Mattress in a Box Buyer’s Guide
If the idea of going shopping for a new mattress sounds overwhelming, a mattress in a box may be the right option for you. Mattress shopping online allows you to compare top brands, features, comfort levels and customer reviews, making it easier to find the perfect fit for your unique needs. With plenty of sizes, features and materials, these innovative beds may just be your ideal sleep solution.
Keep reading for some helpful tips, including:
- Understanding the benefits of buying a mattress in a box
- Information about popular boxed mattress brands
- How to choose the mattress in a box features, material and comfort level that are right for you
- Ideas on where to use boxed mattresses
- Which other items you might need for your new bed
- What bedding works best for a mattress in a box
What is a Bed in a Box?
As the name suggests, a bed in a box is a mattress that’s carefully compressed, rolled and then packaged for delivery right to your front door. Once opened, it expands to its proper size, which can take from a few hours to an entire day depending on the brand and materials.
Why Buy a Mattress in a Box?
Convenience
First and foremost, shopping online for a mattress is quick, convenient and low-stress. You can browse from the comfort of your home, cutting out the need to go into a brick-and-mortar store. Once you make a decision, you can simply click, pay and the mattress will be delivered right to your door.
Trial Period
Most bed in a box brands have a trial period, so you have a chance to sleep on it and return the bed if it doesn’t suit you or your partner.
Save Money
A mattress in a box can help save you money as well. With a memory foam bed, you avoid the extra expense of a foundation, and many boxed models cost less than standard mattresses.
Top Boxed Mattress Brands
Thanks to their combination of convenience and comfort, boxed mattresses have steadily risen in popularity. With the growing number of bed in a box companies, there are a variety of high-quality products on the market. Some of the best and biggest brands include:
- Casper: With free shipping and a risk-free trial period, Casper excels in customer service. Casper mattresses have comfort technology for optimal balance and alignment.
- Purple: The Purple mattress brand offers a variety of styles made from different materials depending on how you sleep and what kind of support you need.
- Nectar: With a 365 day/night trial, the Nectar mattress has a comfort and sleep quality guarantee. This brand also offers a generous lifetime repair or replacement program.
- Beds To Go: Exclusively at Rooms To Go, Beds To Go boxed mattresses have financing plans and a ten-year warranty. Models include temperature-regulating gel and high-performance foam for quality comfort and durability.
- Bedgear: Bedgear mattresses use a combination of foams for maximum airflow, providing you with a well-ventilated and temperature-controlled place to sleep.
How to Choose a Mattress in a Box
Selecting the ideal bed comes down to a few key elements. You’ll want to weigh what features are most important to your lifestyle as well as what materials fit your comfort needs. Lastly, think about the purpose of your bed in a box to help you determine which option is best for you.
Features of Boxed Mattresses
When searching for the best mattress in a box, it’s a good idea to begin by exploring the different features they have to offer. Consider qualities like price points, guarantees and accessories to help you pick the best online mattress:
- Durability: To ensure lasting comfort and many nights of great rest, you want a bed in a box that will last a while. If you’re a restless sleeper or like to let your pets sleep in bed, pick a mattress made with durable materials.
- Affordability: When looking for boxed mattresses, some brands specialize in offering a range of pricing options to suit any budget.
- Warranty Information: Almost every bed in a box brand offers a five- to- ten-year warranty along with extended use trials so you can get a feel for your new bed. Make sure to compare your options and choose the best plan for your needs.
- Additional Sleep Products: Many companies offer sleep accessories to help you get the most out of your new bed. For example, Casper and Bedgear have specific pillow designs for different types of sleepers.
Material and Comfort
Material is another point to consider, and there are probably more options than you think. Most bed in a box mattresses are either memory foam, latex or hybrids with innerspring coils. Your sleep style and support needs can help you determine which one is best for you:
- Memory Foam: Memory foam mattresses offer pressure relief, help improve spinal alignment and reduce motion transfer.
- Gel Memory Foam: A gel memory foam mattress in a box has a top layer of gel that helps dissipate body heat for a cooler night’s sleep.
- Latex: Eco-friendly latex is a natural, dense rubber foam. On a latex mattress, the foam offers body and spine support in a range of comfort levels.
- Hybrid: Combined with gel, memory foam or latex, a hybrid mattress in a box has coils that adjust to the body’s curves. These beds often have reinforced edges, which increase the mattress’s useable surface area.
Uses for a Bed in a Box
There are many reasons why you might opt for a boxed mattress versus more traditional options. Often, the advantages of shipping, easy unboxing, sizing and flexibility can be important factors in your decision. Ultimately, it’s tough to beat the convenience of a mattress in a box.
Young adults moving to college dorms and people relocating to new homes might consider a bed in a box. Having a compact box shipped to your location is easy, and you can avoid picking up dirt or damaging your mattress in the move. Plus, this allows you to enjoy a fresh start in your new home with a new bed.
Select a size or type based on the space you have, who’s using it and your optimal comfort level. For example, a king-size mattress in a box is perfect for your primary suite, while a twin-size mattress in a box would be a better fit for a smaller kids’ room. You can also easily narrow your search to firm or plush mattresses, depending on your preference.
Other Things to Consider When Mattress Shopping Online
Once you’ve chosen the perfect bed in a box mattress, you’ll need to think about additional furniture and accessories. Boxed mattresses may require a special bed frame, so consider this when calculating costs and designing your bedroom. If you’re upgrading to a larger mattress, you’ll want to buy new bedding, too.
Bed in a Box Bed Frames
Some boxed mattresses require a specific frame for adequate support. Additionally, since you don’t need a foundation and mattress thickness ranges between six to twelve inches, there can be a big difference in the height of your bed. However, the right frame can correct this. Some popular bed frames for boxed mattresses include:
- Adjustable Frames: For the ultimate in customizable comfort, a split mattress in a box on an adjustable frame lets couples raise and lower the bed to suit each person’s preferences. Most models allow you to tweak the settings with the push of a button.
- Platform Beds: Platform beds have solid bases, eliminating the need for a foundation. These beds come in many finishes and colors to suit a wide range of bedroom decor.
- Slat Beds: For those on a budget, slat beds are a durable, affordable option if you need a new frame for your memory foam or latex mattress. Slatted bars run across the length of the frame, providing full support.
- Bunkie Boards: If you want to keep your current standard frame to use with a memory foam mattress, look for a bunkie board to fit your existing bed. These boards are an affordable alternative to purchasing an all-new bed frame.
Choosing Bedding for a Boxed Mattress
Standard king, queen, full or twin sheets will fit a bed in a box mattress, though comforters and blankets may hang slightly lower on slimmer models. Before adding a mattress protector, you should consult the manufacturer’s guidelines. In some cases, these covers can interfere with gel-infused memory foam’s cooling effect, so it’s best to check before buying.