Before 2014, buying a new mattress involved traipsing between mattress stores and comparing different brands amidst pushy salespersons. But the real dilemma came when transporting your bulky investment home and getting it upstairs. That’s why buying a mattress online and having it delivered to your doorstep compressed in a box is such a big deal today. The concept of buying a mattress online is still strange for most people. But it won’t be overwhelming once you understand what matters and what doesn’t.
Tips for Buying the Best Bed in a Box
Mattress type- spring or all-foam?
Several years ago, only all-foam mattresses would be compressed and fitted into a box for shipping. Thanks to technology, the market now offers bed-in-a-box mattresses in 3 categories: Innerspring- these models are popular with individuals who prefer the incredible support of the traditional spring-based mattresses.
Specialty foam- although poly foam is still widely used in foam mattresses, the mattress industry is currently ruled by 2 advanced types of specialty foam.
i) Memory foam- it’s preferred for being the best in relieving body pressure and muscle pains and aches.
ii) Latex- if you tend to get hot at night, latex will make a much better proposition than memory foam thanks to its excellent breathability. Expect to pay a little more for natural latex, though. Hybrid mattresses- Hybrid mattresses marry memory foam or latex with innerspring technology to offer a comfortable and supportive bed with minimal heat retention.
Height
Mattress thickness dictates a lot of things, from its price tag to durability. A thicker mattress requires more materials compared to a thin bed. As you can expect, such a mattress will be pricier but more durable, too. Besides durability and affordability, you also need to factor in the ease of climbing on and off the bed before going for a taller or shorter mattress.
Mattress firmness
Similar to their store-bought alternatives, bed-in-a-box mattresses also come in a wide range of firmness levels. Manufacturers rate the feel of the mattress on a 1-10 scale. Mattresses between 1 and 4 are generally plush. These are ideal for people who prefer a bed with contouring cushioning over a firm feel. Medium-firm mattresses in the range of 5-7 offer a happy medium between contouring and support. Lastly, beds on the higher end of the firmness spectrum make a good choice for heavy individuals.