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How Does Bed in a Box Work? From Doorstep to Dreamland

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We order everything online now—even our mattresses. Bed-in-a-box mattresses ship straight to your door compressed, rolled, and vacuum-packed for ultimate convenience.

But how does "bed in a box" actually work? And what should you expect when you order a mattress from Leesa?

We’ll walk you through the entire bed-in-a-box process:

  • Order online

  • Leesa’s branded box arrives on your doorstep 🚚 
  • Unbox it—the magical setup 🔮

Then we'll talk about

  • How to care for your mattress

  • Your first night’s sleep

  • The 100-day trial

  • Returns

The bed-in-a-box mattress-buying process

Bed-in-a-box retailers upended the traditional mattress industry by cutting out physical shopping at a mattress store. The store experience came with the awkward mattress test—do you take your shoes off for that part?—salespeople, delivery vans, and 2-person delivery crews wearing grubby workboots through your home—judging you for that pile of clothes on your chairdrobe as they leave. 

The bar was pretty low. 

The modern formula looks like this:

Online browsing, first-person reviews, convenient ordering, doorstep delivery, generous test period, and concierge returns.

Our mattress quiz tells you exactly which mattress is right for you based on your sleep position, preferences, support needs, and budget. If you haven't chosen your new Leesa mattress yet, give the quiz a try and see your custom recommendations. (We might be slightly biased, but we think it's pretty cool!)

woman sleeping in her memory foam bed

Mattress Quiz

Find your perfect mattressTake the quiz

Leesa bed in a box delivery

What's next after you place your order? 

Leesa mattresses are made to order, and it takes 3-7 business days for us to craft your mattress to our ridiculously high standards. Then we compress and package it, and ship it via FedEx.

Once FedEx has your boxed mattress, it should arrive at your door in 2-7 business days. This is the magic behind the bed in a box—a mattress compressed into a manageable size for easy shipping and handling.

If you opted for In-Home Setup and Removal, schedule a date and time with our partner, LoadUp, after your mattress arrives. LoadUp will unbox and set up your new mattress and haul your old one away for environmentally responsible recycling.

As for your new mattress, don’t worry about excess waste from yards of plastic wrap—our eco-conscious packaging minimizes environmental impact.

How to unbox and set up your bed in a box mattress

When your memory foam or hybrid mattress arrives, setup is quick and easy. Here’s what to do:

@alexandwhitney who knew unboxing a @Leesa Sleep mattress could be so fun?! But actually obsessed with how comfy our bed is 🥰 #mattressinabox #mattress #firsthome #firsthouse ♬ original sound - Alex & Whitney

How to set up the Leesa Mattress

Follow these steps:

STEP 1: Open the cardboard box. Whoo!

STEP 2:  With the mattress still in its plastic wrapping, slide it onto the surface of your bed frame or base.

STEP 3: Using scissors, carefully cut the outer layer of plastic, making sure you don’t accidentally cut into the bed.

STEP 4: Unroll the mattress. It will still be tightly compressed and folded in half.

STEP 5: Unfold the mattress, and while it’s still in the third layer of plastic, arrange it on your platform or base. (Don’t open it yet! You can position it more easily if it’s still compressed and sealed.)

STEP 6: Once positioned to your liking, carefully cut away the final layer of plastic and pull it out from under your Leesa. Watch as the mattress and its premium foams begin to expand like magic 🔮

You’re done! Celebratory bed flop.

The mattress may take up to five hours to reach its full size and a couple of days to reach peak firmness. Feel free to sleep on it in the meantime—your body heat will speed up the process—or wait until the mattress has fully expanded.

Note: Any slight odor will dissipate shortly after setup. We use premium, low-VOC memory foam, so you shouldn't notice much, if any, off-gassing smell. But it doesn't hurt to increase ventilation or open a window to let any packing odors dissipate.

First night on your bed in a box mattress

The first time you sleep on your Leesa bed in a box mattress, it might feel a bit firmer than expected. That’s completely normal—our hybrid and memory foam mattresses are designed to break in and soften over time.

The break-in period usually lasts about 30 days. During this time, the materials will conform to your body’s natural shape for personalized comfort.

If you're new to memory foam or hybrid mattresses, you'll likely notice a big difference in the feel compared to a traditional mattress, especially when you move or roll over. But sleep on it—literally—for a few weeks before you decide whether it's right for you. Most people quickly adjust to the new feel and fall in love with their modern, supportive memory foam mattress. 

 We offer a risk-free, 100-night trial period. So there’s no rush to decide.

Care for your new bed in a box mattress

You can’t flip a memory foam or hybrid mattress like a traditional mattress, so to keep your Leesa bed in a box mattress in optimal condition, rotate it every 6-12 months. This ensures even wear and extends the lifespan of the mattress.

You may want to use a mattress protector to shield it from spills and dirt, especially if you have kids or pets. And make sure you follow our tips for regular cleaning. With ongoing care, your Leesa mattress will stay comfortable and supportive for many years.

Sleep trial and warranty for your bed in a box mattress

We're pretty proud of our premium yet affordable bed-in-a-box mattresses. But sadly, there's no one mattress that's right for everyone. That's why we offer a 100-night sleep trial so you experience the mattress at home before you make a final decision.

If you’re not fully satisfied, our Comfort Crew will make it right with a refund or exchange. We love to support our communities and give ba,ck so, in most cases, we'll encourage you to donate your unwanted mattress to a local charity. But if that's not an option, we'll help you return your mattress to us.

All of our mattresses also come with a 10-year full replacement limited warranty that protects against defects in workmanship. If your mattress is damaged on arrival or wears out faster than expected (despite normal, recommended use and care), we'll repair or replace it.

Enjoy better sleep with your Leesa bed in a box

If you're not used to the feel of a hybrid or foam mattress, it may take a little time to adjust to your new bed in a box. But once you do, you’ll experience a whole new level of comfort. Plus, you'll rest easy knowing you didn't have to go through the whole song and dance of traditional mattress shopping.

Ready to find your ideal sleep solution—and have it conveniently delivered straight to your door? Take our mattress quiz to discover your perfect fit!

woman sleeping in her memory foam bed

Mattress Quiz

Find your perfect mattressTake the quiz

FAQs

Check out these frequently asked questions and answers for more insights into the bed-in-a-box process.

What are the drawbacks of a mattress in a box?

Mattresses in a box offer convenience and affordability, but there are a few potential drawbacks. Some sleepers may find the mattress feels firmer than expected due to the compression process, and it can take up to 48 hours for itto fully expand.

If you prefer a more hands-on shopping experience, you’ll also miss out on testing the mattress in person before buying. That's why Leesa offers a 100-night, risk-free trial to give you time to discover how happy you are with your purchase.

How does a bed in a box work?

A bed in a box mattress is compressed and vacuum-sealed into a compact size, making it easier to ship and transport. Once you receive it, simply unbox the mattress, unroll it on your bed frame, remove the plastic wrapping, and watch it expand to its full shape. Most mattresses take just a few hours to expand but can require up to 48 hours to fully decompress and reach their intended firmness.

How long do you wait to sleep on a bed in a box?

You can usually sleep on a bed in a box within a few hours of unboxing, but you may want to wait 24-48 hours for the mattress to fully expand and reach its intended firmness. If you want the best comfort and support from the first night, it’s worth giving your new mattress a little extra time to completely decompress before using it.