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Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed 600+ mattresses and accessories for over seven years using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing. We assess each bed for support, cooling, firmness, pressure relief, and more.
We’ll be discussing our top picks for the best bed-in-a-box mattresses that offer comfort, support, durability, and, of course, ease of ordering and delivery to your home.
If you’re looking for the best mattress online, you may be overwhelmed by looking for the best bed-in-a-box mattresses available. The number of brands, models, and types of beds to choose from can truly be staggering. Luckily, we’ve personally reviewed almost all of the best mattresses in a box and have narrowed them down to the top eight that impressed us the most. These beds really differ in terms of price, design, and feel, so there should be something here for most bed-in-a-box shoppers.
Our Verdict: What’s the Best Bed-In-a-Box Mattress?
Our expert reviewers chose the Helix Midnight as the best bed-in-a-box mattress for its hybrid design of pocketed coils and memory foam, quality materials, and affordable price.
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed more than 600 mattresses, using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing to establish easy-to-understand scores. In addition to an overall score, we measure subscores for support, edge support, cooling, motion transfer, durability, trial period and warranty.
Seeing as bed-in-a-box is such a broad category that covers a lot of mattresses, we took a closer look at the overall score, only choosing products that scored a 3.8 out of 5 or above. Of those eight beds, seven of them scored a 4 or higher.
Hands-on mattress testing in our sleep lab
To put together this roundup of the best bed-in-a-box mattresses, we considered each of our traditional mattress review factors, including support, firmness, motion isolation, company reputation, quality of materials, edge support, and, cooling. Our mattress experts hands-on tested each mattress listed above to give an informed review to guide you in your mattress journey.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.2
Helix
Helix Midnight
Medium-Firm Feel
Breathability
Motion Isolation
Hybrid mattress
100-night sleep trial
Free shipping
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The Helix Midnight is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress 6.5/10. This is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$936-$1,748 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, short queen, king, California king, RV king
Side Sleepers
Provides good pressure relief for side sleepers under 230 lbs.
Back Sleepers
This mattress offers good support and body contouring for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Couples
This bed absorbs motion well for a hybrid mattress, so couples shouldn’t notice their partner’s movements.
Pros of the Helix Midnight Mattress
The Helix Midnight mattress is a fantastic choice for back and side sleepers. It’s a perfect medium-firm mattress that offers a lot of comfort from the foam at the top with supportive coils at the bottom.
This mattress shouldn’t trap too much heat thanks to the coils, which allow for airflow. You also have the option to add a specialized cooling cover.
Hybrid mattresses can be bouncy and disturb others who are in bed, but the Helix Midnight absorbs motion very well for this type of mattress.
Cons of the Helix Midnight Mattress
This mattress is too soft to support stomach sleepers. The hips will dip into this bed over time, which can cause strain on the lower back.
While this bed absorbs motion well, it’s still a hybrid. If you don’t want that bouncy, coil feeling to your mattress, you should look for an all-foam bed.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10 years
Returns
Free returns during the trial period
The Helix Midnight is Helix’s most popular model because of its medium-firmness and works well for back and side sleepers. The top layers of foam provide good pressure relief, but the coils offer a good amount of support. It won’t trap heat thanks to those coils, and you can even opt for a cooling cover. Be sure to watch our video review to learn more about the Helix Midnight.
Our Expert’s Take
When buying a bed-in-a-box mattress with Helix, shoppers are presented with a wide range of choices, varying in terms of firmness, feel, and sleep temperature. Helix goes one step further in helping people find the ideal mattress with their sleep quiz. Shoppers will answer questions regarding their weight, sleeping position, and firmness preferences, and then Helix will use that data to select the correct mattress for that customer.
Personally, we’re a big fan of the Helix Midnight, which uses Memory Plus Foam, Helix Responsive Foam, and a layer of individually wrapped coils to create a mixture of comfort and support.
We appreciate the Helix Midnight for its above-average performance across the board. It earned a 4/5 or above on every one of our unique mattress tests, indicating good cooling capabilities, strong edge support, good durability, and more, helping the bed easily secure our top pick in this bed-in-a-box roundup.
What the testers say: “The Helix Midnight is Helix’s middle-of-the-road offering, meaning it has a balanced feel and a medium-firmness level. I found it really comfortable for side sleeping and back sleeping, but I’d recommend stomach sleepers go with something firmer.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Helix Midnight
The Helix Midnight is a mattress that has some nice cooling features. It features a breathable cover and the coil layer helps to promote airflow. Our heat gun test also confirmed a limited amount of body heat was retrained by the sleep surface, which rose 3.4 degrees F after our nap test. This is something that hot sleepers may want to keep in mind.
Lightweight sleepers in any position should especially find comfort on this mattress.
Bed-in-a-box mattresses sometimes earn a bad rap for lacking structural integrity compared to store-bought beds, however, don’t be fooled by the packaging: Helix Midnight held up well under the weight of our heaviest tester, sagging only 2.25″ inches when he sat on the edge, earning the bed a 4/5 edge support score.
While the mattress does have a bit of bounce (testers give the bed a 4/5 responsiveness score), especially since there is a full layer of coils, the Helix Midnight helps keep motion transfer limited. This means that if you sleep with a partner, their movements shouldn’t wake you up at night.
