All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
So you’re on a hunt for the best mattress-in-a-box. Welcome to our world. We’ve spent countless hours researching, talking about, and sleeping on leading online mattresses far and wide, answering questions from how to choose the right mattress type for you to how to clean it and what to put it on. We’ve even philosophized about Amazon’s best-selling mattress and accessorized our dream sleep setup. You can see the full results of our long-standing obsession in our Guide to Good Sleep, but the ultimate conclusion of our collective efforts is this: There is no such thing as a “one size fits all” mattress.
This is primarily because there is no such thing as a single type of mattress customer. Are you a hot sleeper? A stomach sleeper? A tosser-and-turner? There are so many sleeping positions, sleep styles, and body types—and all of them factor into the kind of mattress that will feel good to you.
But even if you’re able to conclude that, say, you’re a back sleeper, lover of memory foam mattresses, and in need of a serious firmness level, the right purchase may not be obvious—there are way too many direct-to-consumer mattress companies to choose from for that kind of clarity. Given that a high-quality mattress can cost over $1,000 and should last you a decade or more, this is an investment you definitely want to get right.
That’s where we come in. We sleep-tested leading online mattresses so we could provide clarity and insight into which bed-in-a-box might be right for you.
Our top picks:
- Best mattress overall: DreamCloud Premier Hybrid Mattress; $1,832, now $949
- Best plush mattress: The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress; $1099, now $649
- Best firm mattress: Bear Elite Hybrid; $2,305, now $1,499
- Best budget-friendly mattress: Allswell Supreme Mattress, $487
- Best cooling mattress: Cocoon Chill Memory Foam Mattress; $1,079, now $699
- Best all-natural mattress: Avocado Eco Organic Mattress; $1,299, now $1,199
And here is the complete list of the mattresses we reviewed. Click through if you’d like to jump straight to a specific mattress:
Hybrid Mattresses:
- DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid Mattress
- DreamCloud Premier Hybrid Mattress
- Helix Midnight Luxe
- Cocoon Chill Memory Foam Mattress
- Casper Dream Max Hybrid
- The Hybrid Mattress By Thuma
- Naturepedic EOS Classic Organic Mattress
- Emma Hybrid Comfort Mattress
- Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
- The Propel Hybrid by Brooklyn Bedding
- Avocado Eco Organic Mattress
- Nest Bedding Sparrow Signature Hybrid Memory Foam Mattress
- Layla Hybrid Mattress
- Allswell Supreme Mattress
- Purple Hybrid Premier 4
- The Mattress by Parachute
- Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
Memory Foam Mattresses:
- The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
- The One Foam Mattress by Casper
- Mint Mattress by Tuft & Needle
- Leesa Studio Mattress
Please note that all prices are for queen-size bed-in-a-box mattresses. Check retailers for additional price and size information. All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Best Mattress Overall: DreamCloud Premier Hybrid Mattress
• Mattress type • Hybrid • Layers • Six layers: Four various types of memory foam for contouring cushion, one of foam-encased pocketed micro coils for support, and a hand-tufted cashmere blend cover • Warranty • 365-night sleep trial, lifetime warranty, free shipping and returns
Mattress tester: Michael Shome, global visuals director
How did the delivery go? The delivery was incredibly fast and efficient. Customer service was easy and pleasant. To get the mattress in place, one needs some support. If you live alone, you’ll definitely need to recruit a friend to help move the mattress in place.
What was the setup like? The mattress arrived neatly compressed in a compact box but as expected, it is quite heavy. Two people are required to maneuver the mattress.
How firm is the mattress? The mattress is moderately firm, but the plush Euro Top adds an extra layer of coziness and comfort. The DreamCloud Premier King has a super cozy cashmere top and seven decadent layers of adaptive support. There is also a one year trial period for mattress buyers looking for longer term flexibility and assessment. Too often mattresses lose their support after consecutive nights of sleep, which makes the trial period quite valuable.
How comfortable was the mattress on a scale of 1 to 10? 8
Would you recommend this mattress to a friend? I would certainly recommend this to a friend and have already suggested it to my parents. They often complain about the annoyance of disturbed sleep from transfer movement. The DreamCloud truly minimizes sleep disturbance from your neighbor.
• Mattress type • Hybrid • Layers • Six layers: Luxury memory foam for pressure point relief, copper gel memory foam, wrapped coils for support throughout • Warranty • Free shipping and returns, 15-year warranty, 100-night sleep trial.
Mattress tester: Gaby Ulloa, contributor
How did the delivery go? As simple as it gets! The box was delivered right to my front door. That said, this particular Helix mattress is two inches thicker than their standard model. And while it’s definitely an added bonus, it made moving the box around and rolling the mattress out a bit tougher. Pro tip: make this a two-person project.
What was the setup like? After my friend and I managed to get the mattress out of the box, I removed the plastic wrap carefully (making sure to not cut into the mattress) and then watched in awe at how quickly it expanded into its full shape. I noticed a slight chemical smell and decided to stay the night elsewhere. Full disclosure: This was more due to the fact that I still had one night left in my old apartment before I had to turn in the keys rather than the smell itself, which faded fairly quickly.
