Free min 5 year guarantee
On beds, mattresses & furniture
280,000+ reviews
0% APR interest free credit*
On orders over £500
A Simply by Bensons rolled up mattress

What is a Bed in a Box?

Gemma HenryGemma Henry
May 28, 2025

If you’ve been mattress shopping recently (or just scrolling through your social feeds), it’s very likely that you’ll have come across the term “bed in a box.” It might sound like a flatpack nightmare or some sort of magic trick, but don’t worry — it’s neither. 

A bed in a box is exactly what it says on the tin: a mattress that comes rolled, compressed, and delivered to your door in a (relatively) compact box.  

With a bed in a box, you can wave goodbye to those days of struggling to wedge a giant mattress up your stairs or through awkward doorways. Instead, your mattress is delivered rolled up into a sleek package that’s easy to manage and opens up like a present. Here’s what you need to know about bed in a box mattresses

How does a bed in a box work? 

The innovation of a bed in a box lies in the way it’s packaged. Manufacturers (us included) use high tech machinery to compress the mattress and roll it up tightly so that it fits neatly into a box. 

When it arrives, all you usually have to do is take it out, unroll it on your bed frame, and let it expand. It’ll usually take a few hours (sometimes up to 24) to fully retain its original shape, and then voila, it’s ready to use. It’s a little bit like watching one of those grow-your-own dinosaur sponges from our childhood years — but way more satisfying as once it’s retained its shape, you’ll have a fully functioning mattress to sleep on. 

What are the benefits of a bed in a box? 

Bed in a box mattresses boast many benefits. Here, we’ve rounded up the top reasons to consider buying one next time you’re in need of a new mattress. 

 

  1. Convenient delivery: With a bed in a box, you can have your new mattress delivered straight to your door, usually with a much quicker delivery service too. 

  1. Easy setup: Bed in a box mattresses are usually lightweight, compact, and easy to move. So, even if you’re on your own, you shouldn’t need to call in reinforcements to get it set it up. 

  1. Try before you commit: Our bed-in-a-box brands come with a trial period — our 40-night comfort guarantee — so you can properly test out your new mattress. And if you’re not happy? Simply get in touch and our colleagues will be on hand to talk you through the returns and refund process. Terms and conditions apply. Follow the link about to get better informed on our 40-night comfort guarantee. 

  1. Affordable options: By cutting out showrooms and middlemen, many bed-in-a-box companies offer high-quality mattresses at more budget-friendly prices. 

Are bed-in-a-box mattresses comfortable? 

Absolutely! Despite being rolled and tightly packed into a box, these mattresses don’t compromise on comfort. Most bed in a box mattresses are made from memory foam, hybrid materials (a mix of foam and springs), or latex, so there’s something for every type of sleeper too. 

A memory foam bed in a box is great if you like a soft, contouring feel. And a hybrid bed in a box is perfect for sleepers who want a more responsive sleep support system.  

Whatever your preferred sleeping style may be, chances are there’s a bed in a box that’ll suit you. 

Who are bed-in-a-box mattresses for? 

In short, bed in a box mattresses can be a great choice for pretty much everyone! But they’re especially handy for: 

  • Anyone living in a flat or small house: The compact packaging of bed in a box mattresses makes them easy to navigate through narrow hallways or up tricky staircases. 

  • Anyone who hates faffing: Most bed in a box mattresses can be ordered online so you can skip a trip to the showrooms. Just click, place your order, and unbox upon delivery. 

  • Anyone shopping for a new mattress on a budget: There are loads of affordable options that don’t compromise on quality. 

What to watch out for 

As with most things in life, where there are benefits, there are also drawbacks. Here are some of the things to be aware of if you’re considering buying a bed in a box as your next mattress: 

  1. Smell: That fresh-out-the-box smell (known as off-gassing) is pretty common with bed in a box memory foam mattresses. It’s harmless and should fade within a day or two — just keep the room well-ventilated. 

  1. Setup time: You’ll need to wait a few hours (or sometimes even overnight) for the mattress to fully expand before you can sleep on it. While this isn’t usually a dealbreaker, it’s worth knowing before you buy a bed in a box. 

Popular bed-in-a-box brands at Bensons for Beds 

If you’re ready to join the bed-in-a-box bandwagon, here are a few top brands to check out: 

  • Jay-Be: Innovative and supportive pocket spring and traditional spring mattresses for kids and adults. 

  • Eve: Stylish, comfy bed in a box hybrid mattresses with a focus on affordability. 

  • Simply by Bensons: Affordable bed in a box sleep solutions that don’t compromise on quality.   

Bed-in-a-box mattresses: our final thoughts 

A bed in a box can be a game-changer for anyone who wants a fuss-free way to upgrade their sleep setup. It’s convenient, comfy, and can often be more affordable than traditional mattresses. Plus, unboxing can also be surprisingly fun too. 

So, whether you’re moving house, redecorating, or just in desperate need of a better night’s sleep, a bed in a box might be exactly what you’re looking for. And if you need any help on your mattress shopping spree, be sure to get in touch with our team of experts. We’re always on hand to help you decide on the right sleep set up for your needs. 

Gemma Henry - Content Lead

Gemma finds sleep fascinating and describes the discovery aspect of her role as eye-opening. Her keen eye for detail and dedication to thorough research ensures that Bensons customers get the informative sleep-based advice they're looking for.