The 9 Best Mattresses for Your Space-Saving Murphy Bed

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 nine best mattresses for Murphy beds — plus tips to help you pick the right one for you.

How we chose the best mattresses for Murphy beds

Here’s what we looked into when choosing the best of the best:

• The right fit. Obvi, we started with mattresses that are the perfect fit for Murphy beds. That means only selecting models with a height of 12 inches or less. Because a Murphy bed is meant to save on space, most Murphy bed cabinets can’t fit mattresses that are thicker than that.
• Reviews. We looked to real customer reviews to make sure people actually love these mattresses. Yes, we’re trying to save space, but we’re also trying to be comfy, right?
• Vetted brands. We also put all of our picks through a thorough vetting process that makes sure the company doesn’t make any unsupported health claims about its products or have an F or D rating from the Better Business Bureau. We also make sure each mattress complies with the Federal Flammability Standard (aka the mattress isn’t hella flammable).

The 9 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.

Best flippable Murphy bed mattress

Layla Memory Foam Mattress

• Price: $$$
• Type: memory foam
• Firmness: firm and soft
• Height: 10.5 inches

This dual-sided memory foam mattress delivers banging back support. And thanks to its two-sided design (one side is soft and the other is firm), you can be as indecisive as you want when it comes to firmness. That makes it a sweet option for adding to a guest bedroom, since you can flip it to whatever side your guest prefers.

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
• Height: 10 inches

Leesa’s original foam mattress is great for side sleepers.

It has two layers of foam: one that’s made of foam that’s supposed to be breathable with a little bounce and second made of pressure-relieving memory foam. Pressure relief is an absolute must for side sleepers because they spend alll night putting tons of pressure on their hips and shoulders. A little bit of bounce is also a plus, since it makes it easier to flip over from side to side throughout the night.

Reviewers say the Leesa Original helps them sleep better and is worth every dollar. But a few people complain that it’s not as supportive as they had hoped and has crappy edge support.

Best memory foam Murphy bed mattress

Casper Original Mattress

• Price: $$
• Type: memory foam
• Firmness: medium
• Height: 11 inches

The original foam Casper mattress is made with a layer of memory foam with three different zones designed to support each part of your body a little differently. It has softer foam under your shoulders and firmer foam around your hips and lower back. This is supposed to help align your spine as you snooze.

It also has a breathable top layer that’ll keep you comfy all night, making this a great one for hot sleepers.

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 queen-size Murphy bed mattress

The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress

• Price: $$$
• Type: memory foam
• Firmness: medium-firm
• Height: 12 inches

Nectar mattresses are known for their multiple layers of memory foam, which gets an A+ for preventing motion transfer. This means you can toss and turn as much as you want in your queen-size bed without any movement transferring to your partner’s side.

The mattress also features a layer of gel memory foam, which can help stop it from trapping your body heat. (FYI, memory foam can get pretty hot).

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 say the mattress is too firm.

Best firm Murphy bed mattress

Helix Dawn Mattress

• Price: $$
• Type: hybrid
• Firmness: firm
• Height: 12 inches

If you like a firm mattress (we’re looking at you back and stomach sleepers), this one’s for you! The ultimate mix of comfort and firmness, the Helix Dawn foam mattress is designed to contour to your body.

This mattress has a firm layer of Helix’s latex foam alternative, which the brand designed to feel like latex foam (aka pressure-relieving but bouncy) without any latex. And because it’s a hybrid, it has a base of spring coils, which adds a ton of support, durability, and airflow.

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 budget Murphy bed

Sealy Innerspring Mattress

• Price: $
• Type: hybrid
• Firmness: medium-firm
• Height: 10–12 inches

If you’re looking for a cheap but quality hybrid mattress for your Murphy bed, the Sealy Innerspring is the real deal. It has a medium-firm feel thanks to layers of memory foam and a supportive coil base. The memory foam is infused with copper, which is supposed to help draw heat away from your body to keep you cool as a cucumber.

Reviewers say the mattress is pretty solid for the price, but a few people complain that it’s not quite on par with Sealy’s other products. But hey, it’s cheap AF.

Best hybrid Murphy bed mattress

Avocado Green Mattress

• Price: $$$
• Type: hybrid
• Firmness: firm
• Height: 11 inches

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. Avocado also offers 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.

