The Best Mattresses in a Box, According to Testing
These bed-in-a-box brands deliver comfort and convenience to your front door.
Tested by Grace WuTextiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Product Analyst
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
A "mattress in a box" is exactly what you think it sounds like: A mattress that is compressed, rolled up and packaged into a box that's then directly shipped to your door. The main benefit is convenience. Instead of scheduling a delivery date weeks in advance and waiting for a team to call you, you can set up a boxed mattress on your own schedule. It's especially ideal for busy individuals, apartment renters, long-distance movers and budget-conscious shoppers, since shipping is typically speedy and cheap (or free).
I've been testing mattresses at the Good Housekeeping Institute for over a decade, where our team of fiber scientists, engineers and product analysts work together to combine feedback from our in-house product evaluations with the experiences of our at-home testers. In the past few years, we've tested over 200 mattresses with hundreds of at-home consumer testers and surveyed 10,000 mattress owners for added insight. To find the best boxed mattresses, we consider everything from comfort and support to ease of delivery and set up to how well it holds up over time and more.
Casper Original Mattress
Pros
- Earned top marks from our panel of consumers
- Ergonomic design for alignment
- Available at retailers that specify a delivery date before you buy
Cons
- This model may be phased out by Casper based on its new introductions
WHO IT'S BEST FOR:
- Side and back sleepers, thanks to its zoned support
- Anyone who enjoys the cradling feel of foam
Casper is our top boxed mattress pick due to its high scores for comfort, ergonomic layout and convenient delivery. The brand offers a variety of mattresses to choose from, but we think this one hits the sweet spot between quality and value. Over 250 survey respondents told us they loved their Casper mattress, especially highlighting the price, ease of buying, support and overall comfort.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS:
✔️ Ergonomic alignment: This model features zoned layers designed to keep your spine aligned, with more give around key areas. Our testers were huge fans: One told us, "it conforms to your body," and another user said, "It is extremely comfy — so comfy that we bought two more for other beds."
✔️ Easy ordering & setup: Our reviewers gave this mattress high marks for the smooth ordering process and easy setup. Because it's entirely foam, it's lighter and easier to set up than boxed hybrids that contain metal coils, and the moderate height (11 inches) is on the tall side for foam, but not too tall or heavy when compared to a hybrid.
✔️ Brand trustworthiness: Most of our over 250 panelists gave the mattresses high scores and said they kept their shape over time. One user even told us, "It's the best one I've ever owned." Others also had great experiences working with the brand's customer service, with no major issues to report.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Casper Original Mattress
Note: Casper updated its mattress assortment and we have been testing the newer One model (pictured here). It's similar to the Original, but it costs several hundred dollars less, though it lacks the ergonomic support. Based on tester feedback, we recommend the Original over the One. It may be phased out as a result of this assortment update, but as of now, you can still buy this model. Another perk: It's available at retailers like Amazon that let you know the exact delivery date before you purchase. (Most direct-to-consumer brands will only give a shipping timeframe, making it hard to know when the mattress will show up at your door.)
| Mattress type | Memory foam |
| Height: | 11 in. |
| Weight (Queen) | 79 lbs |
| Firmness | Medium Firm |
| Trial period | 100 days |
Pros
- Hybrid model combines foam and coils
- Testers rated it more highly than some pricier brands
- Easy ordering, delivery and setup
Cons
- Users said it lacks edge support
WHO IT'S BEST FOR:
- Budget shoppers looking for the most comfortable mattress under $500
- Young adults, especially apartment renters and new homeowners
Despite its low price, Allswell stands out for its exceptional comfort, according to our consumer panel. This hybrid mattress combines memory foam, coils and a quilted pillowtop for a balance of pressure relief and support. It's available exclusively at Walmart and typically arrives within days of ordering, in our experience.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS:
✔️ Plush comfort: Allswell calls the mattress Medium, but we've found that it has a medium-soft feel. It was well liked in our tests for its balanced feel, thanks to the combination of pressure-relieving foam and coils. One tester shared, "I like the support that it provides without being firm." Another user commented, "This mattress is supportive and plush, and it feels like a fancy hotel bed."
