Opting for one of today's best mattress in a box options is a convenient way to get set up with a new bed. Once upon a time, mattresses were delivered full size, to be awkwardly wrangled into your room, knocking over furniture and getting stuck in stairwells on the way. Now, mattresses are compressed, vacuum-sealed and rolled into a much more manageably sized package. They can then be easily maneuvered into place in your room before being unleashed from their wrappings and left to expand.
Originally, beds in boxes were associated with more basic offerings, but these days even the most luxurious beds can be delivered this way (most of our best mattress picks are bed in a box models). Many of the mattress in a box brands are online-only, and come with generous free trial periods, giving shoppers time to test their purchase out properly in the comfort of their own homes.
Our mattress testing process is editorially independent and we decide which mattresses to research, test and include in this guide. We test each mattress in a box for three weeks, rating it across key areas including comfort, pressure relief and support. Read our mattress methodology for more.
Because these brands don't have the overheads of bricks-and-mortar stores, they can often offer lower pricing. With mattress sales happening all year round, there are plenty of ways to score a bargain.
So what's the best mattress in a box out there? Below are our top picks – which we've either slept on and reviewed ourselves, or plan to in the near future. The models we've yet to test have been thoroughly vetted by our expert team based on verified customer reviews.
We also look at things like ease of delivery and setup, trial period and returns policy, all of which are important to the bed in a box buying experience. Most brands give you at least 100 nights to test out your purchase, but mattress trials of a full year are increasingly common. All clear? Let's take a look at the best mattress in a box options for 2023...
The best mattress in a box in 2023
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Nectar's incredibly popular five-layer all-foam mattress has nabbed the top spot in our best mattress in a box guide because it hits that sweet spot between price and performance. In short, you're getting a superbly comfortable and good-quality mattress for an extremely reasonable price.
We tested this 12-inch tall, all-foam mattress for two months and loved it. The medium-firm memory foam offers a fantastic balance of softness and firmness, providing luxury comfort without the feeling of sinking into the mattress. When our reviewers lay down, the mattress contoured to their bodies, providing full, tailored support and helping align their spines, while cushioning pressure points like shoulders and hips. We also noticed good edge support and very little motion transfer, making it a particularly good choice for couples.
Let's take a closer look at the design. At the top you'll find a quilted cover, which can be removed but, annoyingly, isn't suitable for machine washing. Next up, there's a layer of gel-infused memory foam. The gel is to help regulate temperature, as memory foam can trap body heat. We found it worked well on this front – none of our testers found they overheated on this mattress (although if you know you sleep hot, you should check out the GhostBed below). Underneath this you'll find a layer of hi-core memory foam for extra support so you don’t sink too far into the mattress. Finally, a base layer helps stabilize the sleeper, and a bottom mattress cover keeps it from slipping on your bed frame or floor.
Where the Nectar Memory Foam mattress really stands out is value for money. You can ignore that MSRP, because these beds are basically never sold at full price; a queen will typically set you back around $779 – considerably cheaper than rivals Casper and Purple. You'll almost always get a big bedding bundle thrown in for free too (worth up to $499). Add to that a generous one-year trial period to decide whether it's right for you, and a lifetime warranty. When it comes to sheer value for money, we think the Nectar is the best memory foam mattress (opens in new tab) you can buy. You'll just need to be prepared to wait a little longer than usual to actually sleep on it – our test model took 48 hours to full expand.
- Read more: Nectar mattress review (opens in new tab)
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The Helix Midnight is a medium-softness hybrid mattress in a box that excels when it comes to pressure relief. We rate it as the very best mattress for side sleepers, because that plush surface is dreamily comfortable around the shoulders and hips in this position. That cushioning is thanks to Helix's own version of memory foam, which provides soft sinkage and deep body contouring, as well as cradling pressure points. A lower level of 8-inch coils that boosts breathability, as well as adding a touch of bounce. The sleep surface also absorbs motion impressively well, making this a good choice for couples on different sleep schedules.
Although it's not billed as a cooling mattress (like the GhostBed Luxe and Cocoon by Sealy Chill, elsewhere in this list), we were impressed by the temperature regulation here – none of our reviewers overheated during the testing period. A stretchy, soft-touch cover comes as standard, but there is also the option to upgrade to a GlacioTex Cooling cover if you need a little extra cooling power.
