- Simbatex & Aerocoil springs
- 25 cm (10 inches)
- Medium-firm
Tell me more about the Simba Hybrid
The Simba Hybrid is an award-winning hybrid pocket sprung foam mattress by Simba Sleep.
This is a medium-firm mattress that's an excellent choice for a wide range of sleepers but is particularly suited to side sleepers.
The Simba mattress is supportive enough to prevent a build-up of tension but also soft enough to allow your body to sink in where necessary.
This allows for optimal spinal alignment.
The Simba Hybrid mattress comes with an antibacterial hypoallergenic cover, which is removable and machine-washable.
The Simba comes with free delivery, a 200-day risk-free trial period, and a 10-year guarantee.
Reasons to buy
200-night sleep trial |
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10-year guarantee |
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Excellent support for side sleepers |
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Washable cover |
Reasons to avoid
May be too soft for larger builds |
- Memory foam & pocket springs
- 28 cm (11 inches)
- Medium-firm
Tell me more about the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid
The DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid is a premium mattress from the same company that makes the Nectar memory foam mattress.
It combines high-quality memory foam with full-size pocket springs (called ActiveEdge coils), each measuring 15 cm (5.9 inches).
This is an orthopaedically designed mattress with medium-firm support to help eliminate back, neck, and shoulder pains.
The mattress offers enhanced breathability to help keep you cool and refreshed all night long.
It also has low motion transfer and great edge support, making it an excellent choice for couples.
Reasons to buy
365-day trial period |
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Lifetime warranty |
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Excellent motion isolation for couples |
Reasons to avoid
Extra deep sheets required |
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Too firm for lightweight side sleepers |
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The cover is not removable |
- Pocket springs, Cloud-zoned foam layer & memory foam layer
- 25 cm (10")
- Medium-firm
Tell me more about the Hypnia Original Hybrid mattress
The standout feature of the Hypnia Original Hybrid mattress is its unique blend of layers, which provide excellent comfort and support.
The mattress is composed of pocket springs with 5 support zones, offering targeted support and effective motion absorption.
It also has a Cloud-zoned and memory foam layer for body-contouring support that adapts to pressure points.
The Hypnia Hybrid is comfortable in most sleeping positions, but particularly for side and back sleepers.
It also offers low-motion transfer, so we'd recommend it to couples and restless sleepers.
One downside is the non-removable cover, though using a mattress protector can help extend its lifespan and cleanliness.
Reasons to buy
200-night trial period |
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15-year guarantee |
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Just as comfy as pricier competitors |
Reasons to avoid
The cover is not removable |
|
Not the best delivery experience |
- Halo memory foam, Airgocell foam & pocket springs
- 25 cm (9.8 inches)
- Medium feel
Tell me more about the Emma NextGen Premium mattress
The Emma NextGen Premium mattress includes pocket springs for improved airflow and support, a 7-zone design for adaptive support, and a Halo memory foam that responds to your body's shape.
While the mattress promotes enhanced airflow, our tester observed that its breathability might not suffice for particularly hot sleepers.
Unfortunately, the foam layers on our test mattress didn't fully expand, causing some springs to be felt when pressure was applied.
However, Emma's customer service team promptly resolved the issue by sending a new Emma NextGen Premium mattress.
The mattress also has limited edge support, meaning you may experience a roll-off feel if you sleep on the edge of your bed.
Despite this, the mattress was still comfortable and provided a great night's sleep.
Reasons to buy
200-night trial period |
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10-year guarantee |
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Machine-washable cover |
Reasons to avoid
Limited edge support |
|
The mattress didn't expand fully during our test |
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May be too warm for some sleepers |
- Memory foam, micro springs & full-size pocket springs
- 28 cm (11 inches)
- Medium-firm support
Tell me more about the Nectar Premier Hybrid
The Nectar Premier Hybrid mattress is one of Nectar's best-selling medium-firm mattresses, designed for superior comfort and support for all body types.
This mattress has been designed with enhanced cooling in mind, wicking away moisture and allowing for greater air circulation. ❄️
This helps keep the mattress cooler and more comfortable, making it better suited to hot sleepers or those who sweat easily.
The combination of up to 2,462 micro springs and full-size pocket springs also aids support and gives you a more stable sleeping surface.
It also comes with a risk-free 365-day trial, giving you the chance to try the product in the comfort of your own home.
Reasons to buy
365-day trial |
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Lifetime guarantee |
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Free named-day delivery |
Reasons to avoid
Not the best edge support |
What is a bed-in-a-box mattress?
