
I didn't feel "stuck" in the bed, a common problem with memory foam. I could move around easily, a must when extra effort is difficult due to back pain. The edge of the mattress was supportive: I was always comfortable while lying on the edge. The motion isolation was outstanding, with a vibrometer detecting only slight movements when I dropped a bowling ball onto the mattress.
Read our full Nectar Classic Mattress review.
Best foam
The Tempur-Pedic Cloud Mattress features contouring foam that cradles sleepers of all body types and sleeping styles while offering outstanding pressure relief and heat dissipation.
What we like
What we don't like
When it comes to the best foam mattresses, The TEMPUR-Cloud is one of the most comfortable mattresses I've ever tested. Whether I slept on my side or stomach. I fell asleep within a few minutes of lying down each night. My back-sleeping wife also enjoyed the feel of the mattress. What sets the Tempur-Pedic Cloud apart from other foam mattresses is its proprietary CertiPUR-US-certified memory foam. It contours to your body to offer an impressive balance of support, pressure relief, and comfort.
The Cloud has three foam layers: a durable and supportive base, a firm middle support layer, and a responsive and soft foam top layer. The cover is made of a polyester blend for breathability and moisture-wicking.
The excellent heat dissipation kept me cool. In addition to passing my bowling ball motion-transfer tests, the Tempur-Pedic Cloud dampened the motion so much that I didn't notice when my rambunctious rat terrier jumped on board. However, the bed has poor edge support. There was significant sinkage when I lay or sat on the edge of the mattress.
The Cloud is the only model from Tempur-Pedic that ships direct, and it's also its most affordable mattress offering. It also doesn't ship in a box but in a reusable shipping bag that some may consider easier to maneuver.
Read our full Tempur-Pedic Cloud Mattress review.
Best for side sleepers
The EcoCloud Mattress by WinkBeds features responsive latex foam and zoned support for a luxurious plush feel ideal for side sleepers.
What we like
What we don't like
The WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress is softer than average, making it ideal for side sleepers. Yet, it still has the support back and stomach sleepers in the petite-to-average size range need.
The top layer of the EcoCloud is made of sustainable OEKO-TEX-certified latex, giving the mattress good bounce and a responsive feel. Below is a layer of zoned-support pocket springs that provide targeted pressure relief where you need it most. Firmer coils on the sides lend outstanding edge support. The cover is made of breathable organic cotton and wool.
I chose to sleep on the EcoCloud by WinkBeds for several more nights than usual as I waited for new test beds to arrive. I loved the pressure relief it supplied while I slept on my side. While recovering from long runs, I appreciated the mattress's combination of comfort and spinal alignment. I quickly fell asleep most nights. Yet, it slept hot, trapping heat, and the heat failed to dissipate quickly during bathroom trips at night.
Due to the terrific edge support and motion isolation, I recommend the EcoCloud to couples who share a bed.
Best for stomach sleepers
The organic Awara Premier Natural Luxury Hybrid Mattress excels in comfort for back and stomach sleepers and will regulate the temperature of hot sleepers.
What we like
What we don't like
Firmer beds are the best mattresses for stomach sleepers because they better at keeping the spine aligned in that position, protecting against back pain. With its firm, comfortable support, the Awara Premier Luxury Hybrid Mattress is great for stomach sleepers.
Reviews contributor Alex Temblador tested the Awara Premier mattress. As a combination sleeper, she found that the firm, supportive feel was best suited for stomach sleeping. She didn't wake up with soreness, and felt that the mattress helped keep her spine in line. The mattress is made with four layers: a quilted cover designed to dissipate heat and moisture; four inches of certified-organic latex for bounce and comfort; individually wrapped coils for support; and a bottom cover with handles for easy movement.
The heat dissipation, edge support, and motion isolation were all good, making it ideal for hot sleepers and couples as well as stomach sleepers. The edge support at the foot of the bed, specifically, was subpar, however.
Read our Awara Premier Luxury Hybrid mattress review.
