Deciding on the best mattress in a box in 2022 is nothing short of overwhelming. With over 160 options on the market, it’s no wonder that making a final decision is so difficult.
What is a mattress in a box?
A ‘mattress in a box’ is simply a mattress that has been compressed by heavy machinery to fit (rolled or folded) into a box. This makes storage and transport more economical, and can also make it easier to place into your home.
These products can be conveniently ordered online and will be delivered to your door, often within just a few days. Once you unpack your mattress, it will ‘decompress’ to become just like any other mattress.
Contrary to the popular belief that all mattress in a box products are foam mattresses, the majority (54%) are actually innerspring mattresses. There are plenty of full foam options as well (43%) and a small handful of 100% latex mattresses (3%).
These products are also known as ‘bed in a box’ products, and have significantly changed the way that Australians shop for mattresses. This concept has become so popular in Australia that there is now a mind-boggling number of options. Just check out how many brands there are available today!
Why are they so popular?
There is no secret as to why the mattress in a box craze has exploded in Australia. They’re affordable, delivery is free, and some companies even offer ‘same day delivery’.
Another major reason why this method of mattress buying has become so popular is the ‘free trial period’. This means that if you are not satisfied with your mattress, you can return it for a full refund.
A typical trial period is 100 nights (over 3 months), and this handy system allows you to try the mattress in your own home, rather than for just a few minutes in a retail store.
Australia’s mattress experts
Bedbuyer™ is Australia’s largest sleep and bedding website. Our team of qualified sleep experts test mattresses in ‘real life’, and are all highly experienced in clinical patient care and mattress assessment.
Bedbuyer has now tested over 1,600 mattresses, including more than 160 ‘bed in a box’ products.
So what are the best mattress in a box options in 2022? Bedbuyer’s team of experts give you their Top 12 picks in 2022!
Australia’s best mattress in a box
- Best Overall: Sleep Republic
- Best Bang for Buck: Noa Mattress
- Best Comfort: Macoda Mattress
- Best for Backs: Sleeping Duck
- Best Premium: And Sleep Prime
- Best Hybrid: Zeek Hybrid
- Best Foam: Koala Calm As
- Best Latex: Peacelily Latex
- Best Firm Feel: Sleep Firm
- Recommended: Eva Mattress
- Recommended: Naptime 2.0
- Recommended: Valmori Latex
To make your decision easier, we have discussed the key features of each mattress below. We have also included links to our ‘full reviews’ (most of which include a video review), and instructions on how to claim our exclusive discounts!
Be sure to read to the end for some handy hints before you buy, and please leave a comment (at the bottom of this article) if you have any questions!
🥇 Best Overall
Sleep Republic Mattress – $1,149 (Queen)
With so many great products in this online market, choosing the very best was a difficult task for our review team. Nevertheless, we were very comfortable in awarding the Sleep Republic Mattress as Australia’s premier mattress in a box, for the third straight year.
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The Sleep Republic Mattress is very well made and easily compares to many retail store mattresses more than double its price. Its comfort layer contains a lovely cashmere fabric, premium memory foam, and 100% natural latex. Its ‘high definition’ pocket spring system provides outstanding back support whilst producing minimal partner disturbance.
This mattress has firm edge support and is well ventilated through its breathable ‘spacer fabric’ which covers the sides of the mattress. It is well backed with a 100 night free trial period, and can be delivered free, anywhere in Australia. Here is our full review which includes a video review.
💰 Best Bang for Buck
Noa Mattress – $849 (Queen)
The Noa Mattress is the ‘quintessential’ modern, affordable online mattress. It offers exceptional value and forms the mid-range option in Noa’s mattress collection that also includes the entry level Noa Lite and the flagship Noa Luxe.
The Noa Mattress has a lovely comfort layer that includes a TENCEL™ fabric, premium latex, and gel infused memory foam. These comfort layers sit over a sturdy pocket spring system that offers good spinal support and should accomodate people of all sizes.
The Noa Mattress is certified as non-toxic so you can feel safe bringing this mattress into your home. It also comes with a 100 night trial period and a 15 year warranty, giving you plenty of after-sale security. Here is our full review which includes a video review.
☁️ Best Comfort
Macoda Mattress – $1,050 (Queen)
The Macoda Mattress has a lovely ‘medium-soft’ feel that comes with an irresistible level of comfort. Fittingly, our review team awarded it with Australia’s ‘Best Comfort’ Mattress in a Box in 2022. Softer feel bed in a box options are difficult to come by, so this is ideal for those who prefer a more ‘luxurious’ feel.