What to Keep in Mind About the Helix Midnight
The Helix Midnight has a coil layer, which did make some noise when we moved around on this mattress. Though the squeaks we heard weren’t extremely loud, they could be distracting if you’re a light sleeper.
Even though this mattress is slightly firmer than a medium-firm mattress, most stomach sleepers won’t feel properly supported on it and will need something firmer. Heavyweight sleepers might also want to explore other Helix options. Consider the best mattresses for stomach sleepers for other options.
Other user reviews
The Helix Midnight mattress was rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by customers on the Helix website. Reviewers loved how comfortable they felt on the mattress, and some even went as far as to claim that the mattress helped to alleviate some chronic back pain.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.2
Nectar
Nectar Classic
Medium-Firm Feel
Motion Isolation
Pressure Relief
Foam mattress
365-night sleep trial
Free shipping
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The Nectar mattress is an all-foam mattress. It has a plush comfort layer followed by a thin layer of transition foam. At the bottom, there’s a layer of high-density base foam.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Nectar mattress a 6.5/10, which is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$699-$1,798 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Couples
This mattress isolates motion well, which means couples shouldn’t feel movement come over to their side of the bed.
Side Sleepers
It offers great pressure relief for side sleepers under 230 lbs.
Back Sleepers
The Nectar mattress offers plenty of support for most back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Pros of the Nectar Mattress
This mattress has a slow-moving feel. If you like mattresses that contour to your body, this could be a great option.
The Nectar mattress isolates motion well, which is helpful for people who share a bed with a partner or a pet.
It offers plenty of pressure relief for side sleepers who weigh less than 230 lb.
Cons of the Nectar Mattress
Even though it has cooling gel-infused foam, it’s not the best mattress for hot sleepers.
It’s not supportive enough for most stomach sleepers. In this position, you may feel your hips sink out of alignment, which can lead to lower back pain.
Because it’s an all-foam bed-in-a-box mattress, it has a 48-hour off-gassing period. You’ll need to let the mattress air out for two days before sleeping on it.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Forever warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period.
The Nectar is an affordable all-foam mattress that offers lots of pressure relief and body contouring. It works well for most side sleepers, because it helps cushion shoulders and hips. It is also a good option for couples, because it isolates motion well. However, the Nectar mattress isn’t supportive enough for most stomach sleepers and heavyweight people. If you tend to sleep hot at night, you may want to look for a mattress with more cooling features. Learn more in our Nectar mattress video review.
Our Expert’s Take
Are you looking to get a little taste of everything a mattress has to offer? If so, the Nectar mattress will whet your appetite. The thick layer of gel-infused memory foam on top melts away pressure at the shoulders and hips. After that, a layer of soft conventional foam is a bit denser to help ease you into a layer of firm support foam at the bottom of the bed.
While foam beds are known for trapping heat, the gel-infused foam and Nectar’s Cooling Cover helps the bed stay breathable.
One of the things we really appreciate about the Nectar mattress is its affordability. If you take advantage of one of the many sales that the company runs you can purchase a queen for well under $1,000. Despite its affordability, we found the quality of the Nectar to be very impressive. We gave it a score of 4/5 or higher on our durability, cooling, edge support, and motion transfer tests.
What the testers say: “The Nectar is one of the best value mattresses I’ve ever tested. It offers great contouring and pressure relief, and felt particularly nice while side and back sleeping.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Nectar
The layers of the Nectar are soft and contour the body, so if you sleep on your side, you should feel some nice pressure relief in your hips and shoulders.
If you sleep near the edge of your mattress, the Nectar may be a great fit for you due to its sturdy edge support.
It’s sold at a value price and should last you between 8 and 10 years, making it one of the best mattresses for the money.
What to Keep in Mind About the Nectar
If you weigh more than 230 lbs, this may not be a supportive enough mattress for you. You may want to opt for another mattress such as the Titan mattress, or our best mattresses for heavy people.
This is a soft mattress that contours the body. If you want a bouncy or responsive mattress, this one won’t be a good match for you.
Other user reviews
On the Nectar website, customers gave the Nectar Original mattress an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Some of the top reviews praised how the mattress is contouring and helps alleviate chronic pain. On the contrary, some users thought the mattress was too soft and not supportive enough.
Best Bed-In-a-Box Mattress for Back Sleepers – WinkBed
Mattress Clarity Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The WinkBed is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Luxury Firm model a 7/10, which is slightly firmer than the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$1,149-$2,049 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Side Sleepers
Great pressure relief for side sleepers over 130 lbs.
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros
It has a bouncy, responsive feel. This is great for combination sleepers who benefit from a bed that makes it easy to change positions at night.
The WinkBed features zoned support. With firmer foam at the top and bottom and more cushioning foam in the middle, this bed has excellent lumbar support.
This bed sleeps cool. Thanks to the breathable coils and gel-infused memory foam, hot sleepers can expect a cool night’s rest.
Cons
This isn’t the best option for motion isolation.
The WinkBed doesn’t have a traditional “sink-in” memory foam feel.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The WinkBed is a versatile mattress that provides zoned support and cooling comfort for a fair price. This bed’s excellent responsiveness makes it a good fit for combination sleeper that want a bed that’s easy to move around on. For couples looking for motion isolation, though, this probably isn’t the best choice. Instead, check out the Nectar Premier Copper. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
Did you tweak your back at the gym? Get your ears pierced? Or maybe, you just like sleeping on your back. Either way, the Winkbed will be the choice if you want to sleep with enough lumbar support to keep you comfortable.
