The best mattresses in a box are a convenient (and comfortable) solution for those seeking a new bed. Forbes Vetted sleep experts tested dozens of mattresses and dove into the features of countless more to determine our top picks for the category. Our overall favorite is the Nectar Premier Copper, which comes in both hybrid and memory foam options. Shop the rest of our selections below—each comes with a generous trial period that lets you test your new mattress in the comfort of your home.
Best Mattress In A Box Overall: Nectar Premier Copper
Best Hybrid Mattress In A Box: The DreamCloud
Best Mattress In A Box For Side Sleepers: Helix Midnight Luxe
Best Memory Foam Mattress In A Box: Layla
Best Firm Mattress In A Box: Amerisleep AS2
Best Budget Mattress In A Box: Essential Tuft & Needle Original
Best Cooling Mattress In A Box: Purple Hybrid Premier 4
Best Soft Mattress In A Box: Puffy Lux Hybrid
Best Mattress In A Box For Couples: Casper Original
Best Mattress In A Box For Heavy People: Big Fig
Nectar sleep
Nectar Premier Copper (Queen)
Best for: All sleepers, back and leg pain sufferers | Type: Memory foam or hybrid | Trial: 365 nights | Firmness: Medium-firm | Warranty: Lifetime
Named the “Best Mattress Overall” in our “Best Mattresses Of 2024” story, this bed—which also happens to ship in a box—is an easy choice for the top slot on this list. The Premier Copper is Nectar’s top-of-the-line model and is designed to be the coolest, comfiest and most supportive of the brand’s beds. It has a medium-firm feel and is now available in both hybrid and memory foam versions, making it a suitable pick for almost any type of sleeper—just note that the hybrid costs a few hundred dollars more.
Constructed with upper foam layers, both configurations are designed to offer pressure relief and joint support, and the copper fibers are added for their temperature-regulating properties, according to the company. However, there are some distinct differences between the two. The memory foam version is the brand’s “most plush mattress” and will give sleepers cradling comfort while the hybrid offers cushioning but isn’t quite as conforming (plus, it may sleep cooler than its memory foam counterpart, as hybrids tend to do). Between its two design options, attainable price point, generous trial period and lifetime warranty, the Nectar Premier Copper is a solid choice, all-around.
What our writers say: According to our mattress-testing contributor, who’s slept on the memory foam Nectar Copper Premier, “I was skeptical that a full-foam mattress could prevent me from overheating, especially during the summertime. The Nectar Premier Copper remained cool to the touch and I didn’t wake up sweaty every morning.” She adds that she’d recommend the the foam version of this mattress for side sleepers and the hybrid for back sleepers needing a bit more support.
Pros:
Comfortable for a wide range of sleepers Pressure relief and joint support for those with pain concernsLengthy one-year trial period
Cons:
Memory foam option may sleep warmer than the hybrid
DreamCloud Sleep
The DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid Mattress (Queen)
Best for: Back and stomach sleepers |Type: Hybrid | Trial: 365 nights | Firmness: Medium-firm | Warranty: Lifetime
The DreamCloud is a hybrid mattress, which means it combines layers of memory foam and coils in a strategic way. The company says it’s ideal for all sleep positions, but its on the firmer side, so we have it on our lists of the best mattresses for back sleepers and the best beds for stomach sleepers.
The inside features four different foam layers above a “targeted-support” coil layer, thus providing a great blend of comfort and stability. Side sleepers may find the hybrid design to be too firm, though back and stomach sleepers will appreciate the spinal alignment. (That said, if you crave a bit more cushion, you can upgrade to the DreamCloud Premier.) The coil section will also reward couples with consistent support through the surface area so no one feels like they’re going to fall off in the middle of the night.
What our writers say: “I sleep alone but performed several drop tests with a weight and an empty wine glass to evaluate the DreamCloud’s motion isolation. I was impressed with how steady the wine glass remained after each drop,” says our mattress-testing contributor. “I shifted positions several times in my sleep, and the DreamCloud remained quiet throughout every movement. All of this bodes well for couples or parents who share a bed with small children.”
