Best Mattress for Murphy Bed
Finding a mattress for a Murphy bed can be a little trickier than finding a mattress for a standard bed frame. This is because your mattress will spend most of the day flipped on its side or on its head. So you’ll need to find a durable and flexible mattress that can take it. Not every mattress fits the bill. The ones on our list below do.
6 Best Murphy Bed Mattresses
If you want a versatile mattress that can accommodate a variety of sleeping positions and body types, check out the AS3 by Amerisleep. This medium mattress offers the ultimate comfort and quality. And it’s durable enough to stand up to years of being stored in a Murphy bed.
How the Mattress Feels
Lying down on the AS3, you’ll notice right away that it’s much more responsive and breathable than a regular memory foam mattress. This is all because of its plant-based foam. Swapping petroleum products in favor of plant oils fixes the slow response time and heat retention of traditional memory foam without sacrificing an ounce of contouring.
What It’s Made Of
The first layer of the AS3 is the Bio-Pur® foam comfort layer. This layer of plant-based foam contours around your pressure points to provide superior pressure relief. The foam still maintains its breathability and responsiveness even though it’s so contouring.
Below the comfort layer, you’ll find the HIVE® transition layer. This layer offers zoned pressure relief so each area of your body gets exactly the mix of cradling and support it needs. This transition layer also provides a buffer between you and the ultra-dense support foam below.
This ultra-dense Bio-Core® support foam is where the AS3 gets its superior durability. That’s why it boasts a 20-year warranty in addition to its 100-night sleep trial period.
All this comfort is wrapped in the Refresh Cover. This cover keeps you cool all night by converting your body heat to far infrared energy. This conversion process doesn’t just keep you cool. Exposure to this type of energy may have health benefits like improved sleep quality and circulation.
AMERISLEEP AS3
- Advanced cover fabric turns body heat into infrared energy
- Eco-friendly memory foam is partially produced with plant oils
- Hexagonal cutouts in transition foam for responsive support
One of the best memory foam mattresses for people with active lifestyles, the Zoma Mattress was designed by athletes for athletes. However, don’t let its performance design fool you. This mattress is still a great choice for all physically active individuals.
How the Mattress Feels
Lying down on this mattress, you’ll notice right away it hovers between a medium and medium-firm feel. It has just slightly more support than cushioning. This makes the Zoma a fantastic choice for those who need a tad extra support without bumping their firmness level up to a true medium-firm.
What It’s Made Of
The Zoma Mattress starts off with a ventilated AirCloth cover. This cover works with the highly contouring gel memory foam comfort layer to keep warm air and body heat flowing away from your body all night long.
Underneath the soft comfort layer, a layer of ReactivTM transition foam increases the firmness level of the Zoma and ups its responsiveness as well. That means active sleepers don’t have to worry about slow response time or body impressions while they toss and turn.
Finally, the Zoma Mattress comes with an ultra-durable base layer of Support+ foam. This firm base foam will ensure your body stays lifted onto the sleep surface without making the layers above too firm. It also means the Zoma will live up to its 10-year warranty and 100-night sleep trial period.
ZOMA MATTRESS
- Cooling mattress surface maintained by AirCloth and gel foam
- Gel infused memory foam features supportive triangular cutouts
- Supportive and durable value from base foam
Those looking for budget-friendly Murphy bed mattresses should check out the Vaya Mattress. This affordable option offers quality and comfort, all at a great price.
How the Mattress Feels
The first thing you’ll notice about the Vaya Mattress is its incredible contouring ability. This is probably the best mattress for Murphy beds in guest spaces because of its medium feel and incredible contouring. It can mold itself to any body shape and any sleep position.
What It’s Made Of
The Vaya Mattress keeps things affordable by keeping them simple. It has only two layers. The top layer is highly contouring open-cell Vaya Comfort Foam. This breathable foam follows each curve of your body to offer amazing relief to pressure points.
Meanwhile, the highly dense Vaya Base Foam ensures this mattress can live up to its 10-year warranty and 100-night risk-free sleep trial period. The Vaya boasts industry-standard backing despite its low price.
