Buying a mattress-in-a-box for the first time can be intimidating. While the convenience of having a new mattress shipped right to your house can sound appealing, the unknowns about the process can be anxiety-inducing. What if it isn’t the best mattress for you? How can you take it back? Can a mattress-in-a-box really be comfortable?
Fortunately, the technology behind mattresses-in-boxes has come a long way, so finding an option that works for your needs is possible. Mattresses shipped in boxes are just regular mattresses compressed for ease of shipping. Once you take the mattress out of the box, it will inflate in 24-48 hours to the shape and size of a mattress in the store. Most online mattress stores also offer trial nights and have clear return policies, so you can shop risk-free.
To help you make the right choice when shopping for a mattress-in-a-box, our Handbook Team tested, researched, and reviewed the best options so you can make an informed decision about your next purchase.
Best overall mattress in a box
The Helix Plus is our favorite mattress-in-a-box because we found it supportive while also pressure-relieving. It can also cater to a variety of sleepers, including higher-weight sleepers weighing over 250 pounds.
Our pick for the best mattress-in-a-box
- Helix Plus: Best overall mattress-in-a-box
- The Nectar: Best memory foam mattress-in-a-box
- DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress: Best hybrid mattress-in-a-box
- The WinkBed: Best mattress-in-a-box for back pain
- Nolah Original: Best mattress-in-a-box for side sleepers
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid: Best budget mattress-in-a-box
- Bear Original: Best mattress-in-a-box for stomach sleepers
HelpGuide Handbook for best mattress-in-a-box
Here are the five most important things to know about the best mattresses-in-a-box:
We chose the Helix Plus as the best mattress-in-a-box because it offers unparalleled support.
A mattress-in-a-box (or bed-in-a-box) is a mattress that’s compressed in a box and shipped right to your home.
Bed-in-a-box brands frequently run sales, making them significantly more budget-friendly.
Consult your doctor if you’re looking for a new mattress to address chronic pain or other health issues.
A bed-in-a-box is a decompressed mattress that’s had the air removed so it can be shipped. Once it arrives, you unbox the mattress and allow it to restore its shape for about 48 hours before use.
Compare the best mattresses-in-a-box
| Price | $812–$1,812 | $700–$1,798 | $839–2,178 | $1,149–$2,049 | $999–$2,398 | $665–$1,599 | $786–$1,690 |
| Firmness | 8/10 | 6.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 5/10 | 6/10 | 8/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Memory Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Foam |
| Warranty | 15 years | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | 10 years | Lifetime |
| Trial period | 100 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights |
| Best for | Higher-weight sleepers and stomach sleepers | Memory foam lovers or those with joint pain | Sleepers who want enhanced support | Sleepers with back pain | Side sleepers or those who need enhanced pressure relief | Couples and budget shoppers | Stomach and back sleepers |
The best mattress-in-a-box reviews
Helix Plus: best overall mattress-in-a-box
Many mattresses-in-a-box aren’t supportive enough for couples or higher-weight sleepers, but the mindful construction of the Helix Plus proves otherwise. This mattress was made with higher-weight people and elevated support in mind—from the responsive comfort foam to the extra-durable support layer of high-density foam and individually wrapped coils.
Our final verdict on the Helix Plus mattress
Helix offers a wide selection of bed-in-a-box hybrid mattress options, so even if the Plus isn’t the right bed for you, the brand may have a different model to fit your specific needs. We also like that the company offers a 30-second Sleep Quiz, where you answer questions about your sleeping habits and preferences to receive a tailored Helix recommendation.
We think the Plus will work for average- and higher-weight back and stomach sleepers, although we don’t recommend this mattress for lighter-weight or side sleepers since it may be too firm.
From our tester
“We recommend having a friend or family member assist you during the unboxing process. And we also suggest setting aside at least 24 hours for the mattress to off-gas.”
We scored this bed an eight out of 10 in firmness, which is ideal for supporting stomach sleepers of varying body types. But because this bed is made for larger people (over 250 pounds), it may feel like a medium or 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale to higher-weight people.
In addition to providing good support while resting on our back, we found that this mattress’s firmness, extra-sturdy coils, and high-density foam kept our hips elevated and spine in neutral alignment while on our stomach. This mattress tested high for responsiveness, so it’s a good option for sleepers who change positions throughout the night or anyone with reduced mobility. The cushioning Tencel cover and comfort foam layer provided lots of pressure relief (we scored it 4.25 out of five), as well as breathability for a cooler sleeping experience.
