Bed-in-a-box mattresses are a relatively new product in the sleep scene, having only been around for 15 years or so. They take an innovative approach to buying, storing, transporting, and testing mattresses. Each one is constructed, then compressed and rolled with heavy industrial machinery until it’s a fraction of the original size. It’s packed into a surprisingly compact box and shipped off. They have many benefits, including easy transport both on the road and in your home. They’re simple to install, are generally less expensive than traditional options, and many have a generous trial period where you can get a refund if you decide it’s not quite right! Plus, they contain advanced technology that gives you the most comfortable, peaceful, and uninterrupted night’s sleep.
Bed in a Box Mattresses
1. Zinus 12 Inch Gel-Infused Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress
If you sleep hot, then this box mattress from Zinus is the ideal choice to keep you cooler for a better night’s sleep. It features three layers. The bottom is seven inches of high-density foam that creates a firm and durable base. On top of that are three inches of soft, comfortable foam for that plush feeling. Then the final, and top layer is two inches of CertiPUR-US® Certified ultra-cooling gel and green tea and ActivCharcoal-infused memory foam. This material draws heat away from your body while neutralizing odor-causing agents, keeping your bed fresh. Finally, it’s all wrapped in a soft, poly jacquard cover that feels nice against your skin. Once the mattress is unboxed and open, it expands to its full size within 72 hours.
Firmness Level: Medium — 6.1/10
Trial Period: 100 nights
Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King
Height: 12 inches
Shipping: Free US shipping
2. Puffy Lux Mattress Lux Hybrid
Puffy Lux box mattresses are designed and manufactured in the United States. The Lux Hybrid features a combination of memory form and contour-adapt coils, so you enjoy the best of both worlds, including increased stability and maximum spine support. Plus, it works with all kinds of bed frames, including adjustable ones. The six-layer sleep system includes a patented Stain-Resistant Cloud Cover, Cooling Cloud™ Foam, Plush Dual Cloud Foam, Climate Comfort™ Foam, a Firm Core Support + Contour-Adapt Coil Base, and a Grip Base Cover. Take it for a test run with a 101-night sleep trial, with a full refund if you’re not happy. There’s also a lifetime warranty that has you covered for as long as you own the mattress.
Firmness Level: Medium — 5/10
Trial Period: 101 nights
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Height: 12 inches
Shipping: Free to the contiguous USA
3. The Purple Mattress
Enjoy perfectly supported sleep. The Purple Mattress is the signature design from Purple. The most unique feature of this box mattress is the two-inch layer of Purple GelFlex Grid. This patented element is a hyper-elastic gel grid that is temperature neutral, breathable, hypoallergenic, provides instant response, and reduces the pressure on your hips and shoulders through a cradling motion. It’s covered with the knit SoftFlex Cover that perfectly complements the more than 1,800 air channels in the Grid. You’ll find dual-layer comfort foam at the bottom of the mattress, which makes a durable and long-lasting base. Sleep on it for 100 nights, and if it’s not amazing, you can get a full refund. There’s also free shipping, free returns, and a ten-year warranty.
Firmness Level: Medium Firm — 6.5/10
Trial Period: 100 nights
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King
Height: 9.25 inches
Shipping: Free to the contiguous USA
4. Macoda
Create the perfect sweet spot for a great night’s sleep with the Macoda Mattress. This innovative design from the Australian brand has an adjustable top, so you can choose your firmness level by simply flipping or moving the upper inserts. The hybrid design, with a combination of foam and pocket springs, offers targeted pressure relief and five unique support zones striking the perfect balance between comfort and structure. Beat the Aussie summer heat and ditch the night sweats, thanks to memory foam infused with cooling gel beads and breathable bamboo fabric that wicks away sweat. Finally, the independent pocket springs reduce motion transfer, so you won’t need to worry about waking your bedmate when you shift positions. Enjoy free shipping, free returns, and a 100 night trial period to make sure you love your new purchase.
Firmness Level: Adjustable between soft, medium, and firm
Trial Period: 100 nights
Sizes: Single, King Single, Double, Queen, King
Height: 11 inches
Shipping: Free Australia wide
5. Avocado Green Mattress
If organic components are important to you, then the Avocado Green Mattress is the best box mattress choice. The company needle-tufts every unit by hand in the United States using GOLS organic certified latex, GOTS certified organic wool, and GOTS organic certified cotton. This means there’s no requirement for toxic solvents or water-based adhesives and makes it much more durable. Enjoy reduced motion transfer, better-distributed weight, and excellent contouring. These benefits come from 1,414 individually tuned, tempered steel coils in three gauges and arranged in five distinct ergonomic zones. Plus, there’s a reinforced steel perimeter, so you don’t need to worry about edge-of-the-bed sagging. You also get a full year of sleeping to decide if you made the right choice and return it for a refund if you change your mind.
