Best mattress in a box 2024: Expert-rated boxed beds

The best mattresses in a box can provide you with a comparable level of quality and comfort to store-bought beds. Don't believe us? Our mattress testers and sleep coaches have collectively tried dozens of mattresses, and some of our most restful nights have been courtesy of a bed-in-a-box. This list features our favorite boxed mattresses that we've personally tried and can confidently recommend to others.

Why should you buy a mattress in a box? The most obvious reason is to save money. Purchasing a mattress flat from a brick-and-mortar means you'll be paying extra to account for overhead. (Rent and commissions need to be paid, after all.) Plus, boxed beds are usually easier to maneuver – they're compressed and neatly packaged into a box before being delivered directly to your door. 

Some of the world's top mattress brands have thrown themselves behind this cost-effective and space-saving alternative to mattress construction. You'll recognize most of the contenders on this list from our overall best mattress guide including our number one ranked bed-in-a-box, the Nectar Mattress.

Expect to pay around $1,100 or less for a good quality queen-size boxed mattress. Thanks to monthly mattress sales, you'll never have to pay full price. Major holidays are a great time to browse, and the upcoming Memorial Day mattress sales typically feature some of the best sleep deals of the year. Ready to shop for your dream bed? Here are our top recommendations for this year's best mattresses in a box…

Best mattress in a box: Quick list

If you're short on time, we've put together an overview of our best mattress in a box rankings, based on in-house testing and consumer research. Below each mattress you'll find in-depth bed-in-a-box reviews, plus expert buying advice.

The best mattress in a box you can buy today

Best mattress in a box overall

Nectar's popular five-layer all-foam mattress earns the top spot in our best mattress in a box guide because it hits that sweet spot between value and performance. In short, you're getting a superbly comfortable and good-quality mattress for an extremely reasonable price. 

What it's like to sleep on: Review notes
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.

Tip from our testers: "[The Nectar] is one of the firmer memory foam mattresses we've tested, but we found it delivered an excellent balance of softness and support. You won't sink too far in, but there's enough contouring to comfortably cushion your joints. We think it offers a good middle-ground for most sleepers, but do factor in personal preference – some heavier people, as well as back and stomach sleepers, might prefer a firmer option."

Price, trial and warranty
Where the Nectar Memory Foam mattress really stands out is value for money. You can ignore that MSRP, because these beds are never sold at full price; a queen will typically set you back around $649 after an evergreen 40% off sale. That's considerably cheaper than rivals Casper and Purple. Add to that a generous one-year trial period to decide whether it's right for you and a lifetime warranty to back up your purchase. Nectar no longer offers free sheets and pillows in favor of a lower overall price, but you can add a bedding bundle at an extraordinary discount.

When it comes to sheer value for money, we think the Nectar is the best memory foam mattress 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 fully expand. 

• Read more: Nectar mattress review

Nectar Memory Foam Mattress: from $699 $359 at Nectar
Head to Nectar for 40% off, taking the queen-size Original down to just $659 at Nectar. This is the new evergreen Nectar mattress sale, and this is $40 cheaper than we've seen during recent events – but keep an eye out for random flash sales that could yield even stronger markdowns. You'll get a 365-night trial with the Nectar Mattress, plus a forever warranty and free shipping and returns.

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Best mattress in a box for side sleepers

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. 

What it's like to sleep on: Review notes
Our testers slept on a king Helix Midnight for three weeks. Despite Helix's self-assessment of 5-6 (out of 10) on the firmness scale, we felt it was closer to 6.5 or 7, placing it in medium-firm territory. However, there's noticeable sinkage along key pressure points (shoulders, hips, knees) courtesy of Helix's own version of memory foam. A lower level of 8-inch coils boosts breathability while adding some bounce. The sleep surface absorbs motion exceptionally well, making this a good choice for couples on different sleep schedules or families who bedshare.

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. (We sampled this at a 3Z Brands showroom. It's exceptionally soothing, if not a tad slippery.)

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. The Layla Hybrid (#8) is our choice if edge support is a priority, especially if you have mobility issues.

