COUPON: Save $50 off any Bedinabox mattress with code NapLab50.
Best For
- Incredibly good cooling performance, especially for a memory foam mattress
- Motion transfer is extremely low
- Fast response time of 0.5 seconds
Considerations
- Very low bounce, negatively impacts sex
- 3.0” of comfort material isn’t very thick, which could create pressure issues for heavy-weight sleepers
Our Verdict
The BedInABox mattress is an 11” memory foam mattress made of modern memory foam and a support foam base. A couple more sentences on materials or overall design if necessary. It offers high contour and hug, coupled with a faster-than-expected response time.
It has minimal sinkage and very low bounce with an exacting body contour hug and feel.
It comes in a single firmness of 6 out of 10, where 10 is the most firm. This makes it a good option for all body types and sleeping positions. That said, heavier weighted sleepers may find the 3.0″ of comfort foam lacking to their needs.
The BedInABox mattress has an overall score of 8.79, which placed it in the top 36% comparing all mattresses tested to date. Looking specifically at memory foam mattresses, this mattress scores in the top 19%.
The BedInABox Original price tag is 30% less than the average memory foam mattress ($1,129), for a savings of $268 on a queen mattress.
Type: Memory Foam
Firmness: Medium-Firm (6)
Best For: All Sleeping Positions, All Body Weights
In This Review
Performance Tests | Firmness | Support & Sleeping Positions | Design | Materials | Comparisons | FAQs
Performance Tests
At NapLab, we put each mattress to the test.
We test 10 different factors that impact the performance, comfort, and value of the mattress. We then take the results of that test and compare to every mattress we’ve tested to date.
Check out the full performance table below to see how this mattress ranks:
| Factor | Bedinabox Original | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.79 | 8.57 |
| Price (Queen) | $861 | $1,129 (Memory Foam only) |
| Cooling – Score | 9.0 | 8.7 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 1.86″ | 2.14″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Minimal | Moderate |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 10 | 8.2 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 2.85 m/s² | 8.78 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 8.4 | 8.9 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.5 sec. | 0.4 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 0.6 sec. | 0.9 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 5.40″ | 9.53″ |
| Bounce – Feel | Very Low | Moderate |
| Edge Support – Score | 8.6 | 8.6 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 4.50″ | 4.04″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Excellent | Good |
| Sex – Score | 6.8 | 8.4 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 9.0 | 8.7 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 3.0″ | 4.1″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 11″ | 12.0″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 9.2 | 8.1 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Moderate | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 3 days | 7 days |
| Company – Score | 8.5 | 8.7 |
| Trial | 120 nights | 177 nights |
| Warranty | 20 years | 25% have lifetime warranties, average of other 75% of mattresses is 13 years |
How is BedInABox Different?
The BedInABox Original mattress performs higher than average while having a price tag that is lower than average—30% lower than the cost for the average memory foam mattress.
Advantages
This mattress had multiple categories where it performed above average. Cooling, motion transfer, pressure relief, and off-gassing were all above average. Not quite as high performing was edge support which met the average.
Neutral Factors
For the preferential factors the mattress has less sinkage and lower bounce than average.
Disadvantages
Because of the lower levels of bounce, the sex performance score dipped a bit, which may or may not be an important factor to you. Additionally, response time was slower than average.
Cooling Test
The Bedinabox Original has excellent cooling. During our tests, I did not feel any notable levels of heat retention anywhere on my body.
Baseline Temp.
81.3° F
Max. Temp.
87.4° F
Ending Temp.
83.3° F
Max. Temp.
Ending Temp.
- Baseline Temperature – the temperature of the mattress before anyone lies on it
- Maximum Temperature (0 minute) – the temperature of the mattress after lying on it for 15 minutes
- Ending Temperature (5 minute) – the temperature of the mattress after being lied upon and having no one on it for 5 minutes
In our objective temperature tests, we measured a max surface level temperature of 87.4° F. This is 2.3° less than the average of 89.7° F, based on all of our tests to date.
Heat Dissipation Over Time
Within 1 minute the BedInABox mattress dropped 3.5° F from the maximum temperature. It continued to drop in temperature from there, finishing at 83.3° F after 5 minutes with no one lying on the mattress.
When we consider the combination of objective data, my subjective experiences, and an analysis of the materials, I’m confident in my view that cooling is excellent.
