Best Bed in a Box Mattress of 2021: Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Over 164 million Americans struggle with sleep, and the problem could stem from sleeping on the wrong mattress. With so many online mattress brands available on the market, and the pressure to buy from in-store salesmen, mattress shopping can get overwhelming. It seems nowadays the best way to go is choosing a bed in a box mattress— compressed mattresses made of high-quality materials that arrive in a box at your door.

In our article, we share our favorite options and provide a guide to help you find the best bed in a box mattress.

Our Top Mattress Recommendation

View on AmerisleepRead AS3 customer reviews

AS3 Highlights

• 100-night sleep trial
• 20-Year Warranty
• Designed to reduce pain points
• Heat reducing mattress cover
• Comes in King, Queen, Twin, Full, and Splits

Our Runner-Up

View on ZomaRead Zoma customer reviews

Zoma Highlights

• 100-night sleep trial
• 10-Year Warranty
• Designed for faster recovery
• Triangulex™ technology promotes healthy posture
• Comes in King, Queen, Twin, Full, and Splits

Best Bed in a Box Mattresses

1. Amerisleep AS3

The Amerisleep AS3 mattress is 12 inches tall and contains three layers of CertiPUR-US® certified foam— 3 inches of Bio-Pur®, 2 inches of Affinity with HIVE® technology, and 7 inches of Bio-Core®. The mattress cover incorporates a soft, breathable fabric that is designed to keep air moving throughout the mattress so you sleep cool and wake up refreshed.

Bio-Pur® is plant-based memory foam— manufacturers partially replace petroleum with castor oil, resulting in a mattress that is breathable and responsive than traditional memory foam.

Affinity uses HIVE® technology for a 5-zone support layer where hundreds of hexagonal-shaped segments form softer support under the hips and shoulders and firmer support under the head, back, and legs. HIVE® technology provides even pressure relief in the body.

Bio-Core® supports the body by evenly distributing weight across the sleep surface without the risk of sagging.

The Amerisleep AS3 mattress is the perfect choice for side and combination sleepers— the medium feel of the bed offers exceptional pressure relief in the shoulders and hips, while keeping the body resting on the surface.

Amerisleep includes a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty with the purchase of the AS3. The warranty covers sagging greater than 0.75 inches. During the first 10 years, Amerisleep will replace the mattress at no cost to the customer. During the last 10 years, Amerisleep will choose to either repair or replace the mattress at a prorated charge.

2. Zoma Mattress

The Zoma Mattress is 11 inches tall and contains 2 inches of Triangulex™, 2 inches of Reactiv™, and 7 inches of Support+. The soft polyester knit mattress cover wicks away moisture to keep the sleeper cool.

Triangulex™ uses hundreds of triangular-shaped segments to form a 3-zone support system— softer support for the head, shoulders, and legs, and firmer support under the back and hips. Triangulex™ keeps the body resting on the surface without deep sinkage for even pressure relief.

Reactiv™ has a latex-like feel with a responsive bounce to encourage spinal alignment and to prevent you from sinking through the top comfort layer and bottoming out on the firm core below.

Support+ reinforces the two layers above, preventing sagging and prolonging the lifespan of the mattress.

The medium feel of the Zoma Mattress makes it perfect for most sleepers. The Zoma Mattress is also great for athletes and those who lead an active lifestyle— gel-topped Triangulex™ pulls heat away from the body to reduce inflammation and improve muscle recovery.

The Zoma Mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty. The warranty covers sagging greater than 0.75 inches. Zoma will repair or replace the mattress at no cost to the customer during all 10 years.

3. Zoma Hybrid

The Zoma Hybrid is a breathable, bouncy counterpart to the original Zoma Mattress. It features the same rejuvenating comfort foams with targeted support, with a coil base instead of a bottom foam layer.

The 12-inch hybrid contains four layers.

The top gel memory foam layer is 2 inches thick and contains a zoned support system. The triangular cutouts in the mattress’s head and foot increase pressure relief to sensitive areas. Plus, the cutouts make it easier for air to flow through the mattress and wick away heat.

A 2-inch layer of Reactiv™ foam is next. Reactiv™ foam prevents sinkage and responds to your every movement, providing support no matter your sleep position.

The bed’s support comes from its 7-inch pocketed coil core. The coils are wrapped to isolate motion, keeping your every movement from rippling across the mattress. The coils rest on an inch-thick foam base.