Firmness Level: Medium-firm — 7/10
Trial Period: 365 nights
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Height: 11 inches
Shipping: Free US shipping
6. The DreamCloud – Luxury Hybrid Mattress
Make the most of a 365-day trial period for this Luxury Hybrid Mattress from The DreamCloud. You also get a lifetime warranty, free delivery, and free returns if you decide it’s not for you. There are five layers of goodness in every one of these box mattresses. The upper layer is a quilted foam topper with cashmere, while the second is gel memory foam that contours to your shape, provides relief, and reduces pressure on your body. In the middle, you’ll find the “sink-in-just-right” layer, with targeted support in the form of individually wrapped springs below. The fifth and final layer provides a sturdy and durable base. Other benefits include stay-put technology, you won’t feel your bedmate moving, and a temperature-regulated sleep, thanks to the gel foam and spring combination. Finally, you also get two free pillows, a mattress protector, and a sheet set.
Firmness Level: Luxury Firm — 6.5/10
Trial Period:365 nights
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Height: 14 inches
Shipping: Free to the contiguous USA
7. Helix Midnight
The Helix Midnight is designed for side sleepers who like a medium-feel mattress — the most popular choice. The five layers provide the perfect amount of support in just the right places to take pressure off your shoulders and hips. Enjoy no more sweaty nights with the breathable Helix Soft Touch cover, which has a slight stretch and is optimized for airflow. There’s also a memory foam layer, transition polyfoam layer, and individually wrapped coils with reinforced perimeter, so there’s no sagging. Finally, the base uses DuraDense Foam for structure and durability. Rest extra easy with two Helix Dream Pillows included in the price. Best of all, the mattress contains no harmful chemicals and is CertiPUR-US® and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Certified.
Firmness Level: Medium — 4-7/10
Trial Period: 100 nights
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Height: 14 inches
Shipping: Free US shipping
8. The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
Get a good night’s sleep on The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress. It boasts a maximum airflow design and five layers of premium materials ideal for all kinds of sleepers. A stable, seven-inch base layer supports three other super comfortable layers. In the middle, you’ll find two inches of Dynamic Support, with a Nectar Smart Layer above that. It hugs every curve with its high-density pressure-relieving gel memory foam and reduces motion transfer so your partner’s movement won’t disturb your slumber. On the top is a quilted cool cover with moisture-wicking technology. All of these layers sit in the Shift-Resistant Lower cover that ensures everything stays together. In the package, you’ll also receive two free pillows, a sheet set, and a mattress protector, so you’re set up for a fresh start right away.
Firmness Level: Medium — 6.5/10
Trial Period: 365 nights
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Height: 12 inches
Shipping: Free to the contiguous USA
9. TUFT & NEEDLE – Original Queen Adaptive Foam Mattress
The TUFT & NEEDLE Original Mattress is an all-foam design featuring the brand’s proprietary T&N Adaptive® foam. It provides relief from pressure, while the open-cell structure is flexible and adjusts to your body as you move. Meanwhile, the second foam layer creates a breathable foundation. Added graphite and cooling gel keep you cool and sweat-free yet remain cozy in the cooler months. Combining these elements means it suits all sizes and kinds of sleepers, from stomach and back to side snoozers. Plus, these box mattresses are Greenguard Gold, and CertiPUR-US certified and free of harmful chemicals, substances, or materials. You’ve also got 100 nights to decide if you’ve made the right choice.
Firmness Level: Medium Firm — 6.5/10
Trial Period:100 nights
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Height: 10 inches
Shipping: Free US shipping
10. Cocoon By Sealy Chill Memory Foam Mattress
Every Chill Memory Foam Mattress from Cocoon by Sealy uses the brand’s proprietary Phase Change Material (PCM). It works by absorbing your body heat to keep you cool, then returns the energy to you as required to maintain temperature regulation. The PCM combined with premium memory foam ensures you’ll have a fantastic night of sleep. There are four layers in each of these box mattresses. This includes a cooling cover, perfect fit memory foam to adapt to your body and sleeping position, plus responsive comfort foam to reduce motion transfer. Finally, an essential support layer provides a durable and resilient base. Test it out in your own bedroom for 100 nights, and send it back for a refund if you’re not 100% satisfied.
