Best Bed-in-a-Box
Written by Becca Fair, Certified Sleep Science Coach
Several years ago, a handful of companies started compressing mattresses, squeezing them into cardboard boxes, and shipping them straight to buyers’ homes. Buying a bed-in-a-box takes the mattress shopping experience entirely into the virtual realm, allowing shoppers to bypass mattress negotiation with sometimes pushy salespeople.
If you’re considering purchasing a mattress from an online bed-in-a-box company, you may be faced with a challenge. What was once an industry with just a handful of competitors is now flooded with companies offering mattresses with every size, style, price point, and special feature imaginable. Between the sheer amount of options, compelling advertising campaigns, and mattress industry jargon, the choice can feel overwhelming.
We created this guide to help you, the overwhelmed shopper of bed-in-a-box mattresses. Below, you’ll find our top 10 bed-in-a-box mattresses and why we recommend them as well as a buyer’s guide to purchasing the best mattress-in-a-box.
Bottom Line: What’s the Best Bed-in-a-Box?
Our expert mattress testers chose the Nectar Original as the Nerd’s Pick for the best bed-in-a-box due to its medium firmness, couple-friendly capabilities, and affordable price point.
Best Mattresses-in-a-Box
- Helix Midnight: Nerd’s Pick
- Nectar: Best Memory Foam Bed-in-a-Box
- DreamCloud: Best Bed-in-a-Box for Seniors
- The WinkBed: Best Bed-in-a-Box for Back Pain
- Nolah Evolution: Best Luxury Bed-in-a-Box
- Bear Star Hybrid: Best Hybrid Bed-in-a-Box
- Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm: Best Firm Bed-in-a-Box
- Titan Plus: Best Bed-in-a-Box for Heavy People
- Birch Luxe: Best Organic Bed-in-a-Box
Video: Best Bed-in-a-Box Mattresses
Check out this video where we break down our top eight picks for the best beds-in-a-box. You can hear us talk about all the performance tests and results we compiled about these mattresses, to bring you the best advice.
Chosen by Experts and Advocates
Our team at Mattress Nerd has unboxed and tested over one hundred bed-in-a-box mattresses, so we know exactly what to look for in a great product. The 10 mattresses on this list earned their spots by impressing us with their quality craftsmanship and dependability in providing a great night’s sleep for sleepers of all body types and sleep preferences. To learn more, check out our review process.
Nerd’s Pick: Helix Midnight
Helix Midnight Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix offers a wide variety of thickness and firmness options in their foam hybrid mattresses, ensuring that they have a mattress for your needs. We particularly love the standard Helix Midnight for its balanced feel, quality construction, and overall value. These factors— along with many others —made it an easy pick for our favorite bed-in-a-box.
Overall, we found this bed to have a medium-firm feel and a 6 out of 10 on our firmness scale, working best for the side sleepers of all body types and back sleepers under 250 pounds. In our lab, this bed-in-a-box tested well in motion isolation and edge support, which are two crucial factors for many couples out there. We also found it has a breathable construction, thanks to its coils and lightweight cover. Anyone wanting an extra-cooling feel might like the additional cooling properties on the Helix Midnight Luxe.
The Helix Midnight comes with free shipping, a 100-night sleep trial, two free pillows, and a 10-year warranty.
What our testers say: “The Midnight has a true hybrid feel; in other words, it feels like a hotel bed—cushioning on top that’s balanced by a supportive, springy coil base. You’ll sink an inch or two into the memory foam top layer and feel the foam contouring around your curves. The coils below keep you lifted on top of the mattress.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Helix Midnight Mattress
- Side sleepers of all body types—lightweight (< 130 lbs), average-weight (130–230 lbs), and heavyweight (> 230 lbs)
- Lightweight and average-weight back sleepers
- Most couples
- Memory foam lovers concerned about overheating
Who Might Not Like the Helix Midnight Mattress
- Heavyweight back sleepers and stomach sleepers
- Combination sleepers
- Fans of extra soft or extra firm mattresses
Other User Reviews
On the Helix site, this mattress received a 4.5 out of 5 star review, out of 6,815 reviews. Praise is given to the comfort and satisfaction levels with this purchase, as well as the support and pressure relief for side sleepers. However, there are complaints of users waking up sore due to the softness of mattress.
Read our full Helix Midnight mattress review for more info! To learn more, check out our roundup for the best mattresses.
Best Memory Foam Bed-in-a-Box: Nectar Original
Nectar Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
The Nectar is our favorite memory foam bed-in-a-box, boasting a medium-firm, contouring feel that should appeal to many sleepers. It has three foam layers and a quilted memory foam cover that’s cool to the touch. While one of the memory foam layers works to neutralize body heat and provide comfort, the others improve the mattress’s support and durability.
