The Best Mattresses In A Box, According To Forbes Vetted Sleep Editors

Best for: All sleepers, back and leg pain sufferers | Type: Memory foam or hybrid | Trial: 365 nights | Firmness: Medium-firm | Warranty: Lifetime

Named the “Best Mattress Overall” in our “Best Mattresses Of 2024” story, this bed—which also happens to ship in a box—is an easy choice for the top slot on this list. The Premier Copper is Nectar’s top-of-the-line model and is designed to be the coolest, comfiest and most supportive of the brand’s beds. It has a medium-firm feel and is now available in both hybrid and memory foam versions, making it a suitable pick for almost any type of sleeper—just note that the hybrid costs a few hundred dollars more.

Constructed with upper foam layers, both configurations are designed to offer pressure relief and joint support, and the copper fibers are added for their temperature-regulating properties, according to the company. However, there are some distinct differences between the two. The memory foam version is the brand’s “most plush mattress” and will give sleepers cradling comfort while the hybrid offers cushioning but isn’t quite as conforming (plus, it may sleep cooler than its memory foam counterpart, as hybrids tend to do). Between its two design options, attainable price point, generous trial period and lifetime warranty, the Nectar Premier Copper is a solid choice, all-around.

What our writers say: According to our mattress-testing contributor, who’s slept on the memory foam Nectar Copper Premier, “I was skeptical that a full-foam mattress could prevent me from overheating, especially during the summertime. The Nectar Premier Copper remained cool to the touch and I didn’t wake up sweaty every morning.” She adds that she’d recommend the the foam version of this mattress for side sleepers and the hybrid for back sleepers needing a bit more support.

Pros: 

• Comfortable for a wide range of sleepers
• Pressure relief and joint support for those with pain concerns
• Lengthy one-year trial period

Cons: 

• Memory foam option may sleep warmer than the hybrid

Best for: Back and stomach sleepers |Type: Hybrid | Trial: 365 nights | Firmness: Medium-firm | Warranty: Lifetime

The DreamCloud is a hybrid mattress, which means it combines layers of memory foam and coils in a strategic way. The company says it’s ideal for all sleep positions, but its on the firmer side, so we have it on our lists of the best mattresses for back sleepers and the best beds for stomach sleepers.

The inside features four different foam layers above a “targeted-support” coil layer, thus providing a great blend of comfort and stability. Side sleepers may find the hybrid design to be too firm, though back and stomach sleepers will appreciate the spinal alignment. (That said, if you crave a bit more cushion, you can upgrade to the DreamCloud Premier.) The coil section will also reward couples with consistent support through the surface area so no one feels like they’re going to fall off in the middle of the night.

What our writers say: “I sleep alone but performed several drop tests with a weight and an empty wine glass to evaluate the DreamCloud’s motion isolation. I was impressed with how steady the wine glass remained after each drop,” says our mattress-testing contributor. “I shifted positions several times in my sleep, and the DreamCloud remained quiet throughout every movement. All of this bodes well for couples or parents who share a bed with small children.”

Pros: 

• Lumbar and shoulder support for back sleepers
• Motion isolation for couples who don’t want to disturb their partner 
• Fitted with a soft cashmere-blend top cover

Cons: 

• May feel too firm for some side sleepers 

Best for: Side sleepers | Type: Hybrid | Trial: 100 nights | Firmness: Medium to medium-firm| Warranty: 15 years

The Midnight Luxe is an upgrade from the original Helix Midnight and is made with six layers, resulting in a thicker mattress that balances cushioning and support for side sleepers. Its plush foam surface relieves pressure off the hips and shoulders and a high-density 1,500-coil system keeps the spine aligned. It also comes with a 15-year warranty, higher than the regular Midnight’s warranty of 10 years.

This mattress, which we also list in our best hybrid mattresses guide alongside the DreamCloud, has a medium to medium-firm feel that’s great for most people. But it will strike a balance for side sleepers, in particular. It will also provide comfort for those who suffer from back issues with its zoned lumbar support to help relieve pressure from the lower back. For folks who run hot at night, the breathable cooling cover won’t trap heat and for those who need an even cooler feel, the GlacioTex Cooling Cover ($224) is an optional add-on.

