So, you’re on a hunt for the best mattress-in-a-box. Welcome to our world. We’ve spent countless hours researching, talking about, and sleeping on leading online mattresses far and wide, from beds for side sleepers to affordable mattresses that can meet anyone’s needs. Not sure where to find your perfect mattress match? We have you covered. It’s our fifth year hosting Sleep Week—our guide to editor-favorite bedroom essentials for a good night’s rest—and testing mattresses-in-a-box is what we do best.

We’ve spent countless hours researching, talking about, and sleeping on leading online mattresses far and wide, from Amazon’s best-selling mattress to luxury bed brands that will help you elevate your dream sleep setup. And while it might come as a surprise, finding the best mattress-in-a-box for your bedroom can also do wonders to elevate its design. If you have a maximalist bedroom, look for a grand mattress-in-a-box (around 15 inches or more) that’ll turn your bed into the centerpiece of the room. And if you lean more on the minimalist or modern side, opt for a mattress with a lower profile to literally ground your bedroom design.

Even with all this in mind, we know that there’s no such thing as a “one size fits all” mattress. And given that a high-quality mattress can cost well over $1,000 and should last you a decade or more, this is an investment you definitely want to get right. We’ve done the legwork of sleep-testing leading online mattresses so we can provide clarity and insight into which bed-in-a-box might be right for your needs. (P.S. With many mattress brands hosting their own Sleep Week events, you can score some of the picks below at a huge discount right now. Don’t sleep on these mattress deals: Most bed sales likely won’t last past this week!)

• Best Overall Mattress-in-a-Box: Dreamcloud Premier Hybrid Mattress, $2,396 $999
• The Soft and Supportive Mattress: Coyuchi The Natural Rem Mattress, $2,000
• The Side Sleepers Pick: Tuft and Needle Mint Mattress, $1,295
• The Organic Pick: My Green Mattress Natural Escape Organic Mattress, $1,699 $,1529
• The Classic Hybrid: Thuma Hybrid Mattress, $1,795
• For Hot Sleepers: Cocoon Chill Memory Foam Mattress, $1,079 $699
• The Most Plush Mattress: The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress, $1,664 $649
• For a Firm Feel: Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress, $2,305 $1,614
• The Budget-Friendly Pick: Allswell Supreme Mattress, $487
• For Prime Pressure Relief: Emma Hybrid Comfort Mattress, $1,539 $615
• For Sleepers with Back Pain: Helix Midnight Luxe, $2,373 $1,780

Please note that all prices are for queen-size bed-in-a-box mattresses. Check retailers for additional price and size information.

Mattress tester: Michael Shome, global visuals director

How did the delivery go? The delivery was incredibly fast and efficient. Customer service was easy and pleasant. To get the mattress in place, one needs some support. If you live alone, you’ll definitely need to recruit a friend to help move the mattress in place.

What was the setup like? The mattress arrived neatly compressed in a compact box but as expected, it is quite heavy. Two people are required to maneuver the mattress.

How firm is the mattress? The mattress is moderately firm, but the plush Euro Top adds an extra layer of coziness and comfort. The DreamCloud Premier King has a super cozy cashmere top and seven decadent layers of adaptive support. There is also a one year trial period for mattress buyers looking for longer term flexibility and assessment. Too often mattresses lose their support after consecutive nights of sleep, which makes the trial period quite valuable.

How comfortable was the mattress on a scale of 1 to 10? 8

Would you recommend this mattress to a friend? I would certainly recommend this to a friend and have already suggested it to my parents. They often complain about the annoyance of disturbed sleep from transfer movement. The DreamCloud truly minimizes sleep disturbance from your neighbor.

Mattress tester: Nashia Baker, senior commerce editor

How did the delivery go? The delivery was probably the most seamless process I’ve ever experienced for a mattress order. The bed itself came vacuum-sealed in plastic wrapping and tucked in a large cardboard box. The white glove delivery team was a big help getting the mattress out of the packaging—in a matter of minutes I might add—and positioned on the bed frame.

