The Best Mattress In A Box For Every Type Of Sleeper

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Nectar, Awara, Tempur-Pedic, Leesa, Nest Bedding/Business Insider

For many, the convenience of a mattress in a box is unparalleled. Special equipment compresses the mattress in an air-sealed bag and rolls it tight into a box for easy shipping, delivered straight to your home. With the help of a friend or two, you can set it up in under 10 minutes and sleep on the bed that night. The best mattresses in a box have long home trial periods, so you have plenty of time to decide if the mattress is right for you.

I've set up, tested, and slept on over 70 beds in a box, toured a mattress factory, and talked to several experts for this guide. Our top pick for this guide and our best mattress overall is the Leesa Sapira Hybrid. It has an average firmness ideal for most sleep positions, heat dissipation catering to hot sleepers, and motion isolation and edge support to please couples. Our budget pick is the Allswell Mattress, a sub-$400 hybrid with superb motion isolation and edge support, though it's too firm for most side sleepers and traps heat.

Learn more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and reviews home products.

Our top picks for the best mattress in a box

Best overall: Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress - See at Leesa

Best budget: Allswell Mattress - See at Walmart

Best foam: Tempur-Pedic Cloud Mattress - See at Tempur-Pedic

Best for back pain: Nectar Memory Foam Mattress - See at Nectar

Best for side sleepers: WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress - See at WinkBeds

Best for stomach sleepers: Awara Organic Luxury Hybrid Mattress - See at Awara

Best for back sleepers: DreamCloud Premier Hybrid Mattress - See at DreamCloud

Best cooling: Nest Bedding Finch Latex Mattress - See at Nest Bedding

Best for heavy people: Big Fig Mattress - See at Walmart

Best organic: Birch Mattress by Helix - See at Birch

Best overall

Before regularly testing mattresses, I slept on the Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress for a full year and loved it. It's ideal for all sleeping styles. My wife and I are combination sleepers — she spends more time on her back and I on my side. We were both impressed with the Leesa Sapira's exceptional support and comfort.

The Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress is excellent for soothing back pain. I have intermittent back pain, but I rarely experienced flare-ups while testing the Sapira. Couples will also appreciate the impressive motion isolation properties and edge support that keep them comfortable to the very edge of the bed. 

Jaclyn Turner/Business Insider

The Leesa Sapira comprises four layers of foam and airflow-facilitating pocket springs. Even on the most humid nights, my hot-sleeping body stayed cool.

Read our full Leesa Hybrid Mattress review.

Best budget

At $317, the Allswell Hybrid Mattress is the best mattress under $500 I've tested, earning it the top spot in our guide to the best cheap mattresses. I slept best on my stomach and back while testing this Walmart-exclusive bed because of its firm feel. While the pressure relief was adequate for the price point, I thought it needed improvement.

The 10-inch-thick Allswell has several CertiPUR-US-certified foam layers. Polyethylene is used in the top fabric to improve the cooling properties. Below that is high-density support foam. Next, comfort foam and gel-infused foam supply pressure relief. The individually wrapped pocket springs layer offers firm support, airflow, and durability. The base layer is high-density foam for additional durability and support.

Erin Brains

The edge support and motion isolation are superb, making the Allswell a smart choice for back-sleeping couples. However, if you're a hot sleeper, you might want to consider other options. Of the budget beds we tested, the Allswell was one of the hottest, a bonus if you're a cold sleeper.

Read our full Allswell Mattress review.

Best foam

The TEMPUR-Cloud is one of the most comfortable mattresses I've ever tested. Whether I slept on my side or stomach. I fell asleep within a few minutes of lying down each night. My back-sleeping wife also enjoyed the feel of the mattress. What sets the Tempur-Pedic Cloud apart from other foam mattresses is its proprietary CertiPUR-US-certified memory foam. It contours to your body to offer an impressive balance of support, pressure relief, and comfort. 

The Cloud has three foam layers: a durable and supportive base, a firm middle support layer, and a responsive and soft foam top layer. The cover is made of a polyester blend for breathability and moisture-wicking. 

The excellent heat dissipation kept me cool. In addition to passing my bowling ball motion-transfer tests, the Tempur-Pedic Cloud dampened the motion so much that I didn't notice when my rambunctious rat terrier jumped on board. However, the bed has poor edge support. There was significant sinkage when I lay or sat on the edge of the mattress. 

The Cloud is the only model from Tempur-Pedic that ships direct. It also doesn't ship in a box but in a reusable shipping bag that some may consider easier to maneuver. 

Read our full Tempur-Pedic Cloud Mattress review.

Best for back pain

The top pick in this guide and my guide to the best mattresses for back pain is the Leesa Sapira Hybrid. I'm highlighting the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress here to give you a cheaper alternative. It's the perfect option if you love the conforming support of memory foam.