The Nectar gives you that TEMPUR-Pedic, slow sinking feeling at a fraction of the price, making it a great option for memory foam lovers. Additionally, unlike some memory foam mattresses on the market, the Nectar has great cooling abilities. Whereas some foam traps heat and causes problems for those who sleep hot, the Nectar includes two layers specifically for cooling. What’s more is that those luxury foam layers work especially well for the average side sleepers. The foam hugs your body evenly to keep it aligned, and it relieves pressure from your sensitive hips and shoulders.
The Nectar comes with free shipping in the contiguous U.S., along with a generous lifetime warranty and year-long sleep trial.
What our testers say: “The Nectar mattress is a little heavier than some other bed-in-a-box brands, but with the extra weight comes extra layers of comfort from the taller profile.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Nectar Original Mattress
- Back sleepers
- Side sleepers
- Couples
- Hot sleepers who still want a memory foam mattress
Who Might Not Like the Nectar Original Mattress
- Lightweight sleepers
- Heavyweight sleepers
- Children or seniors due to poor edge support
Other User Reviews
On the Nectar website, this mattress scored a 4.7 out of 5 stars, from 5,560 reviews. Praise is given to the back support this mattress provides and extreme satisfaction with their sleep. The negative reviews on the site had to deal with their customer service and experience.
Read our full Nectar mattress review to learn more! For more information, check out our roundup for the best memory foam mattresses.
Best Bed-in-a-Box for Seniors: DreamCloud
DreamCloud Original Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
The DreamCloud has a plush, hotel-like feel with a cashmere cover and gel-infused foam. It’s nice and responsive, too, which means anyone with issues moving around or getting out of bed should have an easier time.
In our testing, we found that the DreamCloud had a medium-firm rating, or 6.5/10, which makes it one of the more common firmness levels that works for many types of people. We noticed that you can really feel the support from the innerspring coils and the softness of the memory foam on top. For older adults, this means a good combination of pressure relief and less sagging in the hips to maintain neutral spinal alignment to help prevent pain.
The DreamCloud comes with a lifetime warranty and free shipping.
What our testers say: “When I rested on the DreamCloud, I found that the further I sank into it, the more I really noticed the support of the coil layer. As a lightweight sleeper, I felt more ‘on top’ of this mattress than hugged by it. Our heavier testers found the balance to be just right for them, though.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the DreamCloud Mattress
- Back sleepers of all types
- Lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers
- Those looking for a cooling experience
- Those looking for an easier time getting out of bed
Who Might Not Like the DreamCloud Mattress
- Lightweight and average weight side sleepers may not get the softness and pressure relief they need
Other User Reviews
On the DreamCloud website, this mattress received a 4.6 out of 5 stars, from 8,327 reviews. Positive reviews mentioned solid construction, better overall sleep, and good edge support, while negative reviews often mentioned issues with customer support or a mismatch to their style of sleeping.
Read our full DreamCloud mattress review for more information. For more options, check out our roundup for the best mattresses for seniors.
Best Bed-in-a-Box for Back Pain: The WinkBed
WinkBed Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
The WinkBeds mattress is a luxury hybrid mattress with individually wrapped coils and multiple support zones to provide targeted back support. The Tencel cover wicks away heat to keep sleepers cool while supporting the spines of back and stomach sleepers. The seven layers of the hybrid mattress include a “lumbar support pad” made of dense cotton to support the lower back while the top layers curve around your body and the supportive pad. The supportive layer is made of dense memory foam that keeps average and heavier sleepers from sinking into the mattress, reducing the risk of back pain.
We appreciate the WinkBed’s ability to accommodate to all sizes of sleepers and all sleep positions in most cases. This versatility is due to the four different firmness options WinkBeds provides: softer, luxury-firm, firmer, and plus. The plus option is a solid choice for heavyweight sleepers who need the extra support. Additionally, we believe the WinkBed to be one of the most durable mattresses out there. It has great edge support (an indicator of overall durability), meaning that you should be able to utilize the full surface area of the mattress.
The WinkBed is complete with free delivery in the contiguous U.S. It also comes with a lifetime warranty and a 120-night sleep trial.
What our testers say: “The versatility this mattress provides is its best attribute. Multiple firmness options means everyone can find their best pick, especially plus sized individuals who typically have less quality options.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the WinkBed Original Mattress
- Hot sleepers as the gel-infused memory foam and breathable layering keeps you cool
- Combination sleepers as it can support a variety of sleeping positions
- All sizes of sleepers with its support and firmness
Who Might Not Like the WinkBed Original Mattress
- Memory foam purists as it has coils in the mattress to promote airflow
- Light sleepers due to its low performance in motion isolation
Other User Reviews
On the WinkBed website, this mattress received a 4.8 out of 5 stars, from 8,414 reviews. The areas to note were the customer service and the mattress’s ability to support all types of sleeping positions. However, there were complaints that it was either “too soft” or “too firm,” resulting in pain in some customers.