✔️ Excellent value: The average cost of a Queen-size hybrid mattress in 2023 was $2,050, so at this price point, it's already a steal. Our reviewers agreed it’s well worth the price, with several noting it alleviated their neck and back pain. In recent years, we've seen mattress prices increase regularly, but this one has stayed consistent over time.
✔️ Edge support: The main downside is that it tends to sink at the edges when getting in and out of bed, which can be an issue for those with mobility limitations.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Allswell Luxe Hybrid Mattress
| Mattress type | Hybrid |
| Height | 12 in. |
| Weight (Queen) | 95 lbs |
| Firmness | Medium |
| Trial period | 90 days |
Pros
- Multiple firmness options
- Some testers said it's the most comfortable mattress they've slept on
- Zoned sections for ergonomic relief
Cons
- On the heavier side for a boxed model
- We couldn't validate the brand's recovery claims
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT: Good Housekeeping readers can take 40% off their Bear mattress orders with code GH40 through July 14th.
WHO IT'S BEST FOR:
- Anyone who's struggled to find a comfortable mattress
- People who aren't sure whether they prefer a foam or spring model, since it combines both
- Sleepers with back pain
Lightweight and low-cost boxed mattresses are usually made from foam, but for an upgraded feel, you can opt for a hybrid model like Bear’s, which combines foam layers with coils for added support and breathability. But at 110 pounds, it's on the heavier side for a boxed mattress.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS:
✔️ Comfort & sleep quality: Our sleep testers have been consistently impressed with the high level of comfort of this mattress. Many reported better sleep, with one saying, “This is undoubtedly the best mattress we’ve ever owned. We’ve traveled all over and have never had the sleep experience we now enjoy every night.”
✔️ Support: The Elite Hybrid features an ergonomic design with five zones to promote spine alignment, offering varying levels of pressure relief and support. We were also impressed with the reinforced edges, which proved fairly supportive, especially for a boxed mattress.
✔️ Durability: While it's on the newer side (it was first launched in 2022), it has held up well in our tests so far, aside from some pilling on the outer cover after the two-year point.
Note: Bear claims the mattress uses natural minerals to convert body heat into energy for enhanced recovery. We couldn't verify these claims in our review process but still recommend this mattress for its outstanding comfort.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Bear Elite Hybrid
| Mattress type | Hybrid |
| Height | 14 in. |
| Weight (Queen) | 110 lbs |
| Firmness | Luxury Plush, Luxury Firm, Extra Firm |
| Trial period | 120 days |
Tuft & Needle Original Mattress
Pros
- Weighs less for easier setup
- Supportive foam
- Good motion isolation
Cons
- Lacks edge support
WHO IT'S BEST FOR:
- People who need their mattress set up quickly
- Side and back sleepers
- Anyone who prefers the feel of memory foam without it feeling too soft
This no-frills mattress features a simple two-layer foam design, yet we found it to be surprisingly comfortable and supportive. Its lightweight construction makes it easier to lift and set up compared to heavier models. Plus, with Amazon Prime, it offers speedy delivery — sometimes as fast as two days — so you know exactly when it will arrive.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS:
✔️ Responsive foam: Unlike some memory foam mattresses, Tuft & Needle's foam has a responsive feel. It won't sink in under your weight but still contours nicely to your body. Several panelists appreciated its firmer-than-expected feel for memory foam. One reviewer noted, "My Tuft & Needle mattress is so much more comfortable than any mattress I've ever had." Plus, panelists liked that the foam still offered good motion isolation, so their partners couldn't feel them move around in bed.
✔️ Temperature: Most of our panel found that they could maintain a comfortable body temperature on their Tuft & Needle mattresses. One hot sleeper said, "I have insomnia, and I have slept better on this mattress than any other mattress."
✔️ Fast delivery & easy setup: None of our testers have reported any issues when it comes to setup, and our panelists highlighted the speedy delivery.
