15 Best Mattresses That Come in a Box to Buy Online

Article medically reviewed and fact-checked by Dr. Dimitar Marinov (M.D, Ph.D)

Mattresses in a box that you order online are typically much cheaper than mattresses that you buy in a store because there are fewer middlemen and overheads to deal with but picking the right mattress for your needs can be difficult.

The best mattress in a box to buy online is the Puffy Lux because it comes in all-foam and hybrid versions that can cater to every sleeping position and style – including front, back, side, and restless sleepers, as well as couples.

The rest of this article reviews and compares the 15 best mattresses in a box to buy online to make sure that you’re getting the right mattress for your needs.

I have also asked our resident medical expert Dr. Dimitar Marinov (M.D, Ph.D.) to review this article to make sure that it’s factually correct and provide some unique content regarding mattresses and sleep based on his professional experience.

Mattress and Sleep Q&A – With Dr. Dimitar Marinov (M.D, Ph.D)

Before we jump into the list of the best mattresses in a box to buy online, here are the medically correct and evidence-based answers to some of the most common questions related to mattresses and sleep quality provided by our resident chief medical advisor and fact-checker Dr. Dimitar Marinov (M.D, Ph.D):

Can the quality of a mattress affect your sleep?

‘The comfortability of the mattress is the most important factor for sleep quality according to scientific evidence [1]. Sleeping on a “comfortable” mattress is shown to improve sleep efficiency and the percentage of deep sleep.

Whist higher quality mattresses are generally considered more comfortable, it also comes down to personal preferences, body characteristics, and sleeping position’.

Which is better – a soft or firm mattress?

‘According to studies, the perfect firmness varies between different people – some people might be more comfortable on a soft mattress while others might sleep better on a firm on [2]. This depends on their sleeping position, body weight, and personal preferences’.

Can a mattress help with back pain?

‘The quality of a mattress can affect both sleeping quality and back pain according to a study with 59 participants [3]. It suggests that replacing older mattresses with new ones can help reduce back pain’.

Related: if you have back pain then check out my list of the best mattresses and beds to help alleviate back pain here.

15 Best Mattresses in a Box Reviewed

The best mattress that you can buy online that comes in a box is the Puffy Lux.

Because it arrives in a compact box that’s relatively easy to maneuver and it’s designed in such a way that it will be suitable for most sleeping types – especially side sleepers.

I’ve also featured the Puffy Lux in several of my other top lists such as the best mattresses that won’t sag (hybrid version) and the best mattresses with a lifetime warranty.

This is quite a long list of mattresses, so if you feel overwhelmed then the Puffy Lux is probably going to be fine for you.

However, if you have any specific requirements such as needing to combat back pain, sleep cool, or are shopping on a limited budget (mattress #15 is the cheapest) then you might prefer some of the other mattresses that I’ve included.

Click the red button under any of the mattress reviews below to buy that mattress directly from the manufacturer’s website at the best price (plus special discounts).

1: Puffy Lux – Best Overall (Ideal For Side Sleepers)

I have chosen the Puffy Lux as the best mattress in a box overall because it has qualities that make it suitable for a wide range of sleeping positions – especially side sleepers (which is the most popular sleeping position).

More specifically, the Puffy Lux arrives in a neat box that is 42″ tall and 19″ across, with a twin weighing just 35 lbs and a queen 59 lbs for easier transportation and maneuverability.

And once unboxed, this all-foam, memory foam topped mattress stands at a plump 12 inches in depth for a greater capacity for support and it can hold up to 350 lbs per each half of the mattress.

Crucially, the Puffy Lux combines a medium level of firmness with high density memory foam that provides excellent pressure relief in the side sleeping position on your hips and shoulders, whilst also providing enough support and surface tension to keep front, back, and combination sleepers comfortable.

The Puffy Lux is also an excellent choice for couples because the all-foam design helps to dampen movements so that you can both sleep undisturbed as you shuffle around at night.

And whilst the all-foam design can potentially hold heavier weighted sleepers in the 230 – 350 lbs range, you may opt to go for the Puffy Lux Hybrid to increase the support and bounce of the mattress if required (at no extra cost) by selecting this option on the sales page.

The hybrid alternative is also a great option if you want a cooler mattress, but the temperature regulating qualities of the foam and climate adaptive materials means that the all-foam version of the Puffy Lux does sleep fairly cool for a memory foam containing mattress.

Overall, I think that the Puffy Lux is an excellent bed in a box mattress that will suit just about every type of sleeper – see below for more details or click the button to get $300 OFF the Puffy Lux (plus a FREE pillow) for a limited time only.

Specs

• Firmness: medium.

• Design: memory foam comfort layer + polyfoam support core.

• Thickness: 12 inches.

Recommended For

• Side sleepers – the Puffy Lux is perfect for side sleepers because the memory foam moulds to your exact body shape to remove the pressure points on your hips and shoulders.

• Front sleepers – the medium level of firmness can help to keep you in good posture in the front sleeping position despite the all-foam design.

• Back sleepers – the memory foam fills up the gaps around your lower back to provide custom pressure relief, support, and spinal alignment.

• Restless sleepers – the adaptive memory foam can help to reduce the pressure points that might be causing you to wake up during the night and shuffle around.

• Couples – the foam deadens movements very well and the lack of springs means less noise for a more peaceful night’s sleep for you both.

• Lighter weighted sleepers – even though this is a medium mattress, the memory foam can help to allow lighter weighted sleepers under 150 lbs to sink more into the materials to stop compression forces building up in your joints.

• Heavier weighted sleepers – the Puffy Lux can handle weights of up to 350 lbs in the single sleeper sizes and up to 750 lbs in the double sleeper sizes (350 lbs on each half of the mattress).

• Skinny sleepers – if you have a low body fat percentage then the adaptive memory foam can contour to your exact body shape to soothe away the pressure points that you’re used to feeling on a regular spring mattress; resulting in more comfort.

Considerations

• The Puffy Lux Hybrid – although the regular Puffy Lux will be fine for most sleepers, you might want to consider selecting the hybrid option on the sales page (at no extra cost) if you need more support (if you weigh over 230 lbs), more bounce (combination sleepers), or need to sleep cooler.

Puffy Lux Unboxing Video (3rd Party Source)

Here is an unboxing video of the Puffy Lux from The Sleep Judge (notice how she unwraps the mattress on the bed frame before expansion to make maneuverability easier):

More Benefits

• Lifetime warranty – the Puffy Lux comes with a lifetime warranty which means that you can get free repairs and replacements if your mattress is defective.

• 101-night sleep trial – allows you to return the mattress for reasons not covered by the warranty such as comfort issues for up to 101 nights after delivery.

• Made in the USA – for better quality control.

• Fiberglass free – the Puffy Lux doesn’t contain fiberglass (unlike many cheap bed in a box mattresses) so that you don’t have to worry about this nasty substance harming your health or ruining your home.

• Resistant to sagging and indenting – the foams used in the Puffy Lux are high density and have been specially created to resist premature sagging, indenting, and body impressions.

• Works with all frames – in addition to working with box springs, flats frames, and slatted frames, the Puffy Lux also works with adjustable bases too.

• Zip-off washable cover – not only is the cover of the Puffy Lux resistant to fluids and stains, but you can also easily remove the cover and wash it (most mattress covers cannot be removed and washed).

• Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 Certified – to ensure that the foams are low in VOCs and free from toxic chemicals to make for a healthier mattress that doesn’t off-gas (smell).

• 0% APR– pay with Klarna at check out to be in with the chance to pay for the Puffy Lux in installments with no extra interest to increase affordability.

• Save $300 – click the button below to get $300 OFF the Puffy Lux (and get a FREE pillow) for a limited time only.

2: Botanical Bliss – Best Organic Non-Toxic Mattress

If you’re concerned about sleeping on a mattress made from synthetic materials and potential toxicity issues then I recommend taking a look at the Botanical Bliss from PlushBeds.

Because this all-latex, organic bed in a box mattress is free from toxins and is available in medium and firm options to suit a wide range of sleepers.

More specifically, the Botanical Bliss is made from certified GOLS organic latex with a GOTS certified cover that reduces allergens that may otherwise cause irritation for those with dust mite allergies, asthma, eczema, or sensitive skin.

Whilst the absence of toxic chemicals like mercury, lead, heavy metals, CFCs, chloroform, cyanide, and PBDE flame retardants makes this mattress suitable for sensitive sleepers like children and the elderly.

The medium level of firmness coupled with the adaptive and responsive design of the latex should suit most front, back, side and combination sleepers of average weights (around 80% of sleepers) but the firm option might be the best choice if you weigh more than 230 lbs to guard against excessive sinkage.