Back pain sufferers who sleep on their side will appreciate the medium firmness of the Nectar. Yet, back and stomach sleepers may also find it's supportive enough. I'm a side sleeper, and during testing, my back was free from pain. 

The Nectar is made of three foam layers, all CertiPUR-US certified. The top layer is gel memory foam, followed by a transition layer that adapts to your body's contours to relieve pressure. The base layer is made of durable, supportive foam. The cover is a Tencel-poly blend for breathability. The mattress kept me cool, even though the room was hot. When I returned to bed after a bathroom trip in the night, any heat had dissipated.

Erin Brains

The edge sank significantly whether I was sitting on the side or lying down. Yet, I didn't feel "stuck" in the bed, a common problem with memory foam. I could move around easily, a must when extra effort is difficult due to back pain. The motion isolation was outstanding. The Nectar is the best mattress under $800 I've tested, especially for people with back pain.

Read our full Nectar Mattress review.

Best for side sleepers

The WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress is softer than average, making it ideal for side sleepers. Yet, it still has the support back and stomach sleepers in the petite-to-average size range need. 

The top layer of the EcoCloud is made of sustainable OEKO-TEX-certified latex, giving the mattress good bounce and a responsive feel. Below is a layer of zoned-support pocket springs that provide targeted pressure relief where you need it most. Firmer coils on the sides lend outstanding edge support. The cover is made of breathable organic cotton and wool.

I chose to sleep on the EcoCloud by WinkBeds for several more nights than usual as I waited for new test beds to arrive. I loved the pressure relief it supplied while I slept on my side. While recovering from long runs, I appreciated the mattress's combination of comfort and spinal alignment. I quickly fell asleep most nights. Yet, it slept hot, trapping heat, and the heat failed to dissipate quickly during bathroom trips at night.

Due to the terrific edge support and motion isolation, I recommend the EcoCloud to couples who share a bed.

Best for stomach sleepers

Stomach sleepers tend to gravitate toward firmer mattresses because they do better keeping the spine aligned in that position, protecting against back pain. With its firm, comfortable support, the Awara Organic Luxury Hybrid Mattress is great for stomach sleepers. 

Although I am a combination sleeper, I prefer to sleep on my stomach while testing the Awara. I didn't experience soreness during the two-week testing period. A plush organic wool Euro-top adds some additional comfort. Below that is a layer of Dunlop latex certified by the Rainforest Alliance. Individually wrapped coils make up the support core. 

The motion isolation and edge support were average. While some people might appreciate how bouncy the bed is, it failed our motion isolation tests but not by much. This is one of the heaviest mattresses in our guide, but the handles sewn into the sides made it easier to maneuver.

Best for back sleepers

I have a whole guide dedicated to the best mattresses for back sleepers. My top pick in that guide is the Tempur-Pedic Cloud. I stand by that pick, but I also wanted to provide a second option that works well for other sleep positions, so if your partner is a side sleeper, they'll also be comfortable. The DreamCloud Premier Hybrid Mattress did well in all our tests and is suitable for all sleeping styles.

While testing it, I had outstanding sleep quality, no matter my sleep position, but I felt particularly comfortable on my back. It provided the perfect combination of pressure relief and spinal alignment. With its midrange price and impressive performance, it's easy to see why the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid was once the top overall pick in this guide.

The bed features four layers of CertiPUR-US-certified foam, which lends terrific motion isolation, body cradling, and pressure relief. Individually wrapped pocket coils make up the base for reduced motion transfer, all-over support, and breathability.

Couples will appreciate the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid's top-notch edge support and motion isolation. Plus, it's just darn comfy. It kept my spine neutral while sleeping on my side and back, and thanks to the impressive heat dissipation, I avoided overheating.

DreamCloud provides a 365-night sleep trial. You'll receive a full refund if you return the Premier Hybrid during the first year. If you keep it, a lifetime warranty covers it.

Read our full DreamCloud Premier Hybrid Mattress review.

Best cooling

We named the Nest Bedding Finch Latex Mattress our top pick in our best cooling mattresses guide. In my tests, it had some of the lowest temperature readings. I even had to add an extra blanket while testing one night because I was so cold.

When ordering, you can choose between a firm or medium feel. Testing the medium firmness, I was comfortable in all sleeping positions, suggesting the Finch will appeal to hot sleepers who sleep on their stomach, back, side, or a combination of these positions. 

The Finch's top layer is made up of organic cotton, wool, and CertiPUR-US-certified foam, which gives it good airflow and bounce. Two OEKO-TEX-certified latex layers are beneath that. The top latex layer provides firmness, while the bottom latex layer offers support, structure, and durability. The motion transfer is noticeable, but couples will appreciate the good edge support.

