Best Bed-In-A-Box 2023

Our Methodology

Our Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed more than 220 mattresses in our lab, testing each one on its materials, comfort, cooling, support, and other categories.
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Just Updated

We’ve recently re-reviewed all of our bed-in-box picks and added more feedback from the testers in our lab – so you can rest easy that if it’s on this list, we’ve personally tested it, slept on it, and stand by its recommendation.

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A bed-in-a-box is a mattress that ships compressed in a box to your door. It’s an easy way to order a new bed, and cuts out the inconvenience of waiting for delivery people to drop your bed off in-person.

The best bed-in-a-box depends on your specific sleep needs, like your preferred sleeping position, body weight, and whether or not you sleep with a partner or pet. A mattress-in-a-box is also an excellent option for college students or anyone moving to a new city, as the bed gets shipped right to your doorstep and prevents a difficult setup.

Find the right option for your needs below with our comprehensive roundup of the best mattresses-in-a-box. Short on time? Skip down to my handy summary chart.

Our Top Bed-In-A-Box Pick

Nectar leads this list because it’s not only a bed-in-box (of course), but it also brings sleepers that classic memory foam feeling. When lying down on the bed’s soft foams, they should feel deep contouring and pressure relief.

The Best Mattresses-in-a-Box

• Nectar – Best Overall Mattress-in-a-Box
• Helix Midnight Luxe – Best Luxury Mattress-in-a-Box
• DreamCloud – Best Mattress-in-a-Box for Couples
• WinkBed – Best Hybrid Mattress-in-a-Box
• Titan Plus – Best Extra-Firm Mattress-in-a-Box
• Nolah Evolution – Best Mattress for Back Sleepers
• Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Soft Mattress-in-a-Box
• Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Mattress-in-a-Box for Combination Sleepers
• Birch Natural – Best Organic Mattress-in-a-Box
• Layla – Best Memory Foam Mattress-in-a-Box 

Best Mattress-In-A-Box 2023 Video Review

Compare the Best Mattresses in a Box

Nectar – Best Overall Mattress-in-a-Box

Expert Opinion

When it comes to bed-in-a-box mattresses, one of our favorite materials is memory foam. And when we think of a classic memory foam mattress, the Nectar immediately comes to mind. When we laid down on it, we felt its thick top layer of memory foam conform to our body, contouring our shoulders and hips and giving us some sinkage, as well as deep pressure relief. But we didn’t sink in too far; a bottom layer of high-density foam still gave us plenty of support.

What our tester says: “The Nectar’s thick foams do a great job absorbing movement, so a restless partner shouldn’t cost you Zzz’s throughout the night. I was also impressed by its edge support, which is another great perk for couples who want to maximize their use of the bed’s surface.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

Who the Nectar is Best for

• Side sleepers: They tend to need a softer mattress that will cradle their hips and shoulders. We gave the Nectar a 6 out of 10 on the mattress firmness scale, which should be plush enough for side sleepers.
• Back sleepers: They’ll get some nice cushioning at their lumbar region while still getting the support they need on their spine from the bed’s firmer layer of high-density foam.
• Couples: The Nectar’s thick comfort layer of memory foam is excellent at isolating motion. When we tested it out with two bodies on the mattress, we weren’t able to feel each other’s movements.

Who Should Avoid the Nectar

• Combination sleepers: One downside of memory foam is that it isn’t always the easiest material to move around on. This is something to consider if you’re a combo sleeper who regularly switches positions in the night.

Learn more in our full Nectar mattress review. You can also click here to get the best deal or see our best mattresses page for more options.

Helix Midnight Luxe – Best Luxury Mattress-in-a-Box

Expert Opinion

Per its name, the Helix Midnight Luxe is the luxury version of the Helix Midnight, a bed-in-a-box mattress that can help sleepers avoid stiffness and pain if they sleep on their side or back. But the Luxe takes it one step further with zoned lumbar support, meaning that the coils at the bottom of the bed are firmer toward the hips and softer at the shoulders. When we tested out this mattress, it felt like our spine was neutrally aligned.

