9 Best Mattresses-in-a-Box for 2026, Tested by AD Editors

We Polled Our Editors—These Mattresses-in-a-Box Are Truly the Best This YearOur favorite beds unfurl features like plush pillow-top covers and several high-end layers of supportCustom rosewood side tables with Max Ingrand lamps flank a Savoir bed in the primary bedroom of this San Francisco home designed by John Maniscalco Architecture and The Archers.Photo: Sam FrostBuying any type of bed online already takes a leap of faith, but mattresses-in-a-box can feel like any even more confusing sub-category. After comparing firmness levels, studying the differences between memory foam and hybrid constructions, and reading hundreds of reviews, you’re still left wondering how the bed will actually feel after it unfurls and expands to its full size. Fortunately, AD’s editors have already done a deep dive into dozens of beds that ship easily in compact boxes and hold up across pressure relief, motion isolation, edge support, and temperature regulation. The DreamCloud Premier Hybrid Mattress ultimately reigns supreme after years of testing, thanks to its combination of body-contouring foam layers, supportive springs, and a plush Euro top cover.Feel aside, a mattress also influences the look and proportions of your bedroom. A lofty pillow top can create the inviting, layered feel of a luxury hotel bed, while a lower-profile design lends itself to a more minimalist aesthetic. Beyond appearances, the right choice comes down to your preferred sleep position, ideal firmness, and whether you tend to sleep hot or cold throughout the night. Ahead, AD editors share the mattresses they’ve actually slept on, along with what makes each one worth considering.Our Top Picks:Best Overall: DreamCloud Premier Hybrid MattressBest Memory Foam: Nectar Memory Foam MattressBest Affordable Option: Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam MattressBest Edge Support: Tiami Luxury Hybrid MattressBest Sustainable: PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Organic Latex MattressOur Top PicksMore AD-Approved MattressesHow We TestedComparing Our Top PicksFAQsBuild the Ultimate Bedscape With ADPlease note that all prices in this story reflect queen sizes. Check retailers for additional price and size information.Best OverallDreamCloud Premier Hybrid MattressFrom the “six high-end layers of supportive coils, plush memory foam, and cooling materials” to the quilted cover “for an extra touch of comfort and airiness,” global visuals director Michael Shome has only had the best things to say about this hybrid bed. He’s had it for about five-plus years and thinks the material makeup makes it a crowd-pleaser, so much so that he’s recommended it to his parents. “They often complain about the annoyance of disturbed sleep from transfer movement,” he says. “The DreamCloud truly minimizes sleep disturbance from your neighbor.”Before even sleeping on the mattress, though, he was impressed by the speedy delivery (just a couple of days for the shipment). “Customer service was easy and pleasant,” he adds. Be mindful that you’ll need an extra hand if you don’t go with the white-glove delivery. “The mattress arrived neatly compressed in a compact box but, as expected, it is quite heavy,” Shome shares. “Two people are required to maneuver the mattress.”Parting words: “The mattress is moderately firm, but the plush Euro Top adds an extra layer of coziness and comfort,” says Shome. “The DreamCloud Premier King has a super-cozy cashmere top and seven decadent layers of adaptive support.”It’s one of the most affordable price points you’ll find for a mattress with a high-end hybrid constructionThe breathable design allows for relief, no matter the seasonIts minimal motion transfer makes it perfect for co-sleepers who wake up easily from movementThere are several body-contouring foam layers for a subtle cradling experienceNot made with as many earth-friendly materials as other options in our listCouples who are seeking motion isolation as they sleepAll types of sleepers looking for a balanced, plush yet supportive mattressMattress type: HybridLayers: Six layers: four various types of memory foam for contouring cushion, one of foam-encased pocketed micro-coils for support, and a hand-tufted cashmere blend coverFirmness: Semi-firmHeight: 13 inchesWeight: N/AWarranty: Lifetime warrantyBest Memory FoamNectar Memory Foam MattressIf you’re looking for a bed that feels plushy but still holds up over time, contributor Yelena Moroz Alpert recommends this memory foam mattress from Nectar. Alpert and her husband got this bed in