When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Products or services may be offered by an affiliated entity. Learn more.
Best Luxury Mattress in a Box
Buying a mattress in a box is incredibly convenient, and it doesn’t require sacrificing luxury. As the selection of online mattresses has grown, brands have developed luxe, feature-rich models that can be shipped directly to your doorstep.
Too often, though, shoppers assume that luxury is defined by price alone. In reality, the best luxury mattresses stand out because of their design, materials, and performance. After all, there’s nothing more luxurious than great sleep night after night.
To create this guide, our team pored over a decade’s worth of data from our Test Lab. We looked for the models that best justified the investment in a luxury mattress. We reveal our top overall pick and our selections in specific categories for the best luxury mattresses in a box.
Our #1 Pick: Helix Midnight Luxe
Premium materials and consistently strong performance powered the Helix Midnight Luxe to our top spot. Its foam layers provide excellent pressure relief, while its well-built coils add dependable support, edge stability, and responsiveness. Optional add-ons for cooling and lumbar support give you even more ways to upgrade this luxury mattress.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall Mattress
:Helix Midnight Luxe
Shop Now
Best Hybrid Mattress
:Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
Shop Now
Best Cooling Mattress
:Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
Shop Now
Best Mattress for Back Pain
:Bear Elite Hybrid
Shop Now
Best Mattress for Pressure Relief
:Nolah Evolution
Shop Now
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
:Tuft & Needle Mint Luxe Plush Hybrid
Shop Now
Best Mattress for Couples
:Lull Luxe Premium Hybrid
Shop Now
Best Mattress Deals Happening Now
- Save $625 — Helix Midnight Luxe
$1,874(List Price $2,499) - Save $720 — Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
$1,679(List Price $2,399) - Save $679 — Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
$1,586(List Price $2,265) - Save $799 — Bear Elite Hybrid
$1,485(List Price $2,284) - Save $797 — Nolah Evolution
$1,480(List Price $2,277)
How We Test
How We Determine Our Best Overall Score
With each mattress we test, our team follows the same comprehensive research and evaluation methodology to ensure objective, data-based findings. The mattress testing process consists of four stages, beginning with our detailed analysis of the bed’s construction, materials, and firmness. This cursory exam allows us to calculate an expected lifespan to determine our durability score. We also review the brand’s shipping and return policies, as well as its overall reputation for customer service and satisfaction.
The second stage involves hands-on evaluations in our Seattle Test Lab. We use a wide range of tools and technology to determine how well the mattress relieves pressure, isolates motion, regulates temperature, and resists deep compression when weight is applied. Once we’ve finished the lab-based stage, our field testers take the mattresses home and sleep on them in their own bedrooms for 2 to 3 weeks. These in-home experiences capture how the mattress performs night to night in an authentic sleep environment. Lastly, we collect and read verified customer reviews of each product to make sure our findings are in line with the general public.
Throughout this four-step testing process, we record data and notes that contribute to each bed’s overall and individual performance ratings. The graph below shows how every performance metric contributes to product scores.
How We Determine the Best Luxury Mattress in a Box
Our team has no shortage of data from mattress testing. Over the last decade, we’ve put more than 2,000 mattresses under the microscope in our Test Lab in Seattle.
Our evaluation method collects hard data about things like heat retention and pressure buildup. It also incorporates subjective feedback from sleepers with different body types and sleep positions.
We drew from our trove of testing data to pick the best luxury mattresses in a box, focusing on certain key criteria:
- Thoughtful design, including high-quality materials and value-added features
- High-end performance in categories like pressure relief, motion isolation, and temperature regulation
- Convenient shipping to your doorstep in a box
These criteria helped us create a shortlist of luxury mattresses. From those, we identified our top pick overall and those that warranted recognition in select categories.
Our Testing Team
Logan Foley
Executive Product Director
Full Bio
Mary Fenton
Head of Product Content
Full Bio
Jeremy Klein
Product Testing Manager
Full Bio
Brad Nehring
Product Testing Manager
Full Bio
Colin Simpson
Product Research Manager
Full Bio
Rachel Grice
Product Content Manager
Full Bio
Looking at Other Mattresses? Explore Our Mattress Ratings Database
Browse and compare mattress info and our hands-on Test Lab ratings for many of the most popular mattresses on the market.
Learn More About the Best Luxury Mattress in a Box
Best Overall
9.7/10Test Lab Score
Helix Midnight Luxe
A foam-on coil hybrid that excels at pressure relief, motion isolation, and sleeper support.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side and back sleepers, couples, and hot sleepers.
