Bed-in-a-Box: Is It the Right Mattress for You?

Written by: Andjela Kastratovic
Updated: 08/17/2023

Tired of the exhausting search for the perfect mattress? A mattress in a box could help!

What is a mattress in a box

This revolutionary concept has transformed the mattress industry and turned mattress shopping into a delightful breeze. Imagine a mattress magically compressed, boxed up, and conveniently delivered right to your doorstep.

Do you want to find out more? Let’s get into it!

What Is a Mattress in a Box?

A mattress in a box, or bed-in-a-box is a full-size mattress compressed, rolled up, and cleverly packed into a convenient box for delivery. 

The magic lies in its materials – typically, they are high-quality memory foam mattresses or hybrid constructions that provide incredible support and comfort. Once you unbox it, the mattress expands back to its original shape, ready to give you the coziest sleep ever!

How Does It Work?

The secret behind a bed-in-a-box’s sorcery lies in its compression technology

First, they use special machines to compress the mattress, removing air and reducing its size for easy shipping. 

When it arrives at your door, simply unroll it and carefully cut the plastic wrap. As air rushes in, the mattress magically expands to its original form. Within hours, it’s fully fluffed up and ready to use. 

What Is a Mattress in a Box Like?

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s answer the question you’re probably asking – what does a bed-in-a-box feel like? 

Are there certain features you should know about? Is it a good choice for you? 

Let’s see. 

Different Mattress Types

One of the main factors determining how your new bed-in-a-box is going to feel is what material it’s made from. 

Since these mattresses need to be compressed and put in a much smaller box, they can’t be made from materials that can’t be compressed. In other words, getting an innerspring mattress in a box is out of the question due to its steel construction. 

However, some mattresses in a box are hybrids! They have enough foam to get compressed without damaging the coils. 

So if you want to get a mattress in a box, your most likely options are a memory foam mattress or a hybrid mattress

Easy to Set Up

With bed-in-a-box mattresses, you can bid farewell to worries about lugging a bulky bed up or down stairs or struggling to fit it through narrow door frames

Now, here’s the best part: the easy setup! Unboxing a bed-in-a-box mattress is like unwrapping a surprise gift—excitement all around! Simply unbox, unroll, and let it unfold before you put the mattress directly on the bed frame.

Durability

Let’s talk about durability. You should always aim for a quality and long-lasting mattress. 

The good news is that bed-in-a-box mattresses are made to last. This makes their average lifespan 7 to 10 years, so they’re doing as well as most traditional mattresses. 

The packaging does not affect the materials, so don’t worry about that. 

Off Gassing

Ah, let’s clear the air about the off gassing smell! This is one of the main disadvantages of getting a mattress in a box. 

When you unbox a bed-in-a-box, it’s totally normal to catch a whiff of a faint odor

This temporary scent is a byproduct of the manufacturing process and is harmless to adults. However, you should keep your kids or pets away until it airs out. 

The good news? It dissipates within a few days.

Convenient

No more driving to mattress stores, wandering around showrooms, and trying out different mattresses. Instead, you can order a mattress from the comfort of your home, and you’ll get it delivered directly to your doorstep

Oh, and setup? A piece of cake! Unbox, unroll, and let it unfold! Within hours, your bed-in-a-box fluffs up like a cloud, ready to use. So if you’re looking for convenience, look no further.

Your Wallet Will Thank You

And if you’re budget-savvy, we have more good news. 

A bed-in-a-box is a true gem for your wallet. Why break the bank on an expensive traditional mattress when you can get the same comfort and quality at a fraction of the cost? These fantastic mattresses offer affordability without compromising on coziness. 

From memory foam to hybrid models, there’s a wide variety to choose from, catering to every budget. Your wallet will definitely thank you! 

Easy Returns

Returning a bed-in-a-box? Easy! Most companies offer hassle-free returns because they’re all about ensuring your satisfaction. 

However, remember to check their return policies just in case! Generally, you’ll get a generous trial period to test it out. Most companies will arrange pickup and give you a full refund. There are no awkward showroom encounters or complicated hoops to jump through to return a mattress.

Bed-in-a-Box – Pros and Cons

We already mentioned some of their advantages and disadvantages before, but here’s a definite list of mattress in a box pros and cons.

Pros

  • Delivered directly to your doorstep
  • Lower price point compared to traditional mattresses 
  • Easy to set up
  • There are plenty of different options to choose from
  • Lengthy trial periods

Cons

  • You don’t know what it feels like until you buy it
  • Off-gassing 
  • They typically lack good edge support 
  • Durability concerns

How to Unbox Your Bed-in-a-Box

Unboxing a mattress in a box is a straightforward process, but it’s essential to follow the steps carefully to avoid damaging the mattress. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you. 

  • Prepare the Space: Clear a spot in your room where the magic will happen. It’s showtime for your new mattress!
  • Remove Packaging: Grab your cutting tool, like scissors or a box cutter, and carefully open the box. Be careful not to cut too deeply, avoiding any damage to the mattress inside.
  • Unroll Carefully: Once the box is open, gently slide the rolled-up mattress out. It’s best to do this on its intended surface, like your bed frame or foundation.
  • Position the Mattress: Carefully position the mattress so that it’s aligned with your bed frame (adjustable bed, slat bed, metal frame – it works for all) or foundation. If you have a memory foam mattress, the flat side should be facing down.
  • Let it Expand: Give the mattress some time to expand fully. It may take a few hours, but some mattresses may need up to 24-48 hours to reach their optimal shape and size.
  • Dispose of Packaging: While you wait for the mattress to expand, clean up the packaging and recycle it responsibly.
  • Enjoy Your New Bed: Once the mattress has fully expanded, it’s ready to use! Now, you can enjoy your comfy new bed and get a good night’s sleep.