a king size after becoming first-time homeowners and found the mid-range price point as a “sweet spot for something more premium, but still affordable.”She’s had it for nearly a decade and “can honestly say that it is a perfect mattress and I have no qualms recommending it to anyone, but especially those looking for memory foam beds that focus on pressure relief.” Alpert says the memory foam has a knack for letting your body melt into the bed, but it still keeps the medium-firm feel that’s gentle and supportive for side sleepers like her and my husband. “This worked especially well when I was reading in bed because I never felt as if my bum was sinking into the mattress and putting unintended pressure on my lower back,” she says. “In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever had neck or back pain in the eight years I’ve had this bed.”It’s soft to the touch and also has a medium-firm design, so you don’t feel like you’re sinking in the mattressGood motion control to help prevent couples from feeling each other’s every moveCooling cover for sleepers who crave a balance of plush comfort and cooling reliefNot made of organic materials like other mattresses in our listSide sleepers who like plusher sleep surfacesWith contouring foam, this bed is made to give relief to those with back and hip painMattress type: Memory foamLayers: Four layers: CertiPur-US certified quilted gel memory foam, gel memory foam, and “adaptive hi core” memory foam, with a foam base and a cooling Tencel cover to prevent overheatingFirmness: Medium-firmHeight: 12 inchesWeight: 83 poundsWarranty: 365-night sleep trial, lifetime warranty, and free shipping and full refundsBest Affordable OptionZinus Green Tea Memory Foam MattressSome affordable mattresses require compromise, but contributor Jacorey Moon doesn’t feel that’s the case with Zinus’ Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress. He is particularly impressed by its medium-firm memory foam and zone pressure relief, which helped ease occasional neck pain after just the first night of sleep. “I want to feel relaxed without melting into the mattress,” he says. “It’s easy to get in and out of the bed.” Moon also notes strong motion isolation and temperature regulation, saying he barely noticed his partner getting up during the night.Getting the mattress set up was fairly simple, as it was light enough for Moon to carry and unbox on his own. Although the mattress developed some minor misshaping after a month of heavy use, Moon still thinks it’s packed with value. “I would highly suggest it for my friend who is on a budget and doesn’t want to sacrifice a good night’s rest due to their financial constraints.”CertiPUR-US certified memory foam and an OEKO-TEX certified coverZoned pressure reliefBudget-friendly price point with effective temperature regulation and motion isolationDeveloped some minor misshaping after only a month of useShoppers on a budget looking for medium-firm supportMattress type: Memory foamLayers: Four layers of memory foamFirmness: Medium-firmHeight: 12 inchesWeight: 83 lbs (King)Warranty: N/ABest Edge SupportTiami Luxury Hybrid MattressAfter Alpert’s near decade-old mattress started leaving her hips sore at night, she was ready for a change. As a side sleeper who gravitates toward the edge of the mattress, she wanted something that would cushion her pressure points without sacrificing support. The Tiami Luxury Hybrid caught her attention with its double-pocketed coil system, responsive Energex foam, and reinforced perimeter designed to prevent sagging along the edges. “It actually feels as if I am suspended when I sleep. Maybe this is what it is like to sleep in orbit,” she says. Despite its medium-firm construction, Alpert appreciates how the cushioned top offers a softer landing: “It is the perfect firmness for me, giving my body proper support without feeling as if I am sleeping on a stiff board.” After almost a year of testing, she’s noticed a significant difference in her sleep quality. “On the Tiami, I have yet to wake up with any pain,” she says, adding that the edge support makes sitting upright to read in bed more comfortable.Getting the mattress upstairs, however, was another story. Maneuvering the 145-pound king upstairs was a two-person job. Fortunately, the unboxing was straightforward, with no noticeable off-gassing. She was sleeping comfortably on it within eight hours. Alpert also appreciates the bed’s cooling qualities, though she found that the addition of a mattress protector dulls them. Even so, she’d happily get another bed from the brand, describing