The best mattress in Australia in 2025: 8 top bed-in-a-box options tested and recommended by experts

Koala Mattress on a bed with pillows and a throw rug
(Image credit: Koala)

These days, the best mattress is synonymous with the best mattress in a box, and that shouldn't come as a surprise. Mattresses in a box are a convenient way to upgrade your bed without having to go to a brick-and-mortar store to try a new option out for just a few minutes. They are not only delivered to your doorstep for free if you live in metro areas, but you can also try them out for several weeks before you make your final decision

Importantly, mattresses in a box are also typically cheaper — although there are premium brands — and are discounted steeply during major sales. Any wonder they're now so popular?

With so many brands offering the best mattresses in a box, how do you choose which would suit you most? We have a team of experts, including yours truly, who've tested several locally available options and we all agree that the best mattress to opt for in Australia is the Sleeping Duck Mach II. Its extensive customisability makes it an ideal choice for any kind of sleeper and, no matter what firmness you prefer, it doesn't compromise support. It's also well priced even when not discounted.

That said, mattress choice is very subjective, so I've put together this guide that lists a few more options across several price points and sleeping preferences.

The most important recommendation I can make, though, is to keep an eye on the price. If you know which mattress you want, wait till it's discounted as nearly every brand will have bargain offers during major sales.

Recent updates

August 2025: We've tested a few more mattresses in a box this year, so we've had to rethink our list below. While some of our favourite mattresses are still listed, new to our roundup are two Origin mattresses coming in at very different price points.

Quick list

Best mattress overall

Sleeping Duck Mach II mattress

(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / Tom's Guide)
The best of the best that come in boxes

Specifications

Type: Hybrid
Materials: Foam, polyester, steel
Height: 31cm
Sleep trial: 100 nights
Warranty: 10 years

Reasons to buy

+
Hundreds of foam configurations
+
Very supportive and comfortable
+
Well made and durable

Reasons to avoid

-
Heavy
-
Off-gassing odour slow to dissipate
-
Returns process is ambiguous

Whether you fall asleep on your side, your back or your tummy, or if you like a firm mattress or a soft one, the Sleeping Duck Mach II has you covered. Yes, you read that right — this one mattress will cater to any sleeping need possible and I can't recommend it highly enough. I've tried it for myself and can't give it up.

It's all thanks to the changeable foam layer inside the mattress that determines its firmness level. You can get it in half-half if you order a double or larger, and you can even call the Sleeping Duck customer service to see about getting smaller pieces that are specific to certain zones, like shoulders or hips. While you can't order the latter online via the website, they might still end up being free.

Yes, if you choose to change the firmness level within the 100-night free trial, the changeable foam is free. Even if it isn't, swapping this out after years of use might well save you money compared to having to purchase a brand-new mattress.

I love the fact that Sleeping Duck reveals the gauge of pocket springs used – no other brand does that. The Mach II has different spring gauges (or thickness) that provide just the right amount of support in different areas, meaning spine alignment is fantastic. Even edge support is good. The only negative I have is it's a heavy mattress — the double tips the scales at 43kg — and it's a little tall, which makes changing sheets a bit of a battle. It's also rarely discounted, but it's well worth trying it at full price.

Find out more in my in-depth Sleeping Duck Mach II review

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Sleeping Duck Mach II review scores

Features

In brief

Score

Support and comfort

You can opt for a firmness of your liking, with plenty of configurations to keep your partner happy too — there's something for everyone here.

★★★★★

Pressure relief

The different foam options and different spring gauges mean everyone will find a configuration to relieve pressure points.

★★★★★

Temperature

Surprisingly comfortable even during warm, humid nights and that didn't change after swapping out the firmness layer either.

★★★★★

Motion isolation

Among the best mattresses we've tested, the SD Mach II does a stellar job of preventing movement from travelling across the surface.

★★★★½

Edge support

The 2.3mm-thick springs along the edge don't compress easily, providing good edge support and, thus, a larger sleep surface.

★★★★½

Build quality

Made well relative to cost, but for best results, allow it to off-gas for more than a day if possible.

