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Best Mattress in a Box for Side Sleepers
Long gone are the days when you had to go into a brick-and-mortar showroom to find a great mattress. Over the last decade, online mattress shopping has taken off, with more and more mattresses available to be shipped in a box to your front door.
Buying a mattress in a box is incredibly convenient, but many side sleepers have a hard time deciding which mattress is right for them. Finding a mattress with the right design and features can be the difference between comfortable, restorative sleep and constant tossing and turning.
The team in our Test Lab analyzed years’ worth of data from side sleepers in our testing. With that insight, they selected this list of the best mattresses in a box for side sleepers.

Our #1 Pick: Helix Midnight Luxe
Our team found that the Helix Midnight Luxe offers exactly the type of performance that side sleepers need from a mattress in a box. It relieves pressure around the hips and shoulders so that you can rest comfortably, and its zoned support core can help you maintain healthy spinal alignment.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall Mattress
:Helix Midnight Luxe
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Best Value Mattress
:Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam
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Best Memory Foam Mattress
:Leesa Original
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Best Hybrid Mattress
:Nolah Evolution 15
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Best Cooling Mattress
:Bear Elite Hybrid
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Best Mattress for Couples
:Layla Hybrid
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Best Mattress for Spinal Alignment
:Endy Hybrid
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Best Mattress Deals for Labor Day
- Save $625 — Helix Midnight Luxe
$1,874(List Price $2,499) - Save $259 — Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam
$606(List Price $865) - Save $333 — Leesa Original
$999(List Price $1,332) - Save $797 — Nolah Evolution 15
$1,480(List Price $2,277) - Save $799 — Bear Elite Hybrid
$1,485(List Price $2,284)
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 Mattress in a Box for Side Sleepers
Our mattress testing methodology has been carefully refined over time. In our Seattle Test Lab, we’ve evaluated more than 2,000 mattresses over the last decade. It’s no small task, but our team knows this level of dedication is essential to building accurate product rankings.
The testing process is built around combining objective and subjective data. Our hands-on testing includes measurements of performance indicators like pressure buildup, heat retention, and motion transfer from movement. But we also get ratings from sleepers with different body weights and comfort preferences.
To select the best mattress in a box for side sleepers, we combed through our database to create a shortlist based on these criteria:
- Mattresses you can buy online that are shipped to your front door
- A blend of cushioning for the hips and shoulders and targeted support for overall spinal alignment
- Robust mattress construction with high-quality materials
We took that list and narrowed it down even more, identifying our best overall mattress and a number of other options that won specific accolades from our team.
Our Testing Team

Logan Foley
Executive Product Director
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Mary Fenton
Head of Product Content
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Jeremy Klein
Product Testing Manager
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Brad Nehring
Product Testing Manager
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Colin Simpson
Product Research Manager
Full Bio

Rachel Grice
Product Content Manager
Full Bio
Best Overall Mattress: Helix Midnight Luxe
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: Hot sleepers, couples, and people with back pain.
- Feel: Moderate contouring that adapts to your body without excessive sinkage.
- What It’s Made Of: Specialty memory foam, polyfoam, and a zoned support core of pocketed coils. Optional upgrades are available for more cooling features and extra lumbar support.
- What We Don’t Like: The mattress can get pricey if you add any upgrades.
- Why It Won Best Overall: The Helix Midnight Luxe gives side sleepers comfort and support with gentle contouring around the hips and shoulders. It also delivers impressive all-around performance, including above-average temperature regulation and edge support.
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



The Helix Midnight Luxe serves as proof that buying a mattress in a box doesn’t have to mean sacrificing performance or comfort. Our testing team gave this foam hybrid strong ratings in virtually every category, thanks in large part to its high-quality design and materials.
How It Performed
During our testing, the Helix Midnight Luxe demonstrated numerous strengths without any major weaknesses. Side sleepers especially loved the plush memory foam, which conformed closely and prevented pressure buildup around their hips and shoulders without feeling excessively soft.
Best Value Mattress: Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam
Best Value
8.8/10Test Lab Score
Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam
An all-foam mattress that hugs and soothes pressure points for restful sleep.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Couples, value seekers, and people with lumbar pain.
- Feel: The initial feel is plush and inviting, but the mattress feels denser and more supportive as the underlying comfort and support layers conform to your body.
- What It’s Made Of: Adaptive polyfoam, copper-infused memory foam, zoned transitional foam, and a high-density foam base.
- What We Don’t Like: Brooklyn Bedding charges a $99 fee for returns
- Why It Won Best Value: High-quality memory foam that works this well for side sleepers usually comes at a much higher price-point.
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
The Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam Mattress was a clear standout for side sleepers on a budget. Its foam layers are effective at relieving pressure and isolating motion, but the price-point is accessible and the high-quality design should translate to a solid long-term investment.
How It Performed
Pressure relief was a highlight of the CopperFlex’s performance. The quilted foam and copper-infused memory foam distributed weight and pressure evenly, preventing stress from building up around the hips and shoulders. We found that this mattress was best for side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds. While it provided adequate support for those with higher body weights, it can feel a bit too plush for some.
Best Memory Foam Mattress: Leesa Original
Best Memory Foam
8.2/10Test Lab Score
Leesa Original
High-quality all-foam bed that appeals to most sleepers.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Couples, side sleepers who prefer a softer feel, and budget shoppers.
- Feel: A plush medium (5) mattress surface that molds to the body’s shape and weight.
- What It’s Made Of: A three-layer design consisting of memory foam, transitional polyfoam, and high-density base polyfoam. You can upgrade the cover to include extra cooling materials.
- What We Don’t Like: The mattress can feel too soft for people over 230 pounds, and it’s somewhat weak around the edges.
- Why It Won Best Memory Foam: High-performance memory foam adapts to the body and is complemented by transitional and base polyfoam for excellent pressure relief around the hips and shoulders.
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