Read our full WinkBeds mattress review for more information. To learn more, check out our roundup for the best mattresses for back pain.
Best Luxury Bed-in-a-Box: Nolah Evolution
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
The Nolah Evolution consists of seven layers—four foam, one innerspring, one euro pillow top, and a quilted cover. The result of this impressively stacked construction is a ton of durability, and plenty of support and comfort.
The Nolah Evolution has that hotel-bed feel that makes you feel like you’re sleeping luxuriously. It has plenty of responsiveness, so moving around on its surface is very easy. Plus, the hybrid design provides exceptional airflow, meaning your body heat won’t become trapped in the mattress’s layers.
Every purchase of the Nolah Evolution comes with free shipping within the lower 48 states, as well as a lifetime warranty.
What our testers say: “If you’re looking for a cooling hybrid with a balanced feel of comfort, support, and hotel-like quality, the Nolah Evolution 15” mattress could be a great option for you. While not cheap, you’ll get all the bells and whistles that you’d expect with a luxury mattress.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Nolah Evolution Mattress
- Hot sleepers as the layer of support coils help with breathability to regulate your temperature
- Combination sleepers who switch between their back and side as it support your body a isolates movement
- Luxury mattress shoppers with its higher price tag
Who Might Not Like the Nolah Evolution Mattress
- Strict stomach sleepers because it wasn’t made specifically to support this alignment and comfort
- Those with heavyweight (> 230 lbs) body types because it won’t provide appropriate support
- Shoppers on a budget due to its higher price tag
Other User Reviews
On the Nolah website, this mattress received a 4.9 out of 5 stars from the reviews. There is praise on the sight for the restful nights of sleep customers experiences through its cooling and support.
Read our full Nolah Evolution mattress review for more information. For more information, take a look at our roundup for the best luxury mattresses.
Best Hybrid Bed-in-a-Box: Bear Star Hybrid
Bear Star Hybrid Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
As the name suggests, the Bear Star Hybrid has a hybrid construction. This means it has both layers of foam and coils. In the case of the Bear Star Hybrid, it has four layers of foam and one layer of pocketed coils.
As is the case for many hybrids, the Bear Star performs well when it comes to temperature regulation and durability. It also has solid edge support and does a good job of isolating motion. This mattress definitely works well for back sleepers, as its middle-of-the-road firmness does a good job of keeping their spines aligned and allowing their hips and shoulders to sink in just enough.
The Bear Star Hybrid comes with free shipping within the contiguous United States and a lifetime warranty.
What our testers say: “The Bear Star is a hybrid mattress that uses a combination of foam and coils. Plus, it’s fiberglass free if that’s something you care about.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Bear Star Hybrid Mattress
- Back sleepers
- Couples
- Hot sleepers
Who Might Not Like the Bear Star Hybrid Mattress
- Heavyweight sleepers
- Seniors
- Side sleepers
Other User Reviews
On the Bear website, this mattress scored approximately a 4.4 our of 5 stars, from 3,281 reviews. The reviews praise Bear’s ability to effectively match sleepers with the best option for their sleep habits and extreme satisfaction with their sleep since purchasing. There were some complaints that this mattress was too soft.
Read our full Bear Star Hybrid mattress review to learn more. For more information, take a look at our roundup for the best hybrid mattresses.
Best Firm Bed-in-a-Box: Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
The Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm consists of four layers of foam—a layer of comfort foam and layer of support foam in the middle and a layer of quilted polyfoam on either side. Why is there a quilted layer on both sides? Because the Plank is flippable; one side is firm and the other is extra firm.
While an “extra-firm” mattress may not sound like the type of thing you’d like to plop down on after a long day of work, our lab tests actually indicate that the Plank performs well for many different types of sleepers—not just ones who prefer a firm surface. The firm side does a great job of supporting all sleeping positions and body types. The extra-firm side works just as well for back and stomach sleepers, but side sleepers may not find that it relieves enough pressure in their hips and shoulders.
The Brooklyn Bedding Plank ships for free within the contiguous United States and comes with a 10-year warranty.
What our testers say: “As an all-foam mattress, the Plank Firm feels dense and supportive. It’s also priced on par with its online competition, and significantly lower than luxury name brands—especially considering that it has a firm side and extra-firm side all in one mattress.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
- People who find most beds too soft
- Back & stomach sleepers
- Side sleepers who prefer a firm mattress
- People with back pain
Who Might Not Like the Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
- Side sleepers who want deep cushioning
- Hot sleepers
- Couples concerned about motion transfer
Other User Reviews
On the Brooklyn Bedding site, this mattress scored a 4.8 out of 5 stars, from 2,670 reviews. Praise is given to the firmness of this bed that helped the back pain of users. There were some complaints about the mattress not expanding after removing from the box.
