What's the best mattress in a box 2025? Our experts have tested dozens of them — these are the top 10

The Nectar Memory Foam mattress is the best choice for smaller budgets
(Image credit: Future)

A mattress in a box is a convenient way to upgrade your bed. With just a few clicks of a mouse, you can have a boxed bed delivered to your doorstep within days — and once it's flattened and rolled, it's virtually indistinguishable from a traditional mattress. 

But what's the best mattress in a box in 2025? Our team of experts have tested dozens of models and ranked the top 10 options based on extensive testing. Taking the top spot is the DreamCloud, an inviting luxury hybrid that you wouldn't believe arrives rolled and vacuum-sealed.

Believe it or not, many of the best mattresses we’ve tested this year are beds in a box, and while they share a convenient packing method, these mattresses are diverse. Encompassing everything from affordable hybrids to luxury memory foams and organic latex mattresses, beds in a box rival traditional mattresses when it comes to support, comfort, and variety. 

Best of all, Memorial Day mattress sales are just around the corner. No matter your budget or sleep style, now is a great time to save on the bed of your dreams.

Recent updates

New to the list are the Brooklyn Bedding Dreamfoam Essential (best soft mattress), the Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Pro Hybrid (best affordable cooling), the WinkBed Plus (best for heavy people), and the Avocado Green (best organic). We've also named the Helix Midnight Luxe the best luxury mattress in a box, while the Nectar Classic is now our top-rated medium-firm pick.

1. The best mattress in a box overall

This year's best mattress in a box for nearly all sleepers, delivering hotel-level comfort for less than its rivals

Specifications

Type: Hybrid
Materials: Memory foam, polyfoam, coils
Firmness: Medium-firm
Height: 12"
Sleep trial: 365 nights
Warranty: Lifetime
Our review score: ★★★★½

Reasons to buy

+
Luxury bed for an affordable price
+
Supportive but pressure-relieving 
+
Breathable and sleeps cool

Reasons to avoid

-
It may be too soft for heavier bodies
-
Lacking in edge support

Quick summary

The DreamCloud is more than just the best mattress-in-a-box overall — we also rank it as one of this year's best hybrid mattresses.

This affordable luxury hybrid offers excellent hip and back support courtesy of its individually wrapped springs, with the top memory foam comfort layers adding a softer touch for pressure relief.

Based on our testing, most body types and sleep positions will feel supported on this affordable hybrid, although some side sleepers might find it a bit too firm, even after an initial break-in period. On the opposite end of the spectrum, sleepers over 200lbs may want a more supportive bed.

One of our favorite things about the DreamCloud is its value for money. An evergreen DreamCloud sale places it in the lower mid-range price bracket, but the benefits are premium with a 365-night trial and lifetime warranty.

Expert verdict
A photo of sleep staff writer Ruth jones
Expert verdict
Ruth Jones

The DreamCloud Mattress delivers an excellent performance from a lower price bracket. It's supportive for back and stomach sleepers, with the cushioned surface offering relief from aches and pains. Side sleepers can also get comfortable on the DreamCloud, although it might take a few weeks to break in — but you have 365 nights to test the bed at home, so that's ample time to adjust.

Read more: DreamCloud Mattress review

2. The best cheap mattress in a box

A great value memory foam mattress in a box that outperforms its smaller price tag

Specifications

Type: Memory foam
Materials: Gel memory foam, foam
Firmness: Firm
Depth: 10”
Trial: 180 nights
Warranty: 10 years
Our review score: ★★★★

Reasons to buy

+
Remarkable support
+
Sleeps cooler than expected
+
Includes a 180-night trial

Reasons to avoid

-
Firmer than expected
-
One of the shorter beds on our list

Quick summary

The Siena Mattress is the cheapest bed-in-a-box on our list, but performance-wise, it holds its own among its higher-priced rivals, including its older sibling, the Nectar, at #4 on this list.

Back and stomach sleepers will enjoy the Siena's outstanding support and subtle contouring, while couples and families will appreciate the low level of motion transfer. Side sleepers should look for something softer (like the Nectar), but with decent temperature regulation and strong edge support, the Siena is an impressive all-rounder.

At this very low price, we strongly recommend the Siena for a guest bed or mattress for college. A 180-night trial is included, which is generous for a budget bed.

