Murphy Bed Mattresses: Maximizing Space, Optimizing Sleep
- Staff Desk
- Jul 19
- 5 min read
Living small doesn’t mean you should sleep small.
If you’ve ever rolled out of a lumpy futon or twisted your back trying to sleep on a too-thin mattress, you know just how essential a good mattress really is. And if you’re the proud owner of a Murphy bed (or considering getting one), you’ve already embraced the genius of sleeping smart. But the real secret to Murphy bed magic isn’t just in the frame; it’s also in the mattress.
A Murphy bed mattress needs to do more than just feel good. It has to fit just right, be flexible enough to fold vertically (without warping), and light enough to function safely.
Why Murphy Beds and Their Mattresses Are Booming
We’re in the golden age of space-saving furniture. According to market analysts, the global Murphy bed market was valued at USD 1,569.5 million in 2024, with North America taking 40% of that pie (about USD 627.80 million).
The market is expected to hit USD 1,953.7 million by 2030, growing at a 4.1% compound annual growth rate.
This growth is tied to a few key trends:
Smaller living spaces
Urban apartment living
Home offices replacing guest rooms
Multi-functional furniture is becoming the norm
But as more people turn to Murphy beds, the demand for high-quality, well-fitting mattresses grows right alongside them.
Can You Use Any Mattress in a Murphy Bed?
Not really.
While it might be tempting to just slap your old memory foam mattress onto your new Murphy bed frame, chances are it won’t fold properly. Worse, it’ll stress the frame or motor.
Murphy beds have specific requirements to ensure safety, ease of use, and long-term durability. You can't just buy any luxury mattress, a Nectar mattress, or a firm mattress that catches your eye. The wrong mattress can turn your sleep sanctuary into a squeaky, saggy nightmare.
How to Choose the Best Mattress for a Murphy Bed
Here are the top five considerations when shopping for a Murphy bed mattress:
Thickness
This is crucial.
Most Murphy beds have a thickness limit (typically 10 to 12 inches) to allow the bed to close completely into the cabinet or wall.
Too thick? The Murphy memory foam bed won’t shut.
Too thin? Say hello to back pain.
Tip: Check the frame specs. Lori Beds offers clear guidelines for mattress thickness on each of their bed designs.
Mattress Weight
Some Murphy beds use hinges, pistons, or counterbalance systems to open and close safely. An innerspring mattress that’s too heavy could strain the mechanism or make the bed difficult to lift.
Opt for lighter memory foam or latex mattresses instead of heavy innerspring models.
Material
Your mattress material impacts comfort and flexibility. Here’s how some of the most common types perform:
Memory Foam: Excellent for contouring and support. Great for Murphy beds because it bends slightly without damage.
Latex: Offers a medium firm feel, is super durable, and is great for allergies. Just make sure to buy a latex bed mattress that's not too dense or heavy.
Hybrid (foam + coils): Known for being a supportive mattress, especially for back and stomach sleepers, but may be too thick or stiff for Murphy beds unless specially made.
Avoid waterbeds, super plush pillowtops, or any medium-firm mattress that's thicker than 12 inches.
Size
Murphy beds come in Twin, Queen, and sometimes King.
Be sure to match the bed frame dimensions exactly down to the inch. A mattress that's slightly too wide or long will prevent proper folding and cause premature wear.
Frame Compatibility
Some Murphy beds require mattresses with specific weight tolerances, especially if wall-mounted.
That’s why choosing a Murphy bed + mattress combo from brands like Lori Beds can be a great move. They’ve done the compatibility math for you. They offer both twin and queen-size beds in vertical and horizontal orientations.
Best Types of Mattresses for Murphy Beds
Let’s rank the top contenders based on comfort, price, and Murphy bed compatibility:
Choosing a mattress for a Murphy bed means balancing comfort, flexibility, and space efficiency. An all-foam mattress is often ideal. Some may also consider the memory foam mattress with advanced cooling properties and strategic foam layers, especially for those who want the best cooling mattress experience. If you’re leaning toward comfort and adaptability, an all-foam bed offers contouring support and is generally lightweight.
However, if you crave a bit more bounce and breathability, a hybrid mattress can also be compatible with Murphy beds that support slightly thicker frames. No matter which type you choose, prioritize a supportive bed with durable construction.
What About Custom Murphy Bed Mattresses?
Have a non-standard frame or unique size? Custom Murphy bed mattresses are a thing. Some of the best Murphy bed mattress companies will cut foam to order, especially for:
RV Murphy beds
Boat Murphy beds
Tiny home installations
Horizontal Murphy bed models
Trends in the Murphy Mattress Market
Just like the furniture market, Murphy bed mattresses are getting smarter, greener, and better designed for urban lifestyles.
Here’s what’s trending in 2025:
Sustainable Materials: Bamboo covers, natural latex, and organic cotton.
Cooling Tech: Gel-infused foams and breathable covers.
Slim-Profile Comfort: Mattresses that feel plush without extra bulk.
Smart Beds: Sensor-based mattresses that adjust firmness or track sleep.
FAQs
Can I use my regular mattress in a Murphy bed?
Only if it meets the bed’s thickness and weight guidelines. Otherwise, it could damage the frame or prevent proper closure.
What’s the ideal mattress thickness for a Murphy bed?
Most Murphy beds support mattresses between 8 to 12 inches thick. Always check your bed’s specifications.
Are Murphy bed mattresses comfortable?
Yes. Today’s Murphy bed mattresses, especially memory foam or cooling mattress options, are just as comfy as regular ones when chosen correctly.
How long do Murphy bed mattresses last?
With regular use, expect 8 to 10 years of comfort. Rotate it
regularly and store it flat to extend its life.
Where can I find Murphy bed-compatible mattresses?
Try trusted sources like Lori Beds, which offer well-matched mattresses and bed combinations.
Final Thoughts
If you’re already thinking like a space-saving superhero by choosing a Murphy bed, make sure your mattress is just as clever. Investing in the best memory foam mattress or any high-quality mattress ensures not only restful sleep but also long-lasting performance through countless open-close cycles.
A well-chosen Murphy bed mattress gives you:
A great night’s sleep
A smarter use of your square footage
A home that’s ready for guests, work, or relaxation
And with brands like Lori Beds, you don’t have to compromise on comfort or style, even if your bedroom disappears into the wall by day.
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