Pros:

• Ideal firmness for those with back or shoulder pain
• Great option for side and back sleepers
• Threaded in copper, the cover is silky smooth and cooling
• Zero motion transfer
• Full-year, risk-free trial period and forever warranty
• Free shipping and returns

Cons:

• Mattress is thick and very heavy, so two are needed to set it up
• Minimal edge support

Anyone who suffers from back issues understands how sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress for just one night can result in insufferable pain. “A mattress that does not provide sufficient support can lead to worsening back pain because it places the spine in an abnormal position which can also result in nerve irritation which can cause sciatica symptoms traveling down the legs,” explains Dr. Whang.

Deputy shopping editor Reina Galhea suffered from neck and back pain before discovering the Nectar Premier Copper. This five-layer hybrid mattress offers the stabilizing support of memory foam with breathable and cooling copper technology to combat overheating.

The mattress is heavy at around 100 pounds and requires two people to carry and set up, but the struggle is worth it. Galhea notes that the bed is quite “substantial” and “thicker and taller” compared to other boxed mattresses. “I was also immediately impressed by how plush and comfortable the mattress was, and the silky smooth-slash-cooling sensation of the copper threading,” she says. As for the smell, the initial “faint odor” dissipates within hours.

After sleeping on it for “two restful years” with very little back pain, she maintains that the mattress has held up beautifully. As a “longtime side (and sometimes stomach) sleeper who is married to a back sleeper” she says it is comfortable for all sleeping positions. And, as her husband is a “thrasher,” she can also confirm that there is “virtually no motion transfer.”

For more details, check out Galhea’s full review on the Nectar Premier Copper mattress.

What to Look for When Buying a Mattress in a Box

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to choosing the best mattress in a box, as comfort is relative depending on your needs. The first thing to consider is your sleeping position. Back and stomach sleepers are generally more comfortable with a firm foam or hybrid mattress, while side sleepers need a softer mattress to cushion pressure points.

Also, consider your body temperature. If you sleep hot and often wake up sweating, you should consider investing in a cooling mattress. Other factors include body weight, motion transfer (especially if you are sleeping with another person or large pets) and chemical concerns. There is also preference, as some people prefer memory foam while others appreciate coils. And, as with any purchase, budget also has to be considered.

Why You Should Trust Us

We enlisted the help of our trusty editors to personally test out the best mattresses in a box and give us their honest feedback. We also talked with Peter G. Whang, MD, FAAOS, FACS, an orthopaedic spine surgeon at Yale Medicine, to offer insight from a health perspective in terms of what to look for in a mattress.

How We Found the Best Mattress in a Box

Here at Family Handyman, we strive to find the best products to make your shopping experience easier. Our editors and writers offer years of experience testing mattresses, cumulatively sleeping on dozens of options in a box for months. We considered everything from budget and quality to overall comfort. Only the best mattresses made it on our list.

FAQ

Is a mattress in a box worth it?

Mattresses in a box are definitely worth it, depending on the brand and model. In general, bed-in-a-box brands offer a longer trial period, meaning if you aren’t happy with your mattress, you can get a refund.

Do mattresses in a box last?

Yes, just like traditional mattresses, if you invest in a high-quality mattress in a box, it should last you for several years. And just like traditional mattresses, many brands offer generous warranties.

Does a bed-in-a-box need a box spring?

Mattresses in a box do not need a box spring if you have a platform or base. However, if you don’t, you will need to get a box spring.

Source:

• Peter G. Whang, MD, FAAOS, FACS, an orthopaedic spine surgeon at Yale Medicine and associate professor at the Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale School of Medicine