Expert verdict
A photo of sleep staff writer Ruth jones
Expert verdict
Ruth Jones

I wasn't expecting much from the Siena Memory Foam Mattress — at less than $400 for a queen, it's a real budget buy. But the Siena bed in a box impressed me with its full-body support and light cushioning. As a stomach sleeper, I'd happily drift off on it. Cheaper all-foam beds tend to have a lot of sag, something the Siena avoids thanks to its firm feel. On the flipside, there's just not enough pressure relief for side sleepers.

Read more: Siena Memory Foam Mattress review

3. The best luxury mattress in a box

Our top-rated luxury boxed mattress for super-comfy side sleeping – it suits back sleepers, too

Specifications

Type: Hybrid
Materials: Memory foam, coils, other foams
Firmness: Medium
Height: 13.5"
Trial: 100 nights
Warranty: Lifetime
Our review score: ★★★★½

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent pressure relief
+
Fantastic motion isolation
+
Comfy for back sleeping too

Reasons to avoid

-
Too soft for stomach sleepers
-
GlacioTex material can be very slippery

Quick summary

The premium Helix Midnight Luxe is our favorite mattress for side sleepers with a plush pillow-top and enhanced lumbar support — elements that translate to a comfy sleep experience for back sleepers, as well.

As the middle child in the 3-model Helix Midnight lineup, it possesses the best mix of performance, luxury, and overall value. (If you're on a tighter budget, the Helix Midnight Core is equally supportive, if not as luxuriously plush.)

As a hybrid, it doesn't provide the profound sink-in sensation of a full-foam bed, but the Midnight Luxe has upper memory foam layers to offer gentle contouring along the shoulders, hips, and knees — key pressure points that affect side sleepers most. The Midnight Luxe also stands out for its minimal motion transfer, making it a good choice for couples and families

Expert verdict
A photo of sleep staff writer Ruth jones
Expert verdict
Ruth Jones

I've listened to multiple side sleeping team members rave about the Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress, praising the luxuriously plushness and balanced feel. With cooling and supportive upgrades available, this mattress can suit a lot of sleepers. But not if you lie o your stomach — try the Helix Dusk Luxe instead.

Read more: Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress review

4. The medium-firm mattress in a box

The best boxed mattress for sleepers seeking that sweet spot of comfort and support

Specifications

Type: All-foam
Materials: Memory foam, other foams
Firmness: Medium-firm
Height: 12"
Trial: 365 nights
Warranty: Lifetime
Our review score: ★★★★½

Reasons to buy

+
Balanced for all sleep styles
+
Excellent motion isolation
+
Superb pressure relief

Reasons to avoid

-
May be too firm for some
-
Edges are squishy

Quick summary

Nectar is a popular mattress-in-a-box brand, and its flagship Nectar Classic Memory Foam is an excellent value if you want a quality memory foam for less than a premium Tempur-Pedic.

It's also our top medium-firm mattress-in-a-box pick, as its balanced feel will suit all sleeping positions. For our testers, it delivered an excellent balance of softness and support. We eased into the upper foam layer, which comfortably cushioned our joints, but the dense foams beneath prevented us from sinking too far.

Our testers also rated the Nectar Classic highly for motion isolation and were impressed by the top cover's moisture-wicking properties. That said, the Brooklyn Bedding Copperflex Pro Hybrid (#8) is our choice for hot sleepers who want a cooler mattress at a mid-range price.

Expert verdict
A photo of sleep staff writer Ruth jones
Expert verdict
Ruth Jones

It might be firmer than our testing team were expecting, but the Nectar Classic still has contoured pressure relief that will cradle side sleepers and prevent the dreaded numb arm. I'd also recommend the Nectar Classic for back sleepers, although stomach sleepers should look for a mattress with more support at the hips.

Read more: Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress review

5. The best firm mattress in a box

The firmest, flattest mattress in a box on the market

Specifications

Type: All foam
Materials: Foam
Firmness: Firm and Extra-Firm (flippable)
Height: 10"
Trial: 120 nights
Warranty: Lifetime
Our review score: ★★★★½

Reasons to buy

+
Double-sided design
+
Full-body support
+
Super-firm edges

Reasons to avoid

-
Not good for side sleepers
-
Can sleep warm

Quick summary

If you're looking for the best firm mattress, then they don't come much firmer than the Plank Firm Mattress. It has a double-sided all-foam design (one side is Firm, the other Extra-Firm). The lack of sink means you really lie on top of this mattress rather than in it.

