Mattresses that come in boxes make setting up easy and straightforward. Simply open up the package, remove the mattress from within it, and allow it to reinflate back onto your bed frame or box spring.
However, some individuals may worry about the durability of these mattresses as they often feature lower density materials that can easily collapse when compressed for shipping.
What is a mattress in a box?
Mattress in a box mattresses are exactly what their name implies – compressed foam mattresses shipped straight to your doorstep for your sleeping convenience. Most often made of memory or polyfoam material and sold online, mattress in a box options enable shoppers to bypass traditional stores while still choosing one suitable to their sleeping needs.
Bed-in-a-box companies typically offer free trials and returns so you can test out and select a mattress that best meets your needs. They’re often lighter than their counterparts, making it easier to maneuver them through narrow hallways or tight corners of your home.
When purchasing a mattress in a box, make sure you do your research on both the brand and specific models you’re considering. Read customer reviews, compare specifications and prices, as well as spend some time learning more about various mattress construction methods in order to assess which options might not be safe. This can help ensure a positive buying experience!
Once a foam mattress is opened and expanded to its full size, it may release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These VOCs may cause symptoms including eye, nose, throat and skin irritation and asthma symptoms. To minimize off-gassing in your bedroom environment, opt for boxed mattresses made of more eco-friendly materials like natural or latex foam which won’t release VOCs into the air.
The materials
Modern mattress in a box manufacturers use various materials in the construction of their beds, with natural or synthetic latex, memory foam and polyurethane being among the most frequently employed. Natural latex comes from rubber trees while synthetic varieties contain SBR (styrene-butadiene rubber) and polyurethane which both emit VOCs into the environment. When searching for 100 percent natural latex look out for brands certified as being part of Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS).
Many bed-in-a-box companies provide trial periods of 100 nights to a year so you can experience your new mattress without incurring the costs or inconvenience associated with returning it.
Though you might be eager to test out your new mattress right away, it is best to allow it to decompress fully for at least one or two days in order to reach its intended shape.
As soon as you open up your box mattress, it may emit an unpleasant scent – this is called off-gassing and results from volatile organic compounds released during manufacturing. To minimize off-gassing and reduce discomfort levels when sleeping on it, allow it to air out in an open and well-ventilated space before sleeping on it; or return it if it smells unpleasant to you.
The structure
Bed-in-a-box mattresses differ from traditional mattresses in that they can be compressed and rolled up into smaller boxes that can easily fit onto ordinary delivery trucks for transporting. This process makes these products more cost-effective to ship while making purchasing easier; however, this also compromises their durability and lifespan over time.
Due to their construction, boxed mattresses can become subject to indentations that cause permanent damage over time. Some brands provide warranties to cover this damage; however, such plans only apply if customers remove their mattress from its container first and allow it to inflate fully before sleeping on it.
Mattress in a box mattresses have another drawback in that the foam may take up to 24 hours to fully inflate, making the experience unsatisfying for those wanting rest immediately. Furthermore, failing to properly inflate may lead to back pain and other forms of discomfort in sleepers.
Boxed mattresses often feature an additional layer of foam which can help prevent indentations from appearing on them, yet still requires a solid foundation in order to provide maximum support and comfort. Boxed mattresses may be used with platforms, slat beds or metal frames as a foundation; they may even be placed directly onto a trundle or futon.
The warranty
Many mattress brands provide limited lifetime warranties that cover repairs, replacements and refunds under specific terms. Because these warranties can be complicated to understand, it’s wise to carefully read through them before deciding whether or not to file a claim – for instance if a bed-in-a-box is sold to someone other than its original owner through gift or sale then its warranty could become null and void.
Another element to keep in mind when reviewing mattress warranties is how they address potential structural damage or issues that might void their coverage, like off-gassing (when new mattresses first expand and inflate). While this process is generally harmless and should fade over time, it may still be bothersome for some individuals.
Notably, bed-in-a-box mattresses require different bases than traditional mattresses to prevent damage that might not be covered under warranty. Most manufacturers of mattress-in-a-box products recommend pairing their product with either a box spring or platform bed to avoid damaging its foam.