Tip from our testers: "The upper memory foam layer delivers some of that slow-moving, body-hugging feel, which is especially welcome when lying on your side. The mattress molds around your hips and shoulders in a dreamily comfortable and soothing way, providing deep pressure relief. Most of our reviewers found it comfy in all positions, but some stomach or back sleepers might find it a little too soft."

Price, trial, warranty
Regular Helix mattress sales cut between 20% and 25% off, with larger markdowns common around major shopping holidays. Still, you'll never have to worry about buying this mattress at list price. You have 100 nights to test it out and it comes with a 10-year warranty. You'll often be able to score a pair of free pillows with purchase, too.

• Read more: Helix Midnight mattress review

Helix Midnight mattress: was $936 now from $749 + free pillows at Helix
There's almost always some kind of Helix mattress sale going on, and right now there's 20% off mattresses, with pillows thrown in for free. That's a deal we see frequently, and we might see a bigger discount over Memorial Day. If you're in a rush though, this is still a good price – a queen size drops to $1,099. 

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Best mattress in a box for back pain

The DreamCloud receives a spot on our best hybrid mattress list, and it's our favorite springs-and-foam pick here, too. It also rates among our best mattresses for back pain.

What it's like to sleep on: review notes
We slept on a twin DreamCloud for three weeks. DreamCloud rates its mattress a 6.5 out of 10 on the mattress firmness scale but during our tests, we found it firmer than that – around an 8. 

It offers excellent hip and back support and should be suitable for many back pain sufferers. Most body types and sleep positions will feel supportive although some side sleepers (and especially those under 130lb) might find it a bit too firm. If that's you, consider the softer Helix Midnight (#2), which is made specifically for side sleeping.

At the top of the mattress, you'll find thick layers of foam, which contour comfortably around your joints and relieve pressure. Beneath these is a tier of springs that amp up the support and create space for air to circulate within the mattress. (We found the DreamCloud mattress regulated temperature well, and would recommend it for hot sleepers). Our panel of volunteers – who deal with everything from lower back pain to the occasional "dead hip" – indulged in this balanced bed feel and experienced diminished pain in those areas.

If you share a bed, the DreamCloud's high level of motion isolation will allow you and your sleeping partner to enjoy peaceful nights together. On the flip side, edge support could be better. Keep that in mind if you need to push off the side of your bed when getting up or down.

Tip from our testers: "If you're a heavier back or side sleeper, or just someone who likes the feel of a firmer mattress, the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid Mattress is sure to satisfy. Our pain-laden sleepers found instant relief when resting on this hybrid. A subtle give in the hips and lower lumbar provided marked relief from tension in those areas."

Price, trials, warranty
As a rule, hybrids tend to cost more than all-foam mattresses, especially luxe-feeling ones like the DreamCloud, but this mattress consistently comes in at a mid to lower mid-range price, depending on when you buy. It stands out for undercutting most of the competition and delivering excellent value for money, too. 

Because it's from the same parent company as the Nectar, it comes with the same ridiculously good extras. You'll have a year to try it out before fully committing, and it's backed by a Forever warranty. 

• Read more: DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid mattress review

DreamCloud Mattress: from $839 $419 at DreamCloud
The DreamCloud is never sold at full price, and currently, there's up to 50% off. That drops a queen to just $665, which is one of the best DreamCloud deals we've recorded. Adding to that incredible value for money is a lifetime warranty and a 365-night trial.

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Best cheap bed-in-a-box

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, which sits at the very top of this list.

What it's like to sleep on: review notes
When we called the Siena Mattress in for testing, we weren't expecting much from it. After all, how good can a cheap mattress in a box really be? Very good, is the answer, if it's made by the parent company behind the Nectar Mattress and the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid, featured elsewhere in this guide. Our lead tester reviewed the Siena Memory Foam and was very impressed by how well-made it is considering the cheaper price. 

We recommend the Siena Mattress for stomach and back sleepers because it's a very firm mattress – much firmer than Siena Sleep's rating of 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale; we rate it as a 9. That firmness ensures that you'll sleep on top of the mattress in both positions, which prevents your back and spine from dipping out of alignment and causing you lower back pain. Granted, you may need time to break it in, but even after a month of sleeping on it our testing panel still found it quite firm.

