Roll-pack (bed-in-a-box) delivery#
The majority of online mattress brands in the UK now deliver using roll-pack technology. The mattress is compressed, rolled and sealed in a cylindrical bag that is then boxed. This allows a king-size mattress to be delivered in a box roughly the size of a large suitcase, manageable for a single delivery driver and easy to carry up stairs.
When you cut open the packaging and unroll the mattress on your base, it will expand to its full size within minutes. Full expansion (and the mattress settling into its final feel) can take 24–72 hours. Avoid sleeping on it for at least 2–4 hours after unpacking if possible.
White-glove delivery#
High-end mattress brands and some high-street retailers offer white-glove delivery, where a two-person team brings the mattress into your bedroom, sets it up on your bed base and removes the packaging. Some services also include old mattress removal. This is particularly valuable for super king mattresses, which are very difficult to handle without two people, or for upper-floor flats with narrow stairwells.
White-glove delivery typically costs £50–£100 as an add-on, or is included free for premium mattresses above a certain price threshold.
Timing and tracking#
Most UK online mattress brands deliver within 2–5 working days for standard roll-pack delivery. You'll receive a tracking link by email or text. Some brands allow you to specify a delivery date at checkout. High-street retailers often deliver 1–2 weeks after purchase for standard deliveries.
What to do when your mattress arrives#
- Inspect the box before signing for delivery, note any visible damage.
- Carry the box (or roll pack) to your bedroom before opening. Roll-pack mattresses are easier to carry in their box than when unrolled.
- Cut the outer packaging carefully using scissors or a very careful knife, be careful not to nick the mattress fabric inside.
- Unroll onto your prepared base, then cut the inner plastic wrapping.
- Allow at least 4 hours for expansion before sleeping (24–72 hours for full expansion).
- Fit your mattress protector immediately.
Old mattress removal#
Some brands and retailers will take away your old mattress on delivery, ask at checkout or call the customer service team beforehand. If you haven't arranged removal, plan how you'll dispose of the old mattress before delivery day. See our guide on how to dispose of an old mattress in the UK for all your options.
If something goes wrong on delivery#
Damage in transit is rare but does happen. Take photos of any damage immediately. Contact the brand's customer service within 24–48 hours. Most reputable brands will replace a damaged mattress quickly and arrange collection of the damaged unit.
Delivery from the brands we score#
Delivery terms are part of the price. A 'free' mattress delivered to the kerb costs you an afternoon and a friend; a paid room-of-choice delivery with old-mattress collection may be worth £40.
| Brand | Format | Cost | Old mattress collection |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Foam People | Rolled, boxed; courier | Free on most orders | No |
| Luxe Mattresses | Rolled, boxed; courier | Free | No |
| Emma | Rolled, boxed; courier | Free | Paid, book at checkout |
All three arrive rolled, so a 30cm super king such as the Luxe-Latex Natural Pillow Top 5000 comes as a 40kg box that fits through any door and up any stairs, then expands in the room. Unrolling is a two-minute job; our unboxing guide covers the steps and the airing period.
Frequently asked questions#
How long does mattress delivery take in the UK?#
Two to seven working days for a boxed mattress from an online brand; two to four weeks for made-to-order or traditional flat-delivered mattresses. Made-to-measure sizes from The Foam People typically add a few days.
Will a mattress fit up my stairs?#
A rolled mattress-in-a-box will, since the box is roughly 40 × 40 × 110cm. A flat-delivered mattress may not: a king is 150 × 200cm and cannot bend, so measure the stairwell, landing turns and doorways before ordering.
Do I need to be home for mattress delivery?#
Usually yes for a signature, and always for a two-person room-of-choice service. Boxed mattresses sent by parcel courier can sometimes be left in a safe place, but a 40kg box left on a doorstep is a theft and weather risk.
What if the mattress arrives damaged?#
Photograph the box and the damage before unrolling if possible, and contact the retailer within 48 hours. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 goods must be as described and of satisfactory quality; a damaged mattress must be replaced or refunded.
Related reading#
- Mattress-in-a-box unboxing guide – what happens next
- Mattress off-gassing – the airing period
- How to dispose of an old mattress – the other half of the logistics
- Mattress-in-a-box vs traditional – why nearly everything is rolled now
- Mattress trial periods explained – if it has to go back