Best for heavy people

The Big Fig Mattress is perfect for heavier individuals because it has firmer-than-average support and a weight capacity of 1,100 pounds. The cover features cooling materials. Three CertiPUR-US-certified foam layers are below that offering durability, edge support, and airflow. The base of the mattress is made up of individually wrapped coils for durability and support.

Due to the Big Fig's firm feel, I preferred sleeping on my stomach and back but not on my side while testing it. Heavier individuals may still be comfortable on their side since the mattress will sink in more, keeping the spine aligned.

The Big Fig's edge support was exceptional. Even as I lay on the edge, I was as comfortable as in the middle of the bed. It also offered an impressive balance of bounce and motion isolation. In my subjective experience, the motion dampening was good, though the mattress failed the bowling ball test. 

Best organic

I've found latex mattresses to be more responsive and cooler than memory foam. This was true with the Birch Mattress by Helix. The mattress is firm, but you can add a plush organic mattress topper (sold separately.)

The mattress is Greenguard Gold-certified to be free of harsh chemicals and is made of environmentally friendly materials. The top layer consists of organic wool fibers with rayon. Below is a comforting wool layer that helps with temperature regulation. Latex and individually wrapped coils comprise the middle layers and offer motion-dampening and support for all sleep styles and couples. The base gets its stability and durability from wool batting, and the mattress has a cotton cover.

Jaclyn Turner/Business Insider

The Birch has outstanding edge support, though the motion isolation could use improvement. When I was done testing it, I gave the bed to my 6-foot-5 kid. They suffer from joint pain and said the bed helped soothe their aches. Both of us sleep hot, but the Birch kept us cool, though on hotter nights, we still tended to overheat.

Read our full Birch Mattress review and guide to the best organic mattresses.

What to look for when choosing a mattress in a box

For basic buying advice, check out our guide on how to choose a mattress. We detail what size to buy and what mattress is best for your sleep position and body. In this section, we will focus specifically on what to look for when choosing a mattress in a box.

Since you typically purchase a mattress in a box online, a long trial period and a generous return policy are crucial. You usually need at least 30 nights on a mattress to know if it's right for you. Fortunately, most online retailers offer trial periods of at least 100 nights. Look for catches in the return policy. Mattress brands sometimes deduct return shipping or restocking fees from your refund.

The most common types of mattresses in a box are memory foam, latex foam, and hybrid mattresses. Here are some pros and cons of each:

• Memory foam: These beds are made of high-density foam layers. They often provide excellent pressure relief by contouring to your body. Traditionally, they trapped heat, but thanks to material advances, today's all-foam mattresses offer better airflow. 
• Latex foam: Though latex beds are more expensive and heavier, they're a cooler, more responsive, and environmentally friendly alternative to memory foam. They also provide excellent bounce.
• Hybrid: These mattresses combine foam and pocket springs. They're a smart choice for couples, as the springs assist with edge support and motion isolation and can also help with breathability.

I've set up dozens of beds in a box, and it involves some heavy lifting. Consider in-home delivery if you can't lift heavy objects and don't have someone to help you. For a fee, the retailer will coordinate having your new mattress unboxed and set up in your bedroom. They'll even remove your old mattress if you want. Some brands call this service "white-glove delivery."

How we tested for the best mattress in a box

James Brains/Business Insider

I slept on all of the best mattresses in a box for a minimum of 14 days and put them through a battery of tests. 

Here are some of the test results for the main attributes we tested:

Here are the main attributes we look for and how we test them:

Comfort: I evaluate the firmness of each mattress by comparing it to my experiences with dozens of other models I've tested. My subjective experience also influences my evaluations of a mattress's support, pressure relief, and comfort. I note which sleeping positions my body gravitates toward. Heat dissipation is also important. I measure this using an infrared thermometer, taking measurements before, right after, and two minutes after lying on the bed for at least an hour.

Trial and warranty: I look at whether there's an in-home setup available and how much it costs if the bed is available to test in showrooms and the fine print of the home trial and warranty. The return policy is also important because this is what sets mattresses in a box apart: You want a mattress that you can try out for months risk-free before committing to it.

Setup: If you don't get an in-home setup, you want the unboxing to be as effortless as possible. I time how long it takes me to set up a mattress and note any strange or confusing steps. Most take less than five minutes. I also take a good whiff to see if there is a "new bed smell" and check again before going to bed (at least 10 hours later) to see if the odor has dissipated. 

