Best Mattress For A Murphy Bed (2024)

Written by Julia Forbes, Lead Product Tester

Our Testing Process

Here at Sleep Advisor, our Sleep Certified experts use a refined mattress and product testing process to give you unbiased product suggestions… Read our full product review process.

In This Article

Looking for a mattress for a Murphy Bed? We’re here to help.

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Having a small sleep space doesn’t mean you have to compromise sleep quality. Murphy Beds are a great option if you live in an apartment or have limited space for a larger size bed.

If you have a Murphy bed, we’ve had created a list of the best Murphy bed mattresses available.

Our Top Pick for The Best Murphy Bed Mattress

The Nectar mattress earned our top pick for the best Murphy bed mattress due to its all-foam construction (great for storage) and pressure-relieving capabilities. Plus, you can’t beat the price for this quality!

Best Mattresses for Murphy Beds

• Nectar – Best Overall 
• Puffy Cloud – Best 10-Inch Mattress for a Murphy Bed
• Helix Midnight – Best Hybrid Mattress for a Murphy Bed
• Nolah Original – Best Cooling Mattress for a Murphy Bed
• GravityLux – Best Murphy Bed Mattress for Back Pain
• Loom & Leaf – Best Luxury Mattress for a Murphy Bed
• Plank – Best Firm Mattress for a Murphy Bed
• Bear Mattress Original – Best Cheap Mattress for a Murphy Bed
• DreamFoam Essential – Best Murphy Bed Mattress for Kids

Compare Murphy Bed Mattresses

	Nectar Mattress	Puffy Cloud Mattress	Helix Midnight Mattress	Nolah Original 10″ Mattress	WinkBeds GravityLux Mattress	Loom & Leaf Mattress	Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Luxe Mattress	Bear Mattress	Dreamfoam Essential Memory Foam Mattress
Rating	4.7/5	5.0/5	4.5/5	4.8/5	4.8/5	4.8/5	4.7/5	4.7/5	4.7/5
Firmness	Medium-firm: 6.5/10	Medium-firm: 6.5/10	Soft: 6/10	Soft: 5/10	Soft: 6/10	Multiple firmness options	Multiple firmness options	Medium-firm: 6.5/10	Firm: 7.5/10
Material	Foam	Foam	Hybrid	Foam	Foam	Foam	Hybrid	Foam	Foam
Cooling	—	—	—	—		—			—
Warranty	Lifetime warranty	Lifetime warranty	10-year warranty	Lifetime warranty	Lifetime warranty	Lifetime warranty	10-year warranty	Lifetime warranty	10-year warranty
Shipping	Free shipping	Free shipping	Free shipping	Free shipping	Free shipping	Free shipping	Free shipping minus HI and AK	Free shipping	Free shipping
Trial Period	365 nights	101 nights	100 nights	120 nights	120 nights	365 nights	120 Nights	120 nights	120 nights
Best For	Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain, Joint Pain	Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Back Pain, Kids	Couples, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers	Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers	Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers	Back Pain, Side Sleepers	Hot Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Couples	Hot Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers	Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers
	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology

9 Best Murphy Bed Mattresses

Nectar – Best Overall

Why the Nectar Earned Best Mattress for a Murphy Bed Overall

The Nectar earned our top spot because it meets plenty of the criteria for working with a Murphy bed (and, well, it’s a pretty great mattress overall). All-foam beds tend to work better for folding up and into storage, and this is especially true for the Nectar; it’s also only 12 inches thick to better fit inside small spaces.

The Nectar should also provide a top-notch pressure-relieving, supportive sleep surface that can accommodate most back and side sleepers—and all at a reasonable price. 

What’s the Nectar Made Of?

The Nectar stands 12 inches tall and has five layers including the top and bottom covers. The breathable top cover is made up of polyethylene fibers that take in excess heat.

Then comes the CertiPUR-US® certified foam layers. First, a 2-inch gel memory foam layer makes the surface of the bed super pressure-relieving. Next, 3 inches of responsive foam help the bed react to your movements. Finally, 7 inches of dense foam make up the durable foundation of the bed.

A lower cover keeps the mattress and all its layers in the proper place.

