Bed in Box Mattress – 10 Best Beds in Box in India

Bed in Box mattresses have gained popularity in the last few years. The Indian market is dotted with many online sellers who have joined the Mattress in a box bandwagon offering double, single, diwan, queen & king sizes. This is fuelled by rising demand from consumers who now prefer buying online. Several brands are in the market, including Sunday Mattress, which is considered a gold standard amongst new-age mattress brands.

For this article, we purchased the mattresses and tested them in the lab for comfort and technical characteristics. You will find these images taken in our lab in different places in the article. We also highlight some of the issues we noticed with bed in box mattresses. We think it is very important, but not many articles discuss it.  So, we also reviewed non-compressed mattress brands, such as Sunday, which we felt was the best mattress overall.

Despite the craze around the bed in a box mattress, few people know that bed in a box mattresses are produced by compressing a large mattress into a small box (which is just 30% of the mattress size). This is a big issue that not many customers are aware of. To achieve this compression, 25000 kilos weight is put on the bed, and during this process, the mattress loses almost 30% of its life. Compressed mattresses become soft very fast. Even though brands offer a ten-year warranty, the warranty does not cover softening. We researched thousands of reviews and found long-term issues with a Bed in Box mattresses. Most of these issues come up after 4-5 years of use.

Sunday mattress (not a compressed mattress!) is hands down the best choice in the market. It does not compress its mattresses and offers superior comfort with advanced sleep technology. Brands like Wakefit have become synonymous with Bed in Box in India, among other players. They are very popular because of the price. If you are looking for a short-term arrangement of 1-2 years, brands such as Wakefit or Amazon Solimo make a great choice.

Best Bed in Box Mattress - Summary

Buying a mattress can be a confusing and exhausting experience since there are too many brands. Many of them provide misleading advertisement that makes it difficult to assess the truth of the company's claims. Our experts have curated this list of the best compressed and uncompressed mattresses. This list compiles trendy and affordable Bed in Box mattresses that have become very popular. We have also listed uncompressed options that are more durable and long-term investment options for people looking for premium and luxurious beds.

Sunday Mattress

Sunday Mattress is one of the popular online brands in India. In our testing, it comes as the most technically advanced and superior mattresses at an affordable price, and that too without compressing them. It has three top-quality models and offers a 10-year warranty and a 100-night sleep trial for each of them. Sunday Ortho Memory Mattress is its most popular product. Providing therapeutic support to sleepers with back pain is an excellent memory foam mattress in the Indian market. It also offers enhanced comfort without compromising quality and at a competitive price.

What We Like

• The only brand that we found uses organic cotton fabric; this helps keep the mattress cool.
• Uncompressed mattress, so much longer life. The mattress had the correct dimensions.
• Ortho Latex and Ortho Memory models were our unanimous choices for sleeping comfort, irrespective of the sleeping posture.
• Offers 100% cash refund within 100 days after purchase.

What We Don't Like

• Dispatch was done on the same day, but due to the fact it was not compressed in a box, the delivery to the 3rd floor was a bit cumbersome.

Wakefit Orthopaedic Memory Foam Mattress

Wakefit Memory foam mattress is the most-known brand for selling compressed mattresses online. If I were a student on a budget and looking for a cheap mattress, then this is the right brand. It targets young professionals who keep moving and do not need long-term durable bedding. Its Orthopaedic Memory Foam model is one of its popular products. The mattress provides specialised support to the different parts of the body. 

What We Like

• Wakefit prices are very cheap.
• Offers 100 nights trial.

What We Don't Like

• We found that the quality could have been better; the fabric was polyester.
• As you can see in the pictures, the mattress took more than 48 hours to reach its actual size.
• Felt too soft to offer orthopaedic back support.

Sleepwell Durafirm Plus

Sleepwell mattress is the most prominent mattress brand in India. Most of our testing team grew up sleeping on Sleepwell mattresses. One of its newer mattress models is Sleepwell Durafirm Plus. It is an orthopaedic mattress and offers firm support and a plush surface. 

