What is a Bed in a Box? And Should I Get One?

Texas Mattress Makers

January 5, 2021 · 8 min read

Since the “Bed In A Box” has taken the mattress industry by storm, many customers are asking, “What is a bed in a box?” Beds in a box are typically foam mattresses that are rolled and compressed, put into a box, sold online, and shipped right to the customer’s door. While this type of mattress shopping is convenient and can provide short-term sleeping solutions, it is important to remember that mattresses are not a “one size fits all” product. In fact, investing in a mattress that doesn’t fit your exact sleeping needs will likely cost you more in the long term. Here’s why.

If you’re thinking, “Should I get a bed in a box?” it can be beneficial to learn the pros and cons of a Bed in a Box before making your decision. Watch our short Snooze News on beds in a box and check out the following article to help you make the best decision.

How Does a Bed in a Box Work?

Bed in a box e-tailers claim they can eliminate the stress and confusion of the mattress buying process while saving you a trip to the mattress store. When purchasing a bed in a box, you go online and fill out a short questionnaire. Then you look through the small mattress selection while the e-tailer lists the comfort levels of soft, medium, and firm. The listing may further explain the mattresses’ components and what kind of sleeper it may best benefit. Then you click purchase. The foam mattress will then be compressed and folded into a box that will be delivered to your door.

But here’s the truth: you probably won’t find the best mattress for you by looking at a listing like this. What you gain in convenience, you will likely lose in comfort, durability, and personalization.A mattress should be able to meet all of your requirements to guarantee lasting comfort and support. Though it is a convenient and easy option, there’s no guarantee that your bed in a box will be a long-lasting, comfortable mattress. Let’s go over the specifics of why this is so often the case by exploring the difference between beds in a box and traditional mattresses.

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Bed in a Box vs. Traditional Mattress

There are many differences between a bed in a box vs. a traditional mattress. Here are the top differences and what they may mean for your sleep.

1. The longevity

Is a mattress in a box any good? How long do beds in a box last? Questions like these are getting at the quality of the investment you will be making when you purchase a bed in a box, and they’re good ones to ask.

Though some sources claim a bed in a box mattress will last 10 to 15 years, a cheap bed in a box will almost certainly not last as long as a quality traditional mattress. When a foam mattress is compressed, the structure becomes weaker as it has to inflate again to be usable. This cuts the lifespan of the bed in a box mattress significantly even before you use it. The support structure is weakened, and the mattress won’t be as comfortable as it would have been if you had bought a traditional mattress.

Unfortunately, matters are made worse by the fact that many bed in a box mattresses are made out of some of the oldest foam and elastic components in the industry. This foam is typically produced outside of the U.S., meaning it’s likely to contain certain chemicals that can be harmful. Even if they use more up-to-date components, the fact that a bed in a box mattress is rolled, folded, and compressed means the foam layer (the comfort layer) will always suffer. Over time, that increases your chances of getting stuck with back, shoulder, and hip pain from the lack of support.

2. The cost

Some Bed in a box mattresses are cheaper than traditional models, which makes them attractive for consumers on a budget. However, the reality is that these mattresses may not last as long as a well-made traditional mattress with quality components that suit your needs. It’s possible that you may end up throwing out your bed in a box much sooner than you would a higher quality mattress.

At Texas Mattress Makers, we work hard to help keep the cost of all of our mattresses affordable even before they are on sale. For example, since we make all of our own mattresses, we are able to pass on factory-direct pricing straight to our customers. At Texas Mattress Makers, our luxury mattresses won’t bust your budget, and our budget mattresses won’t bust your back. It’s a win-win.

3. The variety of mattresses available

Despite the hype, 100% memory foam mattresses aren’t actually ideal for every type of sleeper, and beds in a box are typically limited to 100% memory foam-variety mattresses so that they can be folded up and compressed. In fact, customers who like the feel of foam often fare better with a foam comfort layer that’s found in the top layer of a hybrid mattress.

While some bed in a box e-tailers do sell hybrid mattresses, their selection is typically minimal. At Texas Mattress Makers, we have a wide variety of hybrid mattresses as well as all-foam and latex mattresses. We can also customize mattresses to include the components you want to ensure a better night’s sleep.

For more information on whether a foam mattress would work for you, check out our buyers guide page to memory foam mattresses.

4. How they’re sold

The most obvious difference between a bed in a box vs. a traditional mattress is how they are sold. With a bed in the box purchase, you’re answering a few surface-level questions without being able to test it, meaning you won’t know if it’s a good fit until you’ve already purchased it. When your bed in a box arrives, you’ll have to wait for your compressed mattress to inflate before you can try it. This inflation process can take up to a few days.

With a traditional mattress purchase, you’ll likely go to a showroom location where you can try out the mattress, talk to an expert, and leave with a mattress that you’re confident in. Traditional mattresses are sold in what they call “ready to sleep,” meaning you can sleep on your mattress as soon as it arrives at your door.

So, Should I Buy a Bed in a Box?

Take it from mattress makers who have decades of experience creating and selling mattresses; nothing replaces high quality components and craftsmanship that you just can’t get with a one-size-fits-all bed in a box mattress.

Yes, we have created dozens of online guides, including a guide to how to choose the best mattress for your body type, how to shop for a mattress, and our Texas Mattress Makers Quiz that can point customers in the right direction. These guides are perfect for gathering information about your preferences and needs (and if you are truly familiar with the type of mattress that works well for you, they can lead you to your perfect mattress). But at the end of the day, we almost always encourage our potential customers to come and try our mattresses in the store.

Texas Mattress Makers carries budget-friendly mattresses that are of great quality but won’t break the bank. Some of our recommendations are the Memory Foam Special, Berlin Mattress, 5000 Mattress, and the Amsterdam Mattress.

Find a Mattress that’s Truly Suited for you at Texas Mattress Makers

And there you have it! Now you know the answer to the question “What is a bed in a box?” and have all the information you need to make the best decision for you.

At Texas Mattress Makers, we believe that finding the perfect mattress for you and your needs will benefit you in the long run. That’s why it’s worth taking the time to search for and invest in a traditional mattress with high-quality components for your best night’s sleep. Texas Mattress Makers is one of the top custom mattress makers in Houston. Our experts enjoy working with customers and educating them on our products. All of our mattresses are handmade in the state of Texas, and you’ll be able to feel the Texas Mattress Makers difference.

If you’re interested in buying a high-quality mattress that will provide comfort and lasting support but aren’t sure where to buy a mattress in Houston, Texas Mattress Makers has you covered.

You can explore our vast selection of handmade mattresses online or in-store. Simply choose to shop by either comfort level, mattress type, mattress size, or budget or come and visit any of our four convenient Houston locations today!

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