What was the setup like? Once the mattress was unboxed and placed on the bed frame, it literally popped up and inflated in a few seconds. I gave it about half a day before I slept on it, but when I did, I felt like I was resting on a cloud—no sagging in sight.

How firm is the mattress? This mattress is the perfect balance between soft and supportive. Drifting off to sleep has been the easiest it's been in years in comparison to my old mattress. I never have to toss and turn to get comfortable like my old one since this mattress has a soft top cover and supportive inner layers to give me the support I need (mainly around my neck and shoulders) to help ease me into sleep.

How comfortable was the mattress on a scale of 1 to 10? 10!

Would you recommend this mattress to a friend? Definitely! The fact that this is Coyuchi’s first-ever mattress blows my mind. It has the quality of a bed from a legacy brand, and the hand-tufted construction is incredibly compact considering it’s filled with coils and layers upon layers of organic, soft materials like wool and latex.

I should also mention its versatility. I’ve used this mattress with and without a box spring, and I’ve felt supported night after night. Its firm feel is highly appreciated since I know that mattresses-in-a-box can get a bad rap for being too soft and contouring deeply to the point of feeling like you’re sinking. This bed has just enough give to feel comforting and support from the coils to maintain its shape, which I have a strong feeling will last for many years to come. I consider myself a combination sleeper and I wake up comfortably no matter if I’m on my side, stomach, or back. I’d recommend this mattress to anyone who truly values a quality mattress, from the sustainable materials to the convenience of setup.

Mattress tester: Anna Fixsen, contributor

How firm is the mattress? I am a side sleeper and personally prefer a medium-firm, supportive feel, so I went into this test expecting an overly squishy mattress. But the Mint did not disappoint.

How well did you sleep on this mattress? The invisible support layer is made of cushy gel beads that are distributed evenly. It has just enough give, however, to (dare I quote Goldilocks?) feel just right.

How comfortable was the mattress on a scale of 1 to 10? 10.

Would you recommend this mattress to a friend? Yes. I fell asleep faster and better on this mattress than my old innerspring mattress—despite being someone prone to tossing and turning—making this a great option out of all the memory foam mattresses out there.

Mattress tester: Kristi Kellogg, contributor

How did the delivery go? Delivery was a breeze. The mattress showed up in a box slightly that was as tall as me, and I was able to push it into my garage without event. This is my second mattress-in-a-box, and I was once again taken aback at the fact a huge mattress is able to compress and roll up into a box. It’s amazing.

What was the setup like? Setup was also a breeze. We let the mattress stay in the box for a few days, and then took the mattress upstairs to unbox it.

How firm is the mattress? The mattress is considered “medium firm,” as is the firmest in the My Green Mattress lineup. I love a firm mattress, and this one feels very good to me. I feel super supported, and haven't experienced any back pain sleeping on it. If you prefer a more pillowy experience, it’s worth noting that My Green Mattress sells plush mattress toppers that give you an extra two inches of softness and pressure point relief.

How well did you sleep on this mattress? I slept great. The mattress is so supportive, and I'm finding myself waking up less throughout the night.

How comfortable was the mattress on a scale of 1 to 10? 11.

Would you recommend this mattress to a friend? Ab-so-lutely. It’s such a high-quality mattress and super comfortable. Since it’s a direct-to-consumer brand, you really get a great deal (and if you manage to buy it around Black Friday or Labor Day, you’ll probably get to save even more).

Mattress tester: Bailey Berg, contributor

How did the delivery go? Once the order had been placed, The Mattress arrived in a vacuum sealed box in just under a week (it’s the only delivery option—Thuma doesn’t offer white glove service, even at an added cost). Though it’s a California King (my partner and his entire family would be considered the “average” height in the NBA, so getting a big mattress was necessary), the box it came in was a little under seven feet long and roughly a foot tall and wide. At 67 pounds, I was able to get it inside and up a flight of stairs by myself with minimal swearing, but if we lived in an apartment with more stairs, getting help would have been necessary.

