Bed in a Box 101 & Our Top 4 Picks
Our 4 best bed a in box picks
Before we go in-depth on what makes box mattresses so great, we're going to throw out a few recommendations. That way you can get a general feel of what bed-in-a-box mattresses tend to offer. And if one does catch your eye, you can always get it now and see what makes it so great once it arrives!
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Best Overall
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Best for Neck and Back Pain
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Best Cooling
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Best Eco-Friendly
Best Overall: Emma NextGen Premium Mattress
For our number one spot, we had to give it to the Emma NextGen Premium Mattress – the newest premium mattress on this list!
Best Overall
The Emma NextGen Premium Mattress is, at the time of writing this, Emma's newest premium mattress and it is making quite a scene!
With larger springs than before, this mattress focuses a lot on support while also being more breathable and therefore cooler during the night.
But don't worry, their patented Halo memory foam is also still there, meaning that most people will be sleeping in absolute comfort. Lastly, the cover is both nice to the touch and removable, meaning that both maintenance and the feeling of the mattress are top-tier!
Also, since we are talking about box mattresses, it's worth noting how easy it was the set up the mattress. While the mattress itself was heavy, it gets delivered to your room of choice and it does come with side handles that make life a lot easier.
Plus, the shipping is free and (from our experience) quite quick!
Click here to read our full review of the Emma NextGen Premium mattress.
KEY FEATURES:
- Size: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King
- Material: Memory foam
- Cover: 99% polyester, 1% elastane
- Height: 25cm
- Trial: 200 nights
- Warranty: 10 years
Advantages
Will suit most people
It's not too firm and not too soft.
Improved breathability
No need to worry about overheating.
Removable cover
Easily take the cover off and wash it separately.
Disadvantages
Slight motion transfer
Might be an issue for some couples.
Luckluster edge support
We expected better edge support.
Best for Neck and Back Pain: Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
If you have aches in the morning, a good memory foam mattress is bound to change your life. And we think it should be the Nectar Memory Foam mattress!
Best for Neck and Back Pain
Do you know what's really convenient? Having one mattress for the rest of your life! The fact that it also comes in a compact box to your doorstep is just a bonus.
If you want your new mattress to stick around, this is the perfect choice. After all, you get a lifetime guarantee. On top of that, we've found the Nectar Memory Foam mattress to be among the best when it comes to easing back pain.
The way they do this is with simple, yet effective engineering. The seven-zone support base helps distribute weight evenly, while the pressure-relieving memory foam contours to your bodyβs natural curves.
Additionally, the mattress is created with open-cell foam, which allows for enhanced breathability and keeps you cool during the night.
Make sure you check ourΒ Nectar Memory Foam mattress video review.
KEY FEATURES:
- Size: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super king
- Material: Memory foam
- Cover: Polyester
- Height: 25cm
- Trial: 1 year
- Warranty: Lifetime
Advantages
No motion transfer
A great feature for couples!
Good for back, hip or shoulder pain
The mattress has excellent pain and pressure relief.
Forever warranty
You literally can't get a better warranty than this.
Disadvantages
Lack of handles
A bit annoying when you want to move the mattress.
Slight off gassing
The memory foam will have an odour the first night.
Best Cooling: Dormeo Octaspring Hybrid Plus
If you're a hot sleeper, a breathable mattress is necessary. After all, who wants to wake up covered in sweat? And in that deparment, this mattress from Dormeo is king!
Best Cooling
If there is one major handicap of memory foam, then it is certainly heat retention. Of all the attempts to improve the breathability of memory foam, Dormeo has gone the furthest.
They createdΒ highly breathable springs made of foam. Thatβs why the Dormeo Octaspring Hybrid Plus is 8x more breathable than traditional memory foam mattresses.
And breathability isn't even the only selling point! We really liked the support and pressure reliefΒ the mattress had to offer. So, it's also rather decent in terms of dealing with back pain.
It is also very popular among couplesΒ since it has very good motion isolation. So, tossing and turning on one side of the mattress won't disrupt the other.
And lastly, it comes vacuum-packed in a pretty small box. So, in our experience, it was one of the easier box mattresses to get through the door.
Click here to read our full review of the Dormeo Octaspring Hybrid Plus mattress.
KEY FEATURES:
- Size: Single, Double, King, Super King
- Material: Memory foam
- Cover: Superstretch fabric
- Height: 27cm
- Trial: 60 nights
- Warranty: 20 years
Advantages
Extra cooling
The mattress is very breathable and can keep you cool.
Great warranty
The mattress has a 20-year warranty, which is above standard.
Great for back pain
If you have body aches, this mattress might just help.
Disadvantages
Pricey
This isn't a budget-friendly mattress.
Best Eco-Friendly: Simba Hybrid Pro
While most of these mattresses are pretty eco-friendly, Simba is likely the greenest mattress brand – at least for us. And their Hybrid Pro mattress is an excellent example of exactly why!
Best Eco-Friendly
While box mattresses are very convenient, they're not always very eco-friendly. After all, they come with quite a bit of packaging.