What We Like

• You can try the mattress in a dealer outlet before purchasing.
• Most of us, including me, grew up on their mattresses, so you can trust them.

What We Don't Like

• Compared to online brands such as Sunday, Wakefit and Sleepycat, the prices are almost 30-40% more expensive.

SleepyCat Original Mattress

SleepyCat mattress is another company that sells its compressed products online. The packaging was very well done, and we thoroughly enjoyed unboxing the mattress. The Original Mattress is a memory foam Bed in Box. With a breathable construction, it offers spinal support to the sleeper. 

What We Like

• The build quality was great.

What We Don't Like

• The fabric was polyester.
• The mattress is compressed, so the life is likely to be shorter.
• The mattress did not come to proper size and shape even after 3 days.

Amazon Solimo Memory Foam Mattress

Solimo is Amazon's in-house furnishing and bedding brand. Amazon Solimo Memory Foam mattress is a medium-firm orthopaedic mattress with a six-layer design. It uses a combination of memory foam, HR foam and convoluted comfort foam to build a sturdy mattress at an affordable price. 

What We Like

• Amazon brand is dependable for after-sales support.

What We Don't Like

• Amazon is doing a ton of white-labelled products, and the lack of attention to detail shows.
• The mattress did not come back to shape and size even after 48 hours.

Kurlon Mermaid Memory Foam Mattress

Kurlon Mattress is another established brand like Sleepwell in retail stores. Kurlon Mermaid is its memory foam mattress, giving consumers superior comfort and stress-free sleep. 

What We Like

• Formidable brand and store presence.
• The quality is good and on par with the Sunday mattress.

What We Don't Like

• About 30-40% more expensive compared to online brands.

Bed in Box Mattress: What is it?

Bed in Box, also known as Mattress in Box, are compressed mattresses rolled and packed in a box. It is delivered to the consumer, and after unpacking, it decompresses and can be used for sleeping.

Traditionally, the experience of buying a mattress involved walking into a shop and testing each mattress that was on display. The salesperson would tell you about the specifications of the products and help you choose. Then the bed will be delivered to your house. In the American and European markets, delivery is expensive, and the shipping cost adds to the price of the mattress. So, the Bed in Box, wherein the mattresses are compressed and rolled to fit in a box, gained popularity with both sellers and customers in these markets with the advent of online shopping, bedding also began to be sold online. As online shopping gained prominence in India, compressed mattresses found acceptance. Since then, this method of selling mattresses has become popular. And every day, you can find a new company selling Bed in Box mattresses on e-commerce websites.

How is a mattress compressed and packed in a box?

Firstly, the mattress is enclosed in a protective plastic cover. It is then laid out on a surface, and a compression machine compresses the mattress to squeeze out the air trapped in the foam. The compression is done using 25 tons of weight. Once the bed reduces in size, it is rolled and packed into a box. Since compression reduces the size of the mattress significantly, it can be shipped via standard methods. Therefore, the customers save costs on shipping and delivery of the bed.

No material as such lends itself to compression. It is because it compromises the structural integrity of the mattress. However, certain materials fare better in this respect than others. Dense foam, like memory foam and latex, is the easiest to compress and pack. Memory foam has a distinctive cell structure, which lends the ability to retain shape even after applying pressure. Compression is done by putting 25-50 tons of pressure on the mattress. This crushes the bed and compromises its cell structure. It can reduce the overall life of your mattress by 30%. Once the product is received and unboxed, it decompresses slowly in a few hours or takes up to 48 hours.

Materials such as cotton, coir, and spring should not be compressed. Compressing them will do irreversible damage to the material fillings. Also, once unboxed, the mattress may not decompress completely. This will end up compromising the thickness and overall comfort of the bed. Therefore, you should be careful when buying your mattress via a Bed in Box delivery method.