What was the setup like? The instructions said to roll it out and wait two days for the mattress to decompress (though it’s fine to sleep on it immediately). I’m not sure if it’s because I live at high elevation or not, but at the 48-hour mark the mattress hadn’t fully inflated—it was closer to 8 inches than 10 and the covering looked like loose skin. It took about a week before it had fully plumped up (and that was with only the dog sneaking naps on it—no humans sleeping all night). But, it was worth the wait.

How firm is the mattress? Considering I meant for the mattress to be used by older relatives, I had my fingers crossed that it would be plush enough to cradle, without being so spongy that you sink and get stuck. It definitely falls within that Goldilocks zone, while also offering good pressure relief for your hips and back (necessary for a side-sleeper like me and a back sleeper like my partner), and edge-to-edge firmness, so you don’t feel like you might roll off if you get too close to the side and when I sit on the edge I feel well propped up.

How comfortable was the mattress on a scale of 1 to 10? 10. Because it’s all foam, it’s not as bouncy as other beds. It’s dense, but in a good way. It means motion is well isolated. On all the nights we tested it, I slept soundly, even when my partner rolled over and the dogs got in and out of bed. It’s also incredibly breathable, to the point that it’s almost a little cold (which is nice, particularly as a hot sleeper).

If pushed to pick something I would change about the mattress, I’d say it would be nice if it was a touch thicker—my sheets feel a little loose (but it does make them easier to get on).

Would you recommend this mattress to a friend? Yes! I was initially a little skeptical about ordering a mattress-in-a-box—it just sounded a little suspect that something that arrives decompressed would offer good support. But if they’re all as nice as Thuma’s, I’d do it again. It exceeded my expectations.

While I don’t get the weightless, floating feel of some mattresses (which might be a deal breaker for some), I think this a medium-firm mattress has an egalitarian appeal—it should be comfortable for most positions, making it especially good for people who alternate between side, back, and stomach sleeping; couples who have different sleep preferences; and guest rooms, where you’ll have various types of sleepers.

I particularly like that the mattress uses high-quality materials (surprising for an average price of $1,000) that are eco-friendly and sustainable. It’s a bed I feel good about and that feels good to be in.

Mattress tester: Cade Hiser, contributor

How did the delivery and setup go? The delivery was super simple and fast. The overall setup was even faster! From right out of the box, it rolled out nicely onto the box spring on top of my bed frame. There were no complicated instructions or anything like that. The mattress was ready for sleep that evening.

How firm is the mattress? The mattress was honestly a bit firmer than I expected. The Sealy website rates it about a 6/10 on their firm scale, but I’d put it closer to an 8. The two foam layers make a difference.

How comfortable was the mattress on a scale of 1 to 10? I would give this mattress an 8 out of 10 in terms of overall comfort. It may take some getting used to at first if you are new to firmer mattresses like myself. The memory foam layers adjust to your sleep position, which makes falling asleep easy.

How well did you sleep? I’ve never slept better. While my previous mattress was on the firmer side, it was not a memory foam or very cool mattress. With the Cocoon Chill Memory Foam mattress, I do not wake up in the middle of the night like I used to, tossing and turning. I also stay sleeping at a comfortable temperature throughout the night.

If you could change anything about the mattress what would it be? I’m not sure that I would change anything about this mattress. It is exactly what I was looking for.

How does this mattress compare to other mattresses you’ve slept on? I can really tell the difference in my sleep and I wake up feeling refreshed and energized. I used to wake up in the middle of the night and would have so much trouble falling back asleep. With this mattress I wake up significantly less in the middle of the night, and if I do I never have trouble falling back asleep. It really has made sleeping easy!

