Best Mattress in a Box: 2024 Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

For years, the size and bulkiness of a mattress made buying one an in-person experience. However, many companies have recently found a way to streamline the process: rather than trying to transport a new mattress from the store to your home, customers can now order a mattress online and have it delivered in a reasonably-sized package within a few days.

To make the best mattresses readily available, manufacturers compress the foam mattress inside the box so that all you need to do is take it out unfold it. While buying online may not allow you to test the mattress out before you purchase it, it also means not trying to fit a new bed inside your vehicle or navigate it through narrow doorways.

Still, as convenient as a mattress-in-a-box may be, quality is still the number one concern. An easier purchasing process means little if the mattress doesn’t have a comfortable enough surface to sleep on throughout the night. Luckily, we’ve put together an in-depth to find the best mattress in a box that works for you.

In this article, we considered over 100 leading brands, researched dozens of reviews and articles, and spent 30 hours on research, writing, and revision.

Our Take

In my view, the Amerisleep AS3 mattress has medium firmness and eco-friendly Bio-Pur® foam, which provides cooling and comfort.

The HIVE® technology ensures targeted pressure relief and support, making it ideal for side, back, and combination sleepers. Also, I like its motion isolation and breathability, emphasizing its suitability for couples and diverse sleeping styles.

Mattress Construction

AS3’s cover is of a soft, breathable fabric designed to increase airflow and prevent body heat from becoming trapped in the mattress. Known as Refresh, what sets it apart from other cooling fabrics by converting body heat into infrared energy, instead of just wicking heat away from the body.

During my test, I found that the first layer of the Amerisleep AS3 is Amerisleep’s Bio-Pur® layer. Bio-Pur® is a plant-based, pressure-relieving foam that is more responsive than traditional memory foam. Because of this, you don’t get that “sinking in” feeling associated with other memory foam mattresses.

The second layer of the Amerisleep AS3 is a transition layer of polyurethane foam called Affinity with HIVE® technology. HIVE® is grouped into five comfort and support zones to offer comfort where you want it and support where you need it.

The final layer of the AS3 is 7-inch of a sturdy, durable support layer called Bio-Core®. This firmer foam helps support the top two layers which in turn support your body weight.

How It Feels

During my testing, I found that the Amerisleep AS3 mattress delivers a medium-firm feel that balances comfort and support. Its top layer of Bio-Pur® foam adapts to the body, providing a gentle, pressure-relieving hug without trapping heat or causing excessive sinkage.

This layer offers a responsive feel that allows easy movement, making it ideal for combination sleepers.

Beneath, the HIVE® layer enhances the experience with targeted support zones, firmer under heavier areas like hips and softer under lighter regions like shoulders.

This design promotes proper spinal alignment and ensures the mattress feels adaptable yet supportive for most sleep styles.

Read Our Full Review of the Amerisleep A3

Our  Take

My review of the Zoma Boost highlights its versatile design and standout performance. The graphite-infused memory foam, Reactiv™ foam, and pocketed coils provide cooling, pressure relief, and responsive support, accommodating all sleep positions. 

Its cooling features, motion isolation, and strong edge support make it ideal for couples and hot sleepers. Durable construction ensures long-lasting comfort and support, offering a consistently restful sleep experience.

Mattress Construction

When tested, the Zoma Boost mattress uncovered its specialized design to enhance sleep quality and recovery. It features a breathable, moisture-wicking cover that regulates body temperature to keep you cool and comfortable throughout the night. 

The comfort layer incorporates Triangulex™ zoned support, which provides a softer feel under pressure points like the shoulders while maintaining firmer support for the hips and back, promoting optimal spinal alignment. 

Beneath this is the Reactiv™ transition foam, a responsive layer that prevents excessive sinkage and allows for effortless movement, making it ideal for combination sleepers. 

The foundation of the mattress is a durable Support+ foam core that ensures long-lasting stability and maintains the mattress’s overall structure. 

Its medium-firm design strikes a perfect balance between comfort and support, catering to various sleep positions. The mattress also features cooling properties that help combat overheating, ensuring uninterrupted rest. 

With its recovery-focused construction, the Zoma Boost is a great choice for athletes and active individuals.

How It Feels

This mattress offers a medium-firm feel that balances comfort and support, making it suitable for active lifestyles. 

The Triangulex™ layer cradled my body, providing targeted pressure relief and a gentle hug for areas such as the shoulders and hips while supporting the lower back. 

The Reactiv™ foam adds a slight bounce, ensuring ease of movement and adaptability, which is perfect for back, side, and combination sleepers. 

Its breathable materials help maintain a cool sleeping environment, while the durable support core ensures stability and long-lasting performance. 

The Zoma Boost is an excellent choice for those seeking restorative sleep and enhanced recovery.

Read Our Full Review of the Zoma Boost

Our Take

I liked Vaya Foam Mattress for its exceptional balance of comfort and support. Designed with a two-layer foam construction, it offers pressure relief and motion isolation, ideal for all sleep positions. 