the mattress as firm overall without losing a plush feel. “It almost feels as if I am sleeping atop a sponge cake layer,” she adds.Excellent edge support that prevents sagging when sitting or sleeping near the edge of the bedMedium-firm construction is well-suited to the broadest range of sleepersResponsive foam combined with double-pocketed coils create a buoyant, supportive feel without sinkingCotton cover is not removable or washable, and adding a mattress protector may reduce its cooling benefitsSide sleepers looking for pressure relief without sacrificing firm, supportive cushioningAnyone who sleeps near the edge of the bed or frequently sits upright to read or workMattress type: HybridLayers: Five layers: cotton cover, Energex comfort foam, memory foam recovery layer, double-pocketed coil support system, and reinforced perimeter coilsFirmness: Medium-FirmHeight: Not specifiedWeight: Not specified for Queen (145 lb King)Warranty: 10-year limited warrantyBest SustainablePlushBeds Botanical Bliss Organic Latex MattressCuriosity about organic latex first drew contributor Blake Bakkila to PlushBeds, but it was the mattress’s balance of pressure relief and support that ultimately sold her. After years of sleeping on a traditional innerspring mattress, she opted for the medium-firm Botanical Bliss and says the transition has been well worth it. “The duality of plushness and support is exceptional,” she says. “I look forward to sinking into the mattress each night, but I never feel like it's swallowing me or too plush.” Bakkila also praises the mattress’s motion isolation and edge support, sharing how she rarely wakes up when her husband gets out of bed and has never experienced sagging while sitting on the edge.While the Botanical Bliss ships compressed like all mattresses-in-a-box, setting it up required a bit more effort than expected. Bakkila skipped the brand’s optional white glove delivery, and her king-size mattress arrived in two heavy boxes with the latex layers packaged separately inside a zippered cover for assembly at home. “I definitely should have sprung for the in-home delivery,” she says after recruiting both her husband and father to carry everything upstairs. Although it took about a week to adjust to the mattress’s layered construction and feel “balanced and firm,” she says it’s been a worthwhile investment. “As a toddler mom, a long, restful night’s sleep isn’t always guaranteed, but this mattress makes it significantly easier to drift off into dreamland.”Certified organic materials with GOLS-certified latex and GOTS-certified cotton and woolExcellent edge support and motion isolation for couplesBalanced medium-firm feel that combines pressure relief with supportive cushioningHeavy, multi-piece setup makes white glove delivery worth consideringShoppers looking for a sustainably made latex mattress with certified organic materialsCouples seeking strong motion isolation and edge supportMattress type: LatexLayers: Six layers: Three layers of organic latex, an organic cotton panel that keeps the wool from shifting or bunch, a layer of wool for temperature regulation, and an organic cotton coverFirmness: Medium-FirmHeight: 9, 10, and 12-inch optionsWeight: 156 lbs to 221 lbs (King) depending on heightWarranty: Lifetime warrantyNolah Evolution 15 Hybrid MattressAfter testing several mattresses, shopping editor Audrey Lee has developed a pretty specific idea of what makes a good bed. “I’ve come to find that my most comfortable slumbers result from something on the firmer side,” she says, ideally paired with a quilted pillow top that cushions her neck and shoulders. The Nolah Evolution checks both boxes with its substantial 14-inch profile, plush Euro top, and seven-layer hybrid construction that blends pressure-relieving foam with supportive pocketed coils. Lee has the Luxury Firm option, and after three years of testing, she finds it slightly firmer than advertised. As a devoted side sleeper with a history of back and joint pain, she appreciates how the mattress cushions her pressure points without the feeling of sinking in too deeply. “I found this design’s contouring quality was top-tier for pressure relief, but I still had ample support thanks to the coils,” she says. She also noticed a difference in terms of temperature regulation courtesy of graphite-infused foam and heat-dissipating materials. “Throughout most hot nights, I really feel these materials working together, so I’m not kicking off the covers in a stuffy fit.”Unboxing the mattress was surprisingly easy. Lee recruited a friend to help move the box to her