What our tester says: “The Midnight’s Luxe’s pillow top layer and zoned support bring sleepers a desirable combo of pressure relief and support. I felt my spine to be in alignment while back and side sleeping, while also feeling appropriately cushioned.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

Who the Helix Midnight Luxe is Best for

• Back sleepers: They should enjoy a stabilized sleeping experience due to the zoned lumbar support.
• Side sleepers: There’s enough contouring here to offer pressure relief at the shoulders and hips, where side sleepers put the most weight and pressure.
• Hot sleepers: The coils promote breathability, as does the mattress’ soft and cooling Tencel cover.

Who Should Avoid the Helix Midnight Luxe

• Stomach sleepers: Stomach sleepers put more pressure on a mattress than side sleepers or back sleepers, so they’ll probably need a bed with more support that can keep their hips lifted and in line with their shoulders.
• Heavy sleepers: Likewise, sleepers with larger body types might need a firmer and more supportive bed. We recommend looking at the Helix Plus.

Learn more in our full review of the Helix Luxe mattresses. You can also click here to get the best deal or see our best luxury mattress page for more options.

DreamCloud – Best Mattress-in-a-Box for Couples

Expert Opinion

Those looking for a bed-in-a-box that’s a good match for couples should turn to the original DreamCloud Mattress. When lying down on this luxury hybrid mattress, we felt that it had strong edge support, so couples should be able to make full use of the surface area. The DreamCloud also has decent motion isolation, preventing partners from feeling each other’s movements transfer across the bed. And its support layer of individually wrapped coils creates a lot of responsiveness, which makes it great for sex.

What our tester says: “As I sank into this bed, I could feel its top layers of foam filling in the space at my lower back for some pleasant pressure relief. It’s a great choice for back sleepers with back pain.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

Who the DreamCloud is Best for

• Back sleepers: They should get pressure relief from the DreamCloud’s multiple layers of foam, while still getting spinal support from the coils.
• Hot sleepers: Thanks to its breathable coil construction and gel-infused memory foam, the DreamCloud easily staves off body heat and helps you sleep cool.
• Lovers of luxury: The DreamCloud feels like a bed you might find in a high-end hotel. We get some nice sinkage from a comfy layer of gel memory foam, all while still feeling supported by the coils. Other luxury touches include a soft cashmere-blend cover and CertiPUR-US Certified foams.

Who Should Avoid the DreamCloud

• Side sleepers: They’ll probably want a softer mattress so they can have deeper pressure relief at the shoulders and hips. They should check out our roundup of the best soft mattresses.

Learn more in our full DreamCloud mattress review. You can also click here to get the best deal or see our best mattress for couples page for more options.

WinkBeds – Best Hybrid Mattress-in-a-Box

Expert Opinion

Although the WinkBed is a luxury hybrid mattress because it contains both foam and coils, we often think of it as an innerspring bed-in-a-box because of its traditional feel. The springs create a sturdy foundation with a lot of responsiveness and support. When we lie down on it, we get a good deal of bounce. That said, there is a pillow top that incorporates super-soft foams for some comfort and pressure relief. The mattress is available in three different firmness levels, and we tested the Luxury Firm. 

What our tester says: “The WinkBed’s hybrid system felt super supportive. It keeps you lifted up on top of the mattress, but the Euro pillow top also keeps you nicely cushioned, so you still get some great pressure relief.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

Who the WinkBed is Best for

• All sleeping positions: Of the different firmness levels, we would recommend the Softer for side sleepers, the Luxury Firm for back sleepers, and the Firmer for stomach sleepers. There’s also the WinkBed Plus, which costs a bit more and is made for heavy sleepers.
• Hot sleepers: All of the WinkBed models feature gel-infused foam and a breathable Tencel cover, both of which keep sleepers cool.
• Combination sleepers: The WinkBed is extremely responsive, making it easy for combo sleepers to switch positions. The responsiveness also makes it one of the best mattresses for sex.

Who Should Avoid the WinkBed

• Light-sleeping couples: The WinkBed’s bounciness may be disruptive if you sleep with a partner and either one of you are light sleepers. But this probably won’t be an issue for most folks.

