Are popular bed-in-a-box actually any good? Most importantly, is a bed-in-a-box worth your hard-earned money?
In recent years, the “bed-in-a-box” concept has taken off in a major way. Whether you’re looking for a more affordable option or simply hoping to have the convenience of ordering your mattress online, there are plenty of options available.
But before you hand over your hard-earned cash for a Casper bed-in-a-box, a Purple bed-in-a-box, or perhaps a Nectar bed-in-a-box, is a bed-in-a-box good for you?
As a newly moved bougie millennial who just scored a beautiful new luxury apartment, decorating and curating my new home has been a really enjoyable experience. Everything has been fabulous, well, except of course for all the costs associated with it.
One of the priciest items on my apartment essentials list… the mattress! That’s why when I first came across the idea of buying a “mattress in a box”, I was immediately intrigued.
You mean I don’t have to spend an afternoon being sold to in my local Mattress Giant? I can just click and have a cozy bed delivered right to my door in a matter of days? Sign me up, please!
Oh, and just in time for any new move, you’ll find bed-in-a-box brands marketed all over every social media platform — so you really can’t escape the hype. But is it hype? Or is a mattress in a box worth it?
In my search for the perfect mattress, I researched and test-drove a few bed-in-a-box brands for myself. Here are my honest thoughts and experience to help you decide whether a bed in a box is right for you. I’ve also included some of my personal top choices to consider and final pick.
What’s A Bed-In-A-Box?
A bed-in-a-box is a type of mattress that is compressed and vacuum-sealed for shipping. These mattresses are typically made with foam, latex or hybrid materials, and can be easily delivered to your doorstep and unboxed. Once opened, the mattress will gradually expand to its full size and shape.
Bed-in-a-box brands specialize in offering mattresses at lower prices than traditional mattress stores. They also often offer free shipping and returns, so you can try out different beds without a lot of hassle.
These mattresses often come with trial periods of upwards of 365 days, so customers can try them out before.
Why The “Bed-In-A-Box” Is Becoming So Popular?
The bed-in-a-box concept has been gaining massive popularity, especially among young adults due to its ease of purchase, affordability, and convenience. Did I mention you also see their ads all over social media? Yea, there’s that too.
Many young adults prioritize convenience and technology in their everyday lives, and the bed-in-a-box concept aligns perfectly with those values. The ability to order a mattress online with just a few clicks and have it delivered straight to their doorstep is very appealing to Millennials and older Gen Z alike.
The affordability of bed-in-a-box mattresses also works in favor of young adults who typically have limited budgets and may not be settled in one home/city just yet. This age group is also more open to trying new things, including new sleeping surfaces, and the customizable options of bed-in-a-box mattresses offer the opportunity to select a mattress that caters to their personal preferences.
Overall, the bed-in-a-box concept perfectly aligns with the lifestyle and preferences of young adults.
Bed-In-A-Box Pros
Bed-in-a-box mattresses stand out from traditional mattresses in a few ways.
- Convenience: Bed-in-a-box mattresses can be browsed in great detail online, which eliminates the need to visit a local mattress store to shop and purchase.
- Compression: Bed-in-a-box mattresses are compressed and vacuum-sealed, which allows them to be shipped in a compact box directly to your door.
- Affordability: Bed-in-a-box mattresses are often more affordable than traditional mattresses because they have lower overhead costs for shipping and warehousing.
- Easy to install: Since bed-in-a-box mattresses can be easily unboxed and expanded, they are easy to install without the need for professional help.
- Wide variety: Bed-in-a-box mattresses come in a wide variety of materials, firmness levels, and sizes, which means that you can find a mattress that meets your specific sleep needs and preferences.
What About The Cons?
Here are a few potential downsides to purchasing a bed-in-a-box mattress.
- No in-person testing: Unlike traditional mattresses sold in Mattress stores, some customers may not have access to physically test the bed-in-a-box brands before purchasing. If you live in a major city like Miami, however, some of the more popular bed-in-a-box brands like Casper, do have their own brick-and-mortar stores where you can visit and test drive your bed. You may be able to find local mattress stores like that that carry the more popular bed-in-a-box brands.
- Set-up process: While bed-in-a-box mattresses are easy to set up for most people, they require a bit of effort and some customers may find the process difficult, especially if they have mobility issues.