My Take: When it comes to value, quality, and policies, the Nectar reigns supreme. A mattress like this priced at under $1,000 is getting harder and harder to come by.

What I Liked

• Isolates motion like a pro – The Nectar’s all-foam construction lends itself well to keeping motion relegated to one side of the mattress. Folks who sleep with a partner shouldn’t get woken up by their movements.
• Generous policy – Nectar offers a 365-night sleep trial, which is the longest one on this list. Your mattress also comes with what they call a “Forever Warranty,” along with free shipping and returns.

Potential Drawbacks

• Not for stomach sleepers – Though the Nectar is supportive enough for most back and side sleepers, those who prefer to lie on their stomachs may find their hips sinking too far into the foam layers.
• Lacking bounce – The foams that make this mattress great for pressure relief and motion isolation unfortunately dampen its response time. If you want a truly bouncy bed, check out the hybrids on this list.

Customer Reviews of the Nectar

With thousands of reviews on Nectar’s website, the Nectar mattress has an average 4.8 out of 5 stars. One common customer complaint about the Nectar mattress is its longer-than-average break-in period, while many customers praise its excellent value and comfort once fully settled.

Want to learn more? Read our full Nectar mattress review or explore our picks for the Best Mattresses of 2024.

Puffy Cloud – Best 10-In Mattress for a Murphy Bed

Why the Puffy Cloud Earned Best 10-inch Mattress for a Murphy Bed

The Puffy Cloud packs a lot into just 10 inches of mattress, so nothing is sacrificed for the space-saving design. It also weighs only 48 pounds, making it the lightest mattress on this list. 

Feel-wise, you’re looking at a mattress that’s soft as a cloud but will also ensure you stay lifted up like one. Excelling at pressure relief and motion isolation, the Puffy Cloud should do well for sleepers looking for a comfortable, compact mattress to fit their Murphy bed. 

What’s the Puffy Cloud Made Of?

The Puffy Cloud is 10 inches thick and composed of three foam layers and two covers. The top cover is stain-resistant, removable, and hypoallergenic.

Next come two layers of temperature-regulating foams: 2 inches of cradling Cooling Cloud™ foam and 2 inches of breathable Climate Comfort™ foam. The support layer of the mattress is a 6-inch base layer of dense foam.

Finally, the Grip Base Cover mitigates unwanted slipping (which is especially important if you’re flipping your mattress up and down from the wall!).

My Take: All the foam layers in this mattress work to keep your spine supported and tension off pressure points, particularly for side sleepers. The American Chiropractic Association actually certified this mattress for promoting proper alignment.

What I Liked

• A side sleeper’s dream – The Puffy balances softness and support for the ideal side-sleeping experience. It should lift the body parts that need a boost while relieving pressure buildup around common problem areas.
• Motion-dampening – The Puffy Cloud’s plush top layers of foam should ensure that co-sleepers don’t feel each other’s movements on the bed’s surface.

Potential Drawbacks

• Too soft for some – Stomach sleepers and heavier folks might prefer a firmer mattress that doesn’t sink too far and instead gives them the added lift that they need.
• No edge support – The foam perimeter of the Puffy Cloud isn’t reinforced, making sleeping or sitting on the edge of the bed difficult. It’s likely to sag under any applied weight.

Customer Reviews of the Puffy Cloud

The Puffy Cloud rates 4.9 out of 5 on Puffy’s website. Customers often praise the Puffy Cloud mattress for its plush comfort and excellent motion isolation, but some have mentioned it might be too soft for those who prefer a firmer feel.

Read our in-depth Puffy Cloud mattress review to learn more.

Helix Midnight – Best Hybrid Mattress for a Murphy Bed

Why the Helix Midnight Earned Best Hybrid Mattress for a Murphy Bed

Hybrids aren’t generally recommended for Murphy beds since the mattress will be upright for most of the day, putting the coils at risk of distortion. But if you’re set on a springy, breathable construction, we recommend you check out the Helix Midnight.

The Midnight is just under a foot tall, making it a thinner hybrid better suited for storage in a Murphy bed setup. It has foams for comfort and springs beneath for bounce, an all-around solid bed.

What’s the Helix Midnight Made Of?

The Helix Midnight is 11.5 inches thick and has five layers plus a cover. You can choose from the standard Soft Touch cover or a cooling cover with GlacioTex™ fibers for an additional price.