Learn more in our full WinkBed mattress review. You can also click here to get the best deal or see our best hybrid mattress page for more options.

Titan Plus – Best Extra-Firm Bed-in-a-Box

Expert Opinion

With a firmness of 7.5 out of 10 and a support layer of 961 TitanCaliber encased coils — each measuring six inches tall — the Titan Plus is one heavy-duty (and firm) bed-in-a-box. In fact, it was designed with heavy people over 250 pounds in mind. That’s why we brought in a colleague with a larger body type to test it out. He experienced the Titan Plus as slightly softer than we did, getting some contouring and pressure relief from the mattress’ two-inch comfort layer of proprietary TitanFlex foam. 

What our tester says: “Couples could really benefit from the Titan Plus’s solid motion isolation and edge support. As for sleeping positions, I think it’s especially a good fit for stomach sleepers. They typically need hip support, which I found the Titan Plus to provide nicely.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

Who the Titan Plus is Best for

• Heavy back sleepers and stomach sleepers: Both of these sleeping positions should find pressure relief and support on the Titan Plus.
• Heavy couples: The Titan Plus had a solid motion isolation score, so partners aren’t likely to wake each other up with their movements. However, we should point out that the mattress sleeps a bit hot, so heavy couples may want to consider adding an optional cooling panel for an extra charge.
• Average weight stomach sleepers: Whether or not they weigh more than 250 pounds, stomach sleepers need more support than other sleeping positions to keep their hips from bowing. They should find it on the Titan Plus and be quite comfortable.

Who Should Avoid the Titan Plus

• Strict side sleepers: Even if they’re heavier, strict side sleepers are going to need a softer bed with more pressure relief.

Learn more in our full review of the Titan Plus. You can also click here to get the best deal or see our best firm mattress page for more options.

Nolah Evolution – Best Mattress for Back Sleepers

Expert Opinion

The Nolah Evolution mattress is a bed-in-a-box hybrid, so it uses a combination of foam and coil layers to create a mix of support and comfort. When lying down on it, we sink into bed a little bit without feeling like we’re being swallowed up by the mattress. This tells us that the Nolah Evolution is an excellent fit for back sleepers who need an optimal balance of comfort and support. They should get cushioning at the lower back from the foams while the spine stays in a neutral alignment from the springs. The bed is available in three different firmness levels: Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm. We tested the Luxury Firm and found it to be a 6.5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale — the industry standard for medium firm.

What our tester says: “I was so cozy while back sleeping on the Nolah Evolution in the Luxury Firm model. The pressure-relieving foams filled in my lumbar region while the supportive coils below kept me lifted. I also loved how the the materials in this bed are cooling.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor 

Who the Nolah Evolution is Best for

• All sleeping positions: The different firmness levels offer something for everyone — even stomach sleepers. They should be comfortable on the Firm model. Side sleepers should opt for the Plush or Luxury Firm, depending on what kind of feel they prefer.
• Hot sleepers: Coils are usually a safe bet for cooling because they allow so much air to pass through the bed. The Evolution also has a cooling foam called AirFoam Ice, plus a breathable cotton cover.
• Couples: The mattress’ cooling capabilities should be able to keep two sleeping bodies at a low temperature. There’s also strong edge support that will allow partners to spread out and use the whole mattress.

Who Should Avoid the Nolah Evolution

• Heavy stomach sleepers: While heavy back sleepers may be comfortable on the Firm model and heavy side sleepers may enjoy the Luxury Firm, there isn’t a model supportive enough for heavy stomach sleepers over 250 pounds, as this sleeping position tends to put more pressure on a mattress’ layers.

Learn more in our full Nolah Evolution mattress review. You can also click here to get the best deal or see our best mattress for back sleepers page for more options.

Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Soft Mattress-in-a-Box

Expert Opinion

With the Bear Elite Hybrid, the brand combined foams and coils to create a balanced hybrid mattress. The company offers three firmnesses for this model, and the Soft option is fantastic for side sleepers, joint pain, and maximum comfort. The Bear Elite Hybrid has two different foam layers; one is a copper-infused memory foam layer for cooling, and the other foam layer includes zoned support, which helps promote spinal alignment. During testing, the Bear Elite Hybrid provided enough of a comfort layer to isolate motion quite well (a plus for couples).