VAYA MATTRESS
- Two-layer design maximizes affordability while maintaining comfort
- Thick comfort foam relieves pressure in any position
- Base foam structures the mattress for long-lasting stability
One of the best Murphy bed mattresses on the market is the Nolah Original 10. This memory foam mattress offers breathable foam and durable support to keep your spine aligned and your skin at the ideal sleep temperature. And its medium feel is versatile enough to make it the right mattress for those buying a mattress for a guest room.
How the Mattress Feels
The Original 10 is a medium to medium-firm mattress. This firmness level offers an almost even balance of support and cushioning, though you might feel it’s ever so slightly more supportive. This firmness level makes the Original 10 a solid mattress for both combination sleepers and back sleepers alike.
What It’s Made Of
The Original 10 starts off with the Botanic Origin TencelTM Cover. This sustainable cover has botanic origins. So it’s better for you and the environment.
Directly underneath the botanical cover rests two inches of Nolah AirFoam. This comfort layer provides superior pressure relief and contours perfectly to your body to keep your spine aligned. The AirFoamTM also works to shed body heat and keep your sleep surface at the correct temperature.
Up next, the deep and supportive high-resilience foam transition layer ensures the comfort layer above stays buoyant. That way, you remain on top of the mattress instead of sinking down into it. The transition layer also helps protect you from the high-density foam below.
Finally, the seven-inch base layer keeps the layers above sturdy and durable. It fights sagging and won’t allow the comfort foams to go soft. This is why the Nolah Original 10 comes with a lifetime warranty as well as a 120-night sleep trial period.
NOLAH ORIGINAL 10
- Tencel cover fabric maintains natural cool feel
- With transition foam, sleepers stay on top of the sleep surface instead of sinking
- Sturdy design ensures mattress lasts through Nolah’s lifetime warranty
Another medium-firm option, the GhostBed Classic combines aerated latex and gel memory foam to create a highly durable and highly cooling mattress. This makes it a perfect choice for Murphy bed owners who want to keep things cool all night.
How the Mattress Feels
The ventilated non-allergenic latex and gel memory foam combines to create an ultra-cool sleep surface. You’ll notice right away the Classic’s cover is cool to the touch as soon as you lie down. Thanks to the breathable latex and thermally conductive gel-infused foam, that cool-touch feeling won’t go away all night.
What It’s Made Of
The GhostBed Classic starts off with GhostBed’s plush, soft cover. This stretchy and durable blend of viscose and polyester enhances airflow to keep you comfortable all night long. It also offers a luxuriously soft feel.
Next up, you’ll find the aerated latex foam comfort layer below. This ventilated latex keeps air flowing to ensure overheating is a thing of the past. The latex is also highly responsive, so your bed bounces right back underneath you.
Underneath the latex comfort layer is a layer of gel memory foam that draws heat even further away from your body. This transition layer isn’t just thermally conductive. It also offers excellent contoured relief for tired pressure points.
Finally, the ultra-dense base foam supports all these layers and keeps you lifted onto the sleep surface. This layer also ensures the mattress will remain durable for decades, even if you store it in a Murphy bed. That’s why this medium-firm mattress comes with a full 20-year warranty and a 101-night risk-free sleep trial period.
GHOSTBED CLASSIC
- Medium-firm feel support back and combo sleeping
- Resilient surface conforms to plus-sized bodies for pressure relief
- Combined comfort of latex and memory foam
If you want a new mattress that’s great at relieving pressure while maintaining support, check out the Modern Foam Mattress by Saatva. This memory foam and natural latex mattress is bouncy and breathable. It also features enhanced back support to keep your spine aligned and your back pain-free.
How the Mattress Feels
The Modern Foam is a medium-firm mattress. So it features more support than cushioning without sacrificing all pressure relief. It also features enhanced lumbar support to offer more support in your middle. That makes this a perfect mattress for back sleepers and sleepers with back pain.
