We receive free products to review and participate in affiliate programs, where we are compensated for items purchased through links from our site. See our disclosure page for more information.
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed more than 150 mattresses, using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing. We assess each bed for support, cooling, firmness, pressure relief, and more.
We’ll be discussing our top picks for the best mattresses for a Murphy bed including factors like durability, size, comfort, and pressure relief.
If you live in a house or apartment where space is limited, a Murphy bed could be a great idea. A Murphy bed lets you store your mattress against the wall when you’re not using it.
What type of mattress is best for a Murphy bed? We’ve put together a list of the best mattresses for Murphy beds. Keep reading to find out which Murphy bed mattress is right for you.
Best Mattresses for Murphy Beds: Our Top Picks
Nectar Classic – Best Memory Foam Mattress for a Murphy Bed
Our team of sleep specialists have reviewed more than 150 mattresses, using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing to establish easy-to-understand scores. In addition to an overall score, we measure subscores for support, edge support, cooling, motion transfer, durability, trial period, and warranty.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
For this list, we compiled mattresses that should all work with Murphy beds. In addition, we selected a wide range of mattress types that scored well with regard to cooling, motion isolation, and support. Here are a few other key factors we considered specifically for this roundup:
Mattress Thickness
From both a practicality and safety standpoint, Murphy bed mattresses need to be thin enough to fit within the bed frame when stored, so of course the first thing to consider is whether the mattress thickness is compatible with the frame. Typically, a mattress between 8″ to 12″ works best. Anything thicker could prevent the bed from closing properly, so we veered toward selecting thinner mattresses. However, be sure to check the specific depth requirements of your Murphy bed.
Sleep Trial and Warranty
With the limitations of a Murphy bed frame, you run a greater risk of buying an incompatible mattress, even if you double-checked the measurements. The beds in this roundup all have solid warranties and sleep trial periods (120 nights at least), so you won’t need to fret if the mattress is a bust for the frame, or your sleep preferences.
Support and Durability
Lastly, we considered durability and support. With a Murphy bed being thinner, the materials need to be high-quality enough to provide robust support. Even if the bed is lesser used, like in guest room, you’ll want a mattress that maintains its shape and support over time. We selected beds with high-quality builds, such as multiple layers of memory foam or hybrid beds with pocketed coils, so you know you’ll have a bed that can withstand multiple foldings through the years.
Best Memory Foam Mattress for a Murphy Bed – Nectar
Best Memory Foam Mattress
Mattress Clarity Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.3
Nectar
Nectar Classic
Medium-Firm Feel
Motion Isolation
Pressure Relief
Foam mattress
365-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Black Friday Sale
Up to 50% off mattresses + spend $1,000 and save $100 See Details
The Nectar mattress is an all-foam mattress. It has a plush comfort layer followed by a thin layer of transition foam. At the bottom, there’s a layer of high-density base foam.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Nectar mattress a 6.5/10, which is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$699-$1,798 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Couples
This mattress isolates motion well, which means couples shouldn’t feel movement come over to their side of the bed.
Side Sleepers
It offers great pressure relief for side sleepers under 230 lbs.
Back Sleepers
The Nectar mattress offers plenty of support for most back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Pros of the Nectar Mattress
This mattress has a slow-moving feel. If you like mattresses that contour to your body, this could be a great option.
The Nectar mattress isolates motion well, which is helpful for people who share a bed with a partner or a pet.
It offers plenty of pressure relief for side sleepers who weigh less than 230 lb.
Cons of the Nectar Mattress
Even though it has cooling gel-infused foam, it’s not the best mattress for hot sleepers.
It’s not supportive enough for most stomach sleepers. In this position, you may feel your hips sink out of alignment, which can lead to lower back pain.
Because it’s an all-foam bed-in-a-box mattress, it has a 48-hour off-gassing period. You’ll need to let the mattress air out for two days before sleeping on it.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Forever warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period.
The Nectar is an affordable all-foam mattress that offers lots of pressure relief and body contouring. It works well for most side sleepers, because it helps cushion shoulders and hips. It is also a good option for couples, because it isolates motion well. However, the Nectar mattress isn’t supportive enough for most stomach sleepers and heavyweight people. If you tend to sleep hot at night, you may want to look for a mattress with more cooling features. Learn more in our Nectar mattress video review.
