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Mar 28, 2024

9 Best Hybrid Mattresses in a Box of 2023, Tested & Reviewed

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process. These top-tested boxed beds

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

These top-tested boxed beds combine supportive coils with comfortable foam.

While there are many types of mattresses to choose from in today's market, the hybrid mattress in a box is among the most popular for two reasons: First, a hybrid mattress uses layers of durable coils and pressure-relieving foam so you get the benefits of both materials. Second, a boxed mattress ships to you quickly for convenient DIY setup as opposed to coordinating a scheduled delivery and waiting around during the delivery window.

What's the best hybrid mattress in a box? Our top-tested boxed hybrid is the Bear Elite Hybrid. It has earned high comfort ratings from every tester that's tried it, and users told us it delivers quality sleep compared to other beds they've slept on. If you're looking to spend under $1,000, we recommend the Allswell Luxe Hybrid.

The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab evaluates every aspect of boxed hybrid mattresses, from the ordering process and in-home setup to comfort, support and their effect on sleep quality. Our bedding experts coordinate at-home sleep testing to get feedback after extended use, plus we survey our panel of testers for insight into the mattresses they already own. In fact, we've surveyed over 10,000 mattress owners and reviewed responses to more than 170,000 questions before choosing the best mattresses to recommend.

You can read more about how we test mattresses and what to look for when you shop at the end of this article, but first, here's everything you need to know about the best hybrid mattresses in a box, with prices listed for Queen sizes.

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This hybrid model is a tester favorite and earns our top spot thanks to its exceptional comfort. Not only does it have several layers of foam over individually pocketed coils, but it also has five zoned sections from the head to the foot of the bed to promote proper spine alignment. Certain areas offer more relief for your pressure points (like the shoulders), while others provide more support (like near the lower back). There's also a quilted top cover, which gives you the cushioning feel of a pillowtop that's often found in luxury models.

Who it's best for: It's suitable for most sleep positions, but it's especially good for side and back sleepers because of its ergonomic layout. The targeted zones also make it ideal for people with back pain. Overall, it's a great hybrid option for anyone that finds an innerspring to be too hard yet finds memory foam to be too soft.

Tester notes: Since it was first launched two years ago, we've had testers with unique preferences and needs try out this model, and every one of them has given it high scores across the board. They also said it has led to better sleep quality; one even noted she overslept after her first night on the mattress. Another tester added, "This is undoubtedly the best mattress we have ever owned. We have traveled all over and have never had the sleep experience we now have every night."

One thing to keep in mind: We couldn't validate some of the brand's marketing claims during our research, including one that says the mattress contains natural minerals that promote sleep recovery. Still, it's a top-tested model that we recommend based on feedback from our experts and at-home testers.

Despite costing much less than other hybrids, this model was still a top performer in our tests. And unlike other low-cost mattresses that use innersprings with minimal foam layers, this one has two substantial layers of foam over individually wrapped coils to help reduce motion transfer. We also love that the price has stayed fairly consistent, especially because we've seen mattress prices regularly increasing in recent years.

Who it's best for: Young adults, including apartment renters, new homeowners or anyone that's looking for the best possible mattress under $1,000. Because it doesn't have as much edge support, the sides sink down under pressure, so it may be more difficult for anyone with mobility issues to get out of bed. This model was most well-received by testers in their 20s.

Tester notes: Our reviewers said this mattress felt way more expensive than it is. Although the lack of edge support was a common complaint, users still felt it was well worth the price. One tester told us, "It feels like sleeping on a plush hotel mattress but at a fraction of the price." From a convenience standpoint, it arrived quickly and was easy to set up.

Our reviewers consistently told us they felt pain relief after switching to Nolah mattresses, and this particular model offers a substantial amount of memory foam with a medium firmness, which is what our medical experts recommend in a mattress for back pain. Though it's entirely foam inside and not an actual hybrid, it has unique foam layers at the base with tiny cutouts designed to give you the responsive feel of coils with the motion isolation of memory foam.

Who it's best for: People who struggle with back pain, hip pain, sciatica and pregnancy-related pains. Even those that have seemingly mild pain from activities like sitting at a desk have benefited from this mattress. This model is intended for side sleepers, which is the sleep position recommended for people with back pain. If you prefer a true hybrid model, we also recommend Nolah's Evolution 15", which is more expensive but has more layers.

