Foldable or also known as folding mattresses is a portable and versatile alternative to traditional home-based mattresses. It is a type of mattress that can be easily folded up for easy transportation and storage. Due to their peculiar advantageous characteristic of ultra-high portability, these folding mattresses come quite handy.
These inexpensive, portable sleeping surfaces are primarily designed for guest rooms and other temporary overnight accommodations. For instance, if you need a mattress for a camping trip or want to store one for unexpected guests at the house, a folding mattress is the aptest choice.
Most foldable mattresses feature two folds (bi-fold) or three folds (tri-fold) that allow owners to compress the mattress into a much smaller size making them easy to store. In short, they are light, compact, portable and easy to use.
Mostly these mattresses are relatively thin which means that the average model measure 4 inches to 6 inches thick. They usually comprise of foam layers, the majority of which contains polyfoam but some models also include at least a layer of memory foam. The average price usually revolves around $175 which is quite less compared to standard mattresses.
If you are looking for a foldable mattress soon, then you will need to identify the factors that make a good foldable mattress. To help you with a choice we have put together this guide that covers everything about foldable mattresses in addition to the best available options.
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A folding mattress comes to great use during these situations –
Folding mattress is perfect for camping trips, instead of taking sleeping bags along, you can take a folding mattress which will provide you with extra padding keeping you away from sleeping on the hard, bumpy ground. This will save you from pain and soreness when you wake up and ensure you are comfortable on your camping trip
These mattresses are compact and portable enough to fit onto or inside most large backpacks, as well as the back seat of automobiles for car campers. They also work as seats around the campfire after folding up when not sleeping.
A folding mattress is a perfect solution for people who are short on space and have constant overnight guest stays. With these mattresses, you can ensure a comfortable night’s sleep for them rather than sleeping uncomfortably on futons or couches.
When there are no guests staying over, you can easily store them without occupying much space in the house with a separate standard guest bed you will hardly use.
Folding mattresses are great for children who love sleepovers. You can also double them as play mats for exceptionally young children. Folding mattresses with washable cover are considered ideal for children.
Kids can even take these along themselves for sleepovers at their friend’s house rather than sleeping in a sleeping bag or on a floor.
These mattresses also cater to the needs of the people who love to just lounge around or for snuggling with pets or for watching T.V. You can even get a full or queen-sized folding mattress and lay it down in your living room to create a fun lounge area.
This will create a comfortable sitting space allowing you and your guests to lounge around comfortably without any discomfort or back pain. You can also make your kids play in this room without worrying about their fall on a hard floor.
Folding mattresses are preferable because they are easy to store and many of them are Tri-fold and can easily slide into the closet for easy storage. So if the mattress is not in use you can easily fold the mattress and store it and you can very conveniently put it to use when needed.
If you love to travel and frequently wander new places a folding mattress is perfect for you. It can save you from the pain of sleeping on someone’s couch. A good folding memory foam mattress is much more comfortable than the average futon and it definitely beats a saggy couch.
These mattresses are perfect for camping as well and will definitely turn out to be a boon to them rather than sleeping in sleeping bags. They are easy to carry and also come with convenient carry handles for easy travel.
Folding mattresses are way cheaper in price than traditional standard mattresses. Even the most expensive foldable mattress will cost half of the standard mattress. Even air mattresses these days cost a major hole in your pocket. Opting a folding mattress will surely save a lot of money.
A folding mattress has more than one functionality except sleeping. You can fold the mattress up and can make an ottoman or footrest. Some mattresses can be also folded into chairs. You can place a folding mattress in the living room to lounge while watching T.V.
You can also use folding mattresses as play mats for your kids. They can play around without hitting the hard floor. Majority of folding mattresses these days come with removable covers for easy washing, and many are even machine-washable. A folding mattress is a more suitable and comfortable alternative to sleeping bags during sleepovers.
Folding mattresses are perfect as guest beds for smaller living spaces. They would love to sleep on this mattress comfortably rather than on couches. A folding mattress will provide more room space than a couch and it is specially meant for sleeping and not lounging, unlike a couch. These can be easily stored and put to use whenever there is an unexpected stay of the guests.