Pros:
Lumbar and shoulder support for back sleepersMotion isolation for couples who don’t want to disturb their partner Fitted with a soft cashmere-blend top cover
Cons:
May feel too firm for some side sleepers
Helix Sleep
Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress (Queen)
Best for: Side sleepers | Type: Hybrid | Trial: 100 nights | Firmness: Medium to medium-firm| Warranty: 15 years
The Midnight Luxe is an upgrade from the original Helix Midnight and is made with six layers, resulting in a thicker mattress that balances cushioning and support for side sleepers. Its plush foam surface relieves pressure off the hips and shoulders and a high-density 1,500-coil system keeps the spine aligned. It also comes with a 15-year warranty, higher than the regular Midnight’s warranty of 10 years.
This mattress, which we also list in our best hybrid mattresses guide alongside the DreamCloud, has a medium to medium-firm feel that’s great for most people. But it will strike a balance for side sleepers, in particular. It will also provide comfort for those who suffer from back issues with its zoned lumbar support to help relieve pressure from the lower back. For folks who run hot at night, the breathable cooling cover won’t trap heat and for those who need an even cooler feel, the GlacioTex Cooling Cover ($224) is an optional add-on.
What our editors say: “The Helix Midnight Luxe hits the right balance for side sleepers,” says sleep and mattress editor Lindsey Vickers, who tested it in the brand’s showroom. “It has a good amount of cradling and sink-in sensation, which is what makes it shine for side sleeping, in particular. If you’re looking for a bit of initial memory foam sensation without compromising on support as you sleep (or as you sit on the side of the mattress), this is a great bet. Plus, when I tried it with colleagues, they really had to thrash around for there to be any sense of motion transfer—a great sign for couples who share a bed but don’t want to share one another’s tossing and turning.”
Pros:
Plush, yet supportive feel Excellent motion isolation; solid choice for couplesDense coil system keeps the spine in proper alignment
Cons:
Pricier than other options on our list
Layla
Layla Memory Foam Mattress (Queen)
Best for: Side sleepers | Type: Memory foam | Trial: 120 nights | Firmness: Soft on one side, firm on the other | Warranty: Lifetime
The Layla Mattress is a top bed-in-a-box choice for side sleepers, as it offers a comfortable memory foam construction and has a unique two-sided design. This mattress has two firmness levels in one—one side is soft, while the other is firm. This allows you to try out different firmness levels to find your sleep preferences. The mattress also features copper-gel memory foam, which helps prevent odors and dissipate body heat throughout the night.
What our editors say: TK
Pros:
Reversible with two firmness levels in onePriced under $1,000
Cons:
Both sides may be too soft for heavyweight sleepers
Amerisleep.com
Amerisleep AS2 Mattress (Queen)
Best for: Back and stomach sleepers, heavier people | Type: Memory foam | Trial: 100 nights | Firmness: Medium-firm | Warranty: 20 years
Back and stomach sleepers need a firm mattress to keep their spine aligned, but finding the right level of firmness isn’t always easy. Luckily, Amerisleep has options, which range from soft to firm so you can zero in on the perfect fit.
For most back and stomach sleepers, the AS2 will be the company’s best option. The memory foam-only AS2 is medium-firm and ideally suited for those who sleep on their backs. There’s also a hybrid option that includes a layer of coils that provide more edge support and is often beneficial to larger individuals. The mattress stays cool throughout the night with a cover that’s designed to draw heat away from the body and has a cool-to-the-touch feel.
What the reviews say: “The mattress is truly the most comfortable mattress I have slept on…I was having back issues from my previous too soft mattress, but not with the Amerisleep mattress!”
Pros:
Bouncy and heat-wicking Medium-firm feel works great for back and stomach sleepersHybrid option gives heavyweight sleepers the support they need
Cons:
Side sleepers may find it too firm
Tuft & Needle
Essential Tuft & Needle Original Mattress (Queen)
Best for: Combo sleepers, hot sleepers, couples | Type: Memory foam | Trial: 100 nights | Firmness: Medium-firm | Warranty: 10 years
If you’re shopping for a bed in a box on a budget, you’ll be hard-pressed to find better value than Tuft & Needle. The Tuft & Needle Original mattress is made of two layers of foam and receives consistently high marks for its support and mid-range firmness. In fact, its high marks have also earned it a spot on our list of the best affordable mattresses. Plus, the foam is infused with heat-conducting graphite and cooling gel that are designed to prevent overheating at night. For an additional fee, you can have the mattress treated to prevent the growth of bacterial odors, keeping it fresh for longer.
What the reviews say: “I bought this mattress for my daughter. It’s so comfortable I find myself dozing off when I am putting her to sleep. I will buy one for my bed when I need a new mattress.”