Our Expert’s Take
If you love the slow-moving feel of memory foam and are looking for a new mattress for your Murphy bed, consider the Nectar Classic. The Nectar is one of the most popular memory foam mattresses online and for good reasons. It features very comfortable foams that let you slowly sink into the mattress. Lying down, you’ll feel the Nectar conform to your curves and help all pressure melt away.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
3.8
Bear
Bear Original
Medium-Firm Feel
Affordable
Lifetime Warranty
Foam mattress
120-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Black Friday Sale
Use code BLACK35 for 35% off sitewide + 2 free pillows with mattress purchase See Details
The Bear Original is a memory foam mattress. It features softer foam layers for cushioning and firmer ones for support.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress 6.5/10. This is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$786-$1,690 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Side Sleepers
Great pressure relief for side sleepers under 230 lbs.
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros of the Bear Original Mattress
The Bear’s gel-infused memory foam can help hot sleepers stay cool throughout the night.
It’s an affordable option. A queen-size Bear mattress is less than $1,000, even before discounts.
Bear offers a lifetime warranty on this mattress. That means if you find any covered defects or indentations during the life of your mattress, they will replace it free of charge.
Cons of the Bear Original Mattress
This bed probably isn’t a good fit for side sleepers who weigh over 230 lbs.
Stomach sleepers likely won’t find this bed firm enough to keep their spine in proper alignment.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The Bear Original is a memory foam mattress with broad appeal. It provides good support and pressure relief for side and back sleepers who weigh less than 230 lbs and comes with plenty of cooling features. It isn’t firm enough for most sleepers who weigh more than 230 lbs, though. If you need a more supportive bed, check out the Plank Firm. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
Some of the best cooling mattresses come from Bear, a mattress brand that promotes temperature regulation and body recovery after a long day. The Bear Original is a mattress that is soft and supportive and made with materials like cooling gel foam, a breathable Tencel cover, and an optional Celliant cover that studies suggest can help with recovery and well-being. And since it’s all foam, it should fold up into the even smallest of Murphy beds without causing you to overheat, which is why it’s our pick as the best overall mattress for a Murphy bed.
Best Hybrid Mattress for a Murphy Bed – DreamCloud
Best Hybrid Mattress
Mattress Clarity Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.0
DreamCloud
DreamCloud Original
Firm Feel
Responsive
Affordable
Hybrid mattress
365-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Black Friday Sale
Up to 50% off mattresses + spend $1,000 and save $100 See Details
The DreamCloud is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress 7.5/10. This makes the mattress firmer than average.
Price
$839-$2,178 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Couples
Good balance of motion isolation and responsiveness.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros of the DreamCloud
It is a good option for back sleepers. While it is a bit firmer than average, its balance of comfort and support will keep the spine in neutral alignment.
You shouldn’t be sleeping too hot on this mattress. The breathable cover, gel-infused foam, and airflow-promoting coils should prevent the mattress from trapping heat.
You should never feel stuck in this mattress. The DreamCloud is bouncy and responsive, so you will have no trouble moving around and changing positions.
The DreamCloud is a good value option. Hybrid mattresses can be quite pricey, but the DreamCloud is surprisingly affordable.
Cons of the DreamCloud
Side sleepers will want to find a softer mattress to give them the pressure relief they need.
Fans of the slow-moving memory foam feel won’t get that feeling on the DreamCloud.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The DreamCloud is a hybrid mattress that offers great support for back sleepers and nice cooling for hot sleepers. Its mix of foam and coils ensures you get the right amount of support, while its breathable materials ensure you don’t sleep too hot. It is a bouncier mattress, and if you prefer more of a memory foam feel, consider the Nectar mattress. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
Hybrid mattresses combine the contouring comfort of a memory foam bed with the supportive bounce of an innerspring one. The DreamCloud is a great example of how this construction can create a versatile, comfortable bed. This budget-friendly mattress is a good fit for most back and some stomach sleepers. It may be too firm for side sleepers, though.
Pros of the DreamCloud
Offers a good balance of comfort and support for back sleepers
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.1
Helix
Helix Midnight
Medium-Firm Feel
Breathability
Motion Isolation
Hybrid mattress
100-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Black Friday Sale
Use code BF25 and save 25% off sitewide + 2 free pillows with mattress purchase See Details
The Helix Midnight is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress 6.5/10. This is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$936-$1,748 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, short queen, king, California king, RV king
Side Sleepers
Provides good pressure relief for side sleepers under 230 lbs.
Back Sleepers
This mattress offers good support and body contouring for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Couples
This bed absorbs motion well for a hybrid mattress, so couples shouldn’t notice their partner’s movements.