Like the classic Zoma Mattress, a Zoma Hybrid comes with a 100-night sleep and a 10-year warranty. You can return your hybrid for a full refund if it doesn’t feel right to you after a month.

4. Vaya Mattress

If you’re looking online for the best mattress deal, the Vaya is one to keep an eye out for—at only $595 for a queen, the Vaya is one of the best mattresses for its price. We love this bed because it’s designed with two sleep-promoting layers and comfortable for nearly all body types and sleep styles.

The Vaya is medium in firmness and contains 3 inches of Vaya Comfort Foam and 9 inches of sturdy core foam. When you lay down on the Vaya, the comfort layer contours to your body and adapts with your every movement to keep you lifted in the mattress. What we really love about this foam mattress is its breathability—Vaya’s foams are notably porous and trap virtually no heat.

The base of the Vaya Mattress is firm and supportive to keep the comfort layer and sleeper lifted. Vaya also designs this core foam to resist sagging and prevent wear and tear so the Vaya can provide comfortable sleep for years. They even back their affordable mattress with a generous 10-year warranty.

Vaya sells their bed online-only, so they offer free shipping and a 100-night sleep trial with every purchase. If you order the Vaya and find it’s not a fit for your sleep needs after a couple of months, they’ll initiate a free mattress return and issue you a full refund.

5. Tuft & Needle Mint

Tuft & Needle Mint is 12 inches tall and contains 3 inches of T&N Adaptive® foam, 2 inches of gel poly-foam, and 7 inches of high-density poly-foam. The polyester-polyamide blend mattress cover provides a soft and breathable sleep surface.

T&N Adaptive® foam is a responsive, breathable poly-foam with added graphite cooling gel to pull heat away from the body. This top layer conforms to the body and relieves pressure points for a restful night’s sleep.

Gel poly-foam is a transitional layer containing ceramic gel beads for both cushioning support and temperature regulation.

High-density poly-foam supports the body and provides good edge support, so sleepers won’t have to worry about rolling off the mattress.

The medium-firm feel of the Tuft & Needle Mint mattress makes it a great option for side and combination sleepers. This all-foam mattress features Tuft & Needle’s proprietary T&N Adaptive® foam to enable movement and prevent overheating.

Tuft & Needle includes a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty. The warranty covers sagging greater than 0.75 inches, with Tuft & Needle replacing the bed at no extra cost to the customer.

6. Purple® Hybrid

The Purple® Hybrid mattress is 10.5 inches tall and contains 2 inches of the Purple Grid™, 1 inch of poly-foam, and 7.5 inches of pocketed coils. The Lycra® blend cover offers a plush sleep surface and wicks away moisture.

The Purple Grid™ is a gel-like material called Hyper-Elastic Polymer™ set in a grid system— this material gives under body weight, relieving pressure points while remaining supportive. The open channels improve airflow inside the mattress, regulating temperature.

The poly-foam transitional layer encourages healthy spinal alignment and prevents the sleeper from bottoming out.

Individually-wrapped innerspring coils reduce motion transfer and noise potential while supporting body weight.

The Purple Hybrid mattress has a medium-firm feel, ideal for most sleepers. The temperature-neutral Purple Grid™ doesn’t retain heat and keeps sleepers cool with its open-air channels. For an extra fee, Purple® includes a white glove delivery service, including the removal of your old mattress.

Purple® includes a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty. Purple® will repair or replace the mattress at no extra cost, the warranty covering any manufacturing defects and sagging greater than 1 inch.

7. Tulo

The Tulo mattress is 10 inches thick and contains 2 inches of memory foam, 1.5 inches of convoluted foam, 2 inches of resilient foam, and 4.5 inches of poly-foam. The soft, knit cover provides a soft, plush sleep surface.

The top layer of memory foam contains titanium particles to pull heat away from the body. For further cooling, ventilation holes are punched through the memory foam to improve better airflow.

Convoluted foam or egg crate-shaped foam allows for better air circulation through its open channels.

Resilient foam acts as a transitional layer between the comfort layers and support layer. This foam provides deeper compression for more pressure relief.

The base poly-foam layer may differ in density, depending on the firmness level of the mattress. The medium mattress has a base with medium support, complementing the top layers. The poly-foam provides ample support with little risk of sagging.