How to Unpack a Bed in Box Mattress

Once you remove the packet from the box, put the rolled mattress on the bed or surface where you want to install it. On opening the vacuum cover, air starts to fill the inside. This helps the mattress to regain its shape and size. However, it takes some time before you can start sleeping on it. Unlike uncompressed mattresses, a Bed in Box needs a minimum of 4-6 hours to be used.

Bed in Box Mattress: Pros and Cons

Compressed mattresses have their benefits and shortcomings. We have listed the pros and cons for you to consider carefully before finalising your pick.

Benefits

Ease of delivery - Bed in Box has become popular because they are easy to transport and are deliverable to the consumer's doorstep. Compression reduces the weight of the mattress by half, making it easier to move. The rising demand for memory foam beds has also contributed to their adoption by many companies.

Cost Saving - Bed in Box companies generally function online, saving costs on many fronts. They can price their products lower and offer free delivery, which is a good option for people on a budget.

Drawbacks

Material damage - Once the mattress is compressed, it stays in that state till it is delivered and unboxed for use. Compression puts pressure on the material, which can cause wear and tear to the mattress. The foam becomes soft and may lose buoyancy, making the surface softer than required. Crushing the foam can prevent its capability to provide contouring. Studies have also found that Bed in Box mattresses have a shorter lifespan than non-compressed ones.

Size change - Sometimes, the mattress does not fully decompress after unboxing. For instance, a 6-inch mattress can lose up to 0.5 to 1 inch in height. This can compromise the quality and create unnecessary hassle of returning the product. A Bed in Box can also take much time to decompress and provide reduced contouring benefits.

Foam density - It is difficult to compress and roll the high-density foam. Therefore, getting high-density foam via a Bed in Box is impossible. A compressed bed might not serve the purpose if you want a thicker mattress to withstand heavy weight.

Low Durability - The compression process might cause damage to the foam structure. The foam density is also not very high. As a result, Bed in Box mattresses do not have a long lifespan. The low density does not offer enough plushness, which might affect the comfort and support.

Off-Gassing - Off-gassing is when volatile compounds leave the mattress and get released into the air. This phenomenon is common in petroleum-based products like mattress foams. Off-gassing also produces a chemical smell that can last for many days. People sensitive to such odours may find the purchase experience of Bed in Box unpleasant.

Buying a Bed in Box? Tips to Follow

The Bed in Box mattresses generally have memory foam as their material. The comfort of these mattresses depends upon their thickness, foam quality, and density. A good bed should provide proper spinal alignment, comfort, and overall support. You should keep the following factors in mind when buying a new mattress.

Mattress Firmness

Medium-firm mattresses are suitable for everyone as they perfectly balance support and comfort. Both compressed and uncompressed mattresses are available in different levels of firmness. Choose soft, hard, plush, or medium firmness, as per your preference.

Comfort

The comfort level of a mattress depends upon many factors. Some contributing factors include thickness, motion isolation, breathability, and reinforced edges. Be sure to check each of these before you finalise the mattress.

• Firmness level determines support, softness, and cushioning.
• Thickness affects the body weight it can support and the plushness of the bed.
• Motion isolation is essential if you co-sleep with your partner, child, or pet.
• A breathable mattress allows ample air circulation within itself, and it also helps keep the bed cool.
• Plunging edges can lead to discomfort. The integrity of the edges is essential, especially for side sleepers.

Material

Compression is suitable only for foam materials, and other materials will break and get permanently damaged. So, when it comes to Bed in Box mattresses, choose either memory foam, latex variant, or a combination of both.

Warranty

A long-term warranty on any product gives the assurance of quality. Most top manufacturers provide a warranty of more than five years. Always check for clauses that have information on inclusions and exclusions in the warranty.

Sleep Trial

A Bed in Box mattress without a sleep trial is a risky purchase. It is difficult to assess a compressed mattress without trying it once. So, look for mattresses that offer sleep trials since you will have the option of returning them if it does not suit your purpose.