A bed-in-a-box mattress to put simply is a vacuumed-packed mattress rolled up into a box. 📦
The box itself is usually around 100 cm x 50 cm x 50 cm.
This makes it a convenient option for fast and efficient delivery.
But how can a mattress be rolled up and stuffed inside a box? 🤔
How a bed-in-a-box works
The mattress is first compressed and rolled using an automated machine. 🕹️
The highly advanced memory foam in the mattress allows the material to be compressed without damage.
Check out the video to see the process! 👇
The rolled mattress is then packed in its box and delivered straight to your door. 📦🚚
As soon as your mattress-in-a-box is delivered, it can be unpacked.
This is where the real magic happens...✨
How long to leave a rolled mattress
Once you’ve unpacked your mattress, carefully remove the plastic wrapping.
Some bed in a box mattresses come with a cutter, but if not you may have to use scissors.
Be careful not to cut into the mattress itself! 😱
As soon as the mattress is unwrapped, it will start expanding. 😮
It’s a bit like watching a deflated bouncy castle be filled with air!
You should wait a few hours for the mattress to return to its normal shape before dressing it or putting any pressure on the mattress.
Some bed-in-a-box mattresses need as much as 12 hours to fully decompress. 🎈
Check the instructions that came with the particular mattress-in-a-box that you purchased.
How do I choose a mattress-in-a-box?
A bed-in-a-box is a great option for many reasons.
Before buying your boxed mattress, consider the following...
🧵 Materials
Rolled mattresses are made of various materials that provide different benefits.
If you're a hot sleeper, you consider if memory foam is the best choice, or if you have allergies if the materials are hypoallergenic.
You may also look into mattress certifications and whether or not they have a high level of off-gassing.
⏳ Trial period & guarantee
Most rolled mattresses come with a sleep trial period and warranty, but this can vary with every brand.
We recommend choosing a mattress that has a trial of a month or more, as this is how long it can take to adjust to a new mattress.
A mattress should also last a minimum of 8 - 10 years, so the warranty should also reflect this time.
💰 Budget
One of the first things every mattress buyer must consider is how much you want to spend.
Whilst some mattresses can be expensive, they may last longer than a budget choice, which can work out cheaper in the long term.
Some mattress companies come with finance options, which can also help to spread the cost.
🧱 Firmness
Your sleeping position is a key factor in choosing a new mattress.
Typically side sleepers need a softer mattress, whilst stomach sleepers should opt for a firmer choice.
It's worth noting whether the mattress comes in different firmness options and whether it is suitable for your sleep style.
Who is a bed-in-a-box mattress suitable for?
However, whilst a bed-in-a-box is a fantastic choice for many, it’s not for everyone.
A bed in a box is a great choice for 👍
- Allergy sufferers
- Those looking to reduce their environmental impact
- Couples
- Side sleepers
- Cold sleeper
- Loft bedrooms
- Those with narrow stairwells/entryways
- Light to medium weight people
- Indecisive people - most come with sleep trials
- Those who need fast delivery
- All bed sizes - but particularly good for super king beds
Unfortunately, despite claims, no bed in a box can truly be a one-size-fits-all mattress...
A bed-in-a-box is less suitable for 👎
- Hot/sweaty sleepers
- Heavier weight people
- Those with physical ailments who need the mattress delivered directly into the room
- Those looking for a high-end mattress
- Those who prefer to try a mattress in a shop
Generally, there will be an online mattress out there for everyone..
You just need to do plenty of research and find the right bed-in-a-box for you.
That's why Sleep Hero have tested the most popular bed-in-a-box brands. 🦸
So, what mattress do you need to buy?
Let's find out! 👇
Great for couples and light sleepers
A bed-in-a-box mattress is a great option for couples and light or restless sleepers.
This is because most rolled mattresses offer low motion transfer.
Motion transfer is the shared movement from different parts of the mattress.
A high motion transfer mattress will feel bouncy and unsupportive, creating a restless sleep. ⛵😴
If you feel your partner getting out of bed during the night, it’s likely your mattress offers a lot of motion transfer.
A low motion transfer isolates this motion, so when you or your partner move at night, the mattress should remain still. 🧱🧘
The pocket springs inside a rolled mattress offer individual support to each area of the mattress, whilst memory foam absorbs motion.
The combination of both these factors makes a bed-in-a-box a fantastic low motion transfer mattress. 😍
The DreamCloud mattress is one of our favourite options for couples.