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The Macoda Mattress uses a special bamboo fabric for its top cover, which feels absolutely divine. This cover sits over layers of natural latex and gel memory foam, which create a smooth and luxurious sleeping surface. This mattress also has a clever, ‘customisable’ design, meaning that you can swap the layers of latex and memory foam to select the firmness that you prefer.
This mattress has a solid support system, that being a 5-zone pocket spring system. This spring unit offers good back support, as well as a nice level of responsiveness to normal sleep movements. The Macoda Mattress is backed with a 100 night free trial and a 10 year warranty. Here is our full review which includes a video review.
🛏 Best for Backs
Sleeping Duck Mattress – $1,649 (Queen)
The Sleeping Duck Mattress has become arguable the most well-known mattress in a box in Australia. It comes with an incredible level of customisation, as well as a robust spring system. As such, this mattress should provide excellent back support, no matter your shape or size.
This mattress allows you to adjust its foam layers, helping you to find your ideal firmness level. You can change the firmness on each side of the mattress (if you and your partner have different preferences), and even in different body sections (if you require different levels of support in different areas).
The Sleeping Duck Mattress is well made and uses a multi-zone pocket spring system that feels strong and responsive. It comes with a 100 night trial period, 10 year warranty, and can be delivered (free) Australia-wide. Here is our full review which includes a video review.
✨ Best Premium
And Sleep Prime – $2,519.30 (Queen)
The And Sleep Prime defies any notion that a mattress in a box is of questionable quality. Amazingly, this magnificent mattress comes compressed in a box, and has possibly the most sophisticated spring system in the online mattress market.
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This mattress is beautiful to sleep on and has a first class construction. Its top comfort layer includes a layer of natural bamboo fibre and a combination of premium foam layers. These foams include gel infused memory foam, ‘Airflow-foam’, ‘Bio-Foam’ and ‘Bounce-Foam’.
As we alluded to earlier, the And Sleep Prime Mattress features an exclusive ‘AdaptX Independent Spring System’. This revolutionary support system responds dynamically to all body types and can accommodate people of all sizes. The mattress also comes with a solid 100 night trial period and a 15 year warranty. Here is our full review.
🧬 Best Hybrid
Zeek Hybrid Mattress – $879.20 (Queen)
The Zeek Hybrid Mattress is a true ‘hybrid’ mattress, meaning that it combines foam and springs in one cohesive package, without a distinguishable pillow top. It forms part of the Zeek product range that also includes the popular Zeek Original Mattress.
This mattress uses a cooling ‘air foam’ and a gel infused memory foam in its comfort layer. This gives smooth pressure relief, and should help to regulate sleep temperature. This comfort layer sits over a pocket spring system that feels balanced, stable, and should accommodate people of all sizes.
The Zeek Hybrid Mattress combines its foam and spring components together beautifully and was the stand out ‘hybrid’ bed in a box in 2022. It comes with a 100 night trial period and a 10 year warranty. Here is our full review.
🐨 Best Foam
Koala Calm As Mattress – $1,570 (Queen)
The Koala Calm As Mattress forms part of the new Koala Mattress range that also includes the New Koala Mattress and the flagship Koala Soul Mate Mattress. The ‘Calm As’ is a lovely foam mattress that allows you to change firmness levels by flipping the top comfort layer.
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This flippable comfort layer is made of Polyester and a double-sided layer of foam called Kloudcell™. This comfort layer sits over a ‘ZoneOut Transition Layer’ and a support structure called the ‘NoPressure Adaptive Core’. This creates a stable, balanced foundation that should accommodate people of all sizes.
As with all Koala products, this mattress comes with a solid 120 night trial period. It is fully certified by GECA (Good Environmental Choice Australia) who base their product assessments around human health, non-toxicity, and environmental impacts. Here is our full review which includes a video review.
🌿 Best Latex
Peacelily Latex Mattress – $1,599 (Queen)
The Peacelily Latex Mattress is made from 100% natural latex and certified organic cotton. The latex rubber in this mattress is sourced from Sri Lanka, where some of the world’s highest quality latex is found. Not surprisingly, it took out our ‘Best Latex’ award in the mattress in a box category.
As mentioned, this mattress uses a cover made of certified 100% organic cotton. This cover sits over a natural latex core with an ‘open cell structure’ that helps to enhance ventilation. You can choose either a firm or medium feel by simply flipping the mattress over. You can also purchase (separately) the Peacelily Mattress Topper to create a plush (softer) version of the mattress.
Peacelily’s products are handmade in their own fabrication factory and meet the most rigorous standards for health and quality. This mattress also comes with a 100 night trial and a 25 year warranty. Here is our full review.