Read our full Brooklyn Bedding Plank mattress review to learn more. For more information, take a look at our roundup for the best firm mattresses.
Best Bed-in-a-Box for Heavy People: Titan Plus
Titan Plus
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
For folks over 250 pounds, beds-in-a-box can be a bit more difficult to find, as many of them lack the required support throughout. However, the Titan Plus is an outstanding solution for heavier people in any sleeping position, whether you’re on your back, side, or stomach. It provides support and comfort through its dense foam, pocketed coils, and breathable pillow-top cover. Together, these materials make for a firmer mattress (7 out of 10 on our firmness scale) that still provides good pressure relief.
Additionally, as it tested well for responsiveness, the Titan Plus is a solid choice for combination sleepers who like to switch sleeping positions in the middle of the night. You should feel more on top of this mattress than in it, resulting in ease of movement.
The Titan Plus comes with a 120-night sleep trial as well as a 10-year warranty. Also, it ships for free.
What our testers say: “Titan mattresses are good for heavier individuals, no matter their sleep position, looking for a supportive mattress. This bed is also good for people who toss and turn and those who sleep hot at night. The Titan may not be best for those who need great edge support.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Titan Plus
- Heavy sleepers
- Folks with back pain
- Combination sleepers
Who Might Not Like the Titan Plus
- Lightweight sleepers
- Those who need outstanding motion isolation
- Folks wanting extra-supportive edges
Other User Reviews
The Titan’s site has an impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars with 2,630 reviews. So far, users rave about the mattress’ cooling abilities, specifically the results from the optional cooling cover. However, customers do seem aligned with our observations on the Titan Plus’s weaker edge support.
Not convinced this bed-in-a-box is the right fit for you? For more information, take a look at our full Titan Plus mattress review. You can also peruse our roundup for more of the best mattresses for heavy people.
Best Organic Bed-in-a-Box: Birch Luxe
Birch Luxe Natural Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
The Birch Luxe is an organic hybrid mattress made with high-quality materials such as wool, latex foam, and individually wrapped steel coils. The mattress cover consists of organic cotton which gives the surface added plushness and breathability.
Firmer than the average mattress, the Birch Luxe has a feel that should appeal to most back and stomach sleepers. Plus, with that high firmness comes an exceptional ease-of-movement score, meaning combination sleepers should have no trouble switching sleeping positions throughout the night. And speaking of switching sleeping positions, your movements will be less likely to disturb your partner (if you have one) because the Birch Luxe earned a perfect score in our motion isolation test.
The Birch Luxe comes with a 25-year warranty, a 100-night sleep trial, and ships for free to all 50 states.
What our testers say: “The Birch Luxe’s materials are eco-friendly, luxurious, and breathable.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Birch Luxe Mattress
- Back sleepers as it provides extra pressure relief and back support
- Stomach sleepers because the firmness keeps the hips of stomach sleepers from sinking and their backs properly aligned
Who Might Not Like the Birch Luxe Mattress
- Lightweight sleepers because of the firmness of it
- Stomach sleepers due to its firmness
Other User Reviews
On the Birch by Helix website, this mattress received a 4.6 out of 5 stars, from 4,100 reviews. Praise is given to the comfort and peaceful sleep users experienced with this mattress. However, there were some complaints about back pain and wrinkling in the mattress.
Read our full Birch Luxe mattress review to learn more! For more information, take a look at our roundup for the best organic mattresses.
What is a Bed-in-a-Box?
A “mattress-in-a-box” (also called “bed-in-a-box”) is a mattress that has been vacuum-sealed, rolled up and put into a box that ships directly to your home. These mattresses range from memory foam to more traditional feeling hybrid mattresses, and perform just as well as mattresses sold at large retailers.
You typically won’t find a strict innerspring mattress in a box, but you can find some innersprings with added comfort layers, making them a hybrid. Bed in a box mattresses allow customers to save money, cutting out overhead costs and additional fees.
While shopping for mattresses online is becoming more and more popular, there is still the question that looms in the minds of many consumers; “Does rolling up my mattress cause damage?” The short answer is no. The process allows the integrity of the bed to be maintained during its travel.
Most brands do recommend not leaving your bed-in-the-box too long after receiving because the longer it remains rolled up, the more difficult it will be to puff back up. When your mattress arrives, simply pull the rolled up mattress out of the box, and watch it expand.
Types of Bed-in-a-Box Mattresses
We’ve put together a short description of what each of the four main mattress types offer; their benefits and their drawbacks. For a more comprehensive breakdown, though, check out our types of mattresses guide.
Foam
A foam mattress is one of the most common types that you will find as a bed in a box. They are easy to compress and have become a popular option for athletes, side sleepers, and those who like contouring feel when they sleep.
