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If you’re short on space or just have frequent guests but no guest room, then you may have looked for alternative sleeping arrangements. Maybe you’ve checked out sofa beds, trundle beds or sleep ottomans. However, if even these seem to take up too much space in your home, you might need to consider another option: a foldable mattress.
Here’s everything you need to know about these foldable, stowable solutions.
The Best Foldable Mattresses:
Preview | Name | Rating | View |
Cushy Form Tri-Fold Mattress | |||
Best Choice Products 4-Inch Portable Mattress | |||
Milliard Tri-Folding Memory Foam Mattress | |||
Best Price Mattress 4 Inch Trifold Memory Foam Mattress | |||
American Furniture Alliance Hide A’ Mat Trifold Mattress | |||
Olee Sleep Tri-Folding Memory Foam Mattress Topper | |||
Inofia Folding Mattress | |||
Cozzzi Trifold Foam Folding Mattress |
What is a Foldable Mattress?
To start, let’s make clear what a foldable mattress is and isn’t. A foldable mattress isn’t a mattress that rises and lowers on its bed frame, slightly folding in the middle, like you might see advertised on television. Instead, a foldable mattress truly folds away. It can be folded in on itself and stacked (often into thirds), making for a bed that’s easy to store and that tucks away with minimal needed space.
A foldable mattress is usually made from a lightweight foam or cushion material, which makes it a better fit over an air mattress, especially if you always find that your air mattress deflates overnight, leaving you sleeping on the cold, hard ground.
Foldable mattresses are a good pick for occasional guests in small spaces (like in an apartment or studio), children’s sleepovers, camping and other situations where you need a mattress but you don’t want to deal with an actual mattress once your primary, singular need has passed.
What to Look for in a Foldable Mattress
Before you start shopping for a foldable mattress, consider these important factors.
Portability
How portable do you need your foldable mattress to be? Do you need a mattress that you can take on a camping trip? Do you want it to be lightweight enough that your child can dig it out of the back of their closet and set it up without any help?
Depending on how often and where you plan to use your foldable mattress, pick the option that’s going to be as portable as needed.
Use
Some foldable mattresses are better than others. Some feature lots of stuffing and support to give you a better night’s sleep, while others are on the thinner side. That doesn’t mean the thinner folding mattresses don’t have their purposes, though.
Consider your intended use and then let that inform which mattress you buy. You may not mind a thinner, lower-quality folding mattress if your child is just going to use it while they’re watching television and eating snacks. If, though, you plan on letting frequent family members sleep on the mattress during the holidays, you might want to opt for one that’s a little more robust.
Material
Just like traditional mattresses are made from a variety of materials, so are foldable mattresses. The type of material used, particularly in the mattress’s stuffing, will impact how well the mattress holds up over time.
Folding mattresses are often stuffed with poly foam (also sometimes called polyurethane foam), memory foam or a combo of both. Poly foam is on the more affordable side, but it breaks down over time. Memory foam is more expensive but can also be more comfortable.
Much less frequently, you’ll find a foldable mattress made from latex. Latex mattresses provide a lot of support, much like memory foam, and latex foam is also extra-durable and long-lasting.
Don’t just consider the material used for the mattress stuffing, though. Also want to look at the material used for the mattress cover. You’ll want to consider whether the material is waterproof or stain-proof, as well as if it’s washable and/or removable. If you’ll use the mattress uncovered on hard floors, you might want to specifically look for a mattress cover with a non-skid bottom.
Of course, comfort matters just as much as easy cleaning and non-slip surfaces. Think about whether or not the material used for the cover will be ideal for a good night’s sleep.
Size
Depending on who will use the mattress, you might want to go for a larger or smaller size. You’ll find that folding mattresses come in less-than-twin sizes, intended for children, but also larger sizes that are ideal for adults.
You’ll have a difficult time, though, finding a mattress that’s akin in size to your typical full, queen or king-sized mattress. While some brands advertise their mattresses as fitting those sizes, they’re not always true to the size you’re accustomed to. Additionally, what one brand considers a “full size” mattress may differ from the measurements another brand uses for their full-size mattress.
Related: The 10 Best Mattress in A Box Buys [Good Night’s Sleep Made Easy]
8 Favorite Foldable Mattresses
Think a foldable mattress is a great fit for your needs? Armed with the info necessary to make the best purchase possible? Then check out our eight favorite foldable mattresses below.
1. Cushy Form Tri-Fold Mattress
This mattress, conveniently available on Amazon, is made even more convenient thanks to its included carrying case with handles. Measuring in at four inches high, 75 inches long and 31 inches wide, it’s particularly portable, if not the thickest or fanciest option on our list, which makes it great for camping or kids’ sleepovers.
The mattress is made from a breathable, high-density foam. The cover is machine washable and can be dried in your standard dryer.
Reviewers call the mattress a great investment and more comfortable than an air mattress. Others note that it’s easy to store, too. Some even say they plan on using these mattresses to replace their standard RV bunk mattresses.
2. Best Choice Products 4-Inch Portable Mattress
If you’re looking for something a little more robust and larger, go with this four-inch-thick portable mattress that comes in three sizes — twin, full and queen (though it’s worth noting you won’t get quite the same level of comfort from a queen-sized portable mattress as you would a traditional queen-sized mattress).
Rather than fold completely and evenly into thirds, the mattress folds into two larger and two smaller parts, so you can create a couch with a small backrest if you also want to use the mattress for a lounge area rather than just for sleeping.
The mattress comes with a carrying case, but because of its unique folding mechanisms, the mattress isn’t as space-saving as some of the others on our list. Still, it’s convenient, features a removable cover that can be washed at home and is lightweight. It measures in at 75 by 39 by 4 inches.