✔️ Edge support: The main downside is that the edges lack support, so it may sag if you sit on the side., but this is typical for memory foam.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Tuft & Needle Original Mattress
| Mattress type | Memory foam |
| Height | 10 in. |
| Weight (Queen) | 66 lbs |
| Firmness | Medium Firm |
| Trial period | 100 days |
Purple The Purple Mattress
Pros
- Good support with pressure relief
- Superior motion isolation
- Grid layer is breathable, helping it feel cool
Cons
- Heavier than other foam models
WHO IT'S BEST FOR:
- Hot sleepers
- Couples, because of its good motion isolation
- Heavier body weights, since it has a weight capacity of 600 pounds (or 300 pounds per side)
Purple features a grid-shaped elastic material in the top layer of this mattress, giving it a unique feel that’s squishy yet firm, offering a balance of support and pressure relief. Beneath the grid are two layers of memory foam, though the gel layer makes it a bit heavier than other foam mattresses in a box we tested.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS:
✔️ Temperature control: Our testers and panelists highlighted how it felt noticeably cooler than other beds they've slept on. A few even called it "too cool" in the winter.
✔️ Standout feel: Purple's GelFlex Grid has a one-of-a-kind texture. It feels like you're being cradled but doesn't sink in like foam will. One tester even called it the perfect mix of soft and firm. Others praised its comfort, telling us it felt like “sleeping on air” and “floating in every sleeping position.”
✔️ Good motion isolation: Bouncy, responsive mattresses typically earn lower scores for motion isolation, but our testers shared that they couldn't feel their partners tossing and turning on this one.
✔️ Setup: Most users reported no issues with DIY setup, but some found that the grid layer made the mattress feel heavier and difficult to maneuver.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Purple Mattress
| Mattress type | Memory foam |
| Height | 9.25 in. |
| Weight (Queen) | 100 lbs |
| Firmness | Medium Firm |
| Trial period | 100 days |
Pros
- Users told us it alleviated their pain
- Earned high scores for comfort and support
- Felt cooler than other foam beds in our tests
Cons
- On the shorter side
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT: Good Housekeeping readers can take an additional $50 on your Nolah purchase with our exclusive code GH50 until July 14.
WHO IT'S BEST FOR:
- People suffering from back pain, hip pain, pregnancy-related pain, sciatica and other discomforts that disturb sleep
- Side sleepers, which is also the sleep position recommended for people with back pain
The best mattresses for back pain typically have medium firmness and use memory foam for pressure relief and alignment for side sleepers. Nolah's boxed hybrid meets these criteria and earned praise from users who found it alleviated their back pain.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS:
✔️ Standout foam: Nolah injects its foam with air for a more responsive feel than typical memory foam, but it still offers great pressure relief. The first time we tested this mattress, it felt like a weight was instantly lifted off our hips and shoulders. One tester appreciated how it "offers support while still cradling pressure points."
✔️ Excellent user feedback: Several reviewers told us they were amazed by how much it reduced their discomfort. One user shared, "On the first day of testing, I went to bed with a strained back from hours of sitting at my desk. When I woke up the next day, the pain was completely gone." Another noted, "It offers back support while cradling pressure points, significantly helping my husband’s scoliosis."
✔️ Temperature: Foam is notorious for overheating, but users noted that this one sleeps cool compared to others they've owned.
✔️ Height: Our reviewers were surprised by how comfortable this slim mattress felt. The caveat is that the 10-inch height may be too low for those with mobility issues, depending on the height of your bed frame.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Nolah Original Mattress
| Mattress type | Memory foam |
| Height | 10 in. |
| Weight (Queen) | 70 lbs |
| Firmness | Medium |
| Trial period | 120 days |
Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud Mattress
Pros
- Made with popular Tempur foam
- Good pressure relief and motion isolation
- Stands up to long-term use
Cons
- Memory foam sleeps warm
WHO IT'S BEST FOR:
- Side sleepers
- Anyone who wants to experience the luxury Tempur material without paying full price for a top-of-the-line model
Tempur-Pedic mattresses are known for their high-quality foam that conforms to your body and minimizes motion transfer, but most models cost over $3,000 and require in-home setup. The Tempur-Cloud model is a lighter, compressed version that ships via UPS straight to your door that still uses the brand's distinct foam.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS:
✔️ Precise support: While it may feel a bit firm at first, our testers noted that it gradually adapts to their bodies for a personalized fit. One shared, "I feel like my entire body is supported in a very gentle way," and long-term owners have been impressed by its durability.