Foam is also great for couples, as long as it is not too soft. It usually minimizes motion transfer, but if you sink too much it can be hard to move around on. Memory foam can also trap heat in its dense layers, which can be uncomfortable for some. That said, many companies utilize cooling gel foam which helps to dissipate heat. Check out our list of the best foam mattresses for more info.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses are popular due to their combination of coils and comfort layers of different materials, typically foam. Hybrids are good for every type of sleeper. If you are a heavier stomach sleeper, you still may experience some sinking in your hips. However, if you are an average-weight side, stomach or back sleeper, finding a hybrid that is good for you should not be too difficult. Take a look at our best hybrid mattresses for our favorite options.
Innerspring
Traditional innerspring mattresses are the least common to be rolled in a box. These are what usually come to mind when you think of an “old-school” mattress. Constructed with coils, these mattresses are more bouncy than hybrid and foam mattresses, making them great for heavy sleepers and those who need a lot of support. They also tend to have great edge support. There are many good innerspring mattresses that we love at Mattress Nerd.
Related: What is Edge Support in a Mattress?
Latex
Latex mattresses are made of all-natural materials, meaning they have no off-gassing and are the safest option for sleepers with allergies or eco-friendly shopping habits. They vary in their firmness from very soft to very firm and are more supportive than foam mattresses.
Latex mattresses are typically more expensive than other mattress types, but sleepers agree they are worth the splurge. These mattresses perform especially well for back and stomach sleepers, as well as those who do not want their body heat to be trapped since they combine comfort, support, and airflow. Latex mattresses are extremely durable and will last you much longer than just about any other mattress. Head over to our list of the best latex mattresses for more information.
Considerations for Different Sleeping Positions
Your preferred sleeping position is one of the most important considerations when choosing a new mattress. Sleepers of each position require different firmness levels, support, and pressure relief options in order to sleep comfortably. Here is a brief breakdown of each position and the mattresses that will work well for them.
Back Sleeping
Back sleepers require a good combination of pressure relief and spinal support. Most medium-firm mattresses should be able to provide the cushion back sleepers need without causing them to sink too deeply into the surface. Latex and hybrid mattresses are some of the best options because of their ability to fit several body types and comfort needs. Check out our list of best mattresses for back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Side sleepers need additional cushion around their shoulders and hips in order to prevent pressure buildup. Memory foam mattresses are a great choice because they cradle these areas by conforming to the body while still supporting the spine. Other mattress types that have a softer firmness level can also provide the much-needed pain relief. Our roundup of best mattresses for side sleepers has some great options.
Stomach Sleeping
Stomach sleepers require a firm mattress that will keep their spine aligned and will prevent them from sinking into the surface. Innerspring mattresses are often the firmest options out there, meaning they can usually provide the support that stomach sleepers need. If you want something that offers a little more cushion, consider a memory foam mattress topper or a hybrid or latex mattress. Take a look at our best mattresses for stomach sleepers page.
Combination Sleeping
Combination sleepers could be happy with almost any mattress since they shift between sleeping positions at night. The most important factor to consider here is your primary position and the responsiveness of the mattress. Latex mattresses are durable and known for their bounce, meaning they allow you to switch positions easily. Hybrid and innerspring mattresses can also be responsive due to their coils. Our best mattresses for combination sleepers list has some great choices for you.
Buying a Mattress Online
Purchasing a mattress without rolling around on it first may seem like a strange prospect, but the process of bed-in-a-box shopping has been designed to cater to the needs and wants of typical in-store shoppers. In fact, the benefits of purchasing a mattress online instead of in a store are numerous.
Benefits of a Bed-in-a-Box
When deciding whether to buy online or in-store, it can be helpful to consider the benefits of purchasing a bed in a box.
Shop From Home
Purchasing a mattress online is just as convenient as it sounds. It can be done anywhere and at any time. While there are more than 200 mattress-in-a-box manufacturers out there today, we recommend browsing the top players in the game (there are roughly 25). Most of these companies offer a handful of models that can be easily compared based on your sleep position, budget, material preferences, and more using our mattress comparison tool.
Quick Shipping
A mattress sold in a box or bag will typically arrive within one week after your order has been placed.
Extensive Sleep Trial Period
To lessen the blow of the fact that shoppers can’t try the mattress prior to purchase, the majority of bed-in-a-box companies offer generous mattress trials with free returns.
Cost Savings
You’ll find everything from affordable, basic mattresses to luxury, multi-thousand dollar beds that come in a box. The variety is nice, but the cost savings are even nicer. The majority of these companies pass the cost savings they receive from eliminating a middle man onto their customers without forgoing the use of high-quality materials that contribute to a good night’s sleep. There are great mattresses available for every budget, many of which are included in our best mattresses under $500 and best mattresses under $1,000 roundups. Check out our article on the average cost of a mattress.