★★★★½

Best foam mattress

Full shot of the Ergoflex 5G double mattress on a bed frame in our tester's bedroom

(Image credit: Future / Beren Neale)
Body-hugging comfort

Specifications

Type: Foam
Materials: Memory foam, polyester, Tencel
Height: 23cm
Sleep trial: 30 nights
Warranty: 10 years

Reasons to buy

+
Great for all sleep styles
+
Body-hugging pressure relief
+
Hardly any motion transfer

Reasons to avoid

-
The deep sink won't be for everyone
-
Only a 30-night trial

Our reviewer called the Ergoflex 5G the "most comfortable mattress" he's ever slept on, despite not liking deep-sink beds. And that's exactly what this one is — it's an all-foam affair that allows your body to sink in so it can mould around you.

You'd be forgiven for thinking that it wouldn't provide much support if it did that, but our reviewer slept on it for five months and still found it provided good body alignment and support, while also being very comfortable.

And while most foam mattresses — particularly memory foam — aren't very good at temperature regulation, the Ergoflex 5G is the exception to the rule. Our reviewer slept on it during both cooler and warmer months, and was a very happy camper indeed.

It's also very well made, with a good design concept and superior materials, and manages to also dampen motion transfer quite well. The cover is removable and machine washable, but it's disappointing that the trial period is only 30 nights in Australia. That's how long we usually recommend people sleep on a mattress to let their body adjust to it before making a decision, so you will need to figure out your preference relatively quickly compared to other mattress-in-a-box options.

Still, just going by what our reviewer thought, it would be fair to say that this is arguably the best memory foam mattress you can get in Australia.

Read more in our in-depth Ergoflex 5G Mattress review

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Ergoflex 5G review scores

Features

In brief

Score

Support and comfort

It's got a deep-sink feel, but the 9cm memory foam top layer is "supremely" comfortable and still keeps the body well aligned.

★★★★★

Pressure relief

The 5G is super supportive with plush feel that will relieve pressure points. Our testing showed no pressure points built up around the hips, knees or shoulders.

★★★★★

Temperature

Temperature regulation is where this memory foam mattress shines. No matter the kind of bedding used during testing, the mattress did a fantastic job of capturing and dissipating body heat.

★★★★★

Motion isolation

Again, the memory foam here is the hero — it absorbs a heck of a lot of kinetic energy, keeping any kind of motion isolated.

★★★★★

Edge support

Despite a little give along the edges, it's still possible to sleep all the way to the sides without getting too uncomfortable.

★★★★

Build quality

Well built and using quality materials, the 5G did well during a long-term review, with no sagging or wear and tear.

★★★★★

Best hybrid mattress

A fully set up Eva Premium Adapt Mattress

(Image credit: Future)
Customisable comfort on pocket springs

Specifications

Type: Hybrid
Materials: Foam, polyester, steel
Height: 32cm
Sleep trial: 100 nights
Warranty: 10 years

Reasons to buy

+
Swappable comfort layers
+
Washable covers
+
Excellent edge support

Reasons to avoid

-
Heavier than average
-
No side handles
-
Zippers could be better

The Eva Premium Adapt is very much like the Sleeping Duck Mach II listed above — you can swap out a full-foam layer to change the firmness to suit. The reason it didn't make the 'best overall' spot is because Sleeping Duck goes that one step further to offer foam pieces for practically every zone, not just a side of the bed. Still, there's no denying that this Eva mattress is a worthwhile competitor.

The default firmness option of medium-soft didn't suit our reviewer but, as he mentions in his review, "with a little friendly help from the Eva customer support team, we were very easily able to personalise the mattress until it was one of the best we have slept on." That's high praise indeed.

Of course, as the name suggests, this kind of customisation comes at a high price, but it might well be worth it because our reviewer found that the Eva Premium Adapt was also a very breathable mattress, saying that cooling was "excellent". During testing, our reviewer also found that the mattress had fantastic sidewall support that prevented him from sliding towards the edge when getting in and out of bed.

The biggest issue with the Eva Premium Adapt, like the SD Mach II, is its height and weight. At 32cm and weighing 50kg for just the double, standard fitted sheets might not fit, meaning getting them on can require some strength. Despite that, comfort and support here are great, especially since you can fine-tune them by changing the foam layer inside.

