Best Mattress-in-a-Box Options in 2025 + How To Pick What’s Right for You

Key Takeaways

• A mattress in a box offers the ultimate convenience of online shopping, easy delivery, and straightforward setup for accessible quality sleeping.
• Purple’s Essential collection, including The Purple Mattress®, Purple Plus®, and PurpleFlex™, provides excellent support and cooling, all shipped conveniently in a Purple bag. 
• For sleepers with specific needs, the Purple Restore®, RestorePremier®, and RestorePlus® models in a bag offer advanced pressure relief.

Looking for the best mattress in a box? A mattress in a box is a game-changer for modern sleep. According to Tyler Wright from the Purple Product Team, “A bed in a box has various advantages, including the convenience of online shopping and home delivery. It’s also easy to move and transport from store to home and through tight spaces such as hallways, stairs, and doorways.”

Whether you're moving, upgrading, or just want to skip the showroom visit, these mattresses simplify the process without sacrificing comfort or quality. 

In this blog, we'll tell you everything you need to know about selecting the best mattress that comes in a box. Note that we'll use "bag" and "box" interchangeably throughout this post to refer to mattresses that are compressed and delivered in a compact container. Read along to find your perfect mattress.

The Best Mattress in a Box

The Purple Mattress®, along with all Essential mattresses and Restore hybrids, ship in a bag for easy setup.

Shop the Purple Mattress®

Before we dive in, let’s have a glance at the key features of each of our top mattresses that come in a bag.

Purple’s Original Mattress in a Box: The Purple Mattress®

Alternative to: Casper Original

The Purple Mattress® from our Essential collection combines innovative support with effortless convenience, delivered in a compact, durable Purple bag. Its signature GelFlex Grid® instantly adapts to your body, providing personalized pressure relief and support while promoting cooler, undisturbed sleep. Whether you’re moving or upgrading, this mattress makes the transition seamless.  

This mattress has earned recognition for its groundbreaking approach, including: 

• Good Housekeeping: Best Cooling Mattress for Adjustable Beds¹
• CNET: Best Mattress for Side Sleepers With Shoulder and Hip Pain²
• Tom’s Guide: Best Mattress on Amazon for General Aches and Pains³

The Purple Mattress® is one of the best Casper mattress alternatives. Compared to Casper’s traditional foam or hybrid models, Purple’s in-a-bag delivery system offers a unique advantage: The bag’s sturdy, tear-resistant construction makes it easier to maneuver through tight spaces and carry into your bedroom. Plus, The Purple Mattress®’s innovative materials and superior airflow help you sleep cooler and more comfortably night after night.  

• Key Features: Adaptive GelFlex Grid® with cooling technology
• Materials: GelFlex Grid®, Comfort Foam, Base Support Foam
• Thickness: 9.25 inches
• Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king, split king
• Price: $999-$2,198

The Purple Mattress® may just be the best mattress in a box on the market. But don’t take our word for it. See what other customers have to say:

“We had another 'bed in the box' previously and it wasn't as comfortable without a topper and took a few months before it was comfortable even with that. This mattress needed no topper and was comfortable from night 1!!!” — Kristin M., Purple Mattress® review

If you’re ready to experience the ease of the best mattress in a bag combined with Purple’s revolutionary support, shop The Purple Mattress® today and wake up refreshed every morning.

Best Bed in a Box for Couples: Purple Plus®

Alternative to: Helix Midnight Luxe

When it comes to sharing a bed, comfort, support, and motion isolation are non-negotiables, especially for couples. The Purple Plus® Mattress in a bag offers a game-changing solution, combining pressure-relieving support with a responsive feel that minimizes motion transfer.

Recognized with awards like the Oprah Daily and Smart Sleep Awards, Purple Plus® is one of the best beds in a box for couples, featuring the innovative GelFlex Grid® that instantly adapts to each sleeper’s shape.⁴ 

Compared to the Helix Midnight Luxe, Purple Plus® delivers a more universally supportive and cooling experience, with the added advantage of being shipped in a durable Purple bag that’s easy to maneuver into tight spaces.