Motion isolation: A partner's tossing and turning can wake you up at night, so finding a mattress in a box with good motion isolation is important. In addition to tracking my subjective experience, I perform an objective test where I drop a 15-pound bowling ball onto the mattress from a height of 4 feet so that it lands 12 inches from a 12-ounce can of soda pop. If the can stays upright, the bed has good motion isolation. If it doesn't, the motion isolation is poor. I also place a vibrometer on the other side of the bed to measure the vibrations produced by the bowling ball. The less intense the vibrations, the better the motion isolation is.

Edge support: This is a somewhat subjective test. I lie on the very edge of the bed and slowly roll until I literally fall. I note how much I can roll before I fall. I also sit on the side of the bed, put on my shoes and socks, and observe how much the mattress sinks. When sleeping on the bed, I pay attention to how I feel close to the edges and if it feels like I'm going to fall off.

Portability: We don't weigh portability heavily, but it's useful to know how easy a mattress is to move around if you frequently redecorate or relocate, regularly rotate your bed to increase its longevity, or need to reposition it to put on fitted sheets. I move each mattress around several times during testing and note if it flops around, has handles, or is generally hard to move.

For more details, check out our article on how we test mattresses.

Mattress-in-a-box FAQs

James Brains/Business Insider

What's the difference between a mattress in a box and a traditional mattress?

While the line between the two continues to blur, a mattress in a box is traditionally made of foam, pocket coils, or a combination of the two and comes with a long home trial. Traditional mattresses feature innersprings that can't be compressed in a box. You can try them in showrooms before you buy.

How long does a mattress in a box last?

The warranty is a good indicator of how long you can expect your mattress in a box to last. Most brands offer warranties of at least 10 years, so you can expect your mattress to last that long. Take advantage of the warranty if it shows significant defects or deterioration before then.

What bed frames are suited for a mattress in a box?

Most mattress brands will tell you what bed frames work best with the mattress you are buying. In general, you want a firm, supportive foundation. This might include wooden boards or slats that are no more than a couple of inches apart. Check out our best bed frame guide for the top options.

How do you unbox a mattress in a box?

Unbox your mattress within a day or two of its arrival since prolonged time spent in the vacuum seal could impact its structural integrity. With the help of another person, open one end of the box and tip it onto your foundation or one of our picks for the best bed frame. Lift the unopened end of the box and shake the sealed mattress onto the foundation. Use extreme caution when removing the packaging and cut parallel to the mattress. You can use a slitter or other cutting implement to cut through the first layer of plastic, but it may be easier just to unroll the plastic with a yanking motion. Then, unfold the mattress onto your foundation. You may need to flip it so the top is facing up. Lastly, I use a yanking motion to keep the mattress in place to remove the plastic from the bottom side.

How long does a mattress in a box take to expand?

While most mattresses fully expand in a few hours, some can take up to three days. You can sleep on a mattress immediately, but I recommend letting it expand and off-gas. I unbox mattresses in the morning; by bedtime, they've usually fully expanded, and the new bed smell has disappeared.

How long can a mattress stay in a box for?

Mattresses can stay in a box for up to a month without experiencing damage. I recommend unboxing it at your earliest convenience because you don't know how long it's been in the box before arriving at your home. This will also give it time to air out. If you wait too long to open the mattress, it could void its warranty. 

What happens to mattresses that are returned?

This varies by manufacturer. Once you sleep on a mattress, the manufacturer can't resell it. They may coordinate with a local organization to recycle your mattress or donate it. If you're concerned about the environmental impact your returned mattress might have, we encourage you to ask the manufacturer what they do with returned mattresses in your area.

Are beds in a box worth it?

Yes. Beds in a box are generally cheaper than traditional mattresses, yet they tend to be the same quality. While they aren't always available in showrooms, they come with a long trial period, so you can try them in a much better environment: your bedroom. Based on my experience, I'd choose a bed in a box when making a personal purchase.

Best overall: Leesa Sapira Hybrid MattressThe Leesa Sapira is the best mattress in a box and is excellent for all sleeping positions.

Leesa; Vicky Leta/Business Insider

• Best for: All sleeping styles
• Mattress type: Hybrid
• Firmness (1 softest to 10 firmest): 5
• Trial period and warranty: 100 nights, 10 years

Pros: Edge support and motion dampening are perfect for couples, medium firmness suitable for all sleep positions, pocket springs and foam provide support and breathability

Cons: A bit unwieldy to move around

Prior to regularly testing mattresses, I slept Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress for a full year and loved it.  It's ideal for all sleeping styles. My wife and I are combination sleepers — she spends more time on her back and I on my side. We were both impressed with the Leesa Sapira's exceptional combination of support and comfort.