For U.S. residents, the Helix Plus ships straight to your door for free. You just have to visit the company website, choose your ideal mattress size, and complete the purchase. If you want to learn more about this mattress brand, read our Helix mattress review.
The Nectar: best memory foam mattress-in-a-box
The flagship Nectar Mattress is built entirely out of foam, providing that classic memory foam feel many foam fans love. This bed’s comfort foams can contour to sensitive areas while its high-density foams provide ample support for the rest of the body.
Our final verdict on the Nectar mattress
During testing, we found The Nectar delivered on that slow-sinking memory foam feel that so many foam traditionalists love. Our testers say this bed is a true medium-firm, or a 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale. This means it should provide a more balanced feel thanks to the inclusion of firmer high-density foam and softer, more pressure-relieving comfort foam.
From our tester
“The Nectar is an all-foam bed-in-a-box mattress that arrives compressed and requires some time to off-gas and expand. Luckily, the foams in this mattress are certified to exclude any harmful chemicals or emissions.”
Like many other memory foam mattresses out there, The Nectar is a great match for side sleepers. During testing, we sank into the foam, alleviating pressure at the shoulder and hip. But it still supported our torso and midsection, which was equally important because it prevented us from feeling crushed on one side. Back sleepers may also find good support from this mattress, which is why we gave it a 4.25 out of five for pressure relief overall.
Nectar also has over 4,000 stores throughout the United States, which is uncommon with bed-in-a-box brands. So if you’re a fan of the more traditional mattress-buying process, you can visit one of Nectar’s many stores and test out beds in a showroom while still getting all the other benefits of a boxed mattress.
Learn more in our Nectar mattress review.
DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress: best hybrid mattress in a box
That’s right, even mattresses with coils come in boxes. The DreamCloud is a hybrid mattress, meaning it uses both cushioning foams and sturdy springs to ensure the right balance of comfort and support. Hybrids cater to a wide range of preferences because there are so many different ways to combine foam and coils. The DreamCloud Hybrid, in particular, is a stellar option for back sleepers.
Our final verdict on the DreamCloud Hybrid mattress
Hybrid mattresses are known for combining the qualities of a memory foam mattress and an innerspring mattress. The DreamCloud does this with a simple yet effective construction. On top, a cashmere cover lies over a layer of soft, contouring memory foam, followed by more layers of responsive foam. The mattress’s individually wrapped coils are at the base and provided ample support during testing.
From our tester
“I think the coils make this bed pretty responsive. I can move to different positions without feeling stuck.”
The support it provided even worked for our stomach sleepers, who found it provided great support and comfort. We also gave it high points for back sleeping, but some side sleepers may find it too firm. We also liked how this bed merged responsiveness with motion isolation, making it easy to move around and great for couples.
To learn more, read our DreamCloud mattress review.
The WinkBed: best mattress-in-a-box for back pain
Poor sleep can worsen pain, and increased pain can make it hard to sleep. That’s why purchasing a mattress that balances comfort and support is important, allowing relief for sensitive areas (like the lumbar region, hips, and shoulders) and a sturdy foundation to lift the spine for proper alignment. Cue WinkBeds, which we found offers the right support to potentially help prevent back pain.
Our final verdict on The Winkbed mattress
While The WinkBed offers four firmness options (Softer, Luxury Firm, Firmer, and Plus), we tested the Luxury Firm, a true medium-firm by the industry standard. Some research indicates that medium-firm is the best firmness for back pain since comfort and support are both important.
From our tester
“The zoned support helped add targeted foam support at the lumbar region.”
While back sleeping, we felt The WinkBed had an “on top of” feel overall, but we still felt the plush comfort foam contour to our lower back. Our weight was evenly distributed, and our spine felt neutral, which indicated that the proper alignment was required to alleviate back pain.
“Sleeping in a position that maintains alignment of your spine optimally can promote better and more restful sleep. Discomfort and pain from alignment issues can disrupt sleep.”
Steve Smiley, a chiropractic physician and owner of Smiley Family Chiropractic in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Stomach sleepers might be more comfortable with the Firmer model since they typically require a firmer bed to keep their hips elevated throughout the night. Side sleepers may prefer the Softer model for added pressure relief at the hip and shoulder. The mattress also comes in a Plus version designed for higher-weight sleepers over 250 pounds.