Recommended For

• Side sleepers – the medium level of firmness combined with the contouring properties of the latex should provide excellent pressure relief on your hips and shoulders up to the 230 – 275 lbs range, whilst the firmer option may be better if you’re heavier than this.

• Front sleepers – if you’re a stomach sleeper under 230 lbs then the medium firmness should be fine, whilst the firmer option may be better if you weigh more than 230 lbs because it will provide more surface tension to promote good posture.

• Back sleepers – the medium level of firmness coupled with the adaptive nature of the latex should provide good pressure relief and support in the back sleeping position in the 230 – 250 lbs range; with the firmer option likely being more suitable if you weigh more.

• Combination sleepers – the latex is more responsive than memory foam which makes it easier to switch positions and not get bogged down in the materials.

• Restless sleepers – in addition to allowing for a smoother transition between sleeping positions, the pressure relief provided by the latex may help to reduce restlessness and the need to shuffle around to get comfortable.

• Heavier weighted sleepers – the more resilient consistency of the latex combined with the firmer feel makes the Botanical Bliss suitable for sleepers who weigh more than 275 lbs.

• Allergy sufferers – the organic latex, organic cotton, and lack of chemicals can help to inhibit allergens that might otherwise cause a flare-up in those with asthma, eczema, sensitive skin, and dust mite allergies.

• Kids and the elderly – the lack of chemicals and organic construct makes the Botanical Bliss suitable for children and the elderly.

• Warmer sleepers – the all-latex design allows for excellent airflow to help dissipate heat and regulate your temperature.

Considerations

• Lighter weighted sleepers – if you weigh less than 130 lbs then you might prefer to go for the Natural Bliss in the ‘soft’ option so that you can sink more deeply into the materials and experience more comfort in your joints.

More Benefits

• Long-lasting – the highly durable Dunlop latex means that this mattress could last you longer than 10 years with the right care.

• Fiberglass free – no need to worry about this substance being released into your home and causing health problems.

• Change the firmness yourself – you can unzip the cover and switch the layers around yourself to create different feels to suit your preferences without having to return the mattress or order new layers.

• 25-year warranty – non-prorated for the first 10 years.

• 0% APR – pay with Klarna at the checkout for the chance to pay with 0% APR to split your payments up at no extra cost and increase affordability.

• Save $1,100 – click the button below to get an amazing $1,100 OFF your new Botanical Bliss mattress (limited time offer).

3: Amerisleep AS3 Hybrid – Best For Back and Front Sleepers

Although the Amerisleep AS3 hybrid mattress is ideal for side sleepers, I also feel that it’s a superb choice if you sleep mainly on your stomach or back too.

Because the adaptive memory foam top layer is able to provide pressure relief on the more angular regions of your body in all sleeping positions, whilst the medium feel and buoyant springs provide the surface tension and support required to maintain good posture – even if you weigh more than 230 lbs.

The individually wrapped coils are also zoned to provide more support around your back and confer more ‘give’ around your shoulders for greater comfort.

The coils also help to give this mattress more bounce to make switching positions easier, whilst also encouraging airflow to help dissipate heat and regulate your temperature in conjunction with the breathable cover and the open-celled Bio-Pur® foam.

Couples can also enjoy enhanced motion isolation and reduced noise because the coils are individually encased and the foam does a great job of dampening both vertical and cross mattress movements.

The Amerisleep AS3 hybrid is a great all-round mattress that’s perfect if you’re looking for a combination of memory foam and springs.

Recommended For

• Front and back sleepers – the medium feel, memory foam, and coils combine perfectly to provide a balance between adaptive pressure relief and support that can maintain good posture as you sleep on your front or back.

• Side sleepers – the memory foam and zoned support coils can contour precisely around your hips and shoulders to provide pressure relief in the side sleeping position.

• Combination sleepers – unlike regular memory foam, the Bio-Pur® foam used by Amerisleep is highly responsive and combines with the coils to make switching positions smooth and effortless.

• Restless sleepers – in addition to helping you change positions easily, the Bio-Pur® foam can soothe the pressure points that may be causing your restlessness and may help to reduce the need to shuffle around to get comfortable.

• Warmer sleepers – the Bio-Pur® foam is cooler than regular memory foam and combines with the coil core to allow for better airflow and heat dissipation to help regulate your temperature.

• Couples – the individually encased coils combined with the memory foam help to absorb movements from multiple angles so that you and your partner are less likely to wake each other up as you move around during the night.

• Lighter weighted sleepers – even with a medium feel, the compression capacity of the memory foam combined with the zoned coiled support can allow lighter weighted sleepers under 150 lbs to sink more deeply into the materials to allow for the dissipation of pressure away from your joints to increase comfort.

• Heavier weighted sleepers – the zoned support and buoyancy of the coils can help to keep you well supported and in good posture even if you weigh more than 230 lbs.

• Allergies – the mattress is resistant to dust mites, mold, mildew, and other allergens that could otherwise cause an allergic reaction.

Considerations

• Other firmnesses – as well-rounded as the AS3 hybrid is, you may prefer to go for the AS2 if you need a slightly firmer feel (for heavier weights and/or front/back sleepers) or the AS5 if you need a softer mattress (for lighter weights and/or side sleepers).

More Benefits

• 100 night sleep trial – gives you the chance to return your mattress if you don’t like it.

• 20 year warranty – full replacements in the first 10 years, prorated coverage thereafter.

• CertiPUR-US® certified – to ensure that toxic chemicals like formaldehyde are absent and that VOCs are minimised to combat off-gassing (smells).

4: Zoma Hybrid – Best For Athletes and Recovery

If you’re an athlete, gym-goer, runner, sporty person, or a business professional that needs to recover fully and deeply every night then the Zoma Hybrid mattress could be ideal.

Because in addition to being specifically designed for athletes, the Zoma all-foam and hybrid mattresses are actually used by professional sportspeople – like Solomon Simmons (Olympic runner), Gavin Lux (LA Dodgers), and Oshane Ximines (NY Giants).

More specifically, the zoned support and targeted pressure-relieving qualities of the Triangulex™ gel memory foam can help to improve circulation and increase comfort to promote faster muscle recovery and deeper sleep to help you gain an edge in your physical and mental abilities.

But even if you’re not a professional athlete, the Zoma hybrid is still an excellent purchase if you’re just looking for a better night’s rest.

Recommended For

• Physically active people – the Zoma hybrid mattress may help to reduce DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) by allowing for better circulation by reducing pressure points on your body that may otherwise impede blood flow (increasing blood flow is a known treatment for DOMS [4]).

• Entrepreneurs, business people, and high-performance individuals – if your profession requires you to be mentally at your best every day then the deeper recovery afforded by the Zoma hybrid mattress could give you an edge in your field.

• Front, back, side, and combination sleepers – the medium-firm feel combined with the responsive Reactiv™ foam and the springs makes this a well-rounded mattress that should suit most sleeping positions and styles.

Considerations

• Lighter weighted sleepers – if you weigh less than 130 lbs, then you might prefer the all-foam version of the Zoma to aid with material compression so that you can sink further into the mattress materials for deeper comfort.

More Benefits

• Sleeps cool and dry – the aerated design, breathable foam, and ventilated cover makes the Zoma hybrid mattress suitable for warmer sleepers.

• CertiPUR-US® certified – the foams are low in VOCs to help combat off-gassing (chemical smells) and are free from toxins like formaldehyde.

• Works with adjustable frames – the Zoma hybrid works with most types of frames; including adjustable frames so that you can position yourself for even greater comfort and deeper recovery.

• Save $150 – click the button below to get $150 OFF the Zoma mattress for a limited time only.

5: Idle Hybrid – Longest Sleep Trial and Warranty

If buying a mattress in a box makes you nervous because you’re worried about the suitability and quality of the mattress then you should consider the Idle Hybrid from Idle Sleep.

Because this mattress comes with a sleep trial that lasts 1.5 YEARS and has a LIFETIME warranty.

This means that you can try this mattress out for more than a year through all 4 seasons to ensure that you’re comfortable in a range of temperatures with a view to return it if you’re not happy.

The 18 month trial period also allows you to send the mattress back if you notice premature sagging or body impressions forming, whilst the warranty will protect you against qualifying defects thereafter.

The mattress itself is double-sided for enhanced durability and a longer lifespan, whilst the medium, luxury firm, and medium/luxury firm (one on each side) options make this mattress an excellent choice for average and heavier weighted front, back, and side sleepers.

