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Written by Kenny Timper, Certified Sleep Science Coach
Kenny is a certified sleep science coach and staff writer at Mattress Clarity, where he reviews mattresses, bedding, and sleep accessories to help you skip the guesswork and enjoy a restful night’s sleep. He’s been featured as a sleep expert in publications such as Livingetc and U.S. News & World Report. As a natural tinkerer, he enjoys getting hands-on with each product to determine if it truly makes a difference in sleep quality. When he’s not testing out mattresses and other sleep products, you can find him hiking, biking, or trying out new local eats.
Livvi has been writing and researching sleep-based content for over a year. This, alongside her penchant for napping and extreme tossing and turning, has made her something close to an “expert” in the realm of sleep science, sleep products, and sleep accessories. She’s been consulted for her knowledge of the sleep space by publications such as Authority Magazine, Bustle, and Livingetc.
Livvi has been writing and researching sleep-based content for over a year. This, alongside her penchant for napping and extreme tossing and turning, has made her something close to an “expert” in the realm of sleep science, sleep products, and sleep accessories. She’s been consulted for her knowledge of the sleep space by publications such as Authority Magazine, Bustle, and Livingetc.
Livvi has been writing and researching sleep-based content for over a year. This, alongside her penchant for napping and extreme tossing and turning, has made her something close to an “expert” in the realm of sleep science, sleep products, and sleep accessories. She’s been consulted for her knowledge of the sleep space by publications such as Authority Magazine, Bustle, and Livingetc.
After Sosha began writing sleep-related content, she knew she wanted to learn more about this important (yet often elusive!) aspect of human health and well-being. She became a Certified Sleep Science Coach to better understand what goes into getting a good night’s rest—including one’s choice of mattress. Sosha now calls upon this training when she tests and writes about beds and sleep accessories, and when she’s consulted for recommendations by publications such as Livingetc.
When shopping for an online mattress, you’ve likely noticed that many are marketed as “bed-in-a-box” products. This is because the bed arrives quite literally inside a box at your doorstep, ready to be unveiled and placed on a bed frame. Most online brands offer free shipping, lengthy trial periods, and strong warranties, which make shopping convenient and stress-free.
However, not every bed-in-a-box is created equally. To find the best for your sleep needs, we put these beds through a series of rigorous tests in our Charlotte, NC, studio. Throughout this article, I’ll explain the objective and subjective tests we performed and how our top mattresses stacked up. Read on to find out more about the best mattresses in a box that you can buy.
Clarity’s Clear Winner
The Helix Midnight Luxe mattress is the best overall bed-in-a-box because it was easy to set up, earning 4.7 stars for the overall process. Additionally, it’s a versatile choice that’s compatible with most sleepers due to its medium-firm feel and overall high performance, which earned it 4 stars or higher on every test we put it through.
Bed-in-a-box mattresses require at-home setup, which, in theory, should be a simple process. However, some beds are heavier than others, harder to move, inflate more slowly, or emit a strong scent from the foam (an odor associated with a process called off-gassing).
Our team of Mattress Clarity testers personally unboxed, inflated, and set up every bed on this roundup. I only included options that earned 4 stars or higher for the overall setup process.
Different sleepers require different levels of firmness and support depending on their body type, sleeping position, and individual preferences. We rate firmness on a scale of 1 to 10 to better pin down how these beds feel.
In this roundup, the mattresses range from soft yet supportive (a score of 5.5 out of 10) to firmer with less plushness (a 7 out of 10).
To ensure a comfortable sleeping environment, we tested every mattress for pressure relief by having testers with different body types lie on their backs and sides. Our testers evaluated whether they felt cushioning and contouring at their hips, shoulders, and lower back, or whether those areas started to dig in and cause pain.
Every bed on this roundup earned an average combined score of 4.2 stars or higher for both positions.
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches selected the best bed-in-a-box mattresses looking for top performers in the categories above: unboxing, off-gassing, firmness, support, and pressure relief.
But our full process involves testing several aspects of a bed’s performance, including compatibility with various sleeping positions, temperature regulation, and more. We evaluate and score these factors using specialized technology and firsthand accounts from testers with different body types about how a bed feels.
Once we have all those scores, we calculate the bed’s overall score using a weighted formula. This overall score is a good indicator of a mattress’s general quality, and is always a number out of 5.
As we decide which mattresses to feature in any roundup, we include only beds with an overall score of 3.5 or higher. Even if a mattress does certain things well, we won’t point you towards it if it falls below this baseline.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.4
Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
Noticeably cool-to-the-touch cover
Gel-infused foam layers help to dissipate heat
Balance of comfort and responsiveness
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We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.5
DreamCloud Memory Foam
Luxury feel with a breathable cover
Zero motion transfer
Deep body-hugging comfort
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We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.6
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
Breathable organic cotton cover
Zoned AirFoam supports spinal alignment
Luxurious Euro topper for pain relief
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We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.5
DLX Classic Mattress
Customizable comfort layers
Dual-sided longevity
Highly breathable open-coil support
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We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
Based on your answers, we’ve carefully selected the best mattresses tailored to your needs.
Top Pick For You
Nectar
Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress
The Nectar is an affordable all-foam mattress that offers lots of pressure relief and body contouring. It works well for most side sleepers, because it helps cushion shoulders and hips. It is also a good option for couples, because it isolates motion well. However, the Nectar mattress isn’t supportive enough for most stomach sleepers and heavyweight people.
The Leesa Original is a firm mattress made entirely of foam. Despite this construction, it earned a perfect cooling score from our testing team. It's a well-rounded bed, with scores of 4 or above in every key testing category. However, we'd recommend a more supportive model for stomach sleepers, and it won't be soft enough for people who want a plush bed.
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The Brooklyn Bedding is a value-packed bed offered in multiple firmnesses. It was a solid performer across all testing parameters with one exception: cooling. Its pressure relief and motion isolation were standouts, and our team found it cozy no matter which sleeping position we tried.
The Loom & Leaf is a luxury memory foam mattress that delivers a subtle hug-like sensation. Upgraded lumbar support makes it ideal for back sleepers, and we were impressed by the bed’s outstanding motion isolation and responsiveness. While the former isn’t unusual for memory foam, ease of movement isn’t common for this material. The Loom & Leaf scored very well in our edge support tests — also atypical for all-foam models — making it a great option for couples who appreciate the feel of memory foam. Our only quibble? It wasn’t especially cool.
The Nolah Natural mattress, made entirely out of eco-friendly materials, feels both supportive and comfy. Back sleepers will especially appreciate its zoned coil system.
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The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is offered in three firmness levels and features a durable hybrid construction. Our testers found that this mattress blends soft comfort with firm support to deliver quality pressure relief for sleepers. Those who sleep with a restless partner, may want to steer clear because of its subpar motion isolation, and despite having cooling in its name, this mattress didn’t blow us away in that category.
The Bear Original is an all-foam bed available at a budget-friendly price. It has a firm surface that felt best to us when we were lying on our backs. Although it received below-average scores for pressure relief, it's well-rounded otherwise.
The Nectar is an affordable all-foam mattress that offers lots of pressure relief and body contouring. It works well for most side sleepers, because it helps cushion shoulders and hips. It is also a good option for couples, because it isolates motion well. However, the Nectar mattress isn’t supportive enough for most stomach sleepers and heavyweight people.
This is one of the softest beds you can order from Helix, and according to our testers, it feels heavenly while you’re resting on your side. Its cushiony foams really cradle the hips and shoulders, while the springs beneath provide enough support for lightweight and average-weight side sleepers. Back and stomach sleepers should find something firmer.
The Leesa Sapira Chill is a cool, comfortable bed that pairs a plush pillow top with supportive zoned coils. It’s available in three firmness options, so many sleepers should be able to choose a model that works for their sleeping position. This isn’t the cheapest option for a cooling mattress, though, but we'd consider it plenty worth it.
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The Helix Midnight Luxe is a premium medium-firm mattress that offers a hotel-like feel for a relatively affordable price (when sales are available). Its zoned support and supportive coil layers make it a great option for back sleepers. The only element in which it scored below average was responsiveness, so if you like a super bouncy bed or you’re a restless combination sleeper, consider another model.
The Sunset Luxe is one of Helix’s softest options in its luxury hybrid collection. However, it provides plush pressure-relieving comfort while maintaining optimal spinal support for a variety of sleeper types. It also demonstrated excellent responsiveness, making it particularly great for couples and combination sleepers.
The Helix Midnight Elite is one of the brand's premium mattresses that has a soft, hotel quality feel, balancing comfort and support to maintain proper spinal alignment for back and side sleepers. It's a great fit for anyone looking for pressure relief without sacrificing the plush, comfort feel.
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The Bear Original is an all-foam bed available at a budget-friendly price. It has a firm surface that felt best to us when we were lying on our backs. Although it received below-average scores for pressure relief, it's well-rounded otherwise.
The Leesa Sapira Chill is a cool, comfortable bed that pairs a plush pillow top with supportive zoned coils. It’s available in three firmness options, so many sleepers should be able to choose a model that works for their sleeping position. This isn’t the cheapest option for a cooling mattress, though, but we'd consider it plenty worth it.
Up to 30% Off Mattresses and 35% Off Mattress + Adjustable Base Bundles; 25% Off Bedding
The Helix Midnight Luxe is a premium medium-firm mattress that offers a hotel-like feel for a relatively affordable price (when sales are available). Its zoned support and supportive coil layers make it a great option for back sleepers. The only element in which it scored below average was responsiveness, so if you like a super bouncy bed or you’re a restless combination sleeper, consider another model.
The Titan Plus Luxe is a medium-firm hybrid intended for heavyweight sleepers. We found its responsiveness a good match for combination sleepers, though back and stomach sleepers should also fare well, thanks to a notably lifted feel. We weren’t terribly impressed with the bed’s edge support or pressure relief, and we’d steer most side sleepers to models with more contouring. Those who prefer a firm feel and want a mattress engineered to support more weight should fare well.
The Nectar is an affordable all-foam mattress that offers lots of pressure relief and body contouring. It works well for most side sleepers, because it helps cushion shoulders and hips. It is also a good option for couples, because it isolates motion well. However, the Nectar mattress isn’t supportive enough for most stomach sleepers and heavyweight people.
This is one of the softest beds you can order from Helix, and according to our testers, it feels heavenly while you’re resting on your side. Its cushiony foams really cradle the hips and shoulders, while the springs beneath provide enough support for lightweight and average-weight side sleepers. Back and stomach sleepers should find something firmer.
The Helix Midnight is Helix’s most popular model because of its medium-firmness, and it works well for back and side sleepers. The top layers of foam provide good pressure relief, but the coils offer a good amount of support. It won’t trap heat thanks to those coils, and you can even opt for a cooling cover.
The Titan Plus Luxe is a medium-firm hybrid intended for heavyweight sleepers. We found its responsiveness a good match for combination sleepers, though back and stomach sleepers should also fare well, thanks to a notably lifted feel. We weren’t terribly impressed with the bed’s edge support or pressure relief, and we’d steer most side sleepers to models with more contouring. Those who prefer a firm feel and want a mattress engineered to support more weight should fare well.
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is offered in three firmness levels and features a durable hybrid construction. Our testers found that this mattress blends soft comfort with firm support to deliver quality pressure relief for sleepers. Those who sleep with a restless partner, may want to steer clear because of its subpar motion isolation, and despite having cooling in its name, this mattress didn’t blow us away in that category.
The Sunset Luxe is one of Helix’s softest options in its luxury hybrid collection. However, it provides plush pressure-relieving comfort while maintaining optimal spinal support for a variety of sleeper types. It also demonstrated excellent responsiveness, making it particularly great for couples and combination sleepers.
The Bear Elite Hybrid is one of the brand's higher-end mattresses. It offers luxury features, like zoned support, a thick pillow top, and added height. We loved this bed's robust edge support, responsive feel, and pressure relief for back sleepers.
The Helix Midnight is Helix’s most popular model because of its medium-firmness, and it works well for back and side sleepers. The top layers of foam provide good pressure relief, but the coils offer a good amount of support. It won’t trap heat thanks to those coils, and you can even opt for a cooling cover.
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is offered in three firmness levels and features a durable hybrid construction. Our testers found that this mattress blends soft comfort with firm support to deliver quality pressure relief for sleepers. Those who sleep with a restless partner, may want to steer clear because of its subpar motion isolation, and despite having cooling in its name, this mattress didn’t blow us away in that category.
This is one of the softest beds you can order from Helix, and according to our testers, it feels heavenly while you’re resting on your side. Its cushiony foams really cradle the hips and shoulders, while the springs beneath provide enough support for lightweight and average-weight side sleepers. Back and stomach sleepers should find something firmer.
The Leesa Original is a firm mattress made entirely of foam. Despite this construction, it earned a perfect cooling score from our testing team. It's a well-rounded bed, with scores of 4 or above in every key testing category. However, we'd recommend a more supportive model for stomach sleepers, and it won't be soft enough for people who want a plush bed.