Underneath the cover are three layers of foam: a pressure-relieving memory foam and two layers of responsive foam for contouring and support, respectively. Then comes the innerspring unit, which consists of up to 1,000 individually wrapped coils reinforced along the long edges of the mattress. 

The bottom layer is made of dense foam to keep the mattress steady.

Our Take: “It definitely has good response and bounce. I can move and adjust positions, no problem… A killer value for the money.” – Emma Mattei, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester

What We Liked

• Decent motion isolation – Hybrid beds aren’t typically known for their motion isolation, but we thought the Helix Midnight did a decent job preventing shaking across its surface. If you share the bed with a partner, it’s a good choice.
• Pressure-relieving – The comfort foams on top of the springs can relieve pressure buildup around the hips and shoulders for side sleepers, another thing we found surprising about this robust hybrid.

Potential Drawbacks

• Not for stomach sleepers – People who prefer to sleep on their stomachs may find the bed too soft in this position and should look for a firmer mattress instead
• Too firm for lighter folks – On the other hand, some petite sleepers might think the Midnight doesn’t sink enough to feel comfortable for them. 

Customer Reviews of the Helix Midnight

The Helix Midnight rates 4.5 stars out of 5 on Helix’s website. The main negative is that reviewers tend to find it too soft for their liking and feel as though they’re sinking. But overall, users say they’re getting a great nights’ sleep and some pain relief.

Need more info? Read our Helix Midnight mattress review or explore the best hybrid beds.

Nolah Original – Best Cooling Mattress for a Murphy Bed

Why the Nolah Original Earned Best Cooling Mattress for a Murphy Bed

Beds made up entirely of foam notoriously run hot, making it a nightmare for sleepers who want that iconic cradle without getting sweaty. Nolah sought to eliminate this problem with their proprietary AirFoam™. With an open-celled design and none of the heat-trapping viscoelastics found in typical memory foams, it’s highly breathable and cooling.

The Nolah Original is also 10 inches thick, making it compatible with most Murphy beds. Its sturdy foam construction guards against warping when you store it for the day.

What’s the Nolah Original Made Of?

The Nolah Original has four layers and stands 10 inches tall. First up is a soft and breathable Tencel™ cover.

Underneath is the first foam layer: 2 inches of AirFoam™ for a cool, cushioning surface. Then an inch of high-resilience foam gives the bed its bounce. Finally, a 7-inch core of dense foam acts as the sturdy, supportive foundation of the bed.

Our Take: “This bed is stellar for most sleepers… It’s great for people who want cooling.” – Stuart Petty, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester

What We Liked

• Bouncy for foam –  Stuart noted that Nolah’s AirFoam™ responded much more quickly than typical memory foam. He noted that “repositioning should be fairly simple, as your body doesn’t leave an impression in the foams.”
• Pretty good edges – Foam beds are usually more prone to sagging, but we thought the Nolah Original’s edges held up fairly well. You should still feel supported lying or sitting near the perimeter of the mattress.

Potential Drawbacks

• Very soft – This bed is very soft, which is a plus for some people. But if you’re looking for something in the medium to firm range, steer clear.
• Lacking support for stomach sleepers – The Nolah Original’s softness makes it difficult for most stomach sleepers to get crucial lift under the hips. Go for a firmer bed if that’s the case.

Customer Reviews of the Nolah Original

On Nolah’s website, the Nolah Original has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Some customers have noted that the Nolah Original mattress may have less edge support, yet many customers praise its superior pressure relief as a significant advantage.

Read our full Nolah Original mattress review or discover our picks for the best cooling mattresses.

GravityLux – Best Murphy Bed for Back Pain

Why the GravityLux Earned Best Murphy Bed Mattress for Back Pain

The GravityLux by WinkBeds is an all-foam mattress with a firmer feel that makes it great for folks with back pain, as foams cushion and cradle the body while also bolstering problem areas like the lumbar region. Customers on the WinkBeds site rave that the GravityLux has seemingly solved all their back woes.

Coming in at 11 inches tall, the GravityLux is also a great fit for Murphy beds. It’s on the thinner side, and its sturdy construction should ensure it maintains its shape.

