What Are Rolled Mattresses, and Are They Any Good?
In recent years, rolled mattresses have become popular for consumers looking for convenience without sacrificing quality.
But what exactly is a rolled mattress, and are they any good?
We’re going to go through everything you need to know, so you can decide if a rolled mattress is right for you.
What is a Rolled Mattress?
A rolled mattress (also known as a “mattress-in-a-box”) is a mattress that has been compressed, vacuum-sealed, and rolled into a more compact size for easy transportation and delivery.
This is particularly convenient for those needing more space or capability to handle a full-size, traditional mattress delivery. Once unrolled, the mattress gradually expands back to its full size.
The compact nature of a rolled mattress allows it to fit through tight spaces, doorways, and stairwells, making it a great choice for those living in apartments or homes with limited access points. However, while rolled mattress delivery and setup are straightforward, many wonder if rolled mattresses are as comfortable and long-lasting as traditional ones.
What Are Rolled Mattresses Made Of?
Rolled mattresses are available in a range of materials, each offering unique benefits depending on your sleeping preferences. They are commonly made from memory foam, latex, or a combination of springs and foam (hybrid mattresses).
- Memory Foam: This material is known for its pressure-relieving properties and the ability to contour closely to the body. Memory foam rolled mattresses are ideal for those seeking relief from aches and pains, especially joint and back pain. However, pure memory foam mattresses can sometimes be a problem for those who tend to overheat at night, as they retain body heat.
- Hybrid Mattresses: A hybrid mattress combines both memory foam and springs to give the best of both worlds. They offer the support of foam while giving the bounce and breathability of traditional sprung mattresses. Hybrid mattresses often have a cooling layer of gel-infused memory foam to help prevent overheating at night. Not sure whether a memory foam or hybrid mattress is best for you? Check out our in-depth article on Memory Foam vs Hybrid Mattresses to help you make an informed decision.
- Latex: Naturally sourced latex is a durable and eco-friendly material offering a firm, supportive sleep surface. Latex rolled mattresses are breathable and can help keep you cool while you sleep.
What Type of Mattresses Are Available Rolled Up?
Whether you’re a fan of soft or firm mattresses, there’s likely a rolled mattress that meets your comfort needs.
Rolled mattresses are available in a wide range of sizes (from single to king-size) and firmness (from soft to firm), ensuring there’s an option for every type of sleeper. Our Cooleze™ Hybrid Deluxe mattress is a fantastic example of a hybrid rolled mattress that offers the perfect balance of comfort and support.
Are Rolled Mattresses Any Good?
The big question that many people ask is: are rolled mattresses as good as traditional, non-rolled mattresses? The answer depends on the brand and the materials used. High-quality rolled mattresses, like our award-winning eze™ Hybrid Mattresses range, are designed to provide the same level of support and durability as traditional mattresses.
Thanks to modern compression technology, rolling the mattress doesn’t damage its internal structure, and once unrolled, it returns to its original state. Rolled mattresses are ideal for those looking for convenience and ease of transport (eze™ mattresses come in a handy wheeled box), but they are straightforward to set up. Simply unbox the mattress, lay it flat, and allow it to expand for 2- 6 hours before use.
Rolled vs Normal Mattresses
The main difference between rolled and normal mattresses is the packaging. Rolled mattresses are compressed and vacuum-sealed, making them easier to move and deliver. However, once unrolled, they offer similar levels of comfort, support, and durability as standard mattresses.
When comparing rolled and normal mattresses, you should consider these key points:
Convenience
Rolled Mattresses: One of the selling points of a rolled mattress is the sheer convenience it offers. Since they are compressed, vacuum-sealed, and rolled into compact and sturdy boxes, they are much easier to transport. This means they can fit through narrow hallways and doorways and up steep, winding stairs with ease.
Rolled mattresses are also more convenient for those living in high-rise buildings or homes with limited delivery space.
Normal Mattresses: Standard mattresses, on the other hand, are delivered in their full size, which can be inconvenient, particularly if your home has limited space for manoeuvring large furniture. You may need to move other furniture to make delivery easier, which can disrupt your home and make extra work.
Shipping and Delivery Costs
Rolled Mattresses: Their compact size often translates into lower shipping and delivery costs. They can be shipped using standard parcel services, meaning more affordable and sometimes quicker delivery times.
Normal Mattresses: Due to their bulky size and weight, standard mattresses usually require special delivery services, which can be more expensive and result in longer shipping times.
