Best (and Worst) Bed-in-a-box Mattresses to Buy in 2023

Online mattress shopping can be a terrible ordeal for the uninitiated. There just are too many options. Even the most well-meaning individuals have a hard time mining for relevant information and rarely is someone less confused by the end of their research as co

mpared to when they were at the start. A reliable mattress guide can be an invaluable resource in such a situation. Rest assured; we are here to help you with that.

In this article, we shall go through the best mattresses in a box and the worst too.

Buying a mattress is one of the most important long-term investments of our lives, right up there with buying a house or marrying someone we love. After all, we spend almost a third of our life sleeping on one. If you want to buy one hassle-free, with an attractive return policy and an affordable rate, bed-in-a-box mattresses are just the thing for you.

Let’s get into it.

Disclaimer: Keep one thing in mind, this list talks about the best and the worst bed-in-a-box mattresses to buy worldwide. If you want to read about the best Australian mattresses, you need to visit our homepage.

Inclusion Criteria

Before we get into it, let’s discuss the criteria for our selection of the best bed-in-a-box mattresses. For that, we’ve chalked up a checklist of the most important features that can be used to compare different brands.

This allows you, our cherished readers, to choose the bed-in-a-box mattress that works for you.

Here is how we made our selections:

Sleeping Position

This is one of the most important factors on this list. After all, there’s no singular best mattress rather only mattresses that work best for you. Different mattresses cater to different sleep positions. Side sleepers enjoy softer surfaces that allow their bodies to sink in a little.

On the contrary, stomach sleepers prefer a much firmer and supportive mattress that supports their body and prevents excessive sagging. Back sleepers fall somewhere in between and like both support and a bit of sinking.

Firmness

It is measured on a firmness scale of 1 to 10 where 1 signifies the softest of surfaces while sleeping on a 10 is tantamount to lying on the floor. The most popular setting is medium firmness (6.5/10) and, generally, mattresses range from 3 to 8 on the firmness scale.

Lighter and side sleepers prefer softer surfaces, back sleepers enjoy medium firmness while heavier and stomach sleepers should look for firmer mattresses.

Type

Just like the sleeping position matters a lot, the mattress type is also a decisive factor for the quality of your sleep. Each variety comes with its upsides and downsides. Both foam and latex mattresses are great at pressure relief, motion isolation, and luxurious comfort but they can sleep hotter and lack edge support.

On the other hand, the traditional innerspring mattresses and hybrids are bouncy and breathable. However, their pressure-relieving capabilities are questionable and their motion isolation is lackluster.

Finally, airbeds come with greater customization but that comes with a big price tag too.

Quality

Being a long-term investment, a mattress ought to be made of top-notch materials. The quality of these materials plays a central role in its durability, performance, and long-term consistency. It also means that such mattresses cost more. However, they are worth every buck they cost.

Some high-quality materials include organic latex and high-density memory foam. Steel coils (tempered) are also very resilient.

Contouring

Mattresses that contour and conform to the curves of your body provide deep pressure relief. Memory foam mattresses are the best at this, followed by latex and polyfoam mattresses.

Hybrid mattresses with thick comfort layers also get the job done. However, innerspring mattresses usually fail to provide any contouring.

Edge Support

You can get an idea of the edge support by sitting on one of the sides of your mattress. Mattresses that bear your pressure well and prevent sinkage have better edge support while those that develop dips don’t do so well in this category.

Innerspring mattresses usually belong to the former while foam mattresses usually fall in the latter class.

Temperature Regulation

For sun-kissed climates like Australia’s, temperature regulation is quite an issue. A sweaty sleep is as big a concern as any other. Foam mattresses with thick comfort layers usually sleep hotter than innerspring and hybrid mattresses. Latex mattresses also do pretty well in this department.

We have carefully considered all of these factors and based our selections for the best bed-in-a-box mattresses on them. Now, let’s get into it.