What our tester says: “I’d recommend the Bear Elite Hybrid for most side sleepers. I think they’ll get the needed pressure relief and contouring at the shoulders and hips on this bed.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

Who the Bear Elite Hybrid is Best for

• Side sleepers: The Bear Elite Hybrid’s foams should cradle their curves and relieve pressure off of the hip and shoulder while the coils help keep their spines neutrally aligned.
• Hot sleepers: There’s the cooling Celliant cover, plus cooling gel foam on top of the mattress. The coils also leave plenty of room for airflow. 
• Couples: Amorous activities are made easy by the mattress’ responsive coils, and the coils give the Bear Elite Hybrid solid edge support. Couples should be able to spread out and use the entire surface of the mattress.

Who Should Avoid the Bear Elite Hybrid

• Stomach sleepers: They’ll probably need a mattress that’s firmer and more supportive than the Bear Elite Hybrid.

Learn more in our full Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review. You can also click here to get the best deal or see our best soft mattress page for more options.

Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Mattress-in-a-Box for Combination Sleepers

Expert Opinion

When we’re looking for the best bed-in-a-box mattress for combination sleepers, our criteria is fairly simple: we need to easily be able to move around on the bed. Hybrid models such as the Brooklyn Bedding Signature are usually good for this. Its support layer of springs creates a ton of responsiveness, keeping us “on top” of the mattress rather than letting us sink into it. We’re able to switch from our backs to our sides to our stomachs with ease. 

What our tester says: “Given the bed’s excellent bounce, I’d highly recommend it for combination sleepers who need to change positions in the night. I also think it could be a great fit for couples. You shouldn’t be overly disturbed by a restless partner on this bed, and it has nice firm edge support.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

Who the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is Best for

• All sleeping positions: Brooklyn Bedding offers a Soft, Medium, and Firm model of the Signature Hybrid, so there’s a firmness level here for all types of sleepers.
• Hot sleepers: The mattress’ coils help it sleep fairly cool, and if you’re an especially hot sleeper, you can add a cooling panel for an extra charge.
• Budget shoppers: A queen size Signature Hybrid can often be found for $1,000 after discounts — a true value price for such a high-quality bed.

Who Should Avoid the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

• Heavy stomach sleepers: While the Firm model may be a good fit for heavy back sleepers and side sleepers, heavy stomach sleepers will want something a bit more supportive.

Learn more in our full review of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid. You can also click here to get the best deal or see our best mattress for combination sleepers page for more options.

Birch Natural – Best Organic Mattress-in-a-Box

Expert Opinion

It can be tricky selecting the best organic bed-in-a-box mattress, as many companies throw around the terms “organic” and “natural” rather loosely. That’s why we always start with the materials. Are they actually environmentally friendly? In the case of the Birch Natural, they very much are. A flame-retardant, organic cotton cover sits atop a comfort layer of organic wool. This wool layer not only provides comfort but also wicks away moisture and regulates sleepers’ body temperature. After that comes a Talalay latex layer that creates a responsive feel. For support, there’s a pocketed coil system and an organic wool batting.

What our tester says: “The Birch’s organic materials all sleep cool, which means both hot sleepers and organic shoppers could like this bed! Feel-wise, I think the firmness of this mattress is going to work best for back or stomach sleepers.” – Madison Schaper, former Sleepopolis staff writer and mattress tester

Who the Birch Natural is Best for

• Hot sleepers: Latex is a naturally cooling material, so sleepers should get plenty of breathability.
• Combination sleepers: Latex is also naturally bouncy, making it extremely easy to switch sleeping positions.
• Couples: Most couples should appreciate the Birch Natural for its cooling features and bounciness, the latter of which makes it a great mattress for sex.

Who Should Avoid the Birch Natural

• Light-sleeping couples: One downside to latex is that the responsiveness can also result in high motion transfer. If you or your partner is easily woken up, you might feel the other person’s movements on the Birch Natural.