Read our in-depth Eva Premium Adapt Mattress review to learn more

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Eva Premium Adapt Mattress review scores

Features

In brief

Score

Support and comfort

With up to 9 firmness configurations available, the Eva Premium Adapt offers excellent support and comfort for most people

★★★★½

Pressure relief

It may require fine-tuning by trying different foams to get the best sleep experience, but once you get the right one, it can help reduce stiffness and back pain.

★★★★

Temperature

Able to maintain a steady temperature during hot or cold nights, the top layer is also moisture-wicking.

★★★★½

Motion isolation

While not as good as some of its competition, the Eva Premium Adapt can still dampen quite a bit of kinetic energy.

★★★★

Edge support

There's extra support around the edges, but the excellent base layer is let down by the top foams as they're not wide enough to cover edge to edge, leaving an angle you'll be sitting on.

★★★½

Build quality

Rated for up to 400kg of load, the Eva Premium Adapt is well made with quality materials. That said, Eva suggests you not over-wash the cover.

★★★★

Best budget foam mattress

The side and edge of the Koala Sleep Easy Mattress

(Image credit: Lindsay Handmer / Tom's Guide)
Comfy foam without breaking the bank

Specifications

Type: Foam
Materials: Foam, polyester
Height: 23cm
Sleep trial: 120 nights
Warranty: 10 years

Reasons to buy

+
Very affordable
+
Good support

Reasons to avoid

-
Lacks handles
-
Foam can get hot

Mattresses that come in a single box aren't as expensive as the traditional ones we had to go to the store for, but they're still a hefty investment. That said, nearly every mattress-in-a-box brand now has a budget option, including Koala.

Considering Koala has a focus on all-foam mattresses, it's no wonder the Sleep Easy has made it into our list. Don't get me wrong — I'm not putting it here because it's a default option and this really is a very good mattress for the price.

Despite being all-foam, you still get three zones of support that, according to our reviewer, are quite good as he felt no undue pressure points developing during testing. The medium-firm rating would suit a wide range of sleepers, even those looking for good spine alignment. There's also minimal motion transfer and decent edge support.

It won't be great for hot sleepers, but then any all-foam mattress will absorb and retain body heat that could make it uncomfortable for some people. It's also heavier than it looks, but it takes any standard fitted sheet easily enough.

Read our in-depth Koala SE Mattress review for more information

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Koala Sleep Easy (SE) review scores

Features

In brief

Score

Support and comfort

The medium-firm comfort might take a little while to adjust to, but if you don't have any existing back or neck issues, this affordable all-foam mattress might be just right.

★★★½

Pressure relief

It doesn't create too many pressure points, and keeps the spine aligned, but it may not suit sleepers with existing back issues.

★★★★

Temperature

As with other Koala foam mattresses, the SE sleeps a little hot, so it might not suit everyone.

★★★½

Motion isolation

Despite its price point, the SE does a good job of dampening motion transfer, although it's not as good as what you might get from a latex mattress.

★★★★½

Edge support

The SE has the same firmness all the way around to the edges too, so it's solid enough to sit on.

★★★★

Build quality

Well made without any compromises on material quality, the SE is constructed better than its price would suggest.

★★★★

Best budget hybrid mattress

Hand pulling handle of Origin Hybrid Mattress

(Image credit: Tom's Guide / Lucy Scotting)
Balancing support and affordability

Specifications

Type: Hybrid
Materials: Foam, polyester, wool, titanium
Height: 27cm
Sleep trial: 120 nights
Warranty: 15 years

Reasons to buy

+
5-zone support
+
Good motion isolation
+
Excellent breathability
+
Affordable

Reasons to avoid

-
No washable covers
-
Lacks edge support
-
Off-gassing can take a while

Given the Origin Hybrid is usually discounted to some degree or another, it's my pick for the best affordable hybrid mattress in a box. In fact, I should stress that even at full price it's not a bad bargain, given our reviewer was really impressed with how well it supported a sleeper and its fantastic breathability.

Speaking of the latter, it turns out this budget hybrid mattress actually sleeps cooler than a lot of its competition, and our reviewer said she needed an extra blanket on cold nights. Clearly Origin hasn't compromised build and materials to keep costs down, and that's evident in the fact that our reviewer also found motion isolation was quite good too.

She does note that the Origin Hybrid feels firmer than the manufacturer's rating, which affected how comfortable it was for side sleepers and she thinks it might best suit back and stomach sleepers. Still, if you prefer a firmer sleep surface without having nightmares about spending a lot of money, this could be what you're after.

