A mattress in a box is compressed for shipping and arrives at your home in compact packaging, making it easy to deliver through FedEx, UPS, or other carriers. With a mattress in a box, there’s no need to visit a store in person, have a bed delivered by professionals, or borrow or rent a truck for mattress transportation.
Best Overall Mattress in a Box
DreamCloud
The DreamCloud is a versatile mattress that checks lots of boxes, from strong cushioning and pressure relief to sturdy support and breathability. The foam-and-coil design is a solid fit for a wide range of sleepers.
We’ll discuss our top picks and provide the details you need to choose the best mattress in a box for you. We’ll also provide in-depth information about the mattress-in-a-box delivery method and answer frequently asked questions about how the process works and why most shoppers choose this type of mattress.
The Best Mattresses in a Box
Best Overall Mattress – DreamCloud Mattress
Best Value Mattress – Nectar Mattress
Best Luxury Mattress – Saatva Classic
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers – Helix Midnight
Best Cooling Mattress – BedStory Cool Gel Memory Foam Hybrid
Read on to see why the following five options made our top picks list of 2024’s best mattresses in a box.
Sleep Doctor’s Picks
Best Overall Mattress
DreamCloud
Sleep Doctor’s Review
The DreamCloud Mattress pairs adaptive foam layers with a sturdy coil system, creating a balanced sleep surface that our tests show is particularly beneficial for back sleepers. Perks for shoppers include a below-average sticker price and a year-long trial period.
Buy From DreamCloud
Side Sleepers
Medium Firm
Great Value
Plush Surface
Pros
- Quilted foam surface offers excellent pressure relief
- Sturdy coils ensure strong support for the lower back
- Cashmere blend cover promotes breathability and wicks moisture
Cons
- Stomach sleepers over 230 pounds may need a firmer bed
- Foam may emit some off-gassing odors at first
Why We Like It
The DreamCloud Mattress is a medium firm (6) model that’s well suited for many sleep positions. The balanced hybrid design integrates plush cushioning layers and a strong support system that benefits couples, hot sleepers, and people with back pain. The highest ratings on our team came from side sleepers who weigh at least 130 pounds, as well as back sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds.
Temperature control is another area where the DreamCloud performs well. This can be attributed to steady air circulation through the coils, as well as a breathable cashmere blend cover that helps the surface stay cool. Our temperature sensors picked up very little heat buildup.
How Does It Feel?
The DreamCloud is a hybrid model featuring a comfort system with several foam layers. A layer of polyfoam is quilted into the breathable cashmere-blend cover, giving the surface a plush feel. Underneath is gel-infused memory foam that contours to the body and alleviates pressure. Transitional polyfoam prevents your body from sinking too deeply into the mattress. We found that the combination of responsive polyfoam and adaptive memory foam results in noticeable cushioning without a lot of sinkage.
Individually pocketed coils make up the support core. These coils reinforce the bed well, but we didn’t notice too much motion transfer during our motion isolation tests. Thicker coils along the perimeter help boost support around the edges.
Best Value Mattress
Nectar Mattress
Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Nectar Mattress is a standout mattress in a box thanks to its balanced medium firm (6) feel and excellent performance in areas like pressure relief and motion isolation. The mattress also carries an approachable price-point and comes with a year-long trial period.
Buy From Nectar
Side and Back Sleepers
Medium Firm
Great Value
Close-Conforming Foam
Pros
- Adaptive comfort system helps reduce pressure buildup
- Foams absorb most movement transfer and noise
- Year-long sleep trial
Cons
- May not provide enough support for people weighing more than 230 pounds
- Foam layers can absorb and trap heat to an uncomfortable degree
Why We Like It
The Nectar provides excellent pressure relief and contouring for side and back sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds. Our testers in this weight category appreciated the gel-infused memory foam and polyfoam comfort layers, which responded to their bodies and cradled pressure-sensitive areas. Stomach sleepers under 130 pounds also gave the mattress favorable ratings.
While the lack of perimeter support was a negative for our testers who usually sleep close to the edge of their mattress, we noticed the 12-inch profile made getting in and out of bed easy. We found the mattress met the overall needs of a range of sleep and body types, and above-average motion isolation made it a good option for couples.
How Does It Feel?
