Is your bed taking up too much space? Enter: The Murphy bed. This unique design can be stored against a wall and pulled down when you’re ready to slay your sleep.
But what kind of mattress are you supposed to pair with your space-saving sleep setup? We’ve got you covered with a list of the seven best mattresses for Murphy beds — plus tips to help you pick the right one for you.
The 7 best mattresses for Murphy beds
- Most supportive: Layla Memory Foam Mattress
- Best for side sleepers: Leesa Original Mattress
- Best for couples: The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
- Best soft mattress: Casper Original Mattress
- Best firm mattress: Helix Dawn Mattress
- Best under $500: Sealy Innerspring Mattress
- Best for the environment: Avocado Green Mattress
How we chose the best mattresses for Murphy beds
To land on our “best of” list, we made sure each mattress:
- is certified safe by a third-party
- complies with the Federal Flammability Standard (aka the mattress isn’t hella flammable)
- comes from a company with no F or D rating from the Better Business Bureau
- comes from a company that doesn’t make marketing claims about how their products will prevent, treat, or cure any illness.
Also, to make sure our picks were the perfect fit and just right for murphy beds, we only selected full-size mattresses. Because a murphy bed is meant to save on space, most cabinets can’t fit mattresses that are too thick. That’s why we made sure to select models with a height of 12 inches or less.
Pricing guide
We know mattresses can be expensive (enough to get stolen from your roommate back in Boulder) so we included a range of prices:
- $ = under $500
- $$ = $500–$1000
- $$$ = over $1000
Prices are based on a full-size mattress, which fits a standard Murphy bed.
The 7 best mattresses for Murphy beds
We made sure to include a wide range of options, so you can pick the Murphy bed mattress that best suits your needs.
Most supportive Murphy bed mattress
Layla Memory Foam Mattress
- Price: $$$
- Type: memory foam
- Firmness: firm and soft
This dual-sided memory foam mattress delivers banging back support. And thanks to its two-sided design, you can be as indecisive as you want when it comes to firmness. Layla also says it boasts technology that firms up in response to pressure, snuggling you in a nice big mattress-sized hug. Wowza!
Bed bonus: It comes with a lifetime warranty and you can return it within 120 nights of delivery. So you have plenty of time to decide if it’s the bed of your dreams.
Reviewers like the flexibility of having a flippable, dual-firmness mattress. They also say that the Layla mattress doesn’t get hot like other memory foam mattresses.
Best Murphy bed mattress for side sleepers
Leesa Original Mattress
- Price: $$
- Type: memory foam
- Firmness: medium-firm
Leesa’s original foam mattress is great for side sleepers. It offers fab spinal support and keeps you comfy at the same time. It also comes with breathable layers that are designed to help promote maximum airflow.
Reviewers say the Leesa Original helped them sleep better and was worth every dollar. But a few people complain that it’s not as supportive as they had hoped and has crappy edge support.
Best Murphy bed mattress for couples
The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
- Price: $$
- Type: memory foam
- Firmness: medium-firm
Nectar mattresses are known for their multiple layers of memory foam. This means that you’ll be able to sink into your bed without your motion transferring to your partner’s side.
Reviewers say it suits both back and side sleepers. One reviewer even says it’s the most comfortable mattress they’ve ever owned. Complaints mostly have to do with customer service issues, like ultra-slow shipping (yikes!). A few reviewers also found the mattress too firm.
Best soft Murphy bed mattress
Casper Original Mattress
- Price: $$
- Type: memory foam
- Firmness: medium
The original foam Casper mattress is a cool and cooling choice 😎. It has a breathable top layer that’ll keep you comfy all night, making this a great one for hot sleepers.
It also comes with the brand’s Zoned Support — it has softer foam under your shoulders that helps you relieve pressure on that area.
Just like Casper the friendly ghost, your mattress should feel pretty much invisible. You shouldn’t feel it poking and prodding at your body. Reviewers say the mattress feels just right, blending softness and support. Some people, though, complain that the mattress sleeps hot.
Best firm Murphy bed mattress
Helix Dawn Mattress
- Price: $$
- Type: memory foam
- Firmness: firm
If you like a firm mattress, this one’s for you! The ultimate mix of comfort and firmness, the Helix Dawn foam mattress is designed to contour to your body. It might even help relieve pressure from problem areas like your back or shoulders.
Many reviewers say the mattress provides the perfect firmness level, BUT there are a handful of people who find it either too hard or too soft.
Best Murphy bed mattress under $500
Sealy Innerspring Mattress
- Price: $
- Type: hybrid
- Firmness: medium-firm
If you’re looking for a cheap but quality mattress for your murphy bed, the Sealy Innerspring is a real deal. With a medium-firm feel, it offers support and pressure relief at the same time. The foam is infused with gel, which means you won’t get as hot as you would with traditional memory foam.
Reviewers say the mattress is pretty solid for the price and thickness, but a few people complain that it’s not quite on par with Sealy’s other products. But hey, it’s cheap AF.
Best organic Murphy bed mattress
Avocado Green Mattress
- Price: $$$
- Type: hybrid
- Firmness: firm
This is the ideal choice if you want to sleep soundly knowing you’re helping the environment. It’s certified organic and made with Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)-certified wool and cotton. They also offer a 1-year trial period and a 25-year limited warranty (with 10 years of full coverage!).
FYI: Reviewers say this one is ideal for back sleepers. If you’re a side sleeper, you might wanna consider adding the optional pillow top for an extra touch of softness — but keep in mind that the pillow top makes the mattress 13 inches thick, which might be too thick for your Murphy bed. So double-check your bed’s size requirements before buying.
