Soft or Firm Mattress: Which Supports a Murphy Bed?

What Firmness Means for a Murphy Bed

Firmness describes how much a mattress gives when you lie on it. A soft mattress lets your body sink in, while a firm mattress keeps the surface level. In a regular bed, firmness is mostly about comfort. In a Murphy bed, it also affects how the bed folds and how well it stays in place. For a general guide to choosing a Murphy bed, see the best Murphy bed guide.

When a Murphy bed is closed, the mattress stands on end inside the cabinet. A soft mattress can slump or sag over time, which may make the bed harder to close and could put extra strain on the mechanism. A firmer mattress holds its shape better, which is why many makers design their beds for medium-firm or firm foam cores. For more on how mattress compatibility works, read mattress compatibility.

The maker's stated mattress requirements matter more than a general rule. Some cabinet beds include a tri-fold mattress, as Wilding Wallbeds does with its Murphy Cabinet Beds. Those mattresses are made to fold and store. If you buy a mattress separately, look for one that the maker says is suitable for a Murphy bed.

How Firmness Affects Retention Straps

Retention straps are the bands that hold the mattress in place when the bed is folded. They keep the mattress from shifting or falling out as the bed moves. The straps work best when the mattress is firm enough to stay flat against the bed frame.

A soft mattress can compress unevenly under the straps, allowing the mattress to bulge or move. That can make the bed harder to close and may cause the straps to loosen over time. A firmer mattress provides a more stable surface for the straps to grip.

The maker's instructions should tell you how to position the straps and how tight they should be. Follow those instructions, and check the straps periodically to make sure they are still secure. For detailed advice, see mattress retention straps.

Body Support and Comfort

Support is about how well the mattress keeps your spine aligned. A mattress that is too soft can let your hips and shoulders sink too deep, which may cause discomfort. A mattress that is too firm can create pressure points. Medium-firm is often a good middle ground for many sleepers.

The right firmness also depends on your sleeping position. Side sleepers often prefer a softer surface to cushion the shoulders and hips. Back and stomach sleepers usually need more firmness to keep the spine neutral. Since a Murphy bed is often used by guests, a medium-firm mattress is a safe choice that suits most people. For higher-end options, see the premium Murphy bed guide.

Wilding Wallbeds offers mattresses with different comfort levels, from plush to firm. Their Serta PerfectSleeper options include a medium-firm feel, and their iComfort line has firm options. These are designed for Murphy beds, so they are a good reference for what to look for.

Mattress Types and Firmness

Foam mattresses are common in Murphy beds because they are lightweight and can be made to hold their shape. Memory foam conforms to the body but can feel soft, so look for a high-density foam core. Innerspring mattresses are firmer but heavier, which may be a consideration for the bed's mechanism. Compare foam and innerspring mattresses.

Wilding Wallbeds sells foam core mattresses that are 'specially engineered to stand on-end without slumping or sagging over time.' They also offer innerspring options with a plush feel, but those are heavier. For a Murphy bed, a foam core with a medium-firm to firm feel is usually the best match.

Cabinet beds often come with a tri-fold mattress, like the ones from Wilding Wallbeds and Night and Day Furniture. These are designed to fold into the cabinet, so firmness is built into the design. If you buy a cabinet bed, the included mattress is likely the right firmness for that bed.

What to Check in the Listing

When you read a Murphy bed listing, look for the mattress requirements. Some beds include a mattress, others do not. If the bed includes one, the maker usually states the type and firmness. If not, the listing may say what thickness and type of mattress the bed is designed for.

Check the mattress thickness as well. A thicker mattress may be too tall for the cabinet, and a thinner one may not provide enough support. The maker's stated dimensions are the guide. For example, Wilding Wallbeds' Murphy Cabinet Beds include a 6-inch tri-fold mattress, so that is the thickness the cabinet is built for. For more on this, see mattress thickness.

Also look for whether the bed uses retention straps or another system to hold the mattress. The listing may mention straps or a mattress retainer. If it does, that tells you the maker expects a mattress that stays in place when folded.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One mistake is choosing a mattress that is too soft. It may feel comfortable at first, but it can sag when stored upright, making the bed hard to close. Another is ignoring the maker's thickness requirement. A mattress that is too thick may not fit in the cabinet, and one that is too thin may not provide enough support.

Some buyers pick a mattress based on price alone. A cheaper mattress may not hold its shape, which could lead to problems with the bed mechanism. It is better to choose a mattress that the maker says is suitable for a Murphy bed, even if it costs a bit more.

Finally, do not assume a regular mattress will work. Murphy beds have specific needs, and the maker's stated requirements are there for a reason. Follow them to avoid issues with folding and support.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

Can I use a soft mattress in a Murphy bed?

You can, but it is not recommended. A soft mattress may sag when the bed is folded upright, which can make closing the bed difficult and may affect the retention straps. A medium-firm or firm mattress holds its shape better.

Do Murphy beds require a special mattress?

Many makers recommend a mattress designed for Murphy beds, with a foam core that stands on end without slumping. Wilding Wallbeds, for example, sells mattresses 'specially engineered to stand on-end.' Check the maker's requirements for your specific bed.

How does mattress firmness affect the retention straps?

Firmer mattresses provide a stable surface for the straps to hold, keeping the mattress in place when folded. Softer mattresses can compress unevenly, causing the mattress to bulge or shift, which may loosen the straps over time.

What firmness is best for a guest room Murphy bed?

A medium-firm mattress is usually the best choice for a guest room because it suits most sleepers. It offers a balance of comfort and support, and it holds its shape well in a Murphy bed.

Can I use an innerspring mattress in a Murphy bed?

Yes, but innerspring mattresses are heavier than foam, which may affect the bed's mechanism. If you choose an innerspring, make sure it meets the maker's stated weight and thickness requirements. Foam is often preferred for Murphy beds.