Its breathable design ensures temperature regulation, while the affordable price makes it a standout option for budget-conscious shoppers seeking quality and restful sleep.

Mattress Construction

The Vaya Mattress is crafted with simplicity and comfort in mind, featuring a two-layer foam design wrapped in a breathable cover.

The cover is soft, lightweight, and designed to encourage airflow, helping to keep you cool and comfortable throughout the night. Its moisture-wicking properties ensure a fresh and dry sleep environment.

The comfort layer consists of Vaya Comfort Foam, a responsive and adaptive foam that contours to your body without the deep sink associated with traditional memory foam. This open-cell foam promotes airflow and dissipates heat, ensuring a cooler sleep experience.

Below this is the support layer, a durable high-density foam base that reinforces the mattress’s structure and ensures long-lasting stability and support. It prevents sagging and provides a sturdy foundation for the comfort layer above.

How It Feels

I observed that the Vaya Mattress delivers a balanced medium feel, offering a blend of cushioning comfort and robust support. Its Vaya Comfort Foam gently cradles pressure points like the shoulders and hips, relieving tension and enhancing comfort for side sleepers. 

The foam’s responsive nature ensures easy movement, making it ideal for combination sleepers who change positions throughout the night. 

The durable support layer provides a solid base that promotes proper spinal alignment, ensuring back sleepers enjoy the perfect balance of firmness and comfort.

Additionally, the mattress’s open-cell structure enhances breathability, keeping sleepers cool and comfortable. Its lightweight design also makes it easy to handle, perfect for those who want a hassle-free setup.

Read Our Full Review of the Vaya Mattress

Our Take

I recommend the Helix Midnight Luxe as a luxurious pick for side sleepers, thanks to its plush memory foam and targeted zoned support. The breathable pillow top enhances cooling, making it perfect for hot sleepers. 

With its tailored firmness and premium features, this mattress delivers a personalized sleep experience, blending comfort with advanced spinal alignment.

How It Feels

The Helix Midnight Luxe offers a medium-firm feel that combines plush comfort with balanced support, making it ideal for side sleepers and those seeking a luxurious sleep experience. 

I loved how the memory foam comfort layer gently cushions pressure points, providing relief for areas like the shoulders and hips, while the zoned lumbar support enhances spinal alignment, ensuring back sleepers receive targeted support where it’s needed most. 

The pillow top layer adds a soft, cloud-like surface, delivering an extra touch of luxury without sacrificing overall support. 

The individually wrapped coils respond to movement and provide targeted pressure relief, minimizing motion transfer and accommodating various sleeping positions. This thoughtful design ensures a sleep experience that feels both indulgent and supportive.

Read Our Full Review of the Helix Midnight Luxe

Our Take

I reviewed the Nolah Evolution 15 and found it to be a luxury hybrid mattress in a box that offers convenience without compromising on quality. Designed with hot sleepers in mind, it features ArcticTex™ cooling fabric and AirFoamICE™ layers for superior temperature regulation and pressure relief. The mattress provides a medium-firm feel, accommodating a variety of sleep styles, particularly side and back sleepers.

Its zoned coil system ensures excellent edge support and motion isolation, making it ideal for couples. With a 120-night trial and lifetime warranty, it offers premium value in an easily deliverable format.

Hot sleepers who want the latest and greatest cooling technologies should consider the Nolah Evolution 15. This hybrid mattress offers the ultimate cooling comfort, with multiple temperature regulating technologies all working together to help you get the coolest night’s sleep possible. It’s also bouncy and supportive without losing adaptability or motion transfer control.

Mattress Construction

When testing the mattress, I found that it consisted of multiple layers. The Evolution starts off with the cooling ArcticTexTM cover. This soft and cool cover is designed to help keep cool air flowing around your body all night. It also works with the next layer, the HTCTM cooling quilted Euro topper, to pull excess heat away from your body and replace it with cooler air.

These layers also combine with the AirBreathTM heat escape gusset that allows excess heat to dissipate out of the mattress. Any heat that doesn’t escape through the gusset is drawn deeper into the mattress and further away from your body by the AirFoamICETM layer. This graphite-infused foam offers superior cooling and pressure relief.

Next, you’ll find two layers of high-resilience and high-density transition foams. These foam layers are designed to keep you lifted onto the mattress’s sleep surface. In addition to fighting sinkage, the foam layers also protect you from pressure caused by the ultra-supportive pocketed coil layer.

The pocketed coil support core features HDMaxTM Tri-ZoneTM coils. These coils offer 25 percent more support than traditional coil systems. They’re also arranged into three distinct zones that offer ideal support to each area of your body.

Running around the perimeter of the coils is the E.D.G.E. rail edge support system. These high-density foam rails add lots of stability and edge support to the individually wrapped coils in the support layer.