Of course, that does lead us to recommend that side sleepers look elsewhere in this guide. Check out the Helix Midnight instead. We feel the Siena is simply too firm for comfy side sleeping unless you are heavier in weight, so you'd need a firmer bed to support you and prevent sinking.

We were also surprised by how cool the Siena slept, which is unusual for a budget all-foam box bed. However, that could be due to our testers feeling like they were sleeping on top of the surface rather than in it, limiting the foam's ability to emit our body heat right back at us. Still, we suggest seeking out a specialty cooling mattress or even a hybrid if you struggle with overheating.

The edge support on the Siena Memory Foam Mattress in a box is also very strong for a cheap mattress in a box, so that means you can both sleep right up to each edge of your bed to maximize sleep space. You shouldn't have any issues getting in and out of bed, or when sitting on the edge to get dressed. More good news for couples is how the Siena absorbs motion well, so you shouldn't disturb each other too much if either of you are restless sleepers. 

Tip from our testers: "If you're hoping to sink deeply into your foam mattress, you might be disappointed here. The Siena has a subtle cradling characteristic of a hybrid. Most stomach sleepers should be well supported along their hips, but some back and side sleepers may not find the pressure relief they need along their lumbar, shoulders, and hips right away."

Price, trial, warranty
The Siena is truly an excellent value for money and a great cheap bed in a box from a trusted name. It's perpetually $300 off, even during major shopping holidays. Still, at $399 for a queen-sized mattress after discount, we're not complaining much. The 180-night trial is also remarkable for this price point, while the 10-year warranty is standard (but still decent).

• Read more: Siena Memory Foam Mattress review

Siena Memory Foam Mattress: from $499 $199 at Siena
A near-permanent 50% off sale makes the Siena Mattress the best box mattress for small budgets. With this discount a queen size Siena Memory Foam Mattress in a box drops down to $399 (was $799), while a king costs just $499. Rather unusually for cheap boxed mattresses, the Siena comes on a long 180-night trial and it has a 10-year warranty. That's great value for such a budget-friendly bed.

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Best mattress in a box for achy joints

The Purple mattress is one of the best-known mattresses in a box. Our favorite among them is the Purple Original Mattress, the brand's best-selling mattress and a boon for sleepers who deal with achy joints.

What it's like to sleep on: review notes
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. Based on a 10-point firmness scale, we rate it a 7. It's in line with Purple's self-assessment of 6-7, making it a medium-firm mattress. However, at under 10 inches deep, it's on the thinner side, and we wouldn't recommend it to sleepers over 300lb, who will likely find this bed too short or unyielding. Meanwhile, stomach sleepers may think it's too soft.

What sets this mattress apart from others on this list is its '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 foam, the grid has an open design that allows air to circulate through it, helping ensure a cool night's sleep.

Our findings are backed up by other customer reviews. The Purple mattress has an excellent average score of 4.5 out of 5 from nearly 12,000 user reviews on the Purple website (March 2024). 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.

Tip from our testers: "When sleeping on the Purple mattress, our reviewers' pressure points - shoulders, hips and knees - were snuggly supported, with weight distributed easily. Side and back sleeping was super comfortable: if you’re a combination back and side sleeper, you’ll likely find the Purple mattress a great fit. If you’re a stomach sleeper, you still may appreciate the soft, firmness of the Purple mattress - but some may prefer a firmer option. Heavier back or stomach sleepers may prefer the Purple Hybrid mattress."

Price, trials, warranty
The Purple Original is among the brand's least expensive offerings, but compared to the rest of the market it sits in the upper mid-range price bracket. You can save some cash during Purple mattress deals, especially near major holidays. It comes with a 10-year warranty and a 100-night trial, which are rather ordinary for the cost. 

• Read more: Purple mattress review

Purple Mattress: from $999 $799 at Purple
Purple continues to take $200 to $400 off all sizes of the Original – but MSRPs are higher so it's not as strong a discount as it was. A queen is $1,099 after savings (previously on sale for $999). Purple mattress deals only usually appear around national holidays, and we're hoping to see lower prices come Memorial Day.

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Best budget cooling mattress in a box

The Cocoon Chill Memory Foam is one of the best cooling mattresses around, especially if you're on a budget. This mattress in a box is made by industry giant Sealy, and features a special, stretch-knit cover that's infused with advanced phase-change material. 