While it excels at temperature regulation and motion dampening, it doesn't quite hold up too well when it comes to edge support but, to be fair, that's the case with most budget hybrid mattresses we've previously reviewed on Tom's Guide.

If that doesn't bother you, then you can easily get a large mattress for under a grand without compromising your spine's alignment. Importantly, you get a very long 120 nights to try it risk-free, plus Origin offers an excellent 15-year warranty as well.

Read our in-depth Origin Hybrid Mattress review to find out more

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Origin Hybrid Mattress review scores

Features

In brief

Score

Support and comfort

We wouldn't call it 'comfortable' as it sleeps firmer than advertised, but it's very supportive indeed. It would best suit back sleepers, while side sleepers might find it too firm.

★★★★½

Pressure relief

Back sleepers in particular will love that this mattress creates no pressure points, but side sleepers might find their shoulders and hips getting uncomfortable after long periods.

★★★★½

Temperature

For an affordable mattress, the Origin Hybrid surprised us at how well it can regulate temperature, sleeping cooler than similar mattresses from other brands.

★★★★★

Motion isolation

At its price point, this hybrid mattress dampens motion very well. Normal movements are suppressed, and the cover is stitched on tightly enough to prevent surface-level pulls on the fabric.

★★★★★

Edge support

Without extra packing around the springs along the sides and ends, there's not as much edge support here, but it doesn't compromise total sleep surface as it's fine to lie close to the edge.

★★★½

Build quality

A robust build and quality materials belie this mattress' price. And a total of four side handles makes all the difference here.

★★★★★

Best for side sleepers

Valmori Hybrid II mattress on bed frame with four pillows in bedroom with two nightstands and window to the right

(Image credit: Tom's Guide / Lucy Scotting)
A plush surface makes it softer than it's rated for

Specifications

Type: Hybrid
Materials: Polyester, foam, latex, steel
Height: 26.5cm
Sleep trial: 100 nights
Warranty: 15 years

Reasons to buy

+
Lovely plush surface
+
Longer-than-average warranty
+
Affordable

Reasons to avoid

-
Could be firmer
-
Only one handle on mattress

The Valmori Hybrid Mattress II was specifically designed with side sleepers in mind, offering medium-firm plushness that our reviewer liked so much, she'd happily recommend it to stomach sleepers too.

During testing, our reviewer found that despite the mattress' firmness rating of medium, the top layer feels a little softer, which allows people to lie flat on their faces and not feel like something is pushing up on their chests. And it's the same for side sleepers too — there's just enough softness for the foam to mould around the bony areas of the shoulders and hips, thus minimising pressure points for side sleepers.

It's probably fair to say that this softness would make the Valmori Hybrid II a good mattress for any kind of sleeper, even those who lie on their backs. She was very clear to point out that the Hybrid II's softness is just the right amount — if it was any softer, it wouldn't have been very comfortable or very supportive.

What's even more remarkable about the Hybrid II is that, during testing, our reviewer found that it's an almost perfect all-round mattress. It gives good support, the edges don't overly sag when you sit down and the temperature regulation is impressive. That last one, in particular, is a highlight as the mattress uses gel air memory foam on the top to make sure you stay cool. Motion transfer is also minimal as per our reviewer.

Valmori Home Collection's warranty period, though, is the headline act. It matches Origin and Ecosa with its long-term 15-year warranty, although its 100-night trial period falls a little short of Origin's 120 nights. Still, that's an industry standard and more than enough time for you to decide whether it suits you or not. And the good news is that it's not too expensive either.

Read our in-depth Valmori Hybrid Mattress II review to learn more

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Valmori Hybrid Mattress II review scores

Features

In brief

Score

Support and comfort

This is a medium-soft mattress, which makes it very comfortable for stomach sleepers, but it supports side sleepers just as well, with no uneven sinking anywhere during testing.

★★★★½

Pressure relief

Designed specifically with side sleepers in mind, this mattress keeps practically any kind of sleeper well aligned to minimise pressure points.

★★★★★

Temperature

Thanks to a gel-air-memory-foam layer, there's good temperature regulation here, although we found it sleeps cooler than other mattresses we've tested.