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The Nectar is an affordable all-foam mattress that offers lots of pressure relief and body contouring. It works well for most side sleepers, because it helps cushion shoulders and hips. It is also a good option for couples, because it isolates motion well. However, the Nectar mattress isn’t supportive enough for most stomach sleepers and heavyweight people.
The Helix Midnight is Helix’s most popular model because of its medium-firmness, and it works well for back and side sleepers. The top layers of foam provide good pressure relief, but the coils offer a good amount of support. It won’t trap heat thanks to those coils, and you can even opt for a cooling cover.
The Leesa Original is a firm mattress made entirely of foam. Despite this construction, it earned a perfect cooling score from our testing team. It's a well-rounded bed, with scores of 4 or above in every key testing category. However, we'd recommend a more supportive model for stomach sleepers, and it won't be soft enough for people who want a plush bed.
Up to 30% Off Mattresses and 35% Off Mattress + Adjustable Base Bundles; 25% Off Bedding
The Titan Plus Luxe is a medium-firm hybrid intended for heavyweight sleepers. We found its responsiveness a good match for combination sleepers, though back and stomach sleepers should also fare well, thanks to a notably lifted feel. We weren’t terribly impressed with the bed’s edge support or pressure relief, and we’d steer most side sleepers to models with more contouring. Those who prefer a firm feel and want a mattress engineered to support more weight should fare well.
The Saatva Solaire is a very comfortable mattress with adjustable firmness. It is a great fit for light- and medium-weight people of any sleeping position.
The Saatva Rx mattress is a luxury bed designed with one mission: pressure relief. Its cushiony feel should cradle sore joints while its coils contribute to balanced support. Its edge support didn't hold up to close scrutiny, but it's a fancy and cloud-like bed we'd recommend to anyone with back or joint pain.
The Leesa Original is a firm mattress made entirely of foam. Despite this construction, it earned a perfect cooling score from our testing team. It's a well-rounded bed, with scores of 4 or above in every key testing category. However, we'd recommend a more supportive model for stomach sleepers, and it won't be soft enough for people who want a plush bed.
Up to 30% Off Mattresses and 35% Off Mattress + Adjustable Base Bundles; 25% Off Bedding
The Saatva Rx mattress is a luxury bed designed with one mission: pressure relief. Its cushiony feel should cradle sore joints while its coils contribute to balanced support. Its edge support didn't hold up to close scrutiny, but it's a fancy and cloud-like bed we'd recommend to anyone with back or joint pain.
The Bear Original is an all-foam bed available at a budget-friendly price. It has a firm surface that felt best to us when we were lying on our backs. Although it received below-average scores for pressure relief, it's well-rounded otherwise.
The Studio by Leesa is a comfortable all-foam mattress that should be ideal for children, lightweight adults, and those who are looking for a good value.
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The Leesa Original is a firm mattress made entirely of foam. Despite this construction, it earned a perfect cooling score from our testing team. It's a well-rounded bed, with scores of 4 or above in every key testing category. However, we'd recommend a more supportive model for stomach sleepers, and it won't be soft enough for people who want a plush bed.
Up to 30% Off Mattresses and 35% Off Mattress + Adjustable Base Bundles; 25% Off Bedding
The Plank Firm Luxe is a flippable hybrid option for sleepers seeking a firmer feel. Couples should appreciate the bed’s top-notch motion isolation and supportive bounce for moving around on its surface. The mattress also offers impressive pressure relief despite its firmness, making it a strong choice for side sleepers who want a firmer bed that still delivers some contouring and cushioning.
The Saatva Rx mattress is a luxury bed designed with one mission: pressure relief. Its cushiony feel should cradle sore joints while its coils contribute to balanced support. Its edge support didn't hold up to close scrutiny, but it's a fancy and cloud-like bed we'd recommend to anyone with back or joint pain.
The Helix Midnight Elite is one of the brand's premium mattresses that has a soft, hotel quality feel, balancing comfort and support to maintain proper spinal alignment for back and side sleepers. It's a great fit for anyone looking for pressure relief without sacrificing the plush, comfort feel.
20% Off Sitewide with Code LDW20; 25% Off Luxe Mattresses with Code LUXE25; 30% Off Elite Mattresses with Code ELITE30
The Bear Original is an all-foam bed available at a budget-friendly price. It has a firm surface that felt best to us when we were lying on our backs. Although it received below-average scores for pressure relief, it's well-rounded otherwise.
The Saatva Rx mattress is a luxury bed designed with one mission: pressure relief. Its cushiony feel should cradle sore joints while its coils contribute to balanced support. Its edge support didn't hold up to close scrutiny, but it's a fancy and cloud-like bed we'd recommend to anyone with back or joint pain.
The Nectar is an affordable all-foam mattress that offers lots of pressure relief and body contouring. It works well for most side sleepers, because it helps cushion shoulders and hips. It is also a good option for couples, because it isolates motion well. However, the Nectar mattress isn’t supportive enough for most stomach sleepers and heavyweight people.
The Titan Plus Core mattress works well for back and stomach sleepers, and even most side sleepers (though lightweight people might want a softer bed). It’s firm, coming in at 7.5/10 on our firmness scale, and has lots of bounce to help with repositioning.
The Plank Firm is a very firm mattress (as the name implies) that is a great match for sleepers who need extra support, like stomach sleepers, back sleepers, and those weighing over 230 pounds. This flippable bed boasts two firmnesses in one: a more traditional firm side and an extra-firm one. The result is a super-sturdy, spine-aligning foam bed that'll satisfy shoppers let down by so-called "firm" mattresses.
The Plank Firm Luxe is a flippable hybrid option for sleepers seeking a firmer feel. Couples should appreciate the bed’s top-notch motion isolation and supportive bounce for moving around on its surface. The mattress also offers impressive pressure relief despite its firmness, making it a strong choice for side sleepers who want a firmer bed that still delivers some contouring and cushioning.
The Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam Mattress is a value-priced model with a firm, lifted feel. It wowed us with its outstanding edge support and motion isolation, which makes it ideal for couples, and it earned a perfect response score. Combination sleepers should have no problem moving around. On the downside, that firmness means the CopperFlex doesn’t offer much in the way of pressure relief, and we’d advise dedicated side sleepers and fans of a traditional memory foam feel to look for something softer.
The Saatva is an innerspring mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
The Nolah Natural mattress, made entirely out of eco-friendly materials, feels both supportive and comfy. Back sleepers will especially appreciate its zoned coil system.
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The Saatva Rx mattress is a luxury bed designed with one mission: pressure relief. Its cushiony feel should cradle sore joints while its coils contribute to balanced support. Its edge support didn't hold up to close scrutiny, but it's a fancy and cloud-like bed we'd recommend to anyone with back or joint pain.
The Plank Firm Luxe is a flippable hybrid option for sleepers seeking a firmer feel. Couples should appreciate the bed’s top-notch motion isolation and supportive bounce for moving around on its surface. The mattress also offers impressive pressure relief despite its firmness, making it a strong choice for side sleepers who want a firmer bed that still delivers some contouring and cushioning.
The Saatva Rx mattress is a luxury bed designed with one mission: pressure relief. Its cushiony feel should cradle sore joints while its coils contribute to balanced support. Its edge support didn't hold up to close scrutiny, but it's a fancy and cloud-like bed we'd recommend to anyone with back or joint pain.
The Titan Plus Core mattress works well for back and stomach sleepers, and even most side sleepers (though lightweight people might want a softer bed). It’s firm, coming in at 7.5/10 on our firmness scale, and has lots of bounce to help with repositioning.
The Nectar is an affordable all-foam mattress that offers lots of pressure relief and body contouring. It works well for most side sleepers, because it helps cushion shoulders and hips. It is also a good option for couples, because it isolates motion well. However, the Nectar mattress isn’t supportive enough for most stomach sleepers and heavyweight people.
The Bear Original is an all-foam bed available at a budget-friendly price. It has a firm surface that felt best to us when we were lying on our backs. Although it received below-average scores for pressure relief, it's well-rounded otherwise.
The Plank Firm Luxe is a flippable hybrid option for sleepers seeking a firmer feel. Couples should appreciate the bed’s top-notch motion isolation and supportive bounce for moving around on its surface. The mattress also offers impressive pressure relief despite its firmness, making it a strong choice for side sleepers who want a firmer bed that still delivers some contouring and cushioning.
The Leesa Sapira Chill is a cool, comfortable bed that pairs a plush pillow top with supportive zoned coils. It’s available in three firmness options, so many sleepers should be able to choose a model that works for their sleeping position. This isn’t the cheapest option for a cooling mattress, though, but we'd consider it plenty worth it.
Up to 30% Off Mattresses and 35% Off Mattress + Adjustable Base Bundles; 25% Off Bedding
The Helix Midnight Luxe is a premium medium-firm mattress that offers a hotel-like feel for a relatively affordable price (when sales are available). Its zoned support and supportive coil layers make it a great option for back sleepers. The only element in which it scored below average was responsiveness, so if you like a super bouncy bed or you’re a restless combination sleeper, consider another model.
The Saatva Solaire is a very comfortable mattress with adjustable firmness. It is a great fit for light- and medium-weight people of any sleeping position.
The Bear Elite Hybrid is one of the brand's higher-end mattresses. It offers luxury features, like zoned support, a thick pillow top, and added height. We loved this bed's robust edge support, responsive feel, and pressure relief for back sleepers.
The Titan Plus Core mattress works well for back and stomach sleepers, and even most side sleepers (though lightweight people might want a softer bed). It’s firm, coming in at 7.5/10 on our firmness scale, and has lots of bounce to help with repositioning.
The Bear Elite Hybrid is one of the brand's higher-end mattresses. It offers luxury features, like zoned support, a thick pillow top, and added height. We loved this bed's robust edge support, responsive feel, and pressure relief for back sleepers.
The Nectar is an affordable all-foam mattress that offers lots of pressure relief and body contouring. It works well for most side sleepers, because it helps cushion shoulders and hips. It is also a good option for couples, because it isolates motion well. However, the Nectar mattress isn’t supportive enough for most stomach sleepers and heavyweight people.
The Plank Firm is a very firm mattress (as the name implies) that is a great match for sleepers who need extra support, like stomach sleepers, back sleepers, and those weighing over 230 pounds. This flippable bed boasts two firmnesses in one: a more traditional firm side and an extra-firm one. The result is a super-sturdy, spine-aligning foam bed that'll satisfy shoppers let down by so-called "firm" mattresses.
The Bear Original is an all-foam bed available at a budget-friendly price. It has a firm surface that felt best to us when we were lying on our backs. Although it received below-average scores for pressure relief, it's well-rounded otherwise.
The Titan Plus Luxe is a medium-firm hybrid intended for heavyweight sleepers. We found its responsiveness a good match for combination sleepers, though back and stomach sleepers should also fare well, thanks to a notably lifted feel. We weren’t terribly impressed with the bed’s edge support or pressure relief, and we’d steer most side sleepers to models with more contouring. Those who prefer a firm feel and want a mattress engineered to support more weight should fare well.
The Nectar is an affordable all-foam mattress that offers lots of pressure relief and body contouring. It works well for most side sleepers, because it helps cushion shoulders and hips. It is also a good option for couples, because it isolates motion well. However, the Nectar mattress isn’t supportive enough for most stomach sleepers and heavyweight people.
The WinkBed Plus is the brand’s model designed specifically for sleepers who weigh more than 230 lbs. Its sturdy, supportive coils help prevent sagging and provide plenty of support for heavyweight back and stomach sleepers. All of this said, it’s likely too firm of a mattress for most lightweight and side sleepers. Instead, check out the WinkBed.
The Titan Plus Luxe is a medium-firm hybrid intended for heavyweight sleepers. We found its responsiveness a good match for combination sleepers, though back and stomach sleepers should also fare well, thanks to a notably lifted feel. We weren’t terribly impressed with the bed’s edge support or pressure relief, and we’d steer most side sleepers to models with more contouring. Those who prefer a firm feel and want a mattress engineered to support more weight should fare well.
The Saatva is an innerspring mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
The Birch Luxe Natural Mattress is a mattress designed with luxury and the environment in mind. This latex hybrid provides plenty of bounce with balanced support and pressure relief. We also found it had strong edge support, plenty of bounce, and a firmer feel that should keep your spine aligned.
The Plank Firm is a very firm mattress (as the name implies) that is a great match for sleepers who need extra support, like stomach sleepers, back sleepers, and those weighing over 230 pounds. This flippable bed boasts two firmnesses in one: a more traditional firm side and an extra-firm one. The result is a super-sturdy, spine-aligning foam bed that'll satisfy shoppers let down by so-called "firm" mattresses.
The Saatva is an innerspring mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
The Nectar is an affordable all-foam mattress that offers lots of pressure relief and body contouring. It works well for most side sleepers, because it helps cushion shoulders and hips. It is also a good option for couples, because it isolates motion well. However, the Nectar mattress isn’t supportive enough for most stomach sleepers and heavyweight people.