Mattress tester: Nick Mafi, senior digital features editor

How did the delivery go? The delivery process was very easy. The Nectar mattress appeared in my apartment lobby in a box that seemed far too small to hold a queen-size mattress.

What was the setup like? After bringing it up to my apartment and opening the package, I moved the deflated mattress to my bed frame. From there, the mattress (which was packaged in plastic wrapping) quickly expanded to fit my queen-size bed frame. I allowed the mattress 72 hours to fully inflate, per the directions, before sleeping on it.

How firm is the mattress? My body sinks into the all-foam mattress a bit more than I had anticipated, but that’s likely due to the fact that it’s been over a decade since I’ve had any sort of memory foam mattress.

How comfortable was the mattress on a scale of 1 to 10? I would say an 8. The mattress is comfortable, but I wasn’t used to the give of a memory foam bed at first.

How well did you sleep? To my surprise, I am actually sleeping better on this mattress than I was on my old one.

Would you recommend this mattress to a friend? Yes, absolutely. My biggest concern was that I would take the time and energy to get a new mattress and regret my decision, which would mean I would have to go through the whole process again. Luckily, that didn’t happen, and I’ve been very happy with the mattress.

Mattress tester: Audrey Lee, commerce editor

How did the delivery go? Bed-in-a-box brands like Bear make ordering new mattresses a cinch. My Bear mattress arrived compressed in a tall box that was waiting on my doorstep within 10 days of placing my order. If you’re very strong (unlike me), you might be able to bring the mattress from your doorstep/lobby into your home with no problem—otherwise, I would suggest having help, especially if stairs are involved.

What was the setup like? Thankfully the setup was also super simple and standard to any bed-in-a-box. After releasing the compressed bed from its cardboard box and onto my bed frame, I cut through several layers of tightly wrapped plastic to let it unfurl and expand to its full size. The whole process took under 10 minutes, and I waited a full 24 hours before sleeping on the mattress to let it fully inflate.

How well did you sleep? The Elite Hybrid feels like sleeping on a very cooling cloud that has lots of added support. As I’ve gotten older I find myself gravitating towards firmer beds because they really help my back, so I chose to try out the mattress in the extra firm option. Though I can confirm the bed is ultra-supportive, it still feels comforting thanks to several top layers of cushioning foam. The mattress stands 14 inches tall in total, and what’s nice is you can tell all the different components are working together to deliver a stellar sleep experience. It’s also extremely breathable and very cooling, so though I’m not typically a hot sleeper, it’s definitely a godsend in the summer when you’re looking for any and all ventilation.

Bear’s Elite Hybrid is their “most luxurious mattress,” designed with both coils and foam to help you feel supported but still comfortable. When Bear says their mattresses are cooling, they really mean it, and during the summer months it was definitely a treat. I also really liked that while the mattress is firm, the top layers offer a lot of comfort (as a side sleeper, waking up with shoulder pain from an uncomfortable bed is a real bummer). Not to mention the Elite Hybrid has great edge support, which, if you’re like me and work from bed from time to time, being able to sit up without sinking in too much is greatly appreciated.

How firm is the mattress? Since I opted for the extra firm option (Bear describes this option as a 7.5/10 in terms of firmness), I was expecting something that had less sink to it, though I will say the foam top layers make it pretty cushy!

How comfortable was the mattress on a scale of 1 to 10? A very solid 9—in a perfect world, I would even love something a touch more firm.

Would you recommend this mattress to a friend? Anyone looking to upgrade an old mattress should definitely consider the Elite Hybrid—it’s one of the best hybrid mattresses I’ve tried. There’s lots of love about the bed, but I’d say its cooling ability is where it shines the brightest, making it perfect for hot sleepers.

Mattress tester: Rebecca Grambone, social media manager

How did the delivery go? The delivery process was not as smooth as I would have liked it to go. I received a delivery confirmation even though the mattress had not been delivered and then after going back and forth with customer service, a mattress appeared downstairs in my apartment about a week later, unannounced. Aside from the delivery process, the mattress was compressed which made moving it up to my apartment easier.