✔️ Pressure relief: Testers were surprised by just how comfortable they felt when sleeping on this bed. It was also a hit amongst side sleepers, who highlighted how the foam cradled their hips and shoulders. Plus, a tester who previously used a more traditional mattress-in-a-box noted, "It was definitely a major upgrade."
✔️ Motion isolation: Users who share the bed consistently highlight Tempur-Pedic's motion isolation. Many even reported improved, uninterrupted sleep.
✔️ Temperature: The caveat here is that memory foam tends to traps heat, so hot sleepers who love the feel should consider a cooling mattress, like one from the brand's Breeze line.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Tempur-Cloud Mattress
| Mattress type | Memory foam |
| Height | 10 in. |
| Weight (Queen) | 57 lbs |
| Firmness | Medium |
| Trial period | 90 days |
Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress
Pros
- Comfortable, cushioning memory foam
- Number-one best-seller on Amazon
- Good motion isolation
Cons
- Not as supportive as some picks
WHO IT'S BEST FOR:
- Side sleepers who like cushy foam
- Someone who needs a lower profile bed
Zinus is the one of the most popular mattress-in-a-box brands, and this all-foam model is the number-one best-selling mattress on Amazon. It has a versatile medium-firm firmness that envelops you: The top layers of foam slowly sink in around your body with an ultra-conforming feel, while the firmer base provides solid support underneath.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS:
✔️ Comfortable cushioning: Our survey panelists loved the cushy feel of the mattress. One shared, "I am a side sleeper and it is very comfortable as it just forms around my hip." Another added, "My joints and back do not feel sore when I'm sleeping or when I wake up."
✔️ Plush, yet firm foam: Most users liked the "not too hard and not too soft" foam, which contoured nicely to their bodies with a cradling feel. The caveat is that this results in a less responsive feel, so it's unideal for combination sleepers who like to change sleeping positions.
✔️ Support: On the downside, it received mixed feedback for support. While our testers liked how the mattress contoured to their bodies, not all found it sufficient in terms of support. The edge support isn't great, as expected of foam, which can make it harder to get in and out of the bed.
| Mattress type | Memory foam |
| Height | 5, 6, 8, 10 or 12 in. |
| Weight (Queen) | 54 lbs |
| Firmness | Medium-Firm |
| Trial period | 100 days |
Helix Dusk Luxe
Pros
- Ideal for multiple sleep positions
- Ergonomic layout for proper alignment
- Hybrid with foam and coils
Cons
- Heavy for a boxed mattress
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT: Good Housekeeping readers can take 27% off their Helix mattress orders with code GH27 through July 31st.
WHO IT'S BEST FOR:
- Couples with different firmness needs
- Back sleepers and combination sleepers who need a medium firmness
- People who prefer a taller bed
Helix’s mattress is a great compromise for couples with different sleep preferences, offering a balance between firm and soft.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS:
✔️ Responsive feel: This hybrid mattress uses both latex and memory foam, so it contours to your body without sinking in. As a result, it's easier to change sleeping positions during the night, but the motion isolation won't be as good, though several couples said the comfort was worth the trade-off.
✔️ Crowd-pleasing comfort: Our testers highlighted the soft yet supportive pillow top: One said, "Its cushiony feel has me thinking I'm sleeping on a luxury hotel mattress." Another shared, "It's a good mix for me, a side sleeper, and my partner, a back sleeper."