What it's like to sleep on: review notes
Our testers were amazed by the cooling prowess of the Cocoon Chill, given that this is a boxed foam mattress that sits at the lower end of the price spectrum. While it doesn't have quite the chilling powers of the pricier GhostBed Luxe (also featured on this list), we still think it did a serviceable job of maintaining a comfortable sleep temperature.

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 from sinking too deeply into the mattress, and a durable support layer. 

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 at the top of 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 if you're over 250lb). 

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, as well. There's no denying you get a lot for your money here.

Tip from our testers: "If you're looking for a comfortable, cooling, and competitively-priced mattress, the Cocoon Chill Memory Foam mattress is well worth considering. If you're looking for a good side sleeper mattress, chances are you'll love sleeping on it. Likewise, if you're a back or front sleeper, you'll probably find this boxed mattress comfortable, too, but you may be better suited to a firmer option, such as the Cocoon Chill Hybrid or the DreamCloud further up this list."

Price, trial, warranty
In addition to a permanent 35% off sale (ignore the countdown banners), you'll often be able to cut extra money off with a promo code. You'll also receive free sheets and pillows (valued at up to $199) along with a 100-night trial and a 10-year warranty. 

• Read more: Cocoon Chill Memory Foam mattress review

Cocoon Chill Memory Foam Mattress: from $619 $399 at Cocoon by Sealy
The evergreen Cocoon by Sealy deal knocks 35% off mattresses, bringing the price of a queen down to $699. (Bookmark our Cocoon by Sealy promo code page for occasional extra discounts). Pillows and sheets are bundled in for free, and an MSRP drop means these are some of the lowest prices we've ever seen. 

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Best luxury organic mattress in a box

If you're looking for a luxurious, eco-friendly bed, the Avocado Green is the best mattress in a box you can buy. It also tops our best organic mattress list. 

What it's like to sleep on: review notes
The Avocado Green has three versions: standard/firm (which we tested), medium/pillow-top, and plush/box-top. Note that adding a pillow-top or box-top will add as much as $1,100 to the cost of this already-expensive bed.

Notably, the company uses quality, organic materials – without polyester, polyurethane foams, or toxic fire retardants – to produce this premium-quality mattress. 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. (If you want to avoid animal products, Avocado does have a vegan version 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 its standard/firm mattress a 7 on the firmness scale, and our testers agree. We think this is best suited to back or stomach sleepers and is suitable for heavier bodies that need extra support. Side sleepers and lightweight individuals will likely find it too firm and should consider one of the softer options. Meanwhile, our testers found this mattress slept comfortably cool thanks to the combo of latex, coils, and cotton – all naturally breathable materials. Edge support is also excellent, and we detected little movement during our drop tests, indicating above-average motion isolation. 

The most expensive mattress in our ranking by a fair margin, the Avocado Green is undoubtedly an investment bed. Natural mattresses almost always cost more; the Awara Hybrid further down this list is a notable outlier. Is it worth it? Maybe. There's little doubt you're getting a 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

Tip from our testers: "If you’re truly interested in Avocado—namely their use of organic materials, eco-consciousness, and high quality—yet are prone to side sleeping only and/or prefer less firmness, you may want to consider the pillow-top or box-top add-on. Although it’ll cost you at least a few extra hundred dollars, you'll enjoy a gentle firm feel (pillow-top) or a plushier feel (box-top) that'll be more amenable to side sleeping."

Price, trial, warranty
The typical offer from Avocado takes 10% off its mattresses, although you'll usually find up to 20% off for the pricier pillow-top and box-top versions. Avocado no longer appears to charge for shipping (it cost $99 when we tested it), but since this is a bulky mattress we'd strongly recommend shelling out the $249 for White Glove Delivery if you can swing it. The extras are generous, with a 365-night trial and a 25-year warranty.

• Read more: Avocado Green mattress review

Avocado Green Mattress: from $1,399 $1,199 at Avocado Green
Avocado takes 10% off with no promo code needed, which is a change from how the brand usually handles these discounts. If you're looking for a queen size or smaller, it's worth bookmarking our Avocado mattress sales for money off sales to garner higher savings but bear in mind that the usual 10% discount ends up being a better deal if you're buying a king or larger. You'll also save 20% off the priciest Plush version of the Avocado Green. 