How firm is the mattress? It’s marketed as a medium firmness mattress, and I definitely agree. It provides the perfect “not too soft, not too firm” situation and allows me to sink into a deep night’s sleep while still feeling completely supported. The real test, though, was when my six-foot-nine partner spent the night. I never once felt him move around and he, too, agreed the support was ideal.
How comfortable was the mattress on a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being the most comfy)? 9.5! I really do love this mattress, but I’m holding out that 0.5 for a mattress I once slept on but truly cannot afford….
How well did you sleep? Honestly so well. Normally whenever I sleep on a new mattress (or even my mattress back at my mom’s house, which I am very familiar with), I usually wake up with some sort of back pain. That never happened with the Midnight Luxe. I wake up feeling refreshed and well-rested each day.
Would you recommend this mattress to a friend? Absolutely! No doubt about it.
Best Cooling Mattress: Cocoon Chill Memory Foam Mattress
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• Mattress type • Hybrid or memory foam • Layers • Four layers of body-hugging memory foam and a cooling cover • Warranty • Free shipping and returns, 10-year warranty, and a 100-night sleep trial
Mattress tester: Cade Hiser, vp of programming and development
How did the delivery and setup go? The delivery was super simple and fast. The overall setup was even faster! From right out of the box, it rolled out nicely onto the box spring on top of my bed frame. There were no complicated instructions or anything like that. The mattress was ready for sleep that evening.
How firm is the mattress? The mattress was honestly a bit firmer than I expected. The Sealy website rates it about a 6/10 on their firm scale, but I’d put it closer to an 8. The two foam layers make a difference.
How comfortable was the mattress on a scale of 1 to 10? I would give this mattress an 8 out of 10 in terms of overall comfort. It may take some getting used to at first if you are new to firmer mattresses like myself. The memory foam layers adjust to your sleep position, which makes falling asleep easy.
How well did you sleep? I’ve never slept better. While my previous mattress was on the firmer side, it was not a memory foam or very cool mattress. With the Cocoon Chill Memory Foam mattress, I do not wake up in the middle of the night like I used to, tossing and turning. I also stay sleeping at a comfortable temperature throughout the night.
If you could change anything about the mattress what would it be? I’m not sure that I would change anything about this mattress. It is exactly what I was looking for.
How does this mattress compare to other mattresses you’ve slept on? I can really tell the difference in my sleep and I wake up feeling refreshed and energized. I used to wake up in the middle of the night and would have so much trouble falling back asleep. With this mattress I wake up significantly less in the middle of the night, and if I do I never have trouble falling back asleep. It really has made sleeping easy!
Best All-Natural Mattress: Avocado Eco Organic Mattress
• Mattress type • Hybrid • Layers • Five layers: Made of 100% natural latex rubber from sustainable farms, GOTS-certified organic cotton and wool, plus pocketed support coils • Warranty • 100 night trial period, 10-year warranty, free shipping and returns
Mattress tester: Katarina Kovac, commerce producer
How did the delivery go? The delivery was seamless. It showed up at my door in a box that I thought was entirely too small to fit a king-size mattress; the fact that it was compressed in there blew my mind. I opened up the box with no issues and laid the mattress out in my living room to let it breathe before putting it on my bed frame (which I didn’t even need to do, as there was no chemical off-gassing). I couldn’t believe that there was no smell when I laid the mattress out, and it only made me more aware of how other products I’ve had in the past have had to lay outside for a couple days before I was even able to use them due to the chemical smell. The quality of the actual materials was visible just from handling it out of the box.
What was the setup like? I did have to call some friends over to help, as it was a king-size mattress and there was no chance I was going to be able to lift it up a flight of stairs alone. It was totally easy with the help of one other person—two being a plus, but not at all necessary.
How firm is the mattress? This latex mattress is on the firmer side and is best for back or stomach sleepers, but if you add a topper like the Alpaca Wool Mattress Topper, it should be perfect for side sleepers as well.
How comfortable was the mattress on a scale of 1 to 10? For me, a back sleeper who doesn’t like her mattress too soft, a 10.
How well did you sleep? I slept like a baby with this mattress. Often gravitating toward a more firm sleeping experience, this mattress was perfect—not the firmest, but it wasn’t too soft to where I sank in. The back support was there, and as someone who’s five eleven, that was sincerely appreciated. The American Chiropractic Association has endorsed Avocado mattresses since 2020, which gets five stars of approval from me.
I could not be happier knowing that I now sleep on a 100% organic mattress that is not only ethical in its materials but also its production. Additionally knowing that I’m not breathing in toxic chemicals when I lay my head at night is huge. The wool fabric was super warm and soft to the touch, and my sheets fit on it perfectly.
Would you recommend this mattress to a friend? Why or why not? Yes, I would undoubtedly recommend this mattress and brand as a whole to a friend. The price point of the Eco Organic Mattress is amazing for the quality and materials used, and the mission statement aligns with what I believe most people truly want.
I’ve seen Avocado mattresses on various digital platforms from holistic wellness influencers and have always been really intrigued. Since becoming more conscious about not only the products I put in my body but also on it and around it, I’ve come to find out that a lot of mattresses have chemical off-gassing (flame retardants, formaldehyde, benzene, etc.) which have caused various health issues in many people who were unaware upon purchasing. Finding a mattress that is 100% organic is genuinely a feat in these modern manufacturing days, but Avocado has come to the rescue, made entirely from non-toxic, natural, and organic materials. They also maintain environmentally conscious, ethical, and sustainable practices from start to finish, so you can feel great about where your dollars are going.