What our editors say: “The Helix Midnight Luxe hits the right balance for side sleepers,” says sleep and mattress editor Lindsey Vickers, who tested it in the brand’s showroom. “It has a good amount of cradling and sink-in sensation, which is what makes it shine for side sleeping, in particular. If you’re looking for a bit of initial memory foam sensation without compromising on support as you sleep (or as you sit on the side of the mattress), this is a great bet. Plus, when I tried it with colleagues, they really had to thrash around for there to be any sense of motion transfer—a great sign for couples who share a bed but don’t want to share one another’s tossing and turning.”

Pros: 

• Plush, yet supportive feel
• Excellent motion isolation; solid choice for couples
• Dense coil system keeps the spine in proper alignment

Cons: 

• Pricier than other options on our list 

Layla Memory Foam Mattress (Queen)

Best for: Side sleepers | Type: Memory foam | Trial: 120 nights | Firmness: Soft on one side, firm on the other | Warranty: Lifetime

The Layla Mattress is a top bed-in-a-box choice for side sleepers, as it offers a comfortable memory foam construction and has a unique two-sided design. This mattress has two firmness levels in one—one side is soft, while the other is firm. This allows you to try out different firmness levels to find your sleep preferences. The mattress also features copper-gel memory foam, which helps prevent odors and dissipate body heat throughout the night. 

What our editors say: TK

Pros: 

• Reversible with two firmness levels in one
• Priced under $1,000

Cons: 

• Both sides may be too soft for heavyweight sleepers

Best for: Back and stomach sleepers, heavier people | Type: Memory foam | Trial: 100 nights | Firmness: Medium-firm | Warranty: 20 years

Back and stomach sleepers need a firm mattress to keep their spine aligned, but finding the right level of firmness isn’t always easy. Luckily, Amerisleep has options, which range from soft to firm so you can zero in on the perfect fit. 

For most back and stomach sleepers, the AS2 will be the company’s best option. The memory foam-only AS2 is medium-firm and ideally suited for those who sleep on their backs. There’s also a hybrid option that includes a layer of coils that provide more edge support and is often beneficial to larger individuals. The mattress stays cool throughout the night with a cover that’s designed to draw heat away from the body and has a cool-to-the-touch feel.

What the reviews say: “The mattress is truly the most comfortable mattress I have slept on…I was having back issues from my previous too soft mattress, but not with the Amerisleep mattress!”

Pros: 

• Bouncy and heat-wicking 
• Medium-firm feel works great for back and stomach sleepers
• Hybrid option gives heavyweight sleepers the support they need

Cons: 

• Side sleepers may find it too firm

Best for: Combo sleepers, hot sleepers, couples | Type: Memory foam | Trial: 100 nights | Firmness: Medium-firm | Warranty: 10 years

If you’re shopping for a bed in a box on a budget, you’ll be hard-pressed to find better value than Tuft & Needle. The Tuft & Needle Original mattress is made of two layers of foam and receives consistently high marks for its support and mid-range firmness. In fact, its high marks have also earned it a spot on our list of the best affordable mattresses. Plus, the foam is infused with heat-conducting graphite and cooling gel that are designed to prevent overheating at night. For an additional fee, you can have the mattress treated to prevent the growth of bacterial odors, keeping it fresh for longer.

What the reviews say: “I bought this mattress for my daughter. It’s so comfortable I find myself dozing off when I am putting her to sleep. I will buy one for my bed when I need a new mattress.”

Pros:

• Motion isolation and reinforced edge support 
• Priced under $1,000
• Sleeps cooler than traditional memory foam

Cons: 

• Larger sleepers may experience sinking 

Best for: Back and joint pain sufferers, plush bed fans, hot sleepers | Type: Hybrid (Purple grid) | Trial: 100 nights | Firmness: Medium-soft | Warranty: 10 years

Out of all the mattresses offered by Purple, the Hybrid Premier 4 provides the most pressure reduction. The Purple GelFlex Grid is usually 2 or 3 inches thick, while this model is 4 inches thick, which supports your hips and shoulder when sleeping on your side for a a zero-gravity feel. Under the grid lies support coils that give a bouncier feel than memory foam, respond rapidly to movement and react to pressure.

