Buying guide for best bed-in-a-box
Buying a mattress is no longer a task that you must do in person in a store. As online commerce has expanded, it has become easier to buy a mattress online. This includes a bed-in-a-box.
What is a bed-in-a-box? It’s exactly as it sounds: a bed rolled up into a compact box. You might be wondering what the benefits are of buying a bed-in-a-box over a traditional mattress. There are three primary reasons why you might consider a bed-in-a-box the next time you need a new mattress.
First, you don’t have to go to a store to buy one. They can be ordered online. Most bed-in-a-box mattresses fit just about any frame or surface. Second, the mattress is delivered to your door via standard shipping. This can be a lot faster than waiting around for a store to deliver it to you. Third, bed-in-a-box mattresses tend to be a lot more affordable than standard mattresses.
Because of the lower price of most bed-in-a-box mattresses, a common question arises: Are they as good as standard mattresses? They often have a quality build and many premium features. For example, our top pick, the Puffy Lux Mattress, has advanced cooling technology, motion isolation and a cradling effect for superior back and neck support.
Bed-in-a-box mattresses come in many sizes and with varying levels of support and softness. No matter what type of sleeping surface you prefer, we think you can find one in our guide that would help you get a good night’s sleep and leave you feeling refreshed in the morning.
Best bed-in-a-box
Our top pick, this mattress is well-known for its excellent back and spine support and is especially good for side sleepers or those who suffer from chronic back pain. Rated as medium-plush on their firmness scale, it has six layers of memory foam with a base of contour-adapt coils. Firm core-support foam minimizes motion transfer for improved motion isolation, so you and your partner sleep more soundly.
Memory foam mattresses have a reputation for trapping body heat; to combat this, the Puffy Lux features a 1.5-inch layer of gel-infused Cooling Cloud foam and 2 inches of humidity-resistant Cooling Cloud foam. It’s an optimized sleep system that promotes air circulation for a more comfortable rest. Puffy is so confident you’ll love its mattresses that it offers a risk-free, 101-night sleep trial as well as a generous lifetime warranty.
This plush memory foam mattress is made for people who want a soft yet firm sleeping surface. Its defining feature is the green tea and moisture-absorbing ActivCharcoal infused into the pressure-relieving memory foam. The foam conforms to the shape of your body and creates a cradle-like effect for a good night’s rest. It helps keep the spine aligned and provides a fresh feeling after sleep.
It has 2 inches of enhanced memory foam for improved airflow and high-density base support foam suitable for side sleepers. The twin-size mattress can support sleepers who weigh up to 250 pounds, while every other size can support up to 500 pounds.
This firm foam mattress provides excellent pressure relief and all-night comfort. It’s surrounded by a thick layer of firm support foam that helps reduce motion transfer, and the knit cover provides superior breathability so you don’t get too hot while you sleep.
The additional 2-inch support gives you extra back support, and the 8-inch core provides secure alignment for your neck and spine.
According to some customer reviews, you may feel like you’re sinking into this mattress when you sit on it. However, once you lie on it properly, it feels firm and secure.
The budget-priced Casper Sleep Element Mattress has a super cooling system and body contouring to give you a good night’s rest. It has a layer of perforated foam for superior air circulation and a durable base that prevents sinking.
It’s one of the best mattresses for people who want to balance firmness with comfort, and it has a springy feel that might be appreciated by somebody accustomed to sleeping on an older mattress. Many customers report feeling rejuvenated after using this mattress for several weeks, and some report reduced back pain.
Memory foam mattresses aren’t for everybody, but if you like the feel of memory foam and are shopping on a budget, the Linenspa Hybrid Mattress might be for you. It’s conveniently available in 8-,10- and 12-inch thicknesses, and the low price makes it one of our favorite medium-firm mattresses.
It contains a layer of memory foam for a contouring effect and increased back support. However, unlike many memory foam mattresses, it also has a base of coils that evenly distribute weight and provide a traditional bouncy feel.
This is one of the most durable bed-in-a-box mattresses available, and the low profile makes it suitable for sleepers of all ages.
The BestReviews testing lab thoroughly reviewed the Casper Sleep Wave Memory Foam Mattress and found it a worthy addition to our top recommendations. Our endorsement is due, in large part, to its solid balance of support and softness.
It’s as easy to set up as the other top bed-in-a-box picks, and it’s an improvement over the Casper Element mattress since it has three layers of perforated memory foam for a superior cooling effect (as you might expect, it also costs a lot more than the Element).
The top layer is eco-friendly, and the gel pod support system creates a cradling effect for increased back and waist support. The ergonomic zones provide full-body pressure relief, and the coil base offers an extra lift for improved support and airflow.
This is a full-sized memory foam mattress designed for sleepers who prefer a medium-firm surface. As with most bed-in-a-box beds, expansion time can take up to 72 hours, but some customers report that it’s ready to go in just 24 hours after unpacking it.
The memory foam is infused with bamboo charcoal and provides a comfortable sleep that can relieve back and neck aches and leave you with a refreshed feeling in the morning. It has five layers of cushioning, including a comfort layer for cradling and a heat-and-odor-fighting layer. Plus, the high-density base foam offers superior skeletal support.
If you’re looking for an affordable mattress with a medium-firm feel, we think you’d love this choice. Its moisture-wicking properties and comfortable knit-fabric surface make it suitable for people who struggle with sweating at night or get too hot while sleeping. Plus, it’s made with hypoallergenic materials.