★★★★

Motion isolation

The foam layers paired with the pocket springs of the Hybrid II mattress do a great job of minimising motion transfer — even constant tossing and turning wasn't an issue in our tests.

★★★★★

Edge support

The Hybrid II has even firmness across the entirety of the mattress, so it feels just the same along the edges too as it does in the middle.

★★★★

Build quality

Everything about the Hybrid II's quality is excellent, with no wear and tear or sagging anywhere. It's stable, solid and will go the distance.

★★★★★

Best for stomach sleepers

Origin LumbarCloud mattress on a bed frame

(Image credit: Ben Mansill / Tom's Guide)
A premium price tag justified by its plush support

Specifications

Type: Hybrid
Materials: Wool, Tencel, latex, microfibre, bamboo, memory foam, titanium
Height: 33cm
Sleep trial: 120 nights
Warranty: 15 years

Reasons to buy

+
Plush surface with superb support
+
Longer-than-average warranty
+
Very good temperature regulation
+
Solid build

Reasons to avoid

-
Cover is not removable
-
Heavy
-
No flippable foam layer to adjust firmness

If you're willing to spend extra on a mattress, the Origin LumbarCloud will give you that 'sleeping on a cloud' feel to justify both its name and its price. Our reviewer was so impressed with its medium firmness and orthopaedic support, he called it "sublime" and said he found his body reacting positively to the support it was getting.

That means this mattress is perfect for stomach sleepers as there's not a lot of firmness pushing into the chest — he describes the 'sinking' as being just the right amount, where the mattress "kept [his] hips perfectly aligned" with the rest of his body, alleviating back discomfort. He felt no pressure points at any time.

He was also very impressed by the Origin LumbarCloud's temperature regulation, although he wasn't too enthused by its motion isolation and edge support. That said, he found he was still able to sleep close to the edge comfortably, while motion can transfer if the person tossing and turning is close to you. That means the larger mattress sizes would be better for restless sleepers, while light sleepers opting for a double might yet get disturbed.

Despite that, the full marks it scored for its support and comfort justify its high price, as per our reviewer, and there's peace of mind knowing you get a very impressive 15-year warranty on the mattress. You also get an above-average 120-night trial period to give it a shot — if you don't like the LumbarCloud, Origin will donate it to the Salvation Army.

Read our in-depth Origin LumbarCloud review to learn more

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Origin LumbarCloud review scores

Features

In brief

Score

Support and comfort

This is a medium-firm mattress that is arguably one of the best we've tested when it comes to combining support and comfort. You get the plushness without the extra sinking, with no misalignment of the spine.

★★★★★

Pressure relief

Keeping the shoulders and hips perfectly aligned at all times, the LumbarCloud effectively minimises pressure points around bony areas of the body.

★★★★½

Temperature

Thanks to a combination of premium materials, including cooling gel, bamboo fibres and springs, there's fantastic airflow through the mattress.

★★★★

Motion isolation

There is some dampening of movement, although this would be most effective on the larger sizes where partners can sleep slightly apart from each other.

★★★½

Edge support

Compressing to a third of its total height when sitting on the edge, the LumbarCloud doesn't boast the best edge support, but it doesn't reduce the total sleep area.

★★★½

Build quality

Everything about the LumbarCloud's build quality is excellent, with premium materials used. It will likely withstand the test of time, backed by an impressive 15-year warranty.

★★★★

Best for micro coil support

Ecosa Pure mattress corner

(Image credit: Future)
Premium features you won't find elsewhere

Specifications

Type: Hybrid
Materials: Foam, polyester, latex, steel
Height: 29cm
Sleep trial: 100 nights
Warranty: 15 years

Reasons to buy

+
Adjustable comfort
+
Excellent value for money
+
Full-featured

Reasons to avoid

-
Much heavier than average
-
Only has side handles
-
Feels firm at first

Having a flippable top foam layer to adjust firmness isn't unique, but what makes the Ecosa Pure stand apart in the crowd is the additional micro-coil layer that gives it some unique abilities — significant among them is arguably the best breathability in the mattress business.

Not only does air circulate through the regular pocket springs, but the micro coils add more space for airflow. Aiding in keeping even the hottest sleeper cool is a layer of latex foam with holes in it to keep that air moving to dissipate heat.