We recommend allotting a few hours for the WinkBed to off-gas as it decompresses and expands.
Nolah Original: best mattress in a box for side sleepers
Side sleepers require a mattress that cradles sensitive areas, specifically the hips and shoulders since these are the areas you put the most pressure on. Many bed-in-a-box mattresses are all-foam mattresses, which are known for providing pressure relief to suit side sleepers—just like the Nolah Original.
Our final verdict on the Nolah Original mattress
The top of the Nolah Original contains a layer of proprietary foam that was constructed to provide pressure relief.
From our tester
“Designed for side sleepers, the Nolah Original provides body contouring and slow sinkage unlike any other bed-in-a-box.”
While testing in our studio, we found this bed provided good pressure relief and gave it a score of four out of five. We also felt healthy sinkage in the side sleeping position. By healthy we mean the mattress did a good job offloading pressure on the hip and shoulder, areas where side sleepers tend to have the most pressure buildup. At the same time, we felt the high-density support foams helped provide neutral spinal alignment, giving some necessary pushback and support to the torso.
Like all the mattresses on this list, Nolah offers a sleep trial. But unlike many other brands, Nolah allows you to remove the sleep trial if you decide you don’t need it so you can save money on the mattress total. You can opt for mattress removal and setup for an additional fee as well.
Learn more in our Nolah review.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid: best budget-friendly mattress-in-a-box
We named the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid the best budget mattress because it’s the lowest-priced mattress on this list. Plus, the brand frequently runs deals with queens available under $1,000.
Our final verdict on the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress
We consider the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid a well-rounded option offering great value at a lower price. This bed-in-a-box scored well in responsiveness and average in motion isolation, which is a tricky balance to achieve, so this option may also be good for couples who want bounce for intimate moments but don’t want to be woken up in the middle of the night. If you’re really worried about motion isolation, there’s an option to add an extra cushioning pillow top.
From our tester
“The Signature Hybrid allows couples to feel cool, comfortable, and supported throughout the night. We especially loved how well it excelled in responsiveness and bounce, which is helpful for sex and combination sleeping.”
We also like that the Signature Hybrid comes in multiple firmness options. You can choose between the Soft, Medium, and Firm options to best suit your preferences, although we tested the Medium. During testing, we found this mattress offered good pressure relief, particularly in the back sleeping position. This could also be a good mattress for side sleepers because it offers soft contouring.
We also love the Signature Hybrid because not all bed-in-a-box brands offer as many size options. You can choose less common model sizes like short queen, Olympic queen, short king, and RV sizes.
If you’re looking for a quality but budget-friendly mattress, check the Brooklyn Bedding website around holidays or special sales events. You’ll likely be able to purchase a new bed at a significant discount.
Read more in our Brooklyn Bedding review.
Bear Original: Best mattress in a box for stomach sleepers:
Bear’s mattresses-in-a-box are constructed with athletes in mind. For instance, all their mattresses feature recovery and cooling technology to boost athletic performance. The Bear Original has both features, plus we found it ideal for all stomach sleepers, making it a good choice for memory foam lovers who sleep on their stomachs.
Our final verdict on the Bear Original mattress
While this mattress is constructed from memory foam, it’s a firmer mattress, which is ideal for stomach sleepers. During testing, our testers found that their hips were lifted while lying on their stomachs, keeping their spines aligned. We also found this mattress was good for back sleepers, giving it a 4.5 out of five score. Although this mattress scored well for pressure relief, side sleepers may want to choose a softer option.
The built-in cooling features were decently effective, so we gave it a 3.5 out of five. However, for just $112–$232 more (depending on the size of your mattress), you can add a Celliant cover. Celliant is a material that Bear uses in most of their mattresses and is designed to promote blood circulation and muscle recovery. While we haven’t tested those claims specifically, some research suggests it can increase blood flow. However, our testers have found Celliant effective in cooling.
From our tester
“We didn’t find enough pressure relief while side lying, so while this could be good for combo sleepers, it will only work for those who switch between back and stomach, and we’d recommend they be average-weight sleepers.”
The Bear Original also tested high in motion isolation and edge support, making it a suitable option for couples. Additionally, this is a great mattress for kids, as its firmness is ideal for growing.
Read more in our Bear mattress review.
Is a bed-in-a-box worth it?
