Tempered Foam or Regular Foam for a Murphy Bed?

What Is Tempered Foam?

Tempered foam is a type of polyurethane foam that has been treated to increase its firmness and resilience. The process makes the foam denser and more resistant to compression, so it bounces back to its original shape more readily. In a Murphy bed, this resilience matters because the mattress is folded vertically and stored upright inside the cabinet. A foam that stays firm and holds its shape will not slump or sag over time, which is exactly what the maker of a Murphy bed mattress wants.

Regular foam, by contrast, is softer and more pliable. It conforms to the body and can feel comfortable, but it may not have the same ability to recover from being folded and stored. Over time, a regular foam mattress might develop a permanent crease or lose support in the areas that are compressed when the bed is closed. This is why many Murphy bed manufacturers recommend or include a mattress that is specifically engineered for the folding mechanism.

How Folding Affects a Mattress

When a Murphy bed is closed, the mattress is folded in half or in thirds, depending on the design. A wall bed typically folds the mattress in half, while a cabinet bed uses a tri-fold mattress that folds into three sections. In both cases, the mattress is compressed and stored vertically. This puts stress on the foam, especially at the fold lines.

A mattress that is not designed for this kind of use may develop a permanent crease or lose its shape. The foam may also break down faster in the folded areas, leading to a lumpy or uneven sleeping surface. A mattress that is engineered for a Murphy bed, such as the ones offered by Wilding Wallbeds, is built with a foam core that resists slumping and sagging. The maker describes these mattresses as specially engineered to stand on-end without slumping or sagging over time.

For a cabinet bed, the mattress is often a tri-fold design. The Wilding cabinet beds include a 6-inch tri-fold mattress, and the maker offers a luxury latex tri-fold mattress as an upgrade. These mattresses are designed to fold neatly into the cabinet and still provide a comfortable sleeping surface. For more on how mattress thickness relates to cabinet depth, see this guide.

Tempered Foam vs Regular Foam: Key Differences

The main difference between tempered foam and regular foam is resilience. Tempered foam is firmer and more durable, which makes it better suited to the folding and vertical storage of a Murphy bed. Regular foam is softer and more comfortable for some sleepers, but it may not hold up as well over time.

Here is a quick comparison:

What to Look for in a Murphy Bed Mattress

When you are choosing a mattress for a Murphy bed, the most important thing is that it is designed for the folding mechanism. Look for a mattress with a foam core that is described as resilient or resistant to slumping. A mattress with a supportive base foam and a top layer of gel memory foam can offer both comfort and durability. For a deeper dive into which mattresses are compatible with Murphy beds, see this article.

The Wilding Wallbeds mattress page lists several options, all with a foam core. For example, the Nestled Night is a 10-inch mattress with Serta's HexCloud Gel Memory Foam and a medium-firm feel. The Splendid Slumber is a 12-inch mattress with multiple layers of gel foam and a medium feel. These mattresses are described as specially engineered to stand on-end without slumping or sagging.

For a cabinet bed, the included tri-fold mattress is a good starting point. The Wilding cabinet beds come with a 6-inch tri-fold mattress, and you can upgrade to a luxury latex tri-fold mattress. The maker describes the luxury mattress as having a cool touch cover and a plush feel. Keep in mind that mattress thickness must fit within the closed cabinet, as explained in this guide.

How to Choose Between Tempered and Regular Foam

The choice between tempered foam and regular foam depends on your priorities. If you want a mattress that will hold up to the folding mechanism and last for years, tempered foam is the better choice. If you prefer a softer, more contouring feel and are willing to replace the mattress more often, regular foam might work.

For a guest room where the bed is used occasionally, a regular foam mattress might be fine, but a tempered foam mattress will give you more peace of mind. For a bed that is used every night, a tempered foam mattress is the safer investment. When you are looking for a guest bed, you can compare the best Murphy beds to find models that come with an appropriate mattress.

Also consider the thickness of the mattress. A thicker mattress, such as a 10-inch or 12-inch, may be more comfortable, but it must fit within the cabinet depth. The Wilding cabinet beds are about 24 to 27 inches deep when closed, so a 6-inch tri-fold mattress fits easily. A thicker mattress might require a deeper cabinet. If you are shopping for a cabinet bed, check the stated cabinet depth before choosing a mattress.

Finally, think about the cover. A removable, washable cover is a nice feature, especially if the bed is used by guests. The Wilding mattresses have a CoolTouch Top or a zip cover, which can help with temperature regulation. For a home office that doubles as a bedroom, a desk bed might be the right choice, and the mattress should be chosen with the same considerations.

What to Pick for Your Situation

Use this table to match your situation to the right type of mattress and the right Murphy bed guide.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

What is tempered foam?

Tempered foam is a type of polyurethane foam that is treated to be firmer and more resilient. It resists compression and returns to its original shape, which makes it a good choice for a Murphy bed mattress that is folded and stored upright.

Is regular foam okay for a Murphy bed?

Regular foam can be used, but it may not hold up as well to the folding mechanism. It is softer and more pliable, so it may develop creases or sag over time. A mattress with a foam core that is designed for Murphy beds is a safer choice.

What is a tri-fold mattress?

A tri-fold mattress folds into three sections, which allows it to fit into a cabinet bed when closed. It is often used in Murphy cabinet beds and is designed to be stored vertically without slumping.

Do I need a special mattress for a Murphy bed?

Yes, it is recommended to use a mattress that is engineered for a Murphy bed. These mattresses have a foam core that resists slumping and sagging when the bed is folded and stored upright. Regular mattresses may not hold up as well. See this compatibility guide for more details.

What thickness should a Murphy bed mattress be?

The thickness depends on the bed design. Wall beds can accommodate thicker mattresses, while cabinet beds typically use a 6-inch tri-fold mattress. Check the bed's specifications to see the maximum mattress height it can handle, and refer to this article for guidance.