The upside of this incredibly firm feel is that the Plank offers exceptional support, from head to toe, edge to edge, and corner to corner. For stomach sleepers, this ensures the hips are held comfortably aligned with the spine, while back sleepers who prefer a firmer feel will appreciate how it lifts the lower back. (For back sleepers who prefer some cushioning, try the Siena at #2.)

The lack of sink does mean pressure relief is minimal, with no cushioning for side sleepers, unlike the Helix Midnight Luxe at #3.

Expert verdict
A photo of sleep staff writer Ruth jones
Expert verdict
Ruth Jones

When I first tried the Plank Firm, I though the mattress was way too hard for me to ever drift off comfortably. But once I was used to the incredible firmness, I could appreciate the subtle cushioning and not-so-subtle support. Stomach sleepers and back sleepers will appreciate how the mattress lifts the lower back, while the edge support is outstanding. However, there's almost no cushioning, which spells aches and pains for side sleepers.

Read more: Plank Firm Mattress review

6. The best soft mattress in a box

A tall, plush mattress-in-a-box you'll want to sink into every night — comes in an impressive 22 sizes

Specifications

Type: All foam
Material: Memory foam, other foams
Firmness: Medium-Soft to Firm (5 options total)
Height: 6" to 14" (5 options total)
Trial: 120 nights
Warranty: Lifetime
Our review score: ★★★★

Reasons to buy

+
Incredible range of sizes and depths
+
Excellent full-body support
+
An affordable bed with a lifetime warranty

Reasons to avoid

-
Craftsmanship could be better
-
Not the best edge support

Quick summary

The Brooklyn Bedding Dreamfoam Essential is a straightforward budget to mid-range mattress-in-a-box — no frills, just comfort. However, it's arguably the most versatile option on our list as it not only comes in five heights but also an astonishing 22 sizes, including a wide range of RV mattress sizes.

Our focus here will be on the 14" Dreamfoam Mattress, which is the softest version available. It's rated medium-soft (or 4 out of 10 on the firmness scale). Note that we tested the 10" Dreamfoam Mattress, which we found on the firmer side of medium-firm (7 out of 10).

Expert verdict
Alison Barretta author bio photo 2025
Expert verdict
Alison Barretta

While basic, the Brooklyn Bedding Dreamfoam is incredibly versatile, offering a broad range of firmness levels (including soft-medium) plus an impressive 22 bed sizes. If you simply want a cozy foam mattress to sink into at night, make the 14" Dreamfoam your pick. Not only is it competitively priced, but it also comes with a warranty for life.

Read more: Brooklyn Bedding Dreamfoam Essential Mattress review

7. The best cooling mattress in a box

The best cooling mattress in a box hands down — and it comes in three firmness levels

Specifications

Type: Hybrid
Material: Copper-infused memory foam, foam, coils, phase-change materials (cover), Celliant fibers (upgraded cover)
Firmness: Soft, Medium, and Firm
Height: 14"
Trial: 120 nights
Warranty: Lifetime
Our review rating: ★★★★½

Reasons to buy

+
Promises (and delivers) cooler sleep
+
Strong support for back pain
+
Excellent motion isolation

Reasons to avoid

-
Poor edge support along the foot of the bed
-
Extra cost for full cooling power

Quick summary

The Bear Elite Hybrid combines outstanding temperature regulation with excellent pressure relief and lumbar support making it a great mattress for hot sleepers and back pain sufferers. It impressed us enough to place first in our overall ranking of the best cooling mattresses.

The brand's thoughtful use of Celliant fibers in the optional cover offers the exceptional cooling power along with recovery technology to promote overall well-being. There are three firmness options to suit every sleep style, and bed-sharers will appreciate the low level of motion transfer.

You'll be paying a premium for that cooling tech. The Brooklyn Bedding Copperflex Pro Hybrid below is a suitable cooling option for tighter budgets.