Benefits of Murphy beds
Here’s why you might want to consider a Murphy bed:
- Save on space. Living in a tiny apartment means saving on rent but sacrificing space for stress-busting yoga and dance parties à la Cristina and Meredith. A Murphy bed can free up floor space while you’re wide awake.
- Extra storage. Some Murphy beds even have extra storage where you can store knickknacks. If you’re not ready to Marie Kondo all your belongings, your Murphy bed can double as your closet/storage unit.
- Be my guest! If you live in a larger-than-sardine-can apartment, you can stick a Murphy bed in your guest room or office. That way, you can welcome friends and fam for a few days without wasting precious space the rest of the year.
Murphy bed shoppin’ tips
Here’s how to pick the perf mattress for your M-bed:
- Dimensions. Unless you have a nonstandard Murphy bed, you’ll likely need a full-size mattress that’s maximum 12 inches in height.
- Weight. You might be pumped about the idea of getting swole by opening and closing your wall-bed every night. But most Murphy beds can support a maximum of 1,000 pounds. Don’t forget that that includes the mattress and you (and whoever you plan on sleeping next to).
- Mattress type. Some people argue that foam is a better choice for a Murphy bed because it’s more resistant to slumping, but really, it’s more important that you’re comfortable. Avoid any mattress that feels flimsy and floppy. Mattresses with A+ edge support are a good pick.
- Firmness level. Medium-firm mattresses are known for being pretty universally comfy and ideal for aligning your spine. But comfort is subjective, so go with what feels comfortable and supportive for your body.
- Company policies. Please, please, please (we’re begging you), go with a company that will allow you to trial your new mattress and return it if it’s not compatible with your sleep style and needs. This is a must!
- Price. Because the vertical positioning of a Murphy bed will put additional pressure on a mattress, it’ll probably wear out faster than a mattress used in a regular bed. For that reason, it’s a good idea to opt for something more affordable.
Frequently asked Qs about Murphy beds
Why is it called a Murphy bed?
It’s named for its creator, William Murphy, who invented the bed to avoid the cultural faux-pas of inviting a woman into his bedroom *gasp*. Since he resided in a studio apartment, his invention allowed him to hang with the apple of his eye without having it deemed improper. We’ve certainly come a long way since then… Netflix and Chill for everyone!
Do I need a box spring for a Murphy bed?
Nope. There’s not really any need for one. Unless the Murphy bed or mattress warranty requires it or the instructions specifically mention the need for a box spring, don’t worry about it.
Do I need a special mattress for a Murphy bed?
Murphy beds rest in a vertical position. That means you need a mattress with enough structural integrity that it won’t slide down and crumple into a dough-like mattress ball. You can technically use any mattress for a Murphy bed but a foam model is most likely to resist slumping over time.
Size-wise, most Murphy bed cabinets are designed for full-size mattresses, but obvi there are exceptions to the rule.
Because these space-saving beds need to be relatively flush to the wall, most cabinets can’t accommodate mattresses that are ultra-thick. Sorry thicc chonky mattress, maybe next time! Mattresses that are 12 inches or under will probably fit but always double check size requirements before buying.
What type of mattress is best for a Murphy bed?
Not sure which mattress is best for your Murphy bed? We’ve got you! There are three main types of mattresses available on the market. Here’s a quick rundown of each.
- Memory foam. These mattresses form to your shape and bounce back when you remove your weight. They’re ideal for side sleepers due to their extra cushioning.
- Hybrid. They usually have a layer of coiled springs on the bottom and layers of latex or memory foam on the top.
- Innerspring. Good ol’ innerspring mattresses are one of the cheapest options available. They’re made of steel coils that compress once you put weight on them. FYI: More coils usually means more support.
In terms of the best mattress for a Murphy bed… memory foam and hybrid might be your best bet. The foam and texture help it from slumping. Also, innerspring mattresses aren’t known for being the comfiest option in the world (remember your grandparents’ guest room mattress? Yeah, true innerspring mattresses are like that).
How do you secure a mattress to a Murphy bed?
To avoid any unpleasant surprises during the night, make sure you secure your fab new mattress to your Murphy bed!
Here’s how to do it:
- With your bed in horizontal position adjust the mattress to the frame.
- Hold it in place with the strap.
- Make sure it stays in place as you slowly lift the bed to upright position.
How often do I need to replace a Murphy bed mattress?
You may need to replace a Murphy bed mattress earlier than one used with a standard bed frame because the vertical positioning adds lots of additional pressure. BUT wear and tear also depends on the specific mattress model, your weight, and whether you sleep with a partner.
It also depends on how often you’re putting your bed away — every night, every weekend, or only 1 to 2 times a month? Most mattresses will last at least 10 years.
Are Murphy beds better than futons?
It’s kinda relative. You might find a futon super comfortable! But the advantages of a Murphy bed over a futon are that:
- it takes up less floor space
- it’s more durable
- it’s usually more supportive because you can buy an actual mattress
Are Murphy beds comfortable?
Let’s clear something up, you’re not sleeping INSIDE the wall when you sleep in a Murphy bed. It’s basically identical to a standard bed except that when not in use, it’s out of sight. If you buy the right mattress, a Murphy bed is absolutely just as comfy as a regular bed.
Do Murphy beds damage mattresses?
The vertical positioning will put strain on but won’t damage a quality mattress. To avoid unwanted slumping that can disfigure your mattress, always make sure the retention system is in place and secure before storing your mattress.
The bottom line
Murphy beds are an amazing way to save space — whether you’re trying to make the most out of the limited space in your studio apartment or turn your spare bedroom into a home gym/guest room. Our recs are high quality, supportive options that should work well with most Murphy beds, but remember to check size requirements and choose a company with a solid try before you buy policy.
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