Firmness Level: Medium — 6/10
Trial Period: 100 nights
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Height: 10 inches
Shipping: Free US shipping
11. The Emma Original Mattress
The award-winning Emma Original Mattress boasts a plethora of features and benefits. Firstly, there’s seven-zone pressure-relieving foam that adapts perfectly to every curve of your body, regardless of shape, for full-body support. Then, on the top is a breathable, innovative, and eco-friendly Airgocell® foam. It’s good for both you and the environment, wicking away sweat and stopping you from overheating. Plus, it reduces partner disturbance, so you get an uninterrupted, peaceful night’s sleep. Lastly, the top cover is removable and washable, so you can give it a good freshen up every so often. Not only do you get free delivery and returns Australia-wide, but there’s also a 100-night trial period and a ten-year warranty.
Firmness Level: Medium — 6/10
Trial Period: 100 nights
Sizes: Single, King Single, Double, Queen, King, Super King
Height: 10 inches
Shipping: Free Australia wide
12. The Allswell Luxe Hybrid
The Allswell Luxe Hybrid box mattress is very reasonably priced, especially compared to some competitors. However, it doesn’t forgo quality. It’s a hybrid design that features individually wrapped coils that reduce motion transfer and reinforce all four sides. Then, on top of that, there’s a one-inch thick layer of high-density foam for added support, followed by a two-inch layer of copper-infused memory foam. Copper is a great addition that not only destroys microbes but also provides active relief for joint and muscle pain, which can keep you tossing and turning all night. The uppermost layer is quilted cooling SwirlFoam.
Firmness Level: Medium — 4.5-5.5/10
Trial Period: 100 nights
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Height: 12 inches
Shipping: FREE US shipping
13. Layla Memory Foam Mattress
Two main factors set the Layla Memory Foam Mattress apart from other box mattresses. Firstly, this mattress is flippable, so it’s like getting two beds in one. One side is soft, with a four out of ten rating, which side sleepers will love, while the other side is a firm seven out of ten, which is ideal for stomach or back sleepers. Then, the second point of difference is Copper Gel infusion memory foam. This layer rapidly cools your body for better sleep, is antimicrobial, and boasts odor control to keep your mattress fresh as a daisy. In the middle, you’ll find max airflow support foam with surface modification technology for customized support, plus a support core foam for minimal bounce and motion transfer. Another fun feature of Layla products is the range of beds for your cat or dog so that they can sleep well too!
Firmness Level: Dual-sided, flip to choose. Soft – 4/10 or Firm — 7/10
Trial Period: 120 nights
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Height: 10 inches
Shipping: Free to the contiguous USA
14. Tulo Hybrid 8-inch Firm Mattress
Indulge in next-level comfort with the Tulo Hybrid Mattress. These great-value box mattresses come in a range of styles, so there’s sure to be something to suit everyone. If the eight-inch firm doesn’t tickle your fancy, select the ten-inch medium, 11 or 13-inch medium-firm, 12-inch firm, or 12-inch plush for a soft, cuddle-like feel. The Hybrid mattresses combine springs and foam for the perfect blend of support, contouring, and comfort. Plus, you get 120 nights to try it out at home. However, if you’re still unsure, you can also try it out in-store at any Mattress Firm store in the United States, as they also stock Tulo. Of course, you can still take advantage of the in-home trial after giving it a go in real life.
Firmness Level: Firm — 7-8/10 (other options available, including plush, medium, & medium-firm)
Trial Period: 120 nights
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Height: 8 inches (other options available, including 10, 11, 12, and 13 inches)
Shipping: Free US shipping
15. Casper Sleep Original Foam Mattress
Casper’s Original Mattress is perfect for all kinds of sleepers. Everyone benefits from Zoned Support™ that ergonomically aligns your spine. It’s firmer through the center around your hips and lower back, then softer around your shoulders. Additionally, AirScape™ technology uses small holes in the perforated foam to move heat away from your body, cooling you down for a better night’s sleep. The base is also engineered to support your body and prevent sagging. While Casper’s box mattresses are ideal for a great night’s sleep, they’re also good for the environment, as each one is made with at least 57 recycled plastic bottles, diverting waste from landfills.
Firmness Level: Medium-firm — 7/10
Trial Period: 100 nights
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Height: 11 inches
Shipping: Free US shipping
16. The Eva Mattress
Slumber peacefully in cloud-like comfort with the Eva Mattress. It uses a combination of cooling memory foam and pocket springs for optimal rest. There are five components in each mattress, with the top layer being gel memory foam that redistributes body heat and relieves pressure. Next is a premium latex foam that’s both dust-mite resistant and antimicrobial, keeping your bed healthy. Its open-cell structure promotes flexibility and breathability. Beneath this is the density foam for the perfect amount of firmness and support. The last layer is the five-zone pocket spring system that minimizes motion transfer, so you don’t feel your bed mate’s tossing and turning. All of this en encompassed by edge support that prevents sagging at the sides and stops you from falling out of bed. Test it out for up to 120 nights, giving you plenty of time to adjust and enjoy your newly found deep sleep.