Pros of the Helix Midnight Mattress
The Helix Midnight mattress is a fantastic choice for back and side sleepers. It’s a perfect medium-firm mattress that offers a lot of comfort from the foam at the top with supportive coils at the bottom.
This mattress shouldn’t trap too much heat thanks to the coils, which allow for airflow. You also have the option to add a specialized cooling cover.
Hybrid mattresses can be bouncy and disturb others who are in bed, but the Helix Midnight absorbs motion very well for this type of mattress.
Cons of the Helix Midnight Mattress
This mattress is too soft to support stomach sleepers. The hips will dip into this bed over time, which can cause strain on the lower back.
While this bed absorbs motion well, it’s still a hybrid. If you don’t want that bouncy, coil feeling to your mattress, you should look for an all-foam bed.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10 years
Returns
Free returns during the trial period
The Helix Midnight is Helix’s most popular model because of its medium-firmness and works well for back and side sleepers. The top layers of foam provide good pressure relief, but the coils offer a good amount of support. It won’t trap heat thanks to those coils, and you can even opt for a cooling cover. Be sure to watch our video review to learn more about the Helix Midnight.
Our Expert’s Take
The Helix Midnight is a popular mattress with side sleepers for good reason. Its medium-firm feel offers a good level of firmness for most back and side sleepers looking for enough pressure relief to keep their spines in proper alignment. While it’s a great choice for folks who weigh less than 230 lbs, heavyweight sleepers will probably want to opt for something with more support. The same is true for stomach sleepers.
Pros of the Helix Midnight
Medium-firm feel works for wide range of sleepers
Good motion isolation
Solid edge support
Cons of the Helix Midnight
Probably not supportive enough for sleepers who weigh over 230 lbs
Stomach sleepers will likely need a firmer mattress
Hybrid mattresses may warp when used in Murphy beds
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.2
Nolah
Nolah Original
Soft Feel
Affordable
Pressure Relief
Foam mattress
120-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Black Friday Sale
35% off sitewide + 2 free pillows + $150 off BedJet with mattress purchase See Details
The Nolah Original is an all-foam mattress. It has high-density base foam at the bottom and comfort foam on top.
Firmness
The Nolah mattress feels softer than average. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated it a 6/10. For reference, 6.5/10 represents the industry standard of medium-firm.
Price
$999-$2,398 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, short queen, queen, short king, king, California king, split king
Couples
This mattress has good edge support and motion isolation.
Hot Sleepers
There’s a layer of breathable comfort foam on top, which helps promote airflow.
Side Sleepers
This mattress offers great pressure relief for side sleepers under 230 lb.
Pros of the Nolah
It offers lots of pressure relief, which can be helpful for side sleepers who have back or hip pain.
It’s sold at a budget-friendly price, and it should last at least seven years.
The breathable comfort layer contains AirFoam, which is cooler than traditional memory foam.
Cons of the Nolah
Back sleepers who weigh more than 230 lb may not get enough lumbar support.
It’s not supportive enough for most stomach sleepers.
It lacks a bouncy and responsive feel.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The Nolah Original is an all-foam mattress that feels softer than average. It contains proprietary AirFoam, which is more breathable than traditional memory foam. For this reason, it works well for hot sleepers. This mattress offers plenty of pressure relief for many side sleepers, but it may not be supportive enough for some back and stomach sleepers. Watch our Nolah mattress review video.
Our Expert’s Take
If you experience back pain and sleep on a Murphy bed, take a look at the Nolah Original mattress. This medium-soft foam mattress features a great balance of comfort and support that research suggests can help keep your spine neutrally aligned. This can prevent and help ease back pain you may be suffering from. In addition, the Nolah Original will conform to the shape of your body, offering potential pain relief for your joints.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
Multiple firmness options: Soft, Medium, and Firm. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Medium model a 7/10, which is slightly firmer than the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$1,199-$1,999 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros of the WinkBeds GravityLux
Since this bed comes in three different firmness options, sleepers can choose the firmness level that’s closest to their unique needs.
The Tencel cover and gel-infused foam help this bed sleep cool, even for typically hot sleepers.
This mattress offers a balanced foam feel with plenty of spinal support.
Cons of the WinkBeds GravityLux
This likely isn’t the best option for sleepers who weigh more than 230 lbs.