The Nectar is an all-foam mattress that accommodates a wide range of sleepers across body types and sleep positions. Our tests also indicate the mattress is a good option for couples, people with painful pressure points, and those who generally enjoy the feel of an all-foam bed.
The mattress cushioned the hips, shoulders, and spine of our side and back sleepers, while the medium firm feel was sufficiently supportive to maintain lumbar support and overall healthy spinal alignment. The gel infusion in the foam is designed for temperature regulation to help offset some of the heat retention, though the bed overall ran fairly warm.
Best Luxury Mattress
Saatva Classic
Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Saatva Classic comes in multiple firmness levels, all offering excellent support without sacrificing the cushioning sleepers need. The luxury Euro-top design allows the perfect amount of cradling for people across a wide variety of sleep preferences.
Buy From Saatva
Hot Sleepers
Soft, Medium Firm, Firm
Fair Value
Responsive Surface
Pros
- Available in three firmness levels and two profile options
- Foam layers and dual coil design offers balance of cushioning and support
- Free White Glove delivery and 365-night sleep trial
Cons
- Above-average price-point for a hybrid
- Returns incur a $99 fee
Why We Like It
The Saatva Classic is a foam hybrid model made in three different firmness options, so most sleepers should be able to find a compatible version regardless of sleep position and body type. You can choose a soft (3), medium firm (6), or firm (8) design, and you can also opt for a 11.5-inch or 14.5-inch thickness.
The soft and medium firm models are a good fit for side sleepers due to the excellent pressure relief, while back and stomach sleepers gravitate toward the medium firm and firm beds for the stronger support. In all models, the unique coil-on-coil design is responsive with gentle contouring on the surface.
How Does It Feel?
All of the mattress options offer cushioning in varying degrees, with the soft model producing a feeling of luxurious plushness. At the same time, you’ll receive plenty of support from the microcoils in the comfort system and sturdy coils in the core. The microcoils are zoned to bolster the midsection and help keep your spine properly aligned. The organic cotton cover is soft and breathable and air flows freely through the coils, so overheating is not a significant issue for most sleepers.
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
Helix Midnight
Sleep Doctor’s Review
Side sleepers need a bed that cushions the hips and shoulders without giving up too much support in the midsection. The Helix Midnight’s middle-of-the-road feel checks off both boxes.
Buy From Helix
Side Sleepers
Medium Firm
Good Value
Close-Conforming Foam
Pros
- Hybrid design offers strong balance of pressure relief and support
- Foam layers minimize motion transfer
- Reinforced perimeter coils enhance support along the edges
Cons
- Side sleepers over 230 pounds may prefer a firmer bed
- Some sleepers might notice off-gassing odors at first
Why We Like It
The Helix Midnight has a medium firm (6) feel that earned solid ratings from most of our testing team, but side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds gave it some of the highest reviews. Strong cushioning on the surface eases pressure off the shoulders and hips while the sturdy coils ensure plenty of support for the lower back. This is an area of the body which can sink excessively on some of the competing foam hybrids we’ve tested.
The foam comfort layers absorb a good deal of motion, so you won’t feel too much movement if you sleep with a restless partner. Reinforced coils around the perimeter boost support along the edges.
How Does It Feel?
Memory foam on the surface offers immediate cushioning, while a denser polyfoam layer underneath balances contouring with slight pushback. The bed feels just plush enough to cradle your body without inhibiting movement when you move around the surface. The coils allow strong airflow through the bed’s interior, so you shouldn’t feel overly hot despite some moderate heat retention from the foam.
Best Cooling Mattress
BedStory Cool Gel Memory Foam Hybrid
Sleep Doctor’s Review
BedStory’s Cool Gel Memory Foam Hybrid combines the soothing comfort of adaptive foams with robust pocketed coils. The result is a mattress that cushions your body in all the right places without sacrificing stability — and the sticker price should be a major selling point for shoppers on a budget.
Buy From Bedstory
People with Back Pain
Medium Firm
Excellent Value
Plush, Supportive Surface
Pros
- Convoluted top layer promotes airflow near the surface
- Reinforced perimeter coils prevent excessive sinkage when you get in and out of bed
- Sticker price is much lower than average for a hybrid
Cons
- Strong off-gassing smells may persist for a few nights after unboxing
- Short sleep trial and no warranty coverage
Why We Like It
As a medium firm (6) foam hybrid, this model fared well among our testing team’s side sleepers who weigh at least 130 pounds. Back sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds also found the mattress comfortable and received adequate support. Some of our stomach sleepers under 130 pounds gave the hybrid favorable ratings, but most testers who favor this position and weigh more sank a bit too much into the mattress.