Watch the video below to see how well this mattress absorbs motion!
This luxury bed-in-a-box also comes with a 365-night trial and a lifetime guarantee!
The firm and supportive feel of the DreamCloud mattress also makes it a great choice for heavier-weight sleepers. 🏋️
Great for allergies
If you have allergies, consider a mattress-in-a-box. 🤧
Most bed-in-a-box mattresses are made with hypoallergenic materials like memory foam.
Memory foam is hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites. 🦠
The Ergoflex mattress is a great choice for those with allergies.
This memory foam rolled mattress comes with a machine-washable cover.
This will help to reduce the build-up of dust and bacteria that can irritate the allergy-prone. 🧼
We also highly recommend using a mattress protector to further prevent allergen symptoms.
The Panda Bamboo Protector is both naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic, as well as fully waterproof. ☔
Great for narrow entryways and loft bedrooms
One of the biggest benefits of rolled mattresses is their convenience.
As these boxed mattresses come rolled up, they can fit into any space. ⛺
Newer UK builds are much smaller, with tight entrances and narrow stairways.
This can make delivering a new mattress into the bedroom a nightmare. 😨
They’re also a good option for those who live in flats or have loft bedrooms.
We highly recommend considering a bed-in-a-box if you are buying a king or super king size mattress.
Most people don’t realise that super king mattresses cannot fit into most UK homes…
Therefore, if you want a super-size sleep, a rolled mattress is the way forward.
The Nectar mattress is delivered in a box with fast UK delivery and is available in a super king size.
Great for the eco-conscious
Because of their vacuumed-packed structure, bed-in-a-box mattresses are much more eco-friendly. 🌍
Their compact size means that more mattresses can fit into a single delivery van than a regular mattress.
This means fewer journeys are needed during delivery and will contribute to reducing our carbon footprint.
Many online mattresses are also made in the UK, further reducing this impact and supporting the British workforce. 🇬🇧
All of Simba Sleep's mattresses are 100% carbon neutral and 100% recyclable. ♻️
Best bed-in-a-box for your sleeping position
Bed-in-a-box mattresses come in a range of firmnesses and fillings.
Because of this, they can be a fantastic option for all sleeping positions.
However, if you are a side sleeper, you’ll probably find that you have a lot more to choose from when it comes to a rolled mattress. 😅
Best bed-in-a-box for side sleepers
Most bed-in-a-box mattresses come in a medium-feel, the ideal firmness for side sleepers. 🧸
The combination of pocket springs and memory foam in a rolled mattress is also ideal for this position.
A medium-feel hybrid mattress has enough give for the side sleeper to sink into the memory foam whilst being supported by the spring layer. 🥰
We highly recommend the Simba Hybrid mattress-in-a-box for side sleepers.
The pocket-sprung layer supports the entire body, whilst the memory foam layer contours around pressure-point areas such as the hips and shoulders.
Best mattress-in-a-box for back sleepers
For back sleepers, a slightly firmer feel is ideal.
Back sleepers should opt for a medium-firm mattress that moulds around the body but offers more support.
Your back should feel straight and supported whilst your joints are cushioned by the top foam layer. 🤗
We think the Nectar mattress is a great choice for back sleepers.
The supportive cold foam base layer will help to keep the spine aligned and supported. 🤩
The softer memory foam top layers will help to cushion around those heavier regions.
Best mattress-in-a-box for stomach sleepers
There aren’t many mattress-in-a-box options available for stomach sleepers. 🤔
This is mainly because most mattresses cater to a more medium-feeling mattress.
Stomach sleepers need a firm mattress that helps to keep the spine straight during the night.
However, we think the Simba Hybrid Pro mattress is a good option, particularly for lighter to medium-weight stomach sleepers.
The 2 layers of titanium Aerocoil springs give this mattress a more supported feel.
The high spring count combined with the Simba-pure foam helps to distribute weight evenly and take pressure off the spine. 😄
Are bed-in-a-box mattresses worth it?
As much as a rolled mattress can be a quick and convenient way to upgrade your sleep...
We must also consider the drawbacks.
Let’s discuss some potential issues with a mattress that comes vacuum-packed. 🤔
Environmental impact
Whilst it’s true that bed-in-a-box mattresses can lower the carbon footprint by fewer trips needed in delivery vans…
This doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the best choice for the environment.
Ultimately, rolled mattresses are a mass-produced product made from man-made materials.
They emit excessive amounts of CO emissions that can have a negative impact on our world. ♨️
If taking care of the planet is a priority for you, consider a latex mattress instead.