What’s the GravityLux Made Of?

The GravityLux has three foam layers (plus a cover) and a thickness of 11 inches. The Tencel™ cover is tufted with some gel-infused foam for a truly cool sleep surface.

Next up is proprietary AirCell™ memory foam, perforated to allow for airflow while cushioning pressure points. Then, a layer of Progression Foam™ features zones that provide either stabilizing lift and or cozy give for different areas of the body. Finally, the foundation of the mattress consists of ATLAS Core™ foam, a super dense foam meant to prevent sagging and prolong the durability of the mattress.

My Take: WinkBeds’ all-foam mattress delivers when it comes to cushioning, contouring, and support. Sleepers suffering from back pain should appreciate this combination and hopefully get some relief from their symptoms.

What We Liked

• Hypoallergenic construction – A Tencel™ cover and CertiPUR-US® certified foams make up the bed’s construction. These materials meet high standards for safety and shouldn’t exacerbate allergies that might otherwise keep you up with the sniffles.
• Customizable – There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to beds, so we’re grateful the GravityLux comes in multiple firmness options. Choose between Soft, Medium, and Firm to fit your specific needs.

Potential Drawbacks

• Not for heavier sleepers – The GravityLux can hold up to 900 pounds, but we still thought it might not give the best support to folks who weigh over 200 pounds. These sleepers may sink too far into the foam layers of this bed.
• Average edges – There’s nothing special added to the GravityLux’s perimeter to ensure it doesn’t sag, so if you’re someone who sleeps or sits at the edges, be wary of possible sinkage.

Customer Reviews of the GravityLux

On the WinkBeds website, the GravityLux scores a 4.8 stars out of 5. Customers appreciate the WinkBed GravityLux mattress for its exceptional support and durability, but some have reported that it may not be as responsive to pressure relief as they expected.

Looking for more details? Read our GravityLux mattress review or explore the Best Mattresses for Back Pain.

Loom & Leaf – Best Luxury Mattress for a Murphy Bed

Why the Loom & Leaf Earned Best Luxury Mattress for a Murphy Bed

The Loom & Leaf by Saatva packs a whopping five different layers of foam into just 12 inches of mattress, which is more than can be said of the others on this list (and the broader all-foam market). This luxury bed has all the comfortable cradling of foam without that “swallowed-up” feeling that many sleepers hate. 

Thankfully, its sumptuous plush surface still retains some bounce for easy repositioning and cooling capability for hot sleepers. Plus, even though it’s got all these fancy features, we think it’s reasonably priced.

What’s the Loom & Leaf Made Of?

The Loom & Leaf comes in a Relaxed Firm or Firm feel. It stands 12 inches tall and has six layers including its cover. Said cover is made up of antimicrobial-treated organic cotton for a breathable, clean surface. It’s also specially quilted in the center to lift the lower back.

Next is what Saatva calls a “lumbar crown,” a memory foam strip that helps promote correct spinal alignment with added pressure relief. Then, a 2-inch layer of cooling, perforated memory foam gives the bed its contouring surface. Underneath that is a denser 2.5-inch foam core for support and “deep body-hugging.” A 2-inch layer of foam defines the firmness of the mattress and transitions into the base layer, which is a 5.5-inch-thick foam foundation.

Our Take: “Overall, Loom & Leaf is soft and luxurious, but doesn’t sacrifice any support. If you’re looking for a memory foam bed that keeps you more cradled to the surface, you should love this bed.” – Stuart, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester

What We Liked

• White glove delivery – Saatva offers free white glove delivery with all of their orders, meaning they’ll come to your house to install your new mattress. They’ll also remove your old one, hassle-free.
• Unique foam feeling – Stuart noticed that this bed has all the cradling of memory foam without any of the annoying sinkage. He called it a “hammock” that should keep you at the surface.

Potential Drawbacks

• Pricey – As a luxury mattress, this bed has a higher price point, and it’s actually the most expensive on this list. A queen will cost you about $2,400.
• Lacks support for some – Heavyweight sleepers and those who prefer stomach-sleeping may find the Loom & Leaf too soft for their needs, even when it comes to the firmest model.