However, with the Simba Hybrid Pro mattress, the packaging is up to 60% recycled, from approved FSC sources. Plus, you can even have your old mattress removed for a small extra fee!
But even if we ignore those perks, this is just a very solid high-end mattress.
It has extremely good temperature regulation, thanks to the wool layer. It will keep the vast majority of peole very comfortable, especially side sleepers.
And it's an excellent choice for couples since it has next to no motion transfer. Throw in the added perks of also having side handles and a removable cover and you get quite a formidable box mattress!
Click here to read our full review of the Simba Hybrid Pro mattress.
KEY FEATURES:
- Size: Single, Small Double, Double, EU Double, EU Queen, King, Super King
- Material: Memory foam & wool
- Cover: Knitted fabric
- Height: 28cm
- Trial: 100 nights
- Warranty: 10 years
Advantages
Great thermo regulation
This mattress can keep your body at an optimal temperature.
Very supportive
The mattress gently cradles your body.
10-year warranty
While not the longest, it's more than decent.
Disadvantages
Expensive
There are cheaper mattresses.
How is a bed in a box delivered?
If you've never bought a bed in a box, you might be wondering how exactly are box beds delivered and packed?
To oversimplify, a mattress in a box is put into a bag that then has all the air sucked out. This allows the mattress to become incredibly thin.
The mattress is then rolled up and secured. Lastly, they're put inside of a medium to large box and sent out for shipping.
It's thanks to this method that box mattresses are a lot smaller than their “regular” mattress counterparts. And to give you a point of reference, you can go from a mattress that can't even fit through the door to a box that's up to your hip (although bigger mattress will be closer to your shoulder).
How to set up a mattress in a box
You're mattress in a box has been delivered. Great! But what do you do now? Well, don't worry, it's very simple to set up a mattress in a box.
Firstly, we recommend getting someone to help you, especially if you can't lift heavy objects. Place the entire box on its side and slide the rolled-up mattress outside. Then, carefully remove the outer layer of protection.
Your mattress should still be in the packaging but you can now unroll it. Place it on the bed and unroll it so that it covers the entire bed frame. If the mattress is one sided, also make sure the correct side is up.
Now carefully remove the packaging, making sure that you do not damage the mattress itself. You should see the mattress start to expand the second you break the seal.
Now just remove the rest of the packaging and let the mattress sit on the bed frame for a while. It also helps to open up a window or create a draft to speed up the off-gassing process. And you're good to go!
Is it safe to order a bed in a box?
TheΒ compression process does not damage the mattress in any way, so it is completely safe to order a bed in a box. Of course, it is essential that you buy box mattresses from reputable manufacturers that take the necessary precautious to keep everything on the up and up.
But most of the time, you have nothing to worry about. But if you do tend to worry a lot, just read the reviews and see whether other people have run into any trouble. It's also smart to carefully read their return policy so that you can return the mattress if something is amiss.
Is a bed in a box durable?
Since box mattresses come vacuum packed, some people might have concerns when it comes to their durability. After all, the memory foam is completely squished and rolled up. However, box mattresses are just as durable as any traditional mattress.
That is to say that the materials used is a lot more important than how the mattress was delivered. So, as long as you're getting a high-quality mattress, it doesn't matter whether it's a bed in a box or a traditional mattress.
For example, even though the Nectar Memory Foam mattress is vacuum packed, it comes with a lifetime warranty! And if that isn't a sign of good durability, we don't know what is. So, just focus on getting the best mattress and choose the delivery method that best suits your needs.
What to consider when buying a bed in a box?
If you've decided that you want a bed in a box and none of the box mattresses we've recommended seem to suit your taste, don't worry. After all, just like when getting any mattress, there are ways for you to narrow down your choices and find the best mattress for you.
So, let's just quickly go over what you need to consider to ensure your new mattress is a comfortable mattress! And if you want a more in-depth guide on choosing the right mattress, we have a step-by-step guide you can also read.
Material & construction
When it comes to the construction of box mattresses, things don't tend to be too complicated. More often than not, you'll be looking at memory foam mattresses as they're the easiest to compress and roll up.
However, some hybrids can also be made into a bed in a box. They usually feature smaller springs than classic pocket spring models but they can still offer a bit more support.
It's also worth mentioning that not all memory foam mattresses are made equal. Some will have more memory foam than others. And depending on the density of the foam, their firmness can also differ greatly.
So, as a general rule of thumb, if you want a softer mattress, look for models that have 2cm or more of memory foam. And if you want a firmer model, see if you can find a hybrid or a mattress that utilises high-density foam.
Delivery & fees
Delivery options as well as the price of it vary considerably among manufacturers. Since the mattress is usually the most expensive thing in your bedroom, delivery is often free. But you have to check if it is free only if it is to the door, and not to the room of choice for example.
Sure, box mattresses can be carried in by one or two people but they're not exactly light. They're easier to move than a full mattress but don't expect them to be as light as a feather.
So, if you don't have anyone who can help you and don't want to bank on your own strength, see if the mattress can be delivered to your bedroom. It's better to pay a bit extra than to throw your back out!
