Best mattress for Murphy beds: Path to better sleep

Best mattress for Murphy beds: Path to better sleep

Designed for comfort, crafted for support

If you’re looking to maximize space without sacrificing comfort, a Murphy bed might just be the perfect solution. But to get the most out of your Murphy bed, selecting the right mattress is crucial. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials of Murphy bed mattresses, including different types of mattresses, key features, and how to install them for optimal support and longevity. Plus, we’ll highlight the Inovabed Polysleep Mattress and offer some additional recommendations for the best Murphy bed mattress that can meet a variety of sleep needs.


What is a Murphy bed?

A Murphy bed, also known as a wall bed, is designed to fold up vertically into a cabinet or closet when not in use, making it an ideal choice for smaller spaces like studio apartments, guest rooms, or multipurpose areas. The convenience of a Murphy bed allows you to transform a room within seconds, turning a home office or gym into a comfortable sleeping area. However, selecting the right mattress is essential for ensuring both comfort and compatibility with the Murphy bed frame.


Types of Murphy bed mattresses: Features, pros, and cons

When choosing a mattress for your Murphy bed, keep in mind that standard mattresses aren’t always suitable due to size, thickness, or weight restrictions. Here’s a breakdown of the best types of mattresses for Murphy beds:

Memory foam mattresses

Memory foam mattresses are popular for their contouring properties, offering excellent pressure relief, especially for side sleepers. Their all-foam design typically provides great motion isolation, making them ideal for those who share a bed. A memory foam bed also offers body contouring and pressure relief, enhancing overall comfort.

  • Pros: Excellent pressure relief, great motion isolation, suitable for many sleeping positions.
  • Cons: May retain heat, not ideal for hot sleepers unless gel-infused or ventilated. A cooling mattress can be beneficial for hot sleepers.
  • Best for: Side sleepers, back sleepers, and those seeking pressure relief.

Hybrid mattresses

Combining foam layers with innerspring coils, hybrid mattresses provide a balanced feel with support and contouring comfort. The foam layer in hybrid mattresses plays a crucial role in providing comfort and support. Hybrid options often offer increased breathability, making them suitable for hot sleepers.

  • Pros: Good edge support, responsive feel, balanced firmness.
  • Cons: Heavier than all-foam options, often higher-priced.
  • Best for: Combination sleepers, hot sleepers, and those needing added support.

Latex mattresses

Latex mattresses are responsive, hypoallergenic, and durable. They offer a firmer feel, which can be beneficial for stomach sleepers and those needing extra support. Natural latex options are also environmentally friendly. A latex bed is particularly beneficial for Murphy beds due to its quick responsiveness and temperature control.

  • Pros: Naturally cooling, responsive, durable.
  • Cons: Higher price point, limited selection.
  • Best for: Stomach sleepers, eco-conscious buyers, and those needing firm support. Latex beds are also suitable for stomach sleeping due to their firm support.

Innerspring mattresses

Known for their traditional feel, innerspring mattresses use coil systems for support, often layered with a thin foam comfort layer. They’re breathable and can provide a medium to firm feel, but may lack the contouring comfort of foam or hybrid options. A firm mattress, such as the Plank Firm, is ideal for stomach sleepers as it provides necessary spinal alignment and comfort.

  • Pros: Budget-friendly, breathable, supportive.
  • Cons: Limited pressure relief, potential motion transfer.
  • Best for: Back sleepers, hot sleepers, budget-conscious buyers.

Featured mattress: Inovabed Polysleep mattress

Designed specifically with Murphy beds in mind, the Inovabed Polysleep mattress features premium memory foam that contours perfectly while offering good support. The foam is gel-insulated, providing temperature regulation for hot sleepers, and the mattress has a medium-firm feel that suits a variety of sleep positions. With its innovative foam construction, the Polysleep Mattress also features:


  • Antimicrobial foam
  • Protects against allergens by preventing bacterial and dust mite build-up on your mattress.

  • Zero motion transfer
  • Eliminates motion transfer, ensuring you won't be disturbed by your partner's or pet's movements.

  • Supportive foam base
  • Distributes your weight evenly using millions of foam cells for superior comfort.

  • Removable cover
  • Say goodbye to worries about spills or stains with a breathable, liquid-repellent cover that's easy to unzip and wash.

  • Exclusive support frame
  • Prevents your memory foam mattress from sagging when sitting on the edge.


    Other Murphy bed mattress options

    Looking for alternatives to Inovabed? Here are some reliable choices from general retailers that work well with Murphy beds:

    Costco’s Novaform Memory Foam Mattress

    Description: Medium-firm feel with cooling gel for temperature regulation. This cooling mattress enhances comfort and sleep quality, especially for side sleepers using Murphy beds.

    Best for: Combination sleepers and hot sleepers. As a memory foam bed, it provides excellent pressure relief and body contouring.