Best Firm Mattress: Bear Elite Hybrid
• Mattress type • Hybrid • Layers • Six layers: Cooling and supportive coil technology and three varieties of foam—including copper-infused memory foam (available in three firmness options) • Warranty • 120-night free trial, free shipping, lifetime warranty
Mattress tester: Audrey Lee, commerce editor
How did the delivery go? Bed-in-a-box brands like Bear make ordering new mattresses a cinch. My Bear mattress arrived compressed in a tall box that was waiting on my doorstep within 10 days of placing my order. If you’re very strong (unlike me), you might be able to bring the mattress from your doorstep/lobby into your home with no problem—otherwise, I would suggest having help, especially if stairs are involved since the box still weighs about 70–80 pounds.
What was the setup like? Thankfully the setup was also super simple and standard to any bed-in-a-box. After releasing the compressed bed from its cardboard box and onto my bed frame, I cut through several layers of tightly wrapped plastic to let it unfurl and expand to its full size. The whole process took under 10 minutes, and I waited a full 24 hours before sleeping on the mattress to let it fully inflate.
How well did you sleep? The Elite Hybrid feels like sleeping on a very cooling cloud that has lots of added support. As I’ve gotten older I find myself gravitating towards firmer beds because they really help my back, so I chose to try out the mattress in the extra firm option. Though I can confirm the bed is ultrasupportive, it still feels comforting thanks to several top layers of cushioning foam. The mattress stands 14 inches tall in total, and what’s nice is you can tell all the different components are working together to deliver a stellar sleep experience. It’s also extremely breathable and very cooling, so though I’m not typically a hot sleeper, it’s definitely a godsend in the summer when you’re looking for any and all ventilation.
Bear’s Elite Hybrid is their “most luxurious mattress,” designed with both coils and foam to help you feel supported but still comfortable. When Bear says their mattresses are cooling, they really mean it, and during the summer months it was definitely a treat. I also really liked that while the mattress is firm, the top layers offer a lot of comfort (as a side sleeper, waking up with shoulder pain from an uncomfortable bed is a real bummer). Not to mention the Elite Hybrid has great edge support, which, if you’re like me and work from bed from time to time, being able to sit up without sinking in too much is greatly appreciated.
How firm is the mattress? Since I opted for the extra firm option (Bear describes this option as a 7.5/10 in terms of firmness), I was expecting something that had less sink to it, though I will say the foam top layers make it pretty cushy!
How comfortable was the mattress on a scale of 1 to 10? A very solid 9—in a perfect world, I would even love something a touch more firm.
Would you recommend this mattress to a friend? Anyone looking to upgrade an old mattress should definitely consider the Elite Hybrid—it's one of the best hybrid mattresses I've tried. There’s lots of love about the bed, but I’d say its cooling ability is where it shines the brightest, making it perfect for hot sleepers.
Best Budget-Friendly Mattress: The Allswell Supreme
• Mattress type • Hybrid • Layers • Six layers: Including cooper-infused memory foam, high density support foam, and pocketed spring coils for cooling comfort • Warranty • 90-day returns
Mattress tester: Rebecca Grambone, associate social media manager
How did the delivery go? Although Allswell offers white glove delivery service, I opted out since I only have to travel up one flight of stairs. The delivery process was not as smooth as I would have liked it to go. I received a delivery confirmation even though the mattress had not been delivered and then after going back and forth with customer service, a mattress appeared downstairs in my apartment about a week later, unannounced. Aside from the delivery process, the mattress was compressed which made moving it up to my apartment easier.
What was the setup like? The setup was pretty simple. Once we removed the boxed outer layer, the mattress popped right out and expanded on its own. I did have help, but feel that I could have done it alone if I really needed to.
How well did you sleep? At first, the mattress was harder than what I am used to, but soon over time, it formed to my body. I feel supported yet super comfortable, and, as promised, it keeps me very cool. Their cooling technology actively draws and releases excess heat away from your body through the cooling top cover and copper foam. I look forward to going to bed every night because I’m so comfortable and find that I’m not waking up in the middle of the night to adjust my body or find a cozier position.
Even though Allswell is a newer name, one thing that really stood out to me about this brand is how customizable their mattresses are. They have several options based on your ideal sleep situation. Whether you have a boxspring, a flat platform bed frame, an adjustable frame, or a slatted frame, all their mattresses are designed to be compatible with a variety of sleeping setups.
How firm is the mattress? I would say that this mattress is a middle ground mattress. It’s not too plush but not too hard—it’s just right!
How comfortable was the mattress on a scale of 1 to 10? I’d rate this mattress at an 8.5. It did take a bit of time to break in but was worth the wait.
Would you recommend this mattress to a friend? I would definitely recommend this mattress to a friend because I can tell that my sleep has improved ever since I switched to it. I wouldn’t change anything about this mattress; however, I will note that this mattress wouldn’t be a good option for someone who likes something more plush.