In fact, our only slight complaint is that the edge support could be better. It's fine for sleeping, but sitting on the edge of this mattress for long periods feels a little unstable. You have 100 nights to test it out (and you're required to give it a go for at least 30 nights), and it comes backed with a 10-year warranty.
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The Cocoon Chill Memory Foam is easily one of the best budget cooling mattresses around. This mattress in a box is made by industry giant Sealy, it's the perfect option for anyone who liked the sound of the luxury Ghostbed above, but couldn't justify the cost. Designed to adapt to your body to provide tailored support all over, this medium-firm mattress has three different foam layers, including luxury memory foam for deep contouring, responsive comfort foam to reduce motion transfer and prevent you sinking into the mattress, and a durable support layer.
However, the headline feature is Sealy’s advanced phase-change material, which is infused into a high-end, stretch-knit cooling cover. While it doesn't have quite the chilling powers of the pricier GhostBed, during our review period we were very impressed with the temperature regulation on offer here, especially considering it's an all-foam design, at such an affordable price. Our positive experience is echoed by other customers; the Chill has an average of 4.7 out of 5 from over 8,000 user reviews (January 2023).
At 10-inches deep the Cocoon Chill is a decent height, but bear in mind that its memory foam layer is one inch thinner than the Nectar Memory Foam mattress higher up our list. If you weigh more than 230lb you may sink through to the firmer support layers, and not get the full benefit of the foams (our guide to the best mattress for heavy bodies can help you out there).
Overall, we were impressed with the comfort and cooling abilities of the Cocoon by Sealy Chill bed in a box, and gave it superior marks for motion isolation. There's no denying you get a lot for your money here, and it's also one of the best budget mattresses for hot sleepers seeking cooling comfort at night.
- Read more: Cocoon Chill Memory Foam mattress review (opens in new tab)
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If you sleep with a restless partner, you need a mattress that will absorb movement so their nocturnal wriggling doesn't disturb your sleep. Our top pick is the Bear Original, a very reasonably priced memory foam mattress in a box that excels when it comes to motion isolation. In our our tests, even when we dropped a 15lb weight 4 inches away from an empty wine glass, the glass barely budged.
Depending on the firmness of bed you're used to, it may take your body a few days to adjust to the medium-firm feel of the Bear Original mattress (you get 120 nights to try it at home). Once you finally settle into it, you'll appreciate this mattress' contouring support, which we found comfortable in all sleep positions. No need to worry about falling off if you gravitate towards the edge while you sleep, either, as the Bear Original's edge support is among the best we've ever tested.
One area where the Bear Original mattress falls short is temperature regulation. Despite a Celliant quilt cover and cooling gel memory foam, our testers felt overheated on warmer nights. However, it was quite cozy in cooler temperatures; we'd recommend the Bear Original to anyone who lives in a temperate or cold environment, or who tends to sleep cold. Warmer sleepers should consider the Cocoon by Sealy Chill (#3 in our list) for around the same price.
- Read more: Bear Original mattress review
The Purple mattress is one of the best-known mattresses in a box. What sets this brand apart is its use of 'Purple Grid' technology – essentially a hyper-elastic, gel-like grid that's designed to cushion your body’s pressure points. Like memory foam, it'll mold to your body to provide tailored support right where you need it most, but unlike a foam, the grid has an open design that allows air to circulate through it, helping ensure a cool night's sleep.
Our pick is the Purple Original Mattress, which features a two-inch Purple grid, followed by a dual-layer comfort base for support. Many users comment that it took them some time to get used to the unique feeling of the Purple mattress, especially if they were previously sleeping on an innerspring mattress. You have a 100-night sleep trial, which should be plenty of time to gauge if this is the right bed for you.
In our tests, our reviewers were seriously impressed with the Purple mattress. We loved the responsive, soft yet firm surface, and found this bed very comfortable and supportive to sleep on. It absorbed motion well, and slept nice and cool, too. At under 10" deep, it's on the thinner side, and we wouldn't recommend it to sleepers over 300lb, who will likely find this bed too firm.