Recommended For

• Front and back sleepers – the medium option should be suitable up to 230 lbs whilst the luxury firm may provide a touch more firmness that can help to guard against sinkage and maintain good posture if you weigh more.

• Side sleepers – if you’re between 130 and 230 lbs then the medium option should be suitable, with the luxury firm potentially being better at heavier weights (go for the medium/luxury firm split if you’re unsure).

• Combination sleepers – the specially designed ‘buoyancy foam’ combines with the springs to provide the bounce responsiveness required to make switching positions easier.

• Warmer sleepers – the Thermocool™ fabric in the cover works with the aerated design to help dissipate heat and cool you down.

• Edge sleepers – if you sleep close to the edge of the bed then the edge-to-edge reinforced coil support can help to guard against sinkage and roll-off.

• Couples – the foam and individually encased coils work together to dampen movements and reduce noise.

Considerations

• Lighter weighted sleepers – if you’re in the 130 lbs – 150 lbs range or lighter (especially if you’re a side sleeper) then you might prefer to switch to the Idle Gel Plush for more pressure relief and deeper material compression for enhanced comfort.

More Benefits

• Spread the cost – you can pay on finance with the chance to qualify for the 0% APR promotional offer so that you can spread your payments out at no extra cost to increase affordability.

• Get 20% OFF – click the button below and for a limited time only, you can get 20% OFF your new Idle Hybrid mattress.

6: DreamCloud Premier – Best For Heavy Side Sleepers

If you’re a side sleeper over 230 lbs then it can be quite difficult to find a comfortable mattress because the firmer feel that you need to create the surface tension to stop you sinking too far into the materials can also increase pressure points on your hips and shoulders.

But this shouldn’t be a problem with the hybrid DreamCloud Premier mattress.

Because the ‘luxury firm’ feel combines with the CASHEX Cashmere Quilted Euro Top, gel-infused memory foam, and edge-to-edge coils to provide a high degree of pressure relief on your shoulders and hips whilst also keeping you well supported and in good posture as you sleep on your side.

However, the qualities of the DreamCloud Premier mattress also makes it suitable for just about every other type of sleeping position and style – for single sleepers and couples alike.

See below for more details.

Recommended For

• Side sleepers – the pressure-relieving qualities of the Euro Top and the adaptive gel memory foam is able to dissipate pressure away from pain hot spots on your hips and shoulders for deeper comfort.

• Front and back sleepers – the memory foam and adaptive coils combine with the luxury firm feel to help cradle your spine and joints in the front and back sleeping positions to maintain good posture.

• Combination sleepers – if you’re a restless sleeper then the bounce provided by the coils can help to stop you from getting bogged down in the materials as you switch positions.

• Heavier weighted sleepers – the luxury firm feel and robust coil support core can accommodate heavier weights in excess of 230 lbs.

• Warm sleepers – the coils can help to promote airflow and dissipate heat to help regulate your temperature and keep you cool at night.

• Edge sleepers – the DreamCloud Premier has a double row of lower gauge coils running along the perimeter of the mattress to limit sagging and roll-off as you get closer to the edge of the mattress.

• Couples – in addition to limiting roll-off so that you can make full use of the mattress area, the individually wrapped coils combine with the memory foam to help diffuse movements so that you don’t wake each other up as you get in and out of bed and move around during the night.

Considerations

• Lighter weighted side sleepers – although the Euro Top and pressure-relieving foam should be just fine for sleepers in the 130 – 150 lbs range, side sleepers under 130 lbs may find the DreamCloud Premier to be a touch on the firm side.

More Benefits

• 1-year sleep trial – try the DreamCloud Premier for a full year through all 4 seasons to ensure that you’re comfortable and happy with your mattress.

• Lifetime warranty – get a free replacement in the first 10 years and repairs or re-covering thereafter for qualifying defects.

• 0% APR financing – checkout with Affirm for the chance to pay with 0% APR to increase affordability.

• Get $200 OFF – click the button below to get $200 OFF the DreamCloud Premier (plus 2 FREE pillows) for a limited time only.

7: Awara Hybrid – Best Cooling Mattress For Hot Sleepers

If you tend to sleep hot or live in a warmer climate then the Awara Organic Luxury Hybrid mattress in a box could be ideal for you.

Because the cover is made from soft New Zealand wool and organic cotton that works with the 4″ of cooling Dunlop latex in the upper comfort layer and the 9″ of individually wrapped pocket coils to enhance airflow, maximise breathability, and dissipate heat to help regulate your temperature.

Beyond this, the Awara hybrid is an extremely versatile medium-firm mattress that is suitable for a wide range of sleeping positions and styles.

Recommended For

• Warmer sleepers – the combination of the latex and the coils is the best for dissipating heat and helping to regulate your temperature.

• Sweaty sleepers – if you tend to sweat a lot at night due to being too hot, going through the menopause, idiopathic hyperhidrosis, hormone issues, medication, or some other cause of night sweats [5], then the breathable cotton and New Zealand wool can help to wick away moisture to help keep you cool and dry.

• Side sleepers – the latex and adaptive coils provide a combination of pressure relief and postural support to keep you comfortable in the side sleeping position.

• Front and back sleepers – the medium-firm feel and the coils provide the right amount of surface tension and underlying support to keep you in good posture as you sleep on your front or your back.

• Combination sleepers – the Dunlop latex and the coils give the Awara a mixture of bounce and responsiveness that makes it easier to switch positions without sinking too far into the materials.

• Heavier weighted sleepers – if you weigh more than 230 lbs then the durable latex and the coils can help to guard against excessive sinkage and keep you well supported.

• Children – the natural materials and lack of synthetic foams and toxic chemicals makes the Awara a great mattress for kids.

Considerations

• Lighter weighted side sleepers – although the plush Euro Top can allow you to sink into the mattress if you’re in the 130 – 150 lbs range, you may find the Awara a touch too firm if you’re a side sleeper under 130 lbs.

More Benefits

• Long-lasting – the combination of the Dunlop latex and coils makes for a durable design that could help the Awara to last longer than 10 years with the right care.

• Dust mite resistant – the New Zealand wool and Dunlop latex work together to make the Awara less hospitable for allergy-inducing dust mites.

• 1-year sleep trial – test out the Awara in the warmest months to ensure that you’re happy with it and return it for free if not.

• Lifetime warranty – free replacements on qualifying defects.

• 0% APR – apply for financing with Affirm at the checkout (takes a few minutes) and you could pay for your Awara mattress over several months at 0% APR to increase affordability.

• Save $300 – click the button below to get $300 OFF the Awara mattress (offer ends soon – get it before it’s gone).

8: Level Sleep – Best For Back Pain

Buying a new mattress can help to fix back pain associated with sleeping on a mattress that’s old and sagging.

However, if your back pain stems from a medical condition like a prolapsed disc, sciatica, ankylosing spondylitis, spondylolisthesis, arthritis, or osteoporosis [6] then it can be more challenging to solve your night time back pain due to its nuanced origins.

Which is why I always recommend that you speak to your doctor or a qualified medical professional before buying a mattress or sleep product to help combat your back pain.

With that said, the best mattress in a box for back pain that I’ve found is the Level Sleep mattress.

Because unlike most mattresses that have the same level of firmness over the entire surface area, the Level Sleep mattress leverages firmer foam around the lower back and softer foam around the shoulders and hips to provide a more individualized sleeping surface that can help to maintain good posture and reduce pressure points – potentially reducing your back pain.

Furthermore, the Level Sleep mattress is endorsed by several chiropractors and is backed by clinical trials where subjects reported better sleep and reduced morning stiffness (source).

If you would like to see more options, then check out my list of the best mattresses and beds for back pain to buy here.

Recommended For

• All sleeping positions – the adaptive TriSupport® foam and varying firmnesses across the length of the mattress makes this mattress suitable for front, back, and side sleepers alike.

• Reducing pain – the reduction in pressure afforded by the foam may help to improve circulation, distribute your body weight more evenly, and promote better posture that could help to reduce back pain and other types of musculoskeletal discomfort.

Considerations

• Talk to your doctor first – as promising as the Level Sleep mattress could be for reducing pain, it’s always a good idea to speak with a qualified medical professional before buying a mattress or sleep product to help with your specific condition.

More Benefits

• 1-year sleep trial – 365 nights to test out the Level Sleep mattress to ensure that you’re comfortable in it.

• Works will all frames – place your Level Sleep mattress on any box spring, divan base, traditional frame, adjustable base, platform base, or even the floor.

• Lifetime warranty – free replacements in the first 10 years on qualifying defects with repairs and re-covering available thereafter.

• Pay on finance – 0% APR available when you check out with Affirm (click the button below to learn more).