The Nectar is an affordable all-foam mattress that offers lots of pressure relief and body contouring. It works well for most side sleepers, because it helps cushion shoulders and hips. It is also a good option for couples, because it isolates motion well. However, the Nectar mattress isn’t supportive enough for most stomach sleepers and heavyweight people.
The Titan Plus Core mattress works well for back and stomach sleepers, and even most side sleepers (though lightweight people might want a softer bed). It’s firm, coming in at 7.5/10 on our firmness scale, and has lots of bounce to help with repositioning.
The Bear Original is an all-foam bed available at a budget-friendly price. It has a firm surface that felt best to us when we were lying on our backs. Although it received below-average scores for pressure relief, it's well-rounded otherwise.
The Leesa Original is a firm mattress made entirely of foam. Despite this construction, it earned a perfect cooling score from our testing team. It's a well-rounded bed, with scores of 4 or above in every key testing category. However, we'd recommend a more supportive model for stomach sleepers, and it won't be soft enough for people who want a plush bed.
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The Nectar is an affordable all-foam mattress that offers lots of pressure relief and body contouring. It works well for most side sleepers, because it helps cushion shoulders and hips. It is also a good option for couples, because it isolates motion well. However, the Nectar mattress isn’t supportive enough for most stomach sleepers and heavyweight people.
The Titan Plus Luxe is a medium-firm hybrid intended for heavyweight sleepers. We found its responsiveness a good match for combination sleepers, though back and stomach sleepers should also fare well, thanks to a notably lifted feel. We weren’t terribly impressed with the bed’s edge support or pressure relief, and we’d steer most side sleepers to models with more contouring. Those who prefer a firm feel and want a mattress engineered to support more weight should fare well.
The Plank Firm Luxe is a flippable hybrid option for sleepers seeking a firmer feel. Couples should appreciate the bed’s top-notch motion isolation and supportive bounce for moving around on its surface. The mattress also offers impressive pressure relief despite its firmness, making it a strong choice for side sleepers who want a firmer bed that still delivers some contouring and cushioning.
The Saatva is an innerspring mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
The Bear Elite Hybrid is one of the brand's higher-end mattresses. It offers luxury features, like zoned support, a thick pillow top, and added height. We loved this bed's robust edge support, responsive feel, and pressure relief for back sleepers.
The Birch Luxe Natural Mattress is a mattress designed with luxury and the environment in mind. This latex hybrid provides plenty of bounce with balanced support and pressure relief. We also found it had strong edge support, plenty of bounce, and a firmer feel that should keep your spine aligned.
The Leesa Original is a firm mattress made entirely of foam. Despite this construction, it earned a perfect cooling score from our testing team. It's a well-rounded bed, with scores of 4 or above in every key testing category. However, we'd recommend a more supportive model for stomach sleepers, and it won't be soft enough for people who want a plush bed.
Up to 30% Off Mattresses and 35% Off Mattress + Adjustable Base Bundles; 25% Off Bedding
The Birch Luxe Natural Mattress is a mattress designed with luxury and the environment in mind. This latex hybrid provides plenty of bounce with balanced support and pressure relief. We also found it had strong edge support, plenty of bounce, and a firmer feel that should keep your spine aligned.
The Canadian-made Silk & Snow Mattress is a very budget-friendly memory foam mattress with a firm feel. It has a simple two-layer construction, but the antimicrobial cover is removable for easy care. We found the bed stayed surprisingly temperature-neutral given its construction, and it scored well in our pressure relief tests. We weren’t especially impressed with its edge support or motion isolation, but it has a steady responsiveness that might appeal to many combination sleepers.
Up to 25% Off Sitewide | Free Sleep Bundle with Mattress Purchase
The Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam Mattress is a value-priced model with a firm, lifted feel. It wowed us with its outstanding edge support and motion isolation, which makes it ideal for couples, and it earned a perfect response score. Combination sleepers should have no problem moving around. On the downside, that firmness means the CopperFlex doesn’t offer much in the way of pressure relief, and we’d advise dedicated side sleepers and fans of a traditional memory foam feel to look for something softer.
The Nectar is an affordable all-foam mattress that offers lots of pressure relief and body contouring. It works well for most side sleepers, because it helps cushion shoulders and hips. It is also a good option for couples, because it isolates motion well. However, the Nectar mattress isn’t supportive enough for most stomach sleepers and heavyweight people.
The Leesa Original is a firm mattress made entirely of foam. Despite this construction, it earned a perfect cooling score from our testing team. It's a well-rounded bed, with scores of 4 or above in every key testing category. However, we'd recommend a more supportive model for stomach sleepers, and it won't be soft enough for people who want a plush bed.
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Birch is an eco-friendly mattress-in-a-box that’s made with natural latex and organic cotton and wool. It has a base layer of individually wrapped coils and comfort layers made with chemical-free latex foam.
The Helix Dawn Hybrid is a firm, supportive mattress designed for back and stomach sleepers who like a cooler sleep surface with minimal sink in. This bed features a responsive surface with strong edge-to-edge support that makes it easier to get in and out of the bed or change sleep positions during the night.
The WinkBed Plus is the brand’s model designed specifically for sleepers who weigh more than 230 lbs. Its sturdy, supportive coils help prevent sagging and provide plenty of support for heavyweight back and stomach sleepers. All of this said, it’s likely too firm of a mattress for most lightweight and side sleepers. Instead, check out the WinkBed.
The Bear Elite Hybrid is one of the brand's higher-end mattresses. It offers luxury features, like zoned support, a thick pillow top, and added height. We loved this bed's robust edge support, responsive feel, and pressure relief for back sleepers.
The Nolah Natural mattress, made entirely out of eco-friendly materials, feels both supportive and comfy. Back sleepers will especially appreciate its zoned coil system.
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The Canadian-made Silk & Snow Mattress is a very budget-friendly memory foam mattress with a firm feel. It has a simple two-layer construction, but the antimicrobial cover is removable for easy care. We found the bed stayed surprisingly temperature-neutral given its construction, and it scored well in our pressure relief tests. We weren’t especially impressed with its edge support or motion isolation, but it has a steady responsiveness that might appeal to many combination sleepers.
Up to 25% Off Sitewide | Free Sleep Bundle with Mattress Purchase
The WinkBed Plus is the brand’s model designed specifically for sleepers who weigh more than 230 lbs. Its sturdy, supportive coils help prevent sagging and provide plenty of support for heavyweight back and stomach sleepers. All of this said, it’s likely too firm of a mattress for most lightweight and side sleepers. Instead, check out the WinkBed.
The Nolah Natural mattress, made entirely out of eco-friendly materials, feels both supportive and comfy. Back sleepers will especially appreciate its zoned coil system.
35% Off Sitewide, Additional $50 Off with Code CLARITY50
The Nectar is an affordable all-foam mattress that offers lots of pressure relief and body contouring. It works well for most side sleepers, because it helps cushion shoulders and hips. It is also a good option for couples, because it isolates motion well. However, the Nectar mattress isn’t supportive enough for most stomach sleepers and heavyweight people.
The Titan Plus Core mattress works well for back and stomach sleepers, and even most side sleepers (though lightweight people might want a softer bed). It’s firm, coming in at 7.5/10 on our firmness scale, and has lots of bounce to help with repositioning.
The Brooklyn Bedding is a value-packed bed offered in multiple firmnesses. It was a solid performer across all testing parameters with one exception: cooling. Its pressure relief and motion isolation were standouts, and our team found it cozy no matter which sleeping position we tried.
The Plank Firm Luxe is a flippable hybrid option for sleepers seeking a firmer feel. Couples should appreciate the bed’s top-notch motion isolation and supportive bounce for moving around on its surface. The mattress also offers impressive pressure relief despite its firmness, making it a strong choice for side sleepers who want a firmer bed that still delivers some contouring and cushioning.
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is offered in three firmness levels and features a durable hybrid construction. Our testers found that this mattress blends soft comfort with firm support to deliver quality pressure relief for sleepers. Those who sleep with a restless partner, may want to steer clear because of its subpar motion isolation, and despite having cooling in its name, this mattress didn’t blow us away in that category.
The Saatva is an innerspring mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
The Titan Plus Core mattress works well for back and stomach sleepers, and even most side sleepers (though lightweight people might want a softer bed). It’s firm, coming in at 7.5/10 on our firmness scale, and has lots of bounce to help with repositioning.
The Plank Firm Luxe is a flippable hybrid option for sleepers seeking a firmer feel. Couples should appreciate the bed’s top-notch motion isolation and supportive bounce for moving around on its surface. The mattress also offers impressive pressure relief despite its firmness, making it a strong choice for side sleepers who want a firmer bed that still delivers some contouring and cushioning.
The Saatva is an innerspring mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
The Bear Original is an all-foam bed available at a budget-friendly price. It has a firm surface that felt best to us when we were lying on our backs. Although it received below-average scores for pressure relief, it's well-rounded otherwise.
The Brooklyn Bedding is a value-packed bed offered in multiple firmnesses. It was a solid performer across all testing parameters with one exception: cooling. Its pressure relief and motion isolation were standouts, and our team found it cozy no matter which sleeping position we tried.
The Titan Plus Core mattress works well for back and stomach sleepers, and even most side sleepers (though lightweight people might want a softer bed). It’s firm, coming in at 7.5/10 on our firmness scale, and has lots of bounce to help with repositioning.
This is one of the softest beds you can order from Helix, and according to our testers, it feels heavenly while you’re resting on your side. Its cushiony foams really cradle the hips and shoulders, while the springs beneath provide enough support for lightweight and average-weight side sleepers. Back and stomach sleepers should find something firmer.
The Helix Midnight Luxe is a premium medium-firm mattress that offers a hotel-like feel for a relatively affordable price (when sales are available). Its zoned support and supportive coil layers make it a great option for back sleepers. The only element in which it scored below average was responsiveness, so if you like a super bouncy bed or you’re a restless combination sleeper, consider another model.
The Saatva Solaire is a very comfortable mattress with adjustable firmness. It is a great fit for light- and medium-weight people of any sleeping position.
The Brooklyn Bedding is a value-packed bed offered in multiple firmnesses. It was a solid performer across all testing parameters with one exception: cooling. Its pressure relief and motion isolation were standouts, and our team found it cozy no matter which sleeping position we tried.
The Nectar is an affordable all-foam mattress that offers lots of pressure relief and body contouring. It works well for most side sleepers, because it helps cushion shoulders and hips. It is also a good option for couples, because it isolates motion well. However, the Nectar mattress isn’t supportive enough for most stomach sleepers and heavyweight people.
The Brooklyn Bedding is a value-packed bed offered in multiple firmnesses. It was a solid performer across all testing parameters with one exception: cooling. Its pressure relief and motion isolation were standouts, and our team found it cozy no matter which sleeping position we tried.
The DreamCloud Premier is a luxurious hybrid that gives you the feeling of sleeping in a nice hotel. Its combination of foam, coils, and cooling materials make it an ideal pick for both back sleepers and hot sleepers as well. At the same time, it is plush enough for the majority of side sleepers. However, if you sleep on your stomach, take a look at the firmer DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid mattress.
The Brooklyn Bedding is a value-packed bed offered in multiple firmnesses. It was a solid performer across all testing parameters with one exception: cooling. Its pressure relief and motion isolation were standouts, and our team found it cozy no matter which sleeping position we tried.
The Helix Midnight is Helix’s most popular model because of its medium-firmness, and it works well for back and side sleepers. The top layers of foam provide good pressure relief, but the coils offer a good amount of support. It won’t trap heat thanks to those coils, and you can even opt for a cooling cover.
The Nectar is an affordable all-foam mattress that offers lots of pressure relief and body contouring. It works well for most side sleepers, because it helps cushion shoulders and hips. It is also a good option for couples, because it isolates motion well. However, the Nectar mattress isn’t supportive enough for most stomach sleepers and heavyweight people.
The Saatva is an innerspring mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
The Birch Luxe Natural Mattress is a mattress designed with luxury and the environment in mind. This latex hybrid provides plenty of bounce with balanced support and pressure relief. We also found it had strong edge support, plenty of bounce, and a firmer feel that should keep your spine aligned.
The Helix Midnight is Helix’s most popular model because of its medium-firmness, and it works well for back and side sleepers. The top layers of foam provide good pressure relief, but the coils offer a good amount of support. It won’t trap heat thanks to those coils, and you can even opt for a cooling cover.
The DreamCloud Premier is a luxurious hybrid that gives you the feeling of sleeping in a nice hotel. Its combination of foam, coils, and cooling materials make it an ideal pick for both back sleepers and hot sleepers as well. At the same time, it is plush enough for the majority of side sleepers. However, if you sleep on your stomach, take a look at the firmer DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid mattress.
