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If you’re thinking about making a new mattress purchase, then you’ve likely come across the term “mattress-in-a-box”. Most sites assume that everyone knows what the term means, but that isn’t always the case. Scroll down to learn the answer to the question “what is a mattress in a box?”
What is a bed in a box?
Simply put, a mattress in a box is a traditional mattress that comes rolled, compressed and packed in a box that’s delivered right to your doorstep.
Online mattress brands are the ones who usually offer box mattresses, cutting out the need for the buyer to visit a mattress store. A boxed mattress is an easy, convenient and often cheaper way of purchasing a new bed.
Why should you choose a mattress in a box?
Mattress shopping can be a daunting task. There are many factors involved in the hunt for the perfect mattress and we always recommend listing down your needs and preferences before purchasing. That said, even when armed with a comprehensive pros and cons list when mattress shopping, a way too eager salesperson breathing down your neck can either be annoying or – if you are the type who gets swayed easily – can talk you into buying a mattress that isn’t a perfect fit for you but fits right into his/her commission.
Always remember: it is your bed and you’re the one who gets to lay in it. Not anybody else. Therefore, you deserve the best. Here are a few important reasons why going the bed in a box route is better than going to a mattress showroom.
Reasons to buy a mattress in a box
- Convenience – While in-person and in-store shopping will always be around, e-commerce has experienced such a lucrative boom since the early 2000s and much more so now. Picture this: shopping in the comfort of your own home, at any time of the day and with just a few clicks of the mouse you can get something delivered to you even by the very next day. Nothing else can get more convenient or even easier than that. From vehicles to plane tickets to yes, even beds, online shopping is the preferred shopping mode of choice for just about everyone around the free world these days. What’s more is that you can have your new mattress delivered right to your door, wherever you may be. Buying a mattress online is as simple as knowing your mattress dimensions, taking note of your needs and preferences and then just choosing a mattress according to your exact wants and needs. No pushy salespeople around. No need to drive long distances. No need to trudge around countless of mattress stores looking for the best deal. No need for the middle man.
- Cost – In line with the first reason on why buying a mattress in a box is better than going to a mattress store, by cutting out the middle man, the costs are significantly lower. No overheads, no commissions, no add-ons. Buying a mattress directly from an online mattress company can and will save you a great deal of money. As for shipping costs, we’ve seen a whole lot of bed in a box brands that offer free shipping within the continental United States. Some brands, such as Saatva, even offer a white glove delivery service.
- Range of options – Sure, you can find a wide variety of brands and mattress types in a mattress store but you can literally find EVERYTHING online. Want a vegan mattress that’s made entirely in the USA? An organic, fiberglass-free hybrid mattress? How about a memory foam mattress that’s infused with copper and/or graphite? Done, done and done.
- Risk-free trials – When shopping for a new mattress or even furniture such as a couch, trying it out before actually buying it is like an unwritten rule. Furniture is a big investment and you would definitely want something that you will be happy with right from the get go. Most mattress showrooms do allow you to lay about and test the feel of the beds they have for sale but online mattress brands offer generous sleep trials. Depending on the brand, a mattress company’s sleep trial can go from 30 days to up to a full year – risk-free. That means you get a full refund if you decide that it is not the right mattress for you.
- Extended warranties – Buying directly from mattress companies can get you more substantial warranties, some even offering warranties that last a lifetime. Many bed in a box brands have a specialized customer service hotline that is focused solely on facilitating returns, warranties and the like.
How does a mattress in a box work?
As we’ve mentioned above, a mattress inside a box comes rolled, compressed and packed in a box unlike traditional mattresses that come whole and full-sized. Once the mattress in a box is taken out of the box and its compressed packaging, it expands to its full size.
However, some brands may take longer to reach full size than others but as per our experience with trying out countless of bed in a box mattresses, it shouldn’t take longer than a few hours. You can, however, sleep on the mattress even right after unboxing. An expanded mattress in a box feels no different than one you can find in-store and sometimes, it can feel even better and can give you the best night’s sleep.
Types of box mattresses
Aside from traditional innerspring mattresses, you can find just about every other type of mattress that comes in box options. An innerspring mattress is comprised mostly of spring coils which can be difficult to compress hence why it rarely comes in compressed mattress options – this only goes for traditional models that usually are only compatible with a box spring.
A box mattress can also come as adjustable options or ones wherein their firmness levels can be controlled.
- Memory foam mattresses and all-foam mattresses
- Latex mattresses
- Hybrid mattresses
Side note: Contrary to what some people may believe, a firmer mattress does not mean that it is harder to compress. Mattress materials do vary brand to brand and per mattress type, but generally speaking, mattresses made out of a foam construction that features foam layers or even ones that have a mix of foam comfort layers and pocketed coils can be rolled and compressed regardless of firmness levels.
Where to find the best online mattresses
A simple online search can lead you to the mattress in a box of your dreams. If you have done your research and have a list of your wants and needs, a comfortable mattress can be had with a little gander through trusty ol’ Google.
Search terms such as your preferred sleeping position, your mattress type preference (such as latex foam, for example) and even a health issue you might be having – like a mattress for fibromyalgia or mattresses that offer the best pressure relief, for instance – can be used to search for your perfect bed.
Don’t be afraid to ask around. Have a friend that keeps gushing about their new bed that they just got online? Ask them what it is they like about it. Ask them the hows, the wheres and the whats.
Sleeping positions and firmness levels
If you are…
- A side sleeper – Choose a mattress that’s soft to medium. This usually means a 1-5 on the mattress firmness scale, with 1 being the softest.
- A stomach and back sleeper – Choose a mattress that’s medium to firm, which can be a 5 to 10 on the mattress firmness scale. Stomach sleepers and back sleepers tend to need the same amount of support from a mattress.
- A combination sleeper – Choose a mattress that’s medium, which can be a 5-6.
How to buy a mattress online
Once you have your needs and preferences all laid out, it is now only a matter of finding the right brand. A high quality mattress that may cost thousands of dollars may not be the best mattress for you if it does not align with your wants and needs or even lifestyle choices. We always suggest looking through thorough reviews of mattress in a box brands you are interested in so as to make an informed decision.
A few tips when buying a mattress online
- Keep an eye out for holiday sales as a lot of online mattress brands offer discounts during major holidays.
- Keep your bed frame and room dimensions handy. Would your new bed work with box springs if that’s only what you have? You might need a new bed frame to go with your new mattress.
- Make sure you have the right sized sheets to go with your new bed if you are looking to upgrade to a larger size. For example, your California King size sheets will NOT fit your new Texas King bed.
- A handful of mattress in a box brands can take care of your old mattress and offer proper disposal. If not, arrange for a mattress pickup service within your area to help you dispose of your old, used mattress.
- Do not be discouraged if you can’t find the right one immediately. It can be daunting to shop for mattresses online when faced with a myriad of seemingly endless options. Take a little break, make sure to use some blue light blocking glasses looking at a computer screen at night, sleep on it and try again the next day. The entire process of shopping for a mattress online should be fun and easy and we are here to help.
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Michelline loves nothing more than a cozy bed, with a stack of books at her side. She loves getting lost when she travels, can bake an entire British afternoon tea from scratch, is obsessed with all things analogue and does calligraphy on the side. She currently suffers from mild insomnia and is more than happy to be your guinea pig, so you won’t have to go through all the trouble of finding out what works best for you.
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