9: Naturepedic Verse – Best Organic Mattress For Kids

The Verse Organic is the best mattress in a box for young children and older kids that I could find.

Because this mattress from Naturepedic is one of the few truly organic kids mattresses that you can buy.

More specifically, the Verse is completely free from toxic chemicals, harmful flame retardants, glues, adhesives, synthetic polyfoams, and is instead made with GOTS certified organic cotton, organic wool, plant-based fibers, and encased coils so that your little ones won’t be sleeping on anything that could harm them.

This is a 9-inch thick mattress that leverages a firmer feel to help support your child’s developing bones as they sleep, whilst also providing a breathable sleeping surface to encourage airflow and regulate their temperature.

Furthermore, the Verse is certified by MADE SAFE® and UL/GREENGUARD to ensure that the mattress is free from toxic chemicals and harmful chemical emissions.

You can buy the Verse Organic mattress in twin, twin xl, full, and queen sizes directly from the Naturepedic website by clicking the button below.

(Where you’ll also get 20% OFF the Verse Organic mattress for a limited time only).

10: Aviya – Best Spring Mattress For Bounce and Mobility

Most bed in a box spring mattresses are actually hybrid mattresses with memory foam or latex infused into the upper comfort layers.

And whilst these types of mattresses are typically superior to the older types of spring mattresses out there, it can make finding a no-frills spring mattress quite difficult.

So if you’re after a basic spring mattress that comes in a box that’s also very high quality then the Aviya mattress is probably your best choice.

The outer layer is made from cotton quilting to enhance breathability, whilst the subsequent layers of high-density polyfoam help to alleviate pressure points and guard against sagging.

The spring core is made from individually wrapped coils and has high-density support foam running along the perimeter of the mattress to provide adaptive support across the entire area of the mattress.

The coils and the thinner outer foam layers give this mattress excellent bounce and responsiveness that makes it easy to switch positions without getting stuck in the materials.

You can order the Aviya in plush, luxury firm, or firm – making it suitable for all sleeping positions.

Recommended For

• Side sleepers – the plush level of firmness is likely the best option for side sleepers up to around 200 lbs, whilst the luxury firm option can provide a tad more surface tension for better posture if you weigh more than 200 lbs.

• Front and back sleepers – unless you are very light (under 130 lbs) then you should skip the plush option and go for the luxury firm feel in the 130 – 230 lbs range, and the firm option if you are heavier than 230 lbs in order to guard against sinkage in the front and back sleeping positions.

• Combination sleepers – the thinner polyfoam upper layer and the bounce of the springs makes this mattress ideal for those who want to be able to switch positions quickly and smoothly without getting bogged down in the mattress.

Considerations

• Couples/light sleepers – although the individually wrapped coils and polyfoam layers can help to dampen movements and noise somewhat, very light (sensitive) sleepers may find themselves being woken up by their partner moving around.

More Benefits

• Sleeps cool – the coil core and the breathable upper layers allow the air to flow really well through this mattress to help get rid of trapped heat and regulate your temperature.

• Get $200 OFF – click the button below to get $200 OFF your new Aviya mattress for a limited time only.

11: Nolah Original – Best For Couples and Light Sleepers

If you’re a light sleeper that’s easily woken by the feeling of your bed partner moving around then the Nolah 10″ Original mattress could be the perfect mattress in a box for you.

Because the all-foam design is superb at dampening both vertical and horizontal movements throughout the mattress to reduce the chance of you disturbing each other as you get in and out of bed and shuffle around during the night.

But even if you sleep alone, the Nolah Original is a fantastic medium firmness mattress that uses an alternative to memory foam so that you can get excellent pressure relief and stay cool without getting bogged down as you try to switch positions.

Learn more in my full Nolah mattress reviews, or check out the summary below and click the button to check out the specs on the Nolah sales page.

Recommended For

• Couples – superb motion isolation and no springs make this a quiet mattress that absorbs movements very well.

• Side sleepers – the pressure-relieving qualities of the foam can help to remove the pressure points on your hips and shoulders in the side sleeping position.

• Front and back sleepers – the medium firmness and high-density base foam can help to keep you in good posture and guard against sinkage.

• Lighter weighted sleepers – the compression afforded by the foam can allow you to sink further into the materials if you’re a lighter sleeper under 150 lbs to experience deeper comfort.

• Heavier weighted sleepers – the Nolah can support up to 350 lbs in the twin, twin xl, and full sizes; and 700lbs in the queen, king, and Cal.king sizes (350 lbs per side).

Considerations

• Heavier weighted front sleepers – if you weigh more than 250 lbs and sleep on your stomach, then even though the mattress can hold up to 350 lbs, you may prefer to go for the Nolah Signature because it has a firm side (as well as a soft side for lighter weighted side sleepers) that may help to keep your hips better supported.

More Benefits

• 120-night sleep trial – 4 months to make sure that the Nolah Original mattress is right for you.

• 100% made in the USA – for better quality control.

• Works with any frame – including platform, slatted, box spring, and adjustable bases.

• Better than memory foam – more cooling, more responsive, and better pressure relief (certified by Certipur-US® for minimal odor-causing VOCs too).

• 25% OFF – click the button below to get 25% OFF the Nolah Original (plus 2 FREE pillows) now for a limited time.

12: Layla Hybrid – Best Double Sided Mattress (Soft and Firm)

The best double-sided mattress in a box is the Layla hybrid in my view because it provides a soft sleeping surface on one side and a firm feel on the other to help accommodate a wide range of sleeping positions.

More specifically, the soft side can benefit side sleepers and lighter weighted sleepers that need more pressure relief and sinkage, whilst the firm side is better for heavier weighted sleepers and front sleepers that need more surface tension to combat sinkage and maintain good posture.

The flippable design means that this mattress may be more durable and longer-lasting than some single-sided mattresses – giving you more for your money.

The mattress also comes with a cooling cover that can be zipped off for easier cleaning.

Recommended For

• Side sleepers – the soft side can provide you with the pressure relief that you need in the side sleeping position for lighter and average weights.

• Front and back sleepers – the firmer side can help to guard against sinkage and promote good posture for average and heavier weights.

• Combination sleepers – the firmer side in conjunction with the coil core can give you the responsiveness and bounce required to switch positions smoothly.

• Edge sleepers – the Layla comes with reinforced edges to guard against roll-off and sinkage.

Considerations

• No medium feel – although the combination of the soft and firm sides can suit most sleeping positions and styles, there’s no traditional ‘medium’ feel that many sleepers may prefer.

More Benefits

• Good motion isolation – the springs and foam combine to dampen movements very well.

• 10-year warranty – non-prorated coverage for the full 10 years for repairs or replacements where defective parts are confirmed.

• 0% APR – increase affordability with 0% APR financing options from Affirm at the checkout.

• Save $200 – click the button below to get $200 OFF your new Layla hybrid mattress (plus 2 FREE pillows) for a limited time only.

13: Nectar – Best Memory Foam Mattress For Restless Sleepers

If you’re a restless sleeper that wakes up frequently or struggles to get into a deep sleep then the Nectar memory foam mattress might be the best mattress in a box for you.

Because the pressure-relieving qualities of the gel memory foam used in the top layer can help to dissipate the pressure on the more angular areas of your body that may otherwise be causing subtle discomfort and preventing you from resting deeply.

And the medium-firm feel helps to offset the compression afforded by the foam slightly to increase the surface tension so that you can move around more freely in the mattress materials if you do need to switch positions.

Plus, the all-foam design makes it great for restless couples that waken due to minor movements because the pressure relief can help to limit the need for repositioning, whilst the foam itself can absorb shock waves very well when movements do occur.

So if you’re looking for a mattress to help stop you from tossing and turning then the Nectar memory foam mattress could be perfect.

Recommended For

• Side sleepers – the adaptive memory foam contours to your body shape precisely to move the pressure away from your hips and shoulders to allow for a deeper and more restorative sleep.

• Front and back sleepers – the foam and the firmer feel combine to provide excellent support around the lower back and hip region in the front and back sleeping position.

• Lighter weighted sleepers – even with the slightly firmer feel, the foam allows you to sink more deeply into the materials to move the compression forces away from your joints and into the materials for better comfort to combat restlessness.

• Heavier weighted sleepers – the Nectar memory foam mattress can hold up to 650 lbs.

• Couples – the pressure relief afforded by the foam and the all-foam design makes the Nectar perfect for couples that are very sensitive to even the smallest movements.

Considerations

• Heavier weighted front sleepers – even with the high weight limit, if you’re a very heavy stomach sleeper then you might prefer a hybrid with a firmer feel to guard against any sinkage.