Learn more in our full Birch mattress review. You can also click here to get the best deal or see our best organic mattress page for more options.

Layla – Best Memory Foam Mattress-in-a-Box

Expert Opinion

The Layla offers a lot more firmness and responsiveness than your usual memory foam bed-in-a-box because it has two mattresses in one. This comes courtesy of a flippable design, with both a soft and a firm side. The soft side gave us that classic memory foam experience: plush, contouring, and a lot of sinkage. The firm side, on the other hand, gave us a more on-top-of-the-bed feeling: supportive and responsive.

What our tester says: “I found the Layla to have a classic memory foam feel that many sleepers love.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

Who the Layla is Best for

• All three sleeping positions: Side sleepers should enjoy the soft side and get plenty of contouring at the shoulders and hips. Back sleepers and stomach sleepers — both of whom need more support — will be more comfortable on the firm side.
• Hot sleepers: For an all-foam mattress, the Layla sleeps rather cool due to an infusion of copper.
• Couples: Both sides of the Layla have low motion transfer, so partners are unlikely to feel each other’s movements at night.

Who Should Avoid the Layla

• Fans of a medium firm mattress: On the Layla, you’re choosing between two extremes. So if you prefer a medium firm mattress, it may not be the bed for you.

Learn more in our full Layla mattress review. You can also click here to get the best deal or see our best memory foam mattress page for more options.

Casper

Expert Opinion

Despite being made entirely of foam, the original Casper mattress should be a great match for combination sleepers. Unlike some bed-in-a-box mattresses, it has a decidedly “on top” of the bed feel, meaning you won’t feel “stuck” in the mattress.

What our tester says: “This all-foam mattress is a great option for back sleepers who want a balance of support and pressure relief, as well as combination sleepers, who should easily change positions throughout the night. My favorite feature of this bed is its zoned support system, which really promotes healthy sleep posture.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

Who the Casper is Best for

• Back sleepers: They should be naturally comfortably on the Casper, getting just the right blend of comfort and support.
• Sleepers with back pain: Beneath the polyester cover is Casper’s ventilated, pressure-relieving foam. In its transition layer, Casper has a zoned support system, where the foam is a bit softer at the head, feet, and shoulders, but has added support at the lumbar region. Zoned support is helpful for anyone who suffers from back pain, as it helps promote a neutral spinal alignment.
• Hot sleepers: For an all-foam mattress, the Casper sleeps pretty cool. The foam used in its construction is ventilated for breathability.

Who Should Avoid the Casper

• Stomach sleepers: They’ll probably want something firmer and more supportive that keeps their hips elevated and in line with their shoulders.

Learn more in our full Casper mattress review.

History of the Bed-in-a-Box

Mattresses were once the domain of brick-and-mortar department or specialty stores, with information only available through salespeople or company literature. The buying process consisted of trying out mattresses in person and taking one home or having it delivered. But since the advent of the Internet, times have changed.

More Beds Arriving In Boxes

These days, more than 12 percent of mattresses sold show up on the buyer’s doorstep in a box, ready to unpack and unroll. Skip down to the how to unbox section to learn more about the process.

As a result of this new mattress industry boom, many buyers skip the store altogether and browse a myriad of options online. Bed-in-a-box company websites usually offer in-depth descriptions, reviews, and pictures of their products, as well as live chat with customer service specialists. Purchasing a mattress has never been easier, and can take a fraction of the time it once did.

What Are the Benefits of Buying a Bed-in-a-Box?

• Choice: With nearly 200 bed-in-a-box brands to choose from, buyers have more options than ever before. There’s a model for almost any budget and personal preference.
• Price: The majority of bed-in-a-box brands are available exclusively online. The few that make their products available to try out typically do so through the brick-and-mortar stores of other companies. Without showrooms, salespeople, and other overhead expenses, bed-in-a-box mattresses often cost less than traditional models.
• Convenience: Browsing bed-in-a-box mattresses, accessing detailed product information, and reading reviews online can be done anytime, and is typically less time-consuming than traditional brick-and-mortar shopping.
• Privacy: Shopping for a bed-in-a-box online lets buyers bypass the usual sales process and browse in privacy. This can be preferable for people who like to shop without the presence of salespeople.
• Risk-free trial period: Bed-in-a-box brands typically offer a generous sleep trial period for testing out their products. Trial periods can range from a few months to a year.
• Free shipping and returns: Most bed-in-a-box companies include free shipping and delivery of their products in the United States. Buyers in Alaska and Hawaii may need to pay an additional shipping charge.

