Back in the day, buying a new bed required a trip to the mattress store and then transporting a large, awkward mattress back home. It was a lengthy, sweaty process that got you a brand-new mattress at the cost of your time—and sometimes your dignity. Luckily, modern technology allows mattresses to be delivered right to your doorstep.
A mattress in a box is a compressed mattress that is rolled up and shipped directly to your doorstep in a conveniently sized box. Creating a mattress in a box involves specialized machinery and careful engineering.
Once the mattress is constructed, it undergoes a compression process. The mattress is flattened, and the air is removed to reduce its volume significantly. This allows it to fit into a box without compromising its structural integrity or comfort. The compression process saves on shipping costs and reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation.
Read on to learn about the technology that's revolutionizing the mattress industry and get tips on your personal mattress buying process.
History of Mattresses in a Box
The “mattress in a box” didn’t just change how we sleep—it changed how we shop for sleep. Back in 2004, Bill Bradley, an American inventor, wanted to figure out how to fit a full-size mattress into a box small enough for FedEx® or UPS®. With help from foam producer NCFI in North Carolina, he made it happen, and the very first Bed-in-a-Box® was born. What started as one man’s big idea in Tennessee has grown into a nationwide comfort revolution.
By 2006, you could have a real, high-quality mattress shipped straight to your doorstep, no moving truck required, from a range of mattress retailers. The early versions were made with CertiPUR-US® certified foam, ensuring they were safe, durable, and comfortable. A few years later, innovative newcomers like Tuft & Needle (founded in 2012) and Casper (founded in 2014) took the idea even further, proving that you could sell mattresses entirely online and still deliver great sleep.
Fast forward to 2025, and just about every major bedding brand offers a “bed in a box.” With better foam technology and hybrid designs, the concept keeps evolving. Here's how the process works now:
Construction and Quality Check: Before packaging, the mattress is fully assembled, and a quality check ensures it's ready to be subjected to the compression machinery.
Compression: The mattress enters a compression machine that reduces its thickness temporarily.
Folding or Rolling: After compression, the mattress is often folded (in half or thirds) and rolled, depending on the mattress material, into a cylindrical shape to reduce volume further.
Wrapping and Vacuum: Once rolled and folded, the mattress is wrapped in protective film or placed in a vacuum-sealed plastic bag to maintain the compressed shape and protect it during transit.
Cartoning and Shipping: With the mattress compressed, rolled, and wrapped, it's placed into the correctly sized box and prepared for shipping.
It’s amazing to think that what started as a hands-on experiment in a small Tennessee workshop now helps millions of people enjoy a good night’s sleep—without ever stepping into a store.
Sleep shoppers can get the perfect mattress delivered right to their door.
Recent Popularization of Mattresses in a Box
The concept of mattresses in a box has gained momentum in recent years. First, the convenience of online shopping has become increasingly prevalent, making online more appealing.
Additionally, the millennial generation, which values convenience and simplicity, embraced purchasing a mattress without needing a showroom visit.
Online mattress shopping experienced a notable increase during the COVID-19 pandemic as people became more wary of going out and started to prefer contactless shopping experiences, even for purchases that they previously preferred to make in person. This shift in consumer behavior prompted many traditional mattress manufacturers to adopt the bed-in-a-box model to remain relevant in the market.
The Original mattress sleeps cool through breathable, responsive foams for all-night comfort.
Does Leesa Offer Mattresses in a Box?
Absolutely. As one of the pioneers of the mattress-in-a-box movement, Leesa offers a thoughtfully designed lineup of mattresses—all compressed, boxed, and shipped directly to your door.
Whether you sleep hot, need extra support, prefer eco-friendly materials, or want luxury comfort, there's a Leesa mattress built for your sleep style. Every model is designed and assembled in the USA with premium materials for long-lasting comfort.
Meticulously designed mattresses for better sleep. Expertly crafted with high-quality materials for cool comfort and support.
Benefits of Mattresses in a Box
Whether you're a seasoned mattress shopper or someone searching for their very first apartment, understanding the benefits of mattresses in a box will only help you make an informed and satisfying purchase decision.
Convenience
With just a few clicks, you can browse through various options, read reviews, and place an order from the comfort of your home. Your chosen mattress will be shipped directly to your doorstep in a compact box, so you don’t have to visit multiple showrooms or deal with pushy salespeople. There’s also no need to arrange for a delivery truck or haul a bulky mattress home.
Affordability
With a mattress in a box, you can cut out the middleman of retail stores and buy directly from the brand. Buying a mattress online is often more affordable.
Without the overhead costs of physical stores, brands like Leesa can also pass on the savings to you. Our mattresses are priced competitively, so there’s significant cost savings compared to traditional mattresses. We’re the sleep specialists who care about your rest and your wallet.
Trial Periods/Easy Returns
Leesa provides a generous risk-free trial period to guarantee you end up with the right mattress. Sleep, read, and dream for a 120-night trial period to ensure you find the right fit. If you're unsatisfied, Leesa's support team will help you through the return process.
Lightweight and Easy to Assemble
Unlike traditional mattresses, which can be bulky and awkward, mattresses in a box are lightweight and easy to handle. The compact packaging makes them easy to move around your home and set up in your desired sleeping area. Just unbox, unroll, and your new mattress will spring to life. It’s totally fine to unroll your new mattress right over your box spring, too.
