Thank you to Ecosa for partnering with me on this post. All opinions are my own. You can read my full Disclosure Policy here.
If you follow me on Instagram, you’d know that we’ve been wanting to upgrade to a King sized bed for some time now. My husband is a tall man. I’m fairly tall myself. The Queen bed situation has never really cut it for us – cue the cover wars, jockeying for space and serious allegations of bed hogging.
We would both swear before a jury of our peers that our spouse is the one who takes up all the space in the bed. But as I have a blog and my husband doesn’t, just between you and me… it’s him. ??
I’ve always loved four-poster beds. We had one in our last house, but we sold it when we moved. My love for that bed was right up there with Nutella crepes, espresso martinis, and the golden hour of possibility between the children falling asleep at night and the adults being too tired to see straight. (Some nights, let’s be honest, that period of time is more like twenty minutes.)
The only reason we sold that bed is because it was Queen-sized, and we knew even back then that we wanted to upgrade to a King. We didn’t need to move it with us because our new beach house already came furnished with a bed, and we figured that one would do until it was time to upgrade.
Fast-forward four years (!) and we finally have the King-sized four poster bed I’ve always dreamed of! Our marriage is saved!
Ahead stretch days of peace and harmony and eating romantic breakfasts in bed while smiling sweetly and patiently at each other because we did not ruin each others’ sleep the night before by elbowing each other unintentionally in the forehead or kneeing one other in the lumbar area.
Better days. Now all we needed was a mattress.
As someone who struggles with insomnia (MY CHILDREN HAVE RUINED ME FOREVER FOR A DECENT NIGHT’S SLEEP), I wanted to do my research right and get one that would offer the perfect mix of comfort and support. If I’m going to lie awake tossing and turning for hours on end, I at least want to be comfy whilst doing so. Ha.
You know me by now… I overthink everything. ?♀️So I researched and read and researched some more.
I’d seen a lot of buzz about foam mattresses and was curious to try this whole “bed in a box” situation for myself. If you’re not familiar with the concept, mattresses made of foam can be rolled and compressed to fit into a box that gets shipped right to your door. I was tempted by this concept for a few reasons:
- It’s comfortable. I adore memory foam. There’s nothing else quite so cushiony and heavenly as the stuff. That is, unless they could invent a mattress made from whipped cream and the feathers of baby angels. I’ve also heard wonderful things about the supportive qualities of higher density foam such as latex, which allow a body to contour to the bed while also providing firm support for the spine.
- It’s cheap. Store mattresses are overpriced. The bed-in-a-box model allows companies to deliver from the warehouse direct to the consumer, which allows for much more competitive pricing.
- It’s convenient. With four kids and two jobs, when am I going to have time to go into a store and try out a bed? I can just imagine the kids running riot on the showroom floor the second I lie down. Sounds sooooo relaxing. (Insert sarcasm font here.) If I can order something online and have it delivered to my door, I’m in.
- It gives you time to decide. Even without kids with you in a store, you’re not likely to lie on a showroom bed any longer than 5 or 10 minutes at the absolute most. So how are you supposed to know what it’s really like to sleep on? The bed-in-a-box model allows you to actually sleep on the mattress in your own home before you decide whether or not to keep it.
Okay, I was totally sold on the whole model, and wanted to try it out for myself. So I started researching different brands who offer a bed-in-a-box.
One thing that stood out to me from reading dozens and dozens of reviews on different companies is that bed buyers are kinda like Goldilocks. For some, a bed is too hard. For others, the exact same bed is too soft. For still others, it’s just right.
Of course, being the overthinker that I am, this was all very confusing. With so many conflicting opinions, how would I make the right choice??! It’s very important to us perfectionists to make the right choice. Otherwise all of our overthinking and anxiety is for nothing! And then we will get anxiety about having anxiety over nothing!
Luckily, before I needed to start hyperventilating into a paper bag, I found Ecosa. The company caught my eye straight away, because it’s the only bed-in-a-box brand I’ve found that allows the user to actually adjust the firmness/ softness levels of the mattress for themselves, at home. (I’ll show you how in a sec – it’s magic!) They also offer a 100-night trial. If you don’t love it, they pick it up for free and give you a full refund.
That took all the stress off, even for my indecisive worried self. Decision made.
Wanna see me unboxing the mattress? I still can’t believe an entire King-sized mattress fitted into THIS box! It’s crazy! Watch below! ⬇️
How cool is that?! It’s my new party trick. At least it would be, in an alternate universe where I get a new mattress in a box delivered to every party I attend.
