Are you considering a mattress in a box for your next mattress?
If you’re not familiar with the popular trend in the mattress industry, it’s exactly what it sounds like - a mattress that comes in a box. It’s a feat that is achieved through the power of compression and vacuum sealing. Made purely from memory foam, mattress in a box products are compressed, tightly rolled and vacuum sealed in order to fit inside a portable box.
In recent years, they’ve exploded in popularity with a massive influx of new products on the market, so there’s a good chance you’ve heard of them. Nowadays, there are many new mattress brands all claiming to sell the best bed in a box mattress, but is the mattress in a box trend really worth all the hype?
The best mattress in a box products certainly can offer a very comfortable night’s sleep, but for most customers, budget and convenience are a primary concern. Mattress in a box products have a reputation for affordability, fast delivery and easy set-up, but it’s worth weighing up your options.
Many traditional mattresses offer the same benefits as cheap mattress in a box products, with some added advantages and a competitive price point. Read on below to find out how they compare.
Price
Traditional Mattresses
Traditional Mattresses
Traditional mattresses can start from just a few hundred dollars.
Many people assume that traditional spring, memory foam or hybrid mattresses come at a higher starting cost than boxed mattresses, but that’s simply not true!
There are plenty of comparably affordable traditional mattress products on the market to choose from - many of which you will find to be better value overall in terms of longevity and comfort.
Mattress manufacturers like Sealy and SleepMaker have been in the mattress making game for a long time and are known for their low-cost, high value options.
You will find a vast range of mattresses available at Bedshed, with some options starting at just a few hundred dollars.
Mattress in a Box
Mattress in a Box
Mattress in a box are known for their small price tag.
One of the most attractive features of a mattress in a box for many mattress buyers is the price tag. Mattress in a box products have a reputation for being low cost.
Their small size when compressed allows for cost-efficiencies in storage and transport, and most are made from low-cost memory foam materials. They’re generally aimed at younger mattress-buyers with smaller budgets for buying a bed, and so most mattress in a box brands prioritise affordability over a more premium offering. Whilst at first glance they seem cheap, many buyers often find themselves replacing them much more quickly then they would a traditional mattress.
If cost and value are major considerations for you when purchasing a mattress, then a box mattress may not be your best option.
Comfort
Traditional Mattresses
Traditional Mattresses
Traditional mattresses usually have the edge in terms of comfort and support.
When it comes to comfort and support, traditional mattresses usually come out ahead.
Non-boxed mattresses have a lot more flexibility in terms of their construction. Whether you prefer a spring, hybrid or memory foam mattress, you’ll find there’s a lot more to choose from in terms of ‘feel’. Without the need for compression, mattress manufacturers are free to get creative with comfort layers, pillow tops, gel layers and spring supports in order to customise sleeping surfaces to suit a range of preferences.
Mattress in a Box
Mattress in a Box
The constraints of box packaging can make mattresses less comfortable.
Mattress in a box products can be restricted in the materials used in their construction, due to the need for compression.
While they can contain a combination of memory foam and springs, this can be less effective for optimal support than a traditional mattress. For buyers who prefer additional support, this can be a significant drawback.
Most mattress in a box manufacturers offer multiple comfort levels to suit their buyers. It should be noted however that in order to make mattresses lightweight enough to compress into a box, most manufacturers will use lower density foams that are unlikely to provide the correct level of support and that will begin to degrade over time, becoming less comfortable and a possible contributor to back pain and other health issues.
Features
Traditional Mattresses
Traditional Mattresses
Traditional mattresses offer a wider variety of features to choose from.
There is no such thing as a ‘one-size-fits-all’ mattress. For the best night’s sleep, it’s important to choose a mattress with the features that best suit you. If you’re considering purchasing a new mattress because you’re looking for something that will limit partner disruption, alleviate back pain, provide better edge support or include features like comfort zones, then you’re going to find a lot more options available to you amongst traditional mattress ranges.
Mattress in a Box
Mattress in a Box
Mattress in a Box features tend to be limited as they are usually low budget options.
Mattress in a Box ranges tend to be limited, although that is changing. Previously, many mattress in a box manufacturers may have only offered a single range in only one type of ‘feel’ but most now offer a range of comfort feels and sizes. Due to the space constraints of a box, most mattress in a box products don’t go beyond a king size. If you’re changing mattresses because you want a particular feature, you’re unlikely to find it on offer amongst most boxed mattress brands.
Size
Traditional Mattresses
Traditional Mattresses
Traditional mattresses generally offer a selection of mattress sizes.
Most mattress ranges at Bedshed are available in these standard sizes:*
Mattress in a Box
Mattress in a Box
There are usually less size options to choose from in a box mattress range.
Most mattress in a box ranges are available in these sizes, although it varies from brand to brand.
Single mattress in a box
920mm (W) x 1,880mm (L)Buyers should note that a single single bed in a box is often not the most suitable option for growing kids and teens - a spring mattress may provide better support.
King Single mattress in a box
1,070mm x 2,030mmWider and longer than a standard single, king single mattresses are ideal for kids and teens. They’re also great for small spaces like dorm rooms.