bedroom, but the setup itself took less than 10 minutes. She allowed the recommended 24 hours for the mattress to reach peak firmness and slept comfortably from the first night. “In the past I’ve experienced adjustment periods where my body needs time to get used to a mattress, but not with Nolah, which let me get a full night of solid sleep from the get-go,” she says. She is equally impressed by the reinforced perimeter, which remains supportive whether she sits along the edge or rolls from side to side. “I genuinely look forward to bedtime,” she adds.Editor’s Note: The Nolah Evolution is the latest iteration of the model that Lee tested.Extra-thick, quilted pillow top cushions pressure points while still delivering firm supportGraphite-infused foam and heat-dissipating materials help keep hot sleepers comfortableStrong motion isolation and reinforced edges for stabilityPeople who suffer from back and joint pain and need plenty of support around their shoulders and hipsHot sleepers looking for a lofty, luxury-style hybrid with plenty of cooling featuresMattress type: HybridLayers: Seven layers: plant-fiber foundation, pocketed support coils, four foam layers, and organic cotton coverFirmness: Plush, Luxury Firm, FirmHeight: 14 inchesWeight: Not specifiedWarranty: Limited lifetime warrantyCasper Snow Hybrid MattressFor contributor Kate McGregor, a self-described hot sleeper who prefers a medium-soft mattress, Casper’s Snow Hybrid delivers an appealing combination of cooling technology and cushioned support. The most notable features are the patented “HeatDelete” bands within the mattress that are designed to draw heat from your body as you sleep, and McGregor approves. “I’m a hot sleeper, especially since I’m stubborn about turning on my air conditioning,” she says, adding that you can truly feel the bed’s cooling qualities when you dress it with lightweight, breathable sheets.The Snow’s pressure-relieving foam combined with supportive springs results in a bed that’s comfortable, but not plush to a fault. “It’s squishy when I lay down, but I can get up without fighting the foam for purchase,” McGregor adds. She also experienced welcome relief from neck and shoulder discomfort, while its motion isolation meant she rarely noticed her boyfriend getting out of bed. “I track my sleep with an Oura ring, and have previously had trouble with tossing and turning, not getting enough deep sleep, and waking up throughout the night,” she says. “None of those metrics have been flagged as problematic since I changed mattresses.”Unboxing the mattress took 10 minutes, although she enlisted help to move the mattress onto her bed frame after allowing it to expand throughout the day. “I could have done it alone, but it would have been a workout,” she says. One drawback she noted was the off-gassing lingered longer than she’d expected. “Even after a month, there’s still a faint chemical smell holding onto the mattress that I get when I’m face to face with it,” she adds, although she says that the odor has faded considerably since unboxing. “If you’re a hot sleeper who can’t quite decide on a sleeping position, the Snow hybrid is a versatile mattress that covers all your bases.”Cooling-focused design helps regulate temperature for hot sleepersMedium-soft foam layers relieve pressure around the shoulders and neckStrong motion isolation minimizes disturbances from a partner’s movementsOff-gassing odor lingered for several weeks after unboxing, according to our testerHot sleepers looking for a cooling mattress with a soft, cushioned feelSide sleepers and couples seeking pressure relief and motion isolationMattress type: HybridLayers: Seven layers: cooling cover, foam comfort layers, supportive coilsFirmness: MediumHeight: 12 inchesWeight: 81 lbsWarranty: 10-year limited warrantyPurpleFlex MattressNot everyone wants to sink into their mattress, and for Chapin Rockwell, assistant to AD’s global editorial director, firmer support is a priority. She is a back and stomach sleeper and was drawn to the PurpleFlex due in part to its sturdy GelFlex Grid technology. “I’ve noticed that my restlessness has decreased, and I seem to sleep more comfortably throughout the night,” she says. “Most importantly, I’ve been waking up with less back pain and stiffness than I did before.” That said, she cautions that sleepers who prefer a plush mattress might find the PurpleFlex too firm.The mattress’s compressed, rolled design made unboxing a one-person job. The mattress was ready to sleep on just a few hours after unpacking. Rockwell’s only complaint is the mattress’s relatively