(That actually sounds rather appealing. Then I could go to sleep at a reasonable hour at social events. Such as 9pm. Conversation lagging? Eye mask, please! Buonasera!)
Okay, back to adjusting the softness and firmness of the mattress.
This mattress is like a Babushka doll. Open one layer and there’s another surprise waiting for you inside.
First, there’s a removable, washable cover. So smart!
Underneath that is a waterproof layer. HALLELUJAH. The person who invented this mattress must have children. Bless their cotton socks. (Tip for new parents – kids are super generous! They’ll not only wet their own bed, they’ll wet yours too! Yay! And then you will never ever get the smell of pee out of your bedroom for all eternity until you burn everything down and buy a new Ecosa mattress. The end.)
Even if you don’t have kids, the waterproof layer is a great hygienic safeguard to prevent your mattress from absorbing sweat (or “body moisture” is it’s more delicately expressed on the Ecosa website). The microfilaments in this layer also block dust mites, making this mattress ideal for allergy sufferers.
Beneath the waterproof layer is where the real magic happens. (I know what you’re thinking. Stop it. I’m on my best behaviour.)
See those three interchangeable comfort layers?
The blue layer on top is gel-infused memory foam. Memory foam has earned a bit of a reputation for sleeping hot. However, this infusion of gel does magical things and keeps it cool.
That is clearly a highly scientific explanation.
Basically, I have no idea how it works, but it really does work. We live in a very hot, humid climate on the coast of Central Queensland, and even on the hottest summer night I’ve never felt like the mattress is trapping any body heat whatsoever. It sleeps beautifully cool.
Beneath the Gel-infused memory foam is a a white layer of Eco-Tex Memory foam, with open cells that make it bouncy and supportive like latex, only better. Tradional latex tends to perish and yellow over time, and it’s a fairly common allergy trigger as well. Eco-Tex is a new re-engineered version that offers the same benefits without those negatives.
And lastly, the bottom thick, yellow layer is ergonomic support foam to give ultimate support and eliminate partner disturbance. In other words, you can toss and turn and hubby/ wifey won’t feel a thing.
It also acts as a giant shock absorber for when the kids catapult into bed beside you. They could be dancing the Macarena on the mattress at 4am and you wouldn’t even know it. (If only they weren’t so loud.)
The really unique thing here is that you can actually swap the layers around! We have our mattress on the softest setting, with the gel memory foam on top. For a medium-firm sleep, we could put the white Eco-Tex layer on top; or for a very firm mattress, we could choose to put the high density foam on top.
Then just zip it back up and voila! Your mattress is personalised to your very own comfort preferences.
Now I just have to train Siri to make my morning coffee before I get up, and I’ll be set.
So do I have any critique to offer after spending the last couple of weeks trying out the Ecosa mattress?
Firstly, I will say that it’s firmer than I expected – even on the softest “setting”. You definitely don’t feel like you’re sinking into a cloud, but you do feel very supported and comfortable. You can also add an optional memory foam topper (also sold by Ecosa) if you prefer an ultra-plush sleep. I’m actually considering this. Being a side-sleeper, I do like a bit of extra softness to absorb the pressure on my shoulders. (Statements like this make me realise I’m getting old.)
The other thing that’s taken a little getting used to has been the transition from an innerspring mattress with stiff sides, to a foam mattress where the edges are soft. Because of my husband’s former territory-invading tendencies (ha! I’m going to find out pretty quickly if he’s actually reading this post – he will object ?), I often used to sleep curled up on the very edge of the mattress. That’s not really an option any more. If you get too close to the edge of a foam mattress, the foam compresses, and you feel like you’re about to roll right off.
Fortunately that’s not an issue for us anymore now that we have a King-sized area to spread out on. I no longer need to sleep on the edge of a precipice. If you’re considering a smaller sized mattress, though, it may be something to keep in mind.
Having said that, we’ve been married for 18 years, and this is without a doubt the most comfortable mattress we’ve slept on in all that time. We’ve never paid huge dollars for a mattress, so I honestly wouldn’t know how it compares to a $3,000 store-bought mattress, but I would find it hard to imagine a better night’s sleep than the one we’ve been getting since our new mattress came into our lives.
And we’re not the only ones who think so – Ecosa has over 10,000 reviews on their site, with an average 5 star rating. It really is a great product, at a great price-point; that is good for your back, adaptable to your needs, and most importantly will give you the most contented night’s sleep you’ve had in ages.