A latex mattress can feel just as comfortable (or more) as a rolled memory foam mattress.
Natural latex doesn’t emit CO in production and is sourced in a sustainable way.
Natural latex is also fully degradable. ♻️
The Dunlopillo Elite Comfort 1460 Latex Hybrid mattress is an excellent eco-friendly option.
Killing brick-and-mortar retail stores
Since the dawn of boxed mattresses, high street mattress shops have had much more competition.
Many retailers such as Bensons for Beds and Dreams cannot compete with the fast delivery, long sleep trials, and cheaper price of online rolled mattresses.
Online shopping has had a detrimental impact on high streets and is leading to more and more stores closing down. 😨
It’s worth considering if trying a mattress in a shop is important–and how you would feel if this was no longer possible.
Off-gassing
There is also much debate on the safety of bed-in-a-box mattresses. 👀
Some rolled mattresses can be made with cheap memory foam that have off-gassing.
This means they release a chemical into the air that can be harmful.
We encourage you to look for mattresses that have CertiPUR certifications and have been tested against harmful chemicals.
Fortunately, we recommend mattresses that have very low levels of off-gassing as well as low CO2 emissions.
The Simba Hybrid uses CertiPUR foam and is free from toxic pollutants that cause off-gassing.
Quality and brand assurance
There is also much debate on the quality of bed in a box of mattresses. 👀
Can something that is packed and rolled really offer the same comfort as a traditional style mattress?
Some rolled mattresses can be made with cheap memory foam that is not as comfortable as traditional brands such as Tempur.
They are often made with “mini” pocket springs that do not offer the same support as a full size springs.
Additionally, whilst many online brands offer guarantees from 10 years or more–can we really trust that these mattresses will last?
In fact, most online rolled mattress brands have only been around for a few years, which creates some scepticism on these long warranty periods.
Ergoflex is currently the only bed-in-a-box brand that has outlived its guarantee period. 🤯
Types of bed-in-a-box mattresses
Mattresses-in-a-box can be made with memory foam, pocket springs, latex, or a combination of the lot!
Choosing what type of mattress-in-a-box you need depends on how these materials match up against your individual preferences.
Let’s find out! 👇
Memory foam mattress-in-a-box
Most mattresses-in-a-box are made with memory foam.
Not only is this material easy to compress and roll, it’s also one of the most popular mattress materials.
Memory foam is designed to mould around your body and offer pressure relief.
See how the highly sensitive foam moulds around the shape of the hand? 😮
After pressure is released from the material, it “remembers” its original shape. 🧠
Memory foam can be a great choice for those who feel cold at night as it retains heat.
We love the Nectar Mattress. 😍
The three layers of premium Certipur foam work together to provide optimal comfort and pressure relief.
Hybrid mattress-in-a-box
Hybrid mattresses-in-a-box are the most popular choice.
These types of mattresses include more than one filling such as inner springs with a layer of memory foam, latex, or even wool. 🐑
The combination of different materials allows the mattress to offer a variety of benefits.
The Simba Hybrid rolled mattress is one of our favourite spring mattresses with foam.
The award-winning mattress uses 2500 Aerocoil pocket springs, with a top layer of high-definition breathable foam. 🌬️
Latex mattress-in-a-box
Latex rolled mattresses are few and far between.
However, finding a latex mattress-in-a-box is like discovering a hidden treasure. 🎁
Natural latex mattresses are made from sustainably harvested tree sap.
A latex mattress can provide different benefits from memory foam or hybrid mattresses-in-a-box.
Latex mattresses are more eco-friendly than memory foam, as well as being significantly cooler.
If you’re a hot sleeper looking for a bed-in-a-box, you can’t go wrong with a latex mattress. ❄️
UK bed-in-a-box sizes
Rolled mattresses come in many sizes. You should be able to find the most common UK sizes in a bed in a box mattress and some custom or EU sizes.
The standard UK mattress sizes include:
- Small single bed-in-a-box mattress: 75 x 190 cm (2'6" x 6'3")
- Single bed-in-a-box mattress: 90 x 190 cm (3’ x 6’3”)
- Small double bed-in-a-box mattress: 120 x 190 cm (4' x 6'3")
- Double bed-in-a-box mattress: 135 x 190 cm (4’6” x 6’3”)
- King size bed-in-a-box mattress: 150 x 200 cm (5’ x 6’6”)
- Super king bed-in-a-box mattress : 180 x 200 cm (6’ x 6’6”)
- Emperor bed-in-a-box mattress : 200 x 200 cm (6’6” x 6’6”)
The box itself is usually around 100cm x 50cm x 50cm.