What was the setup like? The setup was pretty simple. Once we removed the boxed outer layer, the mattress popped right out and expanded on its own. I did have help, but feel that I could have done it alone if I really needed to.

How well did you sleep? At first, the mattress was harder than what I am used to, but soon over time, it formed to my body. I feel supported yet super comfortable, and, as promised, it keeps me very cool. Their cooling technology actively draws and releases excess heat away from your body through the cooling top cover and copper foam. I look forward to going to bed every night because I’m so comfortable and find that I’m not waking up in the middle of the night to adjust my body or find a cozier position.

Even though Allswell is a newer name, one thing that really stood out to me about this brand is how customizable their mattresses are. They have several options based on your ideal sleep situation. Whether you have a box spring, a flat platform bed frame, an adjustable bed frame, or a slatted frame, all their mattresses are designed to be compatible with a variety of sleeping setups.

How firm is the mattress? I would say that this mattress is a middle ground mattress. It’s not too plush but not too hard—it’s just right!

How comfortable was the mattress on a scale of 1 to 10? I’d rate this mattress at an 8.5. It did take a bit of time to break in but was worth the wait.

Would you recommend this mattress to a friend? I would definitely recommend this mattress to a friend because I can tell that my sleep has improved ever since I switched to it. I wouldn’t change anything about this mattress; however, I will note that this mattress wouldn’t be a good option for someone who likes something more plush.

Mattress tester: Gaby Ulloa, contributor

How did the delivery go? As simple as it gets! The box was delivered right to my front door. That said, this particular Helix mattress is two inches thicker than their standard model. And while it’s definitely an added bonus, it made moving the box around and rolling the mattress out a bit tougher. Pro tip: Make this a two-person project.

What was the setup like? After my friend and I managed to get the mattress out of the box, I removed the plastic wrap carefully (making sure to not cut into the mattress) and then watched in awe at how quickly it expanded into its full shape. I noticed a slight chemical smell and decided to stay the night elsewhere. Full disclosure: This was more due to the fact that I still had one night left in my old apartment before I had to turn in the keys rather than the smell itself, which faded fairly quickly.

How firm is the mattress? It’s marketed as a medium firmness mattress, and I definitely agree. It provides the perfect “not too soft, not too firm” situation and allows me to sink into a deep night’s sleep while still feeling completely supported. The real test, though, was when my six-foot-nine partner spent the night. I never once felt him move around and he, too, agreed the support was ideal.

How comfortable was the mattress on a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being the most comfy)? 9.5! I really do love this mattress, but I’m holding out that 0.5 for a mattress I once slept on but truly cannot afford…

How well did you sleep? Honestly so well. Normally whenever I sleep on a new mattress (or even my mattress back at my mom’s house, which I am very familiar with), I usually wake up with some sort of back pain. That never happened with the Midnight Luxe. I wake up feeling refreshed and well-rested each day.

Would you recommend this mattress to a friend? Absolutely! No doubt about it.

Mattress tester: Pujah Shah, global director of audience development

How did the delivery go? The Emma mattress arrived right at my doorstep and came compressed in a box. While a bit heavy, the box is compact so it was easy to get inside the house and up to my bedroom. (They also offer professional removal of an old mattress/bed through a third-party partner for an extra $125.) It was my first time experimenting with a “mattress in a box” and I was a bit skeptical at first. However, upon opening the box, I was thoroughly impressed with how luxurious and high-quality the Emma Hybrid turned out to be.

What was the setup like? I was quickly impressed by the ease of setup. The brand recommends that the mattress be opened within four weeks of receiving it to ensure its quality. The day I received the shipment, I cut the outer layer of plastic off the mattress and placed it on top of my bed frame. It gradually decompressed after a few minutes and achieved its full shape in just a few hours. I slept on it that night and every night since then!