Best Bed-in-a-Box Mattresses

The following is a list of the best bed-in-a-box mattresses:

Note: Most of the mattresses on the list have, at least, a 100-night free trial and a 10-year warranty. They also hold CertiPUR-US certification that prevents the use of any harmful chemicals.

Note: All prices are for Queen mattresses.

Let’s get into the finer print to discover what it is that really makes these the best bed-in-a-box mattresses.

1. Helix Sleep Midnight Luxe Hybrid Mattress ($1649)

Credit: Helix Sleep

The Helix Sleep Midnight Luxe mattress is the best mattress on this list due to its luxurious comfort.

It is a hybrid bed-in-a-box mattress with a base of coils that are individually wrapped. This ensures that areas that require greater support, such as your lower back, get it. On top of this support, the base is a gel-infused foam layer and denser foam layers. To top it all off, a plush cushion layer helps you to sleep like a king.

This mattress comes with a medium-firm feel which is the most preferred firmness setting. It is best for side and back sleepers. More importantly, its innovative cooling technology makes it a dream mattress for hot sleepers and climates such as Australia’s.

However, its average motion isolation leaves a lot to be desired for couples. Similarly, its price tag is a little too high for people on a tight budget.

2. Allswell Hybrid Mattress ($375)

Credit: Allswell

It‘s true that most bed-in-a-box mattresses are cheaper than their traditional counterparts because of their direct-to-consumer model. Even for the people who know that the Allswell Hybrid mattress will be a shocker.

It stands as an example of the fact that you don’t need to file for bankruptcy if you want a comfortable surface to sleep on. Many people find that it ‘feels’ more expensive than it really is. Let’s look at what really makes it that good:

The Allswell is a hybrid mattress-in-a-box. It has a gel-infused memory foam layer on the top to minimize heat retention and gives you the vaunted memory foam feel and contouring. Underneath this memory foam layer are springs (individually wrapped) that bear most of the weight and give the mattress a sturdy base. It also prevents motion transfer.

Finally, traditional tubing gives it the decent edge support that most mattresses of its class would kill for.

The popular medium firmness works great for side and back sleepers. The above-average (for a mattress-in-a-box) edge support makes it a good option for couples. People who want the support of springs and contouring of memory foam will likely find it to be a match made in heaven.

And to top it all, the affordable price makes it a deluxe for both the prince and the pauper. One little downer, however, is that the single comfort layer may make it a little too firm for lighter sleepers.

3. Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress ($749.25)

Credit: Brooklyn Bedding

The Brooklyn Bedding Signature “Firm” Hybrid mattress is built for people who never find a mattress that is “as firm as they say”. It is also one of the best mattress-in-a-box options. Let’s take a little peek inside it.

It is a hybrid mattress that combines firm high-density foams and coils. The breathable cover is made with a cotton/poly mixture that gives a soft feel. The first comfort layer is the specially designed TitanFlex foam that combines memory foam contouring and latex bounce. Under this is the Energex transition foam layer that is firmer than the foam layer above it.

After the transition layer comes the pocketed coils. These coils provide bounce, support, shape, and durability to the overall structure. A final layer of dense foam is put in there to give the coils something to bounce off.

Being a firm mattress, it is a good option for the stomach, back, and heavier sleepers. Similarly, people with back pain also enjoy its firm, supportive feel. Moreover, its commendable motion isolation is favored by couples too. However, its firmness is not a winner for side sleepers as they need to sink in a little for pressure relief.

4. Layla Two-Sided Foam Mattress ($899)

Credit: Layla

The most difficult decision that you have to make while ordering a mattress online is deciding which firmness setting will suit you. How firm is too firm? How soft is too soft? Wouldn’t it be better if you could have two choices in one mattress?

If you’re also someone that gets baffled by too many choices, the Layla two-side foam mattress is just for you. One side is medium-firm (dark) and the other is medium-soft (light). You can alternate between both of them and pick a favorite.

Let’s analyze its design to find what fits you the best.