- Feel: Comfortably cool and gently contouring without feeling overly soft.
- What It’s Made Of: Memory foam and polyfoam over a base of pocketed coils. Optional upgrades add enhanced cooling features and targeted support for your midsection.
- What We Don’t Like: The price can escalate if you add the optional upgrades.
- Why It Won Best Overall: The Helix Midnight Luxe stands out because of its carefully chosen materials, balance of comfort and support, and impressive overall performance.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
Full Breakdown
With the Helix Midnight Luxe, you get the key characteristics you expect in a luxury mattress with the convenience of shipping directly to your front door. Its robust hybrid design combines cushioning foams with a thick coil system, and optional upgrades let you tack on more features for additional cooling and support.
How It Performed
In our testing, the Midnight Luxe earned strong ratings across the board. It rated especially well for pressure relief, temperature regulation, motion isolation, and edge support.
We found that the mattress was a particularly strong match for side sleepers because it cushioned the hips and shoulders without excessive sinkage. Most back sleepers also liked its balanced feel. Combined with its motion isolation, this ability to suit different types of sleepers makes the Midnight Luxe a good fit for couples.
Construction Breakdown
The Midnight Luxe is 13.5 inches tall with a medium firm (6) feel.
The cushioning feel of this mattress comes from its comfort system, which includes gel-infused memory foam and high-density memory foam. A transition layer of polyfoam buttresses these top layers to prevent sinkage.
The support core is made of pocketed coils that are reinforced around the edge and rest on a base layer of polyfoam. The coils provide added responsiveness and give the mattress a sturdy feel.
The cover is made with breathable Tencel fabric. Helix offers several upgrades, including a cover with GlacioTex fibers designed to regulate temperature. The CoolForce upgrade adds a thin layer to help reduce heat retention, and an ErgoAlign upgrade includes an extra foam layer to support the midsection and lumbar spine.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
The Midnight Luxe comes with a 365-night sleep trial. The terms of the trial require that you keep the mattress for a minimum of 30 nights.
Shipping is free within the contiguous U.S. At an extra cost, delivery is available to Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada. White Glove delivery, which includes setup of the Midnight Luxe and haul-away of your old mattress, is available for an additional fee in many locations.
The Midnight Luxe has a lifetime warranty. For the first 10 years, Helix will repair or replace a defective mattress at no cost to you. After 10 years, the replacement cost is prorated based on how long you have owned the mattress.
Best Hybrid
9.0/10Test Lab Score
Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
A foam hybrid that cushions your body without trapping heat.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers and shoppers who want a choice of firmness options.
- Feel: Medium (5), medium firm (6), or firm (7) with light bounce and adaptive cushioning.
- What It’s Made Of: A mix of foam layers on top of a core of zoned coils.
- What We Don’t Like: The edges can feel less dependable than on some other hybrids, particularly on the model with medium (5) firmness.
- Why It Won Best Hybrid: The Sapira Chill Hybrid makes the most of its materials, combining responsive, sturdy coils with high-quality foam layers.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
Full Breakdown
The Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid achieves a difficult balance of feeling both inviting and stable. You have the luxury of choosing from three firmness options to optimize your comfort.
How It Performed
Our testers found that the Sapira Chill Hybrid offered an effective blend of pressure relief and reliable support.
During our tests, the medium (5) model got its highest ratings from people under 130 pounds, especially side sleepers. The firm (7) model worked best for most back and stomach sleepers and people over 230 pounds. The medium firm (6) was a well-regarded compromise that appealed to those between 130 and 230 pounds.
Construction Breakdown
The Sapira Chill Hybrid is available in medium (5), medium firm (6), and firm (7) options, all of which are 14 inches tall.
The mattress cover is made with a polyester blend that features specialized fibers designed to help pull heat away from the body during sleep.
Memory foam and adaptive polyfoam combine to form the comfort system, which offers moderate cradling and solid motion isolation. A polyfoam transition layer sits above the 8-inch layer of pocketed coils. The coils are organized in zones to deliver targeted support and stabilized by a base layer of dense polyfoam.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
The sleep trial for the Sapira Chill Hybrid is 365 nights. You must keep the mattress for 30 nights as a try-out period.
Shipping is free to all 50 states, and delivery to Canada is available for a fee. White Glove delivery is offered for an additional charge to addresses in the contiguous U.S. Leesa backs the Sapira Chill Hybrid with a lifetime warranty.