🪨 Best Firm Feel
Sleep Firm Mattress – $1,104.15 (Queen)
The Sleep Firm Mattress is our top pick in the online mattress market for those who prefer an unmistakable firm feel. It offers outstanding back support and is Australian made.
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The top cover of this mattress is made of an adaptive fabric, Quiltec foam, and Sleep Firm’s exclusive ‘Boomerang’ foam. Although definitively firm, these comfort layers still offer nice pressure relief to ensure the mattress is not ‘rock hard’.
Sitting below this comfort layer, is the Sleep Firm’s ‘S+Pro’ 5 zone pocket spring system. This spring unit contains a high spring count of 1,092 (queen size) which is well above average for a pocket spring mattress. The Sleep Firm Mattress comes with a solid 100 night trial period and a 15 year warranty. Here is our full review which includes a video review.
✔️ Recommended
Eva Mattress – $950 (Queen)
The Eva Mattress has become one of the most popular bed in a box products in Australia, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a great ‘all-rounder’ that comes with an incredible 365 day trial period.
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The Eva Mattress has a highly robust 5 zone pocket spring system. This is topped with memory foam, latex, and a high density foam. It offers a very nice balance of comfort and support, and can accomodate up to 400kgs. As such, it should accomodate people of all sizes.
The Eva Mattress is a great buy and has established itself strongly in the online mattress market. Here is our full review which includes a video review.
💤 Recommended
Naptime 2.0 Mattress – $809.10 (Queen)
The Naptime 2.0 Mattress is another true ‘hybrid’ mattress, meaning that it combines foam layers and a spring system in one cohesive unit (without a distinguishable pillow top).
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Hybrid mattresses combine the ‘best of both worlds’ (foams and springs) and the Naptime 2.0 Mattress brings these components together effortlessly. It has a lovely, medium feel and a lovely mix of comfort and support. It uses memory foam and 100% latex in its comfort layer, as well as a sturdy 5 zone pocket spring system.
The Naptime 2.0 Mattress offers excellent value and comes with a 30 night free trial period. Here is our full review which includes a video review.
🧡 Recommended
Valmori Latex Mattress – $800 (Queen)
The Valmori Latex Mattress forms part of the Valmori mattress range that also includes the Valmori Hybrid Mattress and the Valmori Spring Mattress. This latex option has a unique construction that includes a removable (and washable) top cover.
This top cover sits over a layer of natural latex and a layer of micro springs. These micro springs help to increase ventilation and responsiveness. The main support structure of this mattress is a 5-zone ergonomic support foam that offers reliable back support.
Considering that king and queen size mattresses come with 2 long pillows and 2 normal pillows (as per the photo above), this mattress represents very good value. The mattress also comes with a 100 night trial period and a 15 year warranty. Here is our full review.
When it comes to buying a ‘mattress in a box’ online, it’s important to be aware of the details of this type of purchase. Here are a few handy hints to keep in mind!
Pricing
The average price of a mattress in a box in Australia is around $1,000 (queen size). As you can see from our list above, there is some variation in pricing which is not surprising when you consider the vast number of options available.
We have assigned our award-winners above with category titles (e.g. Best Comfort) to help with your decision. We always encourage shoppers to choose a mattress that considers your needs and preferences, rather than on price alone.
Trial periods
As we mentioned earlier, the vast majority of mattress in a box in Australia come with a ‘free trial period’. This means that you can return the mattress for a full refund if you aren’t satisfied. This gives customers the ultimate ‘peace of mind’ knowing that you won’t be stuck with a mattress that you don’t like.
A typical trial period for a bed in a box is 100 nights (just over 3 months). There have been some small changes to some trial periods due to COVID-19, so make sure that you are clear on these changes before you buy.
Warranties
Almost all mattress in a box products come with a warranty that should cover any major defects. A typical length of warranty for a mattress in a box is 10 years, but understandably this will vary.
It’s worth noting that some warranties will only cover indentations (body impressions) beyond a certain depth measurement (e.g. 30mm). Furthermore, some warranties don’t cover mattresses when they are used with an unsupportive bed base (such as a bed frame with flexible slats).
Make sure you check to see exactly what each warranty covers.
Still need help?
Buying a mattress online (without trying it out) may seem unusual, but it has become a hugely popular method of bed shopping in Australia.
If you would like to read further, check out our Complete Buyer’s Guide for buying a new mattress in 2022. This contains all the information you will need before buying a new bed!
If you have any questions for our team, please comment below (at the bottom of this article). We are here to help you find your best mattress in a box!
Bedbuyer is Australia’s largest bedding website and leading independent mattress review group. To read our disclosure and disclaimer statement, click here.