Our findings were backed up by other customer reviews. The Purple mattress has an excellent average score of 4.4 out of 5 from over 31,000 user reviews on the Purple website (January 2023). Many people report that it relieved their pressure points and eased joint pain, and lots of people say that since switching to the Purple mattress they've been sleeping far better than they were before. We think for couples, especially, and anyone who overheats at night, the flagship Purple mattress is one of the best mattress in a box options out there. Read our Nectar vs Purple breakdown if you can't choose between the brands.
- Read more: Purple mattress review
The Amerisleep AS2 mattress in a box is designed specifically for those who like to sleep on their stomach or back; positions that typically require a slightly harder sleep surface to keep the spine properly aligned and avoid back pain in the longer term. The AS2 has a medium-firm feel, but it's zoned so it's more cushioned around the shoulders and hips, with firmer support under the head, back and legs. This zoning is thanks to a 'HIVE transition layer' of flexible foam hexagons.
That's not the only unusual part of this bed's design. Rather than regular memory foam, here's you'll find plant-based Bio-Pur foam. Amerisleep says it has an open-cell design that's more breathable than traditional memory foam, and it's bouncier and more responsive, so you won't get 'stuck' in it either.
The AS2 is highly rated on the Amerisleep site, with an average of 4.7/5 stars from over 3,200 user reviews (January 2023). Lots of customers comment that this mattress is supportive yet comfortable. A handful found it slept slightly warm, and some found it too firm. If you're concerned about that, do be aware that Amerisleep's mattress lineup covers the full range of firmness levels.
- Read more: Is the Amerisleep AS2 mattress any good?
If you're looking for a luxurious yet eco-friendly bed, the Avocado Green is the best mattress in a box you can buy. The company uses quality, organic materials – without polyester, polyurethane foams, or toxic fire retardants – to produce this premium quality mattress. Our tester found this bed delivered plenty of support and slept comfortably cool.
Rather than being glued, the Avocado green is hand-tufted, which means ribbons are pulled up through the mattress to hold the layers together. As a result, you'll see soft, organic wool rosettes on the top cover (note, if you want to avoid animal products, Avocado does do a vegan version (opens in new tab) of this mattress). Comfort and support come via a three-inch layer of GOLS-certified organic latex foam, alongside a layer of steel coils, arranged into five ergonomic zones.
Avocado rates this a 7 on the firmness scale (there is the option to pay extra to soften it up with a pillowtop), and we'd agree. We think this is best suited to back or stomach sleepers, as well as being suitable for heavier bodies that need that bit of extra support. Side sleepers and lightweight individuals will likely find it too firm, though.
The most expensive mattress in our ranking by a fair margin, the Avocado Green is undoubtedly an investment bed. Natural mattresses almost always do cost more (the Birch Natural, at #10 in our list, is cheaper but still not cheap in the wider market). Is it worth it? Maybe. There's little doubt you're getting a top quality product here – there's plenty of information on the company's website detailing where all the materials come from and explaining the brand's ethos, alongside a long list of certifications confirming various eco-friendly, natural credentials. What we find harder to justify is the hefty delivery fee – $99 for standard, going up to $249 if you want white glove delivery. At least the trial period is generous, at 365 nights.
- Read more: Avocado Green mattress review
We'll make this clear from the start: the Zinus Green Tea isn't the best mattress in a box in our guide – it has few of the bells and whistles found in the other options here, and there are questions over its long-term durability. However, if you're looking for a budget option, you can't really argue with that ridiculously low price.
The Zinus Green Tea is among the best mattresses on Amazon, with an average score of 4.4 out of 5 from over 140K reviews (January 2022). It uses green tea-infused memory foam and purified charcoal particles to neutralize odors, and comes in a range of different thickness options: 6, 8, 10 and 12 inches.
The cheapest is the 6 inch: you could get a queen-size delivered to your front door for around $200. However, for most adults, we wouldn't recommend anything thinner than around 10 inches. We tested the 10-inch version for three months and found it to be comfortable and supportive, with good edge support and minimal motion transfer, so you won’t be disturbed by a restless partner. (In case you’re wondering, no, it doesn’t smell of tea…)
There are a few questions about long-term durability: we don’t know how this mattress will perform after a few years of use. It’s not the best choice if you overheat at night, either – a few of our reviewers became uncomfortably warm while sleeping on this mattress. But the fantastic price is, of course, where this mattress really stands out, and for occasional use, this should do the job nicely. It isn't often you can buy a king size mattress for under $300. Before buying, read our how to return a mattress to Amazon guide to get clued up on the returns process so you know what to expect should you change your mind.