How it Feels

When I tried the Nolah Evolution 15, I found its medium-firm feel perfectly balanced between plush comfort and firm support. The quilted Euro-top gave a luxurious, cloud-like feel as I lay down, while the AirFoamICE™ layer gently contoured to my body, relieving pressure without excessive sinkage. The zoned coil system provided targeted support, keeping my spine aligned comfortably.

The mattress felt responsive, making it easy to shift positions, which was a big plus as a combination sleeper. Its cooling features kept me comfortable all night, and the sturdy edge support and motion isolation made it great for couples. It’s a tailored sleeping experience that truly combines comfort and functionality.

Read Our Full Review of the Nolah Evolution 15

Our Take

I truly appreciate the Organica mattress for its eco-friendly design and the use of natural materials like latex and organic wool. It delivers a medium-firm feel that offers remarkable pressure relief and lasting durability.

For someone like me, who values sustainability, it’s the perfect choice—blending comfort and eco-consciousness without sacrificing quality.

Mattress Construction

The Organica stands out with its all-latex construction, crafted for those who prioritize sustainable living. Its organic cotton cover feels breathable and soft, creating a natural sleep surface. Beneath that, the organic wool layer adds moisture-wicking and temperature regulation while doubling as a fire barrier.

The core is where the magic happens—multiple Dunlop latex layers provide a responsive, supportive experience while resisting sagging over time. A zoned latex layer ensures ergonomic support, keeping my spine aligned regardless of how I sleep. Its hypoallergenic and chemical-free design adds peace of mind, especially for those with sensitivities.

How It Feels

When I lie on the Organica, it strikes the perfect balance between plush comfort and firm support. The latex contours to my body without overheating, which is a game-changer for hot sleepers like me.

The natural buoyancy gives it a slightly bouncy feel, making movements effortless and preventing that “stuck” sensation.

Whether I sleep on my back, side, or stomach, the Organica cradles my body and maintains proper spinal alignment. For anyone who values sustainability and comfort, this mattress ticks all the right boxes.

Read Our Full Review of the Amerisleep Organica

Our Take

When I tried the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Hybrid, I was impressed by its cooling-focused design and luxurious feel. The GlacioTex™ cooling cover and CopperFlex™ foam worked wonders in keeping the surface cool throughout the night, ideal for someone like me who often sleeps hot.

Its hybrid construction felt supportive yet comfortable, with a responsive foam layer, a memory foam layer for pressure relief, and an 8-inch Ascension® coil system providing excellent motion isolation. With three firmness levels to choose from, I found it adaptable to different sleep preferences, making it a durable and versatile option.

Mattress Construction

From my experience, the Brooklyn Aurora Luxe Hybrid feels like it’s crafted for anyone who values cooling and luxury. The GlacioTex™ cover instantly feels cool to the touch, perfect for someone who tends to overheat at night. Just beneath, the CopperFlex™ foam delivers a soothing blend of pressure relief and cooling thanks to its copper infusion.

I also loved how the TitanCool™ foam adapts to my body while enhancing temperature control. The individually encased coils offer targeted support and minimize motion transfer, which is ideal when sharing a bed. Plus, the reinforced edges add to its stability, and the durable foam foundation ensures long-lasting performance. With three firmness levels available, I could easily find the right feel to suit my preferences.

How It Feels 

Sleeping on the Brooklyn Aurora Luxe Hybrid was refreshingly cool and comfortable. The advanced cooling features kept the surface temperature-neutral all night, a dream for hot sleepers like me. The plush foam layers gently contoured to my body, while the supportive coils added a balanced feel without compromising comfort.

It’s responsive and versatile enough to support different sleep positions, making it a great all-around choice. If you’re looking for a luxurious, supportive mattress that keeps you cool, this one hits all the right notes!

Read Our Full Review of the Brooklyn Aurora Luxe Hybrid

Our Take

I find the Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid to be the pinnacle of luxury for those who adore plush comfort. Its advanced Bio-Pur® foam contours beautifully to my body, while the pocketed coils provide a responsive and supportive base.

As a side sleeper, I appreciate how it cushions pressure points, and the cooling technology ensures I don’t overheat during the night.

Mattress Construction:

The Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid feels thoughtfully designed for anyone seeking a soft, cloud-like sleep surface. Its breathable cover enhances airflow, keeping the surface fresh. The Bio-Pur® foam, made from plant-based materials, offers superior pressure relief without the heat retention of traditional memory foam.

I noticed the Active Flex layer adds a touch of responsiveness, which is perfect for adjusting positions effortlessly. Beneath that, the pocketed coils provide adaptive support and excellent motion isolation, while the reinforced edge support maximizes the sleeping area.

For me, the durable high-density foam base ensures long-term stability and comfort. It’s especially ideal for side sleepers or anyone needing pressure relief, with materials designed to combat overheating.

How It Feels

The AS5 Hybrid wraps me in plush comfort, offering a soft and luxurious feel. What stands out is the way it balances deep pressure relief with responsive support. Despite its softness, I never feel stuck, thanks to the Active Flex layer and coil system.