Best for back sleepers
The DreamCloud Premier Hybrid Mattress performed well in all our tests, making it ideal for most sleep types, couples, and people who tend to overheat at night.
What we like
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I have a whole guide dedicated to the best mattresses for back sleepers. My top pick in that guide is the Tempur-Pedic Cloud. I stand by that pick, but I also wanted to provide a second option that works well for other sleep positions, so if your partner is a side sleeper, they'll also be comfortable. The DreamCloud Premier Hybrid Mattress did well in all our tests and is suitable for all sleeping styles.
While testing it, I had outstanding sleep quality, no matter my sleep position, but I felt particularly comfortable on my back. It provided the perfect combination of pressure relief and spinal alignment. With its midrange price and impressive performance, it's easy to see why the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid was once the top overall pick in this guide.
The bed features four layers of CertiPUR-US-certified foam, which lends terrific motion isolation, body cradling, and pressure relief. Individually wrapped pocket coils make up the base for reduced motion transfer, all-over support, and breathability.
Couples will appreciate the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid's top-notch edge support and motion isolation. Plus, it's just darn comfy. It kept my spine neutral while sleeping on my side and back, and thanks to the impressive heat dissipation, I avoided overheating.
DreamCloud provides a 365-night sleep trial. You'll receive a full refund if you return the Premier Hybrid during the first year. If you keep it, a lifetime warranty covers it.
Read our full DreamCloud Premier Hybrid Mattress review.
Best cooling
In our testing, the Nest Bedding Finch Latex Mattress stayed cool and dissipated heat quickly, and its medium firmness will appeal to most sleepers.
What we like
What we don't like
We named the Nest Bedding Finch Latex Mattress our top pick in our best cooling mattresses guide. In my tests, it had some of the lowest temperature readings. I even had to add an extra blanket while testing one night because I was so cold.
When ordering, you can choose between a firm or medium feel. Testing the medium firmness, I was comfortable in all sleeping positions, suggesting the Finch will appeal to hot sleepers who sleep on their stomach, back, side, or a combination of these positions.
The Finch's top layer is made up of organic cotton, wool, and CertiPUR-US-certified foam, which gives it good airflow and bounce. Two OEKO-TEX-certified latex layers are beneath that. The top latex layer provides firmness, while the bottom latex layer offers support, structure, and durability. The motion transfer is noticeable, but couples will appreciate the good edge support.
Best for heavy people
The Big Fig Mattress is constructed for heavier individuals with firm support and a high weight capacity. It also sleeps cool, with impressive motion isolation and edge support.
What we like
What we don't like
The Big Fig Classic Mattress is perfect for heavier individuals because it has firmer-than-average support and a weight capacity of 1,100 pounds. The cover features cooling materials. Three CertiPUR-US-certified foam layers are below that offering durability, edge support, and airflow. The base of the mattress is made up of individually wrapped coils for durability and support.
Due to the Big Fig's firm feel, I preferred sleeping on my stomach and back but not on my side while testing it. Heavier individuals may still be comfortable on their side since the mattress will sink in more, keeping the spine aligned.
The Big Fig's edge support was exceptional. Even as I lay on the edge, I was as comfortable as in the middle of the bed. It also offered an impressive balance of bounce and motion isolation. In my subjective experience, the motion dampening was good, though the mattress failed the bowling ball test.
Read our Big Fig Classic review.
Best organic
The Birch Natural Mattress delivers strong value for the price for those seeking an organic hybrid mattress with verified certifications. It’s not the plushest mattress we tested, but provides balanced support that will appeal to back and stomach sleepers.
What we like
What we don't like
I've found latex mattresses to be more responsive and cooler than memory foam. This was true with the Birch Mattress by Helix. The mattress is firm, but you can add a plush organic mattress topper (sold separately.)
The mattress is Greenguard Gold-certified to be free of harsh chemicals and is made of environmentally friendly materials. The top layer consists of organic wool fibers with rayon. Below is a comforting wool layer that helps with temperature regulation. Latex and individually wrapped coils comprise the middle layers and offer motion-dampening and support for all sleep styles and couples. The base gets its stability and durability from wool batting, and the mattress has a cotton cover.
