Finding a balance between comfort and support in a mattress with the right price tag can be a hassle. You don’t want to end up with a cheap mattress that leaves you with aches and pains and gives you a bad night of sleep. However, it is possible to find a bed that works for your comfort preferences at a low price. Show In this guide, we will teach you what to look for in a mattress and what the appropriate price range is for a decent mattress. Expensive mattresses often feature additional layers, materials, or target specific sleeper types, but those bells and whistles are not always needed for a great night’s sleep. One of our top picks is sure to be the right mattress for your body type, comfort preferences, and your budget. Disclosure: By clicking on the product links in this article, Mattress Nerd may receive a commission fee at no cost to you, the reader. Read full disclosure statement. The Best Affordable Mattresses For Your Budget
Chosen by Experts and AdvocatesAt Mattress Nerd, our team tests upwards of a dozen new mattresses per month, with models ranging from under $500 to over $2,000. We run each mattress through the same comprehensive tests, regardless of the price tag. Through our testing, we’ve found the mattresses on this list to be high quality, comfortable, supportive, and, most importantly, affordable. To learn more, check out our review process. Nerd’s Pick: NectarNerd’s Pick Nectar MattressThe Nectar is a value memory foam mattress that excels at providing pressure relief and minimizing motion transfer. The medium-firm feel is ideal for cradling pressure points. Plus, it comes with a yearlong trial period and Lifetime warranty. Nerd Score 3.7/5 Read Full Review MaterialFoamTrial Period365 nightsShipping MethodFree shippingWe updated this guide in October 2022 to ensure our top-tested boxed mattresses were in stock and reflected accurate prices. Mattresses that ship to you in a box are more popular than ever thanks to their more affordable prices and convenient set up that make bed shopping a breeze. Rather than scheduling and waiting around for a delivery service to carry your mattress into your home, boxed
mattresses that you buy online get compressed and rolled up to be delivered as a package. As easy as this process may be, it's still important to do your research before you buy in order to find the best boxed mattress for your needs. The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab extensively evaluates mattresses for every preference, including innerspring mattresses, memory foam mattresses, hybrid mattresses, latex mattresses and more. Our analysts research the brands and mattress materials, try out the beds firsthand, have testers sleep on them for extended periods and survey our testerpanel to get in-depth reviews on the mattresses they already own. Our recent surveys alone had responses from over 10,000 mattress owners. Our top picks:
You can find more information about how we test and shopping tips to help you choose the perfect mattress at the end of this article. First, here's everything you need to know about our recommendations for the best mattresses in a box, with prices listed for queen sizes. Best Overall Mattress in a Box Casper Casper Original Mattress
Best Value Mattress in a Box Allswell Allswell Luxe Hybrid Mattress
Best Luxury Mattress in a Box Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Mattress
Best Cheap Mattress in a Box Linenspa Linenspa 8-Inch Hybrid Mattress
Best Mattress in a Box on Amazon Tuft & Needle Tuft & Needle Original Mattress
Most Innovative Mattress in a Box Purple The Purple Mattress
Best Hybrid Mattress in a Box Bear Bear Elite Hybrid
Best Mattress in a Box for Back Pain Nolah Nolah Evolution 15 Mattress
Best Soft Mattress in a Box for Side Sleepers Puffy Puffy Lux Hybrid Best Firm Latex Mattress in a Box Avocado Avocado Latex Mattress
Best Reversible Mattress in a Box Layla Layla Mattress
Best Mattress in a Box for Couples Helix Helix Dusk Luxe
How we test mattresses in a box Each boxed mattress is evaluated by the scientists and product experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab to make sure they'll have a stress-free delivery and set up along with a comfortable feel. We review the materials, specifications, noteworthy features and any relevant performance claims from the start. We also research the brands to check for common complaints and to make sure we feel comfortable recommending the company to our readers. Sometimes mattress brands that put a lot of effort into their marketing end up having red flags for quality or customer service, so they get eliminated from our review. We then try out the mattresses in person. They're tested by our product experts and consumer testers to get as much feedback as possible. We first survey users after several weeks, then again after extended periods to see how well the mattresses hold up. Beyond that, we also survey our tester panel to get further feedback on the mattresses they already own. In recent years, we've surveyed more than 10,000 mattress owners and reviewed responses to more than 170,000 questions. Throughout this testing period, each mattress is evaluated for aspects like:
What exactly is a "mattress in a box"? The main difference between a boxed mattress and a traditional mattress is how it gets delivered. Mattresses in a box are compressed, rolled up and shipped like mail. Not all are actually in boxes; some use bags or other packaging materials, but the bottom line is that you order it online and can expect it to arrive at your door like a package, then you can set it up in your own time. Most boxed mattresses contain only foam or a hybrid of foam with small coils. This is because traditional innerspring mattresses aren't able to get compressed and rolled. The beds will vary in terms of weight and how easy they are to set up, but some will offer the option to have it set up for you for an extra cost. How much does a mattress in a box cost? Most mattress-in-a-box models cost between $1,000 to $1,500 for a queen size. If you're on a budget, you can find affordable options under $500 that are still worth it, and on the flip side, you can find luxury models closer to $2,000 and beyond if you're willing to splurge. In general, the more you spend, the more layers the bed will have. How long does a mattress in a box last? Just like a regular mattress, a boxed mattress should be able to last eight to 10 years. That being said, it's better to look for signs that your mattress needs to be replaced rather than following a timeline. Visual