✔️ Luxurious height: This tall hybrid combines multiple layers of foam and coils, with zoned sections for targeted support and pressure relief to help keep you aligned. However, because it’s taller and has more layers, it’s one of the heavier boxed mattresses on this list. We like that Helix has since added handles to help with maneuvering.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Helix Dusk Luxe Mattress
| Mattress type | Hybrid |
| Height | 14 in. |
| Weight (Queen) | 115 lbs |
| Firmness | Medium |
| Trial period | 100 days |
How we test mattresses in a box
To find the best mattresses on the market, our team of expert scientists and engineers have:
✔️ Researched hundreds of new models each year, diving deep into the details around materials, design, brand reputation, customer service and online reviews. Brands with red flags for quality or customer service are eliminated from our recommendations.
✔️ Re-evaluated top-tested models on an ongoing basis to ensure the ones we recommend are easy to set up and comfortable to sleep on, especially if there's been any updates to the design or construction.
✔️ Surveyed more than 10,000 readers on our GH survey panel, analyzing over 170,000 answers to questions about the mattresses they own.
✔️ Sent over 200 mattresses to hundreds of consumer testers to review at home, both short and long term, in the past few years. For this review, we focused on feedback from users with chronic back and hip pain.
✔️ Reviewed company-provided lab data (especially related to temperature and cooling) and firsthand user experiences from our own surveying. We also consider any claims made to see whether any brands may be overpromising on performance.
✔️ Leveraged our backgrounds in fiber science, materials engineering and consumer science to assess everything from materials and structure to brand reputation.
✔️ Interviewed dozens of medical professionals and kept up with relevant sleep studies.
✔️ Visited dozens of mattress factories and showrooms, interviewing everyone from CEOs to in-house product experts.
What we look at
Here is the criteria we look at when rating each mattress:
✔️ Ease of ordering and delivery: Reviewers rate the shopping experience, delivery speed and any issues they encountered, along with how customer service handled potential problems.
✔️ Ease of setup: Especially crucial for boxed mattresses, since users typically set up the mattress themselves, testers describe the setup process and how quickly the mattress took its proper shape.
✔️ Firmness rating: Reviewers provide their own firmness ratings, which often differ from the brand’s claims, especially for boxed foam and hybrid models that may feel softer than expected.
✔️ Comfort: Our testers rate comfort and support, as well as how much they enjoyed sleeping on the mattress initially and over time.
✔️ Temperature regulation: Reviewers evaluate how well the mattress maintains a comfortable body temperature, regardless of cooling claims.
✔️ Edge support: Testers sit on the edge of the bed to assess whether it holds up under pressure or sinks.
✔️ Overall sleep quality: We assess how the mattress impacts sleep quality and whether testers experience soreness upon waking. Respondents give an overall satisfaction score and compare it to previous beds they've slept on.
✔️ Additional feedback: Reviewers share specific likes, dislikes and any additional comments in open-ended questions.
What to consider when shopping for the best mattress in a box
✔️ Mattress type: Foam mattresses provide pressure relief and contour to your body, while innerspring mattresses with metal coils offer a firmer, bouncier feel. Hybrid mattresses combine both features, but boxed hybrid models tend to be softer than traditional innerspring versions, which can't be compressed and rolled.
✔️ Certifications: Most boxed mattresses are made with foam, so it's important to look for third-party certifications like CertiPUR-US (which all of our foam recommendations have) or GreenGuard to ensure they don't contain unsafe levels of off-gassing chemicals. For mattresses with organic claims, seek certifications like the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS). Keep in mind, however, that memory foam mattresses can never be considered fully natural or organic.
✔️ Bed base: Most boxed mattress materials, especially memory foam, work better on a flat, hard surface. If you have a bed frame with slats, they should be close together to avoid mattress sagging. And don't forget to measure the frame to ensure the mattress will fit; while mattress sizes are typically consistent, there have been instances of fit issues in our tests. If you sleep on an adjustable base, make sure to opt for a mattress that works with an adjustable bed. Most foam mattresses are compatible because they can easily bend.