There are more affordable memory foam mattresses out there.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The GravityLux is WinkBeds’s only all-foam mattress model. Available in three firmness levels, this bed offers options that should work for many people and sleeps relatively cool for a memory foam mattress. It probably isn’t supportive enough for sleepers who weigh over 230 lbs, though, so if you’re looking for a firmer bed, check out the WinkBed Plus. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
Do you sleep with a partner on a Murphy bed? If so, the WinkBeds GravityLux is going to be a great option. The GravityLux features great motion isolation, preventing you and your partner from disturbing each other during the night. In addition, the WinkBed comes in multiple firmness options, so you can choose the firmness that works right for both of you. And, the WinkBed’s cooling features will help keep couples from overheating.
Pros of the WinkBeds GravityLux
Features comfortable, breathable memory foam
Comes in multiple firmness options
Offers a balanced foam feel
Cons of the WinkBeds GravityLux
Lacks a very slow-moving feel
Likely not supportive enough for sleepers over 230 lbs
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The Loom & Leaf is a memory foam mattress, with four foam layers for cooling and comfort.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Relaxed Firm and Firm. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Relaxed Firm model a 7/10, which is slightly firmer than the industry standard medium-firm.
Price
$1,595 – $3,390 (before discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king
Back Pain
If you suffer from back pain, the Loom & Leaf offers excellent spinal support.
Side Sleepers
Excellent contouring for lightweight, average and heavy weight side sleepers.
Couples
Excellent motion isolation makes the bed great for couples.
Pros of the Loom & Leaf
Available in two firmness options, which helps sleepers of all sizes get a fitting.
The slow-moving feel of the bed is appealing to memory foam mattress lovers.
The bed has excellent motion isolation, an ideal quality for couples.
Cons of the Loom & Leaf
Not designed for heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Might feel too firm for lightweight sleepers.
Shipping
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period. A removal fee of $99 will be deducted from your refund.
The Loom & Leaf mattress uses four layers of foam, including gel infused foam, for a cooling and contouring night’s sleep. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
If you want the absolute best mattress for your Murphy bed, the Loom & Leaf should be right up your alley. The Loom & Leaf features multiple layers of foam and offers that slow-moving memory foam feel. The foams are high-density, meaning that they are durable. Murphy beds can put a strain on and warp low-quality memory foam mattresses, but this will not be an issue with the Loom & Leaf. It will likely stay comfortable and supportive for many years to come.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.0
Brooklyn Bedding
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
Multiple Firmnesses
Affordable
Responsive
Hybrid mattress
120-night trial period
Free shipping
Black Friday Sale
Use code BFRIDAY30 for 30% off sitewide See Details
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Soft, Medium, and Firm. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Medium model a 6.5/10, which is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$665-$1,599 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, short full, queen, short queen, king, short king, Olympic queen, California king, split California king, RV king
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Couples
Good balance of motion isolation and responsiveness.
Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature is a budget-friendly mattress. It’s a good fit for shoppers looking for an affordable, versatile bed.
Combination sleepers will find it easy to change positions on this bed. Thanks to its bouncy coil construction, the Signature offers a very responsive surface.
Back and side sleepers under 230 lbs can expect great pressure relief and support on this bed.
Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature
This bed doesn’t provide much motion isolation.
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature isn’t a luxury mattress.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period. A removal fee of $99 will be deducted from your refund.
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature is an affordable, no-frills bed with a medium-firm feel that should work for a wide variety of sleepers. While it’s made with durable materials and should last up to 10 years, it isn’t the most luxurious option. If you’re looking for a premium bed, check out the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
When you’re looking for a mattress for your Murphy bed, you don’t want to break the bank. Brooklyn Bedding offers some of the best value mattresses because they own their own factory. This allows them to price their mattresses more competitively while not skimping on quality. The brand’s most popular model is the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid. It features supportive coils, high-density foam, and some nice cooling features. You’ll be sleeping comfortably on your Murphy bed without hurting your wallet.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.2
Brooklyn Bedding
Plank Firm
Firm Feel
Flippable
Supportive
Foam mattress
120-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Black Friday Sale
Use code BFRIDAY30 for 30% off sitewide See Details
The Plank Firm is a flippable mattress with two firmness levels on each side. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the softer side a 8/10. The firmer side comes in at a 9/10.
Price
$749-$1,532 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, short full, full, short queen, queen, olympic queen, short king, split king, split california king, California king, RV king
Stomach Sleepers
It offers ample hip support for most stomach sleepers, especially on the firmer side.
Heavyweight Sleepers
This mattress has a thick comfort layer and sturdy coils that can handle heavier weights.
