Shipping a Mattress: Top Questions Answered

Last Updated on March 12, 2024

by Marc Werner, Founder - GhostBed

When choosing a mattress, it is important get questions answered about different methods of shipping to make an informed decision.

Whether shopping for a bed in a brick and mortar store or online, there will always be questions about shipping a mattress. Purchasing your new memory foam mattress can fulfil dreams of finally getting that wonderful night’s sleep. While shopping for your dream bed you will be seeking answers to questions regarding memory foam mattresses to purchase the exact sleep home that will match your needs. Once you have narrowed down bed choices you will want to consider shipping choices such as mattress free shipping as well as how much does it cost to ship a mattress.

Mattress Shipping Questions Answered

Choices in shipping a mattress can help in your final decision of what memory foam bed to buy. Do you want a mattress delivered and placed in room or are you fine with having your new bed shipped to your curb or doorstep? It is important to factor in your shipping questions when deciding what mattress you will ultimately want to purchase.

What is curbside delivery?

As with choices in mattresses there are often choices in delivery often that affect free shipping versus paid. Many stores offer several options for shipping a mattress at different price points. Curbside delivery means that a truck will deliver your mattress to the curb outside of your home usually for a nominal fee that would be much less than a full set up and removal type of delivery. With curbside delivery, you must not only plan to be home to accept the shipment but also plan to have help ready to carry it inside your home and unbox it. It is important to understand that generally delivery charges are not refunded if wishing to return the mattress, even if within a set trial period.

Why use White Glove setup?

White Glove or In-Home Setup is the ultimate in shipping choices and if the store charges this will be the most expensive delivery option. With White Glove, you will have to be home on the day when your shipment is scheduled to arrive. With the added cost, you can often arrange for a specific time of delivery as well. Your mattress will be carried into the room that you have planned for it. The delivery team will unpack and set up the mattress completely and remove all packaging materials from your premises. In addition, you will also have the option for removal of an old mattress sometimes for free but often for an additional fee. Keep in mind that any delivery charges are usually not refundable if you wish to return the mattress.

How does standard ground shipping work?

Standard ground shipping is delivery arranged via a parcel post service and is often free or for a very nominal fee. With the size of a mattress you will probably need to be home to accept the delivery or the truck driver will leave a tag on your door. You will also need help carrying the mattress into your home and into the room and then to be unwrapped and setup. Understand that if you want to return your mattress then you will have to pay for return ground shipping costs as well.

What are the advantages of bed-in-a-box shipping?

The memory foam bed-in-a-box offers the easiest, fastest and most convenient of shipping options. Once you place the order your mattress is compressed as it is rolled or folded to be vacuum sealed in plastic wrapping and then placed in a box normally around the size of a dorm room refrigerator. The box is small enough to leave at your door, just as any other parcel post item would be left, so you do not have to be home for delivery. Simply bring the box inside into the desired room that is to be home to the mattress and then unbox. The wrapped mattress is easily pulled out of the box. Place it on your foundation and carefully cut plastic wrapping. Within moments the memory foam bed will appear as if it is inflating and magically will become a showroom sized mattress in place and ready for sleep.


Marc Werner - Founder, GhostBed

Marc Werner

Founder - GhostBed

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Marc has spent the last two decades designing & manufacturing mattresses and other sleep products, drawing on a lifetime of experience working with the material sciences. With several patents to his name, he works closely with the GhostBed team to create products with the perfect balance of comfort & support. Learn More

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