What Are the Drawbacks of Buying a Bed-in-a-Box?

• No try-before-you-buy: The majority of bed-in-a-box models aren’t available to test out before purchasing, which may be a downside for some people, especially those trying out a new brand or type of mattress.
• Support: Certain standard bed-in-a-box mattresses may not be appropriate for heavier people, couples of above-average weight, or others who need more durable support. But there are plenty of bed-in-a-box models designed specifically for heavy people. Check out my top picks for the best mattress for heavy people.
• Off-gassing: Some bed-in-box models release volatile organic compounds when first unboxed. This odor can take a few days days to fully dissipate. Learn more about off-gassing at the end of this article.
• Heat: If your bed-in-a-box is made from conventional memory foam without gel or other cooling properties, it may sleep hot. A bed-in-a-box made from latex or a cooling memory foam may be a better choice for warm sleepers. Keep in mind this is also the case with non-boxed mattresses. See my top picks for the best cooling mattress.

Things to Consider When Buying a Bed-in-a-Box 

In addition to doing your research and vetting the mattress company you choose to buy from, you’ll also want to consider whether or not a mattress will meet your specific sleep needs. Take a look below to see what you should consider before purchasing any mattress, boxed or not. You can also check out our How to Choose a Mattress guide for more in-depth information.

Firmness

Bed-in-a-box mattresses have different firmness levels that range from soft to very firm. As a general guide, memory foam mattresses are softer to medium-firm, and mattresses that contain coils are firmer.

Sleep Position

Firmness is important when it comes to sleeping position as well. A medium-soft to medium-firm mattress is generally recommended for side sleepers to relieve pressure in the shoulders and hips, whereas a firm mattress can help support the neck and promote proper spinal alignment for stomach sleepers. Back sleepers typically do best on a medium-firm mattress that supports the spine while cushioning the shoulders and pelvis.

Thickness

Most bed-in-a-box models run from about six  to 14 inches thick. Typically, the thinner the mattress, the firmer it will feel. Thickness also helps to determine needed base support. If your mattress is on the thicker side, a platform alone may be sufficient, while a thinner mattress may feel best on a box spring or other elevating layer.

Body Weight / Support

Most bed-in-a-box models that utilize coils offer additional structural support, but aren’t as supportive as traditional steel coil mattresses. Sleepers who weigh over 200 pounds will need more support in a mattress than those who weigh less. Support becomes even more crucial if you and/or your partner weigh over 250 pounds. Check mattress weight limits to be sure your new bed-in-a-box is designed to support you without sinking or sagging over time.

Contouring and Pressure Relief

If you struggle with pain, a mattress that offers body-contouring and pressure relief can be very helpful. Body-contouring beds conform to the shape of your body to provide pressure relief around sensitive joints like the shoulders and hips. These beds have a cradling — or “hug-like” — feel that many side and back sleepers find comfortable. Memory foam mattresses are particularly good options for sleepers on the hunt for a body-contouring feel.

What Pressure Relief is all About

Pressure relief is a measure of how evenly distributed your weight will be on any given mattress. Even weight distribution helps prevent pressure buildup in areas like the hips, shoulders, and lower back.

Generally, side sleepers prefer pressure-relieving beds made with memory foam or other soft foam layers, while stomach sleepers often do better on less pressure-relieving mattresses with innerspring or hybrid builds. Back sleepers generally do best on something in between.

Edge Support

Edge support refers to how well the sides of a mattress hold up under your weight. A mattress with good edge support will feel larger, as you can sleep all the way on the side of the bed without feeling like you’re going to fall off. It also prevents sagging, which adds to your mattress’s overall durability.