Best Cooling
9.7/10Test Lab Score
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
A luxury hybrid with deep foam layers and cooling technology.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Hot sleepers and people seeking a mattress with firmness options.
- Feel: Well-built and inviting, with a noticeably different feel based on whether you choose the medium soft (4), medium firm (6), or firm (7) model.
- What It’s Made Of: Copper-infused polyfoam and memory foam comfort layers over a support core of multi-zone coils, all encased in a smooth cover with GlacioTex fibers.
- What We Don’t Like: Potential for strong initial off-gassing odor.
- Why It Won Best Cooling: The Aurora Luxe delivers cooler sleep thanks to heat-dissipating fabrics, specially designed foams, and coils that promote ventilating airflow.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
Full Breakdown
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is a compelling choice for sleepers who want comfortable cushioning without the heat buildup that often comes with thick foam layers. Its cooling features and hybrid design help limit heat retention, and you can choose from three firmness options to get the most comfort and support.
How It Performed
In our Test Lab, the Aurora Luxe rated well in most performance categories, though the results differed among the three firmness models.
The medium soft (4) version offered the deepest cushioning and strongest motion isolation. But it was too soft for many sleepers and wasn’t as sturdy around the edges. The medium firm (6) was a hit with most side sleepers. The firm (7) model slept the coolest, but it offered the least contouring and pressure relief of the three options.
Construction Breakdown
The Aurora Luxe measures 13.25 inches tall. A layer of polyfoam is quilted into the cover to give immediate cushioning to the body. That polyfoam works in concert with layers of copper-infused polyfoam and memory foam, redistributing weight away from sharp pressure points.
The support core is made with metal coils and a dense polyfoam base. The coils are zoned to feel more supportive beneath the midsection and designed to compress independently of each other, allowing them to adapt to the body. A layer of transition polyfoam separates the comfort system from the support core.
The cover’s fabric includes GlacioTex fibers engineered to pull heat away from the sleep surface. An optional upgrade is to add the Cloud Pillowtop, which includes a ThermoPhase foam designed to further improve temperature regulation. With the pillowtop, the Aurora Luxe is 14.5 inches tall.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
The Aurora Luxe comes with a 365-night sleep trial and a mandatory break-in period of 30 nights. Brooklyn Bedding also includes a lifetime limited warranty for the Aurora Luxe.
Shipping is free within the contiguous U.S. The mattress can be shipped to Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada for an additional charge.
Best for Back Pain
8.5/10Test Lab Score
Bear Elite Hybrid
A close-conforming memory foam hybrid offering great pressure relief.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: People with back pain or stiffness, and sleepers who like having firmness options when they choose a new mattress.
- Feel: Medium (5), medium firm (6), or firm (8) feel with gentle to moderate contouring for pressure relief.
- What It’s Made Of: Copper-infused memory foam and polyfoam comfort layers atop zoned pocketed coils, and a cover featuring Celliant fabric designed for temperature neutrality.
- What We Don’t Like: Some testers found it hard to move on the softest model, while others found the firmest option too rigid.
- Why It Won Best for Back Pain: The Bear Elite Hybrid’s zoned coils provide reinforced support to the lower back. At the same time, the foam layers cushion the joints and accommodate the natural curve of the spine.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
Full Breakdown
The Bear Elite Hybrid combines targeted support with layered cushioning to accommodate the lumbar region as well as sensitive joints like the hips and shoulders. Quality materials give it a luxurious feel, and you can choose the firmness option that best matches your individual comfort preferences.
How It Performed
In our testing, the Elite Hybrid earned high marks from sleepers across a range of body weights and sleeping positions — the key was finding the right model. The medium (5) model was best suited to people under 130 pounds, and the firm (8) option worked well for most stomach sleepers and people over 230 pounds. The medium firm (6) had wide appeal for those looking for a “just right” option with a balance of cushioning and pushback.
Edge support and temperature regulation are better on the firmer models. The medium (5) model offers the best motion isolation, but also poses more of a challenge when you move on the mattress surface.
Construction Breakdown
The Bear Elite Hybrid is 14 inches tall and comes in medium (5), medium firm (6), and firm (8) designs.
The quilted cover incorporates Celliant fabric, which is engineered to regulate temperature. Contouring and pressure relief come from copper-infused memory foam and adaptive polyfoam. A layer of responsive polyfoam helps limit sinkage while supporting spinal alignment.