No Pushy Salespeople
Instead of being swarmed by sometimes dishonest mattress salespeople as you step into a traditional showroom, you can calmly scroll through your computer and buy on your own terms.
If you still need some convincing, check out our article that more definitively answers the question, “should you buy a mattress online or in store?” Or, head over to our list of the best online mattresses.
Drawbacks of a Bed-in-a-Box
You Can’t Try it Before You Buy it
Because you have to order your bed-in-a-box mattress online, you cannot try it out as you would be able to if purchased from a showroom. That said, most bed-in-a-box companies offer generous sleep trials that tend to be around 100 nights long. During this trial period you can sit on, sleep on, and roll around on your new mattress in order to determine if it’s the right fit for you. If it isn’t, you can return it for a full refund.
Few Traditional Innerspring Options
If you prefer the sturdy feel of a traditional innerspring mattress, you may be disappointed to learn how few options are available in the bed-in-a-box landscape. The closest comp would be hybrid mattresses, which combine a layer of springs with comfort layers of foam or latex. However, hybrids tend to be more expensive than innerspring mattresses. If cost is a concern, head over to our best affordable mattress page.
Unboxing and Set-Up
Unless you’re shopping with a company that offers white glove delivery, you will be responsible for moving your new bed in a box to your bedroom, unboxing it, and setting it up. This can be a bit of a hassle for some, especially if you’re doing it alone. Plus, you may need to dispose of your old mattress yourself. Take a look at our article on recycling a mattress for tips on that.
How Can You Be Sure a Company Is Reputable?
All in all, it’s best to use a site that you’re familiar with and that you know is trustworthy. But let’s face it, the Internet can be a difficult place to make purchases, especially when you don’t know whether or not the site you’re buying from is authentic. For something as pricey and as important as a mattress, you probably won’t want to take any chances. So, here are some tips and tricks to help ensure that you’re purchasing from a trustworthy site:
- Is it “too good to be true”? If a quality mattress is going for a ridiculously low price and you have a strange feeling about it, you may have run into a scam.
- Search for a privacy policy. A statement like this describes how the company acquires and utilizes customer information. It can generally be found at the bottom of the company’s website page. If a privacy policy is nowhere to be seen on a site you intend to purchase from, it can be an indication that it’s not a reputable business.
- Check out reviews on other sites. Looking at reviews on the home site you’re buying from could be altered to the company’s advantage, so try and research reviews of the company on several alternative sites, such as Google Reviews.
- Use sites with HTTPS. Hypertext Transfer Protocol is what HTTP means, but the S stands for secure. Make sure that S is there! Sites with only HTTP at the beginning of the URL may not be trusted.
- Use Google Safe Browsing. Plug in the URL from a suspicious site, and Google Safe Browsing can help you figure out whether or not it’s a safe one to visit.
How to Know You’re Getting the Best Bed-in-a-Box
Originally pioneered by Casper, the first well known bed-in-a-box company, the boxed mattress market has evolved into a heavily populated industry in the last decade. Hundreds of online mattress retailers now compress and roll their mattresses into tall cardboard boxes or bags in order to ship them quickly to customers in the United States and beyond. In order to help you narrow down the best mattress in a box for your bedroom, here’s a list of what to look for.
Shipping Policies
Most mattresses in a box ship to customers in the U.S. for free. Some brands do charge to ship to Hawaii and Alaska for a flat fee. If you are looking for expedited shipping or overnight that will cost you extra.
Some brands offer white glove delivery, sometimes at an extra cost (around $100). White glove delivery means the mattress will not be left at your door, but will be carried into your home, unboxed and unwrapped. They will also take your old mattress and dispose of it if you want. Most mattresses are delivered within two weeks of the time you order.
Returns
The ability to try out a mattress and return it is one of the many benefits of buying a mattress online. These are often referred to as “sleep trials” by bed-in-a-box brands; they are usually very easy to find on the brand’s website, and the industry standard is a 100-night trial. Some companies will ask that you hold on to the mattress for at least 30 days, since breaking in a mattress takes some time.
Most returns are free, and don’t worry, you aren’t expected to shove the mattress back into the box. Typically, someone will come to your home and remove the mattress and handle the return for you within your trial period.
Occasionally, the brand will ask you to simply donate the mattress and issue you a refund upon proof of donation. After your sleep trial ends, returns will likely not result in a full refund or even a partial one at that. Unless the mattress is defective, you are probably stuck with your bed until you are ready to buy a new one.
