The effort of manoeuvring a mattress up a flight of stairs or through a small entryway has become a thing of the past with the introduction of the mattress in a box in Australia. First launched here in 2010, there are now plenty of different mattress in a box options to choose from now.
While traditionally there’s a lot to consider before taking the leap and investing in a new mattress – including the make, firmness, and delivery – the mattress in a box offers a fuss-free alternative that doesn’t require endless trips to furniture stores.
Instead, they typically provide easy set-up and a price tag you won’t lose sleep over. They’ve become so popular, even Kmart got on board and released its own version.
Despite the box-sized delivery, the mattresses come in varying sizes and are typically made of memory foam or latex. They’re vacuum sealed to fit inside and will go from box to bed by expanding in only a matter of minutes.
Best mattress in a box Australia: Our 11 top picks
They say a great night’s sleep is just a mattress away, and if it’s time to upgrade, then why not give a mattress in a box a go? We’ve rounded up 11 of Australia’s best bed-in-a-box options based on design, warranty, trial periods and other features.
Emma Luxe mattress, from $840 (usually $1680) at Emma Sleep
An upgrade on the award-winning first Diamond Hybrid mattress, the Emma Luxe mattress from Emma Sleep takes temperature regulation to new levels. Featuring ThermoSync technology backed by sleep research, this model is 22 per cent cooler than its predecessor – preventing you from being too hot or cool during slumber. Designed by sleep experts, the seven-zoned mattress boasts with infinity springs and memory foam for ultimate comfort and support.
Extra features:
- 100-night trial
- 10-year warranty
- Free delivery and returns
- Machine-washable covers
- Medium-soft firmness
The Koala Plus mattress (queen), $1590 at Koala
The most advanced Koala mattress to date, the new Koala Plus features advanced cooling – including 33 per cent more Kloudcell foam combined with advanced cooling gel – and a moisture-wicking CoolThread topper that can be flipped when the seasons change.
The mattress itself can also be flipped to give you the choice between medium-firm and firm comfort. It even features Zero Disturbance to isolate motion – as well as five targeted support zones to align your lower legs, knees, hips, lumbar and shoulders. Plus, with free delivery, a 120-night trial and a 10-year warranty, this mattress makes investing in quality sleep convenient and risk-free.
Extra features:
- Free delivery
- 120-night trial
- 10-year warranty
Emma Comfort Adapt mattress, from $959 at Emma Sleep
The Emma Comfort Adapt mattress is tailored for the Australian climate, offering improved breathability and full-body support with its seven-zoned design and Halo Memory Foam. It features superior motion isolation, making it suitable for couples, and is eco-friendly with 54 per cent fewer carbon emissions. The mattress has a medium-soft firmness level, an UltraDry breathable cover and various foam layers for temperature control and personalised comfort.
Extra features:
- 100-night trial
- 10-year warranty
- Free delivery and returns
Hybrid Pro mattress, from $949 (usually from $1729) at Origin Mattress
Crafted with eight premium layers, including a super plush pillowtop made of AirFill fabric that molds to your body like a cloud, this mattress is your ticket to a deep, luxurious sleep.
Engineered by top sleep specialists, it boasts both softness and firm support, thanks to real titanium springs and targeted back support zones. Also featuring motion cancellation technology, you don’t want to miss buying this award-winning mattress at a bargain price.
Extra features:
- 15-year warranty
- Australian design-certified
- Free and fast delivery
- 120-night trial
Ecosa mattress, from $640 (usually $800) at Ecosa
This squishy-soft memory foam mattress was designed to support your spine’s natural alignment and comes with adjustable firmness, so you can wake up feeling fresh every single morning.
Extra features:
- 100-night trial
- Next day delivery in metro areas
- Low partner disturbance
- Waterproof cover to protect mattress from bacteria and dust mites
The Eva Comfort Classic mattress, from $630 (usually from $900) at Eva
This gel memory foam mattress works to regulate temperature with millions of gel beads and the company’s very-own patented technology. With free next day metro delivery, 365 day trial and a 10-year warranty, this Choice-recommended mattress is a dream come true.
Extra features:
- Low partner disturbance
- 5-zone pocket springs and memory foam for comfort
- Free delivery and returns
High definition pocket spring mattress, from $679.15 (usually $799) at Sleep Republic
As a Choice-recommended mattress and Bed Buyer award winner three years running, Sleep Republic’s mattress-in-a-box offering is, quite simply, very comfortable. While other mattresses on the market feature a foam-only construction, the king-sized Sleep Republic mattress is constructed with up to 2250 pocket springs that evenly distribute body weight, providing optimum support, comfort and durability. The 100-night trial period means trying this mattress is a risk-free endeavour.
Extra features:
- Free shipping
- 100-night trial
Ergoflex 5G memory foam mattress, from $679.99 (usually $849) at Ergoflex
A best-seller in Australia for over a decade, this is the mattress of choice for elite athletes, as well as a recipient of awards and expert recommendations. It’s a high-density orthopaedic mattress made to contour to your body shape and relieve pressure points, making it one of the best bed-in-a-box options if you suffer from back pain, or frequently wake up sore. Made up of 9cm of high-density memory foam, a 5cm cool-sleep airflow layer for temperature regulation and a washable outer cover, this five-star mattress is what dreams are made of.
Extra features:
- 10-year warranty
- 30-night trial
- Next-day delivery and free returns
- Removable and washable TENCEL woven cover
Firm mattress, from $764.15 (usually $899) at Sleep Firm
What’s in a name? Sleep Firm’s firm mattress is ideal for those who prefer a firmer bed. With high-density foam comfort layers and pocket springs for optimal support, this Melbourne-made mattress-in-a-box, is a great choice for those with back pain. Plus, you can score 15 per cent off with code SALE15.
Extra features:
- 100 per cent Australian made
- Good Environmental Choice Australia-certified Dunlop foam
- 100-night free trial
Macoda mattress, from $850 at Macoda
Looking for the ultimate guest bed mattress? Then look no further, because with this latex and gel memory foam mattress you can adjust the firmness so it will never be too soft, or too hard for your visitors – it will always be just right. The white top of the mattress can be unzipped and removed, revealing two foam inserts – one thick and thin. When flipped accordingly, the mattress density is adjusted from soft to firm.
Extra features:
- 100-night trial
- Free delivery and returns
- Adjustable firmness
- Five-zone support system
Buy SD Mach II, from $999 at Sleeping Duck
Co-founded by an aerospace engineer, Sleeping Duck has combined materials with aerospace engineering to create an ingenious mattress featuring anti-gravity surface foam. What’s that you may ask? It’s a high-density polyurethane foam which creates a feeling of weightlessness, so it feels like you’re sleeping on a cloud.
Extra features:
- 100-night trial
- Can choose firmness when shopping
When can I sleep on a new mattress in a box?
While instructions from individual mattress brands will vary, you typically need to wait 24 to 48 hours after unpacking your mattress in a box before sleeping on it.
Once you’ve decided on your mattress, why not treat yourself to some new sheets as well, like these pure linen sheets from Hardtofind?
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- The best memory foam mattresses in Australia
- How to get these luxurious $400 bed sheets for half the price
- How to get a better night’s sleep using essential oils