The Birch has outstanding edge support, though the motion isolation could use improvement. When I was done testing it, I gave the bed to my 6-foot-5 kid. They suffer from joint pain and said the bed helped soothe their aches. Both of us sleep hot, but the Birch kept us cool, though on hotter nights, we still tended to overheat.
Read our full Birch Mattress review and guide to the best organic mattresses.
What to look for when choosing a mattress in a box
For basic buying advice, check out our guide on how to choose a mattress. We detail what size to buy and what mattress is best for your sleep position and body. In this section, we will focus specifically on what to look for when choosing a mattress in a box.
Since you typically purchase a mattress in a box online, a long trial period and a generous return policy are crucial. You usually need at least 30 nights on a mattress to know if it's right for you. Fortunately, most online retailers offer trial periods of at least 100 nights. Look for catches in the return policy. Mattress brands sometimes deduct return shipping or restocking fees from your refund.
The most common types of mattresses in a box are memory foam, latex foam, and hybrid mattresses. Here are some pros and cons of each:
- Memory foam: These beds are made of high-density foam layers. They often provide excellent pressure relief by contouring to your body. Traditionally, they trapped heat, but thanks to material advances, today's all-foam mattresses offer better airflow.
- Latex foam: Though latex beds are more expensive and heavier, they're a cooler, more responsive, and environmentally friendly alternative to memory foam. They also provide excellent bounce.
- Hybrid: These mattresses combine foam and pocket springs. They're a smart choice for couples, as the springs assist with edge support and motion isolation and can also help with breathability.
I've set up dozens of beds in a box, and it involves some heavy lifting. Consider in-home delivery if you can't lift heavy objects and don't have someone to help you. For a fee, the retailer will coordinate having your new mattress unboxed and set up in your bedroom. They'll even remove your old mattress if you want. Some brands call this service "white-glove delivery."
How we tested for the best mattress in a box
I slept on all of the best mattresses in a box for a minimum of 14 days and put them through a battery of tests.
Here are some of the test results for the main attributes we tested:
| Attribute | Leesa Sapira Hybrid | The Allswell | Nectar Classic | Tempur-Cloud | WinkBeds EcoCloud | Awara Premier Hybrid | DreamCloud Premier Hybrid | Nest Bedding Finch | Big Fig | Birch by Helix |
| Firmness (1 softest to 10 firmest) | 5 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 5.5 | 7 | 7 |
| Motion Isolation (1 awful to 10 best) | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7.5 | 7 | 4 | 6 | 3 |
| Edge Support (1 awful to 10 best) | 8 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 9 |
| Heat Dissipation (1 traps heat to 10 stays cool) | 6 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Trial (nights) | 100 | 90 | 365 | 90 | 120 | 365 | 365 | 365 | 120 | 100 |
| Warranty (years) | Lifetime | 10 | Lifetime | 10 | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | 20 | 25 |
Here are the main attributes we look for and how we test them:
Comfort: I evaluate the firmness of each mattress by comparing it to my experiences with dozens of other models I've tested. My subjective experience also influences my evaluations of a mattress's support, pressure relief, and comfort. I note which sleeping positions my body gravitates toward. Heat dissipation is also important. I measure this using an infrared thermometer, taking measurements before, right after, and two minutes after lying on the bed for at least an hour.
Trial and warranty: I look at whether there's an in-home setup available and how much it costs if the bed is available to test in showrooms and the fine print of the home trial and warranty. The return policy is also important because this is what sets mattresses in a box apart: You want a mattress that you can try out for months risk-free before committing to it, especially since you can't usually try it out in a showroom first.
Setup: If you don't get an in-home setup, you want the unboxing to be as effortless as possible. I time how long it takes me to set up a mattress and note any strange or confusing steps. Most take less than five minutes. I also take a good whiff to see if there is a "new bed smell" and check again before going to bed (at least 10 hours later) to see if the odor has dissipated.