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Editor's Note: While the Casper Nova Hybrid mattress Nora tested is no longer available, we recommend checking out the Casper Dream Max Hybrid as a recently released alternative.
• Mattress type • Hybrid • Layers • Four layers: two breathable Airscape™ layers meant to cool and regulate temperature, one of Zoned Support™ Pro for ergonomic relief, and a polyurethane foam layer that houses the encased springs • Warranty • Free shipping and returns, 10-year warranty, 100-night sleep trial
Mattress tester: Nora Taylor, contributor
How did the delivery go? Delivery was great! They said it would get here on Tuesday and it got here on a Tuesday. The box was bulky but not impossible to get into the apartment.
What was the setup like? Easy and strangely fun. This was my first mattress in a box, so I was expecting a much longer expansion time, closer to an inflatable mattress, but it was like, “Boop, here’s your new bed!”
How firm is the mattress? I would say it’s not firm at all, but it is supportive. You sink luxuriously into the top layer but wake up feeling like you slept on something really sturdy. I’m a side sleeper, so the wrong mattress can lead to some uncomfortable hips in the morning, but that has not been the case with this mattress at all.
How comfortable was the mattress on a scale of 1 to 10? I would say a 9.5. It’s so plush compared to what I’m used to, it feels like staying in a fancy hotel rather than just regular life! It also says it has cooling technology, and while I can’t say I noticed feeling more comfortable temperature-wise, I haven’t felt uncomfortable, so that’s something.
How well did you sleep? Great! The first night I had it I was reluctant to fall asleep since I just wanted to stay up and absorb the luxury, but after that I slept really well.
Would you recommend this mattress to a friend? If you are a fan of a plush mattress top, I would 100% recommend it. You get to sink into bed but get enough support that your body isn’t thrown out of whack. Also, the actual mattress is this really appealing heather gray, so it looks nice in between sheet changes.
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• Mattress type • Hybrid • Layers • 11-inches with four layers: Pocketed coil base layer, organic latex, memory foam, wool • Warranty • 100-day sleep trial, 15-year warranty
Mattress tester: Erika Owen, contributor
How did the delivery go? The mattress arrived compressed in a box. There is a Premium Delivery option available, where the mattress will be carried to your room of choice, assembled, and the packing materials will be taken away.
What was the setup like? I set up the bed alone while my partner was at work. It was a bit tough wrangling the mattress as it began to decompress, but I made sure it was placed on the bed before cutting into the restraining plastic. It did take a couple of hours to expand and off-gas—I recommend leaving it alone for a few hours before putting sheets on.
How firm is the mattress? I prefer something a bit softer that I can sink into with just a touch of firmness for my lower back. We ended up buying a pillow top mattress topper to add some comfort.
How comfortable was the mattress on a scale of 1 to 10? I would give it a 7. I wish there was a bit more squish on top and added edge support.
How well did you sleep? It’s been a bit touch-and-go. I tend to be a stomach and back sleeper, and I’ve found that I still need some additional lumbar support while sleeping. I have been sleeping through the night on this mattress, which is a relatively new thing for me. One thing that’s a bit tricky: I’m a plus-size person, and I have noticed a lack of edge support on my side of the bed—I wish there was more heft around the edges so I don’t feel quite like I’m going to fall off mid-snooze. I also don’t think this is a great option for those with serious back pain, but if you’re someone who can fall asleep in any hotel room, this is a solid upgrade. One big pro: My partner and I don’t notice each other while we’re sleeping, and I mean that in a good way. (I often fall into fits of what we lovingly call “bed karate,” where my legs and arms just…flail.) There’s very little motion transfer, which I attribute to the pillow-like top of the mattress and the memory foam.
Would you recommend this mattress to a friend? I wouldn’t recommend it to a friend with any back pain, but would, in general, recommend this as a well-made option for someone who isn’t looking to solve any sleep issues. The price does make it a hard sell for someone who could sleep just about anywhere, though. I do fully believe in “Princess and the Pea” situations, and with the 100-day trial window, I would feel comfortable recommending such an investment to someone willing to shell out some dough to find the perfect sleep.
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• Mattress type • Memory foam • Layers • Five layers: Organic latex, encased coils with edge support, organic cotton batting • Warranty • 100-night sleep trial, 25-year limited warranty
Mattress tester: Rachel Fletcher, senior commerce editor
How did the delivery go? This is a mattress in a box—or rather, four boxes. Because the EOS is super customizable (you can choose two firmness levels based on you and a partner’s sleep preferences) as well as the foundation type, each element of the mattress comes in a different box (left side, right side, base, encasement). There is no white glove delivery option.
What was the setup like? I will say the setup was fairly vigorous. Each box is rather heavy and I assembled it solo, which meant unboxing, unpackaging, and layering the separate elements of the mattress and then zipping them all together. I definitely worked up a fairly decent sweat in the process but, luckily, I had a really comfortable bed at the end of it so it was worth the 30 minutes or so of effort.
How firm is the mattress? I’d say it’s about a 7 in the firmness level. Definitely not super plush, but there is enough cushion to feel totally at ease when lying down.
How comfortable was the mattress on a scale of 1 to 10? 9. The comfort level of the EOS is really top-notch. Aside from the slight lack of support around the edges, I feel supported and enveloped in dense but breathable and buoyant layers of foam and latex every night.