Best Murphy bed mattress topper

Saatva Mattress Topper

• Price: $$$
• Type: hybrid
• Firmness: firm
• Height: 1.5–3 inches

Pop this Saatva mattress topper onto your Murphy bed mattress for a little added luxury. The organic cotton topper is available in three options: Graphite, latex, and foam. We recommend the foam option because it’s only 1.5 inches thick.

Make sure to consider the height of your current mattress before buying a topper. Combined mattress and topper thickness shouldn’t exceed 12 inches.

It’s our pick for this type of bed because it features elastic band anchors to keep it from sliding around. When you stow away your bed, the secure elastics will prevent the pad topper from bunching up and coming off the top of your mattress. You’re welcome.

Reviewers point out that while the mattress topper is $$$, it’s totally worth the extra cost and helps soften up a hard mattress.

Best RV Murphy bed mattress

Brooklyn Signature Hybrid

• Price: $$
• Type: hybrid
• Firmness: available in medium, firm, or soft
• Height: 11 inches

Buying a mattress for an RV Murphy bed requires a few special considerations, especially when it comes to size. But you don’t have to skimp on quality!

Brands like Brooklyn Bedding offer special RV sizing for some mattress models, including the Signature Hybrid Mattress, without sacrificing comfort.

Reviewers say the mattress is worth every penny and provides a great balance of support and comfort. It also has some top-notch edge support and works for all different sleep styles.

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.

How to choose the perfect Murphy bed

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. But some models are built to support queen and king-size mattresses.

Measure, measure, measure! Sure, many companies nowadays offer awesome trial periods and return policies but avoid wasting time and lugging around a useless mattress by finding out the dimensions of your Murphy bed first!

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 and some up to 2,500. 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.

Here’s a quick rundown of each type of mattress and its pros and cons:

• 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. And memory foam is a good choice for couples because it isolates movement better than other materials. It also provides excellent pressure relief, which is great for people who tend to wake up with aches and pains. The downside? Memory foam doesn’t provide as much ease of movement as hybrid, innerspring, or latex foam materials. Some people find this body-wrapping feeling cozy, while others describe it like sinking into quicksand.
• Hybrid. They usually have a layer of coiled springs on the bottom and layers of latex or memory foam on the top. You’ll want to skip mattresses made of latex when outfitting your Murphy bed because the material isn’t meant to stand upright for long periods — you’ll eventually end up with a bed that’s a pain in the a$$. Why else might you pick a hybrid model? Hybrids tend to be better for hot sleepers. Memory foam is notoriously sweat-inducing, which is bad news if you tend to sweat in your jammies. BUT hybrid models are often hella heavy, so they made be a poor choice for RV users wanting to keep things light. Same goes if your apartment building doesn’t have an elevator!
• 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. But the problem with innersprings is that they can really lack in the comfort materials department, so you just need to make sure you pay attention to the materials used on top of the innersprings.

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).

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.

If you sleep on your side, a bed that’s not too hard and not too soft might feel most comfortable. Back sleepers might prefer a slightly harder surface, while stomach sleepers typically need lots of support and might do better with a hard mattress.

That said, sticking with a middle ground firmness level is a good option if you’re outfitting a Murphy bed in a guest bedroom.

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!

A solid warranty is another must-have. Look for policies that last at least 10 years.

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.

But there’s also a chance that going for a higher quality mattress could add some durability to it.

Our advice? Choose a mattress that’s in a comfortable price range for you.

Frequently asked questions

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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 smaller will probably fit but always double-check size requirements before buying.”

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3. Make sure it stays in place as you slowly lift the bed to upright position.”

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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.”

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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!

How thick should a mattress be for a Murphy bed?

12 inches or less is the optimum thickness for a Murphy bed mattress. If your mattress is too thick you won’t be able to close up the bed.

Your Murphy bed should come with this info though, so check what’s compatible with yours before shopping.

Do you 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 you 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 smaller will probably fit but always double-check size requirements before buying.

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:

1. With your bed in horizontal position adjust the mattress to the frame.
2. Hold it in place with the strap.
3. Make sure it stays in place as you slowly lift the bed to upright position.

How often do you 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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