For those who have trouble with temperature and tend to get too hot during the night, Purple’s coil-and-grid structure is designed to allow airflow. What makes it even better? The GelFlex doesn’t retain heat to help keep you cool. For more details on the Purple Hybrid Premier 4, check out this review from a Forbes Vetted editor who has an extensive mattress testing history.

What our editors say: “I’ve personally tested more than two dozen mattresses and the Purple Hybrid Premier 4 is in the top three,” reports executive strategy editor Lindsay Boyers in her full review of the Purple Hybrid Premier 4. She mentions the unique grid “offers a nice marriage of compression and support. It also feels bouncy and responsive, similar to the feel of the old school spring mattresses, but without the noise and eventual breakdown.”

Pros: 

• Plush, bouncy feel 
• Extra pressure relief for side sleepers
• Good for hot sleepers

Cons: 

• One of the most expensive mattresses-in-a-box

Best for: Side sleepers, back and joint pain sufferers, hot sleepers | Type: Hybrid | Trial: 101 nights | Firmness: Medium plush | Warranty: Lifetime warranty

With a hybrid style providing the best of both worlds, this soft yet firm mattress from Puffy offers a plush feel while still holding its shape. The Lux model is constructed of a six-layer sleep system that includes the stain-resistant cover, a contour-adapt coil base and a grip base that keeps the mattress in place for active sleepers. The foam conforms to your body yet provides zoned support, ideal for sleepers suffering from back and joint pain. The best part is that this medium-plush mattress has temperature control, great for keeping hot sleepers cooler.

What our editors say: “I am finally able to get better quality rest after swapping out my standard innerspring mattress for this hybrid model from Puffy,” says weekend updates editor Raena Loper. “The mattress gives me the support I need for my back but still provides a soft and cloud-like feel, which is what my previous mattress was lacking.”

Pros: 

• Cloud-like feel that’s plush, yet supportive
• Removable cover for easy washing
• Comes with a lifetime warranty

Cons: 

• May feel too soft for stomach sleepers

Best for: Couples, those with back or joint pain concerns | Type: Memory foam | Trial: 100 nights | Firmness: Medium-firm | Warranty: 10 years

The Casper Original was one of the first bed-in-a-box mattresses on the market, and it’s classic memory foam construction has made it especially popular with couples. If your partner tosses and turns at night or needs to get up to use the bathroom, the foam layers help minimize the amount of movement you feel on your side of the bed. The Casper Original also prioritizes support for those with pain concerns by pairing softer foam under the shoulders with firmer foam around the hips, waist and lower back—that way, you can both feel comfortable at night.

What our editors say: “This was the first bed in a box I ever tried and it did not disappoint,” says one Forbes Vetted editor. “The memory foam gave me the support I needed but still provided a cushy softness.”

Pros:

• Excellent motion isolation for couples
• Zoned support to relieve pressure
• Under $1,000 when on sale

Cons:

• All-foam construction tends to sleep warmer than hybrid options

Best for: Heavyweight sleepers, people with back pain | Type: Hybrid | Trial: 120 nights | Firmness: Firm | Warranty: 20 years

Big Fig specializes in mattresses for heavier people. The company only makes one bed—the Big Fig—and it’s specifically designed to hold more weight than most other bed in a box mattresses on the market. At 13 inches thick, this mattress combines multiple layers of high-density foam with over 1,500 coils—50% more than you’d find in a standard innerspring mattress—to hold up to 550 pounds per sleeper. (That’s a total of 1,100 pounds across the entire bed.) For extra support against sagging and buckling, this mattress was also designed with a firmer feel. It falls between a 7 and 8 on Big Fig’s firmness scale (10 being the firmest).

What the reviews say: “Best purchase ever. Firm enough to keep stable, but gives enough that I don’t get sore like I was afraid of,” says one plus-size buyer, as another writes “this mattress is wonderful. My husband and I finally have enough room and support to get a full nights sleep.”

Pros:

• Supports 550 lbs per sleeper
• Made with cooling technology to help minimize overheating
• Made in the USA

Cons:

• Some customers say the bed is too firm for their liking