Bed in a Box vs. Traditional Mattress: Which Is Better?

March 22, 2022 | Casper Editorial Team

Choosing a mattress should be like getting a good night’s rest—easy and stress-free. But if you’ve been tossing and turning over whether to buy a bed in a box or a traditional mattress, don’t worry. We’re here to help.  

In this article, we’ll explore the differences between a bed in a box vs a traditional mattress so you can easily decide which is right for you and have the dreamiest mattress-buying experience possible.

Delivered right to your door, each bed in a box from Casper offers the perfect balance of comfort and support.

What Is a Bed in a Box?

First things first, what is a bed in a box? Essentially, a bed in a box is a mattress that’s shipped directly to your front door in a compact box. This is unlike the type of traditional innerspring mattress you can find at a local mattress store. 

Despite spring mattresses still making up the majority of the mattress market,1 the boxed mattress has made a notable splash in recent years due to its convenience and easy return policies. 

Differences Between a Bed in a Box vs Traditional Mattress

Rather than going to a mattress store to find a new bed, a bed in a box can be purchased with just the click of a button from the comfort of your own home. Then, your new mattress is shipped to you in a rolled, airtight bag tucked inside a box about the size of a mini-fridge. When your bed in a box arrives, you simply unfold the mattress and let it expand on its own. 

But convenient delivery and set-up isn’t the only difference between a bed in a box and a traditional mattress. Other differences include: 

  • Cost
  • Quality
  • Trial periods

Keep reading as we dive further into the factors that set these mattresses apart. 

Delivery and Set-Up 

A bed in a box takes the cake when it comes to efficiency. Shipped directly from the manufacturer in an airtight box, your new mattress will blow you away with its low-maintenance setup. Once your package arrives, you simply take the rolled mattress out of the box, lay it flat on your bed frame, and watch it expand to its proper size. 

If reenacting the couch-moving scene from Friends isn’t your idea of a good time, a bed in a box might be perfect for you. By eliminating the grunt work of bringing a new mattress home, the bed in a box model gives “low-maintenance” a whole new meaning. 

Because your mattress will be sent directly to your door, you don’t have to worry about moving a mattress up a flight of stairs while sweating profusely.

Cost

When it comes to the cost of a mattress, a bed in a box is a great option. They tend to be very affordable, and in some cases, more so than a traditional mattress. You can find a bed in a box from Casper for as low as $895.

Quality

A box mattress can be made with a variety of materials, including:

  • Memory foam – Memory foam mattresses can easily conform to the shape of your body to provide better support during sleep. Because a memory foam mattress also absorbs impact, they reduce motion transfer too (meaning you won’t notice a partner tossing and turning during the night). 
  • Latex – Latex mattresses are more firm and bouncy than foam mattresses. A latex mattress also doesn’t trap body heat, making them the ideal mattress type for hot sleepers. 

Some bed in a box options also offer hybrid combinations of both memory foam and latex, like the Casper Wave Hybrid mattress.

Alternatively, traditional mattresses used to only be made with springs and coils. While a spring mattress will work to provide sleepers with firmness and support, it doesn’t offer the same level of comfort as foam, latex, or hybrid mattresses. Traditional innerspring mattresses also typically require box springs to help maintain their structure over time. 

If you switch over from pocket springs to a different mattress type, you’ll feel the difference between your original and your new mattress instantly. 

Trial Periods

Fearful of buyer’s remorse? Many bed in a box companies offer a lengthy trial period where you’re able to get acquainted with your new mattress before making a long-term commitment. 

In fact, that’s why, at Casper, we offer:

Sleep Soundly with a Casper Mattress

So, between a bed in a box vs a traditional mattress, which is the best bed for you? If you’re looking for convenient delivery and set-up, an affordable price, a quality mattress that’s both supportive and plush, and an extended trial period, a bed in a box is likely the right choice for you. 

When choosing a bed in a box, be sure to choose Casper. With our 100-night trial period and a variety of mattress options, finding your new mattress online couldn’t be easier. Take our mattress quiz to see which Casper mattress best caters to your needs. With Casper, you’ll discover the perfect mattress for your bedroom, whether you’re looking for advanced support like that offered by our Casper Wave Hybrid, or cooling capabilities like those with our Snow Technology. We’ve also got all your sizes covered too, so if you need a California King mattress for the new crib, we got you. A twin mattress for your dorm? Sure thing. Get better sleep with Casper.

Sources: 

  1. Visual Capitalist. Why Tech is Targeting the $15 Billion Mattress Market. https://www.visualcapitalist.com/tech-targeting-15-billion-mattress-market/