How firm is the mattress? The Emma mattress is categorized as a medium-firm feel and includes a foam system to cushion the hips and shoulders without allowing them to sink too deeply into the mattress. My husband and I found the firmness level to be perfect for our needs and provide just the right support.

How comfortable was the mattress on a scale of 1 to 10? Sleep, for me, is fleeting. As a new mom, I am constantly struggling with falling (and staying) asleep. Once a sound, fast sleeper, I now wake up to sound, no matter how soft; movement, no matter how delicate; and hot temperatures, no matter the sheets or blankets I use (or don’t use). So to finally find a mattress like the Emma Hybrid Comfort, that helps to alleviate these pain points has had an incredible impact on my quality of sleep and thus my entire day. For that, I’d rate this mattress a 10 out of 10!

How well did you sleep? I slept like a baby! As a stomach sleeper, I appreciated the level of firmness this mattress has. I oftentimes wake up with a stiff neck or lower back pain if a mattress is on the softer side. The Emma Hybrid’s coils and foam are excellent for maintaining alignment and relieving pressure points. I'm also impressed by how well this mattress regulates heat. Hot temperatures have an acute impact on my sleep quality, but fortunately, the plush and moisture-wicking cover on this mattress provides a great cooling sensation. I’ve noticed the quality of my sleep has improved significantly, and I find myself sleeping for longer intervals throughout the night.

Would you recommend this mattress to a friend? I would recommend this mattress to friends specifically for the foam technology that isolates motion. Most of my friends and I are light sleepers, and this feature helped me stay asleep even when my partner got up earlier than me or tossed around in bed. The $659 price tag is definitely worth it!

If you’re looking for a mattress that leans on the supportive side without compromising softness, contributor Rachel Davies points to this Burrow hybrid mattress. “I think this is a great mattress for someone who prefers a firm mattress but also likes a plush top,” they say. “It’s a great kind of ‘compromise’ mattress, too, if it’s going to be for a couple that is split between firm and plush.” Adding that it’s the “perfect middle ground,” Davies notes that it is truly comfortable to catch z’s on for its price point.

Senior digital design editor Sydney Gore says that this eco-friendly mattress is the perfect pick for people looking for a plush, dense mattress that you won't sink inside of like quicksand. Gore notes that it has a spongy feel that she likens to sleeping on a fluffy bread bed. It has helped her fall asleep even easier with its body contouring design, too. Here's another key takeaway: “I should also mention that the mattress is a bit lower than others I’ve slept on in the past, so you’ll definitely want to add the mattress topper if you decide to purchase it,” she says.

This mattress is ideal for back sleepers or anyone who doesn’t like their mattress too soft. Contributor Katarina Kovac can attest that this bed hits all the right spots for back sleepers and then some. “Often gravitating toward a more firm sleeping experience, this mattress was perfect—not the firmest, but it wasn’t too soft to where I sank in,” she says. “The back support was there, and as someone who’s five eleven, that was sincerely appreciated.” As for additional perks? The American Chiropractic Association has endorsed Avocado mattresses since 2020 and the mattress is 100% organic from its materials to production process, which gives Kovac all the more reason to give the bed a five-star approval from me.

A big selling point for this flippable mattress is its two firmness levels: medium firm on one side and firm on the other. According to visuals editor Lizzie Soufleris, this is a great pick for those who tend to steer clear of squishier mattresses. “It provided plenty of support, while still feeling plush, thanks to a layer of latex over the coils,” she says. “This may not be the perfect fit for those who prefer an ultra-firm feel, but the two sides cover a solid range of medium to firm.” It's just as great for couples, as Soufleris notes that it has strong motion isolation that allowed her and her partner to “both readjust without disturbing each other.”