Trial period & return policy
When it comes to box mattresses, it's very important that they come with some sort of return policy or trial. After all, you canβt go to the store and try out a bed in a box. And even once it has arrived, the mattress needs a bit of time to fully expand. So the first thing you should check is the trial period and return policy.
If the manufacturer or retailer does not offer a trial period, getting that new mattress can be a bit risky. In these cases, at the very least, check out a few reviews and see what people generally say about its quality.
You sleep position and preferences
Your sleep position is by far the most important thing to consider when choosing not only a mattress but also a pillow. Consider whether you sleep on your stomach, back, or side, or perhaps combine multiple sleep positions.
Based on your sleeping position, as well as your body weight, you can quickly narrow down your choices. This hast mostly to do with the mattress firmness. However, don't overlook this detail! A mattress that is too firm or too soft can cause back pain in the long run.
So, check out the table below to see which mattress firmenss is right for you. This way you can make sure you get a comfortable mattress that also properly supports your hips and back.
The bed frame you own
When it comes to regular or box mattresses, bed frames are very important. After all, they hold up your mattress and offer additional support. Plus, they often offer added utility such as storage or added height.
But if you already have a good bed frame, the most important thing is to match up the size of the box mattress with the frame. After all, you want it to be a perfect fit! First off, make sure that the bed frame matches with your new mattress in length and width. You can see the standard mattress sizes in the UK below.
However, you want to consider the depth of the mattress as well. For example, if you're going from a 25cm mattress to a 32cm mattress, make sure that the bed frame can still offer a proper fit. Also note that the bed will be slightly higher now, which might feel a bit odd at first.
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Safety certificates
Customers are often concerned about off-gassing when buying memory foam or box mattresses. When it arrives packed in a box and when you unpack it, you will probably smell the chemical odour for a few days.
Most of the time, this is completely natural off-gassing. And this isn't really a problem as you can speed up the off-gassing process and have it go away quickly. But the only way you can be sure is to check for certificates. Certificates not only guarantee the use of safe chemicals, but also sustainability, protection of the workers and much more.
Warranty
Mattresses aren't cheap. So, it's generally advised that you check out the mattress warranty and see how long your new mattress will stay in tip-top shape. A good warranty will typically last at least 5 years, and preferably over one decade.
To make sure you protect your investment, inquire about the duration of the warranty as well as the terms, as a limited warranty is not the same as a full mattress warranty.
The advantages of owning a bed in a box
The bed-in-a-box concept has revolutionised and transformed the sleep industry. And there are many advantages of owning a bed in a box. The first advantage you will notice is the price. Since you mostly buy directly from reputable brands, the price will be lower than when you buy from an intermediary, such as a local store.
Then, you get the opportunity to try these box mattresses in your home for several nights to be 100% sure that you want to sleep on it for years to come.
All these advantages are not at the expense of performance either, since compressing and packing a mattress in a box does not damage the mattress. So you get exactly what you paid for, with fast and easy delivery. Many manufacturers offer free shipping on a bed in a box as well. A minor downside is off-gassing, but it will disappear in a few days, maybe less, so it's not worth mentioning.
- You buy a bed in a box without a middleman, so the price is often lower than the one you can find in brick-and-mortar stores
- It's a lot easier to set up a bed in a box in your new bedroom or guest room than it is to carry a regular mattress around.
- You can order a mattress that is not available in any store in your city but is hundreds of miles away.
Are there any disadvantages to owning a bed in a box?
In the name of balance, it's important to note that box mattresses aren't always perfect. After all, if getting a bed in a box came with only upsides, then every mattress would come with this option. With that being said, we don't think any of these disadvantages should be deal-breakers.
The most notable disadvantage is that you can't try the mattress out. Yes, box mattresses often come with trials but that's not always the case. And it's not the same as jumping on a mattress in a mattress store and imemdiately seeing whether you like it.
On a similar note, if you're in a pinch, it's important to note that most mattresses in a box can't be used right away. It takes time for them to expand and if you jump onto the mattress right away, they might end up slightly lumpy.
- You can't try out a bed in a box and it can be a hastle to get a refund.
- The mattress can't be used right away.
Conclusion
Now that you know all there is to know, are you going to get a bed in a box? If so, which one? Let us know in the comment section! And if you have any questions, check out the FAQ section or contact us directly.
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FAQs about your bed in a box
To avoid leaving any question unanswered, we have singled out some of the frequently asked questions for the final section of our guide.
How long does a bed in a box last?
Since most box mattresses are made of memory foam, the average service life is 7 to 10 years.
Do I need a box spring for a bed in box mattress?
No, you donβt need a box spring for a bed in a box mattress, different bed bases are fine.
What does a bed in a box include?
It includes a compressed and rolled mattress, packed in a box for shipping.
Do box mattresses come with a warranty and trial period?
Yes, 99.9% of them come with a warranty and trail period.
How do I know that the bed in a box is going to be the right fit for me?
You can either try to find it in a store near you and try it or buy one that comes with a trial period.
Are memory foam mattresses not suitable for hot sleepers?
It depends on the costruction of the foam mattress. Some foam mattresses are treated to help with staying cool. A good mattress cover is also very important.
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