Folding mattress is one of the best options available among portable mattresses. A good folding mattress will provide you with great support and will allow you to sleep through the night comfortably. These mattresses are by far superior to sleeping bags used mostly for camping or travel. It is much more comfortable for guests than a futon or couch. A folding mattress will provide you with the same amount of sleeping comfort as imparted by a standard bed.
While looking for a folding mattress you need to be sure that the mattress is made up of high-quality materials. The type of foam used in manufacturing the mattress determines how comfortable the mattress will be. There are mainly two types of foam used in foldable mattresses: Memory Foam and Polyurethane Foam.
Memory Foam is a very dense material that conforms to the curves of your body and adjusts itself according to the weight applied on it thereby relieving pressure points and are often more durable and comfortable. But the downside to this mattress is that it is more expensive than all polyfoam models and on top of that it absorbs body heat making you sleep warm.
Polyurethane or latex is inexpensive than memory foam and is much less durable and comfortable than memory foam. They have a shorter life span and is ideal for people who are looking for folding mattresses on a budget. This also works great for kids to play on but is not as dense and supportive than memory foam.
Most folding memory foam mattresses are made up of memory foam and other types of foam, so you should check the specifications before buying a mattress to actually know how much memory foam are you getting.
The cover on the foldable mattress protects the foam from getting out worn out or damaged. It serves as a protection mechanism against moisture and dust mites. There are a variety of covers you can choose from to serve your purpose.
Some folding mattresses have removable covers so that it can be easily taken off by you. Then there are some which are sewed and cannot be removed. If you are constantly worried about the cleanliness of your mattress, then choose the one with a removable cover.
The material that is used in the cover of the foldable mattress also plays a key role in the durability of the mattress. While choosing a foldable mattress, look for the one that can withstand damage from external conditions. There are some foldable mattresses that have waterproof covers, which is ideal for kids and camping to keep moisture at bay. If you plan to directly sleep on the top of the mattress make sure that the mattress cover is made up of soft and comfortable material.
The thickness of the mattress is directly proportional to the amount of comfort it will provide. The general thumb rule is, the thicker the mattress the more comfortable it will be. This is because a thicker mattress will provide you with more support and will prevent you from sinking down to the floor when you lay on it. The drawback of a thicker mattress is that it is much heavier than a thinner mattress hence making it less portable.
Folding mattresses which are thicker, cost more than the thinner ones, so if you plan on buying a thicker mattress you will have to increase your budget too. The standard thickness available for these mattresses is 4 inches, 6 inches and 8 inches. So if we go by the general thumb rule, the 8-inch mattress will last longer than the 4-inch folding mattress.
In addition to the different thickness levels, folding mattresses also come in a variety of sizes. Most of them follow the same sizing guidelines as traditional mattresses.
A twin-sized mattress measures 38 inches wide by 75 inches long and is ideal for children. A full foldable mattress is 53 inches wide by 75 inches long and is apt for adults sleeping alone. A queen-sized foldable mattress is 60 inches wide by 80 inches long and is perfect for most couples or adults who like to have more space on their bed.
A king-sized mattress is the least common and measures 76 inches wide by 80 inches long. Some of the commonly available sizes for folding mattresses are twin, full or queen.
The portability of the mattress depends on the Folding Technique and Weight. While looking for a foldable mattress make sure that it easily folds up.Foldable mattresses these days will fold in from two places that pack the mattresses into three panels. They are much more compact than the matresses that fold in one place. Size also plays an important aspect in the portability of the mattress. For instance, a king or queen-sized mattress will appear to be much larger even after folding up.
Some folding mattresses come with attached handles for easy carrying. Other folding mattresses come with a bag for easy transportation of the mattress. This is a very convenient option because it is hard to find a bag that your folding mattress fits in without a struggle.
The weight of the foldable mattress also affects the comfort it provides. A thin foldable mattress is made up of low-density foam and will be lightweight totally apt for people who travel a lot but it won’t be able to impart good comfort as a thick high-density foam.
Most foldable mattresses are considered Medium-firm or Firm as they are relatively low profile. This may turn out to be an issue for sleepers who prefer plush sleeping surfaces. A possible way out of this is to use a mattress topper, an individual layer of cushioning that rests on the sleep surface. Toppers are usually designed and used to experience the desired comfort. Toppers usually measure 3 inches or less than that making them easy to store and transport.