How well did you sleep? I’ve been sleeping on the EOS for about six months, and I have thoroughly enjoyed every night in it! I was concerned about the wool in the mattress because of my allergy, but I haven’t noticed any reactions or rashes, which was a huge relief. I am also pleasantly surprised by how much less I wake up feeling incredibly hot or enveloped in the mattress, as I have with other models in the past. It does a great job of regulating temperature, which, as a hot sleeper, I very much appreciate.
Would you recommend this mattress to a friend? Yes! I’ve already recommended it since beginning my Naturepedic journey for both adult and baby mattresses. The Naturepedic mattress does not come cheap, so I would recommend it to a friend that understands and appreciates the craftsmanship and consideration that goes into each piece. It’s expensive, but knowing that it’s handmade in Ohio with completely organic and nontoxic materials is worth the price tag.
• Mattress type • Hybrid • Layers • Seven layers: Two supportive foam layers, spring coils, and two types of cooling foam • Warranty • 100-night sleep trial, 10-year limited warranty
Mattress tester: Pujah Shah, global director of audience development
How did the delivery go? The Emma mattress arrived right at my doorstep and came compressed in a box. While a bit heavy, the box is compact so it was easy to get inside the house and up to my bedroom. (They also offer professional removal of an old mattress/bed through a third-party partner for an extra $125.) It was my first time experimenting with a “mattress in a box” and I was a bit skeptical at first. However, upon opening the box, I was thoroughly impressed with how luxurious and high-quality the Emma Hybrid turned out to be.
What was the setup like? I was quickly impressed by the ease of setup. The brand recommends that the mattress be opened within four weeks of receiving it to ensure its quality. The day I received the shipment, I cut the outer layer of plastic off the mattress and placed it on top of my bed frame. It gradually decompressed after a few minutes and achieved its full shape in just a few hours. I slept on it that night and every night since then!
How firm is the mattress? The Emma mattress is categorized as a medium-firm feel and includes a foam system to cushion the hips and shoulders without allowing them to sink too deeply into the mattress. My husband and I found the firmness level to be perfect for our needs and provide just the right support.
How comfortable was the mattress on a scale of 1 to 10? Sleep, for me, is fleeting. As a new mom, I am constantly struggling with falling (and staying) asleep. Once a sound, fast sleeper, I now wake up to sound, no matter how soft; movement, no matter how delicate; and hot temperatures, no matter the sheets or blankets I use (or don’t use). So to finally find a mattress like the Emma Hybrid Comfort, that helps to alleviate these pain points has had an incredible impact on my quality of sleep and thus my entire day. For that, I’d rate this mattress a 10 out of 10!
How well did you sleep? I slept like a baby! As a stomach sleeper, I appreciated the level of firmness this mattress has. I oftentimes wake up with a stiff neck or lower back pain if a mattress is on the softer side. The Emma Hybrid’s coils and foam are excellent for maintaining alignment and relieving pressure points. I'm also impressed by how well this mattress regulates heat. Hot temperatures have an acute impact on my sleep quality, but fortunately, the plush and moisture-wicking cover on this mattress provides a great cooling sensation. I’ve noticed the quality of my sleep has improved significantly, and I find myself sleeping for longer intervals throughout the night.
Would you recommend this mattress to a friend? I would recommend this mattress to friends specifically for the foam technology that isolates motion. Most of my friends and I are light sleepers, and this feature helped me stay asleep even when my partner got up earlier than me or tossed around in bed. The $659 price tag is definitely worth it!
Best Plush Mattress: The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
• Mattress type • Memory foam • Layers • Four layers: CertiPUR-US certified quilted gel memory foam, gel memory foam, and “adaptive hi core” memory foam, with a foam base and a cooling Tencel cover to prevent overheating • Warranty • 365-night sleep trial, lifetime warranty, and free shipping and full refunds.
Mattress tester: Nick Mafi, features editor
How did the delivery go? The delivery process was very easy. The Nectar mattress appeared in my apartment lobby in a box that seemed far too small to hold a queen-size mattress.
What was the setup like? After bringing it up to my apartment and opening the package, I moved the deflated mattress to my bed frame. From there, the mattress (which was packaged in plastic wrapping) quickly expanded to fit my queen-size bed frame. I allowed the mattress 72 hours to fully inflate, per the directions, before sleeping on it.
How firm is the mattress? My body sinks into the all-foam mattress a bit more than I had anticipated, but that’s likely due to the fact that it’s been over a decade since I’ve had any sort of memory foam mattress.
How comfortable was the mattress on a scale of 1 to 10? I would say an 8. The mattress is comfortable, but I wasn’t used to the give of a memory foam bed at first.
How well did you sleep? To my surprise, I am actually sleeping better on this mattress than I was on my old one.
Would you recommend this mattress to a friend? Yes, absolutely. My biggest concern was that I would take the time and energy to get a new mattress and regret my decision, which would mean I would have to go through the whole process again. Luckily, that didn’t happen, and I’ve been very happy with the mattress.