Pros:
Motion isolation and reinforced edge support Priced under $1,000Sleeps cooler than traditional memory foam
Cons:
Larger sleepers may experience sinking
Purple
Purple Hybrid Premier 4 (Queen)
Best for: Back and joint pain sufferers, plush bed fans, hot sleepers | Type: Hybrid (Purple grid) | Trial: 100 nights | Firmness: Medium-soft | Warranty: 10 years
Out of all the mattresses offered by Purple, the Hybrid Premier 4 provides the most pressure reduction. The Purple GelFlex Grid is usually 2 or 3 inches thick, while this model is 4 inches thick, which supports your hips and shoulder when sleeping on your side for a a zero-gravity feel. Under the grid lies support coils that give a bouncier feel than memory foam, respond rapidly to movement and react to pressure.
For those who have trouble with temperature and tend to get too hot during the night, Purple’s coil-and-grid structure is designed to allow airflow. What makes it even better? The GelFlex doesn’t retain heat to help keep you cool. For more details on the Purple Hybrid Premier 4, check out this review from a Forbes Vetted editor who has an extensive mattress testing history.
What our editors say: “I’ve personally tested more than two dozen mattresses and the Purple Hybrid Premier 4 is in the top three,” reports executive strategy editor Lindsay Boyers in her full review of the Purple Hybrid Premier 4. She mentions the unique grid “offers a nice marriage of compression and support. It also feels bouncy and responsive, similar to the feel of the old school spring mattresses, but without the noise and eventual breakdown.”
Pros:
Plush, bouncy feel Extra pressure relief for side sleepersGood for hot sleepers
Cons:
One of the most expensive mattresses-in-a-box
Puffy Mattress
Puffy Lux Mattress (Queen)
Best for: Side sleepers, back and joint pain sufferers, hot sleepers | Type: Hybrid | Trial: 101 nights | Firmness: Medium plush | Warranty: Lifetime warranty
With a hybrid style providing the best of both worlds, this soft yet firm mattress from Puffy offers a plush feel while still holding its shape. The Lux model is constructed of a six-layer sleep system that includes the stain-resistant cover, a contour-adapt coil base and a grip base that keeps the mattress in place for active sleepers. The foam conforms to your body yet provides zoned support, ideal for sleepers suffering from back and joint pain. The best part is that this medium-plush mattress has temperature control, great for keeping hot sleepers cooler.
What our editors say: “I am finally able to get better quality rest after swapping out my standard innerspring mattress for this hybrid model from Puffy,” says weekend updates editor Raena Loper. “The mattress gives me the support I need for my back but still provides a soft and cloud-like feel, which is what my previous mattress was lacking.”
Pros:
Cloud-like feel that’s plush, yet supportiveRemovable cover for easy washingComes with a lifetime warranty
Cons:
May feel too soft for stomach sleepers
Casper
Casper Original Mattress (Queen)
Best for: Couples, those with back or joint pain concerns | Type: Memory foam | Trial: 100 nights | Firmness: Medium-firm | Warranty: 10 years
The Casper Original was one of the first bed-in-a-box mattresses on the market, and it’s classic memory foam construction has made it especially popular with couples. If your partner tosses and turns at night or needs to get up to use the bathroom, the foam layers help minimize the amount of movement you feel on your side of the bed. The Casper Original also prioritizes support for those with pain concerns by pairing softer foam under the shoulders with firmer foam around the hips, waist and lower back—that way, you can both feel comfortable at night.
What our editors say: “This was the first bed in a box I ever tried and it did not disappoint,” says one Forbes Vetted editor. “The memory foam gave me the support I needed but still provided a cushy softness.”
Pros:
Excellent motion isolation for couplesZoned support to relieve pressureUnder $1,000 when on sale
Cons:
All-foam construction tends to sleep warmer than hybrid options
Best for: Heavyweight sleepers, people with back pain | Type: Hybrid | Trial: 120 nights | Firmness: Firm | Warranty: 20 years
Big Fig specializes in mattresses for heavier people. The company only makes one bed—the Big Fig—and it’s specifically designed to hold more weight than most other bed in a box mattresses on the market. At 13 inches thick, this mattress combines multiple layers of high-density foam with over 1,500 coils—50% more than you’d find in a standard innerspring mattress—to hold up to 550 pounds per sleeper. (That’s a total of 1,100 pounds across the entire bed.) For extra support against sagging and buckling, this mattress was also designed with a firmer feel. It falls between a 7 and 8 on Big Fig’s firmness scale (10 being the firmest).