Storage Flexibility Before Use
Rolled Mattresses: If you’re not ready to set up your mattress right away (you may be waiting for the bed frame to arrive or be in the middle of a house move), a rolled mattress can be stored in its boxed, compact form for a while without it taking up too much space. However, it’s best to unbox it within a few months to avoid prolonged compression.
Normal Mattresses: Once delivered, a normal mattress is awkward to store for any length of time as it takes up considerable space and requires two people to move.
Materials
Rolled Mattresses: The materials used in rolled mattresses are generally memory foam, hybrid, or latex. These materials are highly flexible and resilient, allowing the mattress to be compressed without damaging it, and technology ensures that the process of vacuum sealing doesn’t affect the structure or performance of the materials.
Normal Mattresses: Traditional mattresses often feature complex spring systems or materials that may not withstand the compression process. This allows for a wide variety of designs, such as advanced coil systems that offer targeted support, although these are available in premium hybrid rolled mattresses, such as our award-winning eze™ Hybrid Max mattress.
Performance
Rolled Mattresses: Despite their compact packaging, high-quality rolled mattresses are designed to provide the same level of support, comfort, and durability as traditional mattresses.
They are specifically engineered to fully decompress and regain their intended firmness and support. However, it’s important to choose a well-made mattress, as lower-quality rolled options may not expand evenly or have a shorter lifespan. All our eze™ Hybrid Mattresses range are high-quality rolled mattresses built to ensure long-term performance.
Normal Mattresses: Because traditional mattresses aren’t compressed, there’s no concern about potential decompression issues.
Environmental Impact
Rolled Mattresses: Due to their compressed packaging, rolled mattresses take up less space during shipping, allowing for more efficient transportation and reducing their carbon footprint. Some rolled mattresses use eco-friendly materials, such as natural latex or recycled foam, which further lowers their environmental impact.
Normal Mattresses: These are usually heavier and require more space during transportation, leading to a higher carbon footprint. However, there are also environmentally friendly traditional mattresses on the market, and they use sustainable materials and production methods.
Best Roll-Up Mattresses 2024
Rolled mattresses continue to dominate the market in 2024 with their convenience, comfort, and affordability. Some top recommendations include:
- eze™ Hybrid Max Mattress: Featuring a hybrid design that blends memory foam and pocket springs, this mattress offers the ultimate comfort and support.
- Cooleze™ Hybrid Original Mattress: A fantastic, value-for-money option for those who want to stay cool throughout the night, thanks to its breathable design and cooling gel infused memory foam layer
- eze™ Hybrid Ultra Mattress: Designed for those who need extra support, this mattress combines multiple layers of foam with high-tension springs to ensure maximum comfort. This mattress was awarded the Bestselling Pocket Sprung Mattress by Which? Best Buy, April 2024.
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Cooleze™ Hybrid Deluxe Mattress: Designed for sleepers who need advanced support and cooling properties, the Cooleze™ Hybrid Deluxe Mattress combines breathable materials with high-quality memory foam and 1,000 pocketed springs for a refreshing night’s sleep.
Common Roll-Up Mattress Questions
To help you make an informed decision, here are some often-asked questions about rolled mattresses:
How Long Do Rolled Mattresses Last?
A high-quality rolled mattress can last just as long as a traditional one, typically 7 to 10 years, depending on use and care.
How Do You Return a Mattress in a Box?
Returning a rolled mattress is a little different than a traditional one because once the mattress has been unrolled and expanded, it’s nearly impossible to compress it back into its original box. However, most companies, including eze™ Mattress, offer flexible return policies designed to make the process hassle-free.
Do I Have to Wait to Sleep on a Rolled Mattress?
It’s recommended to wait at least 24 hours for the mattress to fully expand before sleeping on it. This ensures that it has returned to its optimal size and shape. - can this say 2-6 hours to sleep on, will fully expand within 24 hours
Can You Re-Roll a Mattress After It’s Left the Box?
No, once a mattress has been unrolled, it’s nearly impossible to roll it back up. It’s designed to expand and stay in that shape.
What Sizes Are Available for Rolled Mattresses?
Rolled mattresses come in various sizes, including single, double, and king.
Rolled mattresses offer an excellent combination of convenience, affordability, and comfort, making them a great option for a variety of sleepers. Explore our full range of hybrid mattresses today to find the perfect fit for your sleep needs, and take a look at our articles on sleep health and advice to take a deep dive into all things sleep and mattress-related.