Expert verdict
A photo of sleep staff writer Ruth jones
Expert verdict
Ruth Jones

The Celliant-infused cover transforms the Bear Elite Hybrid from a good cooling mattress to one of the best cooling mattresses around. The clever fiber absorbs heat and reflects it back as infrared energy, for a cooler (and more scientific) sleep feel. Don't think it's all about the cooling, however. Beneath that cover is a supportive mattress with great motion isolation and three firmnesses to suit different sleep needs.

Read more: Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress review

8. The best affordable cooling mattress in a box

The best mattress in a box for hot sleepers costs less than $1,000 in a queen-size

Specifications

Type: Hybrid
Materials: Memory foam, other foams, springs
Firmness: Medium-firm
Height: 14"
Trial: 120 nights
Warranty: Lifetime
Our review rating: ★★★★½

Reasons to buy

+
Effective cooling at a lower price
+
Comfy for side sleepers
+
Dedicated lumbar support

Reasons to avoid

-
Not supportive enough for heavier bodies
-
Lacks side handles

Quick summary

The Bear Elite Hybrid's premium cost is countered by the Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Pro Hybrid, a mid-range mattress-in-a-box that thoroughly impressed our testers with its performance. A queen-size regularly sells for less than a grand.

Amidst an unusual springtime heatwave, the CopperFlex Pro treated us to comfortably cool nights of sleep, a credit to its specialist GlacioTex cooling cover and copper-infused foams. We found it to have a medium-firm level of comfort, which combined with the pillow-top offered plenty of contouring and support for side and back sleeping.

Heavier side sleepers and strict stomach sleepers, on the other hand, may prefer the Plank (#5) or the WinkBed Plus (#9).

Expert verdict
Alison Barretta author bio photo 2025
Expert verdict
Alison Barretta

Is the Bear Elite out of your price range? No problem — the CopperFlex Pro Hybrid packs a cooling punch for a lower price. It only comes in one firmness level, but if you're a side sleeper (or even a back sleeper), it should feel just right. The targeted lumbar support will be a boon for sleepers with back pain, too.

Read more: Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Pro Hybrid Mattress review

9. Best mattress in a box for heavy people

Our top bed-in-a-box pick for sleepers and couples who need a mattress that support beyond the average weight limit of 500lbs

Specifications

Type: Hybrid
Materials: Foam, latex, coils
Firmness: Medium-Firm (over 300lbs); Firm (under 300lbs)
Depth: 11"
Trial: 100 nights
Warranty: Lifetime
Our review rating: ★★★★½

Reasons to buy

+
Firm, but with some give to accommodate 300lb+
+
Ergonomic design for targeted relief
+
Excellent edge support

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the highest weight limit
-
Doesn't have side handles

Quick summary

We consider the WinkBeds Plus the best mattress for heavy people. The WinkBed actually comes in four comfort levels; the Plus is the firmest of them all with an 8.5 out of 10 rating on the brand's firmness scale.

It supports up to 900lbs. While it's above the average weight capacity of a mattress (500lbs), there are beds that can accommodate even more — such as the DreamCloud at the top of this list (1,000lbs). However, the WinkBeds Plus wins this category for its ergonomic design, durable materials, and strong edge support.

Expert verdict
Alison Barretta author bio photo 2025
Expert verdict
Alison Barretta

The WinkBed Plus shows that mattresses for heavy people don't have to be super solid (like The Plank). Sure, for most sleepers, it'll be firm — but larger sleepers will experience enough give for the mattress to feel comfortable without scrimping on the support (especially along the perimeter).

Read more: Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress review

10. Best organic mattress in a box

The best bed-in-a-box made with certified organic materials

Specifications

Type: Organic hybrid
Materials: Dunlop latex, wool, and cotton (all 100% organic); coils
Firmness: Firm (default), Medium (pillow-top), or Plush (box-top)
Depth: 11" (default), 13" (pillow-top), or 15.5" (box-top)
Trial: 365 nights
Warranty: 25 years
Our review rating: ★★★★½

Reasons to buy

+
Impressive array of eco credentials
+
Available in three firmness levels
+
Naturally sleeps cool

Reasons to avoid

-
Box-top/pillow-top upgrade is pricey
-
Heavy to set up, especially for larger sizes

Quick summary

The Avocado Green is our top-rated organic mattress, and it's even more impressive that this handcrafted bed ships in a box. Avocado is best known for its commitment to sustainability, which is apparent in its array of mattress certifications.