How to Buy Mattresses in a Box

What should you watch out for when shopping for a mattress in a box

Support

A crucial aspect of a mattress is proper support, keeping your spine aligned. A misaligned spine affects sleep quality and health, causing pain. 

Ensure your mattress provides the right support based on materials, body weight, and preferred sleeping position, so you wake up pain-free and refreshed every day. Take care of your back and choose a good quality mattress for your spine alignment, regardless of how you sleep.

Firmness

Mattress firmness is subjective, ranging from soft to firm on a scale of 1 to 10. 

Most prefer a medium firmness, but the best level depends on your preferences, body weight, and sleep position. Back sleepers might like firmness, while side sleepers prefer softness. Check boxed mattress reviews for suggestions, or opt for flippable mattresses with varying firmness on each side.

Comfort

There are other aspects of comfort you should keep an eye out for. 

Do you have back pain? Then you should be looking for a mattress that offers pressure relief. Memory foam is great for pressure relief, but it also offers some other benefits.

Or let’s say you’re looking for a mattress for a couple. If you don’t want to wake up to your partner’s tossing and turning, you need to look for a mattress with good motion isolation. And finally, what about hot sleepers? A lot of beds-in-a-box are built with foam, so they’re air flow is not that good and they trap body heat. But cooling memory foam mattresses and hybrid models might work.

Mattress Size

Time for a mattress match! How many sleepers? No worries! Bed-in-a-box comes in standard sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and California King, with some unique ones too (it can be a bulky mattress). The only difference is the way the mattress is packed and shipped. Find the comfortable mattress perfect for your home!Keep in mind, though, that if you’re a heavier sleeper or a couple, double-check with the seller. Most mattresses can handle any extra weight, but it’s always good to ask.

Mattress in a Box Type: Memory Foam, Latex, Hybrids

Bed-in-a-box offers various types, like:

  • Memory foam
  • Latex mattresses
  • Hybrids

How to choose? Easy! Consider your sleep style, preferences, and needs. Memory foam hugs you in coziness, latex foam is bouncy and supportive, and hybrids offer the best of both worlds. Read reviews, check trial periods, and pick the perfect mattress that suits you

Budget

Most importantly – stay on budget. The good news is that buying a bed-in-a-box won’t hurt your wallet too much! However, that doesn’t mean you should just go for the cheapest option. Price is often a good indicator of quality, and you’ll want a long-lasting mattress. Remember that we spend about one third of our lives sleeping!

Buying the Mattress Online vs. Visiting the Mattress Store

Looking for hassle-free convenience and value? Bed-in-a-box suits budget-savvy online shoppers, and diverse sleepers with various preferences. It is the best mattress to get if you are looking for an entire bed, thanks to the convenient delivery.

The mattress buying process is pretty straightforward. Most online mattress brands have it in stock. You can either go to a mattress store or buy the boxed mattress online, which is what most people do when it comes to this mattress. 

Choose from a wide range of materials and firmness levels, unbox the rolled mattress, and set it up with ease.However, if you prefer in-person tests, extra edge support, or an immediate hugging feel, traditional mattresses might be a better fit. Remember, the ideal choice depends on your unique needs and desires.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does a Bed-in-a-Box Cost?

The fantastic thing about mattresses in a box is their affordability! Prices vary based on size and brand, but you can snag a cozy queen-size mattress in a box for as little as $500. Often, retail stores offer generous trial periods, so if you still aren’t sure, buying this great mattress is risk free.

What’s the Best Bed-in-a-Box?

Determining which are the best boxed mattresses is subjective and totally depends on your unique preferences! There are a lot of options out there, so you don’t have to worry about making a choice. 

From memory foam to hybrid wonders, you get to pick what suits your sleep style and needs best. Overall, it is a high quality mattress, and it is up to you and whether you like beds in a box and a compressed mattress more than a regular mattress.

How Long Will Boxed Mattresses Last?

Just like a traditional mattress, a box mattress is built to last and provide you with many nights of comfy sleep. On average, you can expect them to last around 7 to 10 years. But hey, remember, taking good care of your mattress, like using a protector and rotating it regularly, can extend its life even further.

Final Thoughts

Beds in a box revolutionized the way we shop for mattresses, making it easier and more convenient than ever. With its clever compression and easy setup, it brings joy to your doorstep. 

Not only that, but beds in a box are made from organic materials to ensure air flow, often with medium firmness. They also provide good edge support, and they are suitable for hot sleepers as well.

Any reputable brand offers a sleep trial for their best mattresses, and beds in a box are no different than any traditional mattress.So, whether you’re a convenience seeker, a budget-savvy shopper, or simply someone in need of a dreamy escape, you can find themattress in a box online or in store.

Reviews written by:

Andjela Kastratovic - Co-editor

Anđela is a content writer by the day and an Illustrator by night. She loves anything creative, but sleep takes the cake – that’s why she enjoys writing for Anatomy of Sleep so much!

While in high school, she got accepted for her dream job – a ‘professional sleeper’. Her job was to test new mattresses from a local mattress brand and write reports on the quality of sleep. Ever since then, she’s been in love with reviewing mattresses and putting her compelling research into ultimate buyer’s guides. While not exploring the latest brands, she likes to illustrate and spend time with her dog and friends.