The Tulo mattress is available in soft, medium, and firm. For our article, we focus on the medium, since a medium feel is a great option for most sleepers. Each mattress type contains the same layers of foam, but the support layer varies in density depending on the mattress (i.e. low- density for soft, medium-density for medium, and high-density for firm).

Tulo includes a 120-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty. Tulo covers sagging greater than 0.75 and will replace the mattress at any time during the 10-year period.

8. Keetsa Pillow Plus®

The Keetsa Pillow Plus® mattress is 11 inches thick and contains 1 inch of BioFoam®, 2 inches of Comfort Foam®, 0.5 inches of high-density foam, and 7.5 inches of iCoil®. The cotton cover includes fiberfill padding for extra cushioning.

BioFoam® is an eco-friendly foam with plant oils partially-replacing petroleum during the manufacturing process. BioFoam® has little to no off-gassing odor and conforms to the body to relieve pressure points.

Comfort Foam® is highly-responsive, preventing sleepers from feeling stuck and making movement easier.

The transitional high-density foam layer keeps the sleeper resting on the surface and encourages spinal alignment.

iCoil® is a layer of individually-wrapped innerspring coils— pocketed coils reduce sound and restrict motion transfer. The iCoil® support layer distributes weight and provides air circulation inside the mattress.

The Keetsa Pillow Plus® mattress has a medium-firm feel, great for most sleepers, particularly combination sleepers.

Keetsa includes a 90-night sleep trial and a 12-year warranty. The warranty covers any manufacturing defects and sagging greater than 1.5 inches.

SEE ALSO: Mattress Size and Dimensions Guide

What is a Bed in a Box Mattress?

A bed in a box mattress is a bed compressed and rolled up, shipped directly to the customer in a box. Most bed in a box brands are sold online only. These types of mattresses have a lower price tag and are more convenient, both for customers and mattress companies.

Online vs. In-Store

Because bed in a box mattresses are sold directly to the customer, these online mattress brands save money by cutting out the middleman (sales commissions, stocking fees). They can create beds made of higher-quality materials for a lower cost. Online mattresses also come with extended sleep trials if the customer doesn’t like the bed.

Traditional mattresses sold through brick-and-mortar stores charge more for their beds to make a profit. While customers get an advantage in trying out a new mattress before buying, they do so under pressure to buy from salesmen and may receive a limited sleep trial.

White Glove-Delivery

Some mattress companies, both online and in-store, may offer a white glove delivery service, either free or for an extra charge. White glove delivery assembles the new mattress in your home and removes your old mattress, taking the hassle out of setting everything up.

What to Look for in a Bed in a Box Mattress

Before purchasing the most popular mattress brand on the market, make sure it’s the right one for you by considering mattress type, quality, body weight, sleeping position, cooling features, and available sleep trials, return policies, and warranties.

Mattress Type

Each mattress type provides their own unique feel and include both benefits and drawbacks. Some sleepers may want a mattress with excellent motion isolation like memory foam or latex, while others may prefer a bouncier mattress, like an innerspring.

Memory Foam Mattress

Memory foam is one of the most popular mattress types in the industry due to its conforming, pressure-relieving properties. Memory foam also sleeps silently and has excellent motion isolation. A drawback to memory foam mattresses is heat retention because of its dense structure.

A memory foam mattress contains a comfort layer of memory foam and a support layer of high-density foam.

Innerspring Mattress

Innerspring mattresses are commonly found in most households. Innerspring mattresses have a bouncy surface and exceptional cooling through the coiled support layer. Some drawbacks to an innerspring mattress include little to no pressure relief, less motion isolation, and noise potential.

An innerspring mattress contains a thin comfort layer of foam or fiberfill (usually in pillow top form) and a support layer of innerspring coils.

Latex Mattress

Similar to memory foam, latex also conforms to the body’s natural curves to relieve pressure points. Unlike memory foam, latex is cooler and has a responsive bounce. A typical latex bed contains a comfort layer of latex and a support layer of either high-density foam or latex. Latex mattresses can be expensive, depending on the type of latex they contain.

Latex foam comes in two forms— synthetic and natural. Synthetic latex is made through a chemical process, while natural latex is created from rubber tree sap. The most common types of natural latex are Dunlop and Talalay. Dunlop is denser and more durable than Talalay. Talalay has added polyurethane fillers for its signature soft feel.

