Knowing how to unbox a mattress is not rocket science, but it does require some unpacking savvy. “It used to be that only memory foam mattresses would come in boxes, but in recent years with technology advancements, innerspring and hybrid models are now able to be compressed and boxed up as well,” explains Geoff McKinnen, certified sleep coach at Amerisleep.
Some of them, such as Purple and Nectar, come in weather-proof bags instead of a box. Either way, you’re facing some pretty serious packaging. Here, experts offer a step-by-step guide to handling everything from a rolled-up mattress to muscling it onto your bed frame without triggering back pain.
What types of mattresses come in a box?
The most common options that come in a box include memory foam, latex, and hybrid ones. “These mattresses are compressed and rolled for easy shipping, giving you the convenience of a simple delivery and a more compact size that’s easier to maneuver into your home,” Larry Miller, founder of California-based Sit ‘n Sleep, which sells everything from beds to bedroom furniture.
What’s the best way to unbox a mattress?
If you don’t have the luxury of requesting white-glove delivery with setup, you may want to phone a friend. Unboxing is best done with some help because, as Miller notes, “Teamwork can help avoid any unnecessary fumbling and make the process a lot more manageable.” For exactly what to do once that giant box shows up on your doorstep, follow our step-by-step guide to make the setup process as easy as possible.
Step 1: Open the box
Cross-country shipping usually requires that beds-in-a-box come securely taped up. Sometimes, you’ll even see staples to reinforce the packaging. To remove anything securing the cardboard together, either use a sharp tool, such as a box cutter, to carefully perforate the tape at the edges or use a flathead screwdriver to pop out staples.
Step 2: Take the mattress out of the box
To make removal smoother, tilt the box on its side and let the mattress slide out, Miller advises. If a friend is helping you, have one person hold the box while the other one pulls.
Step 3: Remove the plastic wrapping
Bed-in-box packaging often contains a plastic-wrapped mattress. Some high-quality manufacturers, like Purple, will include a special cutting tool that looks like an envelope opener. Otherwise, you’ll want to use scissors or a utility knife to (very carefully) cut along the length of the plastic wrap. Start on one end to avoid fumbling with the outer layer of plastic—this is not the time to rip it open as if you would a bag of potato chips.
Check to see if the plastic and cardboard box are recyclable. “The industry is moving toward more sustainable packaging options,” Miller says. “For instance, Avocado Green Mattress uses LDPE plastic, which is typically recyclable through curbside programs or at grocery stores.”
Step 4: Place the mattress on the bed frame
After you’ve removed your old mattress (some companies offer free haul-away services), McKinnen suggests sliding the new one onto your bed frame to unroll and unwrap it. “Once it’s on the frame, you’ll pull the plastic off, and the mattress will slowly start to expand,” he says. “You can then easily rotate it so it’s positioned properly on the frame and then cut the plastic to finish the expansion.”
Alternatively, you can remove the plastic wrapping and then place it onto the slats of your bed frame or an additional box spring.
Step 5: Let the mattress take its shape
The flat, sometimes crinkly foam will inflate and take shape. “The reason for this delay is that the mattress has been compressed, air-sealed, and rolled up during shipping,” Miller says. You may be tempted to fall back and go to sleep right then and there. Not yet.
How long do you have to wait for your unboxed mattress to inflate?
The reason it takes a few hours for the mattress to inflate is that it has been vacuum-sealed for quite some time. “It typically takes anywhere from 24 to 72 hours to fully expand, though many start to take shape within the first couple of hours,” Miller advises. “It needs some time to puff back up and return to its original form.”
This range can also vary based on your environment, as warm, humid climates can accelerate the process. “High-density foams, memory foam, and latex may take longer as they reabsorb air, especially in colder environments,” McKinnen explains.
How long do you have to wait to sleep on an unboxed mattress?
Even if the new bed looks like it is fully inflated, wait to put on the linens. “You can usually sleep on it after a couple of hours, but for the best experience, it’s recommended to wait until it fully expands and off-gases,” Miller says. “Giving it that extra time can help you avoid any odors and enjoy a more restful sleep right from the start.” When you first unbox, open a window to let in fresh air.