The Birch Luxe Natural Mattress is a mattress designed with luxury and the environment in mind. This latex hybrid provides plenty of bounce with balanced support and pressure relief. We also found it had strong edge support, plenty of bounce, and a firmer feel that should keep your spine aligned.
The Brooklyn Bedding is a value-packed bed offered in multiple firmnesses. It was a solid performer across all testing parameters with one exception: cooling. Its pressure relief and motion isolation were standouts, and our team found it cozy no matter which sleeping position we tried.
The Leesa Original is a firm mattress made entirely of foam. Despite this construction, it earned a perfect cooling score from our testing team. It's a well-rounded bed, with scores of 4 or above in every key testing category. However, we'd recommend a more supportive model for stomach sleepers, and it won't be soft enough for people who want a plush bed.
Up to 30% Off Mattresses and 35% Off Mattress + Adjustable Base Bundles; 25% Off Bedding
The Brooklyn Bedding is a value-packed bed offered in multiple firmnesses. It was a solid performer across all testing parameters with one exception: cooling. Its pressure relief and motion isolation were standouts, and our team found it cozy no matter which sleeping position we tried.
The Helix Midnight is Helix’s most popular model because of its medium-firmness, and it works well for back and side sleepers. The top layers of foam provide good pressure relief, but the coils offer a good amount of support. It won’t trap heat thanks to those coils, and you can even opt for a cooling cover.
The Leesa Original is a firm mattress made entirely of foam. Despite this construction, it earned a perfect cooling score from our testing team. It's a well-rounded bed, with scores of 4 or above in every key testing category. However, we'd recommend a more supportive model for stomach sleepers, and it won't be soft enough for people who want a plush bed.
Up to 30% Off Mattresses and 35% Off Mattress + Adjustable Base Bundles; 25% Off Bedding
The Saatva is an innerspring mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
The Birch Luxe Natural Mattress is a mattress designed with luxury and the environment in mind. This latex hybrid provides plenty of bounce with balanced support and pressure relief. We also found it had strong edge support, plenty of bounce, and a firmer feel that should keep your spine aligned.
The Saatva Rx mattress is a luxury bed designed with one mission: pressure relief. Its cushiony feel should cradle sore joints while its coils contribute to balanced support. Its edge support didn't hold up to close scrutiny, but it's a fancy and cloud-like bed we'd recommend to anyone with back or joint pain.
The Leesa Original is a firm mattress made entirely of foam. Despite this construction, it earned a perfect cooling score from our testing team. It's a well-rounded bed, with scores of 4 or above in every key testing category. However, we'd recommend a more supportive model for stomach sleepers, and it won't be soft enough for people who want a plush bed.
Up to 30% Off Mattresses and 35% Off Mattress + Adjustable Base Bundles; 25% Off Bedding
The Saatva is an innerspring mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
The Bear Original is an all-foam bed available at a budget-friendly price. It has a firm surface that felt best to us when we were lying on our backs. Although it received below-average scores for pressure relief, it's well-rounded otherwise.
The Studio by Leesa is a comfortable all-foam mattress that should be ideal for children, lightweight adults, and those who are looking for a good value.
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The Canadian-made Silk & Snow Mattress is a very budget-friendly memory foam mattress with a firm feel. It has a simple two-layer construction, but the antimicrobial cover is removable for easy care. We found the bed stayed surprisingly temperature-neutral given its construction, and it scored well in our pressure relief tests. We weren’t especially impressed with its edge support or motion isolation, but it has a steady responsiveness that might appeal to many combination sleepers.
Up to 25% Off Sitewide | Free Sleep Bundle with Mattress Purchase
The Brooklyn Bedding is a value-packed bed offered in multiple firmnesses. It was a solid performer across all testing parameters with one exception: cooling. Its pressure relief and motion isolation were standouts, and our team found it cozy no matter which sleeping position we tried.
The DreamCloud is a hybrid mattress that offers great support for back sleeping and a carefully balanced mix of motion isolation and bounce. It’s definitely on the firmer side, so side sleepers may crave more cushion, but we think it’s a solid choice for couples, heavyweight sleepers, and shoppers on a budget.
The Helix Midnight is Helix’s most popular model because of its medium-firmness, and it works well for back and side sleepers. The top layers of foam provide good pressure relief, but the coils offer a good amount of support. It won’t trap heat thanks to those coils, and you can even opt for a cooling cover.
Birch is an eco-friendly mattress-in-a-box that’s made with natural latex and organic cotton and wool. It has a base layer of individually wrapped coils and comfort layers made with chemical-free latex foam.
The Saatva is an innerspring mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
The Canadian-made Silk & Snow Mattress is a very budget-friendly memory foam mattress with a firm feel. It has a simple two-layer construction, but the antimicrobial cover is removable for easy care. We found the bed stayed surprisingly temperature-neutral given its construction, and it scored well in our pressure relief tests. We weren’t especially impressed with its edge support or motion isolation, but it has a steady responsiveness that might appeal to many combination sleepers.
Up to 25% Off Sitewide | Free Sleep Bundle with Mattress Purchase
The Helix Midnight is Helix’s most popular model because of its medium-firmness, and it works well for back and side sleepers. The top layers of foam provide good pressure relief, but the coils offer a good amount of support. It won’t trap heat thanks to those coils, and you can even opt for a cooling cover.
The Brooklyn Bedding is a value-packed bed offered in multiple firmnesses. It was a solid performer across all testing parameters with one exception: cooling. Its pressure relief and motion isolation were standouts, and our team found it cozy no matter which sleeping position we tried.
The Plank Firm is a very firm mattress (as the name implies) that is a great match for sleepers who need extra support, like stomach sleepers, back sleepers, and those weighing over 230 pounds. This flippable bed boasts two firmnesses in one: a more traditional firm side and an extra-firm one. The result is a super-sturdy, spine-aligning foam bed that'll satisfy shoppers let down by so-called "firm" mattresses.
The Bear Original is an all-foam bed available at a budget-friendly price. It has a firm surface that felt best to us when we were lying on our backs. Although it received below-average scores for pressure relief, it's well-rounded otherwise.
The Plank Firm Luxe is a flippable hybrid option for sleepers seeking a firmer feel. Couples should appreciate the bed’s top-notch motion isolation and supportive bounce for moving around on its surface. The mattress also offers impressive pressure relief despite its firmness, making it a strong choice for side sleepers who want a firmer bed that still delivers some contouring and cushioning.
The Helix Midnight is Helix’s most popular model because of its medium-firmness, and it works well for back and side sleepers. The top layers of foam provide good pressure relief, but the coils offer a good amount of support. It won’t trap heat thanks to those coils, and you can even opt for a cooling cover.
The Saatva is an innerspring mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
The Saatva is an innerspring mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
The Saatva Rx mattress is a luxury bed designed with one mission: pressure relief. Its cushiony feel should cradle sore joints while its coils contribute to balanced support. Its edge support didn't hold up to close scrutiny, but it's a fancy and cloud-like bed we'd recommend to anyone with back or joint pain.
The Plank Firm Luxe is a flippable hybrid option for sleepers seeking a firmer feel. Couples should appreciate the bed’s top-notch motion isolation and supportive bounce for moving around on its surface. The mattress also offers impressive pressure relief despite its firmness, making it a strong choice for side sleepers who want a firmer bed that still delivers some contouring and cushioning.
The Saatva Rx mattress is a luxury bed designed with one mission: pressure relief. Its cushiony feel should cradle sore joints while its coils contribute to balanced support. Its edge support didn't hold up to close scrutiny, but it's a fancy and cloud-like bed we'd recommend to anyone with back or joint pain.
The Brooklyn Bedding is a value-packed bed offered in multiple firmnesses. It was a solid performer across all testing parameters with one exception: cooling. Its pressure relief and motion isolation were standouts, and our team found it cozy no matter which sleeping position we tried.
The Bear Original is an all-foam bed available at a budget-friendly price. It has a firm surface that felt best to us when we were lying on our backs. Although it received below-average scores for pressure relief, it's well-rounded otherwise.
The Leesa Sapira Chill is a cool, comfortable bed that pairs a plush pillow top with supportive zoned coils. It’s available in three firmness options, so many sleepers should be able to choose a model that works for their sleeping position. This isn’t the cheapest option for a cooling mattress, though, but we'd consider it plenty worth it.
Up to 30% Off Mattresses and 35% Off Mattress + Adjustable Base Bundles; 25% Off Bedding
The Saatva is an innerspring mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
The Saatva Solaire is a very comfortable mattress with adjustable firmness. It is a great fit for light- and medium-weight people of any sleeping position.
The Brooklyn Bedding is a value-packed bed offered in multiple firmnesses. It was a solid performer across all testing parameters with one exception: cooling. Its pressure relief and motion isolation were standouts, and our team found it cozy no matter which sleeping position we tried.
The Saatva Solaire is a very comfortable mattress with adjustable firmness. It is a great fit for light- and medium-weight people of any sleeping position.
The Brooklyn Bedding is a value-packed bed offered in multiple firmnesses. It was a solid performer across all testing parameters with one exception: cooling. Its pressure relief and motion isolation were standouts, and our team found it cozy no matter which sleeping position we tried.
The DreamCloud Premier is a luxurious hybrid that gives you the feeling of sleeping in a nice hotel. Its combination of foam, coils, and cooling materials make it an ideal pick for both back sleepers and hot sleepers as well. At the same time, it is plush enough for the majority of side sleepers. However, if you sleep on your stomach, take a look at the firmer DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid mattress.
The Plank Firm is a very firm mattress (as the name implies) that is a great match for sleepers who need extra support, like stomach sleepers, back sleepers, and those weighing over 230 pounds. This flippable bed boasts two firmnesses in one: a more traditional firm side and an extra-firm one. The result is a super-sturdy, spine-aligning foam bed that'll satisfy shoppers let down by so-called "firm" mattresses.
The Helix Midnight is Helix’s most popular model because of its medium-firmness, and it works well for back and side sleepers. The top layers of foam provide good pressure relief, but the coils offer a good amount of support. It won’t trap heat thanks to those coils, and you can even opt for a cooling cover.
The Titan Plus Luxe is a medium-firm hybrid intended for heavyweight sleepers. We found its responsiveness a good match for combination sleepers, though back and stomach sleepers should also fare well, thanks to a notably lifted feel. We weren’t terribly impressed with the bed’s edge support or pressure relief, and we’d steer most side sleepers to models with more contouring. Those who prefer a firm feel and want a mattress engineered to support more weight should fare well.
The Saatva is an innerspring mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
The Plank Firm Luxe is a flippable hybrid option for sleepers seeking a firmer feel. Couples should appreciate the bed’s top-notch motion isolation and supportive bounce for moving around on its surface. The mattress also offers impressive pressure relief despite its firmness, making it a strong choice for side sleepers who want a firmer bed that still delivers some contouring and cushioning.
The Avocado Green is a luxury, slightly-above-medium-firm mattress that caters to those looking for a mattress featuring organic and natural construction. Our testers found this hybrid bed easy to move around on and noted excellent edge support at the sides, which can be a positive for older adults needing extra stability when getting in and out of bed.
The Brooklyn Bedding is a value-packed bed offered in multiple firmnesses. It was a solid performer across all testing parameters with one exception: cooling. Its pressure relief and motion isolation were standouts, and our team found it cozy no matter which sleeping position we tried.
The DreamCloud Premier is a luxurious hybrid that gives you the feeling of sleeping in a nice hotel. Its combination of foam, coils, and cooling materials make it an ideal pick for both back sleepers and hot sleepers as well. At the same time, it is plush enough for the majority of side sleepers. However, if you sleep on your stomach, take a look at the firmer DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid mattress.
The Saatva is an innerspring mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
The Brooklyn Bedding is a value-packed bed offered in multiple firmnesses. It was a solid performer across all testing parameters with one exception: cooling. Its pressure relief and motion isolation were standouts, and our team found it cozy no matter which sleeping position we tried.
The Silk & Snow Hybrid is an affordable, Canadian-made mattress that packs a lot into its deceptively simple construction. It earned high marks for motion isolation and cooling, making it a great choice for co-sleepers and those who run hot. While its edge support is a bit lacking, it offers plenty of pressure relief in its cushy construction. It’s also available in Plush, Medium-firm, and Firm options for your choosing.
Up to 25% Off Sitewide | Free Sleep Bundle with Mattress Purchase
The Helix Midnight is Helix’s most popular model because of its medium-firmness, and it works well for back and side sleepers. The top layers of foam provide good pressure relief, but the coils offer a good amount of support. It won’t trap heat thanks to those coils, and you can even opt for a cooling cover.
The Titan Plus Luxe is a medium-firm hybrid intended for heavyweight sleepers. We found its responsiveness a good match for combination sleepers, though back and stomach sleepers should also fare well, thanks to a notably lifted feel. We weren’t terribly impressed with the bed’s edge support or pressure relief, and we’d steer most side sleepers to models with more contouring. Those who prefer a firm feel and want a mattress engineered to support more weight should fare well.