What the reviews say: “Best purchase ever. Firm enough to keep stable, but gives enough that I don’t get sore like I was afraid of,” says one plus-size buyer, as another writes “this mattress is wonderful. My husband and I finally have enough room and support to get a full nights sleep.”
Pros:
Supports 550 lbs per sleeperMade with cooling technology to help minimize overheatingMade in the USA
Cons:
Some customers say the bed is too firm for their liking
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Here at Forbes Vetted, we’ve researched, tested and written our way through dozens of sleep and mattress stories. We’ve forged relationships with top mattress brands and—the ultimate test—asked for feedback from staffers who sleep on some of these beds every night (you’ll see their quotes on select picks throughout this story). In fact, two Vetted editors, including mattress and sleep editor Lindsey Vickers and executive strategy editor Lindsay Boyers have professional mattress-testing experience; so does Alison Barretta, one of our regular contributors who also worked on this story.
This article was last updated in October 2023 by mattress updates writer Alexandra Garrett and senior strategy editor Katie Simpson, who has tested over 100 mattresses throughout her career. This latest iteration expands on our buyer’s guide with more savvy shopping tips.
How We Chose The Best Mattresses In A Box
The best mattress in a box is convenient, comfortable and fit for any sleep preference.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS
To assemble this list, we stuck with reputable brands, highly reviewed models and beds known for superb performance across key features like comfort, motion isolation, spine alignment and pressure relief. We then leveraged our sleep experts’ mattress-testing expertise to thoroughly evaluate which bed best fit certain sleepers. The Nectar Premier Copper, DreamCloud, Helix Midnight Luxe, Purple Hybrid Premier 4, Puffy Lux Hybrid, Layla and Casper Original all come personally recommended by Vetted editors and contributors after trying them ourselves.
Since the best mattress in a box blends quality with convenience, we made sure each bed on our list comes with a generous trial period so you can test your bed risk-free, as well as a fair warranty to back up those claims of quality. Customer reviews had to be stellar, too, and each model has an average rating of 4 or more stars out of 5.
What to Consider When Buying A Mattress In A Box
Mattress Type
Some of the best beds on the market also (conveniently) arrive in boxes. Most are made partially or entirely from foam layers because the material is easy to compress for shipping—it also happens to excel at providing comfort and pressure relief. The two most popular types of mattresses in a box are memory foam and hybrid, although you may come across a few latex, too:
All-foam/memory foam: Foam-based beds are superior at cradling joints for pain and pressure relief. Foams also minimize motion transfer, which is great for couples. The downside: Some people don’t like the feeling of sinking into their bed.
Hybrid: These provide the ideal combination of comfort and support. Hybrid mattresses have a coil base layer plus foam upper layers to offer the best of both worlds.
Latex: Latex beds are made from either synthetic or naturally-derived latex. These beds feel springy, provide deep contouring for pressure points and are naturally breathable.
Innerspring: Innerspring beds provide a firm, bouncy feel, but due to their coil construction, true innerspring mattresses are often delivered flat instead of in a box. If you’re looking for this traditional bed type, take a look at our guide to the best innerspring mattresses.
Firmness
Mattresses come in a wide range of firmness levels, from soft to extra-firm. When shopping for a bed-in-a-box—or any mattress, for that matter—your ideal firmness will ultimately depend on your preferred sleep position (more on that below) and body weight. For example, heavier people may notice sinking from a softer mattress, and would be better supported by a firmer one. On the other hand, lightweight people tend to find firm mattresses too stiff and prefer a softer one.
Sleep Position
Your preferred sleeping position is a vital factor to consider when mattress shopping. Whether you sleep on your side, stomach, back or a combination of all three, certain mattresses will benefit you more than others.
Side sleepers: Since this position puts added weight on the hips and shoulders, side sleepers need a bed that promotes pressure relief and proper spine alignment. Mattresses that fall in the middle of the firmness scale (medium-soft to medium-firm) tend to provide this the best.
Stomach sleepers: People who prefer this sleep position generally benefit from a firmer mattress. A bed that’s too soft can throw the spine out of alignment by allowing the hips to sink, which often leads to neck and back pain.
Back sleepers: This sleeping position is typically best supported by a medium-firm mattress that provides cushioning around the joints and low back without sacrificing proper spine alignment.