3. Milliard Tri-Folding Memory Foam Mattress
Highly ranked for comfort, this memory foam mattress is on the pricey side, but you definitely get what you pay for. Measuring in at 78 inches long, 58 inches wide and 6 inches thick, it’s a bit larger than your standard tri-fold mattress, too.
Reviewers call the mattress “soft but supportive.” Many have used the mattress for guests, not just for one or two nights, but for extended periods of time—and the mattress still holds up. Elisa Regulski, a Certified Sleep Science Coach at Mattress Clarity voted this mattress as her favorite foldable option. “It has a layer of memory foam as well as a layer of supportive base foam, creating a comfortable 6-inch surface to sleep on. This foldable mattress is a great option for those looking for a portable yet supportive mattress.”
Some suggest, for added height and an experience more similar to sleeping in a real bed, inflating an air mattress and using the air mattress beneath the memory foam mattress.
4. Best Price Mattress 4 Inch Trifold Memory Foam Mattress
This mattress comes in an array of sizes, and you can pick from either memory foam or a cooling gel memory foam in case you find traditional memory foam isn’t quite as breathable as you prefer.
However, the mattress isn’t 100% memory foam, no matter which option you go with. Instead, there’s a memory foam topper and then a larger, high-density foam base for extra support. The bottom is slip-proof.
Unfortunately, this mattress doesn’t come with a carrying case, and you can’t wash it. It’s spot clean only. Still, if you want extra support and the memory foam experience, but you’re a warm sleeper and need that cooling gel feature, you’ll find this mattress is the way to go.
Reviewers say the mattress is “worth every penny.” Several say they’ve used the mattress in RVs.
5. American Furniture Alliance Hide A’ Mat Trifold Mattress
For a mattress that’s on the very affordable side, look to this option from American Furniture Alliance. Made from poly foam and with a non-slip material on both the sides and bottoms, the mattress folds away and buckles in place for storing before being easily transported to wherever you need it for the night.
The mattress is spot-clean only, but the durable build and affordable price both make up for that fact. Many reviewers say they use the mattress for camping.
The mattress measures in at 31 inches wide, 3.5 inches thick and 75 inches long, and it weighs less than eight pounds.
6. Olee Sleep Tri-Folding Memory Foam Mattress Topper
For both memory foam and a good price, consider this affordable memory foam option from the Olee Sleep Store. There’s a memory foam top layer, and then the rest of the mattress is polyester. It folds into threes when not in use and measures in at 75 inches long, 25 inches wide and 4 inches thick.
Reviewers mention using this mattress for children when watching movies or playing video games. Others use it as easy guest bedding at vacation homes. Others use it as a camping mattress. Some mention that they stack two of the mattresses together for even more support.
7. Inofia Folding Mattress
Another high-end, high-quality option, this folding mattress pad features a memory foam filling and an ultra-soft bamboo cover with mesh sides for extra air flow and breathability. You can pick from multiple firm mattress sizes, including cot and single sizes, as well as multiple thickness levels, either four or six inches.
Reviewers report the mattress is comfortable even when used on hardwood floors.
8. Cozzzi Trifold Foam Folding Mattress
This Cozzzi mattress foam bed is just that: cozy. Lightweight, versatile and portable, the adjustable floor mattress folds out in multiple ways, so it’s not fully trifold. Instead, one of the three sides does fold out an additional time, so you can create a bolster for a seating area when not using the mattress as a folding bed. When completely extended, it measures 75 inches long, 4 inches tall and 39 inches wide.
While the mattress does not come with a carrying case, one end does feature a handle, so you can grab your mattress and go. The washable cover can be zipped off and washed at home. In addition to being used as a solo mattress on the floor or while camping, the brand also recommends using the mattress as a replacement mattress for futons.
Related: Best Sleeper Sofas [That Your Friends Will Actually Want to Sleep On]
Foldable Mattress FAQs
Have more questions about folding mattresses and what you can expect after you buy one of our eight favorite options above? Here’s what you need to know.
How much does a folding mattress cost?
Folding mattresses range in cost and quality, but you’ll find that the more affordable, lower-quality mattresses start between $50 and $100. Mid-range folding mattresses are around $100 to $200, while the higher-end, highest-quality foldable mattresses are $200 or more.
Who needs a folding mattress?
Folding mattresses are ideal for use in small spaces or when a sleeping area is only needed on rare occasions. Folding mattresses can be used in guest rooms as a guest bed, when camping, during travel, in entertainment rooms, children’s playrooms and other spaces.
Are foldable mattresses comfortable?
They might not be as comfortable as your regular mattress, but many are definitely comfortable enough to give you a good night’s sleep for a night or two.
Create a Comfy Space — And Then Stow it Away
A foldable mattress can add extra, easy and convenient sleeping or lounging space to your home. However, this piece of furniture is no long-term commitment. When you’re done using your mattress for a few nights, just fold it up and store it in a closet or wherever makes the most sense for your needs. It’s an easy solution that doesn’t sacrifice comfort in the slightest.
You might also be interested in: The 14 Best Sleeper Ottomans For Overnight Guests 2022
The 8 Best Foldable Mattresses:
- Cushy Form Tri-Fold Mattress
- Best Choice Products 4-Inch Portable Mattress
- Milliard Tri-Folding Memory Foam Mattress
- Best Price Mattress 4 Inch Trifold Memory Foam Mattress
- American Furniture Alliance Hide A’ Mat Trifold Mattress
- Olee Sleep Tri-Folding Memory Foam Mattress Topper
- Inofia Folding Mattress
- Cozzzi Trifold Foam Folding Mattress