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The best flippable mattress in a box

The Layla Hybrid 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 paler gray 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 darker side for a much more supportive 7 out of 10 sleep feel. 

What it's like to sleep on: review notes
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. In our tests, we found the firm side skewed closer to 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale while the soft side was more on the money at a 4.5 out of 10. Most sleepers should get on well with the firm side, and lightweight to average sleepers should find the soft size cozy.

Layla is one of only a few bed brands that publishes the foam density. This is an indicator of quality and longevity, and Layla passes with flying colors, with top-quality 3.5lb memory foam in its comfort layers. When we reviewed this model, we found it isolated movement incredibly well, making it a good choice for light sleepers or anyone who shares a bed. We were also impressed by the sturdy edge support.

On the downside, we sometimes slept warm on this mattress, despite its copper-infused foam and wrapped coils. Plus, the firmer side might not be supportive enough for heavier bodies. If the hybrid is out of your price range but the concept appeals, there's an all-foam version that sits in the mid-range bracket. 

While a flippable mattress is a novel idea, its practical applications are limited. There can't be loads of people who want an ultra-soft bed one night and a fairly 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. Helpfully, there are sturdy handles on the sides to make turning it over easy. 

Tip from our testers: "The firm side of the Layla Hybrid is ideal for back sleepers of most weights, while the soft side will appeal to light-to-average weight side sleepers. However, it'll likely offer pressure relief and comfort for most sleeping positions and body types – potentially excluding heavier sleepers and some stomach sleepers. Sleepers who run very hot may wish to investigate alternative cooling options, though the Layla Hybrid is unlikely to exacerbate heating."

Price, trial, warranty
Layla never sells its mattress at full MSRP – it's often on sale for $200 off. Though it's on the threshold of the premium price bracket, consider that you're essentially getting two beds in one. Extras include a 10-year warranty, a 120-night sleep trial, and two free pillows.

• Read more: Layla Hybrid mattress review

Layla Hybrid Mattress:  from $1,299 $1,099 + 2 free pillows at Layla
The current Layla sale saves you $200 on the Layla Hybrid mattress in a box. A queen size drops to $1,499, and you'll get two free pillows, whichever size you go for. This is a standard deal we see from Layla, but it's still great value for what you're getting. You don't need a Layla Sleep coupon code to save. 

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Best luxury cooling mattress in a box

The GhostBed Luxe mattress is a premium all-foam mattress in a box. Its USP is that it's jam-packed with cooling tech, making it an excellent choice for anyone who overheats at night. 

What it's like to sleep on: review notes
According to GhostBed, its Luxe mattress is 'the coolest bed in the world', and we were inclined to believe that when we tried it out. On top is a luxurious quilted cover made from 'Ghost Ice' fabric, which is designed to absorb heat throughout the night. Our testers were surprised 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 prowess is all the more impressive when you consider it's all-foam, which can be a recipe for overheating. Factoring in the permanent 50% off deal, this is well-priced for a cooling bed, although if it's out of your budget and you don't have severe night sweats, you should check out the Cocoon by Sealy Chill elsewhere on this page. 

There were other features that delighted, 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 #1 – that took 48 hours). Our review model also emitted some of the most potent off-gassing we've experienced in a full-foam mattress.

Tip from our testers: "The GhostBed Luxe mattress is primarily suited to couples, side sleepers, and those who need a cool and airy bed. It passed our motion transfer test with flying colors, is physically cool to the touch, and regulates temperature at night. Although it’s advertised as beneficial for back sleepers, it doesn’t seem to provide enough firmness to support the hips so seek a firmer hybrid instead."

Price, trial, warranty
GhostBed hosts a permanent 50% off sale, which brings prices to the lower end of the premium price bracket. Every so often, you may get lucky and score some free items with purchase (usually pillows).  GhostBed provides a 101-night sleep trial and a 25-year limited warranty.

• Read more: GhostBed Luxe mattress review

GhostBed Luxe mattress in a box: from $1,298 + 2 free pillows at GhostBed
The evergreen GhostBed deal slashes 50% off MSRP. That means a queen is $1,598, which is still a bit of an investment, but far more affordable than the ticket price. You get 101 nights to try it out along with a 25-year limited warranty.

