Which Mattress Types Work with a Murphy Bed?

What a Murphy Bed Frame Asks of a Mattress

A Murphy bed folds the mattress into a cabinet or against the wall, so the mattress must bend, compress, and stand on end without permanent damage. The frame's design, the cabinet depth, and the stated mattress height all affect which mattress types work. The maker's listing is the first place to look: it usually states the mattress size and sometimes the maximum height. For a broad overview of Murphy bed options, see the best Murphy bed guide.

Foam mattresses are the most common match because they are flexible and return to shape after being folded. Innerspring and hybrid mattresses can also work, but they need to be flexible enough to fold and thin enough to fit the cabinet. The site cannot measure or check any mattress, so rely on the maker's stated details and the mattress's own specifications.

• Check the listing for the maximum mattress height and whether a mattress is included.
• Look for the mattress type: foam, innerspring, or hybrid, and any flexibility notes.
• For cabinet beds, confirm the mattress is a tri-fold design if the listing says so.
• If the bed does not include a mattress, choose one that matches the stated size and height.

Foam Mattresses: The Common Choice

Foam mattresses, including memory foam and gel foam, are widely used in Murphy beds because they compress and stand on end without slumping. Wilding Wallbeds offers foam core mattresses for their wall beds, and their cabinet beds include a 6-inch tri-fold mattress made of memory foam. Night and Day Furniture also lists a tri-fold gel memory foam mattress for their cabinet collection. If you are considering a cabinet bed, the best Murphy cabinet beds guide can help you compare models.

Foam mattresses are often lighter and more flexible than innerspring models, which makes them easier to fold into a cabinet. They also tend to be thinner, which helps them fit the cabinet depth. When reading a listing, look for the foam type and the mattress height, as these affect how the mattress performs in the frame.

• Memory foam and gel foam mattresses are common in Murphy bed listings.
• Tri-fold foam mattresses are designed for cabinet beds and fold into three sections.
• Check the mattress height to ensure it fits the bed's stated maximum.

Innerspring Mattresses: What to Check

Innerspring mattresses use coils for support and can work in a Murphy bed if they are flexible enough to fold. Wilding Wallbeds offers innerspring options in their mattress lineup, such as the Serta Sleep True and Serta Perfect Sleeper models. These mattresses have a coil core and foam layers, which can bend if the design allows. For queen-size options, the best queen Murphy beds guide lists beds that may accept these mattresses.

The main concern with innerspring mattresses is their thickness and rigidity. A thicker innerspring may not fit the cabinet or may resist folding. The listing should state the mattress height, and the bed's maximum mattress height should be checked. If the bed does not state a maximum, contact the maker or choose a thinner mattress.

• Innerspring mattresses have a coil core and may be less flexible than foam.
• Check the mattress height against the bed's stated maximum.
• Some innerspring mattresses are designed for Murphy beds, so look for that in the listing.

Hybrid Mattresses: Balancing Support and Flexibility

Hybrid mattresses combine coils and foam layers, offering a balance of support and comfort. They can work in a Murphy bed if the foam layers allow the mattress to bend and the height fits the cabinet. Night and Day Furniture offers a tri-fold gel pocket coil mattress, which is a hybrid design with coils and gel foam, made for their cabinet beds. If you are looking for a full-size bed, the best full-size Murphy beds guide may include compatible models.

When considering a hybrid, check the mattress's construction: a pocket coil design may be more flexible than a continuous coil. Also verify the mattress height and whether the bed's listing mentions hybrid compatibility. If the bed includes a mattress, it is likely a foam or hybrid tri-fold, so confirm the type before buying separately.

• Hybrid mattresses combine coils and foam, offering support and flexibility.
• Pocket coil hybrids may fold better than continuous coil designs.
• Check the mattress height and the bed's stated maximum.

Mattress Included or Bought Separately

Some Murphy beds come with a mattress, while others require you to buy one separately. Cabinet beds often include a tri-fold mattress, as seen with Wilding Wallbeds' cabinet beds and Night and Day Furniture's collection. Wall beds and kits may not include a mattress, so you need to choose one that fits the frame. For DIY projects, the best Murphy bed kits guide shows what to expect from a kit.