Motion isolation: A partner's tossing and turning can wake you up at night, so finding a mattress in a box with good motion isolation is important. In addition to tracking my subjective experience, I perform an objective test where I drop a 15-pound bowling ball onto the mattress from a height of 4 feet so that it lands 12 inches from a 12-ounce can of soda pop. If the can stays upright, the bed has good motion isolation. If it doesn't, the motion isolation is poor. I also place a vibrometer on the other side of the bed to measure the vibrations produced by the bowling ball. The less intense the vibrations, the better the motion isolation is.
Edge support: This is a somewhat subjective test. I lie on the very edge of the bed and slowly roll until I literally fall. I note how much I can roll before I fall. I also sit on the side of the bed, put on my shoes and socks, and observe how much the mattress sinks. When sleeping on the bed, I pay attention to how I feel close to the edges and if it feels like I'm going to fall off.
Portability: We don't weigh portability heavily, but it's useful to know how easy a mattress is to move around if you frequently redecorate or relocate, regularly rotate your bed to increase its longevity, or need to reposition it to put on fitted sheets. I move each mattress around several times during testing and note if it flops around, has handles, or is generally hard to move.
For more details, check out our article on how we test mattresses.
Mattress-in-a-box FAQs
What's the difference between a mattress in a box and a traditional mattress?
While the line between the two continues to blur, a mattress in a box is traditionally made of foam, pocket coils, or a combination of the two and comes with a long home trial. Traditional mattresses feature innersprings that can't be compressed in a box and typically require coordinating in-home set up. You can try them in showrooms before you buy.
How long does a mattress in a box last?
The warranty is a good indicator of how long you can expect your mattress in a box to last. Most brands offer warranties of at least 10 years, so you can expect your mattress to last that long. Take advantage of the warranty if it shows significant defects or deterioration before then.
What bed frames are suited for a mattress in a box?
Most mattress brands will tell you what bed frames work best with the mattress you are buying. In general, you want a firm, supportive foundation. This might include wooden boards or slats that are no more than a couple of inches apart. Check out our best bed frame guide for the top options.
How do you unbox a mattress in a box?
Unbox your mattress within a day or two of its arrival since prolonged time spent in the vacuum seal could impact its structural integrity. With the help of another person, open one end of the box and tip it onto your foundation or one of our picks for the best bed frame. Lift the unopened end of the box and shake the sealed mattress onto the foundation. Use extreme caution when removing the packaging and cut parallel to the mattress. You can use a slitter or other cutting implement to cut through the first layer of plastic, but it may be easier just to unroll the plastic with a yanking motion. Then, unfold the mattress onto your foundation. You may need to flip it so the top is facing up. Lastly, I use a yanking motion to keep the mattress in place to remove the plastic from the bottom side.
How long does a mattress in a box take to expand?
While most mattresses fully expand in a few hours, some can take up to three days. You can sleep on a mattress immediately, but I recommend letting it expand and off-gas. I unbox mattresses in the morning; by bedtime, they've usually fully expanded, and the new bed smell has disappeared.
How long can a mattress stay in a box for?
Mattresses can stay in a box for up to a month without experiencing damage. I recommend unboxing it at your earliest convenience because you don't know how long it's been in the box before arriving at your home. This will also give it time to air out. If you wait too long to open the mattress, it could void its warranty.
What happens to mattresses that are returned?
This varies by manufacturer. Once you sleep on a mattress, the manufacturer can't resell it. They may coordinate with a local organization to recycle your mattress or donate it. If you're concerned about the environmental impact your returned mattress might have, we encourage you to ask the manufacturer what they do with returned mattresses in your area.
Are beds in a box worth it?
Yes. Beds in a box are generally cheaper than traditional mattresses, especially since they are typically direct to consumer and don't require the same overhead as operating stores, yet they tend to be the same quality. Despite limited showroom availability, they come with a long trial period, so you can try them in a much better environment: your bedroom. Based on my experience, I'd choose a bed in a box when making a personal purchase.
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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@bjinnox.com.