Sinkage Test
The Bedinabox Original has minimal sinkage. During our tests, we measured a pressure point sinkage depth of 1.86″. This is 0.29″ less sinkage than the average sinkage depth of 2.15″, based on all of our tests to date.
The slightly lower sinkage makes sense, given the 3.0” layer of memory foam. A 3.0” comfort layer is slightly thinner than many mattresses we’ve tested.
As a result, there is going to be a more supportive pushback more quickly compared to others, which is likely resulting in the restrained 1.86” of sinkage.
In any case, sinkage is a preferential factor. Some sleepers really enjoy a deep sinkage, while others prefer less.
Motion Transfer Test
The Bedinabox Original has an extremely low level of motion transfer. During our tests, we measured a total acceleration range of 2.85 m/s². This is 68% less motion transfer than the average of 8.80 m/s².
The level of motion transfer is documented in the video below.
Max. Acceleration
1.05 m/s²
Min. Acceleration
-1.80 m/s²
Accel. Range
2.85 m/s²
In our motion transfer chart, which visualizes our accelerometer data, we can see the highest motion peaks from 0 to 0.25 seconds. By 0.73 seconds we’ve returned to near-zero levels of energy.
As you can see in the chart above, the max range of motion transfer is still less than 3.0 m/s² and by half a second the motion has basically been completely eliminated by the materials.
Response Test
The Bedinabox Original is fast for “mostly recovered response time” and very fast for “fully recovered response time”.
Mostly Recovered
0.5 sec.
Complete Recovery
0.6 sec.
In our mostly recovered test, we measured a recovery speed of 0.5 seconds, which is 0.09 seconds slower than the average of 0.41 seconds, based on all of our tests to date.
In our fully recovered responsiveness test, we measured a recovery speed of 0.6 seconds, which is 0.32 seconds faster than the average of 0.92 seconds.
The level of responsiveness is documented in the video below.
In the last many years, memory foam mattresses have come a long way, especially with respect to response time.
A faster response time helps ensure you never feel “stuck” or overly enveloped by the foams, making it easier to move around during the night.
Bounce Test
The Bedinabox Original has a very low level of bounce. During our tests, we measured a total bounce height of 5.40″. This is 4.10″ less bounce than the average of 9.50″, based on all of our tests to date.
Max. Depth
4.42″
Max. Rebound
0.98″
Total Bounce
5.40″
Most of this bounce is on the downward compression, which we measured at 4.42”. From there, the rebound on the bounce was extremely restrained.
Max. Sinkage Depth
Max. Bounce Height
The medicine ball only made it 0.98” off the surface of the mattress. Low bounce on a memory foam mattress is pretty typical. Bounce is a preferential factor, some sleepers want more, others less.
The level of bounce is also documented in the video below.
All of the above said, more bounce is always preferable for sex (which we’ll discuss below). At a total bounce height of 5.4” the BedInABox mattress is notably below average with respect to bounce.
Ideally, I want to see 8-12″ of total bounce height, but the BedInABox falls wells below that benchmark.
Edge Support Test
The Bedinabox Original has good sitting edge support and excellent lying edge support. In our sitting edge support test, we measured a sitting sinkage compression of 4.50″. This is 0.45″ more sitting sinkage than the average of 4.05″, based on all of our tests to date.
Max. Sinkage
4.5″
Lying Support
Excellent”
The level of edge support while seated is documented in the images below.
Sitting, 140 lbs.
Sitting, 200 lbs.
In our sitting edge tests, the BedInABox mattress compressed 4.5” under the legs.
The level of edge support while lying is documented in the images below.
Lying on Edge, 140 lbs.
Lying on Edge, 200 lbs.
While lying directly on the edge of the mattress, I felt that the support was excellent in all sleeping positions.
Sex Test
The Bedinabox Original has mediocre sex performance. Bounce is very low at 5.40″, which is 4.10″ less than average bounce height of 9.50″. Coinsidering that bounce makes up 65% of the sex score it is very difficult for mattresses with low bounce to score well in this area.
| Sex Factor | Factor Weight | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bounce | 65% | 5.8 | Very Low |
| Edge Support | 20% | 8.1 | Good |
| Noise | 5% | 10 | Minimal |
| Pressure Relief | 5% | 9.0 | Excellent |
| Cooling | 5% | 9.0 | Excellent |
In addition, edge support also struggles. There is 4.5″ of sinkage when seated at the edge, which is 0.45″ more than the average sinkage level of 4.05″.