It starts off with a plush polyester cover. Right underneath it is a copper-infused memory foam layer. It sinks just in the right spots to adjust to the curves and contours of your body. Moreover, the copper infusion counters the heat retention of the memory foam.

Next up is a firmer polyfoam transitional layer. A thick layer of dense polyfoam forms the support base. It gives solid strength to the structure and bears the weight with ease. Finally, a thinner layer of the copper-infused memory foam lies under the support base.

The above is the configuration of the layers if the softer side is being used. If you flip the mattress, the thinner memory foam will become the top layer with the dense support base as a transitional layer (and closer to the surface). This will make for a firmer lie as compared to the other side.

The firm side is best for stomach sleepers while the softer side is preferred by side sleepers. Back sleepers find both sides comfortable. The cooling technology also makes it a good option for hot sleepers. However, it is also true that this mattress doesn’t provide overall comfort as good as a lot of other hybrid mattresses.

Being an all-foam mattress, the edge support is also nothing to write home about.

5. Tuft & Needle Mint Mattress ($895.50)

Credit: Tuft and Needle

The Tuft and Needle Mint Mattress is a great inclusion in this list of best bed-in-a-box mattresses. Its pressure relieving capabilities are well-regarded. Let’s pull back the proverbial curtain to look at what is inside it.

The cover is made of a thick and soft polyester blend. Sitting right under it is the specially designed adaptive foam comfort layer that provides contouring and gives a hugging feeling by sinking in a little. It is also infused with graphite to give you a cool and dry sleep.

Next up is a polyfoam transitional layer that prevents excessive sagging of the layer above it. Interestingly, it has cooling beads that allow further temperature regulation. Finally, a thick and firm polyfoam layer provides structural stability and support to the mattress.

The Tuft and Needle Mint mattresses have a softer than medium feel to it. It works great for side and back sleepers. Similarly, hot sleepers love how cool it makes them feel. Nevertheless, stomach sleepers don’t find it that great. Finally, couples like its great motion isolation.

6. Mattress Firm Tulo Medium Mattress ($342.51)

Credit: Tulo

If you are looking for a cool and comfortable mattress with an affordable price tag, the Mattress Firm Tulo mattress is just for you. You also have multiple choices as it comes in soft, medium, and firm varieties.

It starts off with a polyester/ Tencel blend for a cover. A gel-infused memory foam layer comes right under the cover. It provides cool comfort for you to enjoy, thanks to its open cell design. A responsive poly foam layer serves to transition from comfort to support layers. The supportive polyfoam’s firmness depends upon the mattress firmness that you opt for.

The medium firmness works best for side and back sleepers. Its decent motion isolation is a plus for couples. Moreover, the affordable price is a winner for people running a tight ship. However, stomach and heavier (above 230 pounds) sleepers don’t enjoy it as much.

Similarly, in spite of the cooling gel, the mattress sleeps a little hot and isn’t the best choice for the steamiest of climates. Finally, the lack of edge support is a considerable disadvantage for people with mobility issues.

7. Nectar Sleep Nectar Mattress ($799)

Credit: Nectar

The Nectar Sleep Nectar mattress is known for its softness, responsiveness, and pressure relief. Let’s see how it makes our sleep magical.

A plush cover sits, invitingly, atop the mattress surface. Beneath it lies a memory foam layer that gives you a slow and detectable response. You feel as if you are slowly sinking in until the mattress adapts to your body shape. The usual overheating problem associated with memory foam is checkmated by the gel infusion.

Next comes a transitional memory foam layer that continues with the contouring initiated by the layer above it. Finally, a high-density polyfoam resides at the base to provide support and stability to the mattress structure.

The medium firmness suits side sleepers and back sleepers, alike. Moreover, people looking for deep pressure relief rank the Nectar Sleep Nectar mattress highly. But the stomach sleepers aren’t likely to have a great time. Also, near-perfect motion isolation is a big plus for couples.

8. Birch Natural Mattress ($1299)

Credit: Birch

The Birch Natural mattress is an eco-friendly, 100% green product made with wool, cotton, and natural latex. If you want to sleep comfortably (and guilt-free), without killing the planet, this is just the mattress-in-a-box for you.