Thanks to the Cool Gel Memory Foam Hybrid’s thick comfort layers, the mattress performed well during our pressure relief and motion isolation tests. These are two areas where hybrids often falter. Other defining strengths include a sturdy perimeter and above-average cooling — we’ve attributed the latter to the convoluted top layer.
How Does It Feel?
The hybrid features three comfort layers encased in a Euro-top, resulting in a plush feel when you get into bed. Each layer is progressively denser, so you’ll notice some pushback as your body settles into the mattress. Since the top layer is convoluted and the second layer is infused with cooling gel, uncomfortable heat retention shouldn’t be a major issue.
The support core consists of pocketed coils and high-density base foam. Perimeter coils are reinforced to minimize compression when you sleep close to the edges or get in and out of bed. A knit polyester cover encases the mattress.
With the sheer amount of direct-to-consumer mattresses on the market nowadays, I know it can be hard to find an option that meets your needs. Your ideal mattress will be one that feels both comfortable and supportive, which your body weight and preferred sleeping position often determine.
Is a Mattress in a Box Right for You?
If you like to shop online and thoroughly research and compare your options, a mattress in a box could be right for you. With extended sleep trials, most mattresses in a box give you the opportunity to try a mattress for 100 days or more before making a final decision about whether it meets your needs.
A mattress in a box can be a great choice if you want simple shipping that is often free of charge. However, if you want full-service delivery and installation, you should know that only some online companies offer White Glove delivery.
If you prefer to try a mattress in person or work with a salesperson, shopping online is not your best bet. In addition, unboxing a mattress can give off temporary odors from off-gassing, which may be annoying if you are sensitive to smells.
Online Mattress Shopping
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Benefits of a Mattress in a Box – Video
If you’re trying to decide whether to buy a mattress in a box or purchase one from a brick-and-mortar store, watch our video to explore the advantages of shopping online. We’ll offer some hands-on explanations of why mattresses in a box might be a better option for you.
What to Look for in a Boxed Mattress
To be a savvy shopper, you’ll want to understand the key considerations when choosing a new mattress. This includes the mattress type, pricing, size, amount of off-gassing, and durability.
Mattress Type
When comparing your options, you’ll find different mattress types based on the materials and construction. How a mattress is made can have a significant impact on its performance.
- Foam: All-foam beds isolate motion and relieve pressure but can sleep hot. Because they are lightweight and easy to compress, foam mattresses are commonly sold in a box.
- Hybrid: Thanks to their comfort layers and coiled core, hybrids provide notable bounce and temperature regulation, but they tend to come at a higher price tag due to their more advanced construction. Hybrids can be heavy, especially in larger sizes, requiring more effort to lift when boxed.
- Innerspring: These beds are designed similarly to hybrids but with a thinner comfort system at the top, often making it a more affordable alternative. They are not usually sold in a box because they do not have enough material to protect the coils when compressed.
- Latex: Made from rubber trees, latex is a dense and responsive material that is also hypoallergenic. You’ll find fewer boxed latex beds because their weight and density make them harder to compress.
- Airbed: Airbeds contain a core made of air chambers that can be controlled to make real-time firmness adjustments. Because of their interior components, they are rarely sold in a box.
Pricing
Mattresses in a box often cost less than mattresses in a retail store, with the general price ranging from as low as $300 to around $2,000. The cost of any given mattress depends mostly on its materials, size, manufacturing, and features.
Off-Gassing
Off-gassing occurs when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) get sealed in during the compression and packaging process and are released into the air upon opening. These compounds do not pose any health risk, but they can give off a chemical odor. The smell normally dissipates within a few days at most and is usually only a problem for people who are highly sensitive to smells.
Mattress Size
Most boxed mattresses are available in all of the standard mattress sizes. But keep in mind that larger sizes can be quite heavy. We usually find that it takes two to three people to lift the box, carry it inside, and safely unbox and set up the mattress.