Hybrid Mattress

A hybrid mattress combines memory foam and innerspring coils to form the perfect bed. Memory foam relieves pressure points and isolates motion while innerspring coils provide edge support and cooling. While hybrids provide the benefits of both mattress types, they also give drawbacks including overheating, less pressure relief, and motion transfer.

A hybrid mattress contains a comfort layer of either memory foam or latex (must be at least 2 inches) and a support layer of pocketed coils.

Quality

Mattresses are a big investment— it may be tempting to choose a bed at a lower price point to save a few bucks, but the quality may not be as good. Low-quality mattresses break down within 1 to 2 years of regular use, and you may end up spending more to replace the mattress sooner.

The average price tag for a high-quality mattress is $1200. To determine mattress quality, look at the foam’s density and ILD rating, and the coil’s gauge and count. These factors will determine if a mattress lasts 7 to 9 years or less than 2 years.

Foam

In determining foam quality, check the foam density and ILD rating.

Foam density determines how the foam supports the body by measuring how long it takes for the foam to spring back to its original shape. Foam density is measured in pounds per cubic foot (PCF). The higher the density, the slower the recovery. Memory foam mattresses contain a mix of low- and high-density foams. Memory foam comfort layers vary in density depending on the brand.

• Low-density: 2.5 to 3.9 PCF
• Medium-density: 4.0 to 5.9 PCF
• High-density: 5.5 PCF or higher

ILD, or Indentation Load Deflection, rating determines the foam’s firmness by measuring how much pressure it takes to make a 4-inch indentation on the surface. The higher the number, the firmer the foam. Most foams range between 8 to 20— 10 is the ideal number for the best support in a comfort layer.

Coils

To determine coil quality, take a look at the coil count and coil gauge.

Coil count is the amount of coils in a single layer (usually in the support layer). A high-quality mattress contains 500 to 1,000 coils. Avoid mattresses containing less than 300 coils— it could be the sign of a poor-quality bed.

Coil gauge is the thickness of a coil, measured in millimeters. The thicker the coil, the more durable the material. Lower measurements have thicker coils, with softer coils from higher measurements.

• Thickest: 12mm
• Thinnest: 18mm

While thinner coils aren’t a bad thing— especially since some mattresses have innerspring comfort layers— be careful of mattresses with support layers containing only high-gauge coils. It may lead to premature sagging and breakdown of materials.

Body Weight

Body weight has a great influence on the mattress you choose. Body weight is divided into three groups; light, average, and plus-size. Choosing a mattress based on your current body weight and sleep position will ensure a better night’s sleep. For example, a plus-size sleeper may feel a medium-soft bed is too soft and lacking support.

Light

Light sleepers weigh less than 130 pounds. They need a softer mattress to enable body-contouring pressure relief.

Average

Average sleepers weigh between 130 pounds and 230 pounds. A medium feel is the best choice for an even balance of comfort and support.

Plus-Size

Plus-size sleepers weigh more than 230 pounds. A firm mattress might be the best option to provide support without risk of sagging.

Sleeping Position

Each sleep position requires a certain level of comfort and support to fill in the gaps between the body and the sleep surface. Keep your favored sleep position in mind when looking for a new bed.

Side Sleeping

Side sleeping is the most common sleep position. It allows for better breathing, less pressure on vital organs, and reduces acid reflux symptoms. Placing a pillow between the knees prevents spinal misalignment.

If you need a mattress for side sleeping, choose something soft to medium in firmness for optimal pressure relief in the shoulders and hips.

Back Sleeping

Back sleeping enables natural spinal alignment because of the back’s direct contact with the sleep surface. Back sleeping comes with the risk of developing sleep apnea— gravity causes the tongue to fall back, obstructing airways, and the collapse of soft tissue at the back of the throat.

A medium to firm mattress is the best mattress option for back sleepers for enhanced lumbar support and pressure relief in the shoulder and hips areas.

Stomach Sleeping

Stomach sleeping is the least common sleep position and the unhealthiest because of the amount of pressure placed on the spine. This pressure may lead to neck strain (twisting and holding the head at an awkward angle to breathe) and back pain (gravity pulls weight down, forcing the spinal curvature to straighten). Placing a thin pillow under the hips eases spinal pressure.

The best mattresses for stomach sleepers are typically medium-firm or firm, as these beds keep the body resting on top without deep sinkage.