Size

Bed-in-a-box mattresses range from crib size to California king. Some sellers don’t offer exchanges for a smaller or larger mattress, so be sure to measure your bed frame, box spring, and bedroom before buying. And remember, larger may be better if you share a bed with a partner, children, or pets.

Delivery

Most bed-in-a box mattresses are usually shipped free in the contiguous U.S. and often arrive by ground delivery via UPS, Fed-Ex, or the Postal Service. Shipping times vary according to manufacturer and stock levels of a particular product. Expedited shipping is often available for an additional charge. Buyers can also pay extra for white glove delivery, which usually includes unboxing and setting up the new mattress and removing the old one if necessary.

 A boxed queen size mattress weighs around 75 to 80 pounds, while a king can weigh over 100 pounds. Box dimensions can range from around 18 inches by 18 inches by 42 inches to 20 inches by 20 inches by 44 inches.

The Bill

To avoid hidden fees or surprises, check carefully before completing your purchase. Some buyers may need to pay sales tax or recycling fees in addition to the cost of the mattress.

Types of Bed-in-a-Box Mattresses

Bed-in-a-box mattresses are made of materials that can expand without damage after being rolled and compressed. Most are constructed from memory foam, latex, and/or high-density poly foam, and may contain internal coils for additional support.

Foam: Many bed-in-a-box mattresses are all-foam, and use a combination of high-density poly foam for support and memory foam (or another comfort foam) for pressure relief. Memory foam conforms to the body and has a plush feel. Layers of memory foam allow for gradual sinkage and may sleep warmer than other materials. Memory foam is a great choice for people who like to feel cradled by their mattress. Check out our best memory foam mattresses of 2023 review.

Sleepopolis Tip

Check to see if the foams your mattress is made of are CertiPUR-US® Certified. CertiPUR-US® Certified foams are free of harmful chemicals and heavy metals, and are better for the environment.

Latex: Latex is a natural material derived from the rubber tree. It has a bouncy feel and offers less sinkage than memory foam. Natural latex is an eco-friendly material, which makes a latex mattress a great option for folks looking for the best organic mattress.

Hybrid: Some bed-in-a-box models use a hybrid construction that combines a foam or latex layer (or both) with internal coils. Coils can offer supportive internal structure to a bed-in-a-box mattress, but must be small and light enough to be compressed for shipment.

Innerspring: Innerspring mattresses have a more traditional feel and are usually mostly composed of wrapped coils. Those searching for the best innerspring mattress typically want something that’s bouncy and on the firmer side.

How to Unbox Your Bed-in-a-Box

Bed-in-a-box mattresses usually come wrapped in vacuum-sealed plastic sheeting along with additional binding material to keep the product from unrolling. Because even a partially expanded bed-in-a-box can be heavy and cumbersome, most manufacturers recommend taking it to your bedroom before unboxing it.

Place the mattress on the box spring or platform before removing the plastic packaging. When opening the packaging with scissors or a knife, care should be taken not to cut or damage the mattress.

Once the plastic packaging is removed, the mattress begins to expand as it regains air pressed out during the compression process. A bed-in-a-box can take up to two days to fully expand, though many expand in less time. Read our full unboxing guide to learn more.

Off-Gassing

Some mattresses give off a scent when first unpackaged. The odor is also known as off-gassing and is caused by the release of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, from the mattress materials. Other sources of VOCs include paint, gasoline, and plants. Some VOCs are hazardous, whereas others are relatively harmless. Studies are needed to determine whether VOCs released by bed-in-a-box mattresses are harmful over the long term.

To help minimize the odor from your new mattress, ventilate the bedroom as much as possible during the expansion process. Waiting until most of the odor is gone before sleeping on the mattress can help prevent headaches and breathing issues.

Returns, Exchanges, and Warranties

Returns

The return policy is crucial for bed-in-a-box mattresses, which are typically purchased based on reviews and descriptions rather than personal experience. Most bed-in-a-box manufacturers offer a 100-night trial period, which allows buyers to try out a mattress for more than three months before returning it. A few manufacturers offer a full year trial period. Return shipping is usually free.