I’d recommend this to anyone who prefers a softer sleep surface but still values the support needed for a restful night’s sleep. It truly blends indulgent cushioning with functional support, making it a standout option for comfort lovers.

Read Our Full Review of the Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid

Our Take

I appreciate the Zoma Start for its sporty design, which I find perfect for aiding recovery and boosting performance. The Triangulex™ foam offers targeted support and pressure relief, especially in key areas like the shoulders and hips—ideal for anyone with an active lifestyle.

The medium firmness combined with a breathable construction ensures comfort and durability, and it’s all available at an affordable price.

Mattress Construction

The Zoma Start is built with recovery in mind. The breathable polyester cover promotes airflow to keep me cool throughout the night.

The Triangulex™ foam layer offers zoned support, particularly in pressure-sensitive areas, while the Reactiv™ foam below adds bounce and adaptability. The durable Support+ foam base ensures the mattress keeps its shape over time, providing lasting stability.

How It Feels

With a medium-firm feel, the Zoma Start offers the perfect balance of comfort and support for active individuals like me.

The zoned foam layers relieve pressure and support spinal alignment, while the responsive foam ensures easy movement and prevents overheating. Whether I sleep on my back or side, I wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day.

Read Our Full Review of the Zoma Start

Our Take:

I find the Nest Bedding Sparrow Hybrid to be a premium, customizable mattress that’s perfect for different sleep preferences. With three firmness options—plush, medium, and firm—it caters to all kinds of sleepers.

The Energex™ foam layer provides responsive comfort while relieving pressure, and the pocketed coils offer superb support and motion isolation. The dual firmness option in King and Cal King sizes allows me and my partner to customize our sides for the perfect fit.

Plus, its edge support and long-term durability make it a solid investment.

Mattress Construction

The Nest Bedding Sparrow Hybrid is thoughtfully designed, especially for couples. The quilted pillow-top cover adds extra softness and promotes airflow. Beneath that, the Energex™ foam layer combines the contouring feel of memory foam with the bounce of latex.

The SmartFlow™ support foam enhances breathability, while the pocketed coil system reduces motion transfer and improves edge support. The base layer of dense foam ensures the mattress remains durable for years.

How It Feels

The Sparrow Hybrid offers a balanced feel, perfect for couples with varying preferences. The responsive foam and pocketed coils work together to absorb motion, ensuring a peaceful night’s sleep.

With its multiple firmness options and great edge support, it caters to all sleep styles, whether I’m a back sleeper or side sleeper. The Sparrow provides a comfortable and supportive experience that ensures both my partner and I sleep soundly.

Read Our Full Review of the Nest Bedding Sparrow

Our Take

I find the Bear Star Hybrid mattress offers a balanced medium-firm feel that blends comfort with support. It’s equipped with cooling Celliant® cover technology, responsive foam layers, and a pocketed coil system, providing superior pressure relief and motion isolation.

This mattress is perfect for active individuals and combination sleepers like myself. The strong edge support and durability add to its overall value, and with a 120-night trial, I’m confident it will meet a wide range of sleep needs.

Mattress Construction

The Bear Star Hybrid combines the best of both worlds: traditional innerspring support and modern foam comfort. The hand-quilted Celliant® cover promotes recovery and improves sleep quality by enhancing blood flow and regulating temperature.

Beneath it, the cooling gel foam layer relieves pressure and keeps heat at bay. The responsive transition foam layer ensures proper spinal alignment, while the individually encased coils offer targeted support and motion isolation.

The high-density edge foam prevents sagging, and the durable foam base stabilizes the structure. This mattress is designed for all sleep positions, and its cooling features are perfect for hot sleepers like me.

How It Feels

The Bear Star Hybrid feels medium-firm with just the right amount of cushioning and support. The cooling foam layers ensure I stay comfortable throughout the night, while the innerspring core provides the bounce and targeted support I need.

It’s especially great for combination sleepers, offering excellent spinal alignment and edge-to-edge support.

Whether I’m sleeping on my back, stomach, or side, the Bear Star Hybrid offers a rejuvenating sleep experience that’s built to last for years.

Read Our Full Review of the Bear Star Hybrid

Mattress Types to Consider

Although memory foam mattresses may be the most common for a mattress in a box, there are several different types of mattresses. Understanding the purpose of each kind and how they may benefit your sleep or alleviate the symptoms of a medical condition is crucial to making the best choice possible.

Memory Foam Mattresses

As the most commonly used material for mattress-in-a-boxes, memory foam and polyfoam is becoming more and more popular. However, padding mattresses and pillows were not the original purpose of memory foam. Originally, NASA developed memory foam in the 1960s as a way to absorb shock in airplane seats. Memory foam would later go on to find its way into shoe insoles, helmets, and eventually, mattresses.

After the first memory foam mattress was developed in the 1990s, sleepers quickly fell in love with the way that memory foam molded to their bodies and provided contouring.