• Key Features: GelFlex Grid® with excellent motion isolation 
• Materials: GelFlex Grid®, Ultra Comfort Foam, Dual Support Foam Layers
• Thickness: 11 inches
• Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king, split king
• Price: $1,499-$3,198

Not sure if this is the best bed-in-a-box mattress for you and your partner? Let’s see what other couples have to say:

“I love this bed. It supports my body and when I move I don’t disturb my spouse. And plus, it’s cool all night as I sleep; I’m not hot. I bought a bed for my kids and my parents. We all love this bed.” — Alfonso B., Purple Plus® review

Enhance your shared sleep space with one of the best mattresses in a box. Shop the Purple Plus® Mattress now for an uninterrupted, restful night.

Best Mattress in a Box for Side Sleepers: RestorePremier® Hybrid

Alternative to: Nectar Premier + Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud Mattress

The Purple RestorePremier® Hybrid from our Restore collection is an excellent choice for side sleepers, thanks to its impressive 13-inch thickness — one of the thickest mattresses available in a box! It has earned accolades like:

• NBC: Best Hybrid Mattress for Back Pain⁵
• Rolling Stone: Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers Online⁶
• New York Magazine: Best Hybrid for Combination Sleepers⁷

Its plush yet supportive design, combined with the GelFlex Grid®, also known as a Gel Matrix™, delivers a cooler sleep experience while conforming around your hips and shoulders. As one of our best cooling mattresses, the RestorePremier® ensures you stay comfortable all night, even during the warmer summer months.

Unlike the Nectar Premier, which offers excellent pressure relief but falls short on cooling, or the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud Mattress, which focuses on adaptive support, the Purple RestorePremier® Hybrid balances both, making it a great alternative to Tempur-Pedic and Nectar.

• Key Features: Adaptive GelFlex Grid®, maximum airflow
• Materials: GelFlex Grid®, Ultra Comfort Foam, Coolflex™ Coils, Antimicrobial Cover
• Thickness: 13 inches
• Sizes: Twin XL, queen, king, California king, split king
• Price: $3,249-$6,498

Many sleepers find this mattress to be a game-changer, especially those who struggle with shoulder pain or sleep hot. As one happy customer shared:

“I've tried Sleep Number, Costco's version of a Tempur-Pedic, and a Tempur-Pedic. Nothing compares to this bed. From the first night I was cool, my back didn't hurt, and I had no shoulder pain from sleeping on my side. It's the best!” — Liz A., RestorePremier® Hybrid review

Try the RestorePremier® Hybrid if you’re a side sleeper looking for the best bed in a box that's thick and supportive.

Best Mattress in a Box for Pain: RestorePlus® Hybrid

Alternative to: DreamCloud Hybrid

The RestorePlus® Hybrid Mattress is engineered to deliver exceptional pressure relief and targeted support. Its zoned support system and innovative GelFlex Grid® work together to cradle your body, alleviate pressure points, and promote proper spinal alignment, which are key for reducing back discomfort.

Recognized as the Best Mattress for Side Sleepers With Neck and Shoulder Pain by Forbes⁸ and the Top Mattress for Heavy People With Back Pain by Good Housekeeping,⁹ the RestorePlus® stands out as a premium option in the mattress-in-a-box category.

Compared to the DreamCloud Hybrid, the RestorePlus® offers superior pressure relief and targeted lumbar support thanks to its zoned coil system. While DreamCloud’s supportive coils are excellent, the RestorePlus®'s unique technology provides a more adaptive experience, making it a better choice for those with persistent back pain.  

• Key Features: Zoned support and adaptable GelFlex Grid® for comfort
• Materials: GelFlex Grid®, Ultra Comfort Foam, Edge-to-Edge Coils, Antimicrobial Cover
• Thickness: 11 inches
• Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
• Price: $1,499-$3,198

Many customers with back pain claim this is the best mattress in a box they’ve ever tried. One user said:

“I've bought and slept in three different beds in a box.They were good. Then I visited a friend who had a Purple for me to sleep in. It was GREAT! I immediately bought one for my new condo. I feel like I'm in a high-end hotel! Thank you Purple!” — Lynda N., RestorePlus® review

The RestorePlus® Hybrid is the perfect mattress for pressure relief. Shop now to keep your back supported and your sleep cool.