The Plank Firm Luxe is a flippable hybrid option for sleepers seeking a firmer feel. Couples should appreciate the bed’s top-notch motion isolation and supportive bounce for moving around on its surface. The mattress also offers impressive pressure relief despite its firmness, making it a strong choice for side sleepers who want a firmer bed that still delivers some contouring and cushioning.
The Saatva is an innerspring mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
The Saatva Solaire is a very comfortable mattress with adjustable firmness. It is a great fit for light- and medium-weight people of any sleeping position.
The Bear Elite Hybrid is one of the brand's higher-end mattresses. It offers luxury features, like zoned support, a thick pillow top, and added height. We loved this bed's robust edge support, responsive feel, and pressure relief for back sleepers.
The Helix Midnight is Helix’s most popular model because of its medium-firmness, and it works well for back and side sleepers. The top layers of foam provide good pressure relief, but the coils offer a good amount of support. It won’t trap heat thanks to those coils, and you can even opt for a cooling cover.
The Titan Plus Luxe is a medium-firm hybrid intended for heavyweight sleepers. We found its responsiveness a good match for combination sleepers, though back and stomach sleepers should also fare well, thanks to a notably lifted feel. We weren’t terribly impressed with the bed’s edge support or pressure relief, and we’d steer most side sleepers to models with more contouring. Those who prefer a firm feel and want a mattress engineered to support more weight should fare well.
The Bear Elite Hybrid is one of the brand's higher-end mattresses. It offers luxury features, like zoned support, a thick pillow top, and added height. We loved this bed's robust edge support, responsive feel, and pressure relief for back sleepers.
The Silk & Snow Hybrid is an affordable, Canadian-made mattress that packs a lot into its deceptively simple construction. It earned high marks for motion isolation and cooling, making it a great choice for co-sleepers and those who run hot. While its edge support is a bit lacking, it offers plenty of pressure relief in its cushy construction. It’s also available in Plush, Medium-firm, and Firm options for your choosing.
Up to 25% Off Sitewide | Free Sleep Bundle with Mattress Purchase
The DreamCloud is a hybrid mattress that offers great support for back sleeping and a carefully balanced mix of motion isolation and bounce. It’s definitely on the firmer side, so side sleepers may crave more cushion, but we think it’s a solid choice for couples, heavyweight sleepers, and shoppers on a budget.
The Brooklyn Bedding is a value-packed bed offered in multiple firmnesses. It was a solid performer across all testing parameters with one exception: cooling. Its pressure relief and motion isolation were standouts, and our team found it cozy no matter which sleeping position we tried.
The Helix Midnight is Helix’s most popular model because of its medium-firmness, and it works well for back and side sleepers. The top layers of foam provide good pressure relief, but the coils offer a good amount of support. It won’t trap heat thanks to those coils, and you can even opt for a cooling cover.
Birch is an eco-friendly mattress-in-a-box that’s made with natural latex and organic cotton and wool. It has a base layer of individually wrapped coils and comfort layers made with chemical-free latex foam.
The DreamCloud Premier is a luxurious hybrid that gives you the feeling of sleeping in a nice hotel. Its combination of foam, coils, and cooling materials make it an ideal pick for both back sleepers and hot sleepers as well. At the same time, it is plush enough for the majority of side sleepers. However, if you sleep on your stomach, take a look at the firmer DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid mattress.
The Saatva is an innerspring mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
The Bear Elite Hybrid is one of the brand's higher-end mattresses. It offers luxury features, like zoned support, a thick pillow top, and added height. We loved this bed's robust edge support, responsive feel, and pressure relief for back sleepers.
The Silk & Snow Hybrid is an affordable, Canadian-made mattress that packs a lot into its deceptively simple construction. It earned high marks for motion isolation and cooling, making it a great choice for co-sleepers and those who run hot. While its edge support is a bit lacking, it offers plenty of pressure relief in its cushy construction. It’s also available in Plush, Medium-firm, and Firm options for your choosing.
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The Brooklyn Bedding is a value-packed bed offered in multiple firmnesses. It was a solid performer across all testing parameters with one exception: cooling. Its pressure relief and motion isolation were standouts, and our team found it cozy no matter which sleeping position we tried.
The Saatva is an innerspring mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The Helix Midnight Luxe is a hybrid mattress—it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress 6/10. This is slightly softer than the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$1,436-$2,924 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, short queen, king, California king, RV king
Side Sleepers
Side sleepers of all body types should feel cozy on this bed.
Back Sleepers
It has enough support for most back sleepers.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros
This bed has a hotel-like feel. The pillow top provides a plush comfort layer to sink into.
The Helix Midnight Luxe sleeps very cool, and impressed us during our temperature testing.
Even though it’s a hybrid mattress, this bed has good motion isolation. That means if you co-sleep, you’re less likely to feel your partner’s movements.
Cons
Stomach sleepers probably won’t find this bed supportive enough to keep their spine in proper alignment.
This is a luxury mattress model, so it wouldn’t be considered a budget-buy.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
15-year warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The Helix Midnight Luxe is a premium medium-firm mattress that offers a hotel-like feel for a relatively affordable price. Its zoned support and supportive coil layers make it a great option for back sleepers. The only element in which it scored below average was responsiveness, so if you like a super bouncy bed or you’re a restless combination sleeper, consider another model.
Testing Highlights
Unboxing. The mattress immediately puffed up once the plastic was punctured, so our testers rated the unboxing and inflation process 5 stars.
Pressure relief. This bed scored high for both side and back sleeping, including multiple body types.
Edge support. The Helix Midnight Luxe earned a near-perfect edge support rating of 4.8/5.
Why the Helix Midnight Luxe is the Best Mattress in a Box Overall
For a high-quality bed-in-a-box mattress that’s easy to set up and compatible with most sleepers, I recommend the Helix Midnight Luxe. Regardless of your body type or preferred sleeping position, this hybrid mattress strikes a balance between firm support and plush cushioning, earning 4.2 stars in our pressure-relief test. As someone who frequently uses the side of my bed to get dressed or put on my shoes, I was impressed with the security I felt around the perimeter of the bed.
The top-notch performance, coupled with the easy-breezy setup process (4.7 stars for unboxing and off-gassing), made it a no-brainer to slot this bed as my top overall pick. It should puff up in no time, and any chemical smell should dissipate similarly, ensuring the mattress will be ready for you to snuggle in in no time.
Resting on my back felt like a dream on this bed. I think some heavier sleepers might prefer something a bit firmer, but I like how this bed feels a touch softer than medium-firm, giving back sleepers that pressure relief they need to fill in their lower back. I’d be happy sleeping on my back on the Midnight Luxe.
– Livvi DiCicco, certified sleep science coach
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Firmness: 6/10
The Helix Midnight Luxe has a medium feel, skewing slightly softer than traditional medium-firm.
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Pressure Relief: 4.2/5
Above average. Only our heavyweight tester noted some pressure on his lower back while back-sleeping.
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Edge Support: 4.8/5
Above average. There was minimal sinkage when sitting or lying down at the edge of the mattress.
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Cooling: 4.5/5
Above average. The Midnight Luxe has a cool-to-the-touch feel at the surface.
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Motion Isolation: 4/5
Average. We could feel some movement from the other side of the bed during the couple’s test.
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Response: 4/5
Average. This bed has bounce, but the pillow top is softer, potentially impeding some movement.
Who Might Like the Helix Midnight Luxe
Hot sleepers. This mattress has a cool-to-the-touch cover that should keep temperatures low throughout the night, benefitting sleepers prone to overheating.
Side and back sleepers. The Midnight Luxe’s medium feel provides a touch more softness, which is perfect for these two positions. Only our heavyweight tester noticed a bit more sinkage when back sleeping, which could cause discomfort.
Those with mobility concerns. Even with its softer feel up top, the Helix Midnight Luxe’s edges are rock-solid. This, combined with its responsive coils, should help sleepers get in and out of bed more seamlessly.
Who Might Not Like the Helix Midnight Luxe
Most stomach sleepers. A firmer mattress is better for these folks, as they need something that’ll keep their hips elevated and aligned with their upper half.
Budget shoppers. The Helix Midnight Luxe is a higher-end mattress, meaning it has a higher price tag than other options on this list. You’ll spend more than $1,500 for a queen-size.
Doctor’s Note
“This is a great mattress for side sleepers. The first thing I notice is that I can feel that my feet are falling into the mattress easily, which lifts my knees a little higher and creates a weightless feeling. I can feel my pelvis sink a little into the mattress with some great support. My pelvis is very supported in this position.” – Dr. Hannah Habeeb, DPT
Other User Reviews
On Helix’s site, the Midnight Luxe has a 4.6-star rating from hundreds of reviews. Customers praise the bed’s comfortable, approachable feel and its suitability for multiple sleeping positions, with many reporting relief from pain. However, some say the mattress is too soft for their tastes, or find the contours of the pillow top difficult to sleep on.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.4
Leesa
Leesa Sapira Chill
Multiple Firmnesses
Pillow Top
Breathable
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The Leesa Sapira Chill is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Plush, Medium-Firm, and Firm. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Medium-Firm model a 6/10, which is slightly softer than average.
Price
$1,499-$2,399 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Side Sleepers
Great pressure relief for side sleepers under 230 lbs.
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Pros of the Leesa Sapira Chill
This bed is available in several firmness options. That means a variety of sleepers should be able to pick a feel that works for their needs.
It sleeps impressively cool. The cooling cover and breathable foam and coils mean it offers strong temperature-regulation.
The pillow top gives the bed a hotel-like feel. This provides plenty of cushion while the coils offer zoned support.
Cons of the Leesa Sapira Chill
This is a more responsive mattress, so you won’t get that signtaure memory foam sinking feeling.
The Leesa Sapira Chill isn’t a cheap mattress.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The Leesa Sapira Chill is a cool, comfortable bed that pairs a plush pillow top with supportive zoned coils. It’s available in three firmness options, so many sleepers should be able to choose a model that works for their sleeping position. This isn’t the cheapest option for a cooling mattress, though. Instead, check out the Cocoon Chill.
Testing Highlights
Pressure Relief. The Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid earned a 4.5/5 rating for its exceptional performance in back and side sleeping, including for heavyweight sleepers.
Firmness. This mattress comes in three firmness levels, and we found the mid-range mattress came in at 6/10 on our firmness scale, closer to medium-soft.
Edge Support. Even with its softer upper layers, we didn’t notice too much sinkage around the Leesa Sapira Chill’s perimeter, leading to a 4.3/5 edge support score.
Why the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid is the Best Mattress in a Box for Heavy People
Sleepers with larger bodies often benefit from a more supportive mattress. Dr. Raj Dasgupta, who is quadruple-board-certified in pulmonary, critical care, sleep, and internal medicine, recommends that sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds opt for an ultra-supportive innerspring or hybrid model. These mattresses offer ample lift to keep the spine straight and aligned.
For these sleepers, I recommend the Leesa Sapira Chill. The Leesa Sapira Chill is a hybrid mattress with reinforced edges that impressed our mattress testers in this weight category; their feedback helped it earn a 4.5-star score in the pressure relief category. Additionally, my colleagues and I were impressed by the quick and easy unboxing process, which we rated 4/5.
This mattress feels great. I feel relief in my shoulder, which is usually a pain point for me. On my back, I feel equally supported. There is no real discernible added pressure, other than the pressures of being a human being.
– Our in-house heavyweight tester
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Firmness: 6/10
The Medium Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid has a slightly softer—but still medium—feel.
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Pressure Relief: 4.5/5
Above average. Our testers encountered plenty of pressure relief in the back- and side-sleeping position.
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Edge Support: 4.3/5
Above average. The Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid has excellent edge support for sitting and lying down at the far reaches of the bed.
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Cooling: 4/5
Average. True to its name, the Leesa Sapira Chill has a pleasantly cool-to-the-touch feel.
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Motion Isolation: 3.8/5
Below average. You’ll likely feel your partner moving around on the other side of the bed, just like we did.
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Response: 4/5
Below average. Though it’s a hybrid mattress, the Leesa Sapira Chill has a doughy pillow top that makes it harder to move around on.
Who Might Like the Sapira Chill Hybrid
Side sleepers. This was the preferred position among our testers, as the Sapira Chill Hybrid provides an appealing blend of contouring and sinkage around the hips and shoulders.
Combination sleepers. This bed’s versatile feel accommodates multiple sleeping positions and body types, and it’s responsive enough that switching positions feels easy.
You sleep along the edge of your mattress. If you gravitate toward the edge of your mattress, you’ll be able to rest along the perimeter of the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid without feeling unstable.
Who Might Not Like the Sapira Chill Hybrid
Light sleepers who share the bed. Its bouncy, supportive innerspring coils helped make it a pressure-relieving option for sleepers with larger bodies; however, individuals who sleep with restless partners or pets may find that too much movement ripples across the bed’s surface.