slim profile. “While I still find it comfortable and supportive, I think a slightly thicker design would make it feel more substantial.” Still, she was impressed enough to purchase a set of supportive Purple pillows shortly thereafter, saying the mattress “made a convincing case for the rest of the Purple products!”Signature GelFlex Grid provides shoulder and hip pressure relief that supports spinal alignment and minimizes lower back strainFirm construction ideal for back and stomach sleepersAmong the more affordable mattresses our editors testedThinner profile offers less cushioning than some of the thicker mattresses our editors testedBack and stomach sleepers who want a firm mattress that doesn’t allow sinkingSleepers who prioritize responsive support over a plush, contouring feelMattress type: GelFlex grid and foamLayers: Four layers: GelFlex Grid, edge support foam, base support foam, Softflex coverFirmness: FirmHeight: 8 inchesWeight: 77 lbsWarranty: 10-year warrantyThe WinkBed“The WinkBed mattress technology provides strong edge support and wicks away heat, ensuring sleepers have a calm, peaceful night,” says contributor Mark Burka. “I would pick the Plus mattress ‘for heavier people’ with the firmest option, now available since I last purchased from WinkBed, knowing the pillow top was going to be as comfy as it is. My partner and I are a same-sex, male-identifying couple and probably would not like to admit that we classify as ‘heavier people,’ but in this case, we do.”Even if you’re used to shopping in person, Burka confirms this online shopping experience has its perks: “The mattress is a more affordable hybrid option compared to others on the market, plus, for those who are hesitant about purchasing an online mattress, WinkBed provides a 120-day warranty—that’s a six-month sleep trial period!—which is plenty of time to decide if the money was well spent (in my case, it was!).”Made of sustainable materialsIdeal for combination sleepersGreat for use with or without a box springIts height isn’t as tall as some mattresses in this list, so it might be less ideal for sleepers looking for a grand bed for their roomSleepers with neck and shoulder painCombination sleepersMattress type: HybridLayers: Six layers: four types of memory foam for contouring cushion, one of foam-encased pocketed micro-coils for support, and a hand-tufted cashmere blend coverFirmness: Medium-firmHeight: 11 inchesWeight: N/AWarranty: 365-night sleep trial, lifetime warranty, free shipping and returnsHow We Tested Each Mattress-in-a-BoxAs 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 month on the new mattress—coming in over 2,500 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.Comparing Our Top PicksFAQsWhat to Consider When Shopping for a Bed-in-a-BoxSleep Position: Out of the mattresses we’ve outlined, the type you choose (foam or hybrid) is largely dependent on your sleep position:Side sleepers: The best mattresses for side sleepers are usually medium-soft foam or hybrid beds since they give just the right amount of support and comfort, especially in the shoulder and neck areas.Back sleepers: If you crave spinal support as you snooze, a medium-firm or firm mattress would be your best bet. Either of these can give you the structured setup you need to cradle your joints.Stomach sleepers: Stomach sleepers also likely need a firm bed because it can help keep the spine in alignment.Combination sleepers: Medium-firm mattresses are a solid option for combination sleepers since these sleepers can sleep in nearly any position, and this bed allows for enough support and comfort to accommodate them all.Warranty: Since mattresses are already a big-ticket purchase, keep an eye out for brands that offer a lengthy warranty (around the 10-year ballpark). This can help ensure that if the mattress doesn’t last, you can get a replacement. Many leading brands in our list even offer lifetime warranties to ensure you are truly getting your money’s worth.Certifications: Eco-friendly certifications are a great way to tell if your bed is made of less harmful materials. For example, the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Environmental Working Group’s (EWG), and UL/Greenguard certifications all note that the mattress is made with earth-friendly textiles (like organic wool and latex) and is free of toxic chemicals.Off-Gassing: Because mattresses-in-a-box are vacuum sealed and have to be inflated after unboxing, a common result is off-gassing which is a chemical smell that can fill the air as the mattress reaches its full size. Usually it lasts for a