This bed comes in four firmness options, with the fourth option, Plus, being designed specifically for heavier sleepers. This means sleepers of all sizes and preferences should find a WinkBed model that suits their needs, earning the Winkbed a perfect score of 5/5 for support.
The primary comfort layer of the Winkbed is the Euro-style pillow top, meaning it has extra foam layers than traditional layers. Underneath, a main support layer of individually wrapped coils allow the mattress to provide excellent lumbar support.
What the testers say: “I tested the WinkBed in the Luxury Firm version (it also comes in Softer, Firmer and Plus, for heavy people). This version had a balanced feel that felt great while back sleeping. But whatever firmness you choose, it’ll sleep cool thanks to its airflow-promoting coils and cooling Tencel cover.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the WinkBed
The WinkBed is a bouncy and responsive mattress that’s easy to move around on. That makes it a great fit for combination sleepers who toss around a lot at night, or couples looking for the best mattress for sex.
This bed has some cooling benefits—scoring a 4/5 for cooling—thanks to its breathable Tencel cover and individually wrapped coils that allow for some additional airflow.
The Winkbed scored a perfect 5/5 for edge support thanks to the supportive layer of coils.
What to Keep in Mind About the WinkBed
The WinkBed doesn’t have the best motion isolation, so if you’re someone who wakes up from your partner’s movements at night, this may not be a great fit for you. Instead, check out our best mattresses for motion isolation to find a better fit.
If you’re looking for a plush and conforming mattress, this may not be a great fit. The WinkBed is a mattress that will make you feel like you’re sleeping “on it” rather than “in it.”
Other user reviews
The WinkBed was rated 4.8 out of 5 stars on the WinkBed website, with many customers praising the mattress for being both supportive and comfortable. There weren’t many negative reviews of the mattress, but some customers did feel that the mattress was firmer than they expected.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.0
DreamCloud
DreamCloud Original
Firm Feel
Responsive
Affordable
Hybrid mattress
365-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Spring Flash Sale
Save up to 50% on mattresses + $599 of accessories included See Details
The DreamCloud is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress 7.5/10. This makes the mattress firmer than average.
Price
$839-$2,178 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Couples
Good balance of motion isolation and responsiveness.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros of the DreamCloud
It is a good option for back sleepers. While it is a bit firmer than average, its balance of comfort and support will keep the spine in neutral alignment.
You shouldn’t be sleeping too hot on this mattress. The breathable cover, gel-infused foam, and airflow-promoting coils should prevent the mattress from trapping heat.
You should never feel stuck in this mattress. The DreamCloud is bouncy and responsive, so you will have no trouble moving around and changing positions.
The DreamCloud is a good value option. Hybrid mattresses can be quite pricey, but the DreamCloud is surprisingly affordable.
Cons of the DreamCloud
Side sleepers will want to find a softer mattress to give them the pressure relief they need.
Fans of the slow-moving memory foam feel won’t get that feeling on the DreamCloud.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The DreamCloud is a hybrid mattress that offers great support for back sleepers and nice cooling for hot sleepers. Its mix of foam and coils ensures you get the right amount of support, while its breathable materials ensure you don’t sleep too hot. It is a bouncier mattress, and if you prefer more of a memory foam feel, consider the Nectar mattress. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
Stomach and back sleepers rejoice! There’s a perfect bed-in-a-box option for you: the DreamCloud. Laying on the DreamCloud, you shouldn’t feel yourself sinking in too far. This makes it very easy to move around, an important factor for combination sleepers.
Thanks to its firmer feel, several of our mattress testers—specifically the light and average-weight ones—felt good while on their stomachs. That’s because it kept their hips sufficiently supported which, in turn, helped keep their spines properly aligned, which is why we scored the DreamCloud a 4/5 for support. If you’re worried about back pain, spinal alignment is very important to keep in mind.
Layered under a tufted cashmere-blend cover, there is a soft layer of memory foam on top of a firmer, transition layer of foam. Supporting all of this is a layer of individually wrapped coils, the key to the DreamCloud’s supporting capabilities.
What the testers say: “During my testing I found the DreamCloud to have a really supportive and bouncy feel. While back sleeping, I could feel it keeping my spine in a nice, straight line. I’d particularly recommend this bed to back sleepers who prefer a firmer feel.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the DreamCloud
The DreamCloud is a good cooling mattress as well. The gel-infused layers and the coil layer help to promote airflow. These elements should keep the mattress from overheating and should make it a good fit for hot sleepers.
If you’re someone who sleeps with a partner and you’re looking for a good mattress for sex, the DreamCloud should be a great fit since it’s bouncy, responsive, and easy to move around on.
What to Keep in Mind About the DreamCloud
Due to its responsiveness, the DreamCloud is a poor fit for anyone looking for a slow-moving mattress that makes you feel like you’re sinking into it.
Side and stomach sleepers who are heavier may not feel properly supported on this mattress. Heavy back sleepers may feel the proper support, on the other hand.