With organic certifications verifying low chemical emissions in its mattresses, Naturepedic is one of our top recommended brands for beds that are earth-friendly and equally comfortable for catching Z’s. Commerce director Rachel Fletcher has been sleeping on the EOS for about a year and is a fan of its sustainably made materials and cozy construction through and through. “I was concerned about the wool in the mattress because of my allergy, but I haven’t noticed any reactions or rashes, which was a huge relief,” she says. “I am also pleasantly surprised by how much less I wake up feeling incredibly hot or enveloped in the mattress, as I have with other models in the past. It does a great job of regulating temperature, which, as a hot sleeper, I very much appreciate.”

Commerce editor Audrey Lee states that falling asleep on this “luxury firm” mattress felt like a “treat,” and if that doesn’t convince you, then allow us to wax poetic about the Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress just a bit more. With seven layers of pressure-relieving and breathable foam, support foam, graphite-infused foam, spring coils, this mattress packs a punch of comfort. In fact, Lee reported zero adjustment period with the Nolah. “The first time I flopped onto the bed, I immediately felt like every element in the mattress was working together to provide the perfect balance of comfort and support,” Lee says. “This is mainly thanks to the substantial seven-layer construction which includes a layer of individually wrapped coils, breathable memory foam, and a plush pillow top cover that cradles your body in a particularly soothing way.”

Layla gives “hybrid” a whole new meaning with their flippable mattress that’s soft on one side and firm on the other. Contributor Cheryl Dearborne used the firm side and stated it supported them properly while still “providing a soft cradle.” When you have it on the firm side, the layer order goes: cool and supportive copper-gel memory foam, airflow support foam with the brand’s Surface Modification Technology, individually wrapped coil system for even more motion control, another layer of airflow support foam, and another layer of copper-gel memory foam. Overall, it creates a dreamy sleep experience that Dearborne stated left her “sleeping better than I ever have before. My sleep is more regulated.”

The Purple Hybrid mattress keeps it a little more lean with only three layers. One of the layers includes Purple’s own proprietary GelFlex Grid, aimed to feel both soft and firm—molding to your pressure points, while still offering optimal support. This balance shone through to contributor Shoko Wanger. “The first time I sat on it, I was shocked at how squishy it felt,” Wanger says. “My toddler son even hopped on with me and immediately said, ‘Bouncy!’ But then, when I lay down, I was surprised again—I wasn’t sinking into it the way I expected I would; instead, I felt buoyant.” In fact, Wanger recommended it felt perfect for someone who prefers a firmer bed, saying “that aforementioned combo of cushiness and extra support is almost addictive.”

Made up of organic wool batting, latex, pocket springs, and cotton filling, contributor Kristi Kellogg reported the Happsy works for just about any sleeping position—whether you’re a back sleeper, side sleeper, or stomach sleeper. It’s definitely a firmer mattress, with Kellogg stating it felt as solid as a regular coiled model, which is something to note if you prefer a medium-soft feel. That said, if you’re someone who likes to pay vigilant attention to what’s used to make their mattress, then you’ll like Happsy’s use of 100% organic and nontoxic materials. One thing to note is Kellogg stated this left a faint alfalfa smell when she first unboxed the mattress from its slim and compact packaging, but it did quickly air out.

We already love Parachute for their bedding, so naturally we had to try out the brand’s mattress. The Mattress uses only premium, eco-friendly materials. This includes six layers made of Pure New Zealand wool, 100% organic cotton, and tempered steel (with five times the coils of a standard mattress). The result is the perfect Goldilocks mattress. Not too firm, but not too soft, good motion isolation, and very intentionally made. It was so comfortable, it made contributor Kristen Flanagan realize that maybe she did actually like a firm mattress. “There is plenty of give, but you don’t sink into it or leave an imprint. My back feels very supported. The hand-tufting makes the top soft but not too mushy,” Flanagan says in her review. “I imagine if you’re used to a super cushiony mattress you might not like this one at first, but Parachute has converted me into a medium-firm mattress person.”