few hours or a few days. While organic mattresses typically don’t emit as many odors based on their sustainable build, there can still be a slight smell released from the natural substances.What Are the Upsides of a Mattress-in-a-Box?While a boxed mattress and traditional mattress virtually look the same once they’re set up on a bed, a mattress-in-a-box ships much more conveniently in a compressed format and compact packaging. Simply order one online and it can be shipped right to your front door. Many mattress brands even offer white-glove delivery so you can have it unboxed and set up in your bedroom.Most mattresses-in-a-box are made of foam or a foam-coil combo (think: latex, memory foam, or a foam blend with encased steel coils for added support). From a twin- to king-size bed, these material types allow the mattress to compress in a small box and inflate upon unboxing to its full size.What Are the Downsides of a Mattress-in-a-Box?A bed-in-a-box may not be the right choice for everyone. It’s first important to determine the type of compressed mattress you’d like to explore (we’ve denoted which on our list are memory foam and which are hybrid designs).A fully memory foam mattress may not be the best option for sleepers who trap more body heat, those who weigh more, or any one who is in search of excellent edge support (foam mattresses also tend to degrade faster than spring-coil designs). Very firm hybrid mattresses may not be the best options for those looking for a more plush surface, like side sleepers.While a boxed mattress is convenient for ground-level living residents, they pose a more difficult setup situation for prospective buyers who live in spaces with lots of stairs (especially if white-glove delivery isn’t available). Luckily we also have lots of recommendations for more traditional mattress brands if you decide that’s the best route to take.How Do I Unbox My Mattress-in-a-Box?The easiest way to handle unboxing is to move the box to the room you’re going to keep the mattress and unbox it there. (That way, you’re transporting a much more manageable box, rather than the uncompressed formed mattress.) Once you’ve got the box in the room, remove the box. Inside you’ll find a rolled-up, compressed mattress that’s been vacuum-sealed. Carefully remove the wrap and it will immediately begin to decompress and swell to its full size. It’s a bit magical to watch it swell, honestly. Fully decompressing can take up to 48 hours, but it will be “mattress size” within a few hours.How Much Should I Spend on a Mattress-in-a-Box?We want to stress something important: You can’t judge a mattress by its price tag. Typically boxed mattresses range from about $500 to $3,500, but a higher mattress price doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better quality. The best mattress-in-a-box for you has more to do with your body, sleeping position, tendency to run cool or hot, and other factors, not price. This is key to keep in mind when shopping for a mattress online, especially since online mattresses tend to be less expensive (which doesn’t mean they’re not high-quality). Online mattress stores are often able to offer their products at lower prices because they don’t have the same overhead costs as a traditional showroom.Do I Need a Box Spring for My Mattress-in-a-Box?In short, no. It’s best to simply set up your boxed mattress on a hard and flat bed foundation. The use of an old box spring can cause mattress sagging and shorten the lifespan of your mattress, which some manufacturers note can reach up to 10 years.How Long Does a Mattress-in-a-Box Last?Many leading manufacturers note that mattresses-in-a-box should last around 10 years—if not longer. Since they have softer materials like foam rather than traditional innerspring coils, the wear can vary. However, one of the best ways to preserve a mattress is by using a mattress topper or mattress pad to keep it free of stains and give it an extra layer of comfort.How Do I Get Rid of My Old Mattress?A lot of online mattress companies have their own mattress removal services—but there are still plenty of ways you can get rid of your old mattress yourself. You can drop it off at a mattress recycling center. You can also have LoadUp come and remove your mattress (along with any other bulky items you might have) for a fee. And there’s always another very easy option: Let your family and friends know that you’re getting rid of your mattress. There’s a very good chance one of them will be willing to take it off your hands and give it a second life.How Do You Return a Bed in a Box?Most