Return and refund policy

It goes without saying that when purchasing mattresses online, the product should be returnable and refundable. Do not forget to check the return and refund policy. 

Risks of buying a Bed in Box Mattress

Despite the convenience and cost savings, many established brands, such as Sleepwell and Kurlon in India, have not adopted Bed in Box. In addition, some quality-focused start-ups, such as Sunday, do not compress the mattress. There are various reasons that companies still bank on selling uncompressed mattresses to consumers. Some of these reasons why brands selling top-quality mattresses have not gotten on the Bed in Box bandwagon include.

• Damage to the material - Compressing and rolling weaken the structure of the foam. It can even cause damage to its edges and surface. This process adds unnecessary risk both for the supplier and the consumer.
• Lesser lifespan - The weakened cell structure of the foam due to compression lessens its durability. This reduces the lifespan of a mattress by two to three years.

• Not very cost-effective - Although Bed in Box is known for reducing delivery costs, it is not precisely valid for the Indian market. That is because shipping and transportation costs in India are among the cheapest. So, while it saves you some amount on delivery charges, it is not a significant saving. Moreover, the reduced lifespan significantly increases the cost in the long run.
• Marketing gimmick - In the context of the Indian market, Bed in Box is more of a marketing move by companies rather than providing any real value to consumers. Getting a mattress in a box is an idea that sounds attractive and may be convenient for some people. However, the trade-off is with the durability and quality of the product.

Best Bed in Box Mattresses - Detailed Review

We have curated this list of the best brands that sell their mattresses in a box. These are ideal for people who are on a tight budget or are not looking for a permanent investment for the time being. From the tens of brands competing in this space, these are the best mattresses in the market.

Sunday Mattress

Sunday is a top-quality brand known for its superior mattresses. It uses advanced technology to make products with a perfect balance of support and comfort. It is the top pick of our experts.

Some features that place it ahead of other brands consist of:

• Proper spinal alignment for a peaceful and pain-free sleep.
• Medium firmness level suitable for all sleepers.
• Premium quality but pocket friendly.
• Designed for the Indian consumer by a Japanese designer.
• It does not compress its mattress. Therefore, its products have a 30% longer lifespan than Bed in Box mattresses.

Sunday Ortho Memory Mattress

Sunday Ortho Memory Mattress is designed to provide spinal alignment and optimum support. It is ideal for people who suffer from chronic back pain. It is an affordable option, priced at par with brands like Wakefit that compress their mattresses.

Design

The memory foam contours to your body shape and moulds itself over time. Providing excellent spinal alignment, it has high motion isolation properties. Available in 6-inches and 8-inches thickness, it is made of two layers of foam:

• The top layer has 1 inch of superior-quality memory foam (65D)
• The bottom layer has 5 inches of high resilience (HR) (32D) foam.
• The top cotton cover is anti-allergen, breathable, and hygienic.

Firmness

The firmness level of this mattress is 7 out of 10. It is ideal for people who are looking for medium-hard surface mattresses.

Motion Isolation

Sunday Ortho mattress has excellent motion isolation. This ensures that your partner's tossing and turning do not affect your sleep. Even if you have agile pets who jump around on your bed, this feature will come in handy.

Weight Supported

Sunday Ortho Memory Mattress is best suited to normal and slightly overweight people. The mattress's firmness level and the memory foam's comfort ensure it.

Certification

The top mattress cover is 100% GOTS-approved organic cotton. Additionally, the top cover and side fabrics are certified by Oeko-Tex 100. This standard tests every component in the material and certifies it harmless for human health.

Warranty

Sunday provides a 10-year warranty on their products. It covers the sagging of the mattress before this period, and the Sunday mattress goes through strict quality and durability checks. With proper care, these mattresses can easily last for 12 years.

Trial

The company provides a risk-free 100 nights trial. If you are not satisfied with the mattress, you can request a return and a full refund.