Firmness Level: Firm — 7-8/10
Trial Period: 120 nights
Sizes: Single, King Single, Double, Queen, King
Height: 12.5 inches
Shipping: Free Australia wide
17. BedInABox® Original
BedInABox® created the original product in the mid-2000s. It came from the minds of a foam expert, a digital marketer, and a machine builder who wanted to fit a queen-size mattress in a box accepted by freight companies. Since day one, all the box mattresses are made in Johnson City, Tennessee. The brand’s Original mattress is an affordable style boasting three layers of comfort. The top is a smooth knit cover, while the middle is three inches of CoolRest® 3lb Memory gel foam that contours to your body and keeps your spine supported and aligned correctly as you sleep. Then the final, bottom layer is eight inches of SureAlign® High-Density Support Foam. Try it out for 120 nights in your own home, or get a refund if you change your mind. Each mattress also has a 20-year limited warranty and is CertiPUR-US®, and OEKO-TEX® certified.
Firmness Level: Medium Firm – 6.5/10
Trial Period: 120 nights
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Height: 11 inches
Shipping: Free to the contiguous USA
18. Helix Moonlight
If you’re a stomach or back sleeper who likes to feel like they’re snoozing on a cloud, choose the Helix Moonlight. The plush top layers include the soft-touch cover with great airflow and Dynamic Foam, a latex-foam hybrid that reacts to and contours with your body, aiding recovery and spinal alignment. Lower down, wrapped coils cradle your frame, prevent motion transfer, and maintain the integrity of the edges with a reinforced perimeter. While it’s great for stomach and back sleepers, it’s also good for couples with different sleeping preferences. You’ll get to enjoy 100 nights of quality shut-eye with the trial period, but if it’s not great sleep, you can return it for a refund. In addition to the mattress, you’ll also receive two free Dream Helix Pillows.
Firmness Level: Soft – 2-3/10
Trial Period: 100 nights
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Height: 14 inches
Shipping: Free US shipping
19. Ergolux Gel Memory Foam & Latex Mattress
The Ergolux Gel Memory Foam & Latex Mattress comes packed with technology for a comfortable night’s sleep. There are five layers, starting with a breathable deep support foam on the bottom, followed by open-cell memory foam, then a gel-infused cooling layer. This uses gel balls to minimize heat retention for a cooler, less sweaty sleep. The two top layers are a natural latex blend, with a rich comfort product that feels like you’re sleeping on clouds. Together, these ensure perfect balance, correct spinal alignment, no pressure on your joints, and minimal motion transfer.
Firmness Level: Firm — 7/10
Trial Period: n/a
Sizes: Single, Double, Queen, King
Height: 11 inches
Shipping: Australia only, calculated at checkout
20. Sleep Innovations Marley 10″ Gel-Infused Memory Foam Mattress
Hot sleepers will love this Marley gel-infused memory foam mattress from Sleep Innovations. The triple-layer design features a two-inch gel memory foam that has cooling properties. At the same time, the middle layer boasts airflow channels that not only help with breathability but keep the top layer cooler. Meanwhile, the sturdy foam base is built to last. Choose three different heights in this design, including eight, ten, and 12 inches. Plus, no matter what position you sleep in, the medium-firm support will keep you comfortable and reduce motion transfer, so you don’t feel your partner’s movements. Finally, everything is proudly made in the USA and Certi-PUR US® Certified.
Firmness Level: Medium Firm — 6.5/10
Trial Period: n/a
Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King
Height: 8, 10, or 12 inches
Shipping: Free US shipping
What is a bed in a box?
A bed in a box is a mattress that arrives in what seems to be an impossibly small box. They’re designed to be compressed and rolled for more convenient and accessible transport. This gets done by heavy-duty machinery in the factory before shipping. You can get them in latex or foam-only designs, as well as hybrids styles that combine both foam and springs.
Why Buy a Bed in a Box?
A bed in a box has many benefits. Firstly, they’re often less expensive than traditional mattress options, thanks to fewer overheads. Generally, they also come with free or minimal shipping charges because they’re packed up much smaller, and they get delivered faster. Secondly, they’re easier to bring into your home — there’s no Ross-style screaming “PIVOT!!! PIVOT!!!” trying to get it through the front door and into the bedroom. Risk-free trial periods are another great advantage, where you can get a refund if it doesn’t work out. Finally, beds in a box are easy to buy online, with dozens of innovative and competitive options available.