- Read more: Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam mattress review (opens in new tab)
The GhostBed Luxe mattress is a premium all-foam mattress in a box. It's USP is that it's jam-packed with cooling tech, making it an excellent choice for anyone who overheats at night. GhostBed calls it 'the coolest bed in the world', and we were certainly impressed when we tested it out.
On top, a luxurious quilted cover is made from 'Ghost Ice' fabric, which is designed to absorb heat throughout the night. Our testers were impressed that this cover was cold to the touch – something that they hadn't come across before. Inside the mattress you'll also find gel memory foam (designed to promote airflow and breathability) and thermo-sensitive foam (which responds to your body temperature and adjusts accordingly).
This is hands-down one of the very best cooling mattresses we've tried. We slept comfortably cool on this mattress and didn't overheat once. In fact, on occasion, one of our testers had to don socks and long pants to warm up. This bed's cooling powers are all the most impressive when you consider it's all-foam, which can be a recipe for overheating. Factoring in the permanent 50% off deal, this it's well priced for a cooling bed (although if it's out of your budget you should check out the Cocoon by Sealy Chill further down the page).
There were other features that impressed, too. This bed's contouring memory foam and supportive foam layers effectively soothe pressure points and create an almost weightless feeling (be aware that this otherwise medium-plush mattress tends to feel firmer in cooler temps and softer when it's warm, which is a little unusual). It's billed as beneficial for back sleepers, but found the most relief when resting on our sides, with our joints comfortably cushioned in this position. Motion isolation is superb, making the GhostBed Luxe a good choice for anyone who shares a bed with a restless partner.
So what are the potential downsides? The GhostBed Luxe can take up to 24 hours to fully expand and adjust to your bedroom’s temperature (which, to be fair, isn't as long as the Nectar above – that took 48 hours). Our review model also emitted some of the most potent off-gassing we've experienced in a full-foam mattress.
- Read more: GhostBed Luxe mattress review
The Birch Natural mattress uses organic materials, and is designed to be a more eco-friendly bed option. One main point of difference compared to most of the other mattresses in this guide is that instead of foam, this bed uses the natural alternative of Talalay latex to provide that body-molding cushioning around your joints (it's hypoallergenic, too).
Elsewhere, you'll find layers of wool – a natural fire-retardant, as well as being breathable and cushioning – and steel coils for motion isolation and further support. The coils are targeted to promote correct spinal alignment, and reinforced all the way around the edges, so you can use the full sleep surface without fear of rolling off.
We haven't had a chance to test this mattress out for ourselves yet, so to get a picture of how it performs in the real world, we've combed through existing customer reviews. Annoyingly, you can't filter by product to get an overall score on the Birch website, but in general the reviews are very positive, praising quality, support and comfort. Officially, this bed has a medium-firm sleep feel – Birch ranks it 6-7 out of 10. However, reviews suggest it sleeps fairly firm. If you like to lie on your side, or weigh less than average, you might prefer something more cushioned.
Natural mattresses almost always have a slightly higher price tag, and the Birch Natural is an investment option. We rank it amongst the best organic mattresses you can buy (although if you have more to spend, consider the more premium Avocado Green at #7). This thoughtfully designed bed is handmade in the USA, with free shipping to US customers and a 25-year warranty on the mattress. You'll have 100 nights to try it out, which is on the short side (especially for a pricier mattress like this), but still long enough to give it a good test.
- Read more: Is the Birch Natural mattress any good?
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The Layla Memory Foam Mattress in a box is two mattresses for the price of one, thanks to a versatile flippable design. For lightweight sleepers or side sleepers seeking softness around their hips and shoulders, the light grey side of this mattress has a cushiony soft 4 out of 10 sleep feel. Back or stomach sleepers who need a bit more support can flip the whole thing over to the dark side for a much more supportive 7 out of 10 sleep feel.