Other user reviews
Most DreamCloud mattress customers didn’t have any complaints about the mattress on the company website and even rated it 4.6 out of 5 stars. The few negative reviews came from some customers who thought that the mattress was heavy, making it difficult to set up.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.4
Nolah
Nolah Evolution
Multiple Firmnesses
Cooling
Motion Isolation
Hybrid mattress
120-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Sale
Use code CLARITY50 and save an additional $50 off mattress purchases See Details
The Nolah Evolution is a hybrid mattress, which means it has coils at the bottom and memory foam on top.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Luxury Firm model a 6.5/10, which is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$1,499-$3,198 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Back Sleepers
The Nolah Evolution Hybrid offers great lumbar support for most back sleepers under 300 lb.
Hot Sleepers
This bed has graphite-infused foam, which helps dissipate body heat. It also has coils that promote airflow.
Pros of the Nolah Evolution
It has great cooling features, such as graphite-infused foam and airflow-promoting coils.
Even though it has coils, it isolates motion well. This makes it a great mattress for couples.
It’s available in three firmness levels, so it works for a variety of people.
Cons of the Nolah Evolution
It lacks a slow-moving feel.
It’s not supportive enough for most people who weigh more than 300 lb.
Because it’s a luxurious mattress, it might be too pricey for some people.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The Nolah Evolution Hybrid mattress is available in three firmness levels. The Luxury Firm model works well for many back and side sleepers. This mattress has many cooling features, and it isolates motion well. It’s not a great option for most people who weigh over 300 lb, though. If you fall in this category, you may need more lumbar support. Watch our Nolah Evolution mattress review video to learn more.
Our Expert’s Take
The bed-in-a-box isn’t always known for being the most reliable when it comes to cooling, but the Nolah Evolution mattress turns this idea on its head. To prevent folks from overheating, the Nolah Evolution has a cover that dissipates heat, graphite-infused memory foam, and a heat escape gusset, earning the bed an impressive score of 5/5 for cooling, according to our testers. We rested on the mattress for extended periods of time and not one of us ever felt uncomfortably warm.
The Nolah Evolution is also very durable. With 8” coils and an Edge Support System, this high-quality bed could last you over 10 years. If we had to describe the feel of the Nolah Evolution in a way that most people would understand, it reminds us of a mattress that you’d find in a luxury hotel.
What the testers say: “The moment I lay down on the Nolah Evolution I could feel that it was a high-quality mattress. Its cover and top layer are quilted with cooling materials, which offer plush comfort without trapping heat. Sleepers will want to note that all this luxury comes with a higher price tag.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Nolah Evolution
The Nolah Evolution is made with high-quality and durable foams and coils, earning the bed another perfect score of 5/5 for durability.
This mattress is bouncy and responsive, making it a good choice for partners who may want to find the best mattress for sex, or sleepers who just generally move around and change positions a lot during the night.
Our tester described the Nolah Evolution as having a “balanced hybrid feel.” The bed will be well suited for all sleeping positions, especially back and side sleepers.
What to Keep in Mind About the Nolah Evolution
The Nolah Evolution is constructed with high-quality materials, meaning it comes at a higher price tag. If you want a more basic version of this mattress, try the Nolah Original mattress instead.
Like many bed-in-a-box mattresses, there was an off-gassing scent on the mattress when it was unboxed. After about two days of airing out, the smell dissipated.
Heavyweight sleepers may want to look into a firmer option, as this mattress doesn’t provide enough support for those over 230lbs
Other user reviews
The Nolah Evolution seems to be a fan favorite on the Nolah website, as it’s rated 4.9 out of 5 stars. Customers raved about the luxury feel of the materials, the high quality, and the overall comfort. Customers also loved that the customer service team was helpful and supportive during the purchase process.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.1
Brooklyn Bedding
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
Multiple Firmnesses
Affordable
Responsive
Hybrid mattress
120-night trial period
Free shipping
Big Spring Refresh Sale
Use code SPRING25 and save 25% off sitewide See Details
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Soft, Medium, and Firm. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Medium model a 6.5/10, which is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$665-$1,599 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, short full, queen, short queen, king, short king, Olympic queen, California king, split California king, RV king
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Couples
Good balance of motion isolation and responsiveness.
Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature is a budget-friendly mattress. It’s a good fit for shoppers looking for an affordable, versatile bed.
Combination sleepers will find it easy to change positions on this bed. Thanks to its bouncy coil construction, the Signature offers a very responsive surface.
Back and side sleepers under 230 lbs can expect great pressure relief and support on this bed.
Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature
This bed doesn’t provide much motion isolation.
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature isn’t a luxury mattress.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period. A removal fee of $99 will be deducted from your refund.
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature is an affordable, no-frills bed with a medium-firm feel that should work for a wide variety of sleepers. While it’s made with durable materials and should last up to 10 years, it isn’t the most luxurious option. If you’re looking for a premium bed, check out the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
Just because a bed-in-a-box is convenient, doesn’t mean it’s cheap. Brooklyn Bedding pushes against this notion by using their own factory to construct their mattresses, lowering the overall cost. Brooklyn Bedding often runs generous sales for their mattresses. For example, we’ve often seen the queen-size Signature Hybrid go for as little as $999.