Memory foam has long been a hit with side sleepers because of how it accommodates major joints like the hips and shoulders. The Leesa Original utilizes high-quality memory foam along with a responsive polyfoam to reduce pressure buildup and support spinal alignment.
How It Performed
Our performance analysis found that the Leesa Original excelled at pressure relief, keeping potential hot spots from becoming a source of discomfort. This can be attributed to considerable contouring from the memory foam layer.
Best Hybrid Mattress: Nolah Evolution
Best Hybrid
8.7/10Test Lab Score
Nolah Evolution 15
A cloud-like experience with a plush euro-top in multiple firmnes options.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers who want extra lumbar support and shoppers looking for a mattress with firmness options.
- Feel: Comfortable cradling around your joints with a medium (5), medium firm (6), or firm (8) feel.
- What It’s Made Of: Multiple layers of adaptive polyfoam over zoned pocketed coils.
- What We Don’t Like: Nolah charges $99 for all returns.
- Why It Won Best Hybrid: The combination of breathable adaptive foam and multi-zone coils creates a compelling balance of comfort and support, and side sleepers can choose from three firmness levels based on their needs and preferences.
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



The Nolah Evolution is our pick for the best hybrid mattress in a box for side sleepers. It thoughtfully layers adaptive foam above a robust core of pocketed coils, resulting in a very balanced feel with moderate contouring and sturdy pushback. You can also choose from three firmness levels.
How It Performed
During our testing, the Nolah Evolution rated well in almost every performance category. For side sleepers, it was particularly effective at relieving pressure thanks to its mix of foams that cushion the hips, shoulders, and lower back. We found that the medium (5) design was best for those under 130 pounds, the medium firm (6) for those between 130 and 230 pounds, and the firm (8) for side sleepers over 230 pounds.
Best Cooling Mattress: Bear Elite Hybrid
Best Cooling
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: Hot sleepers and people with joint pain.
- Feel: The feel can be medium (5), medium firm (6), or firm (8), with contouring that runs from mild to moderate.
- What It’s Made Of: A cover with Celliant fabric plus a mix of foam layers and pocketed coils with a zoned support structure. Optional upgrades allow you to add more cooling features.
- What We Don’t Like: It can be difficult to move on the mattress (especially the softest model).
- Why It Won Best Cooling: Multiple design elements reduce heat buildup, and choosing the cooling upgrade can level up this performance even more.
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




