Dr. Barry Jarvis
Murphy beds are a great way to save space in bedrooms, offices, and multifunction rooms. But finding a mattress that works with the folding Murphy bed frame can be tricky. You need a mattress that’s the perfect size, thickness, and flexibility for the Murphy mechanism. This detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know when choosing the best Murphy bed mattress.
We’ll compare your mattress options, offer tips for picking the ideal design, firmness, and features, and recommend the top mattresses for Murphy beds available online. With the right mattress pick, your Murphy bed can serve as a comfortable primary bed or guest bed alternative.
Murphy Bed Mattress Buying Considerations
Since Murphy bed frames fold vertically into the wall or cabinet, the mattress needs to conform to the folding mechanism. Here are the factors to keep in mind:
Size – Make sure the mattress fits the Murphy bed frame size. Common sizes are full, queen or twin.
Thickness – Look for a slim mattress under 8” thick. Many Murphy beds specify 6” to 6.5” maximum mattress thickness to fold properly.
Flexibility – The mattress should be able to fold without cracking or creating creases. Memory foam and latex foam bend easily.
Firmness – Choose a medium feel. Too soft and the mattress will droop when vertical. Too firm and it’s uncomfortable to sleep on. Look for 4-6 on the 1-10 scale.
Weight – Look for mattresses under 100 lbs for easier lifting and flipping up into the bed frame. Lighter foam options are preferable.
Finding the ideal mattress that checks all these Murphy bed boxes takes some care, but it’s key to creating a great fold-down bed.
5 Best Mattresses for Murphy Beds
Based on extensive research and reviews, these are the top 5 mattress recommendations for any Murphy bed frame:
1. Zinus 6 Inch Spring Mattress
- Type: Foam and pocket springs
- Height: 6 inches
- Firmness: Medium
- Key features: Foam layers over coils, low-profile, affordable
For Murphy beds where ultra-thin is essential, the Zinus 6” Hybrid Mattress is a top choice. With steel pocket springs topped with comfort foam layers, you get both pressure relief and resilient support in a slim mattress built for folding.
It comes in under 50 lbs for easy lifting. The foam and coils create a medium firm feel suitable for most sleep positions. And it conveniently ships compressed in a box to your door. Rave reviews mention the Zinus offers a pleasant balance of comfort and support, perfect for tight Murphy bed frames. Best of all, it comes at a very affordable price around $180 for a queen.
- Pros
- Ultra low 6” profile
- Foam and coil construction
- Medium support for spinal alignment
- Lightweight and easy to flip up
- Extremely affordable for a hybrid
- Cons
- Thin for some sleepers
- No white glove delivery
2. LINENSPA 6 Inch Memory Foam
- Type: Memory foam
- Height: 6 inches
- Firmness: Medium
- Key features: Ventilated memory foam, folding design
For a comfortable all-foam Murphy bed mattress, LINENSPA’s 6” Memory Foam Mattress is a top pick. Using dense ventilated memory foam, it folds and bends with a Murphy bed mechanism while cradling sleepers with conforming comfort.
The ventilated foam and mesh cover allow enhanced breathability to sleep cool. As a bonus, it comes with a quilted mattress pad for added softness. Many reviewers mention they were pleasantly surprised by how comfortable such a thin mattress could be. It provides excellent support in a slim flexible package perfect for Murphy beds.
- Pros
- Cooling ventilated memory foam
- Ultra-thin 6” height
- Medium support ideal for folding
- Mattress pad included
- Low price point around $140
- Cons
- Some heat retention possible
- Light odor possible when unpacking
3. Zinus 6 Inch Gel Memory Foam
- Type: Gel memory foam
- Height: 6 inches
- Firmness: Medium soft
- Key features: Swirl gel infused memory foam, cooling
Zinus also makes a close contender with their cooling gel infused memory foam mattress. Using advanced gel-swirl technology for temperature regulation, this conforming foam mattress absorbs and dissipates body heat.
It hits a medium soft 5/10 firmness level that satisfies side sleepers while still supporting average weights. The high-density foams bounce back well and transport easily. For the very reasonable price around $200, this cooling gel mattress helps you get restful sleep comfortably folded into compact Murphy beds.
- Pros
- Advanced gel-swirl foam technology
- Ultra slim 6” height
- Good for side sleeping
- Low cost
- Sleeps cooler than traditional memory foam
- Cons
- Delicate foam may dent
- Some heat retention possible
- Firmer feel may be needed for heavy weights
4. DHP 6 Inch Coil Mattress
- Type: Innerspring
- Height: 6 inches
- Firmness: Firm
- Key features: closely packed steel coils, very affordable
As a tried and true spring mattress built for folding, the DHP 6” Innerspring Mattress works well for Murphy beds. The thickness hits the 6” max for most Murphy frames.