Even More AD-Approved Mattresses:
• Mattress type • Hybrid • Layers • Four various types of memory foam for contouring cushion, one of foam-encased pocketed micro coils for support, and a hand-tufted cashmere blend cover • Warranty • 365-night sleep trial, lifetime warranty, free shipping and returns
Another pick from DreamCloud, the brand’s Luxury Hybrid mattress features four different types of memory foam and individually foam-encased pocketed micro coils, all wrapped in a hand-tufted cashmere blend cover. The mattress strikes the ideal balance between soft yet firm—you won’t sink into it or get tumbled around by the slightest movement, but it’s still quite “squishy,” as market director Madeline O’Malley describes it. “I sleep really well on it, and I’m also able to work on my laptop in bed without everything moving around,” Madeline says. “There’s a body and girth to it that I haven’t found in previous mattresses I’ve owned.” That said, if you want a soft mattress that feels like a spongy marshmallow, Madeline advises that the Luxury Hybrid feels a little firmer and might not be for you.
• Mattress type • Hybrid • Layers • Seven layers: Pressure-relieving and breathable foam, support foam, graphite-infused foam, spring coils • Warranty • 120-night sleep trial, a lifetime warranty, and free shipping and returns
Commerce editor Audrey Lee states that falling asleep on this “luxury firm” mattress felt like a “treat,” and if that doesn’t convince you, then allow us to wax poetic about the Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress just a bit more. With seven layers of pressure-relieving and breathable foam, support foam, graphite-infused foam, spring coils, this mattress packs a punch of comfort. In fact, Audrey reported zero adjustment period with the Nolah. “The first time I flopped onto the bed, I immediately felt like every element in the mattress was working together to provide the perfect balance of comfort and support,” Audrey says. “This is mainly thanks to the substantial seven-layer construction which includes a layer of individually wrapped coils, breathable memory foam, and a plush pillow top cover that cradles your body in a particularly soothing way.”
• Mattress type • Hybrid • Layers • Customizable layers, including coils and quilted gel memory. Choose the firmness level of your foam layer and switch it out for a different layer down the road should your sleep preferences change • Warranty • Free shipping and returns, lifetime warranty, and a 365-night sleep trial
For a hybrid option that skews a bit firmer, contributor Briana Feigon stated the Sparrow felt “cozy and plush” but still supportive, giving it an overall score of 11 out of 10. In fact, she even found it was equally as comfortable on the ground as she searched for a new bed frame to pair with it. There’s little motion transfer—with Briana saying her tea never spills when her partner plops themselves on to the bed. Nest also offers customization options so you can select layers that conform to your sleep preferences. You can even customize different sides of the bed with California and California king sizes—so if you’ve got a partner who differs in their sleep preferences, the Sparrow could be just the thing for the two of you.
• Mattress type • Hybrid • Layers • Five layers: Infused memory foam and an individually wrapped coil system that provides ample support. The flippable mattress has a soft side and a firm side, so you can tailor the sleeping experience to your needs • Warranty • Free shipping and returns, 10-year warranty, 120-night sleep trial
Layla gives “hybrid” a whole new meaning with their flippable mattress that’s soft on one side and firm on the other. Contributor Cheryl Dearborne used the firm side and stated it supported them properly while still “providing a soft cradle.” When you have it on the firm side, the layer order goes: cool and supportive copper-gel memory foam, airflow support foam with the brand's Surface Modification Technology, individually wrapped coil system for even more motion control, another layer of airflow support foam, and another layer of copper-gel memory foam. Overall, it creates a dreamy sleep experience that Cheryl stated left her “sleeping better than I ever have before. My sleep is more regulated.”
• Mattress type • Hybrid • Layers • Three layers: Spring coils and Purple's proprietary GelFlex Grid designed to be simultaneously soft and firm, supportive, but flex around your pressure points • Warranty • 100-night sleep trial, 10-year warranty, and free shipping and returns
The Purple Hybrid mattress keeps it a little more lean with only three layers. One of the layers includes Purple’s own proprietary GelFlex Grid, aimed to feel both soft and firm—molding to your pressure points, while still offering optimal support. This balance shone through to tester Shoko Wanger. “The first time I sat on it, I was shocked at how squishy it felt,” Shoko said. “My toddler son even hopped on with me and immediately said, ‘Bouncy!’ But then, when I lay down, I was surprised again—I wasn’t sinking into it the way I expected I would; instead, I felt buoyant.” In fact, Shoko recommended it felt perfect for someone who prefers a firmer bed, saying “that aforementioned combo of cushiness and extra support is almost addictive.”
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• Mattress type • Hybrid • Layers • Four layers: Wool, cotton, certified latex, and pocketed springs, 100% organic and nontoxic • Warranty • Free shipping and returns, 20-year warranty, 120-night sleep trial.
Made up of organic wool batting, latex, pocket springs, and cotton filling, tester Kristi Kellogg reported the Happsy works for just about any sleeping position—whether you’re a back sleeper, side sleeper, or stomach sleeper. It’s definitely a firmer mattress, with Kristi stating it felt as solid as a regular coiled model, which is something to note if you prefer a medium-soft feel. That said, if you’re someone who likes to pay vigilant attention to what’s used to make their mattress, then you’ll like Happsy’s use of 100% organic and nontoxic materials. One thing to note is Kristi stated this left a faint alfalfa smell when she first unboxed the mattress from its slim and compact packaging, but it did quickly air out.