The Signature Hybrid comes in three different firmness options—Soft, Medium, and Firm—so you can choose the option that best suits your needs. Its sturdy hybrid makeup of three comfort layers and individually wrapped coils is great for those who like to sleep “on top of” their mattress. We don’t often come across a mattress of this well rounded that’s so affordable. On our performance tests, the Signature Hybrid only earned less than a 4/5 on one category (motion transfer), so the reasonable price is not at all indicative of its quality.
What the testers say: “The Brooklyn Signature is one of the few beds I’ve tested that offers a luxury feel for a value price. And it comes in three firmness levels, so any type of sleeper can find a model that works for them.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid’s multiple firmness options allow everyone to find comfort—no matter what sleeping position they prefer.
If you’re a hot sleeper, the Signature Hybrid helps with cooling thanks to its gel-infused foams that help dissipate heat, the coils that help promote airflow, and its thin and breathable cover.
If you are a combination that moves around throughout the night, the Signature Hybrid may be a good fit for you.
What to Keep in Mind About the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
The Signature Hybrid isn’t the best at isolating motion, so if you sleep with a partner who moves around a lot, you may be awoken by their movements.
This mattress doesn’t have the best edge support, scoring only a score of 3/5, according to our testers. If you’re someone who sleeps near the edge of your mattress, you might feel like you’re going to roll off of it.
Other user reviews
Customers on the Brooklyn Bedding site gave the Signature Hybrid mattress an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. The best reviews raved about the mattress being soft, supportive, and easy to set up. Some of the less positive reviews called the mattress too soft and unsupportive.
Best Bed-In-a-Box Mattress For Side Sleepers – Bear Original
Mattress Clarity Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
3.8
Bear
Bear Original
Medium-Firm Feel
Affordable
Lifetime Warranty
Foam mattress
120-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Tax Day Sale
Use code TAX4TY and save 40% off mattresses See Details
The Bear Original is a memory foam mattress. It features softer foam layers for cushioning and firmer ones for support.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress 6.5/10. This is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$786-$1,690 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Side Sleepers
Great pressure relief for side sleepers under 230 lbs.
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros of the Bear Original Mattress
The Bear’s gel-infused memory foam can help hot sleepers stay cool throughout the night.
It’s an affordable option. A queen-size Bear mattress is less than $1,000, even before discounts.
Bear offers a lifetime warranty on this mattress. That means if you find any covered defects or indentations during the life of your mattress, they will replace it free of charge.
Cons of the Bear Original Mattress
This bed probably isn’t a good fit for side sleepers who weigh over 230 lbs.
Stomach sleepers likely won’t find this bed firm enough to keep their spine in proper alignment.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The Bear Original is a memory foam mattress with broad appeal. It provides good support and pressure relief for side and back sleepers who weigh less than 230 lbs and comes with plenty of cooling features. It isn’t firm enough for most sleepers who weigh more than 230 lbs, though. If you need a more supportive bed, check out the Plank Firm. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
At a 6.5/10 on the firmness scale, the all-foam Bear should be an excellent fit for most side sleepers. While they’ll get the pressure relief they need around the shoulders and hips from a top layer of gel-infused memory foam, the firmer and denser transition and support layers will keep them from sinking too far into the bed. That means the spine has a good chance of staying properly aligned.
Our light- and average-weight testers felt great while they were on their side. The firmness was just right for them to receive good pressure relief while their spines remained aligned. Our heavyweight mattress tester, on the other hand, felt a bit uncomfortable when he tested the Bear on his side. It was too soft to keep him from sinking deep below the mattress surface, causing some pain around his shoulders and hips.
What the testers say: “I found the Bear to be a great match for side sleeping because it let me sink in just enough, while still keeping me supported. I also liked that it didn’t trap heat, which tells me that it’ll be a good match for hot sleepers.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Bear Original
Though we love the Bear for side sleepers, it’s also a great bed for back sleepers. It is soft and plush but also features some sturdy support so that the hips and spine stay aligned in this sleeping position.
Having an all foam construction, the Bear handles motion transfer very well, scoring a 4.5/5 in the category.
The Bear is a mattress that sleeps cool. It has gel infused within the foam layers which keeps heat from being trapped and helps hot sleepers stay cool at night.
What to Keep in Mind About the Bear Original
We recommend this mattress for back and side sleepers, but stomach sleepers likely won’t get the same comfort on the Bear. If you’re a stomach sleeper, you’ll likely want to opt for something firmer than the Bear.
The Bear is an all-foam mattress with a classic foam feel. If you’re a fan of bouncier and more responsive mattresses, try a hybrid mattress, like the Bear Elite Hybrid.
Other user reviews
On the Bear website, customers gave the Bear Original mattress an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. The customer reviews matched our professional reviews – most side and back sleepers praised how comfortable and supportive the mattress felt for them, while many of the complaints were from stomach sleepers who did not feel properly supported on the mattress.
Best Bed-In-a-Box Mattress for Heavy Sleepers – Birch Natural
Mattress Clarity Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.5
Birch
Birch Natural
Firm Feel
Sustainably Made
Responsive
Latex mattress
100-night sleep trial
Free shipping
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The Birch Natural is a latex hybrid mattress. It has both cushioning latex and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress 7/10. This is just slightly firmer than average.