Many thanks again to Ecosa for supplying this mattress. We absolutely love it, and I hope you’ll check out this inspiring company!
Stay tuned because in my next post, I’ll be sharing our finished room refresh! I can’t wait to show you what else has changed in here!
How fun to complete a master bedroom refresh! Your four-poster bed is lovely. I can’t wait to see your finished space!
I am currently in the process of re-doing my master too! It will be our 15 yr anniversary in May, so I’m hoping to have it completed by then. We splurged on a new bed & mattress too. I’m really wanting a luxe and relaxing space. I have ideas in my head, I’m just hoping I can execute them in reality!
Thank you Tonia! Ooh, how exciting! That’s such a nice goal to work towards for your anniversary! Good luck with it girl! xo
While I had heard of Ecosa, I did not know that they offered mattresses where the softness can be adjusted as needed. That’s really cool! Wishing you and your husband many more comfy nights of rest! š
It really is such a cool feature! That sealed the deal for me for sure! Thanks Alicia ?
Ooo this is cool! Iāll keep in mind when we need a new mattress!
And shipped to me? Free trial?? Yes please!
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Love your four poster! Always wanted one #anniversary goals. The Ecosa mattress sounds amazing. So unhappy with the store bought one that I currently have. Checked their website. Not available in za unfortunately
Oh that’s a shame! Yes, store-bought seems to be a bit hit and miss, it’s just so hard to tell whether you’re going to like it based off one “try” in a shop. I hope your four-poster dreams come true – better start hinting!! #anniversarygift ?
Thank you for the info looking for a new mattress
So glad it’s a help to you, Stephanie! xo
Amazing! This post came into my life at the perfect time. I’m going to look into Ecosa further. Thanks for the review!
You’re so welcome Teresa! Glad it’s helpful for you, lovely! xo
I LOVE your bedroom! Purchasing a king sized bed was the best thing my husband and I ever did when we first got married (although we still have territorial battles). When our mattress starts to go (it’s only 5 years old), I will definitely be looking into this brand! Do you know if they ship to the US?
Thank you Jessica! I think advising couples to buy King-sized should be a mandatory part of pre-marriage counselling, lol! Yes, Ecosa is also available in the U.S. Here’s the U.S. site if you want to take a look: https://www.ecosa.com/
Nice explanation of the bed in a box concept. We perfectionists do sweat stuff like ‘how can I make a decision in five minutes in a store’ and not toss and turn like I ‘really’ do at home? Looks like a winner! Will look into Ecosa.
Thanks!
You’re so welcome Vickie! Glad I could help a fellow perfectionist out! ??
Thanks for this thorough review of Ecosa-it’s one company I haven’t explored yet but I will now thanks to you! I can totally relate to you about the whole “sleeping on the precipice” feeling. My husband says that it’s because he wants to cuddle up next to me. His elbows butting into my eyes in the middle of the night says something else entirely…. Ha, ha. In sickness and in health, right?? Love your bed, too!
Hahaha!! I RELATE TO THIS. Lol!
WOW! That mattress looks seriously amazing. I bet it’s so comfy you don’t want to get out of bed in the morning. If I were you, I’d just hit the snooze button on repeat!
That has been known to happen, Carrie! Ha! xo
Okay first of all, you are HI-larious…thanks for the morning giggle! I too struggle with insomnia and struggle with sleep …it’s so maddening when kids are actually asleep and the house is quiet and there I am, wide awake! I am so glad you have had such a great experience with this mattress! I will have to check this company out, although not sure they ship to us Canadian folks…thanks for sharing your review and I look forward to reading more about your bedroom refresh. I am also in the process of giving our bedroom a makeover. We have been in our home for 6 years now and I have never “decorated” our room. I have given my attention to every other space in our home, and now it’s time to tackle my own room!
Oh I hear you Kerri! It’s often the very last space on our agenda, isn’t it?! But there’s something so lovely and indulgent about having a grown-up space that is just for us! And solidarity to a fellow insomniac – there is nothing more frustrating than not being able to sleep when the kids are actually down! Good news, Ecosa is actually available in Canada, here’s a better link for ya: https://www.ecosa.com/ca/
Gosh, that was interesting to see you open the box and have a mattress pop out. I am glad you are loving it and enjoying the whole ‘new bed’ scenario. Keep your chin up – your teaching gig is almost over. You have had a lot on your plate. Good job at keeping up even though I know it has been tough.