The standard Avocado Green Mattress is classified firm; when we tested it, we found it on the higher end of medium-firm (7 out of 10 on the firmness scale). You can add a pillow-top or box-top to make it softer for side sleeping or to give your bed a more luxurious appearance, but these upgrades can nearly double the cost of this already-premium mattress.

The standard Avocado Green Mattress also boasts excellent edge support and very good motion isolation, although those traits may be slightly diminished by adding a softer topper.

Expert verdict
Alison Barretta author bio photo 2025
Expert verdict
Alison Barretta

You'll be paying more than average for the Avocado Green Mattress, but with its wealth of eco-friendly credentials and quality materials, it's a wise investment if you want to sleep better at night while supporting a company that cares about the world we live in. It's remarkable to think that it arrives rolled up in a box, but the Avocado Green won't look out of place next to luxury beds from Saatva or Stearns & Foster.

Read more: Avocado Green Mattress review

How we test mattresses in a box

The Tom's Guide mattress review process is editorially independent and not influenced by any third parties. We conduct market research to see which new boxed mattresses are being released, then contact the brands for review samples. Every mattress in this guide has been selected by our editorial team.

Our expert mattress testers sleep on each mattress for at least three weeks, which is roughly how long it takes for your body to get used to a new mattress. However, firmness and comfort are subjective so we also ask a trusted and experienced testing panel.

Our mattress in a box testing panel is made up of people with different sleep needs and body types. This ensures we get a well-rounded view of how a mattress feels and performs for different body types and sleeping positions.

Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress

(Image credit: Future)

We don't just sleep on these mattresses – we also run a series of tests for an objective look at their motion isolation, pressure relief, and edge support. After analyzing our test data and conducting extensive user review research, we rate each mattress on a 5-point scale.

All of this in-house testing data, plus our user review research, is then used to create a final review score for the mattress in a box. If it's high enough, the bed will be added to this guide of the year's best beds-in-a-box.

These processes enable us to produce accurate, well-balanced, and data-backed mattress reviews to help you easily decide whether the mattress you’re interested in really is the best choice for you. See our mattress methodology for more.

Also tested and recommended

We test multiple mattresses-in-a-box every month. This guide highlights the best of the bunch, but perhaps there's an option that didn't make the cut that might be just what you're looking for. You can also take a look at our other specialist guides if you know you want something cooling, firm, or suitable for back pain.

Some of the other mattresses-in-a-box that we've reviewed include:

1. DreamCloud Premier Hybrid mattress: from $649 at DreamCloud Sleep

1. DreamCloud Premier Hybrid mattress: from $649 at DreamCloud Sleep
The DreamCloud Premier Hybrid offers hotel-quality comfort on a budget. Our mattress tester was seriously impressed with its cloud-like comfort, solid support and effective cooling, making it a great all-rounder. It also comes with the fantastic benefits that DreamCloud offers with all its mattresses including 365-night trial, forever warranty and free returns. We did notice some motion transfer in our DreamCloud Premier Hybrid mattress review, so maybe think twice about this one if you sleep with a restless partner. For everyone else, though, the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid is a great value option.

2. Helix Midnight mattress:was from $936.25now from $749 at Helix Sleep

2. Helix Midnight mattress: was from $936.25 now from $749 at Helix Sleep
Side sleepers can enjoy a dreamily comfortable sleep with the Helix Midnight. This mid-range mattress offers cradling memory foam, that will leave you feeling cosy and secure night after night. In our Helix Midnight mattress review, we noted that it may be too soft for stomach sleepers, and its edge support may be lacking, but if you're looking for a soft and luxurious mattress under $1,000 you could do a lot worse than the Helix Midnight.

3. Nectar Premier Hybrid: from $799 at Nectar Sleep

3. Nectar Premier Hybrid: from $799 at Nectar Sleep
Nectar produces some of the most high-quality and affordable mattresses-in-a-box. The hybrid model scored highly in our Nectar Premier Hybrid review for its support, motion-isolation and spinal alignment properties. It does have a few drawbacks - the edge support could be better and front sleepers will likely find it too soft. It also stands tall at 13", making it too deep for regular sheets. Still, if these aren't a problem for you, you'll be able to get a comfy sleep with the Nectar Premier Hybrid.

