What is a Rolled Mattress? Pros & Cons Explained

What is a Rolled Mattress? Pros & Cons Explained

When shopping for a new mattress, one of the biggest concerns is often how to transport it through narrow hallways, doorways, or up staircases.

Fortunately, rolled mattresses provide a practical solution to this problem, offering a compact and easy-to-move alternative to traditional (flat packed) mattresses.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about rolled (or roll-up) mattresses, including their advantages and disadvantages, so you can make an informed decision.

What Is a Rolled Mattress?

A rolled mattress, also known as a bed-in-a-box, is a mattress that has been compressed, vacuum-sealed, and packaged into a roll or cylinder. Making it far more convenient for delivery and setup compared to conventional flat mattresses.

The compact packaging of rolled mattresses allows for easier transportation and storage, particularly in homes with tight spaces.

These mattresses expand to their full size after being unpackaged, and you can find a wide range of options on the market, including memory foam, pocket spring, hybrid, and gel-infused varieties.

Types of Rolled Mattresses Available

  1. Memory Foam Mattresses: Made from dense, viscoelastic foam, these mattresses conform to the body for excellent comfort and support. They are a popular choice for those who prefer a mattress that moulds to their shape. (The Nectar Mattress is a very popular option, and comes with 365 night trial.)
  2. Latex Mattresses: Constructed from natural latex, these mattresses are known for their durability and eco-friendly composition, making them a great option for sustainability-conscious buyers.
  3. Pocket Sprung Mattresses: Featuring individual coils encased in fabric, these mattresses offer enhanced support by allowing each spring to move independently, ensuring even weight distribution.
  4. Hybrid Mattresses: Combining the best of both worlds, hybrid mattresses use a mix of innerspring coils and layers of foam or latex for both support and comfort. (The Simba Hybrid mattress is one of UK’s most popular choices.)

Shopping Tip: Check out our curated list of the top 10 mattress-in-a-box brands in the UK, all of which offer rolled mattresses with free delivery, a trial period, and easy returns.

Are Rolled Mattresses Good Quality?

When it comes to the quality of a Rolled mattress, it is important to note that it is not inherently inferior. However, the quality of the mattress will depend on the materials used and the manufacturing process.

Memory foam and other foams can lose shape if compressed for long periods, so it’s important to read the warranty and return policy of the mattress before purchasing. 

Also, once the Rolled-up mattress is delivered to your home, you need to unpackage it within a few weeks otherwise the warranty may become void.

For example, under Emma mattress 10-year warranty, the mattress should be unboxed up to 6 weeks after delivery. Keeping the mattress rolled up for longer than that, can cause faults or damages. 

Keep in mind, that more expensive mattress brands like TEMPUR sell their mattresses flat packed, not rolled. Below you can see a picture of Tempur CoolTouch Original Elite, priced at £2,099 for double size. 

TEMPUR CoolTouch Original Elite Mattress from dreams

Can You Sleep on a Rolled Mattress Right Away?

Once the rolled mattress is delivered to your home and the plastic wrap has been removed, it will need between 4-24 hours until it has fully expanded.

Make sure you check with the manufacturer what is the recommended wait period, before you start sleeping on your mattress. 

For example, Nectar recommends that you wait 24-74 hours, while the Emma mattress needs a few hours, etc. Each mattress is different, so it’s best to check with the manufacturer. 

Below you can see how to set up a Silentnight rolled-up mattress at home once it has been delivered to you.

remove packaging from rolled mattress
  1. Step One: Place the rolled-up mattress on your bed frame.
lay the roll-up mattress on bed frame

2. Step Two: Unroll the mattress so it stays flat on your bed frame. 

wait for rolled mattress to expand

3. Step Three: Remove all packaging and wait for the mattress to expand to its full size before sleeping on it. 

Can you store a rolled mattress?

One of the conveniences of a rolled mattress is that it can be stored for a short period before use. Typically, most manufacturers recommend unrolling the mattress within a few weeks of delivery to prevent any potential damage to the internal materials, such as foam or springs.

While some mattresses can be stored for up to three months, it’s always best to check with the manufacturer’s care guide.

Extended storage may affect the mattress’s ability to fully expand or compromise its comfort and durability.

Advantages of Buying a Rolled Mattress

There are five main advantages, read them below so you can decide if it’s worth buying or not.

1. Convenience

As mentioned earlier, the compact size of rolled mattresses makes them much easier to transport and maneuver through tight spaces, such as narrow doorways and staircases.

This means that even a king-size mattress can be delivered to your door in a box that can be carried by one or two people, making it much easier to move into your home than a traditional mattress.

Additionally, most IKEA mattresses are sold rolled up, which makes them easy to fit in your car and bring home yourself.

2. Quick delivery

Due to their compact size, retailers often have rolled mattresses in stock and ready for immediate delivery. This means that you won’t have to wait for weeks for your mattress to be delivered, you can often have it delivered within a couple of days.

4. Space-saving

Rolled mattresses take up less space in your home, making them a great option for small apartments and homes. This is because they can be vacuumed and compressed into a much smaller package, meaning they can be stored in tight spaces or closets without taking up valuable floor space.

5. Lower cost and shipping

Rolled mattresses tend to be more affordable than traditional mattresses, and shipping costs are usually lower due to the reduced size of the packaging. This makes them a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality.

6. Eco-friendly option

Since more rolled mattresses can fit into delivery vehicles compared to traditional mattresses, fewer trips are needed to transport them. This contributes to a smaller carbon footprint, making rolled mattresses a more environmentally friendly choice.

Disadvantages of Buying a Rolled Mattress

There are four main disadvantaged discussed below, make sure you consider them before you make up your mind. 

1. Expanding time

Rolled mattresses can take up to a day to expand to their original shape. It’s important to give it time to fully expand to have the full support of the mattress. This can be inconvenient if you need the mattress immediately, and it might not be comfortable to sleep on for the first night.

2. Quality control

The quality of a rolled mattress may depend on the materials used and the quality control of the manufacturer, so it’s important to research and read reviews before purchasing. It’s important to check for certifications and standards of the mattress, as well as warranty for any possible issues.

Additionally, in some cases, foam can lose its shape if compressed for long periods, so it is important to ensure that the mattress retains its shape after unpacking.

3. “New mattress smell”

Due to the compression process and the use of materials, some rolled mattresses may have a “new mattress smell” that can be strong and bothersome for some people. It’s important to consider this before purchasing and to give the mattress time to air out before use.

4. Fewer choices

There may be fewer options to choose from compared to traditional mattresses. Rolled mattresses are often limited to certain types of materials and styles, such as foam and memory foam, which may not suit all buyers’ preferences and needs.

Additionally, it might be difficult for consumers to test and compare different options before purchasing as with the traditional mattresses, since the unrolled mattresses are often not on display in the showrooms.

Therefore, it’s important to research and read reviews carefully before making a decision, and to consider all the options available to find the best rolled mattress that meets your needs and preferences.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Roll-up mattresses, also known as “beds in a box,” are a game-changer for anyone who’s ever struggled to lug a bulky mattress up a flight of stairs or through a narrow doorway. These compressed and rolled-up mattresses offer a convenient and practical option for small spaces or frequent movers.