Rolled Mattresses

Rolled Mattresses: The Ultimate Buying Guide

Rolled mattresses are mattresses that have been compressed, vacuum packed and rolled into a more compact form for delivery. They are also commonly referred to as vacuum packed mattresses, vacuum rolled mattresses, compressed mattresses or mattresses in a box.

Being rolled doesn't determine the quality, firmness or comfort of a mattress. Modern compression techniques allow many different constructions to be packaged this way, including foam, memory foam, pocket sprung and hybrid mattresses. The main difference is how the mattress arrives rather than how it ultimately feels once fully expanded.

1. How Rolled and Vacuum Packed Mattresses Work

A rolled mattress is compressed using specialist machinery to remove much of the air from the mattress structure. It is then vacuum sealed and rolled into a compact package for transportation.

Once the packaging is removed, air returns to the mattress and the materials gradually expand back towards their intended dimensions and depth.

The amount of time required for full expansion varies between manufacturers and mattress constructions, so always follow the unpacking instructions supplied with the individual product.

2. Easier Delivery and Property Access

One of the biggest advantages of a rolled mattress is easier handling before it is unpacked.

A full-size mattress can be difficult to manoeuvre through narrow doorways, hallways, staircases and tight turns. Compressing and rolling the mattress significantly reduces its size during delivery and can make access much easier.

This can be particularly useful for:

• Flats and apartments
• Loft bedrooms
• Townhouses with narrow staircases
• Bedrooms with restricted access
• King and super king mattress deliveries

Once the mattress is unpacked and expanded, it should be treated as a full-size mattress and shouldn't normally be re-rolled at home.

3. Mattress in a Box and Rolled Mattresses

The terms mattress in a box and rolled mattress are often used interchangeably.

A mattress in a box has usually been compressed and rolled so it can be packed into a relatively compact carton for transportation. Some rolled mattresses may be supplied in other forms of packaging rather than a box, but the underlying compression process is similar.

Packaging method doesn't determine mattress comfort or quality; it simply makes the product easier to transport before use.

4. Memory Foam Rolled Mattresses

Memory Foam Mattresses are particularly well suited to compression because foam can recover its shape after being vacuum packed.

Memory foam responds to heat and pressure and provides a more contouring sleeping surface once the mattress has expanded.

Rolled memory foam mattresses can vary considerably in firmness, depth and foam density, so compare the complete construction rather than assuming all vacuum packed foam mattresses feel the same.

5. Pocket Sprung Rolled Mattresses

Modern compression technology also allows some Pocket Sprung Mattresses to be vacuum packed and rolled.

Individual pocket springs are enclosed within fabric pockets and can be designed to withstand controlled compression during the packaging process.

Once unpacked, the spring system and comfort layers gradually return towards their intended shape. Not every pocket sprung construction is suitable for rolling, particularly some heavily traditionally upholstered mattresses.

6. Hybrid Rolled Mattresses

Hybrid Mattresses commonly combine pocket springs with memory foam, gel foam or other specialist comfort layers, and many modern hybrid constructions can be compressed for delivery.

This means a rolled mattress can still contain a substantial spring support system rather than being an all-foam design.

As with all hybrids, compare the actual spring system, comfort materials and firmness rather than judging the mattress by the fact that it arrives rolled.

7. Cool Gel Rolled Mattresses

Some Cool Gel Mattresses are also supplied vacuum packed and rolled.

Gel-infused or specialist cooling foam can be combined with memory foam, pocket springs and hybrid systems while remaining suitable for compression.

The cooling technology, ventilation and overall construction should still be compared in the same way as a traditionally packaged mattress.

8. Natural Fillings and Rolled Mattresses

Some mattresses containing Natural Fillings may be suitable for compression, although traditionally upholstered natural mattresses are less commonly rolled than foam and hybrid designs.

Deep layers of wool, cotton and other natural fibres can be sensitive to prolonged compression, so packaging methods vary considerably between manufacturers.

If natural upholstery is important to you, focus on the actual filling specification rather than whether the mattress is rolled or delivered flat.

9. Rolled Mattress Firmness

Being vacuum packed doesn't determine whether a mattress is soft or firm.

Our range includes Soft Mattresses, Medium Mattresses, Medium-Firm Mattresses and Firm Mattresses.

• Soft: More cushioning and greater initial sink.
• Medium: A balanced combination of cushioning and support.
• Medium-Firm: A more supportive feel while retaining noticeable comfort.
• Firm: A more substantial sleeping surface with less initial sink.

