<p>A mattress in a box is made up largely of foam; the material makes it possible for a company to compress the mattress down and roll it up in a neat package. The only drawback is you have to wait about 24-48 hours for your bed to finish setting up, so having a trial period becomes super important in order to get a good feel for the mattress. These days, the good news about buying a mattress in a box from quality <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/technology-gear/g40900054/best-online-bedding-stores/” target=”_blank”>online bedding stores</a> is that most come with multi-month trial testing (and some brands even offer a full year) so if you don’t like it you can send it back and get a refund.</p><p>Ahead, we’ve rounded up the top mattresses in a box for you to consider in your new sleeper upgrade. Most of our favorite picks have been featured in other stories we’ve published (because, we’ll be honest, a lot of mattresses in a box are just that good), so don’t be surprised if you come across a brand you’ve seen before. Ready to see what’s out there?</p><p><strong><a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/technology-gear/g42956239/best-mattress-for-sex/” target=”_blank”>Best Mattresses for Sex</a> | <strong><a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/technology-gear/a41068241/mens-health-sleep-awards-2022/” target=”_blank” data-vars-ga-outbound-link=”https://www.menshealth.com/technology-gear/a41068241/mens-health-sleep-awards-2022/” data-vars-ga-ux-element=”Hyperlink” data-vars-ga-call-to-action=”Men’s Health Sleep Awards”>Men’s Health Sleep Awards</a> | </strong><strong><a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/style/a23454352/best-pillow-for-sleeping/” target=”_blank” data-vars-ga-outbound-link=”https://www.menshealth.com/style/a23454352/best-pillow-for-sleeping/” data-vars-ga-ux-element=”Hyperlink” data-vars-ga-call-to-action=”Best Pillows”>Best Pillows</a> | <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/style/a23408687/best-bedding/” target=”_blank” data-vars-ga-outbound-link=”https://www.menshealth.com/style/a23408687/best-bedding/” data-vars-ga-ux-element=”Hyperlink” data-vars-ga-call-to-action=”Best Bedding”>Best Bedding</a> | <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/technology-gear/g38797960/best-sheets” target=”_blank” data-vars-ga-outbound-link=”https://www.menshealth.com/technology-gear/g38797960/best-sheets” data-vars-ga-ux-element=”Hyperlink” data-vars-ga-call-to-action=”Best Sheets”>Best Sheets</a> | <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/technology-gear/g42870309/best-cotton-sheets/” target=”_blank” data-vars-ga-outbound-link=”https://www.menshealth.com/technology-gear/g42870309/best-cotton-sheets/” data-vars-ga-ux-element=”Hyperlink” data-vars-ga-call-to-action=”Best Cotton Sheets”>Best Cotton Sheets</a> | </strong><strong><a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/technology-gear/g23397130/best-sleep-tech/” data-vars-ga-outbound-link=”https://www.menshealth.com/technology-gear/g23397130/best-sleep-tech/” data-vars-ga-ux-element=”Hyperlink” data-vars-ga-call-to-action=”Best Sleep Gadgets for Men”>Best Sleep Gadgets for Men</a> | </strong><strong><a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/technology-gear/g40051874/best-memory-foam-pillow/” data-vars-ga-outbound-link=”https://www.menshealth.com/technology-gear/g40051874/best-memory-foam-pillow/” data-vars-ga-ux-element=”Hyperlink” data-vars-ga-call-to-action=”Memory Foam Pillows”>Memory Foam Pillows</a> | <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/health/g38092567/best-pillows-neck-pain/” data-vars-ga-outbound-link=”https://www.menshealth.com/health/g38092567/best-pillows-neck-pain/” data-vars-ga-ux-element=”Hyperlink” data-vars-ga-call-to-action=”Best Pillows for Neck Pain”>Best Pillows for Neck Pain</a> | <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/technology-gear/g41805590/best-flannel-sheets/” data-vars-ga-outbound-link=”https://www.menshealth.com/technology-gear/g41805590/best-flannel-sheets/” data-vars-ga-ux-element=”Hyperlink” data-vars-ga-call-to-action=”Best Flannel Sheets”>Best Flannel Sheets</a></strong></strong></p>” />
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BEST Overall MATTRESS IN A BOX
Tuft & Needle T&N Original Mattress
BEST Overall MATTRESS IN A BOX
Tuft & Needle T&N Original Mattress
Now 10% Off
Tuft & Needle’s Original Mattress hits all our best marks for a Goldilocks sleeper. The mattress has a medium-firm feel with a memory foam top layer and a supportive foam stability layer. Our favorite small detail is the cooling knit top of the mattress, which helps make the memory foam mattress layer feel 10x more comfortable. But best of all about this sleeper is its price point: Tuft & Needle has found the perfect sweet spot for providing a whole lot of value for under $1000.