The DreamCloud Premier Hybrid and Casper Nova Hybrid are the only mattresses I've tested that compare in comfort to the Leesa Sapira, but the Sapira is the only one that isn't too soft for stomach and back sleepers. It's also the best bed-in-a-box for back pain. I have intermittent back pain, but I rarely experienced flare-ups while testing the Sapira. Couples will also appreciate the impressive motion isolation properties and edge support that keeps you comfortable to the very edge of the bed. 

The Leesa Sapira is made up of four layers of foam and airflow-facilitating pocket springs. Even on the most humid nights, my hot-sleeping body stayed cool.

Read our full Leesa Hybrid Mattress review

Best budget: Zinus Green Tea Cooling Gel Memory Foam MattressWe recommend the Zinus Green Tea Cooling Gel mattress for shoppers on a budget.

Zinus; Vicky Leta/Business Insider

Editor's note: Zinus is facing a class-action lawsuit alleging that fiberglass in the company's mattresses has led to serious health issues. Check out our full article on the lawsuit for more details.

• Best for: All sleeping styles, hot sleepers
• Mattress type: Foam
• Firmness (1 softest to 10 firmest): 5.5
• Trial period and warranty: 100 nights, 10 years

Pros: Medium firmness is ideal for most sleeping styles, made of gel memory foam that stayed cool in our tests, great edge support, four thickness options, good motion isolation

Cons: Not available in Cal king or twin XL, uniform construction may not keep the spine optimally aligned, very little bounce

While it doesn't provide as much comfort as a mattress that costs two or three times as much, the sub-$400 Zinus Green Tea Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress is a budget-friendly option for sleepers with flexible comfort preferences. Gel memory foam is one of my favorite materials to sleep on with its impressive cooling properties, and this was particularly true with the Zinus, which was among the best performers in our cooling tests.

The foam did a decent job of adjusting to the contours of my body, but it didn't feel as dynamic and supportive as pricier beds. I had trouble keeping my spine optimally aligned while lying on it. To avoid stiffness, I frequently shifted positions in the night, whether on my back, stomach, or side. For this reason, individuals prone to muscle soreness or joint pain might want to pass on the Zinus Green Tea mattress. 

The mattress comes in four thicknesses: 6, 8, 10, and 12 inches, which I tested. I would caution against purchasing the thinner models because I've found mattresses under 10 inches thick tend not to offer enough support. Couples will appreciate the above-average edge support and motion isolation.

Best foam: Tempur-Pedic Cloud MattressTempur-Pedic's Cloud Mattress is a supportive mattress in a box for all sleep styles.

Tempur-Pedic; Rachel Mendelson/Business Insider

• Best for: All sleeping styles
• Mattress type: Foam
• Firmness (1 softest to 10 firmest): 6
• Trial period: 90 nights, 10 years

Pros: Caters to all sleep styles, features 10 inches and 3 layers of comfortable and supportive foam, great motion isolation, 90-night trial, outstanding heat dissipation

Cons: No white-glove delivery, shipping deducted from your refund if return mattress, poor edge support

This is one of the most comfortable mattresses I've ever tested. Whether I slept on my side or stomach. I fell asleep within a few minutes of lying down each night. My back-sleeping wife also enjoyed the feel of the mattress. What sets Tempur-Pedic Cloud apart from other foam mattresses is its proprietary CertiPUR-US certified memory foam. It contours to your body to offer an impressive balance of support, pressure relief, and comfort. 

The Cloud has three foam layers: a durable and supportive base, a firm middle support layer, and a top layer of responsive and soft foam. The cover is made of a polyester blend for breathability and moisture-wicking. 

The excellent heat dissipation kept me cool. In addition to passing my bowling ball motion-transfer tests, the Tempur-Pedic Cloud dampened the motion so much that I didn't notice when my rambunctious rat terrier jumped on board. However, the bed has poor edge support. When I lay or sat on the edge of the mattress, there was significant sinkage. 

Read our full Tempur-Pedic Cloud Mattress review

Best for side-sleepers: Casper Nova Hybrid MattressThose seeking a soft mattress will appreciate the Casper Nova Hybrid.

Casper; Vicky Leta/Insider

• Best for: Side sleepers
• Mattress type: Hybrid
• Firmness (1 softest to 10 firmest): 4
• Trial period: 100 nights, 10 years

Pros: Plush comfort perfect for side sleepers, good edge support, made with eco-friendly materials, outstanding heat dissipation, 100-night risk-free trial

Cons: Failed motion transfer tests, held onto its new bed odor, may not be supportive enough for back or stomach sleepers

In addition to being the best soft mattress, the Casper Nova Hybrid Mattress landed in the top spot in our guide to the best mattresses for side sleepers. Because of its soft feel, it's also the ideal solution for petite sleepers who might not sink into firmer mattresses and older individuals who need a little extra soothing comfort.