- Heat retention: Some bed-in-a-box mattresses, particularly those made of foam, may retain heat more than traditional mattresses, which can be uncomfortable for some sleepers.
- Quality concerns: With so many new mattress companies entering the market, it can be difficult to assess the overall quality of the mattresses. Some bed-in-a-box brands may cut corners on materials or production, which can result in lower-quality mattresses.
Top Bed In A Box Brands Worth Considering
So now that you got the nitty gritty on considering if a bed in a box is worth it, here are some of the top bed-in-a-box brands you might consider.
The Popular Bed In A Box
Offers foam, hybrid, and all foam mattresses.
Headquartered in the US with mattresses manufactured in Georgia and Pennsylvania, Casper is top among the popular bed-in-box brands on the market. Not only are their mattress manufactured stateside, Casper is also one of the few brands that have physical stores where you can test their products. You can find Casper in major cities like New York and Miami. You can also shop Casper via Target.com, which owns a 7.3% ownership stake in the brand.
The Cool Bed In A Box
Offers a unique gel grid system for optimal support.
Another top contending American-based brand, purchase your Purple Mattress online or try and buy Purple at Mattress Firm brick-and-mortar stores. What sets Purple apart from the rest is The Purple Grid, a gel matrix designed to isolate motion transfer and provide optimal support. It’s also one of the best options for people who sleep hot.
Best All-Around Bed In A Box
Offers memory foam mattresses at a competitive price, with a long sleep trial and warranty.
Made with love in the USA, one of the defining features of Nectar mattresses is their use of a quilted, cooling foam layer on top. This layer helps to keep the mattress cool throughout the night by absorbing heat away from the body and distributing it evenly. Additionally, this quilted layer provides an extra layer of comfort as well as breathability. It’s also one of the more affordable bed-in-a-box mattresses that still offers a long sleep trial (365 days) and warranty (lifetime).
My Honest Bed In A Box Experience
After trying Casper, Purple, and Nectar, they all quite honestly felt really cozy. I’m certain any one of these mattresses in a box brands would facilitate a comfortable night’s sleep for most.
With that said, comfort for me was a top priority. A good night’s rest is paramount to living a happy and healthy lifestyle. Additionally, I wanted an affordable bed-in-a-box brand that wouldn’t break my budget.
Finally, I decided on the Nectar Premier Queen (you can also shop Nectar mattresses on Amazon).
About My Bed In A Box — The Nectar Premier Queen
The Nectar Premier Queen mattress (you can also shop Nectar mattresses on Amazon) is a high-end mattress designed to provide the ultimate in comfort and support. It features a quilted foam layer on top that helps keep the mattress cool and evenly distributes heat away from your body.
Beneath the surface, this bed is made up of five layers of superior foams that are designed to provide excellent support while helping promote airflow throughout the mattress. This combination of materials helps to alleviate pressure points, promoting improved spinal alignment and healthy sleep habits.
The Nectar Premier Queen also comes with a lifetime warranty against defects and a 365-night sleep trial for added peace of mind.
A Quick Bed In A Box Review Nobody Asked For
So far I’ve had my Nectar bed in a box for just about one week. The ordering process was simple and the bed in a box came promptly. Additionally, the setup process was easy and straightforward (although you have to be extra careful when cutting the plastic off so as not to damage the mattress).
Overall, I’m quite pleased with my Nectar bed in a box. It’s comfortable, affordable, and built to last — what more could a girl ask for?
A special shout out to Miami Mattress Store Sleepare for helping with my selection.
RELATED: 9 Best Furniture Stores In Miami To Get Everything Your Home Needs
So, Are “Bed-In-A-Box” Any Good? Is A Bed-In-A-Box Worth It?
After having the opportunity to test out the three aforementioned bed-in-box brands, and now owning one as well, I can honestly say that yes, bed-in-the-box mattresses are worth it.
Bed-in-a-box mattresses are gaining popularity for good reason. They’re convenient, relatively affordable, and can be shipped directly to your doorstep. Plus, most bed-in-a-box companies offer generous warranties and free trials so you can test out the mattress before making a final decision.
Although the quality of these bed brands varies, many have received favorable reviews from customers — especially the ones mentioned here.
I hope you found this article handy. What are your thoughts on if bed in a box mattresses are good? Are they worth it? Do share in the comments below!