Price
$1,498-$2,498 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Stomach Sleepers
Supportive enough for stomach sleepers under 230 lbs.
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros of the Birch Natural
The Birch Natural is made with sustainable materials that have earned certifications from multiple third-party organizations, including GOTS and GREENGUARD.
Thanks to the latex layer, this bed is a bouncy, responsive mattress. Combination sleepers will appreciate how easy it is to change positions on it.
Ventilated latex and individually wrapped coils make for a breathable, cool night’s rest on this bed. Hot sleepers shouldn’t have to worry about this mattress trapping heat.
Cons of the Birch Natural
This bed is likely too firm to provide the cushioning most side sleepers need.
With such a responsive surface, this mattress won’t offer much motion isolation.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
25-year warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period. A removal fee of $99 will be deducted from your refund.
The Birch Natural is a great option if you’re looking for a sustainable, responsive bed. It features natural latex and individually wrapped coils for comfort and support. Its firmness is best suited to back and stomach sleepers under 230 lbs, though, so side sleeepers should opt for a softer bed, like the Helix Midnight. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
The Birch Natural’s star power comes from its firmness, which makes it a great option for heavy sleepers who need to feel supported while they rest. Our testers gave the bed a perfect score of 5/5 for firmness.
The Birch Natural is particularly great for heavy back sleepers. Our larger mattress testers felt phenomenal while they were on their backs. While the Birch Natural also feels fairly nice for heavyweight stomach sleepers, it’s likely too firm for heavyweight side sleepers.
The mattress is an eco-friendly mattress made of natural, chemical-free latex, organic cotton, and wool. Underneath those layers, the mattress features a layer of individually wrapped coils, giving the Birch Natural the strength it needs to support people over 230 Ib.
What the testers say: “As a heavy sleeper myself, I know how important it is to have a sturdy bed that won’t start to sag after a few years. I found the Birch to be really supportive, and its made with a number of high-quality materials that should stand the test of time.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Birch
The Birch is made with all-natural materials such as cotton, wool, and Talalay latex. It’s an eco-friendly mattress, and what’s more, it’s also flame-resistant.
Since the foam layers in the Birch are made of latex rather than traditional foam, it’ll trap less heat than some of the other mattresses in this roundup. That, in addition to the coil layer that promotes airflow, makes for a fairly cool mattress that earned another perfect score of 5/5 for cooling.
The Talalay latex in the Birch—helping the mattress breathe—makes it a bouncy and responsive mattress, a great choice for sex.
What to Keep in Mind About the Birch
Since the Birch is so bouncy, it won’t isolate motion as well as some other mattresses. If you sleep with a partner who moves around often throughout the night, you may feel their movements on this mattress.
This isn’t a mattress that’ll give you a slow-moving feel as if you’re sleeping “in it,” but instead, you’ll feel like you’re sleeping on top of it.
Other user reviews
The Birch mattress is rated at 4.7 out of 5 stars on the Birch site currently, with most reviewers praising the eco-friendly materials, how comfortable it is, and how easy it is to set up. On the contrary, many reviewers felt like the latex layer of the mattress was thinner than they expected.
A bed-in-a-box is exactly what it sounds like: a bed that arrives on your doorstep in a box!
The internet has made mattress shopping very convenient, with a plethora of brands out on the market. Many brands these days will also offer quizzes if they have more than one model. Quizzes can help curate the mattress to the consumer to give them the best option for their situations.
The bed-in-a-box used to be just all-foam mattresses that were compressed into a cardboard box, but these days even mattresses with coils can be packaged up and shipped to your door. From there it’s as simple as removing the packaging and letting the bed expand. Most expand rather quickly, but it’s best to wait about 24-48 hours to let the bed come to its shape completely and off-gas any chemical smell that happened as a result of the compression process.
It’s also a common misconception that bed-in-a-box mattresses are less durable than those you can pick up in a brick-and-mortar. High-quality beds-in-a-box can last just as long as one that has never been compressed!
Who Should Get a Bed-In-A-Box?
Who Shouldn’t Get a Bed-In-a-Box?
Budget shoppers
People who need a bed right away
People who like to compare many models
Anyone who prefers to try before they buy
People looking for a convenient shopping experience
People who live alone (the box is often very heavy)
Anyone who has specific needs looking for customization or firmness options
People who don’t want to have to return a mattress to an online only company
It is worth pointing out that some online only brands don’t compress mattresses. One such company is Saatva, which we’ve reviewed before.
While buying a mattress online is incredibly convenient, they aren’t going to be for every type of shopper. One of the hardest parts about buying an online mattress is the inability to try it out before you buy it.
Luckily, almost every single online mattress retailer has a sleep trial. These trial periods are, at a minimum, around 100 days. This gives you plenty of time to determine if you made the right choice. Most brands will also recommend giving a new mattress around 30 days before making any return or exchange decisions.
Having a trial period can often benefit you more than trying a bed out for a few minutes in-store. However, should you end up needing to return your mattress, many brands will offer full refunds, and even come pick up the mattress for you.
Many online mattresses are covered by warranties, and you should look for 10 years as a minimum. These cover manufacturing defects for the most part, but some may have restrictions or be limited warranties. Limited warranties mean things like accidental damage, cosmetic damage, or general wear and tear are not covered. Be sure to thoroughly read the brand’s warranty policy before clicking “check out.”