warning signs include lumps or indents where you sleep. And if you wake up feeling sore or you sleep better when you're not in your own bed, there's a good chance it's time for a new mattress. If you're looking for a quick fix and not ready to replace your entire bed, you can try a mattress topper to add a layer of comfort. Toppers are typically several inches thick and can add firmness, pressure relief or plush softness with materials like memory foam, latex, down or fiberfill. Is it safe to buy a boxed mattress online? Most of the time, yes. It may feel strange to buy a mattress without feeling it in person, but the truth is it's hard to get a sense of how comfortable any mattress willfeel to sleep on without actually sleeping on it. Most online mattress brands allow you to keep the mattress for around 100 days and if it's not a good fit, you can get a full refund. The companies will then donate or recycle your discarded mattress. Just make sure you read the fine print on the return process before you complete the purchase to avoid any headaches later on. That being said, customer service varies greatly between mattress brands. It's something we asked our survey respondents about before selecting our top mattresses, and we always check company complaints before we recommend them. Even though some brands may earn rave reviews in other mattress guides, we avoid recommending any that have a high level of consumer complaints, outstanding lawsuits and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) violations that mislead shoppers. As a quick check, you can try looking at consumer comments on the brand's social media pages. What to consider when shopping for a mattress-in-a-box • Delivery options: Most mattresses ship in a box (where you set it up yourself), while some offer the option for a white glove delivery service (where they do all the work and can even take your old mattress). Interestingly, most testers found the DIY set-up to be less of a hassle than scheduling a delivery. Plus, for many the idea of contact-free delivery is even more appealing. • Return policy: There should be a trial period so you can sleep on your new bed for at least a month to make sure it's a good fit for you. If you don't like it, most brands will pick up the mattress and donate it. Make sure you check beforehand whether there are any fees, and what the process is like to complete a return. We recommend prioritizing trial periods over mattress warranties to ensure you can get a refund for any reason. • Materials: Foam mattresses offer pressure relief and contour to the shape of your body, while innerspring and metal coils have a firmer and bouncy feel. Hybrid mattresses combine the two, though boxed hybrid mattresses tend to be softer than traditional innerspring models that can't be rolled up. • Certifications: Most boxed mattresses are made with foam, so look for legit third party certifications like CertiPUR-US (all of our foam recommendations have it) or GreenGuard to avoid unsafe levels of offgassing chemicals. If a mattress uses organic claims, look for certifications like the Global Organic Textiles Standard (GOTS) and Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS). Just note that a mattress with memory foam should never be considered natural or organic. • Your bed's base: Typically you don't need a box spring with boxed mattresses, but some mattress materials, especially foam, work better on a flat, hard surface. If you have a bed frame with slats, they should be close together to avoid mattress sagging. And don't forget to measure the frame to ensure the mattress will fit; while mattress sizes are typically consistent, there have been instances of fit issues in our tests. If you sleep on an adjustable base, make sure to opt for a mattress that works with an adjustable bed. Most foam mattresses are compatible because they can easily bend. • Your sleep preferences: How you sleep affects what type of mattress you'll need; the goal is to keep your spine aligned. Side sleepers need a softer surface to take the weight off pressure points like hips and shoulders, stomach sleepers need a firmer surface for support, and back or combo sleepers can fall somewhere in between. Why trust Good Housekeeping Lexie Sachs is the Executive Director of the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she oversees all bedding content and testing. She has been actively researching and reporting on boxed mattresses that you can buy online since they first became popular in 2014. Since then, she has extensively reviewed dozens of models by meeting with brands, surveying real mattress owners and conducting consumer tests. Lexie has also personally tried out all types of boxed mattresses, with a wide range of price points, materials and shipping methods. Lexie Sachs Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Executive Director Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of the Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she researches, tests and reports on fabric-based products ranging from sheets, mattresses and towels to bras, fitness apparel and other clothing. What is the best affordable mattress to buy?Our Best Budget Mattresses of 2022 Rating. #1 Tuft & Needle Original.. #2 Zinus Cooling Green Tea Gel Memory Foam.. #3 Zinus Green Tea Cooling Swirl Memory Foam Hybrid.. #4 Zinus Pressure Relief Euro Top iCoil Hybrid.. #5 Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam. #6 Zinus Pressure Relief Cloud Memory Foam.. What is the highest rated boxed mattress?The Best Mattresses in a Box. Best Overall. DreamCloud Mattress. SHOP NOW. ... . Best Value. Nectar Mattress. ... . Best for Side Sleepers. Helix Midnight. ... . Most Comfortable. WinkBed. ... . Best for Back Pain. Nolah Evolution 15. ... . Best for Couples. Bear Elite Hybrid. ... . Best for Combination Sleepers. Layla Hybrid. ... . Best Pressure Relief. Leesa Sapira Hybrid.. Are mattress in a box worth it?If you're looking for convenient delivery and set-up, an affordable price, a quality mattress that's both supportive and plush, and an extended trial period, a bed in a box is likely the right choice for you.
Which mattress type is cheapest?So what do you get with a really cheap mattress? Generally speaking, most mattresses in the under-$500 price range are all-foam or foam-forward hybrids, rather than innerspring. (As we explain in our guide to the best innerspring mattresses, a decent-quality coil mattress typically costs at least $500 for a queen.)
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