Here's what else those micro coils are good for — additional body support. While our reviewer found that the mattress can feel quite firm, your body might thank you for it later. The additional micro-coil layer keeps pressure points from building anywhere on the mattress and maintains spine alignment. The additional coils, though, might not isolate motion as well as you'd expect, but our reviewer found it wasn't any more than what you'd feel on another hybrid mattress.

While it's a pretty heavy bed, it's not overly thick — at 29cm, you should be able to use standard fitted sheets without a problem.

And like the Valmori listed above, Ecosa also offers a 15-year warranty, which is fantastic. Given how unique it is and how well it's suited to most sleepers — albeit those who might prefer a firm surface — the Ecosa Pure represents good value, which is made better by regular discounts.

Read our full Ecosa Pure Mattress review to find out more

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Ecosa Pure review scores

Features

In brief

Score

Support and comfort

Sleeping a little firmer than its official rating, the Ecosa Pure's micro coils offer even support across the entire surface, making it comfortable for any kind of sleeper.

★★★★½

Pressure relief

The micro coils allow the mattress to adjust to the body and provide optimal support for all body types while relieving pressure.

★★★★

Temperature

As one of the more breathable mattresses we've tested, the Ecosa Pure does an above-average job of maintaining a steady sleep temperature.

★★★★½

Motion isolation

While not as good as all-foam or latex mattresses, the upper layers do a good job of dampening out normal movements.

★★★★

Edge support

With a special firm layer around the edges of the mattress, it's possible to sleep right on the edge, but heavier people might feel like they're sinking a little.

★★★★

Build quality

A 15-year warranty means you can trust the build quality here. It's quite robust, but the lack of end handles was a pain point during testing.

★★★★

Meet the experts

Reviewed by
Lindsay Handmer author bio photo
Reviewed by
Lindsay Handmer

Lindsay has personally tested over half the mattresses in our list, and many more that didn't make the cut. He's figured out what it takes to have the best sleep, and uses that knowledge to help you buy the best mattress for you.

Reviewed by
Sharmishta Sarkar author bio photo
Reviewed by
Sharmishta Sarkar

Sharmishta spearheads the mattress coverage for the Australian edition of Tom's Guide while managing her day job as the APAC Managing Editor of sister site TechRadar. She's tested quite a few mattresses in the last 5 years, some of which are in this guide.

How we test mattresses at Tom's Guide

The Emma NextGen Cooling Mattress on a bed frame in a bedroom

(Image credit: Emma)

Our mattress review process at the Australian edition of Tom's Guide is editorially independent and isn't influenced by third parties. We keep an ear to the ground to find new mattress-in-a-box releases, then contact the brands ourselves for a review sample.

All our mattresses have been tested in our own homes, and we expect each reviewer to sleep on them for a minimum of 30 days before starting on their actual review. However, we fully acknowledge that comfort is subjective and we usually ask a small testing panel to also try each mattress during the review process.

Our mattress-in-a-box testing panel is made up of people with different sleep needs and body types. This ensures we get a well-rounded view of how a mattress feels and performs for different people and sleeping positions.

Frequently asked questions about mattresses in a box

What is a mattress in a box?

As the name suggests, a mattress in a box is, well, a mattress that comes in a box. While we wouldn't call it 'portable', manufacturers are able to stuff these large and heavy mattresses into a long cardboard box by compressing them with a machine, then shrink-wrapping them into a very tight roll that can be shipped a lot more easily than a full-sized traditional mattress.

Shipping times vary by brand, but you can get a boxed mattress as fast as within two working days, and it gets delivered to your doorstep, sometimes even to the room of your choice.

Once the box has been delivered, it's up to you to unbox it, but some companies offer a white-glove service for an additional amount to do this for you. They might even offer to take away your old mattress.

Each mattress in a box is covered in a reinforced plastic cover, and many brands give you a tool to slice through that covering more easily. Once the mattress has been fully unpacked, pop it on your bed base where it will begin to regain its full shape. 

While they are the same as regular mattresses once fully decompressed, a mattress in a box takes anywhere from a few hours to a few days to be ready to sleep on. Emma mattresses, for example, are ready to sleep on in a few hours, while Sleeping Duck can take up to 72 hours.