Customer Reviews of the Loom & Leaf

On Saatva’s website, the Loom & Leaf has more than 500 reviews and an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars. The most common complaint from buyers is that it feels firmer than they anticipated, but the vast majority of reviews cite Saatva’s thoughtful customer service and credit the bed with helping to alleviate stiffness and aches.

Read our Loom & Leaf mattress review or browse the Best Luxury Mattresses.

Plank Firm – Best Firm Mattress for a Murphy Bed

Why the Plank Firm Earned Best Firm Mattress for a Murphy Bed

If you’re a fan of firm beds and want one that’ll fit a Murphy bed, check out the Plank Firm by Brooklyn Bedding. Harkening back to caveman times, this flippable mattress has a hard-as-a-rock side—as well as a traditional firm side for the less-adventurous sleeper.

The Plank Firm stands just under 10 inches tall, which means it’ll fold up into a Murphy bed easily. Even with that low profile, it should support you and evenly distribute your weight.

What’s the Plank Firm Made Of?

The Plank Firm is a flippable mattress with four total layers and a thickness of 9.5 inches. It has two mirrored sides: an extra-firm side and a traditional firm side.

The extra-firm side is topped with a 0.75-inch quilted top that’s stitched to allow absolutely no loft. The traditional firm side’s 0.75-inch top is stitched to allow for a little bit of loft. Underneath the traditional side’s top is also a 2-inch layer of dense, firm TitanFlex™ foam for responsiveness.

The core between these two sides is made up of 6 inches of dense foam.

My Take: Plank designed this bed after minimalist sleep mats and futons in Asia to provide the firmest sleep experience. Thus, the Plank Firm is one of the firmest in the online mattress market—giving new meaning to it being a “solid” choice.

What I Liked

• Flippable – If you waffle between needing some give from your bed vs. absolutely none, the Plank should give you the best of both worlds. Easily flip from rock-hard to typical firm when you deem it fit.
• Super supportive – Stomach sleepers and heavier folks alike who need crucial support should appreciate the Plank Firm’s unyielding surface keeping them aloft.

Potential Drawbacks

• Can be too firm – When we say firm, we mean it. If you’re not quite sure you want a firm mattress, steer clear of the Plank. It’s just as bracing as its namesake.
• No built-in cooling – The Plank Firm is an all-foam mattress and therefore might overheat. But if you want your bed to have some cooling, you’ll have to pay: a GlacioTex™ Cooling Cover for both sides can be added at checkout.

Customer Reviews of the Plank Firm

On Plank’s website, the Plank Firm gets 4.8 out of 5 stars. Customers appreciate the Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm mattress for its exceptional firmness, but some have found it to be too rigid for their comfort preferences.

Read our Plank Firm mattress review or check out our picks for the Best Firm Beds.

Bear Original – Best Cheap Murphy Bed Mattress

Why the Bear Original Earned Best Cheap Mattress for a Murphy Bed

Looking to save on space and cash? Bear’s flagship model has you covered. It comes in at under $1,000 for a queen—even before frequent sales or coupons.

The Bear Original has a middle-ground medium-firm feel with stiffer foams, allowing it to accommodate a variety of body types and sleep positions. Its 10-inch height is also perfect for compact Murphy beds.

What’s the Bear Original Made Of?

At 10 inches thick, the Bear Original is made up of three foam layers and a cover. It comes with a breathable Tencel™ cover, but for an added fee, you can upgrade to a Celliant®-infused cover. This material reportedly works to promote muscle recovery, a boon for athletic sleepers.

Underneath are the bed’s foam layers. First, a gel memory foam that seeks to keep you cool while properly aligning your body. Next, Bear’s dynamic foam ensures you don’t sink in too far as the layer relieves pressure. Finally, a high-density support foam makes up the base of the mattress.

Our Take: “It’s a little firmer than the typical all-foam mattress, which should make it a little bit more versatile for different kinds of sleepers.” – Stuart, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester

What We Liked

Celliant® upgrade – If you choose to add the Celliant® cover to this bed, you could reap the benefits of enhanced recovery. This fiber purportedly uses excess heat from your body and converts it into infrared energy, which then promotes the recuperation of tired muscles. Bear claims you should wake up feeling especially rejuvenated thanks to this textile.