4. Birch Natural mattress:was from $1,373.75now from $1,099

4. Birch Natural mattress: was from $1,373.75 now from $1,099
If you're looking for a mattress-in-a-box that's kind to the environment, the Birch Natural is the bed for you. It offers firm yet bouncy support, and accommodates a wide range of weights and sleep types. It's not ideal for co-sleepers, lacking in motion isolation and some may find its non-sinking foam too firm. Our Birch Natural mattress review praised its suitability for combi sleepers, as well as its cooling properties. It comes with a 100-night sleep trial, 25-year warranty, and free fast shipping.

5. Helix Dusk Luxe mattress: was from $1,373.75 now from $1,099

5. Helix Dusk Luxe mattress: was from $1,373.75 now from $1,099
The Helix Dusk Luxe strikes a great balance of relief and support for stomach sleepers who don't want a decidedly firm mattress. It's also balanced enough for back sleeping, but even if you're an occasional side sleeper, you'll likely want a mattress that provides more cushioning for your joints. Our Helix Dusk Luxe Mattress review has more details.

6. Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress: was from $1,199 now from $899.25

6. Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress: was from $1,199 now from $899.25
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe delivers hotel-quality comfort at a fairly reasonable price. We like the versatility – multiple comfort levels, optional pillow-top, and non-traditional bed sizes – and we also think it does a good job of keeping night sweats at bay. On the other hand, we're hesitant to recommend it for most couples due to the lack of motion isolation we noticed in our Brooklyn Bed Aurora Luxe Mattress review.

7. Siena Premier Hybrid Mattress: from $254 at Siena

7. Siena Premier Hybrid Mattress: from $254 at Siena
This budget bed in a box is nipping at the DreamCloud's heels, offering exceptional comfort for an incredibly low price. (A queen goes for $424 during an evergreen sale.) It's firm, sleeps temperature-neutral, and has more supportive edges than the DreamCloud — but it also scored lower in motion isolation (3.5/5) and doesn't have the contouring that makes the DreamCloud our number one boxed mattress. Read more in our Siena Premier Hybrid Mattress review.

Mattress in a box FAQs

What is a mattress in a box?

A mattress in a box is a memory foam or hybrid mattress that has been machine-compressed into a smaller size, tightly rolled, then packed into a sturdy cardboard box for shipping to your home. Shipping times vary by brand, but you can get a boxed mattress as fast as within two working days.

Once that box arrives at your door, your job is to unbox it. Each mattress in a box is covered in a reinforced plastic cover, and many brands give you a tool to slice through that covering more easily. Once the mattress has been fully unpacked, pop it on your bed base where it will begin to regain its full shape.

While they are the same as regular mattresses once fully decompressed, a mattress in a box takes anywhere from a few hours to a few days to be ready to sleep on. Emma mattresses, for example, are ready to sleep on in a few hours, while Nectar mattresses take up to 72 hours.

You may notice a bit of a smell at first, but this mattress off-gassing is normal. Just open the windows and it should soon pass, leaving you to enjoy your comfy new bed. To care for your new mattress in a box, cover it with one of the best mattress protectors to safeguard against stains.

Casper has been credited with making beds-in-a-box popular since its launch nearly 10 years ago, and now we also have the likes of Purple, Layla, Nectar, Helix and many others.

In terms of warranty, coverage ranges from 10 years to a forever warranty (Nectar and DreamCloud), but we’d advise you to check the small print so that you know what will and won’t be covered. For further guidance, read our feature on how do mattress warranties work.

Are mattresses in a box any good?

Yes, boxed mattresses can be excellent if you pick the right one. We've spoken to experts from the mattress industry to get a definitive answer on if beds that come in a box are good, and the short answer is that the quality of the mattress is much more to do with the specific model than whether it has been compressed or not. There are plenty of fantastic boxed options – such as those included in our ranking – but also plenty of rubbish cheap boxed mattresses that should be avoided.

Boxed mattresses are often delivered quicker and are easier to maneuver, but you'll avoid decompression time and perhaps also off-gassing if you go for a traditional option.