Warranty
In short, warranties protect against defects in a mattress. Most mattresses sold online have generous warranties ranging from 10 years to lifetime. This means that within the warranty period if a mattress stops performing or becomes defective, the company will replace it. The most common coverage includes sinking/sagging, lasting impressions, materials becoming broken or damaged, or flaws that existed when you purchased the mattress.
There is an equally long, if not longer, list of things not covered by your warranty. These lists are usually easy to find on the brand’s website. Some warranties are prorated, meaning you are fully covered for a certain amount of time, and as the years increase, the amount of things covered, or the cost which they are willing to replace decreases. Other warranties simply end after X amount of years.
One last thing you should know about a mattress warranty is that they are only applicable to the original owner. This means if you buy a mattress from a non-reputable place, you have voided any warranty that once was attached to that product. If you have more questions, be sure to check out our article on mattress warranties.
Related: How Often Should You Replace Your Mattress?
More Considerations When Buying a Mattress-in-a-Box
- Positive reviews—Since you can’t try before you buy, positive reviews on industry publications, like Mattress Nerd, can serve as a guard rail when making your decision. We’ve collected all of our mattress reviews in one place for your convenience.
- Firmness level – Depending on your concerns or personal preferences, the firmness level is one of the most important things to consider when buying a mattress. We talk about mattress firmness on a scale of 1-10, 1 being very soft and cushioning, with 10 being extremely firm. If you suffer from back pain, a firmer mattress will be better for you. For more information on how we grade firmness, check out our mattress firmness guide.
- Clear details—Since you’ll be buying directly from the brand (unless you buy on Amazon.com) and won’t have the chance to test the bed before buying it, the company should have clear descriptions about the product and purchasing process online. Keep an eye out for details regarding construction, material certifications, and policies.
- Size variety—Ideally, a bed-in-a-box company should be able to offer the same range of sizes that a brick-and-mortar retailer does.
- Temperature Regulation—If like many other people out there you tend to sleep hot then you should absolutely shop for a mattress with temperature regulation in mind. Hybrid mattresses do a good job here, as the layer of coils allows for breathability and airflow. You can also look for such cooling technology as gel memory foam and copper infused foam. To learn more, check out our article on the best cooling mattresses.
How To Buy a Bed-in-a-Box
- Start Your Research – We know! It can feel overwhelming starting to shop online for a mattress in a box. The best place to start is to consider what is important to you. Some of the top things to consider are: Your sleeping position. Do you sleep with a partner? Do you sleep hot? How firm do you like your mattress? Do you have pain concerns? You will often find that bed-in-a-box companies outline what kind of person each of their mattresses is good for.
- Look at Roundups – We have done a lot of the research for you! If you have a specific sleeping position, we have detailed the top mattresses that you will sleep well on. Same for temperature and firmness level. We also have a great mattress comparison tool, in which you can put two mattresses side by side to see how they will perform for you if you can not decide.
- Customer Support – Once you have decided on a brand, we always recommend contacting the brand directly to see how responsive their customer support team is. A mattress is a large investment, and you want to make sure that your mattress is backed by a team that will be helpful, should you have any problems down the road.
- Keep Your Eye Out For Sales – Online mattress brands run a lot of promotions throughout the year. Here at Mattress Nerd, we always round up the best mattress sales throughout the year, as well as have exclusive deals for our readers even when sales are not live.
Unboxing Your New Mattress
When your new mattress arrives at your doorstep, you will likely be shocked that your brand new bed is in such a small box. There are few steps to keep in mind to ensure that you and your mattress make it to your room safely and efficiently.
Get Help
The mattress box can be deceptively heavy (especially if you are dealing with a King or California King mattress). We recommend getting someone to help you move the box inside, and to whatever room, the mattress is going to be in. The box really is only big enough for two people to carry, but if you have a hand truck or other tool it may come in handy!
Wait to Unbox
We know it is exciting to get your new mattress in the mail, but it will be much easier to move to the desired room if it is still in the box. Once you and your helper have moved the box into the room, cut the top of the box open, then lay the box on its side on top of the foundation.
Unfold, then Cut Open
Have one person pull the mattress out of the box, while the other pulls the box in the other direction. Putting the box on the floor, unroll the mattress, ensure the bottom of the mattress is in the correct direction, and then unfold. After the mattress is laying flat, grab a pair of scissors and cut the plastic from the side and bottom of the bed, being careful not to cut the fabric.
Watch it Expand
After the plastic is removed from the mattress it will immediately begin to expand. Most beds in a box brands recommend waiting a few hours to a day before sleeping on it.
Make Sure it’s Right Side Up
Most mattresses are constructed with an intended top and bottom in mind. It should be relatively clear which is which, but if it isn’t, check any of the supporting materials or the company website for more information. Check out our article on whether or not you need to flip your mattress.
How to Unbox a Mattress: Video
Here, you can watch a quick video on how to unbox a bed-in-a-box mattress.