Tester notes: Users with conditions ranging from sciatica to scoliosis reported pain relief while sleeping on various Nolah models, including this one. Our most recent tester of this mattress noted, "On the first day of testing, I went to bed with a strained back from hours of sitting at my desk. When I woke up the next day, the pain was completely gone."

Another benefit is that users find it to sleep surprisingly cool. Memory foam is notorious for trapping heat, but this one uses Nolah's signature AirFoam that's designed to dissipate heat. And unlike most mattresses that use a cotton cover, this one's made of Tencel, which has a cooler feel.

This hybrid is the ultimate compromise between couples with different body types, sleep positions and personal preferences. With its medium firmness, it has a perfectly balanced feel so that it's not too soft yet not too firm. Besides its hybrid interior, it also features a moisture-wicking cover, ergonomic zones for spine alignment and a pillowtop for added comfort.

Who it's best for: Sleeping partners that can't agree on the firmness level or mattress type. It's also ideal for combination sleepers — i.e., people who frequently change their sleep position throughout the night. Though this model is on the pricier side, there's a Dusk version (without the "Luxe") that uses fewer layers and costs several hundred dollars less.

Tester notes: It stood out for satisfying users with different preferences than their significant others. One tester told us, "It's a good mix for me (a side sleeper) and my partner (a back sleeper)." Another tester agreed but noted that if their partner got too close, they did feel some of their movements.

Testers gave it good scores in everything from ease of setup to comfort to sleep quality. One highlighted the contouring feel, noting, "It feels plush but doesn't feel like it's swallowing me up, and there's just enough bounce that allows me to shift and turn over in the night." Just note that because it's taller, it's heavier to set up and doesn't have handles on the sides.

Casper is known for making the mattress-in-a-box industry hit the mainstream, and though the original version was entirely foam, it's now offered in this hybrid variation. Besides its popularity (Casper was one of the most highly-rated mattress brands when we survey consumers.), it's also a great option on Amazon because it's available with Prime shipping. That means it arrives quickly and you know exactly what day it'll be delivered.

Like other hybrids, this model uses several layers of foam on top of springs. The top foam layer has ventilation throughout to allow for more airflow, while the second foam layer has zoned support that's softer under the shoulders and firmer under the lower back. It also has support foam underneath the springs for stability and durability.

Who it's best for: Shoppers who prefer to buy from Amazon but still want to get a quality mattress instead of a cheap model. Its zones make it most suitable for side and back sleepers.

Tester notes: Users unanimously told us this model felt like an upgrade from their previous beds. One said, "I was so apprehensive about trying a mattress without feeling it first," but exclaimed, "It was so comfortable!" They also highlighted how well it contoured to their body and that it felt plush to lie on, with another reviewer saying it's "like sleeping on a cloud." Just note that one pointed out that it actually felt softer than expected.

If you're looking to spend as little as possible on a boxed hybrid mattress, this one's your best bet. It's only 8 inches tall with minimal foam so it won't feel as cushioning as the Allswell Luxe Hybrid (our pick for the best value mattress), but it's still incredibly popular with good feedback. In fact, it has over 130,000 reviews on Amazon with an average 4.5-star rating.

Because the mattress is mostly springs, it has a firmer feel than other hybrids. If you prefer a bit more foam or a softer surface, you can upgrade to the 10- or 12-inch version of this mattress for a slightly higher cost, yet both are still under $500.

Who it's best for: Price-conscious shoppers that don't want to spend over $300 on a mattress. It's also ideal for people who prefer a firmer mattress or for beds that require a lower profile, like a Murphy bed or bunk bed.

Tester notes: We heard from dozens of Linenspa mattress owners, who gave this mattress high scores for ease of ordering, delivery and set up. They didn't score it as well on things like comfort and sleep quality, and some even noted that it didn't last as long as they had expected. Still, one user of this mattress told us, "We love the cost and the hybrid of foam and spring. The firmness and give are great with this model. We also love how easy this was to order and set up — and it came in days, not weeks."

Mattresses with memory foam, including hybrids, can inadvertently cause overheating. Purple's, on the other hand, has a unique gel grid layer on top that offers excellent breathability. The gel also stands out for feeling squishy yet firm, giving the mattress a perfect balance of support and pressure relief. While this hybrid uses less memory foam than others (only for transition layers around the coils), Purple has additional hybrids available that use more foam below the gel grid for a softer feel.