mattress-in-a-box brands make returns relatively straightforward, but the exact process varies by company. In many cases, you’ll first need to complete a trial period to give your body time to adjust before initiating a return. For example, DreamCloud requires customers to sleep on the mattress for at least 30 nights before initiating a return during its 365-night home trial. Once you contact customer service, the brand typically coordinates pickup or donation and issues a refund. Before purchasing, it’s worth reviewing the retailer’s trial period, return window, and pickup requirements so you know exactly what to expect should you decide it’s not the right mattress for you.What Makes a Memory Foam Mattress Better Than a Traditional Mattress?Memory foam mattresses aren’t necessarily better than traditional innerspring mattresses, but they do offer a significantly different sleep experience. According to the Sleep Foundation, memory foam contours to the body’s shape, distributing weight more evenly and relieving pressure around sensitive areas like the shoulders and hips. It’s also particularly effective when it comes to motion isolation, making it a smart choice for couples who tend to toss and turn. Alpert experienced these benefits firsthand with the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress, which provided nearly a decade of comfortable, supportive sleep before it started to wear.Traditional innerspring mattresses tend to have a bouncier, more responsive feel with better airflow between the coils. As we explain in our guide to mattress types, hybrid mattresses combine supportive springs with foam comfort layers, while latex mattresses skew more buoyant than memory foam. Each type of mattress has its advantages, meaning the decision comes down to preferred firmness, sleep position, and whether you prioritize pressure relief, temperature regulation, or ease of movement.What Is the Best Mattress for All Sleep Positions?For combination sleepers who alternate between their backs, sides, and stomachs, a medium-firm hybrid mattress is usually the best place to start. The combination of cushioning foam and supportive pocketed coils can provide pressure relief without causing the body to sink too deeply, and a responsive surface lends itself to changing positions throughout the night. In fact a systematic review of mattress research found that medium-firm mattresses generally performed well for sleep comfort, quality, and spinal alignment.According to the Sleep Foundation, side sleepers usually need more cushioning around their shoulders and hips, while stomach sleepers typically benefit from firmer support to prevent their midsections from sinking and negatively impacting spinal alignment. Back sleepers often fall somewhere in between.How Long Does It Take for a Mattress in a Box to Fully Expand?Most bed-in-a-box mattresses begin to expand the moment you remove the plastic packaging, but reaching their full height and firmness typically takes anywhere from 24 to 72 hours, depending on the materials and construction. For example, Nectar advises allowing up to 72 hours for full expansion, while Casper says its Snow mattresses can take up to 72 hours.Our editors’ experiences varied from mattress to mattress. Alpert slept comfortably on her Tiami Luxury Hybrid just eight hours after unboxing, Rockwell was able to sleep on the PurpleFlex within hours and Lee waited the recommended 24 hours before testing her Nolah Evolution 15.You’ll also want to allow time for any off-gassing odors from vocs to dissipate. While several of our testers noticed no smell at all, McGregor reported a faint chemical odor from her Casper Snow Hybrid that lingered for several weeks. Opening windows can help the mattress air out before adding bedding.Build the Ultimate Bedscape With ADPillows, 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: We tapped interior designers to weigh in on this versatile bed cover.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.Nashia Baker is the senior shopping editor at Architectural Digest and a New York City-based journalist working at the intersection of home and design, culture, and lifestyle content. At AD, she works across a range of commerce categories, including furniture, decor, sleep, and travel. Before joining the team, her editorial ... Read MoreNina Derwin is a Brooklyn-based writer with a passion for the art of storytelling. In addition to writing articles for various clients and publications, Nina has written several episodes of scripted television for networks including Starz and Fox. ... Read More