Buying a mattress in a box can be very worth it for some people. For instance, if you’re too busy to get to the store to shop for a mattress in person, buying a mattress online lets you skip the in-person hassle and try a mattress in the comfort of your own home. You can easily filter by mattress qualities, features, and price, and have more options online than you would in a store.
Mattresses-in-a-box can also come with significant cost savings, as many online retailers will offer sales and discounts since the mattress can ship directly with no setup. However, there are some considerations to make with a mattress-in-a-box, such as:
- Do you have space available for the box to arrive? Apartment dwellers and those with limited space may want to consider where and when the box will arrive.
- Will you be able to transport the box inside your home when it arrives? Even with the air compressed out of the mattress, some options can be heavy and may require two or more people to lift and take out of the box.
- What is the return process like, and will it be feasible for you if you need to return the mattress?
The other consideration is whether you want a more traditional mattress with thick coils. Most bed-in-a-box mattresses are memory foam or gel only or have thin coils for shipping purposes. So, if you know you need support or prefer the feel of thick coils, a bed-in-a-box might not be the best choice.
The bottom line is that while a mattress-in-a-box can be convenient, they may not be right for everyone. However, with the affordability and the usually risk-free trial, it’s hard to find a reason not to try a bed-in-a-box at least.
How to unbox a mattress in-a-box
Unboxing a mattress-in-a-box is the fun part of buying a bed-in-a-box because you can watch it expand before your eyes. To unbox your mattress-in-a-box, follow these steps:
- Place the box in an area large enough to fix the mattress. Check the box for opening instructions—typically, the box will open on one end, allowing you to slide the rolled-up mattress out first.
- Next, check that the mattress will open up with the support layers on the top. (If you get this part wrong, don’t panic, you can always flip the mattress back over, but it may take longer to expand.)
- Cut the plastic—carefully, so you don’t accidentally damage the mattress—and remove it from the mattress. It will start to reach a normal size almost immediately.
- Then, wait 24-72 hours for the mattress to inflate with air. There may be a smell as the mattress reinflates, but that should disappear in a few days.
- Make sure you check the manufacturer’s instructions for full directions and only sleep on the mattress once it has fully inflated.
Our testing process
The Handbook Team hand-tests every mattress we review. We evaluate brands and models by recording our findings on a 42-question standardized testing form to identify standout features and services, document issues with each product, and describe our personal experience lying on each mattress. For example, we record:
- Firmness score and whether the mattress is best for back, side, or stomach sleepers.
- Starting temperature of the mattress and how much it heats up after two testers lie on the mattress for five minutes.
- How many times a 10-pound ball bounces on the mattress after dropping from a height of two feet in order to arrive at a mattress bounce score.
Purchase mattress as mystery shoppers.
Set up mattress in testing lab.
Lie on mattress and rank firmness.
Lie on back, side, and stomach to find the best sleeping position.
Place 10-pound ball in mattress center and measure sinkage.
Find biggest pressure points using pressure map reading.
Evaluate cooling capabilities by recording temperature differences.
Drop 10-pound ball onto mattress to measure bounce score.
Test motion isolation.
Test edge support.
Calculate composite scores.
We paid close attention to specific considerations that sleepers of all ages seek, as identified by respondents in our survey of 600 mattress owners. This included price, features, and the set-up process. We also interviewed real people to better understand the motivations behind shopping for a new mattress, as well as the benefits of purchasing one.
And because we were specifically testing mattresses-in-a-box, we evaluated the entire process from start to finish. For example, we looked at:
- How straightforward the online shopping process is
- How the mattresses arrived in the mail
- How easy they were to unbox
- If there were any smells present on the mattress, and how long they take to dissipate
- How long the mattress took to reach full size
- The trial and return processes
According to our survey
According to our survey, about 80 percent of all respondents said their new mattress helps them sleep better, and 65 percent reported improved mental health.
As our testers evaluated each brand and its features, we considered why many people choose a new mattress in the first place. Of our respondents, 42 percent decided to purchase a new mattress for “improved comfort and support for better sleep,” while only seven percent did so for “pain relief and targeted support.” The most common pain respondents wanted relieved was lower back pain.