After testing all of the top mattresses from Casper, one of the leading names in the bed-in-a-box industry, I found the Nova Hybrid was the most comfortable and best at cooling. The CertiPUR-US certified foams feature ergonomic zones that are softer under the shoulders and firmer around the lower back, hips, and waist. The pocket coils add durability and support. Thanks to a firm foam border, it performed well in our edge-support tests. However, the bed has noticeable motion transfer. It failed our bowling ball test, and as my wife shifted positions in the night, I could feel her movements.

Read our full Casper Nova Hybrid Mattress review

Best for stomach sleepers: Awara Organic Luxury Hybrid MattressThe Awara Organic Luxury Hybrid Mattress offers spinal alignment for stomach sleepers.

Awars; Vicky Leta/Business Insider

• Best for: Stomach and back sleepers
• Mattress type: Hybrid
• Firmness (1 softest to 10 firmest): 6
• Trial period and warranty: 365 nights, lifetime

Pros: Handles on all four sides for easy moving, made of environmentally friendly materials, good heat dissipation

Cons: Sides sink significantly when sitting, heavy, may be too firm for side sleepers

Stomach sleepers tend to gravitate toward firmer mattresses because they do a better job keeping the spine aligned in that position, which protects against back pain. With its firm, comfortable support, the Awara Organic Luxury Hybrid Mattress is great for stomach sleepers. 

Although I am a combination sleeper, I preferred to sleep on my stomach while testing the Awara. I didn't experience soreness during the two-week testing period. A plush organic wool Euro-top adds some additional comfort. Below that is a layer of Dunlop latex certified by the Rainforest Alliance. Individually wrapped coils make up the support core. 

The motion isolation and edge support were average. While some people might appreciate how bouncy the bed is, it failed our motion isolation tests but not by much. This is one of the heaviest mattresses in our guide, but the handles sewn into the sides made it easier to maneuver.

Best for back sleepers: Helix Midnight MattressThe Helix Midnight Mattress has a medium firmness that is ideal for back sleepers.

Helix

• Best for: Stomach and back sleepers
• Mattress type: Hybrid
• Firmness (1 softest to 10 firmest): 6
• Trial period and warranty: 100 nights, 10 years

Pros: Great for stomach and back sleepers, outstanding edge support, OKEO-TEX and CertiPUR-US certified, easy to move, good motion isolation

Cons: Side sleepers may find it uncomfortable, strong initial odor, poor heat dissipation

Experts recommend mattresses with a medium-firm feel for back sleepers to keep their spine in a neutral position, so it's no surprise the medium-firm Helix Midnight Mattress is our pick for the best bed-in-a-box for back sleepers. I found sleeping on my stomach and back were most comfortable on this bed.

The Helix Midnight is made of OEKO-TEX and CertiPUR-US certified materials in the US. Cushioning memory foam makes up the top layer. Then there are two layers of pressure-relieving, supportive foam. It gets support, durability, and motion-dampening help from the individually wrapped pocket coils in the base. While the plush cover is supposed to help with airflow, the Midnight did not dissipate heat well.

The outstanding motion isolation makes this a great mattress for couples. When my kid bounded onto the bed, I barely felt them. And, the bed passed my bowling ball test. Plus, the edge support is among the best I've ever experienced. When sitting on the bed's sides, I didn't sink much, and while lying down, I didn't roll off until I was on the very edge.

Best cooling: Nest Bedding Finch Latex MattressOur top pick for a cooling mattress in a box is the Finch Latex from Nest Bedding.

Finch; Vicky Leta/Business Insider

• Best for: All sleeping styles, hot sleepers
• Mattress type: Latex
• Firmness (1 softest to 10 firmest): 5.5
• Trial period and warranty: 365 nights, lifetime

Pros: Average firmness appeals to most sleepers, many individual standards organizations have certified the bed's materials, stays cool and dissipates heat well, exceptional edge support

Cons: Hard to move, poor motion dampening

We named the Nest Bedding Finch Latex Mattress our top pick in our best cooling mattresses guide. In my tests, it had some of the lowest temperature readings. I even had to add an extra blanket while testing one night because I was so cold.

You can choose between a firm or medium feel when ordering. Testing the medium firmness, I was comfortable in all sleeping positions, suggesting the Finch will appeal to hot sleepers who sleep on their stomach, back, side, or a combination of these positions. 

The Finch's top layer is made up of organic cotton, wool, and CertiPUR-US-certified foam which gives it good airflow and bounce. Two OEKO-TEX-certified latex layers are beneath that. The top latex layer provides firmness while the bottom latex layer offers support, structure, and durability. The motion transfer is quite noticeable, but couples will appreciate the good edge support.