Double mattress in a box
1,380mm x 1,880mmMany people looking for a mattress in a box in a double size are single adults looking to buy their first bed, or buyers looking to add a bed to their guest room. A double bed mattress in a box is generally not suitable for couples
Queen mattress in a box
1,530mm x 2,030mmIt’s most common for people to buy a bed in a box in a queen size. For some mattress in a box suppliers, a queen size mattress in the box is the largest size they offer.
King mattress in a box
1,830mm x 2,030mmA king size mattress in a box is the largest you’ll find on offer from most manufacturers. Many people choose a king size bed in a box because they’re convenient to transport, but it’s worth remembering that once decompressed a mattress in a box in a king size is no more transportable than a normal king mattress.
*Mattress size guide measurements are indicative as a 20mm tolerance is within normal manufacturing standards.
Durability
Traditional Mattresses
Traditional Mattresses
Quality traditional mattress ranges are designed for longevity.
At Bedshed,you can expect all of our mattresses to last you for many years because we carry only the highest quality mattresses from leading brands like Sealy, Sleepmaker, Tempur, Kingsdown, Drift, Dreamsense and Insignia.
Every mattress we sell is also covered by a 10-year warranty. However, it’s important that all appropriate care instructions are followed, and all documentation is kept and retained, as certain activities may void a manufacturer's warranty.
Mattress in a Box
Mattress in a Box
Many box mattresses use poor quality memory foam materials which break down quickly with daily use.
In terms of durability and longevity, you should expect most mattresses to last 8 years before it’s time for a replacement, but the majority of mattress in a box products won’t last you anywhere near that long. Most bed in a box products are made from low-quality foams and are usually manufactured overseas. Lower quality foam will quickly degrade, even with normal daily use, and as a result, many people find that body indentations and impressions begin to appear after just a few months of sleeping on their new mattress.
Delivery
Traditional Mattresses
Traditional Mattresses
Many Bedshed mattresses are available for Express Next Day Delivery*
At Bedshed, many of our mattress products are available for Express Next Day Delivery*, and all can be purchased online, which means you can buy your bed now and have it delivered to your door ready to sleep on the following night.
When choosing Bedshed’s standard delivery you can even opt to have your mattress brought inside to the room of your choice and the packaging taken away!
Mattress in a Box
Mattress in a Box
Most box mattresses manufacturers offer fast dispatch and delivery.
Quick, convenient delivery is a major drawcard for boxed mattresses as they’re often readily available. Most are dispatched within 48 hours and the majority of suppliers offer express courier services for delivery to your door. The compacting process makes them easy to transport, but customers should be aware that once they’ve been taken out of the box and unrolled, they can’t be rolled back up again.
Trial
Traditional Mattresses
Traditional Mattresses
Bedshed offers a 60 Night Comfort Guarantee* for your peace of mind.
At Bedshed, we offer a 60 Night Comfort Guarantee on all of our mattresses, whether you’ve purchased them in-store or online.
We know it takes time to find out if your mattress is right for you, which is why we allow you to sleep on your new mattress for 30 nights* and if you don’t fall in love with it during that time, you can return it for a new one.
As we have a network of more than 40+ stores throughout WA, VIC, QLD, NSW and ACT, it’s exceptionally easy for us to facilitate returns, and it means you can try before you buy!
Mattress in a Box
Mattress in a Box
Many box mattresses brands offer trials or satisfaction guarantees to customers.
A lot of mattress in a box brands offer trials or satisfaction guarantees in order to alleviate customer concerns about purchasing online. Afterall, if you haven’t had the opportunity to try it, how do you know if you’re going to like it?
With risk-free trials, customers are given the opportunity to purchase without the worry that they’ll end up with a mattress that doesn’t suit them - but the logistics of this can sometimes be difficult. Whilst many Australian boxed bed brands are able to coordinate a charity pick-up or free return, it’s not always an option.
Assembly
Traditional Mattresses
Traditional Mattresses
Traditional mattresses can be used right away.
With door-to-door delivery options, online shopping and click-and-collect available, it’s just as (if not more) convenient to purchase from Bedshed - and you don’t have to wait for your mattress to decompress before you can sleep on it!
Mattress in a Box
Mattress in a Box
Mattress in a box products need to be opened and decompressed before use.
Mattress in a box products are often marketed for their simple set-up and transportability. Just unwrap and watch it unroll! When purchased in their box they are lightweight which makes them great for moving homes or carting around in a small car, but they’re no different to a traditional mattress in terms of convenience once decompressed.
Expert Advice
Traditional Mattresses
Traditional Mattresses
Bedshed offers in-store expert expert advice and support.
That brings us to one of the key differences between purchasing a box mattress and opting for a traditional one - expert advice!
At Bedshed, our mattress experts know everything there is to know about getting a good night’s sleep. Visiting us in-store means we’ll be able to provide you with all the advice and guidance you need to make the best choice when shopping for a new mattress, or you can or get help from our handy Mattress Selector tool.
Mattress in a Box
Mattress in a Box
Most mattress in a box brands are online and don’t offer the same level of customer support.
Most mattress in a box suppliers operate their businesses purely online - which means customers don’t get the opportunity to try before they buy or ask questions. Customer support and advice is often lacking both prior to purchase and after the sale.
This may mean that you miss out on addressing sleep concerns or identifying the best mattress for your needs.