Viscoelastic, the material that memory foam is made of, tends to be on the soft side and highly-absorbent. By responding to pressure and heat, memory foam molds to the shape pressing into it and can evenly distribute body weight (regardless of sleeping position).

Although the specific scientific benefits of memory foam are still being studied, many customers boast positive feedback. While it’s unlikely that memory foam mattresses may be able to alleviate serious conditions like sleep apnea, many scientists do agree that it can help relieve the aches and pains of pressure points in the body. Mattresses with a firm feel can also provide better support for specific sleeping positions.

Another potential benefit of memory foam is the way it supports your body. People with back pain often have positive experiences with these types of mattresses since they often offer better support and can help keep the spine in a more natural position.

People who sleep with a partner typically give positive feedback as well. Since memory foam doesn’t use coiled springs, sleepers are less likely to notice their partner’s movement throughout the night. This motion transfer technology has recently become extremely popular with customers that prefer a luxury firm feel with their memory foam mattress or high-quality density foam.

While many people may assume that memory foam is all the same, there are actually a few different types. What you end up unboxing can also highly depend on the mattress brand you purchased the product from. The most popular type, traditional memory foam, is designed to be anti-dust mite and antimicrobial. However, some individuals may find that traditional memory foam retains too much body heat or isn’t comfy enough.

In that case, AirCool Memory Foam may be a better alternative. With a distinct open-cell structure, this type tends to retain less heat and promote better air-flow. Customers will feel as if they’re sleeping in a nest. Sleepers that have issues with night sweats or feeling “stuck” to the mattress may appreciate a mattress with AirCool Memory Foam more.

Gel Memory Foam is a much newer option but is continuing to gain popularity due to brands like Purple. The biggest difference between gel memory foam and traditional memory foam mattresses is the infused gel. Oftentimes, manufacturers use the same kind of gel that’s found in athletic gear and equipment.

In general, gel memory foam can be more temperature-sensitive than AirCool or traditional memory foam—meaning that the level of comfort it provides may not always be consistent.

While most memory foams provide the same benefits with some variation, there’s no clear winner between them. In some cases, mattress brands may use a combination of different memory foams in order to make sure customers get the best sleeping experience possible.

Latex Mattresses

Made with natural latex that comes from rubber tree sap, latex mattresses may seem a lot like memory foam but they are a much earlier invention. Nearly five years after the first latex foam was made, scientists discovered the first process for creating a latex mattress.

Although latex mattresses may vary in firmness and the amount of natural latex inside, most of them still have the same major benefits.

Unlike traditional mattresses or old mattresses, which can make it difficult to toss or turn during the night without waking up your partner, latex mattresses tend to be quieter and allow for more movement. One of the biggest advantages of latex, however, is its durability.

While some traditional or memory foam mattresses may only last a few years before they begin to sag, lose their shape, or show cracks, latex mattresses are known for their long shelf life. It’s not unusual for a latex mattress to last decades without much deterioration. When pressure is taken off the mattress, the latex easily springs back into its original shape.

As far as medical advantages go, latex has many of the same benefits that memory foam does. Softer latex mattresses tend to cradle the spine and provide better back support than a traditional mattress does. On painful pressure points, natural latex can help relieve pressure rather than add to it.

Besides durability and health benefits, many customers enjoy that latex mattresses are eco-friendly. Natural latex can be harvested without using harmful chemicals and some latex mattresses may even be manufactured near the harvest site to minimize the carbon footprint.

Like memory foam, latex mattresses are typically anti-microbial and hypo-allergenic for people that deal with latex allergies.

It’s also worth noting that there are two main ways to manufacture a latex mattress. The Dunlop process, which is more historic and happens on-site, includes injecting a latex serum into the layers of a mold and allowing it to set.

The Talalay method, which was introduced later on, includes chemically treating liquid latex and using vacuum suction. While the Talalay process is more complicated and requires more technology to construct the mattress, it also results in a lighter, airier foam too.

Innerspring Mattresses

Innerspring mattresses, or “traditional” mattresses, are named for the metal coils that help form the core and base of the bed. Originally developed in the 1880s, innerspring mattresses have been around for a while and remain a simple, cost-effective option for many sleepers.

Although many original innerspring mattresses may have caused several sleep issues, new technology and adaptive measures have helped reshape this timeless classic into a better option for sleepers everywhere.

It’s worth noting that, while all innerspring mattresses still use coils, many of them try to alleviate common complaints with the design by using other materials like memory foam and latex as well.

As far as coils go, innerspring mattresses all use a wide variety of different coil types too. Bonnell coils, for instance, are the oldest kind of coils and tend to be one of the most durable. However, due to their hourglass shape, Bonnell coils also tend to be loud. For people that sleep with a partner, an innerspring mattress with Bonnell coils may not be the best option.

Offset coils are shaped similarly to Bonnell coils, but they also create a hinging effect when they’re compressed. As a result, offset coils respond better and conform well to the body’s natural curves.