What It’s Made Of
The Saatva Modern Foam Mattress starts off with a naturally breathable hypoallergenic cover. This cover is treated with a botanical antimicrobial solution to inhibit all kinds of microbes from bacteria to mold.
Underneath the cover, this mostly memory foam mattress features a half-inch latex lumbar crown to offer enhanced back support. This layer sits atop a two-inch high airflow memory foam comfort layer that helps push heat out of the mattress by keeping air flowing through it.
Next, the one-inch gel memory foam layer helps absorb heat away from your body instead of trapping it next to you. This transition layer also increases the mattress’s contouring to ensure adequate pressure relief.
Finally, the firm high-density foam base gives the mattress its stability and edge support. This layer features open-cell base foam to provide airflow all the way through the mattress. That makes the Modern Foam highly breathable for an all-foam mattress. It also means this mattress will live up to its lifetime warranty and 365-night sleep trial period.
SAATVA MODERN FOAM MATTRESS
- Antimicrobial barrier to keep your allergy symptoms at bay
- Air circulates well through the whole mattress
- Gel-infused memory foam disperses heat and offers superior pressure relief
How to Choose a Murphy Bed Mattress
There are tons of comfortable mattresses that will work for Murphy beds (also called wall beds or cabinet beds). But there are a few things you’ll need to be aware of before you purchase:
- Not all mattress materials are suited to Murphy beds because they can’t handle the way these bed frames store them when closed. So you’ll need to keep that in mind while you shop.
- Too-thick mattresses won’t fit inside a closed-up Murphy bed.
- The mattress can’t be too heavy for the Murphy bed frame.
Material
When shopping for a Murphy bed mattress, it’s best to stick with foam beds. Pocketed coil and open coils systems cannot handle the constant pull of gravity when the Murphy bed is closed. The metal in the coils can warp, causing the sleep surface to become uneven.
So types of mattresses that feature any sort of coil will become uneven over time.
Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses are really the ideal mattresses for Murphy beds. Flexible polyurethane foam is the perfect material because it’s lightweight, so it won’t typically be too heavy for your Murphy bed’s weight capacity.
The foam is durable and flexible, so you don’t have to worry about it warping. Yet it’s still supportive and comfortable to offer you a great night’s sleep. A memory foam bed can also be an affordable way for sleepers to enjoy a hypoallergenic mattress, as the dense material keeps allergens from settling.
Latex
Natural latex is another fantastic material for Murphy beds, though not quite as good as memory foam. Latex mattresses are durable and flexible, so it can maintain its shape through daily vertical storage without warping.
Aside from durability, the benefits of a latex mattress also include sustainable production and natural coolness.
On the flip side, when comparing memory foam and latex, latex is typically a much heavier foam. This is especially true for Dunlop latex, although Talalay latex foam can still be quite hefty.
That means a latex mattress, Dunlop or Talalay, might be too heavy for your Murphy bed’s weight limit. This doesn’t mean you can’t have latex. It does mean you should be aware of the maximum weight of your Murphy bed frame before going out and shopping for latex mattresses.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses are not a good fit for Murphy beds. Their foam layers can handle being vertically stored just fine. But their pocketed coils can wind up falling out of order or warping when the bed stays on its side or on its head for too long. That means you’ll want to stick with all-foam mattresses instead.
Innerspring
Of all the mattress types on this list, innerspring mattresses are the worst for Murphy beds. Their open coil systems cannot handle being stored in a vertical position. Their plush comfort layers usually cannot either. Worst of all, they won’t compress inside the cabinet.
A thicker mattress will need to compress a little if it’s too thick to fit inside the cabinet. Memory foam can do this, but innerspring mattresses cannot. For all these reasons, it’s best to avoid innerspring mattresses for Murphy beds.
Weight
Every Murphy bed has a maximum weight limit. This weight capacity should be listed in the Murphy bed frame’s specs. The weight limit includes the mattress and all sleepers. So you’ll need to know your mattress’s weight as well as the weight of whoever will be sleeping on it to purchase one that doesn’t exceed the capacity.