• Mattress type • Hybrid • Layers • Six layers: Pure New Zealand wool, 100% organic cotton, and tempered steel (with five times the coils of a standard mattress) • Warranty • 90-day sleep trial, 10-year warranty, and free white-glove delivery and returns
Mattress tester: Kristen Flanagan, digital deputy director
We already love Parachute for their bedding, so naturally we had to try out the brand’s mattress. The Mattress uses only premium, eco-friendly materials. This includes six layers made of Pure New Zealand wool, 100% organic cotton, and tempered steel (with five times the coils of a standard mattress). The result is the perfect Goldilocks mattress. Not too firm, but not too soft, good motion isolation, and very intentionally made. It was so comfortable, it made tester Kristen Flanagan realize that maybe she did actually like a firm mattress. “There is plenty of give, but you don’t sink into it or leave an imprint. My back feels very supported. The hand-tufting makes the top soft but not too mushy,” Kristen said in her review. “I imagine if you’re used to a super cushiony mattress you might not like this one at first, but Parachute has converted me into a medium-firm mattress person.”
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Editor's Note: While the Casper Original Mattress Keith tested is no longer available, we recommend checking out the Casper One Foam Mattress as a recently released alternative.
• Mattress type • Memory foam • Layers • Three layers of foam: 1.5 inches of breathable open-cell foam, 1.5 inches of pressure-relieving memory foam, and 1.5 inches of Zoned Support foam—plus a seven-inch foundation of end-to-end, pocket-coil springs, and three targeted zones of support for proper spinal alignment • Warranty • 100-night trial, 10-year limited warranty, and free shipping and refunds
Another stand-out mattress from the major mattress retailer Casper, The Original is the brand’s stand-out memory foam mattress. Where the upgrade model features four layers, The Original only has three: 1.5 inches of breathable open-cell foam, 1.5 inches of pressure-relieving memory foam, and 1.5 inches of Zoned Support foam. To finish it all off is a seven-inch foundation of end-to-end, pocket-coil springs, and three targeted zones of support for proper spinal alignment. You can expect a slight chemical smell emanating from the mattress after you first unpack it, but after that is a super comfy sleep experience that’ll leave you ultra well rested. “The mattress offers great support—it isn’t too soft or too firm,” said tester and contributor Keith Pollock. “I also didn’t feel my dogs moving around next to me during the night, which was nice.”
• Mattress type • Memory foam • Layers • Four layers, including copper-infused foam for added airflow and superior antimicrobial benefits • Warranty • 20-night risk-free sleep trial, 10-year warranty, Free ground shipping nationwide
Contrary to the name, Brooklyn Bedding was actually started in Arizona. The name comes from the daughter of one of the mattress brand’s founders. Brooklyn Bedding aims to create high-quality mattresses that feel comfortable but remain at a fairly affordable price point. While the Propel is a memory foam mattress, tester Keith Pollock actually reviewed that it felt rather firm while still maintaining a plushness thanks to a layer of foam with responsive contouring. It’s also advertised as a cooling mattress featuring textile technologies that maintain a sleep temperature of 88 degrees. “The description of the mattress online sounds scientific and also a bit mystical, so I was intrigued to try it,” Keith said. “I can’t quite confirm that this is happening…maybe it is? But I will say the bed is quite comfortable.”
• Mattress type • Memory foam • Layers • Three layers: Signature T&N Adaptive foam with 30% extra heat-wicking graphite and more gel beads for added breathability compared to the Original Mattress • Warranty • 100-night sleep trial, 10-year limited warranty, free shipping and returns
Another option for hot sleepers, the Mint mattress from Tuft & Needle uses T&N Adaptive foam with 30% extra heat-wicking graphite and cooling gel beads for additional breathability. On top of all of that, it’s super comfy. “I am a side sleeper and personally prefer a medium-firm, supportive feel, so I went into this test expecting an overly squishy mattress. But the Mint did not disappoint,” said Anna Fixsen in her mattress review. “The invisible support layer is made of cushy gel beads that distributed evenly. It has just enough give, however, to (dare I quote Goldilocks?) feel just right.” Overall, Anna found that she fell asleep faster and better on this mattress than her old innerspring mattress—despite being someone prone to tossing and turning—making this a great option out of all the memory foam mattresses out there.
• Mattress type • Memory foam • Layers • Three layers: Solid base layer for stability, a comfort layer, and a memory foam recovery layer • Warranty • Free shipping and returns, 10-year warranty, 100-night sleep trial
If you’re an all-foam bed purist looking for an affordable online mattress, commerce editor Audrey Lee says the Leesa Studio is one of the best memory foam mattress options available. It’s features a solid base layer for stability, a comfort layer, and a final memory foam recovery layer that combined together feels ultra-supportive and offers plenty of pressure relief, according to Audrey. “I tend to move around in my sleep, ultimately landing on my side, so in addition to solid motion isolation, the Studio’s all-foam construction supplies a nice amount of give without being too soft for my taste,” Audrey said. She noted that the Leesa lacked edge support, meaning she couldn’t sit on corners or the edges without sinking down, but it wasn’t so dramatic she thought she would fall off. Either way, the Leesa turned Audrey into a foam convert.