Sleepwell Durafirm Plus

With 40 years of presence in the market, Sleepwell is an established player in the bedding market. Durafirm Plus is an ortho-care mattress. It provides proper contouring and ideal support and is apt for people looking for restful sleep. Infused with its Neem Fresche technology, the bed has antibacterial properties.

Design

The mattress had four layers in its construction.

• The top layer is made of premium jacquard fabric that lends a smooth touch to the mattress.
• Beneath this is a double-layered Quiltech foam to enhance airflow and heat dissipation.
• The third layer has visco-rebonded foam that distributes pressure equally throughout the bed.
• The bottom layer is made from rebonded foam to ensure adequate support.

Firmness

The mattress has a firm feel with a plush top. This combination provides gentle comfort with optimal back support.

Warranty

Sleepwell Durafirm Plus offers a 5-year warranty. Although the warranty period is lesser than most players, Sleepwell mattresses easily last up to 7-10 years.

Trial

Sleepwell does not offer a trial period for its mattresses.

Wakefit Orthopaedic Memory Foam Mattress

Wakefit Orthopaedic Memory Foam mattress has a 7-pressure zone layer that provides targeted support to your body. The differential support ensures that the spine is aligned perfectly for restful sleep. The top and the bottom sections are medium-soft to provide ideal comfort.

Design

The design of this mattress provides perfect spinal alignment that allows you to sleep peacefully.

• The top layer has memory foam which contours to your body shape.
• The middle layer is the pressure zone layer with grooves that lend additional cushioning.
• The bottom layer has high-resilience foam that provides support to the mattress.
• The outer cover can be removed and washed in a machine.

Firmness

The mattress is medium-firm and suitable for all types of sleepers.

Weight supported

If the total body weight on the mattress is above 150 kg, you should go for a mattress thickness of 8 inches. If it is less than 150 kg, a bed of 6-inches will be sufficient.

Warranty

The Wakefit mattress comes with a 10-year warranty, which makes it an attractive option at this price point.

Trial

Wakefit offers a 100-night trial period, within which you can return the product if unsatisfied. The company provides full refunds in such cases.

SleepyCat Original Mattress

SleepyCat Original Mattress is a gel-based memory foam mattress designed for orthopaedic support. It is a versatile mattress that is suited for all kinds of sleepers. The bed is breathable and provides optimum comfort. It has excellent motion isolation so that your partner's tossing and turning do not disturb your sleep.

Design

The mattress has six layers in its construction.

• The top layer has medium-firm gel memory foam that provides ideal contouring and maximum spinal support.
• The second layer is made of an aero-flow transition layer that provides breathability and longevity to the mattress.
• The third layer comprises 4-inch high-density foam that adds density and support to the mattress.
• The subsequent layers consist of a breezy inner cover and an anti-skid base.

Firmness

This mattress has a medium firm feel for orthopaedic support. The edges of the bed are designed keeping in mind the comfort of side and back sleepers, and the edges are well built and do not plunge when shifting to the sides.

Warranty

SleepyCat offers ten years of warranty on its Original mattress.

Trial

This mattress comes with a 30-nights trial period and offers a full refund in case of return.

Amazon Solimo Memory Foam Mattress

Amazon's Solimo memory foam mattress is an orthopaedic mattress designed to relieve pressure points and ease back pain. It uses medium-firm high-density memory foam, and it gives you zero disturbance sleep as it offers motion isolation.

Design

It is a six-layer mattress that combines memory foam, HR foam and convoluted comfort foam for comfort and durability.

• Solimo mattress has 300 GSM knitted fabric as the top cover.
• Beneath it lies the medium-hard memory foam that contours to the shape of your body and provides maximum support.
• The third layer of high-resilience foam adds cushioning and plushness to the mattress.
• The fourth layer of convoluted comfort foam allows the mattress to breathe.
• The last two layers have high-resilience support foam and an anti-skid base. This compact and layered design allows equal weight distribution that helps to alleviate discomfort and body ache.