Continuous coils tend to be more durable than offset or bonnell coils, but some sleepers may find that they don’t offer the support they need. Pocketed coils, on the other hand, are typically a more popular option since they’re quieter and move independently of each other. Many high-end luxury hybrid mattresses or natural mattresses choose to pocketed coils over other types.

While innerspring mattresses may not always provide the same support or health benefits that some other types can, they can still create a better sleeping experience when memory foam or latex is added.

Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses tend to give sleepers the best of both worlds. Once all-foam mattresses began popping up during the 1900s, innerspring mattresses struggled to compete in terms of medical and health benefits. However, since all-foam mattresses tend to be more expensive, many customers were hesitant about leaving their innerspring mattresses behind.

Fortunately, brands began producing a happy medium: the hybrid mattress. While hybrid mattresses still use the same coils found in innerspring mattresses, they also use multiple materials such as gel foam and memory foam. As a result, hybrid mattresses can still provide the familiar feel of an innerspring mattress with the added support of memory foam or latex.

To some extent, “hybrid” mattresses are the result of marketing more than they are revolutionary technology since innerspring mattresses have always used some sort of foam or soft material.

The biggest advantages that hybrid mattresses have to offer is the added support and movement isolation. Much like memory foam or latex mattresses, a hybrid mattress can help align the spine in the correct position during sleep and cradle key areas of the body such as the hips or shoulders.

Unlike an innerspring mattress, those who sleep on a hybrid mattress are more likely to be able to move during the night without disturbing their partner.

Perhaps what separates a hybrid mattress from other types is the amount of variation that customers can find with them. While memory foam or latex mattress may be firmer or softer, hybrid mattresses allow manufacturers to mix and match materials.

Keep in mind that, in recent years, there’s been a whole new wave of hybrid mattresses. “Natural” or “organic” mattresses tend to fall within the hybrid category since they use materials such as cotton, wool, or plant fibers. However, since these materials aren’t always enough support, it’s not uncommon to find pocketed coils or memory foam inside of a natural mattress.

Depending on what they specifically need from their mattress, sleepers can test out different combinations of materials until they find one that works best for them.

Mattress Budget

Although comfort and quality may be major priorities, they aren’t the only concerns that customers have to worry about when they’re shopping for a mattress. Without fully knowing what to look for, shopping for a mattress can quickly become an overwhelming experience.

Since every sleeper has a different mattress budget, it’s important to understand what kind of quality customers can get at every price range—as well as how to get the best mattress in a box at an affordable rate.

We also recommend shoppers, regardless of the budget they’re working with, consider the deals offered during reoccurring mattress sales:

• Memorial Day Mattress Sales
• 4th of July Mattress Sales
• Labor Day Mattress Sales
• Columbus Day Mattress Sales
• Black Friday Mattress Sales
• Cyber Monday Mattress Sales

$100 – 500

Finding the best mattress under $500 is tricky and comes with a series of compromises.

First, assuming you want a queen size mattress or larger, this is considered on the very low end of the price point of mattress shopping. Some outlets may offer deeply discounted beds which, at one point, were sold at a higher price point. If you’re buying from such an outlet, just remember to be cautious. It isn’t illegal in every state to resell used mattresses and used mattresses come with a significant amount of concerns (from hygienic to support).

Second, if you do find new mattress in the price range, you are unlikely to get a decent sleep trial or warranty. Plus, the quality of the materials is reflected in the price.

A cheap memory foam mattress won’t last as long as one that goes for about $1000. This is due to the quality of foam which is often worse in inexpensive mattresses. Low-quality foam doesn’t support weight nearly as well as higher-quality foam, and so a sagging mattress is more likely with a cheaper bed.

$501 – 1000

Finding a mattress for $1000 or less is much easier and much more customer-friendly. This is considered the entry point for quality mattresses.

At this price range, brands are likely to include the five or ten-year warranties that you often see with larger, more expensive beds. Most brands will offer sleep trials and free shipping. While there are plenty of innerspring mattresses to pick from, not all of them can provide the support that customers need for a restful night’s sleep. And, at this price point, your memory foam or latex foam options will be limited.

For people that struggle with back issues or sleep disorders, finding a mattress that can provide them the support they need at this price can be a challenge.

Some of the more luxurious options tend to fall over $1,000 so customers should be prepared to settle for an option that may not have all the luxury or premium features they desire.

$1000 – 2000

With a mattress budget of $2000, customers have plenty of options to pick from– and they can usually expect those options to last throughout the warranty period. Not only do many brands produce a large number of their inventory within this price range, but there are usually several different kinds to pick from.

Depending on the brand, sleepers can usually find a high-quality, balanced memory foam mattress to support them throughout the night or a durable latex mattress that will last the test of time.

Here, customers may begin seeing more added perks with the purchase of their mattress. More and more ten-year warranties may begin to pop up while a few simple latex and memory foam options may become available. Certain brands may offer an “original” or simple memory foam option without all the bells and whistles of a luxury mattress.