While some bed brands let you choose from a range of firmness options, this is the only mattress we've seen that offers two different comfort levels in one. Granted, the practical applications seem limited. Most sleepers have a firmness preference when it comes to mattresses – there can't be loads of people who want an ultra-soft bed one night and a really quite firm one the next. However, we can see this kind of bed being useful for a guest room, with different people sleeping in it at different times, or for anyone who's just not sure what kind of mattress will suit them, and wants to keep their options open.
We haven't tested this model out yet, but it comes very favorably reviewed on the Layla website. Positive reviews say this mattress has helped ease aches and pains, and delivers good quality for a reasonable price. Of the common complaints, most people agree that edge support is lacking, which means you won't be able to sit comfortably on the side of the bed without fear of sliding off.
There are a couple of features geared towards temperature regulation. The foam is infused with copper gel, which Layla says is antimicrobial (for freshness) and designed to carry away body heat, and the cover is designed to deliver reactive cooling, too. (This cover is removable and can be dry-cleaned, and you can also buy replacement covers from Layla.) Looking through the reviews, it seems like these cooling features work pretty well. A handful of customers comment that this bed sleeps cool and a handful more say it can sleep on the warm side, but the general lack of commentary suggests that overheating isn't an issue with this mattress.
- Check for Layla Sleep coupon codes
How we test mattresses
The Tom's Guide mattress review process is editorially independent and not influenced by any third parties. Our expert mattress testers sleep on each mattress for at least three weeks – that's roughly how long it takes for your body to get used to a new mattress – and spend hours scientifically testing the performance of each product.
Mattress firmness is subjective, so each lead reviewer also forms a trusted and experienced testing panel made up of people with different sleep needs and body types. We have side sleepers, back sleepers and stomach sleepers, with lighter, average and heavier bodies, who rate each mattress using a specific set of performance criteria.
Together, 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. Read our full mattress methodology for more.
Mattress in a box FAQs
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.
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.
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 tough 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?
Not all boxed mattresses are made equal, and some, such as those featured in our guide, are infinitely better than others. That’s why we put in the hours reviewing the best beds-in-a-box to help you quickly sort the great ones from the ones to avoid.
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. We have spent hundreds of hours sleeping on some of the top boxed mattresses and find them equally as comfortable as traditional mattresses sold in store.
Some of them are just as premium too, with luxury materials and innovative technologies packed in to help you stay cool and to relieve pressure in your preferred sleeping position. So whether you’re after the best mattress for side sleepers, or one for back or stomach snoozing, you’ll no doubt come across a mattress in a box that does the job well and for a reasonable price.
How to open a bed-in-a-box
The best way to unbox your new mattress is to follow the instructions provided by the mattress manufacturer. As these guidelines are similar, we can provide you with some general guidance here. The main difference between brands is how long they recommend that you leave the bed-in-a-box to inflate before you sleep on it.
For example, Emma Sleep says that its Original memory foam mattress is ready to sleep on within 60 minutes, while the Nectar Mattress can take up to 72 hours to decompress fully.
Allowing your mattress in a box the time it needs to properly inflate (decompress) means that it will be in the best position to properly support your body. If you use the mattress before the manufacturer says it’s ready to sleep on, you may damage the materials and risk voiding your warranty.
In general, here’s how to open a mattress in a box:
- Take it through to your bedroom of choice
- Open the top of the cardboard box and remove any printed instructions or packaging cutting tools (see image above for an example)
- Now lay the cardboard box on its side
- Pull the rolled mattress out of the box so that it’s resting on the floor
- If you have been given a packaging cutting tool, use this to carefully cut through the tough plastic covering the mattress. Some brands, like Avocado Green, wrap their mattresses in paper, which is easy to remove.
- One the boxed mattress is out of its protective packaging, place it onto your bed frame because it will start inflating (decompressing) immediately.
- Open a window to let the smell of off-gassing dissipate.
- Leave the mattress to decompress for the number of minutes or hours stated by the brand you purchased it from.
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. Labor Day mattress sales are also a good time to look, as they feature some of the lowest prices before Black Friday season.
Read more:
- DreamCloud mattress review: a back sleepers delight
- Saatva mattress sale: best deals now live
- The best comforters: down and down alternative
- An expert guide to Black Friday mattress deals