However, this will depend on the manufacturer.
How much do bed-in-a-box mattresses cost?
Just like sizes, the prices of bed-in-a-box mattresses vary with each manufacturer.
Many manufacturers, such as Simba, offer an entry-level option, a mid-range option and a high-end option.
Typically, bed-in-a-box mattresses range anywhere between £300 - £1000. 💰
How much should I spend on a rolled mattress?
Obviously, the amount you spend on the mattress will determine the quality of the product.
A cheap mattress-in-a-box may work well for children and teenagers, but as we get older, we need to invest more into our sleep.
However, you should only spend what you can reasonably afford, or consider whether the bed-in-a-box comes with payment options to spread the cost. 💳
Bed-in-a-box discount codes
Throughout the year, most bed-in-a-box mattresses will have sales and discounts.
We like to keep tabs on the bestseller bed-in-a-box mattress for the top deals.
Before you checkout, bookmark our discounts page and keep up to date with the latest offers. 🛒
Bed-in-a-box delivery
Most bed-in-a-box mattresses come with free delivery.
After purchasing, they can normally be delivered in as little as 3 days! 🚚
The delivery time is unmatched to regular mattresses which can take as long as 2-4 weeks.
However, many online mattresses will only be delivered as far as the front door.
Regular mattresses are often taken to your room of choice.
But if you buy a rolled mattress, consider that it might be up to you to haul it up the stairs. 😓
Luckily, most mattresses in a box are fairly light, weighing around 2kg.
However, some bed-in-a-box brands do still offer white glove delivery. 😍
Simba will deliver your boxed mattress to your room of choice.
Do bed-in-a-box mattresses come with a removal service?
Some bed-in-a-box mattresses even offer a removal service for your old mattress.
This means when your new mattress is delivered, your old one will be collected for a small fee. 💰
Getting rid of your old mattress can be a pain...
Having your mattress removed and recycled is also much better for the environment than taking it to the tip and contributing to waste.
The following bed-in-a-box brands offers a recycle & removal service:
Bed-in-a-box trial period
Most bed-in-a-box brands offer a sleep trial period.
If you’ve never bought a mattress online before, you might be wondering—what’s a sleep trial? 💭
A sleep trial is a specified period in which you have to try out the mattress.
Many bed-in-a-box mattresses offer trials of 100, 200, or even 365 nights!
You are encouraged to use a mattress protector on the mattress but otherwise use it as you normally would.🛌
If, after the sleep trial, you feel you aren’t suited to that mattress, follow the returns process from the manufacturer or retailer.
Customer service will arrange a suitable date to collect the mattress and issue you with a refund or exchange.
If you’re the type that likes to “sleep on it”, consider the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid Mattress or Nectar Mattress.
These mattress-in-a-box brands offer a whopping 365 days to try out the mattress! 😱
Bed-in-a-box mattress guarantee
Depending on the bed-in-a-box you buy, will depend on the type of warranty it comes with. 🤔
A mattress warranty protects you from any faults within the mattress that you yourself haven't caused.
This includes faulty workmanship and indentations in the mattress. 🛠️
Some online mattresses offer as much as a 10-year guarantee, whilst some ambitious brands offer a lifetime guarantee.
Both Nectar and DreamCloud offer lifetime warranties on all of their mattresses. 😍
Are rolled mattresses any good?
Overall, we think a bed-in-a-box is a no-brainer.
They can be delivered fast and easily with long sleep trials. ⏳
On top of that, they come in a multitude of options and their comfort is unmatched.
As a mid-range product, you can’t go wrong with a mattress-in-a-box. 👍
However, we advise you do plenty of research before investing in a rolled mattress.
Consider:
- The trial and warranty period
- The environmental impact
- The longevity of the brand
- The quality of the materials
Alternatively, check out our favourite brands below.
Table of Contents
Our favourite bed-in-a-box mattresses
What is a bed-in-a-box mattress?
How do I choose a mattress-in-a-box?
Who is a bed-in-a-box mattress suitable for?
Great for couples and light sleepers
Great for narrow entryways and loft bedrooms
Best bed-in-a-box for your sleeping position
Are bed-in-a-box mattresses worth it?
Types of bed-in-a-box mattresses
How much do bed-in-a-box mattresses cost?
Bed-in-a-box mattress guarantee
Alternatively, message us directly via the Contact Us page.