Noise is minimal, and pressure relief as well as cooling are both excellent. But because these are not major factors, it’s not really enough to recover much of the score.
Pressure Relief Test
The Bedinabox Original has an excellent level of pressure relief. During our tests, I felt no added pressure along specific parts of my body.
Comfort Layer
3.0″
Support Layer
8.0″
The mattress is equipped with 3.0″ of comfort material. The memory foam top layer does a great job at contouring to your body and alleviating pressure.
The Bedinabox Original has 1.1″ less comfort material than the average comfort layer thickness of 4.1″, based on all of our tests to date.
My only pressure relief concern is for heavier sleepers.
While 3.0” of comfort foam is sufficient for many body types and sleeping positions, it isn’t for everyone.
If you are heavier, but especially 200+ pounds, you may find you sink through the top 3.0” of foam and hit the support foam. This has the potential to create pressure points, especially for side sleepers.
While the BedInABox will be a good choice for many sleepers, for heavier sleepers (especially heavier side sleepers) I would recommend mattresses with at least 4.0” of comfort foam.
The BedInABox Tranquilium, with its 5” of comfort foam, would be a good consideration. As would the Leesa Hybrid, Ghostbed Luxe, and Nectar Premier Copper (among a number of others, see all of our mattress reviews here).
Off-Gassing Test
The BedInABox mattress has a moderate smell upon initial unboxing and the smell lasted for 3 days.
Initial Smell Strength
Moderate
Off-Gassing Period
3 days
For reference, the average off-gassing period is 7 days so this mattress off-gasses 4 days faster than average.
Company
BedInABox has been rolling and shipping mattresses since 2004, making them one of the earliest established online mattress suppliers to hit the market.
They currently have size different mattresses in their lineup, which includes:
- Essential
- Original
- Tranquillium
- Azul
- Dual-Hybrid
- Eco-Lux
As a company, the policies at BedInABox feel pretty consumer-friendly and competitive to other terms we’ve seen out there.
The extended 120-night trial period is pretty long and it’s nice that the trial is then paired with a 20-year warranty if you decide to keep the mattress.
| Company Factor | Factor Weight | Score | Data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trial Period | 15% | 8.0 | 120 nights |
| Warranty | 10% | 8.0 | 20 years |
| Shipping | 5% | 10 | $0 |
| Returns | 20% | 10 | $0 |
| Trust | 50% | 8.0 | Good |
| Country of Origin | 0% | USA |
Comparing all mattresses tested to date, this trial is 56 nights shorter and the warranty is 7 years longer. (excluding 25% of mattresses that have lifetime warranties).
Shipping is free. Returns are free. There’s not much to not like about the terms and conditions surrounding the purchase of this mattress.
How firm is BedInABox?
The BedInABox Original is around a 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale, where 10 is the most firm. This level of firmness would likely fit the needs of a wide range of sleepers.
Support & Sleeping Positions
Sleeper size, weight, and sleeping position are some of the big factors that come into play when deciding what kind of mattress is best suited for you.
Because of the mid-range firmness of this mattress, you will find that all sleepers may generally enjoy this mattress. But that’s not all there is to consider.
| Sleeper Weight | Stomach Sleepers | Side Sleepers | Back Sleepers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 150 lbs. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 150-250 lbs. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 250-300 lbs. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Although this mattress may work for most sleepers (based on firmness alone), the comfort layer plays a big part here too.
The comfort layer of the BedInABox is only 3.0″ thick. As I mentioned above, a comfort layer of that thickness may not be suitable for heavier sleepers, especially if you’re a side sleeper.
Side Sleeping & Pressure Relief
Side sleeping, in general, creates more pressure points along your side since all of the weight rests on a smaller surface area. This means you’re likely to sink deeper into the foam.
Side sleeping + heavier body mass means you could engage more with the support foam, which may create pressure point and support issues for some.
Design
The BedInABox Original mattress is your classic 2-layer memory foam mattress. It uses a 3.0″ comfort foam and an 8.0″ support foam for a very simple, yet comfortable construction.