Heavyweight stomach sleepers. With the Medium-Firm model of this bed skewing softer than expected, some stomach sleepers over 230 pounds could find the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid too plush to keep them lifted and aligned. They’ll likely have better luck with the Firm model, but I’d still exercise caution.
Doctor’s Note
“I’d classify this as an orthopedic mattress. It has that plush, cushiony element that makes you feel almost weightless. The way it contours the body contributes, too.” – Dr. Hannah Habeeb, DPT
Other User Reviews
The Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid has a rating of 4.2/5 stars based on hundreds of customer reviews. Positive ones detail that the bed is comfortable and cool-feeling. Negative reviews focus on the fact that the bed felt either too firm or too soft for their needs.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.5
DreamCloud
DreamCloud Memory Foam
Firm Feel
Cozy
Affordable
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On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress 7.5/10. This makes the mattress firmer than average.
Price
$299-$1,298 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Back Sleepers
Back sleepers who enjoy a firm, stable surface should like this model.
Heavyweight Sleepers
It’s firm enough to accommodate people who weigh more than 230 pounds.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros
It is a good option for back sleepers and heavyweight folks due to its above-average firmness level.
Its cooling performance wasn’t too shabby, especially for an all-foam bed.
Most sizes can be bought for less than $1,000.
Cons
It’s firm enough that side sleepers will probably not feel very comfortable.
It’s not exceptionally bouncy.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The DreamCloud Classic Memory Foam mattress offers unflagging firmness and support along with more cooling than you might expect from an all-foam bed. We recommend it for back and stomach sleepers, as well as for heavyweight folks. However, side sleepers and people who enjoy a particularly cushy bed won’t find their match here.
Testing Highlights
Edge Support. For an all-foam bed, the edges on the DreamCloud are rock-solid, scoring 4.6/5 in our tests.
Pressure Relief. The DreamCloud Memory Foam earned a 4.2/5 overall pressure relief score, which should benefit side sleepers.
Responsiveness. Earning a 4/5 rating in this category, this bed is also fairly responsive for a foam mattress.
Why the DreamCloud Memory Foam is the Best Mattress in a Box for Side Sleepers
If you’re a side sleeper, Dr. Dasgupta emphasizes the importance of proper cushioning and cradling at the hips and shoulders, which support the most weight in this position. “Side sleepers should opt for memory foam mattresses, which are known for their deep body-contouring, sinkage, and pressure relief,” he told us.
For these folks, the DreamCloud Classic Memory Foam mattress is a great fit. I chose this mattress as the best bed-in-a-box for side sleepers because of its excellent unboxing and setup score, as well as its high rating for side-sleeping pressure relief. Additionally, its foam core is supportive from edge to edge, earning 4.6 stars for its perimeter strength.
I really liked this for side sleeping (and, I’m a dedicated side sleeper). It gave an excellent balance of contouring and support. I felt like it was giving me a soft little hug.
– Sosha Lewis, certified sleep science coach
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Firmness: 6.5/10
The DreamCloud Classic Memory Foam is a 6.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale, or medium-firm.
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Pressure Relief: 4.2/5
Above average. Our mattress testers found that the all-foam DreamCloud Classic relieved tension in their hips, shoulders, and lower backs.
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Edge Support: 4.6/5
Above average. Sleepers who enjoy maximizing the usable surface area of their beds should appreciate the robust corner-to-corner support.
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Cooling: 4/5
Above average. Hot sleepers should appreciate the DreamCloud Classic Memory Foam’s above-average temperature-regulating abilities.
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Motion Isolation: 4/5
Above average. Sleepers with wiggly partners (or pets) should benefit from the motion-dampening memory foam in the DreamCloud.
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Response: 4/5
Above average. For a mattress with slow-sinking, motion-absorbing memory foam, the DreamCloud is surprisingly responsive and easy to change sleeping positions on.
Who Might Like the DreamCloud Memory Foam
Combination back and side sleepers. While it’s our top pick for side sleepers, it was also a hit for back sleepers. Its responsiveness also means switching between these two positions is a breeze.
Most hot sleepers. This mattress is also fairly cool for a foam bed, containing breathable layers and a crisp-feeling cover.
Older adults. Strong edge support makes it easier to transfer to your feet, which should benefit senior sleepers or anyone with mobility issues. The slight responsiveness of this foam bed also means you won’t feel “stuck” in it, making it easier to move in and out of bed.
Who Might Not Like the DreamCloud Memory Foam
Sleepers over 230 pounds. Since the bed doesn’t include a layer of springs, these sleepers may find themselves sinking too far into the bed, and potentially “bottoming out.” I recommend a firmer or hybrid mattress that provides a bit more support for these body types.
Fans of a traditional memory-foam feel. Because of its medium-firm feel, the DreamCloud Memory Foam doesn’t have the deep sinkage and “hug” feel that super-soft foam beds offer.
Doctor’s Note
“This bed feels pretty comfortable on my side. It contours really well to my body in this position. I’m not really noticing pressure building up anywhere right now. You sink in enough, so your body weight is dispersed, and the shoulder and hip joints are both cushioned, which provides pressure relief.” – Dr. Hannah Habeeb, DPT
Other User Reviews
The DreamCloud mattress line boasts thousands of reviews, which total up to an overall customer service rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.The majority of negative reviews reported that the mattress was firmer than expected. Many positive reviews find this firmness helpful for back pain. Customers also appreciate the fast shipping and year-long trial to try out the mattress.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.6
Nolah
Nolah Evolution
Multiple Firmnesses
Cooling
Motion Isolation
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The Nolah Evolution is a hybrid mattress, which means it has coils at the bottom and memory foam on top.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Luxury Firm model a 6.5/10, which is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$1,499-$3,198 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Back Sleepers
The Nolah Evolution Hybrid offers great lumbar support for most back sleepers under 300 lb.
Hot Sleepers
This bed has graphite-infused foam, which helps dissipate body heat. It also has coils that promote airflow.
Pros of the Nolah Evolution
It has great cooling features, such as graphite-infused foam and airflow-promoting coils.
Even though it has coils, it isolates motion well. This makes it a great mattress for couples.
It’s available in three firmness levels, so it works for a variety of people.
Cons of the Nolah Evolution
It lacks a slow-moving feel.
It’s not supportive enough for most people who weigh more than 300 lb.
Because it’s a luxurious mattress, it might be too pricey for some people.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The Nolah Evolution Hybrid mattress is available in three firmness levels. The Luxury Firm model works well for many back and side sleepers. This mattress has many cooling features, and it isolates motion well. It’s not a great option for most people who weigh over 300 lb, though. If you fall in this category, you may need more lumbar support. Watch our Nolah Evolution mattress review video to learn more.
Testing Highlights
Pressure Relief. The Nolah Evolution earned a 4.5/5 overall pressure relief score, thanks to strong performance for both side and back sleepers.
Edge Support. This bed showcased strong edge support when our testers were seated or lying down directly on the perimeter, leading to a 4.6 in this category.
Motion Isolation. But most impressive is this bed’s perfect score for motion absorption, a rarity in beds with coils.
Why the Nolah Evolution is the Best Hybrid Mattress in a Box
Hybrid mattresses are essentially a mash-up between two popular mattress types: memory foam and innerspring. With layers of soft memory foam atop a sturdy innerspring layer, hybrid beds often provide the best of both worlds for pressure relief and support. I chose the Nolah Evolution as the best hybrid bed-in-a-box because it’s made with luxurious and durable materials and earned 4 stars or higher on every performance test we put it through.
While this bed scored a bit lower for the actual delivery process due to a busted box, we hope it’s a one-off fluke with the batch of Nolah products our studio received. However, it should rise quickly, offer little to no off-gassing, and provide excellent comfort overall.
The mattress’s pillow top gave me a little bit of contouring through the lumbar area and absorbed any pressure I might have felt there. My spine felt supported and held in its neutral position, though my hips felt almost elevated above my shoulders. There was absolutely zero sinking on this mattress—I felt like I just floated inside the doughy, pillow-top layer.
– Our in-house yester
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Firmness: 6.5/10
The Luxury Firm Nolah Evolution has a true medium-firm feel.
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Pressure Relief: 4.5/5
Above average. Both side and back sleepers should get pressure relief from the Evolution, but the latter will feel much more contouring.
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Edge Support: 4.6/5
Above average. When sitting on the edge of the Nolah Evolution, the pillow top compressed a bit but otherwise remained stable.
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Cooling: 4/5
Average. The Evolution isn’t actively cooling, but it should provide a comfortable temperature-neutral feel.
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Motion Isolation: 5/5
Above average. This mattress has exceptional motion absorption, so you shouldn’t feel any movement from your side of the bed.
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Response: 4/5
Below average. The doughy pillow top might slow down some sleepers as they switch positions on the Evolution.
Who Might Like the Nolah Evolution
Light sleepers. Our testers could barely feel any motion transfer on this mattress, which means you and your partner should both remain undisturbed throughout the night.
You want a breathable mattress. The Nolah Evolution quickly dissipated heat in our temperature regulation test. It may not feel super cold to some, but it should be enough to stave off night sweats for most hot sleepers.
Fans of strong edge support. If you want a mattress that’s soft up on top but doesn’t sink when you sit or lie down on the edge, the Evolution has you covered.
Who Might Not Like the Evolution
Folks who want a pristine box. Our testers noticed that the box it arrived in was pretty mangled (a trend our testing team has seen with Nolah products), so they rated the unboxing 3 stars. However, they were impressed by how quickly the bed inflated after they punctured the plastic, earning it 5 stars in the full-rise category.
Shoppers on a tighter budget. The Nolah Evolution is yet another luxury bed-in-a-box, so it may not be a fit for folks who want a queen-size mattress for under $1,000.
Doctor’s Note
“I like this mattress for back sleepers. I’m finding some nice sinkage and great lift at my lumbar region. My hips aren’t tilting uncomfortably and the space at my lower back is being completely filled in. This bed offers a lot of support yet is still very contouring, so I think people with back pain could find relief.” – Dr. Hannah Habeeb, DPT
Other User Reviews
The Nolah Evolution mattress has over 1,000 reviews and an overall rating of 4.6 stars. Customers enjoy the bed’s blend of both softness and support. The few negative reviews mention that the bed is too soft or started sagging faster than expected.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.5
DLX
DLX Classic Mattress
Flippable Mattress
Balanced Feel
Firmness Options
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This is a hybrid mattress made with foam and coils.
Firmness
On a scale of 1 to 10, we rated this bed at 7/10, which is just a smidge firmer than medium-firm.
Price
$1,199 – $1,799.99
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Back Sleepers
Our testers most enjoyed this bed when lying on their back, giving it a 5/5 for pressure relief in this position.
Combination Sleepers
The coils give this bed plenty of bounce, meaning combination sleepers should be able to switch between their preferred positions with each.
Side Sleepers
Side sleepers looking for a firmer-feeling mattress should appreciate how the DLX’s pressure relief is backed by supportive coils.
Pros
The DLX has a balanced, approachable medium-firm feel that should work for a lot of sleeper types
Its super bouncy feel should work great for combination sleepers and sex
This bed performed well in our cooling test, so it should keep you from overheating at night
Cons
May be too firm for some side sleepers seeking plusher support
Earned mixed results in our motion isolation test, so may not work for all couples and light sleepers
Shipping
Free shipping minus AK, HI, and Canada
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Limited lifetime warranty
Returns
Refunds and exchanges offered within trial period
The DLX Classic mattress is a hybrid bed with a mirrored design so that you can flip it as needed for durability (or fun!). It comes in three firmness settings, and we found the Medium model to be a great pick for back sleepers. It’s got plenty of bounce, and a more “on-top” feel. It may not be the best pick for some, especially if you’re concerned about motion isolation or looking for something super-soft.
Testing Highlights
Pressure Relief. Both sides of the DLX mattress provide excellent pressure relief, earning a 4.5/5 overall rating from our testers.
Edge Support. We only noticed sinkage when we sat directly on the corner of this mattress, so we gave it a 4.6/5 score for edge support.
Responsiveness. This flippable hybrid’s bouncy feel is the reason it earned a perfect score for responsiveness.
Why the DLX Classic is the Best Flippable Mattress in a Box
Flippable mattresses are often chosen for their practicality and durability — you’re basically getting two beds for the price of one. If one side of the mattress gets worn out, you can simply flip it over to use the other side. When it comes to flippable beds, the DLX Classic is my top choice for its 5-star setup process.
As a hybrid, it does a nice job providing both support and pressure relief, which our testers rated 4.5 stars. Additionally, the innerspring coil layer provides this bed with a good level of bounce, which helped it earn a perfect 5-star rating in our responsiveness tests.
I actually really like this on my back. There isn’t a deep contour, but I do notice some contouring in my lower back. It’s not like a foam mattress, where it fully fills that area, but I do feel the contouring. Overall, it’s a really good feeling, and my butt is sinking in nicely for good alignment. My butt feels great, and I don’t know if I have ever said that about a mattress. There is no strain on my neck or shoulders.