You may notice a bit of a smell at first, but this mattress off-gassing is normal. Just open the windows and it should soon pass, leaving you to enjoy your comfy new bed.

Another feature of mattress-in-a-box companies is the offer to refund you the full purchase amount if you're unhappy with the mattress. Be aware that this has to be done within the trial period, which is 100 nights on average, but could be less or more, depending on the brand. Pickup of the mattress is also free during this time.

Are mattresses in a box good?

Yes, boxed mattresses can be excellent if you pick the right one for you as the quality of the mattress has much more to do with the specific model rather than whether it has been compressed or not. There are plenty of fantastic boxed options – such as those included in our guide above — but there are some cheap ones that promise a lot and deliver on none of them, and these are best avoided.

Boxed mattresses are often delivered quicker and are easier to manoeuvre as they typically come with a pair of handles, if not more, but you'll avoid decompression time and perhaps also off-gassing if you go for a traditional option. 

It’s easy to look at the cheaper price tags of some mattresses-in-a-box and dismiss them as being too cheap to be supportive or comfortable, but that simply isn’t the case. We've spent hundreds of hours sleeping on some of the top boxed mattresses and find them just as comfortable as traditional mattresses sold in store.

Valmori Hybrid II mattress lifestyle image depicting older woman in blue and floral pyjamas lying on top of white and grey mattress

(Image credit: Valmori)

What’s the difference between a mattress in a box and a traditional mattress?

The only difference between a regular or traditional mattress and one that comes in a box is the packaging process.

Where a traditional mattress gets delivered in its open, fully functional form (aka flat), a mattress in a box is industrially compressed, rolled and vacuum-sealed in plastic. It's then put into a box for shipping to your doorstep. It's then up to you to open it up and let it unfurl and decompress to regain its correct shape and size.

This kind of packaging negates the need for an expensive brick-and-mortar store, and the saving is passed on to the consumer.

Mattress-in-a-box buying advice

How to choose the best mattress in a box

The mattress-in-a-box market is now so crowded that there's something for every kind of sleeper — no matter the sleeping position, body weight or any other specific needs a person might have. How, then, do you choose which one is best for your individual needs? 

Things to look out for when buying a bed-in-a-box online include:

Features
If you need extra features from a mattress to help you sleep, then there’ll be something for you, whether you sleep hot, need more pressure relief, or just want extra support for backache. Plenty of mattresses now come with innovative tech and eco-friendly materials too, so whatever your concerns, it should be covered.

Firmness 
Just like standard mattresses, beds in a box come in a variety of firmnesses. If you know you will likely need a firmer mattress, for instance, check before you buy to ensure you are getting the most comfortable choice for you.

Trial period and free delivery/returns
Many top brands offer mattress trials on their mattresses, giving you the chance to try the mattress out for yourself. It’s always a good idea to take advantage of trial periods, and if you decide the mattress isn’t for you, check that you can get a full refund. This takes a lot of the stress out of buying a mattress online, especially if the mattress is expensive. Also check if the company offers free returns so there’ll be no surprises if you do need to send the mattress back.

Reviews 
Online reviews often give you extra information about the mattress, including feedback after a few weeks’ use and a closer assessment of the feel and comfort for different body weights. If you have decided on a boxed mattress, compare a few user reviews on the brand websites with those elsewhere too.

When is the best time to buy a mattress in a box?

There are definitely key periods throughout the year when it’s better to buy a boxed mattress, and chief among these are the Black Friday mattress deals, where prices are at their lowest and discounts are at their highest. 

Another good time to pick up a mattress is mid-year, during Australia's EOFY mattress sales. Most brands will offer some kind of discount at this time too, but you could also shop during Click Frenzy sales when select companies slash prices for a limited time.

Emma Sleep is probably the only mattress brand that seems to do year-round sales, but it's important to keep an eye on the prices. We've found the brand has been gradually increasing its prices but still keeping the discounts, which could be misleading. It's already in trouble with the ACCC for its misleading sales prices.

Sharmishta is Tom Guide's sister site TechRadar's APAC Managing Editor, but contributes to several of Future's tech sites, including T3 and Digital Camera World. For Tom's Guide, Sharmishta reports on smart home gizmos, from standing desks and TVs to the best mattresses on the market. This includes testing and reviewing beds from big brands like Emma and Sleeping Duck.