Despite only 42 percent of respondents prioritizing comfort and support for better sleep when shopping for a new mattress, 68 percent reported they sleep longer on their new mattress and 49 percent and 45 percent, respectively, said their stress and anxiety had improved after switching to their new mattress. Almost all mattress owners we surveyed (95 percent) were at least somewhat satisfied with their new mattress. We consulted sleep experts, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and pain specialists to understand what mattresses offer that make an overwhelmingly positive impact.
In order to focus on the mattresses themselves, we structured our test designs to objectively rank each one based on a range of criteria. For example, we tested things like bounce, edge support (the sturdiness of your mattress edge), and cooling capabilities the same way on each mattress and compared the results. That way we can accurately compare each mattress’s score in an unbiased way while also sharing our subjective point of view as mattress testers and experts.
Lastly, we compared warranty lengths, trial periods, and white glove delivery (in-home delivery and setup) options. While most brands offer warranties, not all are comprehensive. And many brands on the market don’t have free white glove delivery. This could be a deal-breaker if you’re nervous to invest in a new mattress because you’re worried the bed won’t get set up properly or offer what you need.
Our tester admitted being “super nervous” to try a mattress-in-a-box, but the price, convenience, and risk-free trial were too appealing to pass up.
From our tester
“I was super nervous at first because of all the choices and I didn’t know what to expect, but now I recommend to everybody now to go on the internet. We did not go out and try any mattresses. I mean, it’s almost like a freebie because you get that return policy where you get 90, 120 days to test it out. And I, I’m like, you know what? If I get it for a little bit cheaper than going into a mattress store, that’s the way to go. But, overall, I’m really super happy and I would definitely buy another mattress online again.”
Frequently asked questions
Most bed-in-a-box mattresses cost anywhere between $1,000–$2,000 at full price. The beauty of online mattresses, however, is that you can find more options for far less. Just keep in mind the type of feel and construction you’re looking for, as well as your desired price range.
We fell in love with the Helix Plus for its enhanced durability, unparalleled support, and well-rounded benefits. But comfort is subjective, so another bed on this list may appeal to your sleeping position, budget, and specific needs better.
First and foremost, consider your sleeping position and body type, and use that information to find a firmness and feel that suits you. Most mattress brands offer sleep trials, but some are shorter than others, so you may want to ensure you get at least 100 nights and a good warranty to protect your online purchase.
Purchasing a bed-in-a-box lets you skip the in-person showrooms, offering greater convenience. Instead, you’ll receive a compressed mattress straight to your door. However, some boxed mattress brands do have showrooms you can visit. There are a number of unique bed-in-a-box constructions out there, so there’s something for everyone.
We recommend shopping for a bed-in-a-box around the holidays or seasonal events since many mattress companies offer special deals around these times. Keep an eye out for discounts, especially around Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday/Cyber Monday.
A bed-in-a-box is a compressed mattress delivered to your doorstep. From there, you carry the box to your bedroom, open up the box, decompress the mattress, and then set it up once it has time to fully expand and off-gas. Some mattress brands offer white glove delivery and will even set the mattress up for you.
- American Medical Association & American Medical Association. (2021, November 19). What doctors wish patients knew about decision fatigue. American Medical Association. Link
- Gordon, I. L., Casden, S., Vangel, M., & Hamblin, M. R. (2019a). Effect of shirts with 42% CelliantTM fiber on TCPO2 levels and grip strength in healthy subjects: A placebo-controlled clinical trial. Journal of Textile Science & Engineering. Link
- Haack, M., Simpson, N., Sethna, N, Kaur, S., & Mullington, J. (2019). Sleep deficiency and chronic pain: potential underlying mechanisms and clinical implications. Neuropsychopharmacology, 45(1), 205–216. Link
- Kovacs, F. M., Abraira, V., Peña, A., Martín-Rodríguez, J. G., Sánchez-Vera, M., Ferrer, E., Ruano, D., Guillén, P., Gestoso, M., Muriel, A., Zamora, J., Del Real, M. T. G., & Mufraggi, N. (2003). Effect of firmness of mattress on chronic non-specific low-back pain: randomised, double-blind, controlled, multicentre trial. The Lancet, 362(9396), 1599–1604. Link
- Pignatiello GA, Martin RJ, Hickman RL. Decision fatigue: A conceptual analysis. Journal of Health Psychology. 2020;25(1):123-135. doi:10.1177/1359105318763510 Scott, A.J., Webb, T. L., St. James, M. M., Rowse, G., & Weich, S. (2021). Improving sleep quality leads to better mental health: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 60, 101556. Link