– Sosha Lewis, certified sleep science coach
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Firmness: 7/10
The medium model of the DLX Classic skews just a touch firmer than advertised.
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Pressure Relief: 4.5/5
Above average. Both side and back sleepers should feel comfortable on this bed, but we especially loved the latter position.
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Edge Support: 4.6/5
Above average. We didn’t notice much sinkage when lying down at the edge of the bed, only a bit more when seated at the foot.
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Cooling: 4/5
Average. The DLX Classic has a temperature-neutral feel that should accommodate most sleepers.
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Motion Isolation: 3.3/5
Below average. While our couples test went off without a hitch, the glass did fall over and spill in our water test.
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Response: 5/5
Exceptional. Even with its foam top, moving around on the DLX Classic is a breeze.
Who Might Like the DLX Classic
Combination sleepers. The DLX Classic is super bouncy, even with its pillow top. Sleepers can flip to their side, back, and stomach without feeling impeded by the mattress.
Back sleepers. This bed has a more “on top,” supportive feel that’s best suited to sleepers who rest on their back, as it’ll help keep their spines aligned.
Folks with mobility concerns. A responsive mattress with a solid perimeter like the DLX is ideal for those who need assistance getting in and out of bed. The edge serves as a second chair, while the bed’s bounce makes it easier for you or your caregiver to move.
Who Might Not Like the DLX Classic
Stomach sleepers. The DLX Classic is a great choice for side and back sleepers, but we think stomach sleepers may want a firmer option. While the Medium-Firm model is slightly firmer than advertised, average-weight and larger-bodied people will likely find their hips sinking below their shoulders, which may lead to back pain.
Light sleepers. This mattress earned its lowest rating for motion isolation: in our water test, the glass was jostled so violently that it tipped over. This means you may feel the more aggressive movements your partner makes.
Doctor’s Note
“Rotating or flipping your mattress every so often is a good way to ensure it doesn’t sag. If you rest in the same area of your bed for long enough, you may notice an indentation start to form where your body sinks into the bed.” – Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM
Other User Reviews
The DLX Classic has a total customer review rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Negative reviews say that the mattress isn’t firm enough for the purchaser’s liking. But the majority are positive, praising the bed’s balanced feel. Many appreciate the bed’s flippable design to help it last longer.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
We rated this bed at a 6.5/10, which is right at medium-firm.
Price
$449 – $899
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Couples
This bed scored high in motion isolation and response, which should appeal to couples.
Side Sleepers
Side sleepers wanting pressure relief will enjoy this bed’s medium-firm feel and gentle cradling.
Budget Shoppers
A queen-size Boring AF mattress will only run you about $700.
Pros
This foam mattress has surprisingly robust edges that held up well when sitting and laying on them.
The Boring AF mattress is also fairly responsive, which should benefit combination sleepers and sexually active couples.
It comes with a generous year-long sleep trial.
Cons
Opinions were mixed in our cooling tests, so we can’t recommend it for hot sleepers.
Some sleepers, like those who rest on their tummies, may want to look for a firmer mattress to support them.
Shipping
Free shipping minus AK, HI, and Canada
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
Free returns
The Boring AF mattress is anything but. It’s an affordable all-foam option that, while lacking frills, is certainly not lacking in comfort. If you’re a back or side sleeper wanting pressure relief, it’s a match made in heaven! Just note that it’s not the coolest, and it might not be supportive enough for stomach sleepers, especially those of a larger size.
Testing Highlights
Pressure Relief. The Boring mattress earned an extremely rare perfect rating for overall pressure relief, making it a great bed for back sleepers, side sleepers, and those seeking pain relief.
Responsiveness. This is also one of the few beds that scored perfectly in our response tests, too. Responsive beds typically make changing positions easy.
Motion Isolation. The bed earned its final perfect rating for motion isolation, as its dense layers helped to absorb movement before it can travel across the surface.
Why the Boring AF Mattress is the Best Affordable Mattress in a Box
Online mattresses can range from budget buys to luxury investments, depending on the materials, construction, additional features, and company policies. While expensive mattresses often have premium materials, there are plenty of high-performing beds on the market that won’t break the bank. Enter the Boring All-Foam mattress and its star-studded performance. But the best part is its price: as low as $700 for a queen-size.
I consider the Boring All-Foam (AF) mattress the best value bed-in-a-box because it’s one of the cheapest beds we’ve tested, yet it still delivers 5-star cushioning and support. Aside from cooling, which the Boring AF received its lowest score, we awarded it ratings of 4.4 or higher in all our performance tests, including 5/5 scores for pressure relief, responsiveness, motion isolation, unboxing and rising. These are incredible scores for a high-priced luxury bedding, they are fairly mind-blowing for one well under $1,000.
Of our setup process, off-gassing only earned a 4/5 because the mattress had noticeable smell. However, it soon went away, and that is why we only deducted one point.
The mattress has some slight contouring and sinkage, yet my lower back still feels supported, and I feel great pressure relief all over while back sleeping. I also really like this mattress on my side. My hips and shoulders feel relaxed, and my spine is neutral.
– Our in-house tester
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Firmness: 6.5/10
Our testers found that the all-foam Boring mattress to be medium-firm, which is the industry standard for most models.
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Pressure Relief: 5/5
Exceptional. The Boring All Foam mattress offers excellent pressure relief for back- and side-sleeping individuals.
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Edge Support: 4.4/5
Above average. Sleepers should feel secure while lying along the sturdy perimeter of the Boring AF mattress.
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Cooling: 2.5/5
Below average. Our mattress experts found that the Boring mattress retained more heat than other models.
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Motion Isolation: 5/5
Exceptional. If you sleep with a restless partner, you shouldn’t have to worry about being disturbed by their movements on this mattress.
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Response: 5/5
Exceptional. Despite not having innerspring coils in its construction, the surface of the Boring mattress is responsive and easy to move around on.
Who Might Like the Boring AF Mattress
Combination sleepers. This bed’s strong performance in both responsiveness and pressure relief, plus its medium-firm feel, marks it as appealing and accommodating for nearly every sleeping position.
Couples. The Boring AF mattress absorbs motion like a pro. You’ll sleep soundly without feeling a peep from your bedmate.
Side and back sleepers. The touch of sinkage from this mattress provides good pressure relief around the hips, shoulders, and lower back for these sleeping positions.
Who Might Not Like the Boring AF Mattress
Hot sleepers. This bed fell short when we used a thermal gun to measure the temperature increase after a tester had lain on it. The Boring AF’s temperature had increased by 12.2 degrees after just 7 minutes, which only earns 2.5 stars for this category.
Those who want a bed with coils. Though this mattress is very bouncy and supportive, it doesn’t have an innerspring unit like the many other hybrids on this bed. It still has more of an all-foam feel.
Doctor’s Note
“If you’re opting for a cheaper mattress, make sure it’s of sound construction and quality despite the lower price. A quality mattress offers a perfect balance of required comfort and support, keeping the natural spinal alignment and body posture in place, which will ensure you sleep longer and more comfortably.” – Dr. Shelby Harris, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Clinical Associate Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry
Other User Reviews
The Boring AF mattress has a 4.9-star rating out of hundreds of customer reviews. The majority are positive, citing the quality and comfort they’ve enjoyed, especially for the low price. Negative reviews stem from the bed not being supportive or firm enough for certain body types.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The Glacier Original Hybrid combines combining soft foams and sturdy coils for a mix of contouring and support.
Firmness
The Glacier Original Hybrid scored a 5.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, making it a soft mattress.
Price
$998–$2,996 (before discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Back Sleepers
Back sleepers can appreciate the Glacier’s ability to cushion the lumbar spine and support the hips.
Side Sleepers
Side sleepers should receive plenty of cushioning from the memory foam comfort layers.
Combination Sleepers
The above-average edge support and responsivness allow combination sleepers to easily transition between positions without falling off the bed.
Pros of the Glacier Original Hybrid
The soft feel is perfect for anyone seeking plushness at the hips, shoulders, and back.
The mattress cover is silky, smooth, and cool to the touch.
The strong edge support allows couples to fully sprawl out on the mattress.
Cons of the Glacier Original Hybrid
Our thermal gun test didn’t find outstanding temperature regulating abilities.
Our testers didn’t find great motion isolation, so you may feel a partner tossing and turning next to you.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
Full refund within the 365-night trial period
The Glacier Original Hybrid is a soft yet sturdy mattress containing plush layers of memory foam and a layer of supportive innerspring coils. When we tested this bed in our studio, we thought it was softer than average, landing at a 5.5/10 on the mattreses firmness scale. While the comfort layers provide body contouring to relieve pressure when back and side sleeping, the individually wrapped coils prop the hips in line with the shoulder to keep the spine in a neutral position.
Testing Highlights
Firmness. The Glacier is a decidedly soft mattress, coming in at 5.5/10 on our firmness scale.
Pressure Relief. This mattress scored a 4.5 for overall pressure relief, but it’ll likely work best for side sleepers who want a plusher-feeling bed.
Responsiveness. We also found this bed had noticeable response and bounce, earning another 4.5 rating in this category.
Why the Glacier Original Hybrid is the Best Mattress in a Box for Back Sleepers
Where side sleepers should prioritize soft pressure relief and stomach sleepers should seek firm support, back sleepers have a bit more wiggle room to play around with their firmness preferences. According to Dr. Dasgupta, back sleepers should focus on finding enough support at the hips to keep the spine straight, while also experiencing a bit of cushioning at the lumbar region.
I chose the Glacier Original Hybrid mattress as the best bed-in-a-box for back sleepers because it earned an average rating of 5 stars for pressure relief in this sleeping position. Its somewhat softer feel will fill the gap in the lumbar spine, helping prevent pain and give your alignment the necessary boost. Alongside high marks for edge support and response, this mattress also earned 4.8 stars for the overall setup, which went rather painlessly in our studio.
Our full Glacier Original Hybrid mattress is coming soon.
What Our Tester Says
I feel fantastic in a back-sleeping position. There is support in both my shoulders and hips, and I don’t feel any pressure on my back. My spine is aligned with enough contour that my back doesn’t hurt. The plush top is very comfortable on my neck and shoulders.
– Our in-house tester
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Firmness: 5.5/10
At 5.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale, the Glacier Original mattress is softer than your average bed.
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Pressure Relief: 4.5/5
Above average. The soft memory foam of the Glacier Original mattress effectively relieved pressure across all sleeping positions during testing.
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Edge Support: 4.4/5
Above average. The reinforced edges of the Glacier mattress barely sank when placing weights on top of them.
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Cooling: 3/5
Average. Despite its cool-to-the-touch cover, the Glacier absorbed quite a bit of body heat during testing.
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Motion Isolation: 3.8/5
Average. During testing, some movement rippled across the mattress surface, which could disturb light sleepers.
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Response: 4.5/5
Above average. The innerspring coils in this mattress make it easy to maneuver and change sleeping positions.
Who Might Like the Glacier Original Hybrid
Those who frequently sit or lie down along their bed’s edge. Around the perimeter, the bed contains two rows of thicker coils to reinforce the support and prevent sagging. Our testers found the edge support to be solid enough to bear down on, sit on, and lie on without instability.
Fans of a soft bed. While the Glacier has supportive coils to ensure you remain in alignment, this bed has a plusher feel overall, a good match for side sleepers, lightweight folks, and those with sensitive joints.
Couples who want a good mattress for sex. This bed checks two boxes that benefit intimacy: strong edge support for more surface area, plus responsiveness for seamless repositioning.
Who Might Not Like the Glacier Original Hybrid
You run extra-hot at night. After a tester lay down on this bed for 7 minutes, the surface warmed by 11.5 degrees, earning 3 stars for cooling. While our tester didn’t find it sweltering, those who are particularly prone to night sweats may want a more actively cooling mattress.
Light sleepers. The Glacier performed just alright in the motion isolation department. While most couples should be fine on this bed, I wouldn’t recommend it for sleepers who wake up when their partner moves beside them.
Doctor’s Note
“Back sleepers should look for a medium-firm mattress that provides proper spinal alignment through its robust support. Pressure relief is important, especially in the lumbar area, so the gap there is completely filled and cushioned. I also recommend a bed with zoned support, motion isolation, and strong edge support for enhanced comfort.” – Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM
Other User Reviews
The Glacier Original Hybrid has earned a 4.8-star rating from customer reviews. There are a few negative reviews expressing woes about the return process or off-gassing smell. Most customers enjoy the bed’s blend of softness and support, with a few saying it’s helped reduce their back pain upon waking.
Latest Updates: In September of 2026, we updated this page with our new format. You should find all the information you need about the best bed-in-a-box mattresses without having to scour for it or decode jargon. We also edited our buyer’s guide to ensure all of your frequently asked questions are answered.