Off-Gassing
When you cut the plastic off of the mattress, you will likely experience a smell that some describe as “chemically.” This is the mattress releasing VOCs (volatile organic compounds). They are harmless, but the odor can range from very faint to very powerful. The smell should go away within a few hours. If your mattress has a very strong off-gassing smell, you can crack a window and turn on the fan to increase airflow.
These smells come most often from the polyfoam (polyurethane foam) used in memory foam mattresses. Since foam of some type is used in almost every bed in a box mattress, most will have some odor. If you are very concerned about off-gassing, going with a latex mattress is your best bet. Since they are made with organic, all-natural materials, they do not produce any VOCs.
For more information, check out our article on, “Is Mattress Off-Gassing Dangerous?“
Foundation Requirements
While some mattress companies make models that require the use of a specific bed frame (often their own), most mattresses in a box are compatible with any foundation, be it a box spring, wooden slats, adjustable bed, or even the floor in some cases. That said, certain foundations do more for preventing mattress sagging than others.
- Box spring – Box springs are the most traditional bases for a bed. Underneath the cloth surface, a wooden frame supports the grid pattern of springs or metal rods that provides some give to the mattress. A box spring should be placed on a wooden or metal bed frame, and it is best designed to support innerspring mattresses.
- Platform base – Platforms are a raised frame that can support a mattress without a box spring. They can be made from either wood or metal and consist of horizontal slats or solid wood. A platform base can work with any type of bed, but a solid platform works best for foam or hybrid mattresses.
- Slatted foundation – Slatted foundations are similar to platform bases. Wooden or metal planks are spread across the frame horizontally to create “slots” that provide extra circulation. These foundations work well for any mattress type.
- Adjustable frame – Adjustable frames can be adjusted at the head and foot of a bed to meet different preferences. A remote is used to adjust the positions and other features, such as massage vibrations and reading lights. Adjustable frames work best with foam and latex mattresses due to their flexibility
For a more complete overview on finding the perfect base for your bed, check out our mattress foundation guide.
Recap of the Best Beds-in-a-Box Mattresses
| Mattress Model | Award | |
| Helix Midnight | Nerd’s Pick | |
| Nectar | Best Memory Foam Bed-in-a-Box | |
| DreamCloud | Best Bed-in-a-Box for Seniors | |
| WinkBed | Best Bed-in-a-Box for Back Pain | |
| Nolah Evolution | Best Luxury Bed-in-a-Box | |
| Bear Hybrid | Best Hybrid Bed-in-a-Box | |
| Plank | Best Firm Bed-in-a-Box | |
| Titan Plus | Best Bed-in-a-Box for Heavy People | |
| Birch Luxe | Best Organic Bed-in-a-Box |
Final Thoughts
Mattress stores intimidate a lot of people, by their endless options and the pushy salespeople. Now, you have the opportunity to pick out a mattress online and have it sent directly to your home. However, there are still a lot of options out there.
Here, we break down the best beds-in-a-box for your specific wants and needs. There are some real pros and cons to purchasing a bed-in-a-box, and we tell you all about that as well.
When choosing a mattress, remember to think about what you exactly want to get out of this bed. Do you want it to sleep cool? Do you want it to be firm and support your back? Use this article to answer these and any other questions you have.
FAQs about Bed-in-a-Box
Are bed-in-a-box mattresses any good?
At Mattress Nerd, we personally test dozens of new mattresses per year and the vast majority of them come in a box. Some of our very favorite mattresses arrive in a box, and, in our opinion, perform as good, or better than, a traditional high-quality mattress.
How long do bed-in-a-box mattresses last?
Like anything, it depends on the quality of the product. If you take proper care of your mattress you can expect it to be in good shape anywhere from seven to twelve years. For information on making your mattress last, take a look at our article on how to take care of your mattress.
How long should I wait before sleeping on a bed-in-a-box mattress?
Companies often suggest waiting at least 24 hours to sleep on your new mattress, as it can take that long for it to expand completely.
How soon do I need to unbox my new mattress?
It’s recommended that you remove your mattress from the box within 30 to 60 days of receiving it. Keeping your mattress compressed for too long may cause it damage.
Becca Fair
Certified Sleep Science Coach
About Author
Becca is the Sleep Accessories Editor at Mattress Nerd. She has always been interested in sleep health and how it relates to other areas of wellness. As an accessories editor on Mattress Nerd and a Certified Sleep Science Coach, Becca’s goal is to lead people to an amazing night’s sleep, so they can live their best lives. When she’s not typing away writing editorial reviews, you can find her as one of the faces of Mattress Nerd’s YouTube channel. Outside of the sleep health world, Becca is a certified yoga instructor (200 hours), loves trying out new recipes, spending time with friends and family, and curating Spotify playlists.
Combination Sleeper