Firm foams – The bed’s firmer feel makes it more adaptable for all kinds of sleepers and positions. You should get some cushioning without sacrificing any crucial support.

Potential Drawbacks

• Tough for lighter folks – The Bear’s uniquely firm-for-foam feel might make it a bit difficult for sleepers of a lighter weight. They probably won’t get the most cradling effect.
• Not as bouncy – If you toss and turn, the Bear Original’s all-foam makeup may hinder your ease of repositioning. It doesn’t have the same buoyancy as a hybrid mattress with coils.

Customer Reviews of the Bear Original

According to Bear’s website, the Bear Original scores about 4.5 out of 5 stars. Customers appreciate the Bear Original mattress for its excellent pressure relief but have reported that its edge support may be lacking, which could affect those who use the full mattress surface.

Have questions? Read our Bear mattress review or explore our picks for the Best Cheap Mattresses.

Dreamfoam Essential – Best Murphy Bed for Kids

Why the Dreamfoam Essential Earned Best Murphy Bed Kids

The DreamFoam Essential comes in 6, 8, and 10-inch models, a great option for a child’s Murphy bed. It packs a lot of firmness into these thin layers, so it should still provide excellent support.

It’s also incredibly affordable, the cheapest mattress on this list and one of the most affordable on the market.

What’s the DreamFoam Essential Made Of?

The DreamFoam comes in a variety of heights, ranging from 6 to 14 inches. But for the 6-, 8-, and 10-inch varieties, you’ll have two layers of foam plus a stain-resistant cover.

The first layer is gel swirl memory foam for a cooling, responsive sleep surface. Underneath is the foundation of the mattress, a high-density foam that bolsters support.

Our Take: “The Dreamfoam Essential is probably one of the most affordable mattresses on the market. If you’re looking to save some money on your next mattress, this is probably one of the best options out there.” – Stuart, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester

What We Liked

• Variety – This mattress comes in more heights than any other mattress on this list: a total of five thicknesses. You can customize it to ensure it fits your Murphy bed, RV, or guest bedroom.
• Budget-friendly – A queen comes in at just above $500, which is almost too good to be true. Mattress shopping for kids can be tough since they grow fast, so the Dreamfoam Essential is perfect for a transitional bed.

Potential Drawbacks

• Not for side sleepers – The Dreamfoam Essential is pretty firm, even though it’s pretty thin. This firmness can be supportive for many back and stomach sleepers, but side sleepers may find it lacking the right amount of pressure relief.
• Simple – At a nice price, you’re getting a pretty bare-bones mattress. It should have everything needed for a comfortable night’s rest, but if you’re wanting more frills, you’ll have to upgrade.

Customer Reviews of the Dreamfoam Essential

On DreamFoam’s website, the DreamFoam Essential ranks 4.7 out of 5 stars. Customers noted a potential downside of the DreamFoam Essential mattress is that it may not be as durable as some higher-end mattresses, but it offers an affordable option with decent comfort and support.

Read our in-depth Dreamfoam Essential mattress review or browse the Best Beds for Kids.

What Is a Murphy Bed?

A Murphy bed is a bed that is hinged to the wall. It can be folded down when in use and folded up when not in use. This unique bed design was named after its inventor, William Lawrence Murphy¹, who established a patent for his design in 1911. 

The biggest advantage of Murphy beds is that they can be great space savers, especially for those living in smaller studio apartments or for an office that doubles as a guest room when friends and family visit. The great thing about Murphy beds is that when they are tucked away, they can blend in nicely so it’s not obvious there’s a folded-up bed in the wall.

What to Look for in a Mattress for Murphy Beds

Since this is a unique bed setup, it’s helpful to know what types of mattresses and other important qualities go into finding the ideal mattress for your Murphy bed. 

Type of Mattress 

Innerspring Mattresses

Innerspring mattresses are a traditional mattress style that incorporates a coil unit with a thin comfort layer above it. These mattresses are often budget-friendly and offer lots of bounce and airflow. 

However, they don’t usually isolate motion well, which means one sleeper can more easily notice their co-sleeper’s movements. Additionally, the thin comfort layer doesn’t usually give much pressure relief for the muscles and joints.