Before buying a bed-in-a-box, make sure you understand how returns work. In some cases, you may be required to box up your mattress and prepare it for shipment, while in others a company representative will take care of the process. Keep careful track of how long you’ve had your mattress to avoid missing the return or exchange window.

Break-In Periods

Some bed-in-a-box companies require buyers to keep the mattress for a certain period to “break it in” and allow adequate time to adapt to the feel of the materials. Once this break-in period is over, a return can be initiated if necessary.

If you’re hoping to get a full refund on a mattress return, be sure to follow the instructions laid out in the manufacturer’s sleep trial policy. Additionally, keep in mind that most mattresses won’t cover charges for shipping outside of the contiguous United States, so shoppers in places like Alaska and Hawaii may need to foot the shipping bill when returning a bed.

Exchanges

Many companies offer exchanges during the trial period in addition to returns. The exchange process will vary according to the manufacturer, but will often require contacting a customer service representative by phone, email, or chat to make arrangements for pickup or return shipping, delivery of the new item, and additional payment or partial refund.

Warranties

A warranty is important for both traditional and bed-in-a-box mattresses. According to the Federal Trade Commission, a warranty guarantees that a manufacturer stands behind a product’s performance for a set period of time. Many mattress companies offer at least a 10-year warranty on their beds, but certain brands (like Nectar) offer lifetime warranties.

FAQs

How will I know when I need a new mattress?

Most mattresses last about seven years. Mattresses that are less supportive or made of less durable materials can sag or flatten in less time. Signs that it’s time to replace a mattress include the following:

• The mattress becomes uncomfortable, lumpy, or loses support along the edges
• You wake up feeling achy or stiff
• Rotating the mattress no longer helps
• You’re heavier or lighter than you used to be, or your mattress needs have changed
• Your bed has a different odor or causes eye or respiratory irritation

Will a bed-in-a-box last as long as a traditional mattress that arrives in ready-to-sleep condition?

It depends on the mattress. Many bed-in-a-box mattresses are made of durable material and strong support layers that can last as long as a conventional mattress. A hybrid bed-in-a-box may be more likely to last than one made exclusively of foam, but may not be as durable as a traditional coil mattress that doesn’t need to be compressed or rolled for shipment.

How quickly do I need to unbox my new mattress?

Most bed-in-a-box manufacturers recommend taking your mattress out of the box within 30 to 60 days to prevent damage from long-term compression.

What do bed-in-a-box manufacturers do with returned mattresses?

Many states do not allow manufacturers to resell mattresses once they’ve been used. Most bed-in-a-box mattresses that have been returned are donated or recycled.

Do you need a base or box spring for a bed-in-a-box?

Depending on what type of boxed mattress you purchase, there may be restrictions on what type of base you’ll need to place it on. Most mattresses these days are compatible with everything from box springs to adjustable bases, so you most likely won’t need to purchase something new. But be sure to check out your new bed’s product information and warranty to ensure you’re placing your new mattress on the right foundation.

How We Chose These Mattresses

Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has reviewed more than 220 products in our mattress lab, running each one through tests such as pressure-mapping and measuring motion transfer with a seismometer. From there, we give every bed an overall score based on materials, comfort, support, cooling, and edge support. We also factor in brand performance with categories such as value and warranty.

Since the term “bed-in-a-box” encompasses such a wide variety of mattresses, we placed a huge emphasis on the overall score. Of the 10 products included in this roundup, all of them have an overall score of 4 out of 5 or higher. Jump back to our mattress picks or click here to learn more about our methodology.

The Best Mattress-In-A-Box 2023

Bridget Chapman

Senior Product Editor

About Author

Bridget is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and senior editor here at Sleepopolis. From testing mattresses to writing about various sleep health topics, her goal is to help you get a good night’s sleep. You can also find her in videos on our YouTube channel. Bridget graduated magna cum laude from San Diego State University with a degree in journalism and a minor in English. Before joining the Sleepopolis team, she was a TV news reporter and worked in cities across the country. She loves spending time outdoors, checking out new restaurants, snuggling with her pets, and of course — getting some quality Zzz’s.

Sleeper Type

Combination Sleeper