Combination Sleeping

Combination sleepers switch between 2 to 3 sleep positions each night, tossing and turning regularly. Combination sleepers may receive the benefits of each sleep position, like better breathing and natural alignment, but they also get the drawbacks, including risk of developing sleep apnea and back pain.

A good mattress for combination sleepers maintains spinal alignment and provides even comfort and support for each sleep position. Usually, combination sleepers choose medium mattresses to achieve good sleep.

Cooling Features

Hot sleepers or those who prefer a cooler sleep surface may want to look for a bed in a box mattress with cooling features like breathable, plant-based foam or innerspring coils.

Foam

Since traditional memory foam is known to retain heat, choosing a mattress with cooling memory foam, like plant-based or cooling gel regulates temperature and reduces the risk of overheating.

• Plant-Based

Partially replacing petroleum with plant oils produces a breathable, more responsive memory foam. Plus, plant-based foam has little to no off-gassing odor.

• Gel

Gel is either mixed in or swirled during the manufacturing process. Some gel memory foam contains gel beads. Gel foam absorbs and disperses body heat.

• Open-Cell

Traditional memory foam does have a small amount of open-cells, but not enough to combat heat retention. Injecting memory foam with air creates more air pockets, enabling better air circulation inside the mattress.

• Copper or Graphite Infusions

Infusing copper or graphite into the memory foam pulls heat away from the body and may improve local blood flow.

Coils

The open structure of innerspring coils allows for better airflow inside the mattress. Both innerspring and pocketed coils have more space for air to pass through, though it might be less inside a pocketed coil layer because of the extra fabric.

Sleep Trials, Return Policies, and Warranties

Sleep trials, return policies, and warranties are ways manufacturers reassure customers of a quality mattress purchase. Mattresses are a big investment, and ways to protect that investment and ensure it lasts makes the cost worth it.

Sleep Trials

A sleep trial is an at-home trial period where the customer can try out a new mattress within an extended time. Most sleep trials last between 90 to 120 nights. Should the customer not like the mattress, most mattress companies will issue a full refund.

Return Policies

A return policy is an okay substitute if a sleep trial is unavailable. Return policies last about 30 days, allowing a good amount of time to adjust to the new mattress. If the customer isn’t happy with the bed, they can return it for a full refund, but be cautious and read the fine print— some companies will only accept returns if the mattress is inside an unopened box.

Warranties

A mattress warranty covers any manufacturing defects which could cause damage to the bed and sagging greater than 1 inch (measurement varies depending on the brand). Most mattresses come with a standard 10-year warranty, though some mattress companies provide longer warranties. A warranty only applies to the original purchaser and can’t be transferred to another person.

Other Things to Consider

How long do bed in a box mattresses last?

Bed in a box mattresses last just as long as beds you can buy in-store, so their expected lifespan more or less depends on the materials used in the mattress. Most high-quality foam mattresses last between 7 to 9 years, while hybrids and innersprings usually only last 5 to 7 years. You can also check out reviews of the product to see how long other customers have owned their mattresses.

Does a bed in a box need a box spring?

It depends on the type of mattress— memory foam and latex mattresses typically don’t need a box spring, but innerspring and hybrids might. Double-check with the mattress manufacturer before committing to a new mattress.

Can you sleep on a mattress in a box right away?

Generally, you should wait between 24 to 48 hours to allow the mattress to fully decompress before use, but most bed in a box beds on the market today have a shorter resting period, depending on the brand.

What is the number-one selling bed in a box?

It’s hard to say, but currently, the best-selling bed in a box on Amazon is the Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam mattress. Zinus’s mattress is so popular because it comes in different firmness and thickness options, so sleepers can really customize their new mattress. Plus, people love it because it’s infused with green tea extract to wick away body heat and keep the bed smelling fresh and clean.

Are spring bed in a box mattresses better than foam models?

Not necessarily, spring mattresses have plenty of benefits, but so do foam beds, so to determine if one is better than the other, it’s best to compare benefits and choose which one interests you more. Spring mattresses are not as common as foam mattresses when looking at bed in a box brands, simply because foam is easier to compress than springs, but that doesn’t mean that one type of mattress is necessarily better than another.

Conclusion

The convenience of a bed in a box mattress makes it the best choice for any type of sleeper. Bed in a box mattresses are made from quality materials with extended sleep trials to ensure a good fit. If you struggle with sleep, a bed in a box mattress might be the solution.