Long Lifespan
Despite being compressed for shipping, mattresses in a box are made with durable materials that can withstand the test of time. On average, a well-maintained mattress in a box can last around eight years, providing long-lasting comfort and support.
Considerations of Mattresses in a Box
While there are many benefits to buying a mattress in a box, there are also important considerations to keep in mind before making an online purchase.
You Can’t Try Before You Buy
One drawback of buying a mattress in a box is that you can’t test it before it arrives on your doorstep. Unlike warehouse or in-store shopping, you can’t lie down to see if it is soft or firm. Granted, even with in-store purchases, you can’t spend a night on your prospective mattress. Still, with online mattress purchases, you must rely on reviews, videos, and product descriptions to make an informed decision. That’s why Leesa offers a 120-night trial period, so you can make sure it's right for you.
Potential for Off-Gassing
Off-gassing refers to the release of certain chemical odors when a mattress is unpacked. This is a common occurrence with foam mattresses and typically disappears. While most reputable mattress brands, including Leesa, use certified foams low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), you may be sensitive to these odors. Don’t worry too much; they should dissipate within a few days.
How to Choose a Mattress in a Box
Considering the average person spends about 26 years (or 1/3) of their , choosing the best mattress for you is key. Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice.
Consider Your Sleep Style/Sleep Style of Your Partner
Everyone has different sleep preferences. Whether you're a , , or , there's a mattress that caters to your needs. If you share a bed with a partner, you should also consider their preferences for a suitable compromise. Remember, a good quality mattress can be a marriage saver, so try to pick the right one.
Consider the Different Types of Mattresses in a Box
Mattresses in a box come in various materials and constructions, with memory foam and hybrids being two popular options. Memory foam mattresses provide contouring support, while hybrid mattresses combine foam and innerspring coils for added support and breathability. Leesa offers a range of options to suit different sleep preferences.
Take Advantage of Trial Periods
Utilize the trial period offered by mattress brands to test the mattress and ensure it meets your expectations. Sleep on the mattress for a few weeks to allow your body to adjust and determine if it provides the comfort and support you need for restful sleep.
Look for White Glove Delivery
A box at your front door is convenient, but you still have to go through all the trouble of setting up your new mattress. With white glove delivery, you get in-home setup and removal. It’s a seamless delivery experience from start to finish. From unboxing to assembly to haul away, professionals will handle it all in the room of your choice.
Leesa offers . All you have to do is select this option at checkout and let the pros take it from there. On delivery day, you’ll get a heads-up when the team is about 30 minutes away, and they’ll set everything up, removing the old items being replaced.
Taking Care of Your Mattress in a Box
Proper care and maintenance can extend the mattress's longevity, ensuring it provides comfortable sleep for years. The following tips will help you get the most out of your investment.
Allow the Mattress to Air Out
When you receive the bed in a box, let it air out for a couple of days to expand and firm up fully. Giving it this time before you use it helps eliminate residual off-gassing odors and ensures the mattress reaches its intended shape and comfort level.
Use a Mattress Protector
A waterproof and breathable creates a barrier against liquids, dust mites, and other irritants, which helps keep your mattress fresh. Wash the mattress protector regularly to maintain a clean sleep surface and prevent any damage to the mattress itself.
Rotate the Mattress
While mattresses in a box are designed for even wear and durability, rotating the mattress periodically can help distribute the weight and pressure evenly. This prevents excessive wear on specific areas and prolongs the mattress's lifespan. Depending on the type of mattress and the manufacturer's recommendations, consider rotating the mattress every three to six months.
Clean and Refresh Regularly
There’s no shame in night-sweating, but there is shame in letting a mattress get stinky from it. by regularly vacuuming it with an upholstery attachment to remove dust and debris. For added freshness, you can also lightly sprinkle baking soda over the mattress surface and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming it again. This helps neutralize any lingering odors.
Always refer to specific care instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure you follow the appropriate maintenance practices for your specific mattress model. Doing so will help preserve your warranty and ensure your mattress remains in optimal condition.
Got a ? Give it the same cleaning treatment as your mattress.
Final Thoughts
Mattresses in a box are accessible, convenient, and affordable mattresses designed to give you a good night's sleep. With our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, the Leesa range is an attractive option for comfort, support, and sound sleep.
to find your perfect mattress match.
Mattress in a Box FAQs
Are mattresses in a box the same size as traditional mattresses?
Yes, mattresses in a box are available in all sizes, including Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and California King.
What's the main difference between mattresses in a box vs. traditional mattresses?
The main difference lies in the distribution model and convenience. Mattresses in a box are compressed and shipped directly to the consumer, eliminating the need for physical showrooms and retail stores.
How large are the shipping boxes for mattresses in a box?
Mattresses in a box are efficiently compressed to fit into compact , making them easier to transport and deliver to your doorstep.
What is a hybrid mattress in a box?
A hybrid mattress in a box combines different materials, such as memory foam mattress layers and innerspring coils, to offer a blend of support and comfort, providing a sleep experience that caters to a wide range of sleep preferences. Leesa offers hybrid options for customers seeking this unique combination.