Best Hybrid Mattress in a Box: Restore® Hybrid

Alternative to: Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid

The Purple Restore® Hybrid Mattress is widely recognized as one of the best hybrid mattresses for an adjustable base. Designed with responsive zoned coils and our innovative GelFlex Grid®, it provides targeted support and pressure relief — perfect for back sleepers and anyone seeking relief from back pain. Combining advanced airflow technology, the Restore® Hybrid sleeps up to 2x cooler. 

The Restore® Hybrid is one of the best alternatives to Leesa mattresses. Its responsive, durable sleep surface pairs seamlessly with adjustable bases. Unlike the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid, which relies solely on coils and foam, the Purple Restore® Hybrid integrates high-performance materials and a unique GelFlex Grid® to optimize support, cooling, and pressure relief. 

• Key Features: 2” GelFlex Grid®, zoned coils for support, and edge-to-edge coils for stability
• Materials: GelFlex Grid®, Ultra Comfort Foam, Zoned Edge-to-Edge Coils, Antimicrobial SoftFlex Cover
• Thickness: 11.5 inches
• Sizes: Twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
• Price: $1,999-$3,998

Many users have experienced a significant boost in sleep quality with the Restore® Hybrid. One customer notes:

“We love our new Purple mattress! It is so comfortable! Both my husband and I are sleeping much better. When one of us moves, the other person can barely feel it, which promotes more sleep for the both of us! Plus, purple is my favorite color!” — Michelle G., Restore® Hybrid review

If you’re ready to upgrade to one of the best mattresses for body pain that truly supports your pressure points and adapts to your sleep needs, try the Restore® Hybrid.

Best Affordable Mattress in a Box: PurpleFlex™ Mattress

Alternative to: Nectar Original Mattress

The PurpleFlex™ Mattress pairs perfectly with a simple adjustable base, like Purple’s own models, thanks to its flexible design and supportive features. As the best firm mattress in a box, it offers a supportive, durable feel that suits those who prefer a firmer sleep surface. 

PurpleFlex™ is one of the top Nectar mattress alternatives. Compared to the Nectar Original Mattress, the PurpleFlex™ provides a firmer, more supportive base, especially ideal for back sleepers or those who want a more stable sleep surface. While Nectar’s foam feels softer and more contouring, Purple’s firm support makes it a great choice for anyone seeking a durable, budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on comfort. 

• Key Features: GelFlex Grid® with a firm feel and durable support base
• Materials: Polymer GelFlex Grid®, Breathable Support Foam Layer, High-Density Base Support Foam, SoftFlex Cover 
• Thickness: 8 inches
• Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king
• Price: $499-$1,398

Many appreciate the firm support and quick setup of this memory foam mattress in a box. One customer shared:

“Great mattress, I like it a lot. It's the right amount of firmness for me as I prefer firmer mattresses. I was a little concerned about ordering a mattress from a box/bag, but once it bloomed it was perfect and have had great sleep since!” — E., PurpleFlex™ review

If you’re looking for the best affordable mattress in a box with great support, give PurpleFlex™ a try!

Are Mattresses in a Box Good?

Mattresses in a box offer a convenient way to upgrade your sleep without the hassle of traditional shopping. But this convenience doesn’t mean they have a lower quality than traditional mattresses or are bad for you. Quite the opposite, actually — they can be the perfect option for your sleeping needs.

As Wright explains, “I think it’s important to note that even though the bed-in-a-box model 'movement' initially focused on lower price point mattresses, it has evolved with premium mattresses also being available as a bed in a box. These mattresses are constructed using higher quality materials while offering the same advantages of convenience such as home delivery as the many lower priced bed in a box options.”

Let’s look at the pros and cons of a bed in a box vs. a traditional mattress so you can decide for yourself.

What To Look for in a Bed in a Box

Understanding what makes a mattress truly great is key to making a smart purchase. Learning how to buy a mattress online involves evaluating factors like materials, support, trial periods, and more.

Here's what to look for to find the best mattress in a box for your preferences.

Delivery and Setup

Many companies provide professional delivery and setup services to ensure your new mattress arrives in perfect condition and is installed with ease. 