It’s easy to look at the cheaper price tags of some mattresses in a box and dismiss them as being too cheap to be supportive or comfortable, but that simply isn’t the case. My team has spent hundreds of hours sleeping on some of the top boxed mattresses and find them equally as comfortable as traditional mattresses sold in-store.

Do you need a box spring for a mattress in a box?

Many years ago, a box spring was a must for your mattress. These days, it's not a necessity and in a lot of cases, using a box spring with your boxed mattress can void its warranty.

Read more: What is a box spring?

The reason? Modern mattresses are built to be sturdy enough that you can forego a bed base and simply put them on the floor (though we don't totally recommend this). Box springs made sense when thinner innerspring mattresses were the standard, as they provided a boost in support, height, and airflow. Today's memory foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses in a box should be fine with a foundation instead.

Mattress in a box expert buying advice

How to choose the best mattress in a box

With more and more options available for buying a mattress in a box, it’s now easier than ever to find something that suits your sleeping position, body weight and any particular needs you might have when it comes to getting a restful night’s sleep.

Things to look out for when buying a bed-in-a-box online include:

Features – If you need extra features from a mattress to help you sleep, then there’ll be something for you, whether you sleep hot, need more pressure relief, or extra support for backache. Plenty of mattresses now come with innovative tech and eco-friendly materials too, so whatever your concerns, it should be covered.

Firmness – just like standard mattresses, beds in a box come in a variety of firmnesses. If you know you will likely need a firmer mattress for instance, check before you buy to ensure you are getting the most comfortable choice for you.

A couple sleeps on the Siena Memory Foam Mattress in an orange bedroom

(Image credit: Siena Sleep)

Trial period and free delivery/returns – many top brands offer mattress trials on their mattresses, giving you the chance to try the mattress out for yourself. It’s always a good idea to take advantage of trial periods, and if you decide the mattress isn’t for you, check that you can get a full refund.

This takes a lot of the stress out of buying a mattress online, especially if the mattress is expensive. Also check if the company offers free returns so there’ll be no surprises if you do need to send the mattress back.

Reviews – online reviews often give you extra information about the mattress, including feedback after a few weeks’ use and a closer assessment of the feel and comfort for different body weights. If you have decided on a boxed mattress, compare a few user reviews on the brand websites with those elsewhere too.

When is the best time to buy a mattress in a box?

There are definitely key periods throughout the year when it’s better to buy a boxed mattress, and chief among these is the Black Friday mattress deals, where prices are at their lowest and discounts are at their highest.

These often roll over into Cyber Monday mattress deals, which is the first Monday immediately following Black Friday, and you may even see some higher discounts on Cyber Monday when brand’s mount last-ditch efforts to attract your custom before Christmas.

Beyond that, the Memorial Day mattress sales in May are another key time to buy a mattress in a box for less than normal, with retailers looking to shift older stock before new ranges arrive in the summer. Labor Day mattress sales in September are also a good time to look, as they feature some of the lowest prices before Black Friday season.

What’s the difference between a mattress in a box and a traditional mattress?

When it comes to making the distinction between a mattress in a box and a traditional mattress, it's all about the packing process. A traditional mattress is delivered flat, but a mattress in a box is compressed with a heavy weight, rolled in plastic, boxed, and delivered to your door. When you open the packaging, the mattress unrolls and expands to its previous shape.

This packaging negates the need for an expensive brick-and-mortar store, and the saving is passed on to the consumer. You can get a great quality bed for less, with regular online mattress sales helping you save further.

Claire Davies
Senior Sleep Editor, Certified Sleep Science Coach

Claire is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and the Senior Sleep Editor at Tom's Guide who curates our mattress buying guides and oversees our rigorous mattress testing procedures. Claire has over 16 years’ product review experience and is connected to a wealth of globally renowned sleep experts including mattress designers and buyers, neuroscientists, and doctors of sleep medicine. As the Managing Editor of our Sleep and Mattress Team, Claire is responsible for all mattress and sleep content published on Tom’s Guide and is our expert on Saatva, DreamCloud, and Nectar mattresses. Claire is also certified to advise people on how to choose a mattress that suits their needs and budget, as well as helping them to create a nighttime routine and bedroom environment that helps them sleep better.

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