Type
Memory Foam
Thickness
11″
Firmness
6
This mattress is clad in a basic white cover with navy blue sides for a simple and classic look.
Materials
The BedInABox mattress is an 11″ memory foam mattress. Though two foam layers on this mattress are fused together to create a single mass, the breakdown includes two separate materials:
- 3″ memory foam (gel-infused)
- 8.0″ support foam
The Cover
The cover of the BedInABox mattress is a cotton blend that is both stretchy and soft. It sits tight against the mattress, allowing your body to more fully engage with
Side panels of the BedInABox cover are dark navy, which provides a nice contrast to the lightness of the cover.
The Comfort Layer
The comfort layer on the BedInABox Original is a 3.0″ layer of gel-infused memory foam. This top layer of foam has that classic memory foam feel of compression, hug, and contour.
Adding the gel helps to improve cooling performance and counteract memory foam’s biggest nuisance—heat retention.
As I mentioned above, if you’re a heavier sleeper, a side sleeper, or a combination, you may find that the 3.0″ of comfort foam is not enough and you may feel more of that ultra-dense support foam below.
While this may not be the case for all sleepers, it can cause increased pressure point pain or stiffness.
The Support Layer
The support layer is 8.0″ thick, which is pretty standard for a 11″ foam mattress. There is nothing hugely special to note about this layer. It’s important to have and it does its job well.
Product Evolution
BedInABox was introduced in 2004 and there have been minimal changes to the Original version of this mattress.
In addition to the Original mattress, the brand has introduced five additional mattress models to complete the lineup.
This list of mattresses includes:
- Essential
- Tranquillium
- Azul
- Dual-Hybrid
- Eco-Lux
If you want something a bit more specific or different than what the Original has to offer, you may want to check out some of their other options.
BedInABox Original vs. Tranquillium
From within the BedInABox lineup, two of the most popular models remain to be the Original and the Tranquillium. Here is a quick comparison of how these two all-foam mattresses compare to each other.
Original
| Type: Memory foam |
| Thickness: 11″ |
| Feel: High Contour + Hug |
| Price: $787 (queen) |
| Overall Score: 8.79 |
Tranquillium
| Type: Combo foam |
| Thickness: 12″ |
| Feel: Balanced |
| Price: $786 (queen) |
| Overall Score: 8.67 |
Other Mattresses to Consider
For more options, check out the list of some of the top memory foam mattresses under $1000 with a few highlighted recommendations below. These mattresses have similar qualities, but specific advantages or disadvantages, depending on what exactly you’re looking for.
For Performance
Novosbed
8.87 Overall Score
The Novosbed is an 11″ memory foam mattress that is available in three firmness levels—soft, medium-firm, or firm. It has minimal sinkage and low levels of bounce. The low bounce does hurt the sex score a bit, but otherwise performance is fantastic.
For Deeper Sinkage
Layla
8.66 Overall Score
The Layla is a 10.5″ memory foam mattress that is available in two firmness levels (medium or firm). It has deep sinkage and is a good option if you’re looking for something with a bit more contour while retaining the classic memory foam feel.
Read Review
For Budget
Nectar Classic
8.42 Overall Score
The Nectar Classic is an 11.5″ memory foam mattress with a medium-firm feel. It has minimal sinkage and moderate bounce. Compared to the BedInABox Original, Nectar offers a lower price tag (only $649 for a queen), with its only real disadvantage being slower material response time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Check out our list of common FAQs below regarding this BedInABox Original.
The cost of the Original BedInABox mattress varies depending on what size you’re looking for. Here are the current prices:
Twin: $651
Twin XL: $696
Full: $771
Queen: $861
King: $1,041
Cal. King: $1,041
The purchase of any BedInABox mattress comes with a 120-night trial period, a 20-year warranty, and free shipping and returns (if you decide it’s not right for you.)
No. The best way to try out this mattress is to take advantage of the 120-night trial period. It’s our hope that our review gives you a good picture of how this mattress will feel, but ultimately, trying it out for yourself in your own home will help you really decide if it’s a good fit. The promise of free returns can help make it easier to make the purchase as well.
Cleaning a BedInABox mattress is similar to how you would clean any other foam-based mattress. You can spot clean with cold water and mild detergent or vacuum the mattress. To avoid stains and spills altogether, consider adding a waterproof mattress pad or a 6-sided mattress encasement.