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Best mattress in a box for couples

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 memory foam mattress in a box that excels at motion isolation. 

What it's like to sleep on: review notes
We slept on a queen Bear Original mattress and no matter our position, we felt loads of support along our hips and lower back plus subtle contouring around our joints. It's rated a 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale, effectively making it medium-firm. You'll need time to break it in, though – fortunately, Bear includes a 120-night sleep trial.

Motion isolation is where this bed really shines. In our tests, even when we dropped a 15lb weight 4 inches away from an empty wine glass, the glass barely budged. When we tried a Bear Original mattress at a Bear showroom, our sleep editor and another journalist lay on it whilst changing positions – and neither one was terribly affected by the other's movements.

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. This also bodes well for those with mobility issues who need to push off the sides of the bed when getting up or down.

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. 

Tip from our testers: "Give yourself time to break this mattress in. It took our main reviewer about four days to adjust to the firmness level of this mattress, and sometimes it felt too firm when trying to fall asleep on our back or stomach. We often fell asleep on our side and woke up on our back or stomach in the morning. However, overall we found this mattress was incredibly supportive of the hips and our lower back, and we never felt our hips were dropping too low."

Price, trial, warranty
This is one of the more affordable beds in a box on our list. Regular sales knock 30% to 35% off MSRP and throw in free accessories like sheets, pillows, and a mattress protector. There's a lifetime warranty and a 120-night risk-free trial, as well.

• Read more: Bear Original mattress review

Bear Original mattress: from $786 $511 at Bear
There's almost always a Bear mattress sale on, and the current offer knocks 35% off sitewide, which is one of the best prices we see. A queen drops to a super-affordable $649. You'll get a sleep bundle with pillows, sheets and a mattress protector thrown in for free.

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Best budget organic mattress in a box

If the Avocado Green further up the list is out of your financial reach, the Awara Natural Hybrid mattress is an excellent alternative. Despite its low price – especially among organic beds – it's still a beautifully made mattress that's sure to last a long time.

What it's like to sleep on: review notes
The Awara features Dunlop latex (like Avocado), 8-inch coils, and an organic cotton and wool cover. It looks and feels like a much pricier bed – our testing panel couldn't believe how much it cost at the time we tried it, and prices have only gotten better since (more on that later).

This latex hybrid will feel quite firm at first, but allow yourself to relax and you'll indulge in its subtle contouring Combi back and stomach sleepers will like the Awara, as will side sleepers who want a little extra support to go with their pressure relief. That said, sleepers under 130lbs or sleepers who like softer beds may not feel as comfy on the Awara.

Edge support on our twin test model was excellent, which bodes well for larger sizes. It sleeps temperature neutral thanks to the latex, coils, and cotton/wool blend cover. If you want a bouncy bed, the Awara will certainly deliver – but at the expense of decent motion isolation. We're hesitant to recommend this one if you and/or your partner are squirmy sleepers.

Tip from our testers: "Whether you sleep on your side, back, or stomach – or a combination of styles – the Awara mattress quickly adapts to the contours of your body, providing excellent pressure relief and spinal alignment. It's quite firm with minimal give, though. If you prefer the 'hug' of a traditional foam mattress, the Awara may be off-putting."

Price, trial, warranty
The current evergreen Awara sale knocks 50% off the MSRP, yielding some of the best prices we've ever tracked for it. (A queen is now on sale for under $950.) You'll no longer score free bedding with purchase but you can add a sleep accessory bundle at a massive discount instead. Factor in the 365-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty and you have the best value we've seen for an organic mattress.

• Read more: Awara Natural Hybrid mattress review

Awara Natural Hybrid: from $1,299 $649 at Awara
Awara began taking 50% off its flagship mattress a few months ago and that sale is still ongoing – possibly indicating that this is the new evergreen offer. At $949 for a queen, it's a very good price for a latex bed and we normally see them retail for at least a few hundred more. You'll get a 365-night sleep trial, a lifetime warranty and free shipping and returns too.

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Best mattress in a box for combi sleepers

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. (Notably, the other organic beds on our list use heavier Dunlop latex.)

