So, what is a mattress in a box?
A mattress in a box (or bed in a box) is simply a mattress that has been compressed by heavy machinery to fit into a box.
This makes storage and transport more economical, and may also make it easier for the customer to place the product into their home.
Once the box and packaging is removed, a mattress in a box decompresses to become just like any other mattress. These products are generally good value and have become very popular in Australia.
Let’s cover some frequently asked questions about mattress in a box!
Why buy a mattress in a box?
Buying a mattress online (without trying it out) may seem unusual and even illogical. It completely goes against the ‘traditional’ way of buying a new mattress, that is walking into a retail store, deciding on a product, and making your purchase.
The fact remains though, that bed in a box products have become hugely popular in Australia over the last 5 years.
The first product that launched in Australia was the Ergoflex Mattress back in 2010. Since then, the market has exploded with over 200 options now available. Koala, Eva, and Sleeping Duck are some of the popular brands you may be familiar with.
There are several reasons that have driven this relatively new phenomenon.
Firstly, bed in a box companies don’t have large overhead costs like traditional retail stores. This means that in many cases, you can get a very good mattress that would compare to a more expensive equivalent in a retail store. Delivery is also free, and shipping times are fast. Some companies can even do ‘same day delivery’.
Furthermore, most these online companies offer a ‘free trial period’ which means that once you have purchased your mattress, you have the option to return the mattress for a full refund if you decide that the mattress is not suitable for you (discussed further below).
Why the box?
These companies use heavy machinery to compress and package their mattresses into cardboard boxes. This compression process is very space saving and makes storage and transport much more economical. For you (the customer), it also makes it easier to carry into your home.
Here is a video from Brooklyn Bedding demonstrating how a mattress is compressed into a box:
How do I open a mattress in a box?
Most products are relatively easy to remove from their packaging. Once removed from its box and wrapping, the mattress will decompress to become just like any other mattress.
Here is a neat little video from Noa demonstrating the unboxing process:
How long does it take to fully decompress?
It can take a few days for a mattress in a box to fully decompress, but most products should be ready to sleep on within a 6-12 hours of unboxing.
The time that it takes a mattress to decompress will depend on a number of factors that include:
- The length of time that it has been compressed in the box
- The quality of the mattress
- What type of mattress (foam, springs, latex)
How does the trial period work?
From the day your mattress arrives at your home, you will (in most cases) have the option to return the mattress for a full refund if you decide that you don’t like it.
A typical length of trial period is 100 nights, but be sure to check the specific details of the trial period before you buy.
Comfort Classic Mattress by Eva
If you decide to return your mattress during the trial period (for a full refund), your mattress will typically be collected from your home and taken to various charity groups (e.g. Salvation Army).
If you live in a regional area, you may be required to organise/pay for transport to a charity group location.
It’s important to note that if you are returning your mattress, it must be in pristine condition. Soiling or damage of any kind will void your trial period.
Can I fit the mattress back into the box?
Short answer, no. These mattresses are compressed by heavy machinery so you won’t be able to squeeze or fold your mattress back into its box.
If you do decide to return your mattress, it will be collected in its normal (decompressed) state by a charity organisation.
It’s also worth noting that mattress in a box companies won’t usually be able to collect your old mattress (when they deliver your new mattress). Bedbuyer recommends Soft Landing for old mattress removal.
Are beds in a box any good?
There is a huge range of quality and value in the online mattress market, so it is difficult to generalise them all as being ‘good’ or ‘not good’. It really depends on the individual product.
Based on our testing, we have found many excellent options in this market. Many offer extraordinary value, and are highly recommended by our expert team of health professionals and sleep experts.
CHOICE, a well-known consumer advocacy group in Australia, conducts tests on a number of popular mattresses. A big part of this testing process includes testing each mattress for longevity and durability.
In 2023, 7 out of the 10 top rated CHOICE mattresses were bed in a box products. This is a good indication that these products stand up well in terms of quality.
Which mattress in a box is best?
Bedbuyer recently announced Australia’s Top 12 Mattress in a Box in 2023 – a shortlist of the products that our team rated the best.
This list is based on the thorough testing of over 160 products.
Sleep Republic Mattress – Awarded Australia’s ‘Best Overall’ Mattress in a Box in 2023
We hope that this article was helpful but if you have any questions for our expert team, please leave a comment below. We are here to help!
Bedbuyer is Australia’s largest bedding website and leading independent mattress review group. To read our disclosure and disclaimer statement, click here.