The 9 Best Beds-in-a-Box for Better Sleep
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Buying a new mattress can be difficult enough as it is, but the prospect of purchasing a bed-in-a-box online—often sight unseen—can make it a more daunting prospect. On the other hand, spending an afternoon awkwardly shirking an overzealous salesperson at the mattress store, then lugging the thing home on the roof of your car, isn't ideal either.
Luckily, more and more companies are realizing how much we hate buying mattresses in person, from newer, direct-to-consumer brands to trusted mattress brands traditionally sold in stores. Beds-in-a-box are lauded for their convenience, arriving at your doorstep rolled up in neat, vacuum-sealed packaging, and these mattresses are just as comfortable and long-lasting as mattresses you'd buy in-store. They're easier and more efficient to ship due to the square packaging, meaning they often arrive quicker than traditional mattresses ordered online (some options ship to your door in less than a week).
Most of the mattresses on our list are made of memory foam as it's easily compressible for the whole in-a-box shebang, but we made sure to include some spring-loaded picks for the traditionalists out there. Read on for our recommendations for the best mattresses-in-a-box of the year.
The 9 Best Beds-in-a-Box of 2023
What to Consider
Firmness
Most bed-in-a-box sets are either completely or partially made from memory foam since it easily re-inflates prior to use. However, this doesn't mean every mattress-in-a-box is soft and squishy. Memory foam is more structured than you might think and can actually produce a very firm, supportive bed if you choose the right one. Some options have springs or coils inside the foam, which can provide extra firmness and a bit of bounce if you don't like to sink into your mattress while you sleep.
Cooling Properties
Consider how warm of a sleeper you are before you buy. If you tend to find run hot at night, you may want to invest in a mattress designed to keep you cool, especially since memory foam is notorious for trapping heat. Look for infusions of copper, bamboo, or gel for a cooling effect.
Your Bed Frame
Keep in mind that lots of mattresses-in-a-box are made entirely of foam, which can warp and sag when used directly on the slats on your bed frame. If you already have a bed frame with slats, choose an option with springs that give the mattress structure or buy a box spring to go with your mattresses. Alternatively, splurge on a new bed, because you deserve it.
How We Selected
To find the best options among the many mattresses-in-a-box on the market, we researched the most popular models available. We looked at expert reviews from trusted sources like Good Housekeeping and CNET, as well as reviews from people who’ve bought these models on sites like Amazon. We chose mattresses compatible with a variety of sleeping positions, firmness preferences, and budgets to find an option that ships right to your front door for every type of shopper.
Looking to replace your whole bedding setup? Check out our top picks for mattress toppers, memory-foam pillows, and bedding sets.
Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track.

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