What it's like to sleep on: review notes
We slept on a Birch Natural mattress and believe it's terrific for combination sleepers who change positions throughout the night since it has plenty of bounce so you won't feel 'stuck' in your mattress. In addition to Talalay latex, you'll find layers of wool – a natural fire-retardant, as well as being breathable and cushioning – and steel coils for further support. The coils are targeted to promote correct spinal alignment, and reinforced around the edges, so you can use the full sleep surface without fear of rolling off. 

On the flip side, this construction makes it less-than-ideal for couples who sleep with a restless partner. (We verified this via objective and real-world tests.) However, hot sleepers are likely to find cooling relief with the Birch Natural – our usually-warm tester didn't wake up sweaty once. (Talalay latex is less dense than Dunlop latex, and therefore sleeps a little cooler.)

Although we call it a value organic mattress, we stress that it's a value mattress within its category – on a broader scale, you're still paying a premium price (or close). However, if your budget expands beyond the Awara but doesn't quite reach the Avocado Green, then the Birch Natural will be 'just right.'

Tip from our testers: "The Birch Natural is worth buying for combination back and stomach sleepers of most sizes and sleepers who run hot. Those who are seeking an organic and/or hybrid mattress made of high-quality, safe materials should also keep this mattress at the top of their list. While it's not the most luxurious in look or sleep feel, it does seem well made and high quality. (It's made in the USA.)"

Price, trial, warranty
The Birch Natural mattress is the cheaper of the brand’s two adult mattress options. It's often on sale for 20% off, but shop around major holidays and you may see that bumped to 25%. (Just keep an eye on fluctuating MSRPs, as higher discounts may not yield lower prices overall.) It also comes with a 25-year warranty, a 100-night sleep trial, and a pair of pillows.

• Read more: Birch Natural mattress review

Birch Natural mattress: from $1,373 $1,099+ 2 free pillows at Birch
Use the promo code on the product page for 20% off MSRP, which takes the queen size down to $1,499, with two free pillows thrown in. Despite a 25% off sale for Presidents' Day, this is actually cheaper after a drop in the MSRP. All the more reason why you should never take a discount at face value!

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How we test mattresses in a box

Our mattress testing process is editorially independent and we decide which mattresses in a box to include in this guide. We conduct regular market research to see which new boxed mattresses are being released, then we contact the brands to ask for review samples. 

Once we have received our review sample of the mattress in a box that we want to test, we assemble our testing team comprising a lead mattress tester and a wider review panel made up of people with different body types and sleep preferences. This ensures we capture testing data and review opinions for a wider pool of people to reflect how subjective mattress comfort and support can be.

Our lead tester sleeps on the bed in a box for three consecutive weeks, rating it across key areas including comfort, support, pressure relief, motion isolation, temperature control and edge support. We also look at elements such as off-gassing and how easy it is to unpack and set up the boxed bed. We rate each key area out of 5.

Our wider testing panel is then invited to review the mattress by completing a series of 'sit and lie' tests. 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.

See our mattress methodology for more.

Mattress in a box FAQs

• Read more: What is a box spring?

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.

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.

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.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday bed-in-a-box deals

A good mattress in a box normally costs around $1,100 or under for a queen size, but in this year’s Cyber Monday mattress deals we saw big discounts on all of the best mattresses in a box. 

Our top deal was a 25% off the Helix Midnight plus a free bedding bundle worth $333. That reduces the cost of a queen to $999. For smaller budgets, you could have secured a queen size Nectar Mattress for $699 with a year’s trial and forever warranty. That's great value.

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.

Meet our mattress in a box experts

Claire Davies

Claire is the mattress expert at Tom's Guide and is responsible for all sleep product testing on the site. Claire is also a Certified Sleep Science Coach and can help you create the ultimate bedroom environment for better sleep. Claire has over 15 years' product testing experience under her belt and uses this, coupled with her sleep coach training, to help readers find the best mattress in a box for their specific needs.

Alison Barretta

Alison is one of the main mattress testers at Tom's Guide and an experienced sleep product tester in general. Alison has reviewed every type of mattress you can buy online, including memory foam, hybrid and cooling beds. She loves using her review knowledge to help readers choose a great mattress in a box.