More Benefits

• 1 year warranty – 365 nights to test out the Nectar mattress to ensure that it’s right for you.

• Lifetime warranty – get a new mattress in the first 10 years and repairs thereafter on qualifying defects.

• 0% APR financing – checkout with Affirm and pay for your mattress in monthly installments at 0% APR to increase affordability.

• Free gifts – click the button below to discover which free gifts you can claim when you order your Nectar mattress today (for a limited time only).

14: Haven Hybrid Lux – Best Canadian Mattress

One of the most frustrating things about trying to buy a mattress in a box from Canada is the extra shipping charges due to most bed in a box companies being based in the US.

However, this won’t be a problem when you order the Haven Lux Hybrid Chiropractic mattress because the company is based in Canada and ships free to all 10 Canadian provinces.

And the mattress itself is a thick 14″ hybrid available in medium-firm (‘classic plush’) and medium (‘softer zoned’) to suit most sleeping positions and styles.

Also, the Haven Lux is approved by the Canadian Chiropractic Association through the use of Springwall Chiropractic® foam for better support and pressure relief around your hips and core.

Recommended For

• Side sleepers – the ‘softer zoned’ (medium) option is likely the best option for lighter and average weighted side sleepers because the zoned plush foam around the shoulder and hip regions will allow you to sink more deeply into the materials in those areas to alleviate pressure points.

• Stomach and back sleepers – the ‘classic plush’ (medium-firm) is probably the better option if you’re a front or back sleeper because the transition layers are firmer to help provide more support to guard against sinkage and promote better posture.

• Combination sleepers – the Talalay latex, micro-coil sublayer, and pocket coil support core combine to give the Lux a mixture of bounce and responsiveness to aid with switching between positions smoothly.

• Warmer sleepers – the latex, coils, and copper infusion make for a highly breathable mattress that can aid with heat dissipation and allow cooler ambient air to enter the mattress for better temperature regulation.

Considerations

• No returns outside Canada – products shipped outside the 10 Canadian provinces are not eligible for returns.

More Benefits

• 100 night sleep trial – covers you against comfort issues.

• Save $100 – click the button below to get $100 OFF the Haven Lux now (time-sensitive offer).

15: SweetNight Twilight – Cheapest Mattress (No Fiberglass)

The cheapest mattress in a box that’s still of high quality that I could find is the Twilight hybrid from SweetNight.

Most notably, the Twilight does NOT contain fiberglass – a troublesome substance that’s typically found in many cheaper mattresses in a box that can release into your home and cause health problems and prove very difficult to get rid of.

Beyond this, the Twilight offers a slightly firmer feel with a gel memory foam comfort layer over individually wrapped coils that will suit most sleeping positions and styles.

Check out my full SweetNight mattress reviews for more details (the Twilight is rated #1), or see the summary below and click the button to buy the Twilight directly from SweetNight at the best price.

Recommended For

• All sleeping positions – the memory foam and coils combine to provide a well balanced sleeping surface that should accommodate front, back, side, and combination sleepers up to and beyond the 230 lbs mark.

Considerations

• US only – only ships in the US.

More Benefits

• Affordable quality – a surprisingly high quality mattress for the price.

How to Buy a Mattress in a Box

So what exactly is a mattress in a box (also called a ‘bed in a box’)?

A mattress in a box is a mattress that’s been compressed and rolled up using specialist machinery so that it fits into a neat box that makes delivery and transportation to your sleeping space more manageable (see the video below to discover how this is done).

This ‘roll packing’ process can be used to compact mattresses that contain foam and springs without damaging the materials.

A boxed mattress can be ordered online from a DTC (direct to customer) company’s website or a retail site – where you’ll likely be surprised at how much LESS buying online will cost you when compared to shopping in a store.

The mattress will arrive at your doorstep a few days later in a package that can be lifted and transported to your bedroom by 1 or 2 people (the compressed mattress may be smaller, but it can still weigh a fair amount depending on the size that you picked and the materials used to make the mattress).

Once the box is in your room, you can unpackage it and allow it to expand on your bed frame to reach its full size.

You should be able to sleep on your new bed in a box mattress within a few hours or days (time to inflate can vary between brands and models).

Most bed in a box companies offer a sleep trial of around 3 months or more so that you can return the mattress if you aren’t happy with it.

See below for a look at the pros and cons of ordering a bed in a box, followed by a 4 step process that can help you to buy the right mattress in a box for you.

Benefits

Here are some of the benefits that you can expect when buying a mattress in a box online when compared to shopping in a physical store.

• Cheaper – the biggest advantage that buying a mattress online has over buying in-store is that you can save a lot of money (up to 50% or more in some cases). This is because when you go through a DTC mattress company’s website, you’re cutting out the middle-men and the overheads that drive the average price of a mattress up in-store.

• Easier to set up – setting up a mattress in a box is pretty straightforward; all you need to do is get the mattress to your bedroom, unbox it, and allow it to expand on your bed frame. This can cut out the need for paying extra for ‘white-glove delivery’ (although setting up the bed frame if you ordered one may be more challenging).

• More chance of getting a comfy mattress – despite what you may believe, you’re more likely to end up with a mattress that you’re comfy in when you order it online vs in-store. This is because it can take up to 30 days or more for a new mattress to adjust to your body type and dominant sleeping position. To account for this, online mattress companies typically offer a ‘sleep trial’ that lasts around 3 months (often much longer) so that you can return the mattress for any reason if you don’t like it. This contrasts with stores that only allow you to test the mattress for a few minutes (which is NOT an accurate gauge of the final comfort levels) and may even VOID the return policy once you’ve slept in the mattress!

• Free delivery and returns – most companies offer free shipping and returns as standard when you order within the contiguous US (some may extend this to customers in Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada but shipping to and from these locations usually incurs extra fees).

• Easy to order – you can order a mattress online in just a few clicks.

• 0% APR financing – many mattress in a box companies will let you pay for your mattress on finance at the checkout with Affirm or Klarna through a 0% APR promotional deal so that you can spread the payments out to increase affordability.

• Old mattress removal – although not yet a standard, some mattress companies will remove your old mattress as part of the delivery for free; whilst others may offer this ‘white-glove’ service at an extra fee (or not at all).

• Less pressure – you can compare mattresses online to your heart’s content without having to deal with salespeople who may pressure you into buying a mattress that gets them a bigger commission rather than the model that’s right for you.

• Instant support – many mattress companies offer live chat through their websites so that you can get answers to your questions instantly.

• Discounts and free items – in addition to saving $100’s by buying your mattress online, you can often find very generous discounts and/or get free pillows, mattress toppers, bed sheets, and other goodies when you buy directly through the company’s website.

Considerations

Here are a few things to consider before buying a mattress in a box.

• Minimum trial periods – although most mattresses in a box come with a generous sleep trial that lasts several months, there’s often a hidden clause that stipulates that you’re not allowed to return an OPENED mattress until 30 days have passed (because this is deemed to be the ‘break-in’ phase), although UNOPENED mattresses can usually be returned instantly.

• Getting the right frame – if you’re buying a compatible frame from the same company along with your mattress order (recommended) then you won’t have to worry about incompatibility or potential conflicts with the warranty. But if you’re going to be plonking your new mattress on your existing frame, then you need to ensure that the mattress and frame dimensions line up and that the frame provides enough support.

• Buying from a reputable company – the bed in a box business model has inspired many start-ups – with many of them being less than a few years old – plus many overseas companies that churn out low-quality mattresses and try to flog them on retail/auction sites. That’s why it’s best to go with the brands that I’ve listed in this post to limit any issues with quality and poor service. When doing your own research, look through customer reviews and check out the company’s reputation on the BBB website for complaints.

• Off-gassing – mattresses in a box are infamous for producing a chemical ‘off-gassing’ smell that can last for days or weeks after opening. However, most reputable mattress companies use memory foam and polyfoams that meet CertiPUR-US® standards to ensure that the VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that typically lead to the ‘new’ smell are kept to less than 0.5 parts per million.

• Hidden fees – although most companies provide free shipping and returns, this may not be the case outside the US. You may also have to pay extra for shipping, replacements, repairs, and inspection when claiming on the warranty.

• Non-delivery outside the US – many of the bed in a box start-up companies operate inside the US and don’t deliver to places like Canada, the UK, Australia, and other international locations.

1: Pre-Purchase Considerations

Before you decide on the type of bed in a box mattress that you want to buy, there are a few pre-purchase considerations to check.

The information can usually be found on the company’s website – either on the sales page of the mattress or on the FAQ page (usually found in the footer).