Durability
Boxed mattresses are not necessarily less durable than other mattresses. As with any mattress, durability is driven by the quality of the materials.
One important difference, though, is that you should always try to promptly unbox a mattress after it is delivered. Leaving the mattress compressed in the box for an extended period can cause damage to the materials.
Tips for Shopping for a Mattress in a Box
If you’re new to online mattress shopping, a few basic tips can help you choose a high-quality mattress in a box.
Shop Prepared
A major advantage of shopping for a mattress in a box is that you can get informed at your own pace. Before making a purchase, do research online, compare different products, read reviews, consult expert analysis, and look for discounts and deals.
Shipping and Delivery
Most boxed mattresses come with free shipping that gets the mattress to your doorstep. Some services, like White Glove delivery, include the setup of your new mattress and removal of your old one. This generally comes at an additional charge, but some manufacturers include it with your purchase.
White Glove delivery may be worth it if:
- You have limited mobility or are unable to carry and set up the boxed mattress.
- You are ordering a large or heavy mattress and don’t have someone available to help lift and install it.
- You have an old mattress that you need removed from your home.
Sleep Trials, Returns, and Warranties
A sleep trial gives you the opportunity to try out a mattress at home for a designated period of time and learn more about its performance compared to a short visit to a showroom.
Most boxed mattress returns are free, but we suggest that you read the fine print as some sleep trials involve return fees or require you keep the mattress for a few weeks before returning.
A warranty provides longer-term protection for your purchase. It typically lasts for 10 years or more and stipulates that the manufacturer will repair or replace a mattress with obvious defects.
Unboxing Your Mattress
Once your boxed mattress arrives at your doorstep, it’s best to open it within a couple of days because extended compression can damage the mattress.
We recommend having at least one extra set of hands available to help with unboxing and setup, which generally requires following a series of steps:
- Carry the box to the room where you plan to use the mattress, making sure there is plenty of space for the mattress to decompress.
- Remove the mattress from the box and carefully cut the plastic open without piercing the mattress itself.
- Remove the plastic and position the mattress on top of any bed frame or box spring you are using.
- Allow the mattress to decompress for at least a few hours.
- If possible, open a window or turn on a fan to allow any off-gassing odors to dissipate.
Before getting started, verify each step of the process by closely reading the included manufacturer instructions.
Discover More Mattress Solutions
For a deeper dive into the world of mattresses, take a look at our extensive buying guides to find the best one for you.
How We Test
Our testing team has spent years researching and evaluating boxed mattresses in our in-house testing lab, where we put dozens of models through rigorous examination to measure pressure relief, heat retention, and other performance factors. We also get direct input from our testing team, which includes people with a range of comfort preferences and sleep needs.
Taking all this information into account, our experts determine which mattresses stand out in each category and warrant being included as our top picks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mattresses in a box are often worth it because they offer excellent value for the price and perform just as well as a mattress purchased in a store.
As boxed mattresses have grown in popularity, more models have become available, giving shoppers even more flexibility to find a mattress in a box that suits their needs and budget.
The best mattress in a box depends on your individual needs, sleeping position, body weight, and budget. In terms of performance, the best boxed mattress for you will provide the comfort you want and the spinal support you need.
The main drawbacks of a mattress in a box are the potential for off-gassing and the inability to see or feel the mattress before making a purchase. However, for most people, off-gassing is only a minor inconvenience, and extended sleep trials are far better for feeling out a bed than spending a few minutes on a mattress in a store.
Most boxed mattresses cost between $300 and $2,000, but some models can fall outside of that range. This price range is so wide because of differences in design, materials, and special features, all of which drive mattress pricing.
The exact amount you can expect to pay also depends on deals and promotions. When buying online, you can almost always find a sale or discount code to reduce the final cost.
You can buy a boxed mattress online and in some retail stores. Remember that shipping and return policies depend on where you buy the mattress.
You can sometimes find boxed mattresses in brick-and-mortar department stores or mattress stores, but the selection is much smaller than when shopping online.
About The Author
Certified Sleep Science Coach, Director of Product Testing
David is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with a lifelong passion for well-being and health optimization. His interest in sleep developed with the arrival of his son, when sleep suddenly became a precious commodity.
- POSITION: Side Sleeper
- TEMPERATURE: Hot Sleeper
- CHRONOTYPE: Lion
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