Unfortunately, innerspring mattresses are not the ideal choice for a Murphy bed because constantly folding and unfolding the mattress could affect the shape of the coils. That said, if you have your heart set on an innerspring bed, we recommend a more traditional bed frame to accommodate your preferred mattress.

Hybrid Mattresses 

Hybrid mattresses are essentially an enhanced version of an innerspring mattress. These beds still have a coil unit, but they also have several foam layers made of poly foam, memory foam, latex, or a combination of them. 

With hybrids, sleepers still get access to an innerspring unit but aren’t missing out on pressure-relieving foam layers. Hybrids are usually more costly, but their design often makes them worth the investment for great comfort and support.

Because hybrid mattresses contain coils, which could bend or become damaged with a Murphy bed, they aren’t the best choice in this case. That said, hybrids can still be a fantastic selection for a more standard bed frame and many are compatible with adjustable bases.

Memory Foam Mattresses 

Memory foam mattresses typically have an all-foam structure in which memory foam is on top followed by denser poly foam underneath. Memory foam is exceptional at relieving pressure, which is a big reason for the material’s popularity in the mattress industry. Plus, these foam beds are one of the less expensive options out there for consumers.

Memory foam mattresses are considered the best option for Murphy beds because the foam can more easily retain its shape when the bed is folded upright. As mentioned, memory foam mattresses are also cheaper, which could be great for those who plan to invest in an expensive Murphy bed and want to save more on the mattress.

Latex Mattresses 

Latex mattresses are great for those who love a foam mattress but want something other than memory foam. These beds are quick-responding to movement, great at temperature control, and in many cases, eco-friendly. Plus, their durability makes them longer-lasting. However, latex is usually more expensive, which can certainly be a drawback for shoppers on a tighter budget.

Latex beds should work well with a Murphy bed, though you’d want to be sure the latex bed you’re interested in does not contain coils since latex is often found in hybrid designs. 

Other Considerations When Shopping for a Mattress for a Murphy Bed

Mattress Weight & Thickness

How heavy and thick your mattress is will help determine whether it’s good for a Murphy bed. The heavier your mattress is, the harder it could be to lift up and down. 

Another tip is to not get a mattress that’s too thick as this could make it harder to comfortably fold up into the wall space. The general rule of thumb is to not have a mattress that exceeds 12 inches in height. 

Mattress Size

If you have yet to buy a Murphy bed, you should check that it accommodates the mattress size you want. If you already have the Murphy bed, you’ll need to confirm that the mattress will properly fit on it. The good news is that Murphy beds are designed to match standard mattress sizes so it should be easy to find the right pairing. 

Sleeping Position 

Whether it’s for a Murphy bed or any frame, you’ll need to consider how your sleeping position impacts the specific mattress you get. 

Side sleepers will want to get great pressure-relieving beds that aren’t too firm against their shoulders and hips. Back sleepers should consider beds that provide them with good lumbar support and pressure relief in the shoulders. For stomach sleepers, having a supportive bed that keeps their hips from dipping is key, and combination sleepers will like buoyant beds that can accommodate multiple sleeping positions and foster easier repositioning. 

Weight/Body Type of Sleepers 

Your weight and body type will affect how a mattress feels and supports you. For example, heavier sleepers will press into a mattress’ layers more than a lightweight person, so they’ll need a mattress that is firm enough to keep them lifted so they don’t bottom out.

Conversely, a lightweight person will need something that compresses easier so they can still activate a mattress’ comfort layers and avoid feeling like they’re sleeping on the floor.

Firmness 

Firmness is a measure of how soft or hard a mattress feels. While this is subjective to the specific individual, we make sure to provide a mattress firmness rating with each bed we test so you have an idea of what to expect. 

Mattress firmness is rated 1-10, with 10 being the firmest feel possible. Most beds we review are in the middle of the scale, with some skewing higher or lower depending on the model. 

Medium-firm beds are popular because they are usually accommodating to the widest range of sleepers. If you plan to use your Murphy bed for guests, then a medium-firm feel would be a safe bet. Based on our firmness guide, a medium feel goes from 5-7, though 6.5 is considered more of a true medium-firm feel. 

Cooling 

Cooling is a helpful feature in mattresses, particularly for those prone to overheating or who live in warmer locations. 