If you’re an all-foam bed purist looking for an affordable online mattress, commerce editor Audrey Lee says the Leesa Studio is one of the best memory foam mattress options available. It features a solid base layer for stability, a comfort layer, and a final memory foam recovery layer that combined together feels ultra-supportive and offers plenty of pressure relief, according to Lee. “I tend to move around in my sleep, ultimately landing on my side, so in addition to solid motion isolation, the Studio’s all-foam construction supplies a nice amount of give without being too soft for my taste,” she says. Lee noted that the Leesa lacked edge support, meaning she couldn’t sit on corners or the edges without sinking down, but it wasn’t so dramatic she thought she would fall off. Either way, the Leesa turned Lee into a foam converter.

As experts in the sleep category, Architectural Digest editors research and test the most sought-after mattresses in the market on a rolling basis to determine the best of the best.

We’ve identified some of the buzziest mattress-in-a-box options available that offer easy setup and a cozy feel by spending hours assessing the luxe bells and whistles of each product. Each tester spends at least a week on the new mattress—coming in at nearly 1,120 hours with an eight-hour sleep schedule in mind for all of the picks in this story—taking notes and catching z’s.

These are the factors we look for when testing a mattress-in-a-box:

• Firmness: Testers noted how plush or stiff the mattress felt after consistent sleep on the mattresses, from a boxed memory foam to a hybrid bed. We explain the difference between the two further down this story.
• Comfort: Our team members rated their overall comfort, including elements like pressure relief and support, for their sleep position over the course of their time sleeping on the mattress.
• Sleep quality: Each tester gave their review on how easily they were able to nod off—and stay asleep—at night, including considerations like motion transfer from a partner and bodily aches like pre-existing back pain.
• Ease of delivery: To ensure your mattress makes it to your doorstep smoothly, we explained our detailed experiences with shipment and the process of moving the mattress inside our homes.
• Temperature regulation: Reviewers noted how well they were able to stay comfortable during sleep based on cooling features and the overall breathability of the mattress materials.
• Height and weight: Mattresses-in-a-box typically range from 10 to 15 inches and average about 100 pounds. This information can help you decide on how well it’ll fit in your space and if you’ll need a hand moving it.
• Ease of setup: We detail the unboxing process, notably how easy or difficult it was to unwrap and how long it took for the mattress to fully inflate.
• Edge support: Testers share how secure they felt the sides of the bed were and if they felt like they’d slide off.
• Overall value: We also mention factors like the warranty and sleep trial to help inform all you get with the price of your mattress.

Pillows, bed frames, comforters, duvet covers, sheets, and more—we've put all the best bedding and furniture to the test so you don't have to:

• Best Pillows, Tested and Reviewed: Upgrade your sleep setup with our top picks from Casper, Brooklinen, Purple, Brooklyn Bedding, and more.
• Best Duvet Inserts and Comforters , Tested and Reviewed: Here to give you the lowdown (and down alternative).
• Best Duvet Covers, Tested and Reviewed: Upgrade your sleep setup with one of these editor-approved picks.
• Best Quilts and Coverlets, Tested and Reviewed by AD: From channeled and reversible cotton to easy, breezy linen, here are some of the best light layers to keep you cozy regardless of the season.
• Best Bed Sheets, Tested and Reviewed: From linen to percale, sateen and silk—we’ve never been more excited to lie down.
• Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers, Tested and Reviewed: Pressure relief, temperature regulation, and more, we tested the best offerings for side and combination sleepers.
• Best Bed Frames on Amazon: Support your mattress and elevate your bedroom with our top picks.
• Best Sleeper Sofas, Tested and Reviewed by AD Editors: No guest room, no problem—these two-in-one staples turn any living space into an impromptu bedroom.
• Best Sheets on Amazon: Treat yourself to an easy bedding refresh.
• Best Pillows for Side Sleepers: Including recommendations from TikTok’s favorite doctors, Amazon reviewers, and AD staffers.