Other Mattresses in a Box We Researched
Most online mattresses nowadays come compressed in a box, and there are plenty of excellent choices that didn’t make their way onto my list. Let’s briefly discuss three bonus beds:
WinkBed– The WinkBed mattress is a hybrid pillow-top mattress offered in three firmness levels. We tested the Luxury Firm model, which we found to be best suited for back sleepers due to its firm innerspring layer that promotes spinal alignment. The pillow-top provided just enough plushness to support the lumbar region. However, the “medium” model isn’t the best mattress for side sleepers as it’s slightly too firm at the shoulders, so we recommend the Softer model.
Bear Original – The Bear Original mattress is a solid choice for sleepers seeking an all-foam construction that provides minimal sinkage. Leaning slightly firmer than average, this bed offers just a bit of cushioning and plenty of support, making it ideal for back and stomach sleepers. Since I tried to include mostly true medium-firm mattresses on this roundup, the Bear didn’t make my list.
Nectar Classic Hybrid — As a softer hybrid mattress, the Nectar is a great choice for side and back sleepers seeking ample body contouring and sinkage. Its cooling cover is also a plus for hot sleepers. While it earned high scores on most of our testing categories, we thought it lacked support around its edges, as the plush foam layers easily compressed when pressure was applied.
How We Tested the Mattresses in a Box
Here at Mattress Clarity, we’ve tested hundreds of the most popular bed-in-a-box mattresses on the market. We’ve fully assessed them from start to finish — from unboxing and materials all the way to testing performance in the categories most important to our sleepers. When rounding up these mattresses, I focused on three key factors – setup, firmness and support, and pressure relief.
Unboxing Process
Each mattress on this list arrived at our Charlotte, NC testing studio inside a tall rectangular box. The first step is unboxing — cutting open the cardboard, unwrapping layers of cellophane, and finally unfolding the bed, puncturing the thick plastic layer. As we do this, we observe how heavy the bed is and whether it’s easy or difficult for one person to move on their own. We also note whether the beds come with handles along the side, which makes maneuvering them easier.
Next, we place the mattress on a base and take away the plastic, allowing it to expand. As the bed inflates, we time how long it takes for it to rise fully. While some beds puff up instantly, others rise more slowly and require several days to decompress. We award higher scores to beds that are ready to sleep on as soon as you unwrap it.
Off-Gassing
When a mattress is compressed and packaged, VOCs (volatile organic compounds) produced during the manufacturing process become trapped. Once the box is open, these chemicals are slowly released, often resulting in an unpleasant odor, known as off-gassing. The smell usually dissipates after a couple of days. While this shouldn’t affect your overall sleep experience, you may want to allow your bed to air out before adding sheets.
Fortunately, short-term exposure to off-gassing appears to be relatively harmless. No studies currently link it to long-term health consequences, though research is ongoing.
Firmness and Support
Online mattresses are available in a variety of firmness levels. If there’s a choice between firmness options, we typically test the medium model, as this is the most commonly preferred feel among sleepers. However, every brand’s version of a “medium” mattress varies, so we simplify it by rating each bed on a scale of 1 to 10.
On the mattress firmness scale, a score of 1 represents the softest possible mattress, while a 10 is the firmest. A score of 6.5 represents a true medium-firm feel that balances soft cushioning with firm support. The beds on this roundup range from a 5.5 to a 7 out of 10, so you can choose the firmness most compatible with your sleeping position, body type, and feel preference.
You can see how firm we rated each mattress below. Note that for beds that come in multiple firmness options, we rated the mid-range model (dubbed Luxury Firm, Medium-Firm, or Medium).
Regardless of what firmness you choose, each mattress I’ve suggested contains a sturdy support layer made from either steel coils or high-density polyfoam. Even if you choose a soft bed, you’ll still experience enough spinal support to keep the body neutrally aligned, which can prevent pain from occurring over time.
Pressure Relief
In any mattress, it’s important to balance support with pressure relief. According to Mattress Clarity medical advisor Dr. Shelby Harris, PsyD, DBSM, “If a mattress is too firm, you may experience back or shoulder pain due to unnecessary tension throughout the night. If the mattress is too soft, the spine can’t align correctly, and can cause pain in the morning.” She recommends a mattress ranging somewhere between a 5.5 and 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale.
We test pressure relief in our studio by inviting multiple testers of different body types to lie down in the back and side-sleeping positions. As they lie there, they assess how the mattress feels in that position, observing their spinal position and any areas of pain or discomfort. Each tester provides their individual rating for each position, and we then find the average to create our final pressure relief score.
For this roundup, I chose mattresses that earned a combined average of 4.2 stars or higher for both sleeping positions. While some of these beds are more compatible with certain sleeping positions than others, I wouldn’t steer back or side sleepers away from any of these options.
Below, you can find the rating each mattress we recommend received for pressure relief. You can also pit each score against the average of all we’ve tested: 4/5.
What Else Is Important When Buying a Mattress in a Box?
With so many bed-in-a-box mattresses available, you may feel overwhelmed by the numerous options. To help narrow your search, I’ve broken down some of the most important factors that may determine how a bed feels and performs for you.
Edge Support
Strong support is important, not only to keep the spine aligned, but also to keep the sleeper firmly planted on the mattress without slipping off. If the bed’s support begins to falter along the edges, you may find yourself gravitating towards the center of the bed to prevent rolling off the side. If you sleep with a partner, sturdy edges will allow you to fully spread out and use the entire surface area of the bed. Strong edge support can also indicate durability, as weak edges are more likely to sag over time.
We test for edge support by sitting and lying directly on the edge of the mattress and noting whether we’re lifted and supported, or slipping and sagging. If the edges are just as supportive as the very center of the bed, we rate them higher. We also assess the edges by gradually adding weighted plates onto them and measuring the sinkage. Based on how much the edges sink, the mattress is given a score that reflects its performance against the average mattress we’ve tested.
Cooling
When beds-in-a-box first hit the market, they were all-foam and didn’t feature many cooling features. This made some shoppers wary of bed-in-a-box mattresses, as they tended to trap heat. Companies saw this issue and invested in a number of new and high-tech features to keep these mattresses sleeping cool.
Cooling relief can come from breathable covers made from cotton, Tencel, bamboo, or proprietary materials. Incorporating graphite, copper, or other infusions into the foam layers can also help draw heat away from the sleeper. Hybrid mattresses are also typically suitable for hot sleepers, as the pocketed coils allow for ample airflow.
We test cooling using a thermal gun, which allows us to measure the temperature of the mattress before and after someone has lain on it for seven minutes. If the bed heats up by less than 4 degrees, we consider it to have excellent 5-star cooling abilities. An increase of 5 to 10 degrees indicates good cooling, 10 to 15 degrees indicates decent cooling, and an increase of more than 15 degrees indicates poor cooling abilities.
Responsiveness
Responsiveness refers to how quickly the mattress returns to its original shape after weight has been applied. This is an essential factor for combination sleepers and sexually active couples to pay attention to, as it allows them to easily switch positions without feeling trapped in the bed’s layers.
We start with a switch test where we lie on the mattress and move from our back to our side to our stomach and note how much effort we had to exert. We then place a 40 lb kettlebell on the center of the mattress for seven seconds and then pull it straight up. We measure how long it takes for the bed to return to its original shape using a stopwatch. Bounce can also correlate to responsiveness, so we climb up a six-foot ladder and drop a medicine ball onto the bed. A yardstick on the wall allows us to measure how high the ball bounced. The average bounce height is 15.8 inches.
Company Policies
Before any major purchase, it’s important to read the fine print, but it’s especially crucial when buying from an online retailer. We recommend shoppers pay attention to the warranty, sleep trial period, and shipping policies. Below, I’ll provide a brief explanation of each and what you should look for.
Warranty: A mattress’s warranty can indicate its lifespan and durability, as it gives us an idea of how long the company expects the product to last. Most brands offer a 10- to 20-year warranty that protects the sleepers from manufacturing errors. Sometimes, this can extend to premature sagging if the indents are a certain depth. We prefer mattresses that offer lifetime warranties, so you’re covered for several decades.
Sleep Trial Period: Buying a bed online can be intimidating, but luckily, most online retailers offer lengthy sleep trials, which allow you to return the mattress within a certain number of days. Many brands won’t accept returns until 30 days after delivery to ensure you’ve given yourself time to get used to it. We recommend opting for mattresses that offer at least a 100-night trial period. 120-night sleep trials are also common to find, with 365-night trials being our preference.
Shipping and Delivery: Every mattress on this roundup comes with free shipping. While all of these beds arrive compressed in a box, there are some brands, such as Saatva, that offer white-glove delivery, so a team of workers will show up at your home and set up the bed in the room of your choice. This type of delivery can even include the disposal of your old mattress.
Bed Frames
There are several types of bed frames and foundations that you can use for your new mattress. The best foundation is all up to personal preference. Some foundation types include:
Box spring: A wooden or metal frame structure wrapped in a fabric cover that rests underneath your mattress.
Platform bed: A headboard connected to a foundation of wooden slats that rest beneath your mattress.
Bed frame: Metal or wooden slats that hold and support your mattress. Bed frames usually have rails on the sides of your mattress for support, too.
Adjustable frame: An adjustable frame is a bed frame that can be raised or lowered at the head of the mattress to help adjust your sleeping position and the angle at which you sleep.
What is a Bed-in-a-Box Mattress?
A bed-in-a-box is exactly what it sounds like: a bed that arrives on your doorstep in a box!
The internet has made mattress shopping very convenient, with a plethora of brands out on the market. Many brands these days will also offer quizzes if they have more than one model. Quizzes can help curate the mattress to the consumer to give them the best option for their situation.
The bed-in-a-box used to be just all-foam mattresses that were compressed into a cardboard box, but these days, even mattresses with coils can be packaged up and shipped to your door. From there, it’s as simple as removing the packaging and letting the bed expand. Most expand rather quickly, but it’s best to wait about 24-48 hours to let the bed come to its shape completely and off-gas any chemical smell that happened as a result of the compression process.
It’s also a common misconception that bed-in-a-box mattresses are less durable than those you can pick up in a brick-and-mortar store. High-quality mattresses from a box can last just as long as one that has never been compressed!
Best Bed-in-a-Box Mattress FAQs
Are bed-in-a-box mattresses any good?
There are many great bed-in-a-box mattresses out there that feature some high-end materials. Of course, the quality of a bed-in-a-box mattress depends on the brand, but there are numerous comfortable and supportive options out there.
Where can you try a bed-in-a-box?
Most bed-in-a-box mattresses cannot be tried before they are delivered. However, most have a trial period, so you can return the mattress if you don’t like it within that amount of time. A few online mattress retailers do have showrooms, but we still find that the sleep trial is the easiest method—and it gives you a better idea of how the bed will work long-term.
How long do you have to wait to sleep on a bed-in-a-box?
A bed-in-a-box typically has an “off-gassing period,” during which it emits a chemical-like smell, a result of the packaging and sealing process. While this isn’t dangerous, you may want to wait 24-48 hours before sleeping on this bed, as the fumes can cause headaches and irritation, especially to those with respiratory issues.
Does a bed in a box need a box spring?
No! A bed-in-a-box does not need a box spring. While a box spring can add height and support to your mattress, it isn’t necessarily required, and your bed-in-a-box can rest on the floor. Additionally, while a bed-in-a-box used to be all foam, they can now be made with springs, reducing the need for box springs.
What are the benefits of a mattress in a box?
There are many pros to a bed-in-a-box mattress. The main one being price, as these beds ship directly to the customer, often resulting in a lower cost for comparable quality. There’s also the convenience of one arriving at your front door, and it’s much easier to lug a box upstairs than an oversized mattress. And the unboxing and setup process is fairly straightforward, with most beds ready for use within 24 hours.
What are the drawbacks of a mattress in a box?
One downside is off-gassing; some mattresses release a mild chemical smell when first unboxed, though it usually fades within a few days. You also can’t test the mattress in person beforehand, which can make it harder to know if it’s the right feel for you. Finally, some bed-in-a-box mattresses may not be as supportive as those that were never compressed or rolled up. Many are also thinner to ensure they fit inside a box.
What is the best bed-in-a-box company?
The best brand really depends on your sleep preferences, like firmness, materials, and budget. Popular options that our experts praised during their testing include Nectar, Helix, and DreamCloud.
What is the lifespan of a mattress in a box?
Most bed-in-a-box mattresses last around 10 years with proper care. Rotating it regularly (every 3 to 6 months) and using a supportive base can help extend its lifespan.
Kenny is a certified sleep science coach and staff writer at Mattress Clarity, where he reviews mattresses, bedding, and sleep accessories to help you skip the guesswork and enjoy a restful night’s sleep. He’s been featured as a sleep expert in publications such as Livingetc and U.S. News & World Report. As a natural tinkerer, he enjoys getting hands-on with each product to determine if it truly makes a difference in sleep quality. When he’s not testing out mattresses and other sleep products, you can find him hiking, biking, or trying out new local eats.