Firmness

This mattress has a medium-firm surface and is not very bouncy or plush. It is designed for orthopaedic needs and may not be ideal for people looking for a bit of plushness for added comfort.

Warranty

This mattress comes with a 10-year warranty, making it a safe bet.

Trial

Amazon Solimo does not come with a sleep trial. However, the company offers a 10-days replacement policy.

Kurlon Mermaid Mattress

Kurlon introduced coir mattresses in India. However, now it makes foam, spring, and hybrid mattresses. Kurlon Mermaid is a foam mattress that promotes good-quality sleep. It helps to reduce body stress and maintain healthy blood circulation while sleeping.

Design

The mattress is made of three layers of foam and a top cover, and it can be reversed and used from both sides.

• The soft side has a memory foam layer, which helps weight distribution and contours the body shape.
• The firm side has breathable bonded foam that provides ample support.
• The lowermost layer has high-resilience foam.
• The polyester knitted tapestry adds to the superior comfort and looks.

Firmness

The mattress has a dual firmness level, a soft feel on one side and a firm feel on the other.

Warranty

Kurlon Mermaid has a warranty period of 7-years.

Trial

Kurlon does not offer a trial period.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why should I buy a Bed in Box?

   If you are on a limited budget and quality is not a big concern, then Bed in Box might be suitable. Many new brands target college students, young professionals, and new parents in this space. A Bed in Box is also suited to people who want to move from the traditional mattresses made with cotton and cloth filling for the first time.

2. What is the average life of a Bed in a Box?

   Compressing a mattress reduces its life by up to 30%. While in the short run, you save some costs but do not get a highly durable product. The average lifespan of a compressed mattress is up to 5-7 years. However, brands like Sunday sell uncompressed mattresses at similar price points.

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3. Why do mattresses sag?

   Sagging refers to the softening and collapsing of the mattress in some areas frequently exposed to pressure. For instance, the regions supporting hips and shoulders are prone to more pressure than others. It results from normal wear and tear of the mattress, one of the most common complaints among mattress users. Several causes may lead to sagging but compressing mattresses cause the bed to sag earlier than it otherwise would.

4. How is a Bed in Box rolled and packed in a box?

   The primary material used in Bed in Box mattresses is memory foam. The unique feature of memory foam is its resilient structure. It can be compressed and rolled, bouncing back and expanding into its original space once unboxed. For compression, manufacturers use a powerful hydraulic press to apply pressure and shrink the mattress to half its original thickness. It becomes more accessible for the machine to roll it then, and the rolled-up mattress is then put in a box.

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5. How does a Bed in Box expand after taking it out of the packed box?

   Once you take the mattress out of the box, the air fills its cell structure. The viscoelasticity of the memory foam allows it to return to its original size. It generally takes around 24-72 hours for the mattress to reach its actual size fully. Although, it takes only 4-6 hours to expand to about 90% of its original size. Other factors also affect the expansion time. For instance, heat reduces the viscosity of the material. It increases fluidity, meaning memory foam will expand faster in a warmer room. Similarly, a mattress with more density is firmer. Hence, a denser product will take longer to expand, and a thicker mattress will also take longer to decompress.

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6. Will my Bed in Box get softer?

   All mattresses have a break-in period, usually lasting around 50 to 60 nights of regular use. Beds get a little softer within this period. However, this is not necessarily a bad thing. It generally serves to temper down the extra firmness of a new mattress.

7. Do I have to wait 48 hours to use my Bed in Box mattress?

   The first 4-6 hours after unboxing is when most of the expansion occurs, which is the off-gassing period. However, complete decompression takes anywhere between 24-48 hours. But you can use the mattress after the initial expansion itself. So, you can sleep on the new bed after 6 hours of unboxing it.

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8. How long can memory foam stay compressed?

   Storing your mattress for longer than two months may significantly reduce its durability quality. This is true of both memory foam mattresses wrapped in packages and those that are rolled up. Therefore, we advise you to expand the product before two months of packaging.