    Ikea’s Morgedal Latex Mattress

    Description: All-latex design offers firm support with natural breathability. This latex bed is known for its quick responsiveness, temperature control, and durability, making it a great choice for Murphy beds.

    Best for: Stomach sleepers and those who prefer a firmer mattress.


    Amazon Basics Hybrid Mattress

    Description: Combines memory foam and pocket coils for comfort and support. This firm mattress is ideal for stomach sleepers, providing necessary spinal alignment and comfort.

    Best For: Combo sleepers seeking a balanced feel with added edge support.


    Wayfair’s Alwyn Home Innerspring Mattress

    Description: Traditional innerspring with a medium-firm feel, offering durability.

    Best For: Guest rooms and budget-friendly setups.


    Key considerations for choosing a Murphy bed mattress

    When selecting a mattress for your Murphy bed, keep these factors in mind:

    1. Mattress thickness: For a Murphy bed, a mattress thickness of 8-12 inches is often ideal, striking a balance between comfort and easy folding.
    2. Firmness level: Consider your sleep position. Stomach sleepers benefit from a firmer mattress, while side sleepers may prefer something softer for pressure relief. A firm mattress, such as the Plank Firm, provides necessary spinal alignment and comfort for stomach sleepers.
    3. Weight: Lighter mattresses are easier to fold and reduce stress on the Murphy bed frame, making options like memory foam and latex more ideal.
    4. Motion isolation: If you share the bed with a partner or have a guest room setup, a mattress with good motion isolation, like memory foam or a hybrid, helps prevent disturbances.
    5. Cooling features: For hot sleepers, look for cooling elements like gel-infused foam or breathable materials to avoid overheating. A cooling mattress can enhance comfort and sleep quality, especially for side sleepers using a Murphy bed.
    6. Edge support: A mattress with strong edge support, like a hybrid or innerspring, is beneficial for preventing sagging, especially in a compact setup like a Murphy bed.
    7. Materials: The construction of the mattress is crucial. A foam layer provides comfort and support, contributing to pressure relief and alignment. Latex beds offer quick responsiveness, temperature control, and durability, making them suitable for Murphy beds despite their weight and higher price. Memory foam beds are known for their pressure relief and body contouring, making them a comfortable and supportive choice.



    How to Install a Murphy Bed Mattress

    1. Check the frame: Make sure the bed frame is secure and level before placing the mattress. This ensures that the mattress lies flat when folded into the frame.
    2. Position the mattress: Lay the mattress onto the frame evenly, ensuring it fits within the recommended height and width constraints of the Murphy bed.
    3. Secure with straps: Most Murphy bed frames come with straps to hold the mattress in place. Use these straps to keep the mattress from shifting when opening and closing the bed.
    4. Regular maintenance: Periodically check the bed frame and mattress for any wear, especially if the bed is used frequently. Rotate the mattress every few months to promote even wear.

    Choosing Your Best Mattress for a Murphy Bed

    With so many factors to consider, the Inovabed Polysleep Mattress stands out for its quality construction, medium-firm support, and innovative cooling technology, making it one of the best Murphy bed mattresses on the market. Whether you prioritize pressure relief, motion isolation, or cooling, following these guidelines will help you find a mattress that meets your needs and enhances your Murphy bed experience.


    Investing in the right mattress is essential to enjoy the full comfort and convenience of your Murphy bed, so take time to review your options and consider your specific sleep requirements. Whether you’re setting up a guest room or your main sleeping space, a Murphy bed paired with the right mattress can offer you comfort, support, and space savings—without compromise.


    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: What is the best type of mattress for a Murphy bed? 

    A: Memory foam or a hybrid mattress typically works best because they strike a balance between comfort, flexibility, and ease of use.

    Q: How thick should a mattress be for a Murphy bed? 

    A: A mattress for a Murphy bed should be 11 inches or less in thickness to ensure it fits comfortably in the frame. Thicker mattresses could interfere with the bed’s mechanism.

    Q: What is the weight capacity of a Murphy bed? 

    A: The weight capacity of a Murphy bed varies depending on the model and manufacturer. Be sure to check the specifications of the bed to ensure it can support the weight of the mattress and sleeper. Generally, most Murphy beds can support between 500 to 1,000 pounds.

    Q: Can I use any type of mattress on a Murphy bed? 

    A: No, not all mattresses are compatible with Murphy beds. Look for a mattress that is specifically designed for this type of bed and meets the thickness and weight requirements. 

    Q: How do I choose the right mattress for my Murphy bed? 

    A: Consider your sleeping positions, height, weight, and any health issues when choosing a mattress for your Murphy bed. Also, review the mattress specifications and durability guidelines to understand how long you’ll sleep well on a particular mattress. Look for features like pressure relief, cooling technology, and motion isolation to enhance your sleep experience.

    By addressing these common questions, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect mattress for your Murphy bed, ensuring a comfortable and restful sleep every night.

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