If the bed does not include a mattress, the listing should state the mattress size and any height limits. For DIY kits, the instructions may specify the mattress type and height. Always read the listing carefully to know what is included and what you need to purchase.

• Cabinet beds often include a tri-fold mattress, such as a memory foam or gel pocket coil model.
• Wall beds and kits may require a separate mattress purchase.
• Check the listing for the mattress size and any height specifications.

Mattress Thickness and Cabinet Depth

The mattress thickness must fit the cabinet depth when the bed is closed. Wilding Wallbeds' cabinet beds are about 24 to 27 inches deep when closed, and they include a 6-inch tri-fold mattress. Thicker mattresses may not fit or may make the cabinet bulge, so the listing's stated mattress height is key. For more on thickness, see the learn article on mattress thickness.

For wall beds, the mattress height affects how the bed folds and the clearance when open. A mattress that is too thick may not fold properly or may strain the mechanism. The maker's instructions and the listing's dimensions are the only reliable sources for these limits.

• Cabinet depth determines the maximum mattress thickness.
• Thicker mattresses may not fit or may affect the fold.
• Always check the listing for the mattress height and cabinet depth.

Tri-Fold Mattresses for Cabinet Beds

Tri-fold mattresses are designed for cabinet beds, folding into three sections to fit inside the cabinet. Wilding Wallbeds includes a 6-inch tri-fold mattress with their cabinet beds, and Night and Day Furniture offers tri-fold gel memory foam and gel pocket coil options. These mattresses are engineered to fold repeatedly without damage. If you are comparing cabinet beds, the best Murphy cabinet beds guide covers models that include tri-fold mattresses.

If you are buying a cabinet bed, a tri-fold mattress is usually the right choice, as it matches the cabinet's internal dimensions. The listing should state the mattress type and size. For wall beds, a standard mattress may work, but it must be flexible enough to stand on end.

• Tri-fold mattresses fold into three sections for cabinet storage.
• They are often included with cabinet beds or sold as an option.
• Match the tri-fold mattress size to the bed's stated size.

Reading the Listing for Mattress Details

The listing is the best source for mattress compatibility. Look for the mattress size, height, and type, and whether a mattress is included. Wilding Wallbeds' mattress page lists foam and innerspring options with heights from 8 to 12 inches, and their cabinet beds state a 6-inch tri-fold mattress. Night and Day Furniture's collection mentions tri-fold mattresses in the product names. For a primer on reading listings, the learn article on mattress thickness offers guidance.

If the listing does not state a mattress height or type, contact the maker or seller before buying. The site cannot fill in missing details, so the listing's stated information is what you have to work with. This approach helps you avoid choosing a mattress that does not fit.

• Look for mattress size, height, and type in the listing.
• Note whether a mattress is included or sold separately.
• If details are missing, ask the maker or seller.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

Do Murphy beds need a special mattress?

Many Murphy beds work with standard mattresses, but the mattress must be flexible enough to fold and thin enough to fit the cabinet. Foam mattresses are common, and some beds include a tri-fold mattress designed for the frame. See the best Murphy bed guide for options.

Can I use an innerspring mattress in a Murphy bed?

Yes, if the innerspring mattress is flexible enough and within the bed's stated height limit. Some makers offer innerspring options, but check the listing for the mattress height and any compatibility notes.

What is a tri-fold mattress?

A tri-fold mattress folds into three sections to fit inside a cabinet bed. It is often made of foam or a hybrid of foam and coils, and it is designed to fold repeatedly without damage.

How do I know what mattress fits my Murphy bed?

Read the listing for the mattress size, height, and type. If the bed includes a mattress, that is the safest choice. If not, match the mattress to the stated dimensions and any height limits. The learn article on mattress thickness explains what to look for.

Can I use a hybrid mattress in a Murphy bed?

Hybrid mattresses can work if they are flexible enough and fit the cabinet depth. Look for a hybrid with pocket coils and a foam top, and check the mattress height against the bed's specifications.