Who it's best for: Hot sleepers, thanks to its airy construction, couples, thanks to its motion isolation and heavier body weights, thanks to its 600-pound capacity (or 300 pounds on each side). Even if you don't fit into one of these categories, it's still a great mattress thanks to its innovative materials that you need to feel to believe.

Tester notes: Our reviewers of Purple products (including its pillows) have been impressed by how cool they feel during use. When it comes to this mattress specifically, comfort and convenience were the biggest highlights. One tester told us, "It was comfortable from day one," while another said, "It was easy to set up." Just note that over the years, some Purple testers have found their mattress deliveries to take longer than expected.

Side sleepers typically need a softer mattress to prevent putting too much strain on their pressure points, like the shoulders and hips. Puffy's is rated softer than other hybrids, but it's still supportive and doesn't sink in too much. It has three separate layers of foam above the coils, making it taller and more cushioning than most other boxed models.

Who it's best for: Side sleepers or anyone who prefers a soft, cradling feel from their mattress. It can also be useful for back pain sufferers since the multiple foam layers help conform to the shape of your body.

Tester notes: Our reviewers noted that they experienced fewer aches and pains after switching to this mattress (especially compared to innerspring beds). Despite its soft feel, users say it has kept its shape well. One tester said, "I feel like I'm sleeping on a cloud, but I still feel supported," while another told us, "I am able to sleep more deeply on it." One thing to note: The brand claims the mattress has cooling features, but our panelists didn't seem to notice this effect.

Unlike most hybrid mattresses that are made with memory foam, Avocado uses latex which is more resilient and has less of a sinking-in feel. It's also certified organic by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS), meaning the entire manufacturing process follows strict standards. Besides the latex and coils, it also uses organic cotton and wool, and the layers are hand tufted together to avoid using any synthetic adhesives.

The best part is that it doesn't sacrifice quality by using more sustainable materials; this model is one of our top-tested — not just for its organic features. It's also on the firmer side (Avocado calls it a 7 out of 10), but you can add a plush pillowtop for an added cost if you prefer a softer feel.

Who it's best for: People who prefer to avoid petroleum-based memory foam, eco-conscious shoppers or those who prefer the supportive feel of latex.

Tester notes: One of our reviewers summarized her experience with this model by saying, "I like that it's made of organic and natural materials, that it's extremely comfortable and that it's held up even after years." Other users noticed how well it kept their body weight distributed and gave it high comfort ratings.

The scientist and engineers in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab review materials, specs, noteworthy claims and any customer service-related aspects. We then have our experts and consumer testers set up and sleep on the mattresses in their homes. On top of that, we survey Good Housekeeping readers to get insight into the mattresses they already own. In recent years, we've surveyed over 10,000 mattress owners and reviewed responses to more than 170,000 questions. Here's how each hybrid mattress in a box is evaluated:

Though all hybrid mattresses in a box share certain qualities, there are actually a wide range of models available with unique differentiators. Here's what to consider when you shop:

No; a hybrid is built with a set top and bottom and is therefore not reversible. The bottom contains steel coils and sometimes a durable base for stability, and the top is designed for comfort and pressure relief. Some hybrid models can be rotated head to foot, but others have an ergonomic layout to support spinal alignment. If you prefer to rotate to prevent indents, make sure to check this aspect before you buy.

No; in fact, hybrid mattresses with a substantial amount of memory foam may not even be compatible with box springs. Because hybrid mattresses already contain coils on the bottom, a box spring isn't needed for support.

A hybrid mattress needs a flat, firm foundation. This can mean a wooden board on your base, or you can use a bed with slats as long as they are spaced close together (no more than 3 inches apart). And because boxed hybrid mattresses are flexible, you should be able to use them on an adjustable base.

In general, you can expect a hybrid mattress in a box to last around 5 to 10 years. That being said, there's no expiration date on mattresses and its longevity can vary based on the quality of materials and how well you keep your mattress protected.

Lexie Sachs is the executive director of the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she oversees testing to find the best bedding, including mattresses. She has been actively researching, analyzing and reporting on mattresses since online bed-shopping hit the mainstream nearly 10 years ago, and has extensively reviewed dozens of hybrid mattresses in a box by meeting with brands, surveying real mattress owners and conducting consumer tests. Lexie has also personally tried many of the models featured in this article.

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. She also evaluates luggage, rain gear, disposable paper goods and baby products. Lexie has more than 15 years of experience in the textiles industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Prior to joining GH in 2013, she worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.

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