If in doubt, you should contact the company’s customer support through live chat, email, or a contact form on the site.

Trial Period

Look for a sleep trial that lasts for at least 30-60 nights.

Because it can take up to a month for the materials of a mattress to adjust to your body weight, body shape, and dominant sleeping position to yield the final comfort level.

You should also look at the fine print to see if there’s a minimum trial period that stipulates that you must retain an opened mattress for a specified number of days (usually 30 days) before you’re allowed to return it.

Most mattress sleep trials last for at least 90 days, but if you’re looking for a mattress trial that lasts for at least 1 year or more – to ensure that you’re comfortable in a range of temperatures through all 4 seasons and to protect you against premature sagging – then have a look at my list of the best mattresses with the longest sleep trials.

Warranty

Look for a mattress warranty that offers at least 10 years of non-prorated coverage.

Because this will ensure that you can get a replacement mattress or have the defective parts repaired at no extra cost under non-prorated terms (although extra shipping fees and inspection costs may still apply).

This contrasts with prorated coverage, where you will have to contribute a percentage towards the cost of repair or replacement.

Most mattresses will need replacing before the 10-year mark through regular wear and tear (not covered under warranty), so it’s better to go for a warranty that offers 10 years of non-prorated coverage versus a longer warranty that offers only/mostly prorated coverage (since some warranties offer a mix of the two terms).

Also, most warranties will be void if you buy from an unauthorized seller – so make sure that you buy through the company website to avoid any issues.

If you’d like to know which mattresses have the best warranties, have a look at my list of the best mattresses with a lifetime warranty.

Frame

Most bed in a box mattresses will work with the most popular types of frames, including slatted bases, platforms, box springs, adjustable bases, and even the floor (although putting your mattress on the floor generally isn’t advised).

If you’re going to be using your new mattress with your existing base, then you need to ensure that the dimensions of both matches up, and that your frame won’t void the warranty (common reasons for voiding the warranty include placing the mattress on a broken or incompatible frame; such as having the slats more than 3-4 inches apart).

To avoid any issues, it’s best to order a compatible frame from the company’s website (they’ll often throw in a discount).

This is especially advisable if you’re going to put your new mattress on an adjustable frame – since the chance of incompatibility with moving parts can increase.

Financing

It’s generally a good idea to pay for your new mattress in cash because then there’s no chance of you being charged extra due to interest and/or missed payments.

However, if you can’t pay for your mattress in full and you really need one – or you’re looking to increase affordability – then taking advantage of 0% APR financing at the checkout through Affirm or Klarna is a viable solution because it allows you to spread your payments out over a number of months without paying more (unless you don’t meet the payments on time).

If you definitely want to pay on finance, then check out my list of the best mattresses to buy with Klarna on 0% APR for some ideas.

Discounts

Online mattress companies usually have some sort of sale or promotion running most of the time.

However, some of the biggest sales of the year occur around President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labour Day, and Black Friday.

Shipping

When ordering from inside the contiguous US states, you shouldn’t accept anything less than free shipping and free returns.

Outside the US, you’ll likely have to pay for shipping and returns.

Boxed mattresses usually arrive via courier and may only take a matter of days to arrive – although be expected to wait up to a week or more (especially if you’ve ordered white glove delivery or old mattress removal too).

Returns

Before buying, it’s very important that you check the fine print of the return policy (usually found linked in the footer of the website) to see what the procedure is and what costs are involved.

You also need to ensure that in the event of a return, you’re able to get a full monetary refund – rather than being forced into an exchange.

Normally, a company will send a courier to pick up your mattress and you’ll then get your money back once they have received the mattress.

If pick-up is not available, you may be asked to recycle your mattress or donate it and then send proof in order to get a refund.

It’s crucial to understand that whilst a sleep trial can allow you to return your mattress for just about any reason, once it’s expired you’ll only be under cover of the warranty – which is far more restrictive and won’t allow you to return the mattress due to comfort issues or sagging below a certain threshold (usually under 1 – 1.5 inches).

That’s why it’s important to buy a mattress with a long sleep trial.

2: Mattress Type

Now it’s time to find out which type of mattress is the best for your sleeping preferences and needs.

If it’s been a while since you bought a mattress, you may be a bit overwhelmed with the number of options online.

For the most part, when buying a mattress in a box online, traditional spring mattresses have been replaced with ‘hybrid’ mattresses that feature foam (memory foam, latex, or polyfoam) over springs.

Hybrid mattresses strike a balance between support and pressure relief to provide a level of comfort that will suit most sleepers.

A high-quality queen-sized hybrid mattress could cost you in the region of $1,000 – $2,000.

But if you’re looking for a mattress that won’t sag prematurely, buying a high-quality hybrid mattress is the way to go.

And given that a hybrid mattress could last up to 10 years or more with the right care, the longer lifespan means that you’re paying LESS per night of sleep – potentially making it more cost-effective to buy this a high-quality hybrid mattress instead of a cheap spring or polyfoam mattress that may start sagging in a few short months or years.

However, you may decide that another type of mattress is best for you – see below for more details.

Hybrid: Spring + Memory Foam

Hybrid spring-memory foam mattresses provide an excellent balance of pressure relief and support that can suit front, back, side, and combination sleepers.

Look for individually wrapped coils to dampen movements (crucial if you sleep as a couple to avoid waking each other up as you shuffle around) and provide adaptive support.

Go for memory foam that has a mid or high-density rating (at least 4 – 5 PCF) to increase the durability of the mattress and potentially increase its comfort and lifespan.

Some memory foams can sleep hot, so look for cooling gel infusions and other features that can work with the aerated coil core to dissipate heat and help regulate your temperature.

You should ensure that any mattresses containing memory foam/polyfoam at least have the CertiPUR-US® certification to ensure that certain toxic chemicals like formaldehyde are absent and that VOCs have been minimised [7] to combat off-gassing (unwanted chemical smells).

Hybrid: Spring + Latex

Hybrid spring mattresses that feature natural (as opposed to synthetic) latex in the upper comfort layers tend to have much of the same pressure-relieving qualities of memory foam – but with a bit more bounce and better cooling capabilities.

Natural latex tends to be more durable than memory foam (especially if it’s organic), so you should go for this type of material combination if you’re a heavier weighted sleeper over 230 lbs that needs more support and less material compression to guard against sinkage.

Beyond this, hybrid spring latex mattresses are well suited to front, back, side, and combination sleepers – especially if you need to sleep cool.

All-Foam: Memory Foam + Polyfoam

Memory foam mattresses that are ‘all-foam’ typically have memory foam in the upper comfort and transition layers, and high-density polyfoam in the support core.

These types of mattresses typically favor side sleepers, sleepers with a lower body fat percentage, and lighter weighted sleepers under 150 lbs.

Because the memory foam can use your body heat and weight to reconfigure the molecules of the foam so that the material can remove pressure from the more angular areas of your body [8] better than a traditional spring mattress can, whilst the foam can allow you to sink more deeply into the materials and remove pressure from your joints.

The all-foam design is also excellent for couples because the lack of springs and the construct of the foam means that shock waves are absorbed very well.

However, if you’re a front sleeper and/or weigh more than 230 lbs then you need to be aware that the mattress may sink in more when compared to a spring or hybrid mattress – which could lead to discomfort.

To combat this, you should ensure that the memory foam mattress can handle weights in excess of 230 lbs (like Amerisleep) and that you go for a firmer feel to provide more surface tension to help maintain good posture when sleeping on your stomach (or switch to a hybrid).

If you’re a restless sleeper then the foam may help to combat this by alleviating pressure points.

But if you switch positions often during the night, then a hybrid memory foam or latex topped mattress might be able to provide the bounce and responsiveness that you need to avoid getting bogged down in the materials (a common complaint with all-foam, memory foam mattresses that are on the softer side).

Some of the most expensive Tempurpedic memory foam mattresses can cost many $1,000’s.

However, you can get a good quality queen size memory foam mattress for less than $1,500 if you look for discounts.

All-foam: Polyfoam

Some of the cheapest mattresses that you can buy are made entirely from polyfoam.

Polyfoam is what memory foam is made from, except regular polyfoam doesn’t have the same deep contouring properties and is typically less durable.

The all-foam design can help with motion isolation for couples and may even be able to help combat certain allergies (such as blocking dust mites from entering the mattress and causing a reaction).

However, all-polyfoam mattresses tend to have the shortest lifespans and usually don’t perform well under heavier loads over 230 lbs (per single sleeper size) due to the lower foam densities and greater risk of sagging/body impressions.