The enhanced edge support eliminates the roll-off-the-bed feeling other beds have when you get close to the edge. Individual pocket springs negate the sinking feeling you get from pure memory foam mattresses. The multi-layer design ensures reduced motion transfer and noise for a night of uninterrupted sleep, and cooling technology helps keep you dry and comfortable for longer.
With a 10-year warranty and exceptional back and spine support for any sleeper, this bed-in-a-box is a good option for those who don’t mind spending a little more on a high-quality mattress. Although it’s more expensive than other mattresses, we like it for its soft knit cover, durable base layer and pressure-relieving memory foam.
It’s suitable for back and side sleepers and can help alleviate chronic pain. It provides excellent alignment for the spine as well as motion isolation, so you don’t have to worry about disturbing your partner. Also, it’s available in varying sizes, including queen, king and California king.
What to know before buying a bed-in-a-box
Setup
Although ordering a bed-in-a-box online makes the purchase of a new mattress easier than going to the store, it also brings new protocols. The process of setting up a bed-in-a-box mattress is not the same as setting up a traditional mattress.
It’s important to open the mattress box in the room where you plan to use the mattress. This will help you avoid the hassle of lugging it around the house. Once you unroll the mattress, place it on the bed frame to “rest” for up to 72 hours. This doesn’t mean you can’t use it at that time. However, many bed-in-a-box mattresses do not fully expand right away, so you would probably not get an accurate idea of what the mattress is like until the initial 72-hour period passes.
Mattress size
Most bed-in-a-box mattresses come in standard mattress sizes of twin through California king. Your needs will dictate the size range you choose. Personal preference will dictate what you choose within that range. For example, if you know you need a larger mattress for you and your partner, you may choose between a queen, a king, or a California king.
Thickness
Bed-in-a-box mattresses come in a variety of thicknesses. As a general rule, the thicker the mattress, the less firm it will feel. Most popular bed-in-a-box mattresses come in the standard 10-inch-thick model. Others offer options ranging from 6 inches all the way up to 13 inches.
Mattress design
Bed-in-a-box mattresses are made of adaptive memory foam. Some consist of a single layer of memory foam; others have a base layer of more firm and supportive foam underneath. In addition, some manufacturers include a specialized top layer to keep the sleeper cool.
- Single-layer memory foam: A single-layer memory foam mattress is for sleepers who like a less-firm option. This is preferable for people who do not have issues with back pain and want a soft sleeping surface.
- Multi-layer foam: Some bed-in-a-box mattresses have a more firm sub-layer beneath the standard memory foam. This gives these mattresses additional back support above the basic level of a single layer of memory foam.
- Innerspring: These mattresses look similar to traditional coil spring mattresses. They have wrapped coil springs that offer a combination of support and motion diffusion. They tend to be slightly more firm than even multi-layer memory foam mattresses. This makes them suitable for consumers who need a little extra back support.
- Wrapped coil: Similar to innerspring mattresses, wrapped coil mattresses have internal coils that transfer the energy of your movements. What makes them different from innerspring mattresses is the thick foam pillow top, which creates a softer sleeping surface. These beds are almost like a combination of memory foam and innerspring. The overall experience is that of a soft-top surface that offers more give than firmness.
Organic materials
A number of bed-in-a-box manufacturers make mattresses at least partially from organic materials. Some are 100% organic Dunlop latex. This is a highly dense material made from the sap underneath the rubber tree. No toxins or chemicals are added during production. Others incorporate 100% natural cotton to make the mattress breathable and soft.
Although both of these mattress materials have been used for decades, organic mattresses have gained popularity in recent years. Natural cashmere has been added to some bed-in-a-box mattresses as an organic alternative to synthetic latex. It has a similar breathable quality to cotton.
Temperature control
Some memory foam mattresses have their own temperature-control gel which keeps the sleeper cool during warm nights. Similar to an ice pack when broken, temperature control gel reacts to motion, cooling almost instantly when motion causes movement of the internal gel. This keeps you cool throughout the night, continually activating as you turn in bed.
Mattress cover
A few bed-in-a-box mattresses come with an additional protective mattress cover. These covers help keep the mattress clean and offer a cooler sleeping surface under the sheet. They are similar to standard mattress covers in that they cover the whole mattress and zip up. Many are made of a vinyl composite material, which offers some cooling relief while you sleep.
FAQ
Q. Is a bed-in-a-box as comfortable as a traditional mattress?
A. Yes, provided you choose the mattress with the type of support you need. Bed-in-a-box mattresses are available in multiple formats, which is why it’s a good idea to read the specs carefully — and to know what kind of mattress suits you best — before you buy one. Bed-in-a-box mattresses are made with quality materials and designed to offer a comfortable sleeping surface.
Q. Will I need a box spring for my bed-in-a-box?
A. Although you do not have to use a box spring with your bed-in-a-box, you may wish to do so. It depends on your bed frame configuration. Those who want to have more “give” in their sleeping situation usually find that a box spring is not as rigid as a metal or wood bed frame.
Q. Is a bed-in-a-box cheaper than a traditional mattress?
A. Bed-in-a-box mattresses are often less expensive than their traditional counterparts. This is because they are made of more pliable materials that allow for long-distance shipping at a reasonable price.
Q. How much does a bed-in-a-box cost?
A. Single-layer memory foam mattresses cost $100 to $300, while multi-layered ones can range from $300 to $600, depending on size. Some advanced-engineered memory foam and hybrid mattresses can cost up to $1,000, depending on materials and build quality.