For instance, Purple offers reliable delivery services, including the option for white glove setup, so your mattress is carefully brought in, unpacked, and positioned exactly where you want it. Having expert assistance during delivery helps maximize convenience and ensures your mattress is ready for optimal use from the start.

Mattress Type

The type of mattress influences its durability, support, and articulation. 

• Innerspring models made of coils tend to be supportive and bouncy but may wear out faster.
• Foam mattresses, like memory foam or polyfoam, offer excellent contouring and pressure relief, though their lifespan can vary based on materials. 
• Latex mattresses are known for their durability and responsiveness, making them a long-lasting choice. 
• Hybrid mattresses combine ultra comfort foam and edge-to-edge coils for support and comfort.
• GelFlex Grid® mattresses, unique to Purple, provide adaptive support with excellent temperature regulation. 

Choosing the right type of mattress depends on your sleep preferences, support needs, and budget. See the table below for more details about each mattress type.

Firmness and Feel

Mattresses in a box come in a variety of firmness levels, from soft and plush to firm and supportive. The feel of a mattress impacts how well it relieves pressure and supports your body during sleep. 

Consider your preferred sleeping position and comfort preferences. Softer mattresses are often better for side sleepers, while firmer options suit back or stomach sleepers. Choosing the right firmness ensures you wake up refreshed and pain-free.

Mattress Size

When selecting a mattress in a box, you’ll find most standard mattress sizes and dimensions are readily available, such as twin, full, queen, and king. Specialty sizes, like split kings or custom dimensions, are typically not offered in boxed formats.

Larger sizes also tend to be heavier, so it’s important to consider the weight of a mattress, especially if you plan to move or set it up alone. Heavier mattresses require more effort to maneuver and may influence your choice if portability is a priority.

Key Features

The right features can make a big difference in how well your mattress meets your needs and how long it lasts. Here are some key features to look for: 

• Pressure relief for hips and shoulders
• Edge support to make getting in and out of bed easier
• Motion isolation to reduce disturbance from partners
• Durability and responsiveness for long-lasting support
• Temperature balancing and cooling technology to prevent overheating

Online Reviews

Reading online reviews can provide invaluable insights to help you choose the best mattress in a box. They often highlight real customer experiences, shedding light on factors like off-gassing, how long it takes for a mattress to fully expand, and how comfortable it feels over time.

They can also reveal whether a mattress requires a period to break in or if it’s ready to use immediately. Reviews about a bed in a box can teach you how to break in a new mattress and help you make an informed decision based on genuine user feedback.

Warranty and Trial Periods

A generous sleep trial period allows you to test your mattress with your chosen base and ensure it truly meets your comfort needs. This provides peace of mind, giving you ample time to assess support, pressure relief, and overall sleep quality.

Additionally, a solid warranty protects your investment by covering manufacturing defects and sagging to ensure your mattress remains a dependable part of your sleep routine for years to come.

Price and Value

The best time to buy a mattress is when you’re ready to invest in better sleep. But that doesn’t mean you can’t stay within your budget or buy a quality product. 

There are options across a range of prices, each offering different benefits, including cooling features, enhanced support, and extra durability. Evaluate the costs and choose the mattress that best fits your budget and needs.

How We Tested

Our testing team has rigorously examined dozens of models, evaluating them for comfort, pressure relief, heat retention, price points, and other factors. By carefully considering all this information, we have developed the list of best mattresses in a box for people with different sleeping needs.
That said, you should also do your own research when shopping to make sure you get the best mattress for your preferences. Here are some factors you should consider, according to Wright:

“Be sure to research what materials are used in the mattress construction, read customer reviews, be sure there’s a generous sleep trial period and a return/exchange policy just in case you discover the mattress isn’t right for you, and check out the warranty to understand what is/is not covered.”

What Is the Best Mattress in a Box?

The best mattress in a box combines convenience, quality, and support, delivering comfort right to your door. Whether you prioritize cooling, pressure relief, or affordability, Purple offers top-rated options that ship in a durable bag. 

Ready to upgrade your sleep? Shop now and experience the difference.

Soothing Support and Pressure Relief

Every Purple mattress features the GelFlex Grid®, which instantly adapts to your body to give you relief and support where you need it.

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