Transition polyfoam rests on a layer of tall pocketed coils. The coils are divided into zones, giving added pushback under the midsection. This is designed to help keep the body in an even plane and reduce excess bending or twisting that can strain the back. The base of the mattress is a thin layer of dense polyfoam.
For an additional charge, you can upgrade the mattress to include a phase change material (PCM) that is intended to further reduce heat buildup.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
The Bear Elite Hybrid includes a 365-night sleep trial. You have to keep the mattress for 30 nights before requesting a return. The mattress is covered under a partially prorated lifetime warranty.
Shipping is free to addresses within the contiguous U.S. Delivery to Alaska and Hawaii is available for an additional charge.
Best for Pressure Relief
8.7/10Test Lab Score
Nolah Evolution
A cloud-like experience with a plush euro-top in multiple firmnes options.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers, people with joint pain, and couples.
- Feel: Comfortable cradling of pressure points with contouring and pushback that vary by the firmness.
- What It’s Made Of: A cover made with organic cotton, adaptive polyfoam comfort and transitional layers, and a zoned coil support system.
- What We Don’t Like: Thick profile requires a deep-pocket fitted sheet,
- Why It Won Best Pressure Relief: The Evolution’s comfort system layers several types of foam to maximize cushioning for joints and pressure points. At the same time, its sturdy coils give the mattress a reliable, sag-free feel.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
Full Breakdown
The Nolah Evolution is a great fit for sleepers who want substantial cushioning without the soft, sinking feeling found with some luxury mattresses. Its comfort layers adapt to your body while zoned foam and pocketed coils give plenty of spinal support.
How It Performed
In our testing, pressure relief was a clear strength of the Nolah Evolution. Its foam layers work together to keep pressure from building up in any one area, including the lower back. The mattress also earned high praise from side sleepers for its cushioning around the hips and shoulders.
That said, the Nolah Evolution’s performance varied by firmness model. The medium (5) option offers the deepest contouring and works best for sleepers under 130 pounds, while the medium firm (6) and firm (8) versions provides more pushback.
The Evolution earned favorable ratings for motion isolation across the board, but this quality was especially strong for softer models. The firm (8) design offered the best edge support and ease of movement during our tests.
Construction Breakdown
The Nolah Evolution is 14 inches tall and comes in medium (5), medium firm (6), and firm (8) versions. Each firmness option uses the same types of materials and layering.
The cover is made with organic cotton that is breathable and soft. For an additional charge, you can upgrade to a GlacioTex cover designed for enhanced temperature regulation.
The comfort system combines several types of foam, including adaptive polyfoam, gel-infused polyfoam, and Nolah’s proprietary copper-infused AirFoam. In the transition layer, zoned polyfoam adds firmer support beneath key areas like the midsection and shoulders.
An 8-inch pocketed coil system forms the Evolution’s support core. The coils are a source of stability and responsiveness, and they are reinforced around the perimeter to improve edge support.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
The Nolah Evolution comes with a 365-night sleep trial and a mandatory try-out period of 30 nights. If you decide to return the mattress, Nolah arranges pickup. The Evolution is also backed by a lifetime warranty.
Shipping is free to all 50 states. White Glove delivery for an additional charge is available in most of the contiguous U.S.
Best for Side Sleepers
8.5/10Test Lab Score
Tuft & Needle Mint Luxe Plush Hybrid
An ultra-plush hybrid mattress with ample foam cushioning.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers up to 230 pounds, couples, and sleepers who enjoy a cloud-like sleep surface.
- Feel: Soft and inviting, with pronounced contouring around pressure points while maintaining stability and a touch of bounce.
- What It’s Made Of: Comfort layers of adaptive polyfoam and gel-infused memory foam over a support core with pocketed coils and dense base foam.
- What We Don’t Like: The mattress is too plush for most back and stomach sleepers and people over 230 pounds.
- Why It Won Best for Side Sleepers: The Mint Luxe Plush Hybrid conforms to your body, cradling the hips and shoulders to soften impact around these joints while also promoting neutral spinal alignment when lying on your side.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
Full Breakdown
The T&N Mint Luxe Plush Hybrid is a quintessential luxury mattress, offering soft, cloud-like comfort from the moment you lie down. Its tall, hybrid design includes multiple foam layers that deeply cushion your body. For side sleepers, that cushioning around the hips and shoulders can unlock a great night’s sleep.