Bed-in-a-Box Delivery
As the name suggests, a bed-in-a-box will deliver straight to your door. Although it’s compacted, the mattress will likely not feel lighter than an unpackaged bed, meaning you might want to get some help moving the bed to its new room.
Every brand on our list delivers straight to your door in a box, with the exception of Saatva. The Saatva mattress is not compressed like the other beds are, which is why Saatva offers free in-room delivery and setup for all of its beds. Information about Saatva’s delivery services can be found on the Saatva website.
What Are the Pros of a Mattress in a Box?
Price
One of the primary reasons we recommend a bed-in-a-box mattress is the price. When you shop at a brick-and-mortar mattress store, the company needs to charge a premium in order to pay for their location (or locations) across the country. A bed in a box, on the other hand, ships directly to the customer, often resulting in a lower cost for comparable quality.
Convenience
Moving a mattress is a pain in the neck. Believe us, at our testing facility we’ve moved hundreds of them. Having the mattress arrive compressed in a relatively small box makes it so much easier to lug between rooms or up and down the stairs. Still though, the boxes tend to be heavy, so you should have someone available to help you move it if you feel you’ll be unable to alone.
Easy Delivery
No negotiating delivery costs with a tricky salesman — the cost of bed-in-a-box delivery is usually built into the price of the mattress itself. And there are even some companies that offer complimentary white glove delivery, which means the delivery person will set up your new mattress for you and remove the old one.
What Are the Cons of a Mattress in a Box?
Off-Gassing
Something that’s specific to bed-in-a-box mattresses is off-gassing. When a mattress gets compressed, the chemical used in its construction get trapped. Once the box is open, these chemicals are slowly released. While not harmful, this can often result in an unpleasant odor that will usually dissipate after a couple of days.
Support
Something we’ve noticed with cheaper bed-in-a-box mattresses is that they will sometimes be unsupportive. This tends to only affect memory foam mattresses, as hybrid mattresses have a layer of springs that provide great stability. If you’re worried about this, do plenty of research on the mattress you intend to buy. You can usually glean the quality of the mattress by utilizing expert reviews as well as customer reviews.
The biggest problem that some people have with bed-in-a-box mattresses is the fact that you can’t try a product before you buy it. However, most companies provide generous trial periods where you’re able to sleep on the mattress for an extended period of time and return it at little to no cost to you if you’re unhappy with it.
What to Consider When Buying a Bed in a Box
Firmness
Online mattresses come in all firmness levels. We commonly test medium-firm mattresses here at Mattress Clarity. One way we help people navigate firmness in the online marketplace is giving beds a score from one to 10.
Medium-firm mattresses have an industry standard rating of 6.5/10. Sleeping position and body type are the two most important considerations when looking at firmness. Heavier individuals often need more support, and should go for firm mattresses, while lightweight sleepers should go for soft. We’ll break down sleeping positions a little further down.
Feel
As mentioned, all types of mattresses can be compressed into a box and shipped to your door. All-foam beds will often feel soft, and have that slow-moving memory foam quality to them. If you prefer bouncy, responsive mattresses, consider a hybrid mattress or a bed that features latex foam.
Sleeping Position
Each sleeping position needs something different from its mattress. Back sleepers do best on a medium-firm bed that offers a good balance of comfort and support. Hybrid mattresses with memory foam in its comfort layer work especially well here.
Side sleepers will want beds that provide exceptional pressure relief for the pressure points in their hips and shoulders. All-foam beds or hybrid mattresses with very thick memory foam comfort layers to make the bed softer are good places to start.
Finally, stomach sleepers want firm mattresses to keep their hips elevated. If a bed is too soft, their hips will dip into the mattress, which can put a lot of strain on the lower back, which will cause back pain.
Cooling Features
When beds-in-a-box first hit the market, they were all-foam, and didn’t feature many cooling features. This made some shoppers wary of bed-in-a-box mattresses, as they tended to trap heat. Companies saw this issue, and invested in a number of new and high-tech features to keep these mattresses sleeping cool.
Look for things like breathable covers that feature bamboo, Tencel, or cotton. Also look for gel infusions for memory foam. This pulls away heat from your body. Hybrid mattresses are good for hot sleepers, as the coils allow for a lot of airflow.
Bed-in-a-box mattresses come in a range of prices, from affordable to high-end. Mattresses are an investment, but it is important to consider what works best for your budget. The trade off for affordability often comes in the form of a simpler mattress design without many features. Some of the more affordable mattresses don’t last as long either. But you can always save big with some mattress coupons, and many brands these days offer financing options.
Motion Isolation
This is a big consideration for most couples and light sleepers. Beds with all foam construction tend to absorb motion transfer making them better mattresses for couples. This means that if you do sleep with a partner, they likely won’t feel you change positions or get in and out of bed. Some hybrid mattresses can handle motion isolation well if their comfort layer is thick enough.
Is a Mattress in a Box Worth It?
A mattress-in-a-box is an easy way to receive a mattress right at your door. It’s compact packaging means it can easily be shipped to your house and moved into your bedroom, saving you time, money, and the stress of having to shop for in-store mattresses.