How We Reviewed the Mattresses
Editors at Clever, along with some trusted colleagues at Architectural Digest, identified some of the buzziest beds-in-a-box available and spent hours assessing the luxe bells and whistles of each product. Then, each tester claimed the mattress they were most interested in sampling to see how it measured up IRL. Most of us spent at least a week on our new mattresses, taking notes and catching z’s. (Sleeping for work? It could definitely be worse.)
Each review notes key factors including:
- Firmness and comfort of the mattress
- Quality of sleep we had on it
- Smoothness of the delivery
- Ease of setup and impressions right out of the box
- Value for the price (and the warranty and sleep trial associated with each mattress)
Full disclosure: Most of the companies sent us their mattresses to review for free, but we did take price into account when contemplating whether or not we’d recommend a mattress-in-a-box to someone else. Our reviewers considered everything from delivery process to comfort level, and then we compiled our mattress reviews in one place.
How Do I Unbox My Mattress in a Box?
The easiest way to handle unboxing is to move the box to the room you're going to keep the mattress and unbox it there. (That way, you're transporting a much more manageable box, rather than the uncompressed formed mattress.) Once you've got the box in the room, remove the box. Inside, you'll find a rolled-up, compressed mattress that's been vacuum-sealed. Carefully remove the wrap and it will immediately begin to decompress and swell to it's full size. It's a bit magical to watch it swell, honestly. Fully decompressing can take up to 48 hours, but it will be “mattress sized” within a few hours.
How Much Should I Spend on a Mattress?
We want to stress something important: You can’t judge a mattress by its price tag. A higher mattress price doesn't necessarily mean it's better quality. The best mattress-in-a-box for you has more to do with your body, sleeping position, tendency to run cool or hot, and other factors, not price. This is key to keep in mind when shopping for a mattress online, especially since online mattresses tend to be less expensive (which doesn’t mean they’re not high-quality). Online mattress stores are often able to offer their products at lower prices because they don’t have the same overhead costs as a traditional showroom.
What Is a Memory Foam Mattress?
Memory foam mattresses contour to the sleeper’s body. They’re hefty, high-density, heavy mattresses. The heavier the weight of a mattress, the greater the density—and the greater the density, the longer it tends to last without starting to sink or sag. Memory foam can be ideal for side sleepers, as well as people who suffer from joint pain; memory foam offers solid pressure relief, so you might want to make sure that any mattress you purchase has at least a layer or two of it. Memory foam can also work well for couples, since it minimizes motion transfer (especially if one of you tends to toss and turn at night). If you like a bed you can literally sink into, you might love a memory foam mattress.
What Is a Hybrid Mattress?
A hybrid mattress can contain multiple layers of different materials, including memory foam, polyfoam, cooling gel, and/or latex—some hybrid mattresses even have a pillow top layer for extra cushioning on top. In addition to these layers, hybrid mattresses also contain springs for added support, durability, and breathability. The superior breathability makes a hybrid mattress great for people who tend to get hot at night. Rather than the sinkage you get with a memory foam mattress, you’ll feel like you’re resting firmly on top of it. Hybrid mattresses also tend to offer more edge support.
Cons to consider
A bed-in-a-box may not be the right choice for everyone. It's first important to determine the type of compressed mattress you'd like to explore (we've denoted which on our list are memory foam and which are hybrid designs). A fully memory foam mattress may not be the best option for sleepers who trap more body heat, those who weigh more, or any one are in search of excellent edge support (foam mattresses also tend to degrade faster than spring-coil designs). Very firm hybrid mattresses may not be the best options for those looking for more a more plush surface, like side sleepers. While a boxed mattress is convenient for ground-level living residents, they pose a more difficult set-up situation for prospective buyers who live in spaces with lots of stairs (especially if white glove delivery isn't available). Luckily we also have lots of recommendations for more traditional mattresses brands if you decide that's the best route to take.
How Do I Get Rid of My Old Mattress?
A lot of online mattress companies have their own mattress removal services—but there are still plenty of ways you can get rid of your old mattress yourself. You can drop it off at a mattress recycling center. You can also have LoadUp come and remove your mattress (along with any other bulky items you might have) for a fee. And there’s always another very easy option: Let your family and friends know that you’re getting rid of your mattress. There’s a very good chance one of them will be willing to take it off your hands and give it a second life.
Build The Ultimate Bed-scape With Clever
Pillow, comforters, duvet covers, sheets, and more—we've put all the best bedding to the test so you don't have to:
Best Pillows, Tested and Reviewed: Upgrade your sleep setup with our top picks from Casper, Brooklinen, Purple, Brooklyn Bedding, and more.
Best Duvet Inserts and Comforters of 2024, Tested and Reviewed: Here to give you the lowdown (and down alternative).
Best Duvet Covers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed: Upgrade your sleep setup with one of these editor-approved picks.
Best Quilts and Coverlets, Tested and Reviewed by Clever: From channeled and reversible cotton to easy, breezy linen, here are some of the best light layers to keep you cozy regardless of the season.
Best Bed Sheets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed: From Linen to percale, sateen and silk—we’ve never been more excited to lie down.
Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers, Tested and Reviewed: Pressure relief, temperature regulation, and more, we tested the best offerings for side and combination sleepers.