Manufacturers can incorporate cooling in various ways. These methods might include infusing gel into memory foam, utilizing a special cooling cover, or adding naturally cool materials like latex or cotton. If this is an important feature for you, then we suggest making sure the bed you want has cooling materials in it, as well as positive feedback from first-hand testers who can give you a genuine idea of how it actually performs at this.

Learn more: Best Cooling Mattresses

Motion Isolation 

Motion isolation is a term used to describe how well a mattress prevents movement from transferring across the mattress. This is usually more important for couples sharing a bed or perhaps those who let their pet sleep beside them. Memory foam beds are usually the best pick for motion isolation, and the great news is that they’re the best choice for a Murphy bed.

Sex 

Sexually active couples often enjoy quick-responding beds that make it easier to move around during intimacy. 

Between latex and memory foam mattresses, latex is going to be the more responsive of the two. Memory foam does have a slower-moving feel to it that can sometimes make it harder to move about. That said, some brands actively include responsive foam in their memory foam models to help with this.

Pressure Relief 

Pressure relief is important for many shoppers, especially those who might have chronic pain from conditions like arthritis. To ensure you get good pressure relief, you’ll want to get a bed that’s the right firmness for your sleeping position and body type, avoiding anything too soft or too firm. 

Also, you want access to quality materials that are adept at melting away pressure. Memory foam excels at this, but if you’d prefer latex, consider softer Talalay latex, which should still provide adequate cushioning for the joints.

Edge Support

Edge support refers to how supportive the perimeter of the mattress is. Strong edges can not only give you more surface space for sleeping (another helpful quality for couples), but they can also make it easier to get in and out of bed.

Look for mattresses that have denser foams along the sides to help the sleeper remain lifted, and read reviews to see what mattress testers think when they try out the bed. This is a feature we always test here at Sleep Advisor.

Budget 

If you’re spending a lot on your Murphy bed, you’ll likely want to save where you can on the mattress. There are plenty of great foam mattresses at a variety of prices to match your budget. Plus, buying online directly from mattress brands can save you more money by cutting overhead costs. 

Learn more: Best Budget Mattresses

Mattress	Best For	Price (Queen Size)	Review
Nectar	Overall	$999	Nectar Mattress Review
Puffy Cloud	10-Inch	$1,042	Puffy Cloud Mattress Review
Helix Midnight	Hybrid	$1,199	Helix Midnight Mattress Review
Nolah Original	Cooling	$1,149	Nolah Original Mattress Review
GravityLux	Back Pain	$1,799	Winkbeds Gravity Lux Mattress Review
Loom & Leaf	Luxury	$2,395	Loom & Leaf Mattress Review
Plank	Firm	$1,149	Plank Firm Luxe Mattress Review
Bear Mattress Original	Cheap	$999	Bear Original Mattress Review
DreamFoam Essential	Kids	$524	Dreamfoam Essential Mattress Review

Best Mattress for Murphy Beds FAQs 

What type of mattress is best for a Murphy bed?

The best type of mattress for a Murphy bed is a memory foam mattress that is 12 inches thick or less. Additionally, the mattress should accommodate your weight and sleep position, as well as other features that are important to you, which might include cooling, motion isolation, and edge support.

How thick should a Murphy bed mattress be?

A Murphy bed mattress should be 12 inches thick or less. This will help ensure it fits comfortably against the wall.

What is the difference between a wall bed and a Murphy bed?

A wall bed and a Murphy bed are two ways of describing the same thing: a bed that is attached to the wall and can be folded up and down as needed.

Is a Murphy bed worth it?

A Murphy bed can be worth it if you’re tight on space. For example, those who live in a studio apartment might prefer a Murphy bed to give them more free space during the day. Murphy beds could also be great for those who have an extra room that primarily serves as an office, but if friends or family visit, you can easily put the bed down and have the room double as a space for sleeping.

Julia Forbes

Lead Product Tester

About Author

Julia is the Lead Reviewer at Sleep Advisor, specializing in testing out mattresses and sleep accessories – she’s in the right line of work, because she loves to sleep.

Stomach Sleeper

References:

1. Caputo, Joseph. “Curator Finds Murphy Bed’s Place in American History”. Smithsonian Magazine. 2009.