Combination sleepers: These sleepers switch between multiple positions throughout the night. Because of this, they’ll benefit from a hybrid mattress that blends the body-contouring properties of memory foam with the support of an innerspring bed.
Mattress Thickness
A mattress’s height impacts its overall feel: A thinner mattress tends to feel firmer feel than a thicker one. The average mattress in a box typically ranges from eight to 14 inches in height, although all of the beds on our list sit at the higher end of that range.
Bases And Platforms
While a base for your mattress isn’t always necessary, it is more comfortable than putting your bed directly on the floor and also provides the kind of structural support for your mattress that’s necessary for extending the lifespan of the bed. One thing to keep in mind for any base—whether it’s a bed frame or platform bed—is to check that you’re putting the mattresses on a solid, flat surface that won’t cause sagging, especially if the mattress is made exclusively of foam. And, if you have an adjustable base, be sure the mattress you’re considering is compatible.
Trial Period
Before clicking “purchase” on a mattress-in-a-box, double-check the brand’s trial period policy and make sure it’s one you’re comfortable with. Also, keep in mind that it typically takes about 30 days to break in a new mattress. Since most bed-in-a-box brands offer at least a 100-night trial, you should have ample time to determine if you like the mattress after your initial break-in period.
How To Unbox A Bed In A Box
Unwrapping and setting up your bed in a box takes a bit of finesse. Below are some tried-and-true tips courtesy of mattress testers Lindsey Vickers, our sleep and mattress editor, as well as Forbes contributor Alison Barretta. For more in-depth advice, see their full-length article on tips for unboxing beds in a box.
Enlist help. Though compressed, boxed mattresses still maintain the heft of a traditional one, so it’s best (and safest) to set yours up with a friend.
Keep it right-side up. Before puncturing the plastic, be sure the mattress is oriented to be right-side up when it unfurls. This ensure that the comfort layers are on top and the support layers are on the bottom.
Cut carefully. When slicing open the vacuum-sealed plastic, be cautious not to cut the mattress. This may sound obvious, but the plastic is thin and tightly wrapped, making it easy to slip up if you’re not careful.
Let it expand and breathe. Once in place and unwrapped, your bed will appear to inflate in mere seconds, but keep in mind it’ll actually take several hours—and up to a full day or two—to fully expand. Further, giving it some time to breathe helps any accompanying volatile organic compounds (VOCs) air out (a phenomenon know as off-gassing). We recommend waiting at least 24 to 72 hours before sleeping on your mattress. When in doubt, check out the brand’s advice on how long to wait before sleeping on your new bed, as some beds require a longer waiting period than others.
What Exactly Is A Mattress In A Box?
When it comes to mattresses in a box, it’s all about the delivery. A bed-in-a-box comes compressed in vacuum-sealed packages and arrives at your doorstep in—you guessed it—a box. Once you haul it into place, just unwrap it and watch it expand.
However, you’ll want to keep a couple of things in mind. For starters, it’s best to enlist help, as mattresses in a box still maintain the weight of traditional mattresses (in other words, they’re really heavy). Second, some beds can take up to 72 hours to fully expand, so plan accordingly for the first few nights after your new bed arrives.
What Is The Best Mattress In A Box?
Just like with any other mattress or sleep accessory, mattresses in a box aren’t a one-size-fits-all situation. Everyone has different pain concerns, body types, go-to sleeping positions, firmness, temperature preferences and more that impact which mattress best suits you. However, the best mattresses in a box share a few key features like excellent support, great durability, generous trial periods and exceptional customer service. The Nectar Premier Copper (our best overall pick for beds-in-a-box) is a crowd-pleasing favorite for this very reason.
Is A Mattress In A Box Worth It?
For those looking for a hassle-free solution to their mattress woes, a mattress in a box is absolutely worth it: Ordering a bed in a box is one of the most convenient ways to get a brand new mattress. Simply order online, wait a week or two and your bed should arrive at your doorstep. Many mattress in a box orders also include free shipping and delivery, and because companies realize that buying mattresses online can be tricky, most of them provide trial periods of 100 days or more—occasionally an entire year—during which you can test run your new bed.
When Is The Best Time To Buy A Mattress In A Box?
While you’ll find mattress sales year-round, the best time to buy a mattress in a box is during holidays and shopping events. If you’re itching for a good deal, here are the dates you’ll want to put on your calendar.
Veteran’s Day (November 11, 2023)
Black Friday (November 24, 2023)
Cyber Monday (November 27, 2023)
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