Firmness comes from the mattress construction rather than the way it is packaged.

10. Rolled Mattress Sizes

Rolled mattresses are available across many standard UK mattress sizes:

• 2ft6 Small Single Mattresses – approximately 2ft6 x 6ft3 (76cm x 190cm)
• 3ft Single Mattresses – approximately 3ft x 6ft3 (92cm x 190cm)
• 4ft Small Double Mattresses – approximately 4ft x 6ft3 (122cm x 190cm)
• 4ft6 Double Mattresses – approximately 4ft6 x 6ft3 (137cm x 190cm)
• 5ft King Size Mattresses – approximately 5ft x 6ft6 (153cm x 200cm)
• 6ft Super King Mattresses – approximately 6ft x 6ft6 (183cm x 200cm)

Not every rolled mattress is produced in every size, so check the individual product options before ordering.

11. Expansion After Unpacking

Once a vacuum packed mattress is removed from its packaging, it begins to expand as air returns to the foam, springs and comfort layers.

Some mattresses regain most of their shape relatively quickly, while others may require additional time to reach their intended depth and feel.

Room temperature can also affect how quickly some foam materials recover.

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding when the mattress is ready to sleep on and how long full expansion may take.

12. Initial Appearance After Opening

A newly unpacked rolled mattress may initially look thinner, uneven or softer around the edges than expected.

This doesn't necessarily indicate a fault. The mattress may still be recovering from compression and can continue to expand after it has been opened.

Allow the recommended expansion period before assessing the final mattress depth or appearance.

13. New Mattress Odour

Some newly opened vacuum packed mattresses can have a temporary new-product smell after the packaging is removed.

This is particularly associated with certain foam materials and enclosed packaging. Allowing the mattress to air in a well-ventilated room can help the odour dissipate.

Always follow any ventilation guidance supplied by the manufacturer.

14. Mattress Depth

Rolled mattresses are available in many different depths.

A slim foam mattress and a deep pocket sprung hybrid can both potentially be vacuum packed, so depth isn't determined by the packaging method.

Allow the mattress to fully expand before measuring its final depth, as the compressed product may take time to reach its intended dimensions.

15. The Bed Base and Mattress Feel

The base underneath a rolled mattress can influence how the finished bed feels once the mattress has fully expanded.

• Platform-top divans provide a stable, firm supporting surface.
• Sprung divan bases introduce additional cushioning and responsiveness.
• Sprung slats provide some flexibility beneath the mattress.
• Solid slats generally provide firmer support.

Always check the mattress manufacturer's requirements regarding base suitability and slat spacing.

16. Rolled Mattresses and Ottoman Beds

Rolled mattresses can be used on compatible ottoman beds once they have been fully unpacked and expanded.

Mattress weight still matters. Pocket sprung and hybrid rolled mattresses can be considerably heavier than basic foam designs.

The ottoman's gas-lift pistons need to be suitable for the mattress being used, so check the weight requirements of the individual bed.

17. Delivery and Handling Benefits

A compact rolled mattress can be considerably easier to move before opening than a conventional flat mattress.

This can make it easier to transport through narrow staircases, doorways and landings and can also allow the package to be positioned in the bedroom before it is opened.

For larger king and super king mattresses, this can make a particularly noticeable difference.

18. Opening the Mattress in the Bedroom

Where possible, place the packaged mattress on or close to the bed before removing the outer packaging.

Once released from its vacuum packaging, the mattress will begin expanding and can quickly become more difficult to manoeuvre.

Take care when cutting packaging away and avoid using sharp objects close to the mattress fabric.

19. Re-Rolling a Mattress

Factory compression uses specialist equipment and isn't normally something that can be recreated at home.

Once a vacuum packed mattress has fully expanded, it shouldn't be assumed that it can simply be rolled back into its original packaging.

For moving or storage, follow the mattress manufacturer's handling guidance rather than attempting to force the mattress back into a compressed shape.

20. Mattress Care and Long-Term Performance

Once fully expanded, a rolled mattress should be treated like any other mattress of the same construction.

Use it on a suitable supportive base, follow the manufacturer's turning or rotation guidance and use a suitable mattress protector.

When comparing rolled mattresses, focus on the spring or foam construction, firmness, comfort fillings, mattress depth and base compatibility rather than viewing rolled packaging as an indication of quality.