Durability
Murphy bed mattresses need to be tough to withstand day after day of being stored at an angle. Pure foam beds meet that criteria because they don’t have metal coils inside them that will warp or fall out of alignment. They’re some of the most durable mattresses on the market, with high-quality foam mattresses lasting more than 10 years.
Size
Murphy bed frames typically come in standard mattress sizes. Twin through queen size Murphy beds are most common. It is possible to get a king size Murphy bed, though California king Murphy beds are not easy to find because their projection is too long for most room sizes or average ceiling heights.
You can typically just buy the mattress that corresponds to your Murphy bed frame’s size. For example, a twin XL Murphy bed frame would need a twin XL mattress.
However, you don’t just have to think about width and length with a Murphy bed mattress. You also have to think about depth and projection when considering bed frame dimensions.
Depth
You should try to ensure the depth or thickness of your mattress is less than or equal to the depth of your Murphy bed cabinet. For instance, a 12-inch deep wall cabinet needs a 12-inch mattress or less.
Plus, you have to think of the thickness of the bedding as well. That means you really ought to be looking for mattresses that offer at least a couple of inches of wiggle room.
If you already have a mattress for your Murphy bed, you might be able to get away with it. But it depends. A memory foam mattress that’s slightly thicker than the cabinet depth might compress enough to fit, but only if it’s still close to the cabinet’s depth. A mattress that’s too deep for the cabinet will not let the Murphy bed close all the way.
Projection and Height
A Murphy bed’s projection is how much it sticks out into the room when it’s open. Its height is how tall it is when it’s closed. You’ll need to be sure of your room’s size and ceiling height when considering Murphy bed frames. You’ll also need to think about any ceiling fans or hanging light fixtures that could get in the way when you fold and unfold the bed.
There are two different kinds of Murphy beds: vertical and horizontal. Vertical beds flip the mattress lengthwise into the cabinet, while horizontal beds flip the mattress on its side to store it. That means vertical Murphy beds have much greater height and projection than horizontal Murphy beds.
The heights and projections of each Murphy bed size are:
Twin Size Murphy Bed
Though it’s the smallest size mattress, shoppers shouldn’t skimp on what makes the best twin size mattresses comfy and supportive.
Vertical Dimensions
- Height – 82 to 87 inches
- Projection – 80 to 82 inches
Horizontal Dimensions
- Height – 45 to 48 inches
- Projection – 44 to 46 inches
Twin XL Size Murphy Bed
See our guide to the best twin XL size mattresses for some excellent options to pair with a smaller Murphy bed.
Vertical Dimensions
- Height – 87 to 89 inches
- Projection – 85 to 87 inches
Horizontal Dimensions
- Height – 45 to 48 inches
- Projection – 44 to 46 inches
Full/Double Size Murphy Bed
The best full size mattresses give sleepers plenty of sprawling space, and a Murphy bed lets them tuck it away until it’s needed.
Vertical Dimensions
- Height – 82 to 87 inches
- Projection – 80 to 82 inches
Horizontal Dimensions
- Height – 62 to 64 inches
- Projection – 58 to 60 inches
Queen Size Murphy Bed
Our guide to the best queen size mattresses can help sleepers find plenty of comfort and support on their Murphy bed.
Vertical Dimensions
- Height – 87 to 89 inches
- Projection – 85 to 87 inches
Horizontal Dimensions
- Height – 68 to 70 inches
- Projection – 65 to 68 inches
King Size Murphy Bed
No one wants to invest in a king bed that isn’t for them, so we put together a guide to the best king size mattresses available today.
Vertical Dimensions
- Height – 87 to 89 inches
- Projection – 85 to 87 inches
Horizontal Dimensions
- Height – 80 to 84 inches
- Projection – 78 to 80 inches
Saving on New Mattresses
- MLK Day Mattress Sales
- Sleep Awareness Week Mattress Sales
- Presidents Day Mattress Sales
- Memorial Day Mattress Sales
- 4th of July Mattress Sales
- Labor Day Mattress Sales
- Columbus Day Mattress Sales
- Black Friday Mattress Sales
- Cyber Monday Mattress Sales
FAQs
Is a Murphy bed the best option for limited space?