Best for heavy people: Big Fig MattressHeavy sleepers will find the support they need in the Big Fig Mattress.

Big Fig; Vicky Leta/Business Insider

• Best for: Heavy individuals, back and stomach sleepers
• Mattress type: Hybrid
• Firmness (1 softest to 10 firmest): 7
• Trial period and warranty: 120 nights, 20 years

Pros: Above-average heat dissipation, firm, excellent edge support, 1,100-pound weight capacity, good motion isolation

Cons: Might be uncomfortable for petite people and side sleepers, hard to maneuver

The Big Fig Mattress is perfect for heavier individuals because it has firmer-than-average support and a weight capacity of 1,100 pounds. The cover features cooling materials. Three CertiPUR-US certified foam layers are below that offering durability, edge support, and airflow. The base of the mattress is made up of individually wrapped coils for durability and support.

Due to the Big Fig's firm feel, I preferred sleeping on my stomach and back but not on my side while testing it. Heavier individuals may still be comfortable on their side since the mattress will sink in more, keeping the spine aligned.

The Big Fig's edge support was exceptional. Even as I lay right on the edge, I was as comfortable as in the middle of the bed. It also offered an impressive balance of bounce and motion isolation. In my experience, the motion dampening was good, though the mattress failed the bowling ball test. 

Save $400 on the Big Fig Mattress when using the code JULY4 at checkout.

Best latex: Birch Mattress by HelixWe found the Birch Mattress is the best latex mattress in a box for all sleeping positions.

Birch; Vicky Leta/Business Insider

• Best for: All sleeping styles
• Mattress type: Hybrid
• Firmness (1 softest to 10 firmest): 7
• Trial period and warranty: 100 nights, 25 years

Pros: Made of natural materials, above-average firmness, Greenguard Gold certified, outstanding motion isolation, soft topper available for an added cost

Cons: May be uncomfortable for side sleepers without the pillow top, pillow top doesn't attach to mattress and is slightly smaller than it

I've found latex mattresses are more responsive and cooler than memory foam. This was true with the Birch Mattress by Helix. On its own, the mattress is firm, but you can add a soft organic mattress topper, which is sold separately. 

The mattress is Greenguard Gold-certified to be free of harsh chemicals and is made of environmentally friendly materials. The top layer consists of wool fibers with rayon. Below is a comforting wool layer that helps with temperature regulation. Latex and individually wrapped coils make up the middle layers and offer motion-dampening and support for all sleep styles and for couples. The base gets its stability and durability from wool batting, and the mattress comes with a cotton cover.

The Birch is ideal for couples because of its excellent motion isolation and edge support. I gave the bed to my 6-foot-5 kid when I was done testing it. They suffer from joint pain and said the bed helped soothe their aches. Both of us sleep hot, but the Birch kept us cool on all but the hottest of nights.

Best ultra-firm: Airweave MattressAirweave's mattress in a box is exceptionally firm.

Airweave; Vicky Leta/Insider

• Best for: Back and stomach sleepers
• Mattress type: Foam
• Firmness (1 softest to 10 firmest): 10 (9 with the soft insert)
• Trial period: 100 nights, 10 years

Pros: Machine-washable cover, decent motion isolation, great heat dissipation, 100-night sleep trial, excellent edge support, comes with soft insert that transforms mattress from ultra-firm to just firm

Cons: Not recommended for side sleepers, hard to move around, some assembly required

Most mattresses in a box come vacuum-sealed, and the setup process involves nothing more than removing the packaging. The Airweave Mattress bucks that trend. It comes fully expanded in two boxes and consists of three polyethylene blocks that you zip up in a machine-washable cover. You can choose to add the included soft polyester insert to give the mattress a firm, rather than ultra-firm, feel.

I've found that mattresses that are less than 10 inches thick usually aren't supportive enough, but the 8-inch-thick Airweave is the exception. It provided plenty of support, and the firmness also continued to the very edges of the bed for excellent edge support. The motion transfer is good. In my bowling ball tests, the can would only fall over sometimes. Yet it's so bouncy that subsequent bounces of the ball would cause the can to tumble over. 

Even with the soft insert added, the Airweave is quite firm. However, I slept comfortably on both my stomach and back. Plus, the breathable core with its open structure kept it cool through the night. 

How we tested for the best mattress in a boxWe use a 15-pound bowling ball to measure a mattress's motion isolation.

James Brains/Business Insider

I slept on all of the best mattresses in a box for a minimum of 14 days and put them through a battery of tests. 