So generally speaking, it’s probably better to pay more money and get a good quality memory foam mattress over an all-polyfoam one because it will likely last longer and be more comfortable.

Otherwise, look for mid to high-density polyfoams with a rating of at least 1.5 – 1.7 PCF for better durability.

All-foam: Latex

Mattresses that have both a natural latex top layer and support core make for some of the most durable and long-lasting beds.

The price of a mattress that contains natural latex (rather synthetic) and is certified as organic may exceed $2,000 for a queen – but these types of high-quality mattresses may last longer than 10 years.

Beyond this, all-latex mattresses with a Talalay latex top layer are a great option for warmer sleepers due to their aerated design.

Whilst heavier weighted sleepers over 230 lbs may be able to benefit from a Dunlop latex support core and/or top layer to guard against excessive sinkage (which works well with a firmer feel if you need more surface tension to maintain good posture when sleeping on your front).

The more responsive feel of the latex can make it easier to move around and switch positions when compared to memory foam.

And latex mattresses don’t smell like memory foam and polyfoam mattresses.

Expect a slight smell of vanilla or no smell at all if the mattress is well made using high-quality organic latex and doesn’t use synthetic glues or adhesives.

Natural latex mattresses can also be a great help if you have dust mite allergies or are sensitive to synthetic chemicals because the lack of polyfoams and the presence of natural materials can help to combat allergens that may otherwise cause a reaction.

Some hypoallergenic latex mattresses have also had the latex proteins removed to prevent latex allergies (check with the company before buying for confirmation).

Traditional Spring

Traditional spring mattresses with an upholstered top layer are typically the most difficult to find when ordering online.

Because most bed in a box companies tend to prefer hybrid mattresses, and their qualities do generally make them the superior choice.

However, some companies like Aviya do make boxed, high quality regular spring mattresses.

3: Preferences

Beyond the design of the mattress, there are several more elements that you should consider before buying in order to increase the chance of you getting a mattress that you’re both comfortable in and happy with – and they are as follows:

Firmness

The firmness of the mattress describes how ‘hard’ or ‘soft’ the mattress feels when you lie down on it.

The firmness for different mattress models is set by the manufacturer via ILD values – however, before you buy your mattress, you’ll typically be able to choose from a selection of different firmnesses.

Choosing the right firmness isn’t an exact science because comfort is the cumulation of several factors; such as how your body weight, body type, and dominant sleeping position interact with the firmness, the design, and the qualities of the materials used to make the mattress.

However, for around 80% of sleepers, the ‘medium’ level of firmness is the best choice because it confers a degree of surface tension that makes front, back, and side sleeping comfortable for average weighted sleepers (130 – 230 lbs).

The table below can help guide you towards the correct level of firmness.

Support

The ‘support’ refers to the mattress’s ability to keep your spine aligned and maintain good posture.

Unlike firmness – which is a preference – the support is either ‘good’ or ‘bad’ and it’s primarily a function of the lower support layers of the mattress; although the firmness can have some influence over maintaining good posture (as can the compression capacity of the materials).

Therefore, to find a mattress with good support, you should lean more towards high-quality hybrid mattresses with individually wrapped, low gauge coils (gauge 13 or less) or natural latex mattresses that have high-density Dunlop latex in the support core.

All-foam polyfoam mattresses tend to have the worst support – especially under loads in excess of 230 lbs per single sleeper size.

So if you’re going for a memory foam mattress, make sure that the lower foam support core is made from high-density foam (at least 1.7 PCF for polyfoam) – or switch to a spring-memory foam hybrid.

If you weigh more than 230 lbs, it’s very important that you have a mattress with a robust support core – go for a hybrid mattress with lower gauge coils in the support layer.

Edge Support

Even if a mattress has ‘good’ support in the center of the mattress, this may worsen towards the edge of the mattress – especially if the mattress is made entirely of foam.

So if you sleep closer to the edge of the mattress, want to avoid sagging, and guard against roll-off – look for a mattress with reinforced edge support.

Hybrid mattresses should have a row of lower gauge support coils around the perimeter, whilst foam mattresses should have higher density foam along the edges.

Pressure Relief

If you have a lower body fat percentage and/or sleep on your side then you’ll need a mattress that can provide pressure relief on the more angular regions of your body.

High-quality memory foam topped mattresses are the best at providing pressure relief because the foam contours to your exact body shape – although latex is a viable alternative.

Traditional spring mattresses tend to provide the least amount of pressure relief because the thinner upholstered top layer typically allows the springs to be felt more easily through the materials and may actually contribute to creating more pressure points.

Material Compression

If you’re a lighter weighted sleeper under 150 lbs then you should choose a memory foam or latex topped mattress, or an all-foam mattress with a softer level of firmness so that you can sink more deeply into the materials.

In doing so, the compression forces will be dissipated away from your joints and into the materials to increase comfort.

This is important as a lighter weighted sleeper because you’ll naturally tend to rest more ‘on’ the materials than ‘in’ them – which causes pressure to build up.

Conversely, if you weigh more than 230 lbs, then you’ll need to DECREASE material compression so that you don’t sink too far into the mattress – this is especially important if you’re a stomach sleeper because if your hips sink too far into the materials you can end up with back pain.

In which case you should look for a firmer mattress – ideally with Dunlop latex in the top layer and low gauge springs in the support core.

Thickness

Look for a mattress that’s at least 10-12 inches thick so that there’s enough material to provide support, cushioning, and pressure relief under average loads (up to around 230 lbs).

If you weigh more than 230 lbs then you might prefer to go for a thicker profile to ensure that you don’t crash through the upper comfort layers and into the support core.

Furthermore, if you can find the exact measurements for the different layers of the mattress, look for a 60:40 to 70:30 of support layer to comfort layer ratio.

This will ensure that there’s enough balance between the upper comfort layers and the lower support core.

Thinner mattresses can be cheaper and potentially work better with adjustable frames but as a general rule, less material generally means that the mattress is more susceptible to compression and less resilient to material degradation (although the material quality and the design of the mattress are also influential in this department too).

Couples Preferences

If you sleep as a couple then you’ll need to consider the following points:

Motion isolation

You’ll want to go for a mattress that’s capable of dampening both cross-mattress and vertical motion transfer so that you don’t wake each other up as you sit on the edge of the bed and shuffle around during the night.

All-foam, memory foam mattresses tend to do the best job at absorbing shock waves, but a memory foam or latex foam topped hybrid mattress that uses individually wrapped coils is also a viable alternative.

Traditional spring mattresses that use a fused coil core are typically the worst at dampening movements.

No springs

To limit disturbances even more, you could go for an all-foam (memory foam, polyfoam, latex) mattress so that there are no springs to make noise.

However, hybrid mattresses with individually encased coils can be surprisingly quiet too.

Split firmnesses

If you and your partner have contrasting body types and sleeping styles, then you may want to go for a mattress that allows you to have different firmness settings on each half of the bed.

For example, if you are a lighter weighted side sleeper under 150 lbs then you might prefer a softer level of firmness on your side, whilst your partner who might be a +230 lbs stomach sleeper may prefer a firmer feel to promote good posture and to help guard against sinkage.

Cooling Capabilities

If you tend to sleep warm or live in a hotter climate then it’s generally better to avoid mattresses with memory foam because they tend to retain heat which can cause you to overheat and sweat too much.

Hybrid mattresses topped with Talalay latex tend to be the most cooling types of mattresses because the air can flow through the coil core whilst the pinhole design of the latex can help to pump out warm air as you move around (see the video below for a visualization).

All-latex mattresses are also very cooling but if you must go for an all-foam, memory foam mattress then you should look for the addition of cooling gel memory foam, gel beads, perforated foams, and other features that can help to dissipate heat and regulate your temperature.

You might also want to consider a set of cooling bed sheets – with bamboo sheets also being excellent at wicking away moisture to keep you dry too.

Allergies and Conditions

If you have allergies or other medical conditions, then you should always check with your doctor before buying a mattress or sleep product specifically for your needs.

However, some general pointers are as follows.

Dust Mites

Dust mites are one of the leading causes of bedtime allergies and can even make conditions like asthma worse [9].

Although it’s close to impossible to stop dust mites from entering your mattress, all-foam natural latex mattresses tend to be the best option because the antimicrobial properties of the latex and the lack of a spacious coil core can help to make the mattress more inhospitable for the creatures.

Asthma

If you have asthma then an organic, all-foam, natural latex mattress that’s free from synthetic polyfoams, chemicals, and adhesives may help to limit exposure to any allergens that may trigger asthma symptoms.

Wool

If you are allergic to wool then go for a vegan or wool-free mattress that uses organic cotton as a replacement.

