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What Is A Box Mattress

What Is A Box Mattress

Written by: Daniel Connell · Updated on: January 19, 2024

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Key Takeaways

A bed-in-a-box is a mattress that is compressed, vacuum-sealed, and rolled into a shipping box.

Typically made from foam, but there are also innerspring BIAB options on the market.

Mattresses in boxes are delivered rolled up, and you have to lay them flat to expand them. It will then take on its original shape.

When your budget is tight, you might wonder whether a mattress in a box will work for you.

It probably won't.

Compressed foam can't provide you with the same quality, comfort, longevity, or durability as a premium mattress.

Traditional mattresses made with high-quality materials not only improve sleep quality but also last a long time.

A high-quality mattress that we recommend is the Saatva Classic.

Designed to last and comfortable in any sleeping position, the Saatva Classic is our top pick for 2022.

Box Mattress Pros And Cons

There are 2 advantages to purchasing a bed-in-a-box mattress:

1. Variety: There are enough selections to fit different needs.
2. Cost: A bed-in-a-box mattress costs less than a traditional mattress.

There are 3 disadvantages to a bed-in-a-box mattress:

1. Short durability: You won't get all the comfort, durability, or personalization you need.
2. A bed-in-a-box mattress tends to sleep hot: Memory foam traps heat all night, making it uncomfortable to sleep.
3. Strong odor: There is a strong smell when the mattress is first taken out of the box.

Box Mattress Vs. Regular Mattress

There are 4 differences between box mattresses and regular mattresses:

1. Durability: Beds in boxes last no more than five years. The quality of a traditional mattress will almost certainly outlast a cheap bed in a box.
2. Cost: Despite their lower cost, box mattresses do not last as long as conventional, well-made mattresses.
3. Test: A bed in a box can't be tested until you've bought it.
4. Use: The compressed mattress needs to inflate first to test it. A few days are needed for inflation. When regular mattresses arrive, they can be used right away.

The bed in a box will break down more quickly than a traditional mattress. Once it has endured a considerable amount of wear and tear, it may not be so comfortable.

A mattress in a box may seem like a great deal if you're on a budget, but you'll likely be replacing it more often-and that'll cost more in the long run.

The best long-term solution is a traditional mattress made from high-quality materials.

A rotated mattress, much like rotated tires, typically wears more evenly and reduces indentions or support issues.

How Long Does A Mattress In A Box Last?

A regularly used mattress in a box made of cheap foams will last about 1-3 years.

The higher the quality of the mattress, the longer it will last.

Buying a high-quality mattress like the Saatva Classic is a better alternative to buying a bed-in-a-box.

Designed to last 10-15 years and comfortable in any sleeping position, the Saatva Classic is our top pick for 2022.

How To Unbox Your Mattress In A Box

Follow these 3 steps to unbox your bed-in-a-box mattress:

1. Move the wrapped box into the room you'd like it to be in.
2. Remove the rolled mattress from the box and lay it flat.
3. Remove the plastic packaging from your mattress and allow it to expand.

Note: Due to their poor quality and need to be replaced sooner than expected, bed-in-a-box mattresses are not the best choice.

If you already bought a mattress in a box, we recommend taking advantage of the trial period and replacing it with a high-quality mattress like the Saatva Classic.

Affordable and built to last, it is our top pick at the moment.

#1 Alternative To Mattress In A Box

Your best option is to invest in a traditional mattress made from high-quality materials like the Saatva Classic.

Affordable and designed to last 10-15 years with normal use.

America's best-selling online luxury innerspring for a reason.

Note: You might think a mattress in a box is a great deal, but it will cost you more over time.

If you can't afford a high-quality mattress right now, use the "buy now, pay later" option from Saatva, one of the 1st true online mattress brands.

About X

X is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of NapLab.com. He has been featured in Fast Company, Reader's Digest, Business Insider, Realtor.com, Huffington Post, Washington Post, AskMen, and She Knows. X has personally tested over 268+ mattresses and hundreds of pillows, sheets, beds, and other sleep products.

See Our #1 Researched Mattress in 2024

Rated best for comfort and hotel-feel

Get 450$ OFF Mattresses

References

What Is A Box Mattress

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A bed-in-a-box is a mattress that is compressed, vacuum-sealed, and rolled into a shipping box.

Typically made from foam, but there are also innerspring BIAB options on the market.

Mattresses in boxes are delivered rolled up, and you have to lay them flat to expand them. It will then take on its original shape.

When your budget is tight, you might wonder whether a mattress in a box will work for you.

It probably won't.

Compressed foam can't provide you with the same quality, comfort, longevity, or durability as a premium mattress.

Traditional mattresses made with high-quality materials not only improve sleep quality but also last a long time.

A high-quality mattress that we recommend is the Saatva Classic.

Designed to last and comfortable in any sleeping position, the Saatva Classic is our top pick for 2022.

Box Mattress Pros And Cons

There are 2 advantages to purchasing a bed-in-a-box mattress:

1. Variety: There are enough selections to fit different needs.
2. Cost: A bed-in-a-box mattress costs less than a traditional mattress.

There are 3 disadvantages to a bed-in-a-box mattress:

1. Short durability: You won't get all the comfort, durability, or personalization you need.
2. A bed-in-a-box mattress tends to sleep hot: Memory foam traps heat all night, making it uncomfortable to sleep.
3. Strong odor: There is a strong smell when the mattress is first taken out of the box.

Box Mattress Vs. Regular Mattress

There are 4 differences between box mattresses and regular mattresses:

1. Durability: Beds in boxes last no more than five years. The quality of a traditional mattress will almost certainly outlast a cheap bed in a box.
2. Cost: Despite their lower cost, box mattresses do not last as long as conventional, well-made mattresses.
3. Test: A bed in a box can't be tested until you've bought it.
4. Use: The compressed mattress needs to inflate first to test it. A few days are needed for inflation. When regular mattresses arrive, they can be used right away.

The bed in a box will break down more quickly than a traditional mattress. Once it has endured a considerable amount of wear and tear, it may not be so comfortable.

A mattress in a box may seem like a great deal if you're on a budget, but you'll likely be replacing it more often-and that'll cost more in the long run.

The best long-term solution is a traditional mattress made from high-quality materials.

How Long Does A Mattress In A Box Last?

A regularly used mattress in a box made of cheap foams will last about 1-3 years.

The higher the quality of the mattress, the longer it will last.

Buying a high-quality mattress like the Saatva Classic is a better alternative to buying a bed-in-a-box.

Designed to last 10-15 years and comfortable in any sleeping position, the Saatva Classic is our top pick for 2022.

How To Unbox Your Mattress In A Box

Follow these 3 steps to unbox your bed-in-a-box mattress:

1. Move the wrapped box into the room you'd like it to be in.
2. Remove the rolled mattress from the box and lay it flat.
3. Remove the plastic packaging from your mattress and allow it to expand.

Note: Due to their poor quality and need to be replaced sooner than expected, bed-in-a-box mattresses are not the best choice.

If you already bought a mattress in a box, we recommend taking advantage of the trial period and replacing it with a high-quality mattress like the Saatva Classic.

Affordable and built to last, it is our top pick at the moment.

#1 Alternative To Mattress In A Box

Your best option is to invest in a traditional mattress made from high-quality materials like the Saatva Classic.

Affordable and designed to last 10-15 years with normal use.

America's best-selling online luxury innerspring for a reason.

Note: You might think a mattress in a box is a great deal, but it will cost you more over time.

If you can't afford a high-quality mattress right now, use the "buy now, pay later" option from Saatva, one of the 1st true online mattress brands.