Thank you Eleanor! It certainly has been busy! The whole unboxing thing is cool to watch hey, there’s something so weirdly satisfying about seeing an entire mattress slowly expand and puff out. š
That’s incredible that it came in a box! And that they’ll pick it up if you want to return it. I always wondered how that worked with beds in a box. You’re room is gorgeous! Decorated so relaxing.
Yes, they’ve thought of everything! It’s such a great business model and so convenient for the customer. Thanks for the sweet words, Michelle! xo
Lovely bedroom, Karen! I hope youĀ“ll spend good times there!
Everything look great there!!!
The matress looks incredible!
Thanks Roxana, it really is so comfy! xo
Thanks for the thorough explanation of bed-in-a-box concept. Sure is a package of surprises. Hope you get the comfort and sleep you deserve. Good luck with the teaching too.
Thank you lovely one! xo
Ooh, interesting to see how that works Karen. What a great concept. I think we’ll definitely look into bed in a box when we need to upgrade. Sounds much more appealing than dragging kids through the mattress shop! Thanks for doing all the research and making our lives easier!
Yep, so much more appealing!! You’re most welcome Bec! ?
I love your mattress. I’ll have to look for something similar here in South Africa as we are due for a new mattress soon.
Your bed is lovely too and I hope you and your hubby enjoy sleeping in it. I’m sure the kiddies will have lots of space to join you on Sunday mornings. LOL.
Thank you lovely! Oh yes, they’re making the most of all being able to squeeze in with us for sure! ?
Sounds like a great mattress! Good to hear it holds up through the activity of family life! š
Ha, yep – it’s already been well and truly tested out with our kids jumping on the bed non stop! ?
A King sized bed is a MUST for us too. š
I love the video – only you, Karen, could make the bed and it look effortless. š
Ha!! Why thank you!! ??
Thank you for this awesomely detailed review! Love the beautiful pictures! I have tried another big brand of mattress out of the box and ended up not keeping it because it was too stiff. I like the versatility that this mattress offers to swap out the insides to customize it to your liking. I will definitely consider buying this mattress! š
Hi Rebecca! Yes, that feature definitely sealed the deal for me! I love being able to customise it exactly the way we like it. Glad this was helpful, lovely! xo
Thanks so much for this review! unfortunately I literally just purchased a new king size mattress 6 days ago, but if it doesn’t work out during the trial I’ll be giving ecosa go!
Oooh nice, enjoy your new mattress Rachael! ā¤ļø
Wow, I never knew such a mattress existed! I have been enjoying my memory foam pillow and will definitely look into this when our current mattress needs changing. Can’t wait to see the completed room.
Oh yes, I love my memory foam pillow – it’s travelled everywhere with me for years!! This takes my memory foam obsession to the next level and it’s just as good as it sounds! š
I’m a huge believer in the comfy mattress–I’ll totally admit it’s because I’m old. Thanks for the info. I’ll tuck it away for the next time my husband suggests we get a waterbed (true story).
Hahaha!! Okay that is funny!! Just say no to the waterbed. ?āāļø?
Do you think it would fit back in the box easily? This is a great idea when you travel and have to sleep on the ridiculously hard hotel mattresses.
No, unfortunately once it’s expanded you can’t get it back in the box again. xo
Hi Karen!
Just wanted to let you know am so happy for you (and your hubby) for your new mattress! And I know how good it feels to get a bigger one, my boyfriend also takes all the space from the bed during the night so when we bought a new bigger bed and mattress last November, I was soooo excited for the fact I didnt have to sleep in the corner anymore haha! ?
Also wanted to support you with my comment, your blog is awesome and I loved the way you replied to my email to you months ago, when you were struggling if you can keep this blog alive and going. You are such a sweet and kind person and I didnt get an automatic reply to my email, no, it was personal and I felt like we had been knowing each other for a long time! Thank you for your awesome and humble way to write and share things, really loving it!!! Sending you lots of hugs from Finland!
And Oh, am loving the the bed and your wallpaper is so awesome!!! Been thinking about something similar!
Sending my love to you and your family!
Maria
Thank you Maria for such a kind comment! That just made my day! ?Sending hugs back to you in Finland, sweet lady!
Thanks for sharing Karen. Being the Educator that you are I must say I have learnt a lot. Who would have thought such a product even existed! Given the sad state of my own mattress I can’t wait to upgrade. I will give Ecosa some serious consideration. Thank you.
You’re so welcome Kelly, I’m glad this was helpful! And thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment! xo