If this is your first time buying a mattress for a Murphy bed, you might be wondering if they need special types of mattresses or if you can use a standard mattress. While you don’t need a specific mattress type, mattresses for Murphy beds must fit the unit and be light enough to easily lift for storage.
The Nectar Mattress is the top choice mattress for Murphy beds, thanks to its bed of comfort and support.
What to know before you buy a mattress for Murphy beds
Benefits of a Murphy bed
Murphy beds are ideal for anyone who doesn’t have a lot of space in their home. Unlike traditional beds, which require a lot of floor space whether in use or not, Murphy beds only use a significant amount of floor space when you pull them down to sleep on it. The rest of the time, they are stored vertically so you can use that space for anything else you need.
While you can certainly sleep on a Murphy bed on a daily basis, and many people do in tiny homes, one of the most common uses is in spare bedrooms for guests where you don’t want to waste a lot of room on a permanent place to sleep. Many also feature desks, cabinets or shelves that are exposed when the bed is folded up.
Best types of mattresses for Murphy beds
It is important to choose the right type of mattress for a Murphy bed. Mattresses with coils, such as innersprings and hybrids, are generally not recommended. These are not designed to be stored vertically and doing so can cause their coils to become misshapen. This means you should turn to either latex or memory foam mattresses for use with your Murphy bed. Both hold their shape well when stood on their end, and they offer very different sleeping experiences, so you can easily find a mattress in one of these two types that fits your preferences.
Weight and height
When using a Murphy bed, you will have to lift the mattress when folding the frame up against the wall. Because of this, you should consider the weight of any mattress you are considering, as something too heavy may be overly difficult. This is one notable downside of choosing a latex mattress. They are very heavy, so some people may require help when folding up a Murphy bed with a latex mattress.
The height of a mattress will also determine whether it is suitable for a Murphy bed. A general rule of thumb is that mattresses for Murphy beds should be no more than 12 inches thick. Anything thicker could cause the bed to protrude slightly when folded up, which doesn’t look very attractive. This can also potentially be dangerous, as it may cause the bed to unexpectedly fall down to a horizontal position. Of course, every Murphy bed is different, and if you really want a thicker mattress, you may be able to find a Murphy bed that accommodates it. Just make sure to read the specifications regarding how deep the mattress area is.
Murphy bed mattress features
Support and pressure relief
Every bed will offer a different amount of support and pressure relief. Both memory foam and latex are known for being supportive and do a good job of keeping your spine in a neutral alignment. Memory foam mattresses usually offer a little more pressure relief due to their softness and often offer a sleeping experience that feels like you are sinking into the mattress. Conversely, latex is harder and gives the feeling of lying on top of the mattress. That being said, you can find memory foam mattresses that are firm if you prefer. They won’t be as bouncy as latex but also won’t feel like you are sinking into them too much either.
Cooling
Latex is naturally cool, so you don’t have to worry about design features intended to improve its airflow. This is not the case with memory foam, which is known to trap heat. Unless you like to be warm when sleeping, you will want to look for a memory foam mattress that features some form of cooling technology. This can be perforations, air channels, gel layers or even just a bamboo-fabric covering.
Trial periods
If buying a mattress online, you won’t have the chance to lie on it first to see how much you like it. To ensure you don’t get stuck with a mattress that is uncomfortable for you, we recommend only considering models that feature risk-free in-home trial periods. Reputable online mattress companies offer at least a 60-day in-home trial period, with some offering as many as 365 days.
Cost of a mattress for Murphy beds
How much you need to spend on a mattress for a Murphy bed depends on its use. If it is something you sleep on daily, you should look for a high-quality option that will retain its loft and support though plenty of use. You can find good memory foam and latex mattresses for between $700 and $2500. If the Murphy bed will only be used periodically by guests, a budget-friendly option in the $400 to $700 price range may suit your needs.
Mattress for Murphy beds FAQ
How long do Murphy bed mattresses last?
A. Murphy bed mattresses last just as long as any other mattresses. This means 8-10 years for memory foam and 10-12 years for latex. That being said, it is important to rotate them every few months to extend their lifespan as much as possible.
Is a Murphy bed better than a futon?
A. This is a difficult question to answer, because it depends on what you mean by better. Mattresses on Murphy beds are generally more supportive than futons, so you will probably get a better and more comfortable night’s rest on one. However, futons offer extra seating in a home when not in the bed position, which may be needed if you live in a studio where you don’t have space for a couch and a bed.
Which mattress for Murphy beds should I get?
Best of the best mattress for Murphy beds
Nectar Mattress: available at Amazon
Our take: The Nectar mattress has a bit more bounce than most memory foam models, so it’s ideal for those considering a latex option but who don’t want to deal with weight.
What we like: A combination of gel and a heat-wicking, breathable cover keep you nice and cool while sleeping. It offers plenty of support and isn’t too heavy to push your Murphy bed into place.
What we dislike: It’s firmer than many people expect.
Best bang for your buck mattress for Murphy beds
Leesa Studio: available at Amazon
Our take: Surprisingly lightweight and reasonably priced, the Leesa Studio is an ideal option for Murphy beds.
What we like: It has a medium-firmness rating, which is said to be the perfect option for most sleepers, and it does a good job of relieving pressure points.
What we dislike: It takes a little while to break in.
Honorable mention mattress for Murphy beds
Molblly 10-Inch Memory Foam Mattress: available at Amazon
Our take: At 10 inches thick, this mattress easily stows away and there are also thinner options if you want something lighter.
What we like: Thanks to the gel memory foam, this is a great choice for people who find standard memory foam mattresses too hot. It feels plush but offers plenty of support.
What we dislike: There’s no edge support and some buyers find it doesn’t plump up as much as it should.
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Lauren Corona is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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