Read more: Best Furniture Brands
| Trial Period | 100 Nights |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $745-$1395 |
| Mattress Type | Foam |
| Sizes Available | Twin-California King |
| Mattress Height | 9.5″ |
| Mattress Firmness | Medium-Firm |
BEST PLUSH MATTRESS IN A BOX
Nectar Sleep The Nectar Premier Copper Mattress
BEST PLUSH MATTRESS IN A BOX
Nectar Sleep The Nectar Premier Copper Mattress
This Nectar mattress caters to those who want a plush, luxurious feel. Thanks to a cooling copper cover, the 14-inch, five-layered sleeper will prove to feel especially great for side sleepers and hot sleepers. Most of Nectar’s mattresses lean firmer, but the Premiere Copper is the softest mattress the brand offers.
| Trial Period | 1 Year |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $999-$2198 |
| Mattress Type | Foam |
| Sizes Available | Twin-Split King |
| Mattress Height | 14″ |
| Mattress Firmness | Plush |
Best Supported Mattress in a box
Dreamcloud Hybrid Luxury Mattress
Best Supported Mattress in a box
Dreamcloud Hybrid Luxury Mattress
Cons
- Side sleepers might want a mattress that’s more plush throughout
Dreamcloud’s Hybrid Mattress has a firm base and plush top, making it great for giving a supported feel while still incorporating a solid level of comfort. To elaborate more on the base, individually wrapped innerspring coils are used to limit motion transfer and increase airflow. And to speak more on the plush top, the mattress uses a final layer of gel memory foam before finishing with a cashmere quilted fabric. Simply put, this is a mattress that brings together the best of both worlds, offering quality relief and strong edge-support.
| Trial Period | 1 Year |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $599-$1,498 |
| Mattress Type | Hybrid |
| Sizes Available | Twin-California King |
| Mattress Height | 14″ |
| Mattress Firmness | Luxury Firm |
best mattress in a box for back pain
Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress
best mattress in a box for back pain
Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress
The Casper Wave might cost a pretty penny, but if you’re wanting the best-of-the-best at helping relieve back pain then you’ll want to take a hard look at this mattress. Five layers are combined on the Wave Hybrid to give you comfortable, pressure-relieving support. Around the waist and lower back area, Casper added cooling gel pods to help prevent sinking and provide temperature regulation on the spots that need attention the most. Mattresses for back pain need careful testing, so it’s also nice to see Casper offers a 100-night trial period for you to decide if you like it or not.
| Trial Period | 100 Nights |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $2,395-$3,495 |
| Mattress Type | Hybrid |
| Sizes Available | Twin-California King |
| Mattress Height | 13″ |
| Mattress Firmness | Medium |
Most balanced mattress in a box
Leesa Studio Mattress
Most balanced mattress in a box
Leesa Studio Mattress
If you’re looking for a mattress that provides a medium level of firmness, then the Leesa Studio is a solid pick. The mattress is a 10-inch thick all-foam that caters to all types of sleeping positions. If you’re someone who sleeps in multiple positions throughout the night, then you’ll likely appreciate the versatility of the Studio. What’s great is the affordability of the mattress, making it possible to get out with a new bed under $1000 and still have some leftover cash in your budget to pick up a new piece of furniture.
| Trial Period | 100 Nights |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $549-$999 |
| Mattress Type | Foam |
| Sizes Available | Twin-California King |
| Mattress Height | 10″ |
| Mattress Firmness | Medium |
Best Luxury Mattress in a box
Birch Luxe Natural Mattress
Best Luxury Mattress in a box
Birch Luxe Natural Mattress
Now 20% Off
Pros
- Ultra-soft top layer blend of cotton and cashmere
- Made from naturally cooling materials
- Balanced comfort
Cons
- Expensive
The Birch Luxe is one of the more expensive mattresses in a box, but when you consider how great this organic mattress feels you’ll find it’s a worthy investment. For starters, the natural materials used in the Luxe Natural are meant to optimize temperature regulation; we’re talking an organic cotton surface and a top-layer blend of organic cashmere and wool for luxurious breathability. What’s great about the Luxe Natural are the individual steel coils in the base, which help provide support to your body and limit motion transfer.
| Trial Period | 100 Nights |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $1,811-$3,623 |
| Mattress Type | Hybrid |
| Sizes Available | Twin-California King |
| Mattress Height | 11.5″ |
| Mattress Firmness | Medium Firm |
Best Medium-Firm Mattress in a box
Bear Mattress Bear Original
Best Medium-Firm Mattress in a box
Bear Mattress Bear Original
For an affordable mattress that lies medium-firm, you can’t go wrong with the Bear Original. It’s made with two layers: the top is made with gel-infused memory foam and polyfoam, and the bottom is made from a dense foam support core. The Bear Original is great for back sleepers and ideal for stomach sleepers—the mattress is firm enough to keep a stomach sleeper’s hips from sinking down and putting pressure on the spine.