How It Performed
During our tests, the Mint Luxe Plush Hybrid was given strong ratings for pressure relief. The mattress provided the best support to side sleepers under 230 pounds, but felt too soft for most people over 230 pounds and the majority of back and stomach sleepers on our team.
We found that the Mint Luxe Plush Hybrid effectively isolated motion, but it earned below-average ratings for edge support. Although the mattress has a number of cooling features, it still retained some heat because of its close contouring around the body.
Construction Breakdown
The Mint Luxe Plush Hybrid is 15 inches tall and has a firmness level of medium soft (4).
The fabric blend in the cover includes fibers designed to help dissipate heat. The comfort system has a mix of different foams, including gel-infused memory foam, polyfoam, and Tuft & Needle’s proprietary Flex Foam engineered to be more responsive than traditional memory foam.
The support core contains pocketed coils over a high-density foam base layer. The coils are individually wrapped, allowing them to adapt to your body while decreasing motion transfer.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
The Mint Luxe Plush Hybrid ships for free to the contiguous U.S. Shipping to Hawaii and Alaska is available for an additional charge.
The mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial. You can request a return at any point during the trial and receive a full refund of the purchase price.
The warranty for this mattress lasts 10 years. During that time, Tuft & Needle will repair or replace your mattress if it is found to have a defect.
Best for Couples
8.3/10Test Lab Score
Lull Luxe Premium Hybrid
A luxurious hybrid mattress with a deep foam hug.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Couples and sleepers with joint pain.
- Feel: A firmness level of medium (5) with moderate hug that accommodates sharp pressure points.
- What It’s Made Of: A thick comfort system with two layers of memory foam and two layers of polyfoam over a support core of pocketed coils and dense base foam.
- What We Don’t Like: Feels too soft for many sleepers over 230 pounds.
- Why It Won Best for Couples: The top two layers of the Luxe Premium Hybrid are made with motion-isolating memory foam that helps keep your bed partner’s movement from disrupting your sleep.
Scoring & Reviews
The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.
In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.
Performance
Full Breakdown
The Lull Luxe Premium Hybrid contains six interior layers that complement one another to relieve pressure and keep your body supported in different sleeping positions. Its memory foam layers also excel at absorbing vibrations from movement and preventing the motion from transferring to the other side of the mattress.
How It Performed
Our testers praised the Luxe Premium Hybrid for its motion isolation, but they also appreciated its moderate contouring. In particular, side sleepers up to 230 pounds said that the memory foam comfortably cradled their hips and shoulders. Back sleepers under 130 pounds also liked the cushioning for the lumbar spine.
We found that it could be difficult to move on the surface of the Luxe Premium Hybrid. Some people experienced heat retention, but overall, we found that this mattress slept cooler than many other mattresses with thick layers of memory foam.
Construction Breakdown
The Lull Luxe Premium Hybrid is 15 inches tall and has a firmness level of medium (5).
The soft knit cover includes a layer of open-cell memory foam, which provides a plush, contouring feel from the moment you lie down on the mattress. More motion isolation and pressure relief come from a second layer made with gel-infused memory foam. Two layers of polyfoam add responsiveness and check against sinkage.
The support core is made with pocketed coils that are reinforced around the perimeter with high-density foam. A thin layer of polyfoam sits beneath the coils.
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty
Shipping is free to the contiguous United States. Delivery to Alaska and Hawaii costs extra.
Lull offers a 365-night sleep trial for the Luxe Premium Hybrid. You can return the mattress for a full refund at any time during the trial.
The mattress has a lifetime warranty under which Lull will repair or replace the mattress if there is a defect in its materials or manufacturing. There is no charge for warranty service during the first 10 years. After that, you’ll pay a flat $75 fee.
What to Consider When Shopping for a Luxury Mattress in a Box
When shopping for a luxury mattress in a box, don’t fixate on the price tag. Instead, look for the things that actually determine whether a mattress can deliver the comfort and support you need.
For example, a luxury mattress should have high-quality materials in every layer. Those materials should translate to dependable performance that meets your sleep needs. It’s much easier to pick a new mattress if you know what performance categories and features are most meaningful to you.
Mattress Type
The most popular luxury mattresses in a box are all-foam or hybrid models.
All-foam mattresses vary widely depending on how their foam layers are formulated and arranged. They tend to offer above-average pressure relief and motion isolation, but also have weaker edge support and temperature regulation.