Eczema and Sensitive skin

If you have sensitive skin then look for a mattress cover that’s made from GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified cotton and avoid synthetic-based covers like polyester to reduce the chance of irritation.

Dust mites can make eczema worse [10], so an organic cotton cover plus an all-latex mattress core may be beneficial.

Back Pain

Back pain can be difficult to combat with just a mattress alone because the causes can be highly nuanced.

However, simply replacing an old saggy mattress with a new one can help to alleviate back pain caused by the mattress itself.

Whilst going for a mattress with zoned support cores and varying foam firmnesses may help to combat back pain caused by poor posture and other conditions.

Talk to your doctor before buying a mattress for your back pain.

Weight Capacity

Most single sleeper sized beds can hold at least 250 lbs, with queen, king, and Cal. king sizes being able to hold double this amount.

However, if you weigh more than 250 lbs then you should check to ensure that the mattress can hold your extra weight.

Beyond this, as a heavier weighted sleeper, you should look for a mattress with a good support core (hybrid spring or Dunlop latex) and consider a firmer feel (especially if you sleep on your front) to help increase the surface tension to guard against sinkage.

Double-Sided Feature

Most bed in a box mattresses are single-sided – meaning that they can only be used one way up and should not be flipped over.

However, some double-sided mattresses are available and in addition to potentially being more durable and longer-lasting, they often have a different firmness on each side (not to be confused with split firmness mattresses) to potentially increase the comfort potential.

Certifications

There are many, many, certifications that can be applied to different mattresses in terms of quality assurance – some have more weight than others.

Here are some of the main ones to look out for:

CertiPUR-US®

Ensures that the foam is free from toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, PBDE’s, and heavy metals, and is low in VOCs [11] that can otherwise cause the mattress to smell of chemicals. Very important if you’re buying a memory foam or polyfoam containing mattress since these synthetic chemicals are the most likely to have toxicity and odor issues.

OEKO-TEX® Standard 100

Ensures that the materials tested are ‘harmless’ to human health [12]. Also important when buying a polyfoam or memory foam mattress.

GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)

Ensures that the textiles contain a minimum of 70% organic material [13]. Look for this when shopping for a mattress with an organic cotton cover.

GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard)

Ensures that the product contains at least 95% organic material [14]. If you’re looking to buy a mattress that has organic latex (not just ‘natural’) then look for this certification.

Removable Cover

If you have kids or pets then it might make sense to get a mattress that has a removable cover that can be washed to make cleaning your mattress cover easier – since most mattress covers cannot be removed (or should NOT be removed due to fiberglass risks).

Alternatively, you can use a mattress protector to protect your mattress from spills and stains that could damage your mattress and void the warranty.

A mattress topper does a similar job – but it can also alter the firmness and feel of the mattress too.

Fiberglass Free

Some mattresses have fiberglass hidden beneath the cover.

And some users have found that upon removing the mattress cover (which shouldn’t have been removed but wasn’t made clear by the mattress company) fiberglass was released into their home – causing health problems and costing $1,000’s to remove.

Many of the cheap polyfoam and memory foam bed in a box mattresses that you can buy online contain fiberglass – but it’s not always obvious if a mattress contains fiberglass or not.

So if you want to avoid this nasty substance, then check out my list of the top fiberglass free mattresses (there’s also a table near the end of the article that tells you which mattresses have fiberglass in them).

4: Unboxing

It’s important that you unbox your mattress ASAP to avoid causing compression damage to the mattress (which can stop your mattress from expanding fully) and potentially voiding the warranty.

So once your mattress in a box has arrived at your residence then you should follow the steps below (see the video at the end for a visual step-by-step guide to unboxing a mattress in a box):

• Transport the box to your room – although the box is more compact for better maneuverability, a mattress in a box can still be quite heavy (up to 75 – 100 lbs or more depending on the size) so you may need another person to help.

• Clear away pets and children – before opening the mattress, it’s important that you remove kids and pets from the room because the mattress can sometimes spring out of the box quite forcefully depending on how it was rolled; plus there’s going to be a lot of plastic sheeting and packaging around that could cause entanglement and suffocation issues.

• Set up the frame first – if you bought a compatible base then make sure that you assemble this FIRST before opening the mattress box.

• Open the box – open the box and remove the mattress.

• Place the mattress on your bed frame – it’s easier to move the rolled mattress on to your bed frame before it expands. Make sure that the mattress is the right way up and is orientated the right way along the frame.

• Cut away the packaging layer – there’s usually TWO layers of packaging; remove both with a pair of scissors and make sure that you don’t cut into the mattress itself.

• Wait for the mattress to fully expand – your bed in a box mattress should fully expand within a few hours but up to 72 hours may be required.

Related Questions

I think I’ve covered just about everything to do with mattresses in a box, but I’m going to round off this list of the best mattress in a box and buying guide with some concise answers to some common related questions.

How Long Does it Take a Mattress in a Box to Fully Expand?

It can take up to 72 hours for a mattress in a box to fully expand – although most will be fully expanded or close to maximum decompression within just a few hours.

What if the Mattress Doesn’t Expand?

If your mattress in a box still hasn’t fully expanded after 72 hours then you can try walking or rolling on the mattress for 10 – 30 minutes, increase the room temperature to 20°C (68 °F) or more, or return the mattress under the sleep trial or warranty (see full instructions here).

How Long Can You Leave a Mattress in a Box?

Most mattresses in a box can be left in the box for between 3 and 7 days but it’s advisable to unbox the mattress immediately to avoid impeding the mattress decompression and voiding the warranty.

Can You Sleep on a Boxed Mattress the First Night?

You can sleep on a mattress in a box the first night if it has reached maximum or near-maximum expansion – unless the manufacturer’s guidelines state otherwise.

What’s the Best Mattress in a Box?

The best mattress in a box is the Puffy Lux because it arrives in a small and relatively lightweight box (35 lbs for a twin) and the mattress itself is suitable for a wide range of sleeping styles and positions.

However, Puffy also have other mattresses in a box available (the Puffy Original and the Puffy Royal) – click the button below to learn more about them on Puffy.com.

Sources and References

[1] Science Direct – Quantitative Effects Of Mattress Types (Comfortable Vs. Uncomfortable) On Sleep Quality Through Polysomnography And Skin Temperature. Accessed 15/10/20.

[2] Science Direct – The Influence Of Bed Firmness On Sleep Quality. Accessed 15/10/20.

[3] NCBI – Changes In Back Pain, Sleep Quality, And Perceived Stress After Introduction Of New Bedding Systems. Accessed 15/10/20.

[4] Technogym – 5 Top Tips to Beat DOMS After a Workout at Home. Accessed 15/8/20.

[5] WebMD – 8 Causes of Night Sweats. Accessed 16/8/20.

[6] Mayo Clinic – Back Pain. Accessed 16/8/20.

[7], [11] CertiPUR-US® – Foams. Accessed 14/8/20.

[8] Wikipedia – Memory Foam. Accessed 14/8/20.

[9] Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America – Dust Mite Allergy. Accessed 14/8/20.

[10] Medical News Today – What to Know About Eczema. Accessed 14/8/20.

[12] OEKO-TEX® – OEKO-TEX® Standard 100. Accessed 14/8/20.

[13] GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) – The Standard. Accessed 14/8/20.

[14] GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) – The Standard. Accessed 14/8/20.

Disclaimer

No part of this article or website is designed to provide medical, legal, or financial advice – please consult with a qualified professional if you require such guidance.

Image Attribution and Licencing

Main image provided by Puffy.com under the terms of a private affiliate agreement.

Dan

Dan is the founder and head content creator at Bedroom Style Reviews.

He has been working as a professional online product reviewer since 2015 and was inspired to start this website when he ended up sleeping on a memory foam mattress that was too soft and gave him backache.

Through in-depth research and analysis, Dan’s goal with this website is to help others avoid such pitfalls by creating the best online resource for helping you find your ideal mattress, bedding, and bedroom furniture.

Dan is a qualified NVQ Level 2 Fitness Instructor with 6 years’ experience helping clients improve their health through diet, exercise, and proper sleep hygiene.

He also holds several college and university-level qualifications in health sciences, psychology, mathematics, art, and digital media creation – which helps him to publish well researched and informative product reviews as well as articles on sleep, health, wellbeing, and home decor.

Dan also has direct personal experience with insomnia, anxiety, misophonia (hypersensitivity to sounds), and pain from both acute and long-standing sporting injuries – he enjoys writing insightful articles around these subjects to help fellow sufferers of such conditions.

Learn more about Dan here.