Here are some of the test results for the main attributes we tested:

Attribute	Leesa Sapira Hybrid	Zinus Green Tea	Tempur-Cloud	Airweave	Casper Nova Hybrid	Awara Luxury Hybrid	Helix Midnight	Nest Finch	Big Fig	Birch by Helix
Firmness (1 softest to 10 firmest)	5	5.5	6	10 (9 with insert)	4	6	6	5.5	7	7
Motion Isolation (1 awful to 10 best)	7	6	7	7	3	5	4	4	6	10
Edge Support (1 awful to 10 best)	7	6	3	10	6	5	9	9	10	10
Heat Dissipation (1 traps heat to 10 stays cool)	7	7	9	7	8	6	3	10	6	5
Trial Period	100 nights	100 nights	90 nights	100 nights	100 nights	100 nights	100 nights	365 nights	120 nights	90 nights
Warranty	10 years	10 years	10 years	10 years	10 years	25 years	10 years	Lifetime	20 years	10 years

Here are the main attributes we look for and how we test them:

Comfort: I evaluate the firmness of each mattress by comparing it to my experiences with dozens of other models I've tested. My subjective experience also plays into my evaluations of a mattress's support and comfort. I note which sleeping positions my body gravitates toward. Heat dissipation is also important. I measure this using an infrared thermometer, taking measurements before, right after, and two minutes after lying on the bed for at least an hour.

Trial and warranty: I look at whether or not there's white-glove delivery and how much it costs, if the bed is available to test in showrooms, and the fine print of the home trial and warranty. The return policy is also important because this is what sets mattresses in a box apart: You want a mattress that you can try out for months risk-free before committing to it.

Setup: If you don't get white-glove delivery, you want the setup to be as effortless as possible. I time how long it takes me to unbox a mattress and note any strange or confusing steps. Most take less than five minutes. I also take a good whiff to see if there was a "new bed smell" and check again before going to bed (at least 10 hours later) to see if the odor has dissipated. 

Motion isolation: A partner's tossing and turning can wake you up in the night, so it's important to find a mattress in a box with good motion isolation. In addition to tracking my subjective experience, I perform an objective test where I drop a 15-pound bowling ball onto the mattress from a height of 4 feet so that it lands 12 inches from a 12-ounce can of soda pop. If the can stays upright, the bed has good motion isolation. If it doesn't, the motion isolation is poor.

Edge support: This is a somewhat subjective test. I lie on the very edge of the bed and slowly roll until I literally fall. I note how much I'm able to roll before I fall. I also sit on the side of the bed and put my shoes and socks on and observe how much the mattress sinks. When sleeping on the bed, I pay attention to how I feel close to the edges and if it feels like I'm going to fall off.

Portability: We don't weigh portability heavily, but it's useful to know how easy a mattress is to move around if you frequently redecorate or relocate, regularly rotate your bed to increase its longevity, or need to reposition it to put on fitted sheets. I move each mattress around several times during testing and note if it flops around, has handles, or is hard to move in general.

Mattress-in-a-box FAQsWe've tested 70 mattresses to find the best options.

James Brains/Business Insider

What's the difference between a mattress in a box and a traditional mattress?

While the line between the two continues to blur, a mattress in a box is traditionally made of foam, pocket coils, or a combination of the two and comes with a long home trial. Traditional mattresses tend to feature innersprings that can't be compressed in a box. You can try them in showrooms before you buy.

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How long does a mattress in a box last?

The warranty is a good indicator of how long you can expect your mattress in a box to last. Most brands offer warranties of at least 10 years, so you can expect your mattress to last that long. If it starts to show significant defects or deterioration before then, take advantage of the warranty.

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What bed frames are suited for a mattress in a box?

Most mattress brands will tell you what bed frames work best with the mattress you are buying. In general, you want a firm, supportive foundation. This might include wooden boards or slats that are no more than a couple of inches apart. Check out our bed frame guide for the best options.

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How do you unbox a mattress in a box?

Unbox your mattress within a day or two of its arrival since prolonged time spent in the vacuum seal could impact its structural integrity. With the help of another person, open one end of the box and tip it onto your foundation or one of our picks for the best bed frame. Lift the unopened end of the box and shake the sealed mattress onto the foundation. Use extreme caution when removing the packaging and cut parallel to the mattress. You can use a slitter or other cutting implement to cut through the first layer of plastic, but it may be easier to just unroll the plastic with a yanking motion. Then unfold the mattress onto your foundation. You may need to flip it so the top is facing up. Lastly, I use a yanking motion while trying to keep the mattress in place so I can remove the plastic from the bottom side.

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What happens to mattresses that are returned?

This varies by manufacturer. Once you sleep on a mattress, the manufacturer can't resell it. They may coordinate with a local organization to recycle your mattress or donate it to those in need. If you're concerned about the environmental impact your returned mattress might have, we encourage you to ask the manufacturer what they do with returned mattresses in your area.