Too often, materials that cushion the hips and shoulders also trap warmth, which can cause side sleepers to overheat. The Bear Elite Hybrid avoids that problem with breathable materials and multiple design features intended for cooler sleep.
How It Performed
In our hands-on testing, the Bear Elite Hybrid showed that it can accommodate the sharp pressure points of side sleepers while maintaining a sturdy, solid base. With three firmness options, the mattress can meet a wide range of side-sleeper firmness preferences.
Best Mattress for Couples: Layla Hybrid
Best for Couples
8.9/10Test Lab Score
Layla Hybrid
A close-conforming, flippable hybrid with a different firmness on each side.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Couples who value motion isolation and sleepers who are interested in a dual-sided mattress.
- Feel: One side feels medium soft (4) with deep contouring, and the other side is firm (7) for lighter cradling and more pushback.
- What It’s Made Of: Copper-infused memory foam and polyfoam comfort layers on each side, and a shared support core of pocketed coils.
- What We Don’t Like: Neither side suits sleepers who prefer a classic medium firm feel.
- Why It Won Best for Couples: Memory foam layers on both sides of the mattress work to isolate motion, so you can sleep soundly even if your bed partner moves on their side of the bed.
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
The Layla Hybrid stands out from most mattresses in a box because of its flippable design. One side has a firmness level of medium soft (4), and the other side is firm (7). Regardless of which side you use, the Layla Hybrid has a layer of high-performance memory foam.
How It Performed
Our testing found that the Layla Hybrid limited motion transfer, especially on the softer side. By absorbing vibrations, it can minimize sleep disruptions from a bed partner’s movement. We also found that the reviews from side sleepers depended significantly on which side of the mattress they used. Side sleepers over 230 pounds gave high ratings to the firm (7) side, while those under 130 pounds loved the medium soft (4) side. Results were mixed for people between 130 and 230 pounds.
Best Mattress for Spinal Alignment: Endy Hybrid
Best for Spinal Alignment
9.0/10Test Lab Score
Endy Hybrid
An adaptive foam hybrid available in three firmness levels.
Key Details
- Who It’s Best For: Shoppers in Canada, and those who want height and firmness options.
- Feel: Options include medium soft (4), medium firm (6), or firm (7), with deeper contouring on the softest model and stronger support from the other two designs.
- What It’s Made Of: Proprietary foam comfort layers over thick pocketed coils, all encased in a quilted cover.
- What We Don’t Like: The medium soft (4) model costs more than the others.
- Why It Won Best for Spinal Alignment: The layers of this mattress work to accommodate your shoulders and hips, keeping these areas on an even plane with the rest of your body.
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
Endy is a popular mattress brand in Canada that has expanded to the U.S. The Endy Hybrid features the company’s specialty foam, which helps relieve pressure without compressing excessively beneath you. You can choose from three models of the Endy Hybrid, each of which has a different height and firmness level.
How It Performed
We found that the Endy Hybrid performed well for side sleepers, with the medium firm (6) model having the broadest appeal. The medium soft (4) model offered solid support to side sleepers under 130 pounds, but it also trapped the most heat. The firm (7) model worked best for side sleepers over 230 pounds, but it was not as good at isolating motion.
What to Consider When Shopping for a Mattress in a Box for Side Sleepers
If you’re shopping for a new mattress, there’s no shortage of options to choose from. While that may feel overwhelming at first, a few key considerations can help you identify the best mattress in a box to meet your needs as a side sleeper.
Mattress Type
For most side sleepers, an all-foam or a hybrid design will provide the best results among the various types of mattresses in a box.
All-foam mattresses provide the kind of deep, even cushioning and weight distribution that many side sleepers need. They are often affordable and are widely available for shipping in a box to your doorstep.
Hybrid mattresses layer thick, cushy comfort materials on top of sturdy metal coils. The coil-based support system helps ensure strong edge support, as well as bounce and pushback to keep your body on an even plane. That said, hybrids tend to be a bit pricier and heavier, and not all hybrids can be shipped in a box.
Side sleepers over 230 pounds may want to consider an all-latex mattress because this material is durable and offers more resistance against sinking into the bed. However, latex mattresses can be expensive, and they are usually heavy and difficult to move.
Sleeping Position and Body Weight
While all side sleepers need cushioning for their hips and shoulders, that doesn’t mean that every side sleeper gets the best results from the same firmness level or amount of contouring.
Sleepers with a lower body weight don’t push as deeply into the top layers of a mattress, so a firmer surface may not contour enough around their pressure points. As a result, they typically get better results from a mattress that’s on the softer side. The opposite is true for people over 230 pounds. Our team offers the following recommendations for firmness for side sleepers, but it’s important to take your own preferences into account as well.
| Side Sleeper Weight Range | Firmness Starting Point |
|---|---|
| Less than 130 lbs. | Soft (3) to medium (5) |
| 130 to 230 lbs. | Medium (5) to medium firm (6) |
| More than 230 lbs. | Medium firm (6) to firm (7-8) |
Delivery and Setup Options
When buying a mattress in a box online, you’ll usually get free shipping if you live in the contiguous United States. If you’re in Alaska or Hawaii, you may need to pay for shipping.
If you need your mattress in a hurry, you’ll want to look carefully before ordering because the times for order processing and shipping can vary for different brands and models.
With some mattresses, you also have the option to pay extra for White Glove delivery that includes installation of your new mattress and removal of your old one.
How to Unbox a Mattress
Getting a mattress in a box is convenient because the package arrives directly to your doorstep. Setup is usually quick and easy. You just need to bring the box to your bedroom and carefully remove all the packaging. The mattress will immediately start to decompress and grow in size.
A few tips can help you avoid potential problems when setting up a mattress in a box:
- Seek out an extra set of hands: Although the box may be relatively compact, it can be heavy. We recommend having two people available to safely lift and carry the box and then position the mattress after unboxing.
- Open the packaging carefully: Carefully cut away the plastic to avoid accidentally damaging the mattress.
- Let the mattress breathe: It can take time for a mattress to expand to its full size. In some cases, it may take a few days. Check with the manufacturer about how soon after unboxing you can use the mattress and the total time it may take to decompress.
- Ventilate your bedroom: It’s normal for a mattress to give off a bit of a chemical smell right after unboxing. To help with this, allow the mattress to air out before putting sheets on it, and turn on a fan or open a window so that there’s ventilation around the mattress.
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
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