However, a bed-in-a-box usually isn’t ready until 24-48 hours after it’s unboxed. Because the mattress needs to expand and off-gas, you may need to wait before you can use it. Also, because a bed-in-a-box is usually purchased online, you likely won’t be able to test it beforehand.
Overall, whether a bed-in-a-box is worth it depends on your priorities and what you would like to get out of your mattress-shopping experience.
How Long Does a Mattress in a Box Last?
The lifespan of a bed-in-a-box differs from brand to brand. Here’s a recap of how long each mattress in this roundup should last.
Nectar: Eight to 10 years
DreamCloud: Six to eight years
Nolah Evolution: At least 10 years
WinkBed: Seven to 10 years
Helix Midnight: Seven to 10 years
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid: Seven to 10 years
Bear Original: Seven to 10 years
Layla: Seven to 10 years
Birch Natural: Seven to 10 years
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud: At least 10 years
Our team testing motion isolation on the Bear Mattress.
Setting up a mattress in a box is easy, though you may want to ask a partner, friend, or family member to help out.
First, lay your box on the floor and get out the mattress. Grab a pair of scissors to cut the outer bag and unroll your mattress.
Then, flatten it on your bed frame or foundation. Gently cut the inner bag on the seal and the mattress will instantly start expanding. Be careful! You don’t want to cut through the mattress and damage your brand new bed. Wait for it to off-gas and expand, and then you’ll be ready to enjoy your new mattress.
A Warning About Off-Gassing
Most bed-in-a-box mattresses come to your front step compressed into a cardboard box. When you remove all the packaging, you may notice a slight chemical smell to the mattress. This isn’t anything harmful and is often a result of the compression and packaging process.
However, you’ll often see that you need to let a bed “off-gas” as it expands. Because of this, some bed-in-a-box mattresses aren’t ready to use, even after letting them expand. If you have a sensitive sense of smell, it’s best to let the bed off-gas and let the smell dissipate. This typically takes anywhere from 24-48 hours, and it can help to let the bed do so in a well ventilated area.
Buying the Right Foundation
There are several types of bed frames and foundations that you can use for your new mattress. The best foundation is all up to personal preference Some foundation types include:
Box spring: A wooden or metal frame structure wrapped in a fabric cover that rests underneath your mattress.
Platform bed: A headboard connected to a foundation of wooden slats that rest beneath your mattress.
Bed frame: Metal or wooden slats that hold and support your mattress. Bed frames usually have rails on the sides of your mattress for support too.
Adjustable frame: An adjustable frame is a bed frame that can be raised or lowered at the head of the mattress to help adjust your sleeping position and the angle that you sleep in.
Final Thoughts
Here’s a recap of the best bed-in-a-box mattresses we recommend:
The best bed-in-a-box mattress depends on your needs and sleeping preferences. If you want a soft mattress, check out the Puffy. Looking for something customizable? Try Helix. If you’re a side sleeper, the Nectar might be for you.
Are bed-in-a-box mattresses any good?
There are many great bed-in-a-box mattresses out there that feature some high-end materials. Years ago, bed-in-a-box mattresses weren’t the best, but now some of the best mattresses are on the market come shipped in a box. Of course, the quality of a bed-in-a-box mattress depends on the brand, but there are numerous comfortable and supportive options out there.
Where can you try a bed-in-a-box?
Most bed-in-a-box mattresses cannot be tried before they are delivered. However, most have a trial period, so you can return the mattress if you don’t like it within that amount of time.
How long do bed-in-a-box mattresses last?
This really depends on the mattress and the components and materials they feature: a low-density memory foam mattress might only last for two or three years, but a higher-end hybrid mattress with high-density memory foam in the comfort layer could last for between seven and nine years.
How long do you have to wait to sleep on a bed-in-a-box?
A bed-in-a-box will usually have an “off-gassing period,” where it gives off a chemical-like smell, a result of how it was packaged and sealed. While this isn’t dangerous, you may want to wait 24-48 hours before sleeping on this bed, as the fumes can cause headaches and irritation, especially to those with respiratory issues.
Does a bed in a box need a box spring?
No! A bed-in-a-box does not need a box spring. While a box spring can add height and support to your mattress, it isn’t necessarily, and your bed-in-a-box can rest on the floor. Additionally, while a bed-in-a-box used to be all foam, they now can be made with springs, reducing the need for box springs.
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Marten Carlson
Lead Mattress Reviewer
About Author
Marten has been writing about mattresses and sleep health for six years. He is the lead reviewer at Mattress Clarity where he tests mattresses, bedding, and sleep accessories.
In his role here, Marten’s reviewed over 500 mattresses and 150 sleep accessories (so you can rest assured that if he recommends a product, it’s been put through the wringer in our Austin studio). In addition, he has written more than 400 articles reviewing the quality of sleep and sleep products as well as sleep health. He’s especially interested in the correlation between sleep and mental health.
Marten’s also got a personal stake in sleep health. After writing dozens of pieces on the dangers of sleep apnea, he decided to get tested for the condition. Realizing he did, in fact, suffer from sleep apnea, he immediately started using a CPAP machine. He knows all too well the importance of a healthy night’s sleep and is passionate about helping others get the healthy, restorative sleep they deserve.
He received his bachelor’s degree in Film Production from Denison University and his master’s degree in Film Studies from Emory University.