Murphy beds are one of the best options for those who have limited space. They fold up into the wall cabinet and disappear into the wall. Some Murphy beds feature sofas or desks that flip into place when the Murphy bed mattress is folded up into the wall. That means your Murphy bed can have a dual purpose. It’s a bed at night and another piece of furniture during the day.
However, Murphy beds aren’t the only space savers around. You also have sofa beds that pull out from underneath the couch cushions. Modular sleeper sofas can go from sectional couches to beds in a matter of seconds. And futons fold out to become flat beds and fold in to revert to standard couches.
Daybeds are another option because you can sleep on them at night and sit on them during the day. You just have to rearrange your pillows and use a comfortable mattress for a daybed. However, all of these options still take up floor space in your room during the day, while Murphy beds do not. So if you want a bed that turns into an empty room when folded, Murphy beds are your best choice.
Can I sleep on my Murphy bed every night?
That depends on the quality of Murphy bed frame and Murphy bed mattress you purchase. If you buy a sturdy, high-quality frame and a well-made mattress, you can sleep on your Murphy bed every night.
You’ll need spinal support to ensure your back stays aligned all night, such as what a mattress for back pain provides. You’ll also need contouring for ideal pressure relief. And above all, you’ll need a mattress that can stand up to being stored all day without losing its ability to keep you comfortable.
So make sure you’re purchasing a quality memory foam or natural latex mattress. Both memory foam and latex foam can handle being stored during the day. But they’ll still offer you ideal support and cradling night after night.
How much should I pay for a Murphy bed mattress?
The price range for a Murphy bed mattress can vary widely because you’re not purchasing some sort of specialized mattress for Murphy beds. You’re just purchasing a standard mattress made for any bed frame.
If you want to save money, memory foam mattresses are the way to go. Memory foam is among the most affordable mattress materials, whether they’re suitable mattresses for Murphy beds or not. It’s easy to find a quality memory foam mattress that will last around a decade for a price as low as a few hundred dollars.
If you want a more durable Murphy bed mattress, latex will last you at least two decades. However, that ultra-durability comes at a price. You’re unlikely to find a natural latex mattress for less than $1,000. For larger sizes, expect to pay $2,000 or $3,000.
What’s the best mattress type for a Murphy bed?
Memory foam makes the best mattress for a Murphy bed mattress. This flexible foam can handle the stress of being stored on its side or head for long time periods. It’s lightweight, meaning you likely won’t have to worry about your bed’s weight capacity. And it’s affordable, so if you’re getting a guest room mattress, you won’t have to pay an exorbitant amount.
Memory foam is also very comfortable and supportive. So you can sleep on your Murphy bed every night without issue. This combination of durability and comfort makes memory foam the ideal mattress material for Murphy beds.
Is storing a mattress in a Murphy bed bad for it?
As long as you get the right mattress for your Murphy bed, storing it on its side or head shouldn’t be a problem. Latex foam and memory foam mattresses are both perfectly capable of surviving being stored in a Murphy bed cabinet for long periods.
The same cannot be said for hybrid and innerspring mattresses. These mattress types contain coils that cannot withstand being stored in a vertical position. Long hours of being stored vertically can wreck the internal coil support cores of these mattresses.
Many times coil mattresses may come with a warranty that prohibits storing them on their side for the long term. That means you should avoid these mattress types when shopping for a Murphy bed mattress.
Bottom Line
It can be a whole lot tougher to find a new mattress for a Murphy bed than it is to find the best mattress for a regular bed frame. You have to think about more than just the standard width and length. You also have to consider depth, projection, height, and even weight.
The good news is as long as you make sure you know your room dimensions and pay attention to your Murphy bed’s specs and warranty, you can have whatever foam mattress you want!