✔️ Firmness: How you sleep affects what type of mattress you'll need; the goal is to keep your spine aligned. Side sleepers need a softer surface to take the weight off pressure points like hips and shoulders. Stomach sleepers need a firmer surface for support, and back or combo sleepers can fall somewhere in between.
✔️ Delivery options: Most mattresses ship in a box for DIY setup, though some brands offer white-glove delivery, in which they handle everything and can even remove your old mattress. Interestingly, most of our testers found DIY setup easier than scheduling a delivery, and many preferred the convenience of contact-free delivery.
✔️ Trial period: Ideally, the mattress you purchase should offer a trial period allowing you to sleep on it for at least a month to ensure it’s a good fit. If you’re not satisfied, most brands will pick it up and donate it. Be sure to check for any fees and the return process beforehand. We recommend prioritizing trial periods over warranties, as trial periods offer refunds for any reason, while warranties only cover manufacturer defects, which can be hard to prove.
What are the benefits of a boxed mattress?
Mattresses that ship in a box generally look and feel similar to traditional ones. The main difference is that boxed mattresses are compressed, rolled up and shipped via mail delivery. While not all come in boxes — some use bags or other packaging — you order them online, and they arrive at your door for setup at your own pace.
Most boxed mattresses are made of foam or a foam-coil hybrid, as traditional innerspring models can't be compressed and rolled. The weight and ease of setup will vary, though some brands offer setup services for an additional fee.
What are the drawbacks of a mattress in a box?
Before purchasing a mattress in a box, consider potential downsides. First, they require DIY setup, so you'll need help if you're unable to do it alone. Also, foam-based models likely won't last quite as long as innerspring mattresses because the foam typically doesn't hold up as well as metal coils.
You may also be concerned about buying a mattress without trying it in person, however, the truth is that it's hard to get a sense of how comfortable any mattress will feel to sleep on without actually sleeping on it. Most online mattress brands offer a 100-day trial with full refunds if it's not a fit, often donating or recycling returned mattresses. Just be sure to read the fine print — some brands have return fees or require you to handle disposal.
Finally, keep in mind that customer service can vary widely between brands. We ask our survey respondents to detail their experiences, and we extensively review consumer complaints before recommending mattresses, avoiding brands with significant issues, lawsuits or FTC violations. To quickly check a brand’s reputation, browse consumer comments on its social media pages.
How much does a mattress in a box cost?
Most mattress-in-a-box models range from $1,000 to $2,000 for a Queen size. Budget-friendly options under $500 are still available and worth considering, while luxury models can exceed $2,000 if you're looking to splurge. Generally, the higher the price, the more layers the mattress will have.
How long do mattresses in a box last?
A boxed mattress should last 8 to 10 years, but it’s better to watch for signs that it needs replacing rather than sticking to a timeline. Look for lumps, indents or any soreness after waking. And if you sleep better away from home, it’s likely time for a new mattress.
If you're not ready for a full replacement, a mattress topper can be a quick fix. Toppers, typically a few inches thick, can add firmness, pressure relief or softness with materials like memory foam, latex, down or fiberfill.
Do boxed mattresses need a box spring?
No. Using a box spring could be potentially damaging for many types of mattresses in a box. Most boxed mattresses are made of foam, and foam isn't compatible with box springs because it can easily sag. Instead, opt for a flat, hard surface.
Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a lead reviewer of products in the bedding, travel, lifestyle, home furnishings and apparel spaces. She has over 15 years of experience in the consumer products industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Lexie serves as an expert source both within Good Housekeeping and other media outlets, regularly appearing on national broadcast TV segments. Prior to joining GH in 2013, Lexie worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.
Grace Wu (she/her) is a product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she evaluates fabric-based products using specialized equipment and consumer tester data. Prior to starting at Good Housekeeping in 2022, she earned a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. While earning her degrees, Grace worked in research laboratories for smart textiles and nanotechnology and held internships at Open Style Lab and Rent the Runway.
The Best Mattresses
The Best Cooling Mattresses
Stearns & Foster Mattress Review
Best Innerspring Mattresses