Tightly packed steel coils are firm, resilient and foldable. Ventilated coil construction allows for breathability. It’s finished with a layer of foam over the springs for added comfort. Many owners comment this traditional spring mattress folds up easily into their Murphy bed frames repeatedly without damage. For basic firm support on a folding bed, this quality spring mattress comes at a budget price under $140.
- Pros
- Traditional firm steel coil support
- Breathable coil construction
- Folds easily into Murphy beds
- Very affordable price point
- Cons
- Very thin at only 6”
- Firmness not for side sleepers
- No edge support
5. Best Price 6 Inch Memory Foam
- Type: Memory foam
- Height: 6 inches
- Firmness: Medium
- Key features: High-density memory foam, charcoal infusion
Capping off our list is another slim memory foam mattress from Best Price Mattress. Using 2 inches of high-density memory foam over 4 inches of base foam, it hits a medium 5/10 firmness suitable for petite to average body types.
A key feature is its charcoal-infused foam which helps reduce odors and wick away moisture. This infusion also makes the foam more antimicrobial. As one of the most affordable memory foam folding mattresses under $140, it offers conforming comfort and folds easily into Murphy beds of all sizes.
- Pros
- Medium-firm memory foam support
- Charcoal-infused foam reduces odors
- Antimicrobial protection
- Fits Murphy beds 6” and under
- Very affordable
- Cons
- Thinner than some like
- Heat retention possible
By choosing one of these top-rated Murphy bed mattress options, you can feel confident your slim mattress will fold smoothly while still providing the comfort you need.
Murphy Bed Mattress Size Guide
Murphy bed frames come in standard mattress sizes, so choose the size you need for comfortable nightly sleep and daytime space-saving.
Twin – Best for kid bedrooms or guest rooms short on space. Still comfortable for adults.
Full – A happy medium width able to sleep 1 adult or 2 kids comfortably. More versatile.
Queen – Ideal for primary adult bed to sleep partners. Doubles well as guest bed.
King – Rare since extended width is harder to fold up. Possible if space allows.
Measure your Murphy bed frame specs to ensure your mattress dimensions fit properly. Thickness is key – the frame will specify the maximum mattress height allowed, usually 8 inches or below.
Murphy Bed Mattress Buying FAQs
What is the best mattress for a Murphy bed?
Look for mattresses 6 inches or slimmer that fold easily without creasing. Memory foam, latex foam and pocketed coil mattresses provide the best balance of adaptability and support. A medium firmness around 5 to 6 on the 10 point scale prevents sagging when folded vertically.
How thick should a Murphy bed mattress be?
Most Murphy bed frames require a mattress no thicker than 6 to 8 inches maximum. Measure your model’s specs. Very thin mattresses around 6 inches are best for easy folding and space-saving.
Can you put a regular mattress on a Murphy bed?
Not usually. Standard mattresses are often thicker than Murphy beds can accommodate when folded upright into the frame or cabinet. Make sure to buy a specialty folding mattress designed for Murphy beds.
Do Murphy bed mattresses wear out faster?
With frequent folding, a Murphy bed mattress may show signs of wear sooner than a traditional static mattress. Look for durable foams and components that resist compression and bounce back well. Rotating and reinforcing with a topper can help extend the mattress lifespan.
Should you put a topper on a Murphy bed mattress?
Yes, a thin 1 to 3 inch mattress topper can help reinforce comfort and support. Look for flexible foam, latex or fiber options that fold easily without creasing. Toppers also protect the mattress surface from imprints by sofa cushions when folded up.
The Bottom Line
With the right mattress selection, Murphy beds go from space-saving novelty to comfortable bed suitable for everyday sleeping and guests. Focus on quality over thickness, with flexible foam or spring models around 6 inches thick being ideal. Test the folding mechanism in person when possible. With the perfect mattress match, your Murphy bed offers an easy way to free up valuable square footage during the day while providing an excellent night’s sleep when lowered.
Originally posted on September 19, 2023 @ 5:00 pm
Author
Dr. Barry Jarvis
Dr. Barry Jarvis is a renowned sleep specialist, dedicating their illustrious career to the intricate world of sleep medicine. Holding a medical degree from a prestigious institution, Dr. Jarvis has cultivated a deep understanding of the complex mechanisms that govern sleep and its pivotal role in overall health and well-being. With a compassionate approach and a meticulous eye for detail, Dr. Jarvis has helped countless individuals reclaim restful nights and vibrant days. Beyond their clinical expertise, they have contributed to groundbreaking research in sleep medicine, unraveling the mysteries of sleep disorders and pioneering innovative treatments that stand at the forefront of the field.