Risk-Free Trials
Most companies offer a generous trial period of at least 100 days, but sometimes even an entire year. This means you get to sleep on the mattress in your own home for a decent amount of time to see if you like it. It can take a few weeks to get used to a new mattress, so this is the perfect solution to uncertainty (especially buying online) and buyer’s remorse. If you decide that it’s not the right choice, the company will come and take the mattress away and issue a refund. While this may feel wasteful, all the returned box mattresses either get donated to charity groups or recycled appropriately. Plus, you don’t need to stress about trying to jam it pack into the packaging — they take them as is.
Convenient Shopping
Many bed-in-a-box mattresses are exclusively available online only. This means you can shop any time, anywhere, and get your new bed delivered in a matter of just days or weeks. Plus, because it’s so compact on arrival, you also have the convenience of setting it up at a time that suits you.
Cost Benefits
Online retailers don’t have the same large overheads as traditional retail stores, so they can pass savings on straight to the customer. Additionally, there are fewer middlemen taking a cut, passing along even lower prices. Delivery is also often free (or minimal) most of the time and very quick.
Easy Returns
Because trial periods are part of the product proposition for many brands, the return process is simple and straightforward. It can vary between companies, but basically, if you decide the mattress isn’t right for you, you contact them within the trial period and request a refund. Someone will come to collect and remove your mattress, donating it to charity or recycling it. There’s no need to stress about hanging onto the packaging or jamming it back into the box – they get taken away full size. Of course, some factors can void the return process, such as heavy soiling or damage.
Why The Box?
Compressing the mattress into a (relatively) small box means it saves storage space in the warehouse. Companies can then either use smaller facilities or store extra inventory. Plus, the boxes also make transport much easier and more economical, and it’s easier to get the mattress into your house and bedroom. The box mattresses are compressed and rolled with industrial machinery that ensures they’re not damaged in the process.
How do You Open a Mattress in a box?
Opening your box mattress is simple. Start by moving it into the room where you have the empty bedframe. Open the box and take out the rolled mattress, positioning it at the end of the bed. It will be wrapped in plastic and look like a Swiss roll. Unroll it along the length of your bed frame, then carefully cut the plastic at one end. The mattress will start to expand (similar to your belly when you pop your jeans button after Christmas dinner!). Remove the remaining plastic, and give the mattress time to expand.
How Long Does it Take to decompress?
The time it takes for your new box mattress to decompress can vary between brands. Some can take up to 72 hours to reach the full size; however, most are good to use within a couple of hours. Factors that influence this time include the materials in the mattress, the quality, and how long it’s been sitting compressed in the box.
FAQs
What is the best bed in a box?
Some of the best bed-in-a-box mattresses include the Casper Sleep Original Foam Mattress, the TUFT & NEEDLE Original, and The Emma Original Mattress.
How much does it cost for a bed in a box?
Beds-in-a-box can cost a little as a couple of hundred dollars, while the top end of the range generally doesn't exceed $1500 (except for the very large sizes).
Are bed in a box worth it?
Mattress choices can be tricky, and you never really know if it's worth the investment until a few months in. However, the lower average cost of beds in a box, combined with the convenience, accessibility, and technology, means they can be worth the investment. Plus, if it's not, so many have a risk-free trial and return period, so if you feel that it wasn't a good choice, you can return it and get your money back!
What comes in a bed in a box?
When your box arrives, it will contain the compressed and rolled mattress and sometimes instructions on how to unroll and care for your new bed.
How long do bed in a box mattress last?
On average, box mattresses will last for seven to ten years, but it will depend on quality and materials. However, some company's warranties extend up to 20 years, or even indefinitely. Having said that, some brands have also only been around for a few years, so the longevity of their products is yet to be determined.
Which are the best bed in a box brands in Australia?
Some of Australia's best box mattress brands include Emma, Eva, and Macoda.
How long does it take for memory foam to stop smelling?
Memory foam mattresses can take up to three days before the off-gassing dissipates. People who are sensitive to smells or have chemical allergies should wait even longer and have ample ventilation in the room.
Alexandra Linde is an experienced writer holding a bachelor's degree in Journalism. She is the owner of Alexandra McKiterick Creative and has expertise in travel, fashion, fitness and lifestyle. Alex has previously written for Flightcenter, Travello, and Backpacker Deals.
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