Pros of the Plank Firm
It has a flippable design, so you can easily change its firmness level by turning the mattress over.
It’s the firmest mattress we have tested, so if you need a lot of spinal support, this is a good option.
It works well for stomach sleepers because it helps keep hips elevated and in the correct alignment.
Cons of the Plank Firm
This mattress is too firm for most side sleepers.
Because it’s made entirely out of foam, it tends to trap body heat.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The Plank Firm mattress is one of the most supportive mattresses on the market. It has a flippable design, with two firmness levels in one. On our firmness scale, the the softer side feels like a 8/10 and the firmer side feels like a 9/10. Both sides tend to work well for stomach sleepers, but most side sleepers won’t get enough pressure relief on this bed. Watch our video review to learn more.
Our Expert’s Take
The Plank checks all of the boxes when it comes to finding a firm mattress for your Murphy bed. The flippable bed gives you two firm options in one bed, packaged into one bed for an affordable price. The firm construction also makes the Plank a great option for stomach sleepers, who are likely to feel excellent support and no slumping of the hips. One thing to keep in mind: Plank won’t be the most cooling mattress. Accessories like a cooling mattress protector and cooling sheets can definitely help mitigate this though.
Pros of the Plank Firm
Offers comfort and support for stomach sleeping
Bouncy, responsive foam makes it easy to change positions
Flippable design adds durability and firmness options
Cons of the Plank Firm
Even for firm mattress aficionados, both sides may feel too firm
Side sleepers will likely prefer a softer mattress
Simply put, Murphy beds allow you to store your mattress vertically when you are not using it. This gives you more space to use the room for other activities when you are not using the bed.
Murphy beds work on a hinged system so that the bed folds down from the wall or Murphy bed frame. Some Murphy beds contain springs or a hydraulic piston system to make it easier to pull down and put up your mattress.
Your weight and the weight of your mattress help keep the bed down during the night. In addition, some Murphy beds feature locking mechanisms to ensure they do not pop up unexpectedly.
Best Type Of Mattress For A Murphy Bed
Memory foam mattresses are usually the best fit for Murphy beds. They are usually thinner and hold their shape better when stored vertically. However, you want to make sure you find a more durable foam mattress that will not sag or bend too easily. A cheaper mattress could lose its shape while it is stored in a Murphy bed.
Hybrid mattresses can work in Murphy beds, but they aren’t as good of an option as memory foam mattresses. When coil mattresses are stored vertically, there is a chance the coils could start to bend and warp. Make sure to read your mattress warranty before pairing with a Murphy bed.
How To Install A Murphy Bed
There are a few different types of Murphy beds, and they have different installation processes. For instance, if the Murphy bed is not wall mounted, it’s as simple as building the Murphy bed based on the instructions and then pushing it against the wall.
However, even if the Murphy bed does not call for wall mounts, we still recommend using them. A stud finder will help you locate your load-bearing wall beam. Then, using a drill and angle brackets, secure your Murphy bed to the wall. This will help prevent the Murphy bed from tipping forward.
Memory foam mattresses are the best fit for Murphy beds. They will retain their shape and shouldn’t warp when staying upright.
Do Murphy beds take a regular mattress?
You can fit most standard mattresses on a Murphy bed. However, you don’t want something too thick, and coil mattresses might warp when you put them into the wall.
How thick should a Murphy bed mattress be?
It depends on the Murphy bed you have, but most won’t accommodate a mattress that is much thicker than 12″.
Subscribe to Mattress Clarity!
Get special coupons, discounts, and giveaways!
Marten Carlson
Lead Mattress Reviewer
About Author
Marten has been writing about mattresses and sleep health for six years. He is the lead reviewer at Mattress Clarity where he tests mattresses, bedding, and sleep accessories.
In his role here, Marten’s reviewed over 500 mattresses and 150 sleep accessories (so you can rest assured that if he recommends a product, it’s been put through the wringer in our Austin studio). In addition, he has written more than 400 articles reviewing the quality of sleep and sleep products as well as sleep health. He’s especially interested in the correlation between sleep and mental health.
Marten’s also got a personal stake in sleep health. After writing dozens of pieces on the dangers of sleep apnea, he decided to get tested for the condition. Realizing he did, in fact, suffer from sleep apnea, he immediately started using a CPAP machine. He knows all too well the importance of a healthy night’s sleep and is passionate about helping others get the healthy, restorative sleep they deserve.
He received his bachelor’s degree in Film Production from Denison University and his master’s degree in Film Studies from Emory University.