$2,001 and Beyond

With a budget of more than $2,000, the sky’s the limit. Almost every mattress within this category could be classified as luxury and many customers have personal reasons for spending this much. For more than just a supportive mattress, some sleepers may also be looking for hypo-allergenic or “organic” mattresses with eco-friendly construction.

For instance, individuals with latex allergies that still want to experience the resilient, durable material of a latex mattress can find plenty of hypoallergenic options within this budget.

Sleepers who have significant issues with staying cool during the night or keeping the temperature in their bedroom regulated may even consider investing in a mattress with an electronic component. Some brands may choose to add electric components to their products so they can regulate temperature or adjust sleeping position throughout the night.

At this price range, you’ll also begin to see 20-year warranties and even lifetime warranties. As long as customers understand what to look for and what they need from a mattress, finding one that can meet their needs should not be a problem.

Plus, if you’re looking in this price range, you can consider getting an adjustable bed. The best adjustable beds work to elevate your quality of sleep. By being able to raise your head or raise your feet, you can take the pressure off your lower back. Some adjustable beds even come with features, such as a snore button, underbed lighting, USB ports for charging your phone, and massage settings.

Sleeping Position

Believe it or not, sleep position can play a large role in how restfully you sleep at night. Even positions that feel natural or comfortable may not align your spine correctly or support your joints.

The three most common sleeping positions–side, back, and stomach–require different things from a mattress. What may be supportive and relaxing for a back sleeper may end up leaving a stomach sleeper feeling sore or achy the next day.

Keep in mind that, although scientists may debate which sleep positions are the best for medical reasons, there’s no “correct” way that you need to be sleeping on a mattress. Most sleepers choose their positions because that’s what feels most comfortable or relaxing during the night.

Sleep positions can also change throughout an individual’s life. Pregnant women may end up sleeping in the fetal position during the length of their pregnancy while someone who recently had back surgery may choose to sleep on their stomach until they fully recover.

Side Sleepers

With over half the population sleeping on their side, side sleepers make up the majority of mattress shoppers. While it’s recommended that side sleepers only sleep on the right side of their bodies, there are a few health reasons why people may choose to sleep this way. One of the major benefits of side sleeping is that it relieves pressure on the heart.

It’s also worth noting that side sleepers tend to fall within two categories: while some side sleepers choose to curl up in the fetal position while they sleep, others prefer to stretch out their legs instead.

However, while it may be better for your heart, side sleeping can also lead to numb arms. Depending on the specific position they lay in, sleepers may wake up in the morning with the sensation of “pins and needles” in one or both of their arms. This may not be an issue for some people, but over time, this tingling sensation can end up disrupting a restful night of sleep.

The best mattress for side sleepers are often softer, so they can provide plenty of pressure relief. Since they may inadvertently place pressure on a painful or sore joint throughout the night, it’s important that they own a mattress that can take the pressure off of these areas.

For this reason, memory foam mattresses with supportive comfort layers tend to work best for side sleepers. Regardless of which position they curl up in, the mattress will be able to provide contouring.

Back Sleepers

Although back sleepers make up a smaller percentage of the population, this may be an ideal position for people with chronic pain or lower back pain to sleep in. Since sleeping on your back keeps your spine in a neutral and horizontal position, there’s less chance of misalignment or unwanted pressure throughout the night.

Even people who suffer from conditions like fibromyalgia or other forms of chronic pain may find that sleeping on their back is the most comfortable way to spend the night. Like side sleepers, there is some variation. While some back sleepers keep their arms at their side and their feet close together, others sprawl out in a “starfish” position.

Back sleepers often need more support from their mattresses than side or stomach sleepers do. Memory foam mattresses are often a wise choice since they “contour” the body and can help keep the spine in alignment.

Not all memory foam mattresses provide the same pressure relief, however, so it’s important to pay close attention to comfort layers.

Stomach Sleepers

Not everyone sleeps on their stomach, but those that do can be at risk for neck pain and lower back pain if they aren’t careful about how they sleep. Along with making sure you have a pillow that doesn’t aggravate or cause further neck pain, stomach sleepers often do better with a medium-firm memory foam mattress.

Mattresses that are too soft may cause sleepers to “sink” into the bed during the night or feel as if they’re stuck while those that are too firm may not be comfortable to rest your belly on. More so than back or side sleepers, a person’s stomach requires consistent and firm support.

The goal is finding the happy medium between soft and firm: while you want a mattress that doesn’t feel like you’re sleeping on a rock, you also don’t want to feel as if you’re “stuck inside” the mattress.

Sleeping Cool and Airflow

Proper temperature control is a key component to getting a restful night’s sleep. Mattresses that have poor temperature regulation can cause night sweats and general restlessness as sleepers toss and turn to get comfortable during the night.