| Trial Period | 120 Nights |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $748-$1622 |
| Mattress Type | Foam |
| Sizes Available | Twin-Split King |
| Mattress Height | 10″ |
| Mattress Firmness | Medium-Firm |
best cooling mattress in a box
Purple Purple Plus Mattress
best cooling mattress in a box
Purple Purple Plus Mattress
Now 10% Off
The Purple Plug is unique in the fact the brand uses its ultra-breathable GelFlex Grid to support and cradle your body in key areas. The GelFlex Grid has over 1,400 air channels to help optimize temperature regulation; plus the base utilizes special foams made to cater to cooling as well. The medium-firm mattress might be a little pricey for some, but if you’re a hot sleeper then this is about as good of a mattress design as you can get for a good night’s rest.
| Trial Period | 100 Nights |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $1,499-$2,898 |
| Mattress Type | Foam |
| Sizes Available | Twin-Split King |
| Mattress Height | 11″ |
| Mattress Firmness | Medium Firm |
Best Mattress in a box for couples
Avocado Green Mattress Avocado Mattress
Best Mattress in a box for couples
Avocado Green Mattress Avocado Mattress
Pros
- Made with eco-friendly organic materials
Designed with over 14,000 pocketed support coils that offer pinpointed comfort, the Avocado Mattress is an eco-friendly sleeper that appeals to individuals and couples looking to get responsive sleep. As far as materials go, this mattress might have the most comfortable and softest fabric combination around; we’re talking 00% GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) certified organic latex, 100% GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified organic wool, and 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. This mattress lies medium-firm, but if you want a softer feel you can add a two-inch pillow top to be sewn on when ordering.
| Trial Period | 1 Year |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $1399-$2599 |
| Mattress Type | Hybrid |
| Mattress Sizes | Twin-California King |
| Mattress Height | 11″ |
| Mattress Firmness | Gentle to Medium Firm |
most versatile Mattress in a box for couples
Layla Hybrid Mattress
most versatile Mattress in a box for couples
Layla Hybrid Mattress
Now 15% Off
The Layla Hybrid uses a mix of support coils and cooling foam for a supportive, temperature-regulating sleeping experience. What makes this mattress unique is it’s reversible: one side is firm while the other is plush, so you can flip this puppy over whenever you’re wanting to change things up or get a new feel. These features just mentioned, plus the Layla Hybrid’s adequate edge support and motion-limiting design make this a great sleeper for couples especially.
| Trial Period | 120 Nights |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $1,099-$1,899 |
| Mattress Type | Hybrid |
| Sizes Available | Twin-California King |
| Mattress Height | 13″ |
| Mattress Firmness | Soft side and firm side |
Best Hypoallergenic Mattress in a box
Nolah Natural 11”
Best Hypoallergenic Mattress in a box
Nolah Natural 11”
Now 30% Off
Pros
- Premium comfort that leans firm
- Made from organic materials
- Pleasant scent and natural feel
Cons
- Overall weight of the bed leans heavy
The Nolah Natural is made of eco-friendly, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) materials to create a luxe mattress for those looking for a hypoallergenic sleeper. It is wonderfully supported, thanks to its Tri-Zone coil system, and will appeal to all types of sleeping positions.
| Trial Period | 120 Nights |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $1499-$3198 |
| Mattress Type | Hybrid |
| Sizes Available | Twin-Split King |
| Mattress Height | 11″ |
| Mattress Firmness | Medium |
What to Consider When Buying a Mattress in a Box
As mentioned earlier, you want to look for a mattress in a box that’s got a quality level of construction and a generous trial period. The main downside to buying a mattress in a box is you have to wait and test the mattress out once it’s done setting up (about 24-48 hours), but if you buy a trusted mattress with a good trial period then you shouldn’t have any anxiety about getting your money back if you want a refund.
In terms of construction, a mattress in a box is going to be made largely out of foam. Make sure you read about the features of the mattress to see if it has any support coils in the base or any special toppers that could provide added cooling and comfort. Mattresses in a box have become so popular and common today, that you should really adhere to buying them just like you would for all mattresses; make sure you know your sleeping position and the kind of sleeper you are. Do you sleep hot or cold? Do you toss and turn, or are you someone who sleeps in the same position all night?
How Much Do Mattresses in a Box Cost?
A mattress in a box is cost-effective, as they are much easier to ship and unpack than the traditional method. Brands take these savings and then pass them on to the consumer, resulting in a reasonably priced mattress, for the most part.
If you stick to the best mattresses in a box we’ve rounded up above, then you can expect a quality mattress in a box to cost you anywhere between $500-$1200. Some of the top high-end picks might cost $2,000, but that’s usually only if they’re a specialty mattress or if they’re designed exceptionally well.
How We Selected
For the past three years, a suite of Men’s Health editors are writers tried and tested tons of mattresses in a box. Editors, including Deputy Editor of Commerce Christian Gollayan, and our Gear and Commerce Editor John Thompson, put these beds through the wringer, evaluating each one on support, comfort, and set-up and assembly time. We also considered price point, as some mattresses in a box provide a better overall value than others.
Gear and Commerce Editor
John Thompson is the Gear and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where he covers fashion, grooming, gear, and technology. He was previously the Style & Gear Editor at BroBible.com, and a commerce writer for TheManual.com. His interests include shopping for rare vintage clothes and following his favorite baseball team, the Kansas City Royals.
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