The cover is made of soft and breathable cotton fabric along with wool fibers that serve as fire retardants. Next up is the wool-based comfort layer. This means that you are going to have a cozy and hugging feel. Moreover, as wool absorbs moisture and heat, you’ll have a cool and dry sleep too. To double the fun, a Talalay latex layer provides the trademark latex bounce and response. A thick layer of pocketed coils adds to the support and responsiveness while providing the structure with a sturdy base. A thin layer of organic wool is also present underneath it.

Being a decidedly firm mattress, it is beneficial for back and stomach sleepers. It is also a great choice for people looking for pressure relief. However, side sleepers don’t enjoy it as much. Finally, its poor motion isolation (due to its bouncy nature) isn’t great for couples.

9. Leesa Hybrid Mattress (&1499)

Credit: Leesa

The Leesa Hybrid mattress is among the best entries on this list. It provides you with a balanced overall performance with both bounce and contouring. The company is also associated with charitable causes so it is a great option for the socially conscious among us.

Let’s pull down the sheets and see what makes it one of the best mattress-in-a-box options.

It starts off with a polyfoam layer that adds to overall contouring and generates bounce. It lies on a memory foam layer that minimizes motion transference and amps up pressure relief. Another polyfoam layer lays underneath it to arrest excessive sinking. A layer of pocketed innerspring coils reinforces support and reduces motion transfer.

Finally, a support layer of polyfoam serves as a shock absorber. The cover is soft and moisture-absorbing.

The medium firmness works best for side and back sleepers. Pressure relief is also a great feature for many. On the downside, motion isolation is insufficient for most couples. Moreover, fixed firmness is a common complaint by people looking for more options. The price tag is also a turn-off for people with a tight budget.

10. Casper Nova Hybrid Mattress ($1696)

Credit: Casper

If you are looking for a middle-of-the-lane foam-coil hybrid mattress at an affordable price, the Casper Nova Hybrid mattress is just the thing for you. Now, let’s look into its build a little.

A soft polyester cover greets all comers followed by an aerated foam layer that gives your body a slow response with gradual contouring. Next up is an interestingly designed zoned memory foam layer. This zoned approach means that it is softer underneath the shoulders and firmer under the hips. The result is spinal support and a balanced feel.

Finally, a layer of pocketed coils holds up everything while adding healthy some bounce, firmness, and support. Unusually, these coils are wrapped with high-density polyfoam that gives the mattress good edge support.

The medium firmness settings are preferred mostly by back and somewhat by side sleepers. However, stomach sleepers rarely prefer it. Similarly, inadequate motion isolation isn’t great for couples.

Honorable mentions

The following are a couple of well-deserved honorable mentions:

The Purple Mattress: The innovative design of the square grid gives you a cool and Jell-O-ey feel. It gives the mattress both support and softness. However, be as it may, it isn’t as comfortable as most hybrid (foam+coils) alternatives.

DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid Mattress: It is another great luxury mattress.

Casper Standard Foam Mattress: This is the original prototype of the Casper mattress that came out years ago and remains a great choice. However, the hybrid version is a significant improvement upon it.

Worst Bed-in-a-box Mattresses

The following are some mattresses that you should absolutely avoid. If you still want to buy them, do that at your own risk. You can’t say that we didn’t warn you.

Cheapo Amazon Mattresses: The $228 Zinus mattress and $258 AmazonBasics mattress are the kind of products that only have their price going for them. The rest: cheap foam, excessive sinking, and poor motion isolation are all a big no-no.

The Parachute Mattress ($1,899): This mattress, to put it simply, doesn’t give enough bang for its buck. It is too pricey with insufficient comfort.

Verdict

To sum up, bed-in-a-box mattresses are the mattresses of the future. In this article, we have discussed both the best and worst ones available. Even someone who has skimmed through the text will be able to make an informed choice. Sleep tight!