However, many mattresses-in-box take specific steps to combat poor airflow. In addition to regular memory foam, some brands may use an additional layer of AirCool Memory Foam since it tends to retain less heat and draw body heat away from the sleeper.

Another key step that mattress companies may take is using a breathable. Even mattresses that use components like AirCool Memory Foam may still fail to regulate temperature if they have a cover that’s retaining too much heat. To get around this, companies will include breathable fabric covers instead.

Cooling gel can be another way to better regulate temperature while a grid-like layer system can prevent the mattress from retaining too much body heat. In much higher-end, luxury mattresses, some brands may even include electronic components to regulate temperature, but this feature isn’t typically found in mattress-in-a-boxes.

Shipping and Return Policies

One of the major benefits of getting a new mattress in a box, besides the more affordable price point and high-quality materials, is the shipping and return policies.

Shipping Methods

Most mattress in a box companies offer free shipping. Simply put, the mattress is compressed, rolled in a box, then dropped off on your doorstep! Some companies do offer a white-glove delivery option, where your mattress (and perhaps foundation or bed frame) will be delivered on a specific date and set up. Sometimes white-glove delivery is included but usually, it is an extra fee.

Return Policy

Once you receive your mattress, whether from free shipping or a white-glove delivery service, you start your sleep trial. The generous return policies of mattress in a box companies are a huge win for the consumer.

To be a competitive sleep trial, the mattress company should allow you to try the bed for at least 60 nights and not charger any restocking fee or pick-up fees if you decide to make a return.

SEE ALSO: The Best Place to Buy a Mattress & In-Store Myths

Frequently Asked Questions

Although you may know what the best mattress in a box is, that doesn’t mean there aren’t still a few questions that need to be answered.

How long do mattress in a boxes last?

The lifespan of a mattress in a box can vary depending on brand and price. In most cases, these memory foam mattresses are designed to last until their warranties end–which may be around ten to fifteen years. Some brands may even include twenty-year warranties, but most mattress in a boxes aren’t able to last that long without some deterioration.

In most cases, sleepers can be expected to replace their mattress every eight to ten years. Some higher-quality mattresses may be able to last longer than that (especially if they use latex), but as a general rule, mattress in a boxes will begin to show their age after a few years of regular use.

As a general rule, if you begin to wake up with back pain, it might be time to shop for a newer mattress.

Are the mattresses in a box any good?

Some sleepers may be skeptical about purchasing a mattress online, especially since it doesn’t allow them to test it out in the store first. However, the only real difference between an in-store mattress and a mattress-in-a-box is how it’s shipped and delivered. Initially, a mattress-in-a-box must be compressed in a smaller package while it’s in transport.

Customers who purchase this kind of mattress can still expect to receive as much quality in their box mattress as they would for a mattress bought at the store.

What is the softest mattress in a box?

For sleepers that require a much softer mattress than average, finding the right bed can be a challenge. Many brands use their own formula when it comes to firmness, but some companies do allow customers to personalize their mattresses.

To locate a softer mattress, it’s a good idea to look for beds that use large amounts of memory foam or natural latex. Unlike innerspring mattresses, an all-foam mattress can provide much better support and “contour” the body throughout the night.

It’s also worth noting that some brands may also include a soft and a firmer side with their mattress so that customers can pick and choose which side they want to sleep on.

Can you sleep on a mattress in a box right away?

Although purchasing a mattress in a box may be more convenient, customers who have never purchased a mattress online may be skeptical about the shipping and delivery process. Since your bed must be compressed into a smaller package and delivered at your door, customers have to unbox the mattress and let it expand.

Traditionally, it may have taken a mattress up to a day or three days to expand to its full size, but many brands have altered their manufacturing processes to avoid this long waiting period. Today, it can take only a few hours for the mattress to expand, and many customers can sleep on their bed the same day it arrives.

Unless a company specifies otherwise, it’s alright to assume that you can sleep on your mattress in a box right away. If you aren’t sure and don’t want to take any chances, you can always reach out to the mattress brand’s customer service representatives.

Do mattress in a boxes need a box spring?

Most likely, no. The only mattress that usually needs a box spring is the traditional innerspring bed. Other mattress types such as memory foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses may become damaged if kept on a box spring.

Box springs don’t offer the consistent and even support that a foam mattress needs. If you place a foam mattress on a box spring, it may eventually sink between the box spring’s interior coils. When this happens, the mattress stretches out of shape.

Conclusion

There are a couple of key considerations that sleepers should keep in mind while they’re searching for the best mattress in a box. Not only do they need to consider how their sleeping position may affect what they need from a bed, but they should also pay attention to features that different brands use to address common sleep issues.

An ideal mattress in a box takes steps to regulate the temperature throughout the night, avoid disturbances from tossing and turning, and support key areas of the body such as the back, hips, and shoulders.

The good news is that, while these mattresses won’t allow you to try them out in the store, customers can still take advantage of extensive sleep trials and free shipping and returns while also avoiding the hassle of trying to transport a mattress back to their home.