Hybrid mattresses combine pocketed coils with foam or latex comfort layers, typically providing stronger edge support and more bounce while still offering decent pressure relief. However, hybrids can transfer more motion and often cost more than all-foam models.
Airbeds and latex mattresses are other luxury options, although neither made our list. Airbeds let you adjust firmness in real time, but they can be expensive and frequently aren’t available in a box.
All-latex mattresses usually sleep cool with a sturdy, bouncy feel. Latex is highly durable and can work well for sleepers with higher body weights. However, these mattresses typically provide less pressure relief and motion isolation, and they can be quite heavy and expensive.
Sleeping Position and Body Weight
Your sleeping position and body weight directly impact the type of support you need from a mattress.
Side sleepers need more cushioning around the hips and shoulders. Both back and stomach sleepers usually need a firmer feel to prevent the midsection from sagging into the mattress. However, back sleepers also need some contouring to support the lumbar area.
Your body weight influences how much you sink into a mattress, making it another important consideration. You want enough cushioning to accommodate your body, but you also want enough pushback to keep your spine in a neutral posture.
While your individual preferences also play a role, this table gives our broad firmness recommendations for a mattress based on your weight and sleeping position.
| Position | Recommended Firmness for Under 130 lbs. | Recommended Firmness for 130-230 lbs. | Recommended Firmness for Over 230 lbs. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side | Soft (3) to Medium (5) | Medium Soft (4) to Medium (5) | Medium Firm (6) to Firm (7) |
| Back | Soft (3) to Medium (5) | Medium (5) to Firm (7) | Firm (7, 8) to Extra Firm (9) |
| Stomach | Medium Soft (4) to Medium Firm (6) | Medium (5) to Firm (7) | Firm (7, 8) to Extra Firm (9) |
Delivery and Setup Options
One advantage to buying a mattress in a box is convenience. The box gets delivered to your door, and setup usually only takes a few minutes.
If you live in one of the contiguous 48 states, standard shipping is normally free. Shipping to Alaska and Hawaii may come at an extra cost.
Make sure to look at order processing times and estimated shipping speed before making a purchase. Some mattresses arrive within a few business days, while others can take a week or two to arrive — this can be crucial if you’re in a rush to get your new mattress.
Look for a company that offers White Glove delivery if you want or need help setting up your new mattress. This service typically includes haul-away of your old mattress and installation of the new one. Price and availability vary, and this service may extend the delivery timeline.
How to Unbox a Mattress
After delivery, carry the box to your bedroom. Once you remove the mattress from the box and open the plastic packaging, the mattress will gradually expand to its full size.
For a stress-free setup, follow these tips:
- Get your bedroom ready: Before opening the box, prepare the base that you’re going to use for your mattress and remove any nearby clutter. This will give you space to work with and make it easier to set up your bed.
- Ask for help: Lifting the box and mattress can be hard to do on your own, so ask a friend or family member to help out.
- Remove packaging carefully: Cut away the plastic slowly and cautiously so that you don’t nick the mattress.
- Create airflow: To reduce any “new mattress smell,” turn on a fan or open a window to increase ventilation. If possible, let the mattress air out for a few hours before putting sheets on it.
Dig Deeper — More Mattress Guides
Our team tests mattresses that run the gamut in terms of cost, ranging from ultra-affordable budget beds to high-end luxury models. Check out the guides below to see our top mattress picks for different price ranges.
Shopping Guides for Different Mattress Types
- Best Memory Foam Mattress
- Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
- Best Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Best Mattress for Heavy Sleepers
- Best Mattress for Lightweight Sleepers
- Best Mattress for Athletes
- Best Mattress for Couples
- Best Mattress for Kids
- Best Mattress for Toddlers
- Best Mattress for Seniors
- Best Mattress for Teenagers
- Best Mattress for Shoulder Pain
- Best Mattress for Back Pain
- Best Mattress for Hip Pain
- Best Mattress for Arthritis
Still have questions? Ask our community!
Join our Sleep Care Community — a trusted hub of product specialists, sleep health professionals, and people just like you. Whether you’re searching for the perfect mattress or need expert sleep advice, we’ve got you covered. Get personalized guidance from the experts who know sleep best.
Rachel combines a background in health journalism with hands-on experience testing sleep products. In her time at Sleep Foundation, she's researched and evaluated mattresses, pillows, bedding, and sleep tech to help readers find the products best suited to their sleep needs. Outside of work, Rachel enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors with her kids.