This twin trifold portable mattress is perfect for adults who sleep alone. The mattress comprises of 6 inches memory foam and is further internally divided into 2 inches of soft air memory foam and 4 inches of base support. The cover of the foldable mattress is easy to clean and is double stitched. It is machine washable so you just need to unzip it and not worry about anything.
The mattress measures 78 inches long by 38 inches wide and along with sleeping it is also suitable for a Trifold futon that sets up into a couch position perfect for lounging around. The mattress is also CertiPur US certified proving itself to be totally safe for usage. The mattress is durable and thick and also includes a carry pack for easy storage and transportation. The mattress is ideal for children and for camping due to its exceptional qualities.
This foldable queen-sized mattress constitutes 4.5 inches of medium-firm polyurethane foam that supports 1.5 inches of soft memory foam on the top. The mattress is an ideal balance between a supple body support and rich softness. The mattress is ventilated for airflow to help regulate sleep temperature for maximum support and comfort.
The mattress is perfect for unexpected sleepover guests, family reunions, dorm rooms, camping and travelling. The mattress is CertiPur US certified which supersedes all other mattresses with superior high-density construction that will not lose its shape. The mattress also includes an ultra-soft cover with anti-slip bottom. The mattress when fully laid down measures 78in. x 58in. x 6in. and when folded it measures 58in. x 26in. x 18in.
The 4-inch thick mattress is soft yet firm and uses high-density foam that provides maximum comfort for a good night’s sleep. The mattress serves as a great guest bed, comfortable camping bed or as a floor sofa for lounging around. The mattress is too convenient for portability as it comes with two handles and folds into a compact storage.
The mattress when flatly laid measures 75”(L) x 53″(W) x 4”(Thick) and when folded 53”(L) x 25”(W) x 16”(H). The mattress is CertiPur US certified and uses high-quality materials. The mattress uses polyurethane in construction and comes with a machine washable cover.
This mattress is 4 inches thick and is an ideal solution to temporary sleeping accommodation. It is thick, soft, plush breathable and quick to assemble. The mattress comprises of 1.5 inches of memory foam over 2.5 inches of supportive base foam. The mattress is CertiPur US certified and is free of all toxins and chemicals and the foam is made up of thick and durable material for long-lasting comfort.
The mattress is perfect for unexpected sleepover guests or family reunions, or when you go camping or travelling, or having a child going off to live in a dorm room. The mattress is equipped with a removable ultra-soft bamboo cover which is machine washable and comes with an anti-slip bottom. The twin tri-fold mattress in flat position measures 78in x 38in x 4in, when folded it measures 38in x 26in x 12in.
This 4 inches tri-folding mattress comprises of 2 inches of Dura HD foam and 1.5 inches of Dura I foam. The mattress is perfect for unexpected sleepover guests or family reunions, or camping or travelling, or for your children or just lounging around. It also folds into extra seating and includes supportive memory foam. The product measures 75 x 25 x 4 inches. The cover of the mattress is machine washable.
This foldable mattress is a 3-in-1 mattress which offers superior versatility and easily transforms from a sofa into a twin or a queen mattress whichever you choose. You just need to unzip the mattress to unfold it. It is great for apartment dwellers, college dorms, family dens or anywhere else where space is limited.
The mattress offers 9 inches thick twin mattress and 3 inches thick queen mattress. The mattress is CertiPur US certified and uses high-density foam with durable quality to withstand everyday use. The mattress measures 41.6 x 17.2 x 16.9 inches.
With this 4-inch mattress you can enjoy a durable support and comprises of memory foam and responsive base foam. The mattress can be folded into a seating chair against the wall and can be used for lounging around. The mattress is great for unexpected sleepover guests or family reunions, or camping or travelling, or for your children or just lounging around.
The foam used is CertiPur US certified and is free from formaldehyde, heavy metals, PBDEs, TDCPP or TCEP (”Tris”) flame retardants, and is low on VOC. The mattress comes with a removable machine washable cover with a non-slip bottom. In a flat position, the mattress measures 31″ (W) x 75″ (L) x 4″ (L) and when folded it measures 31″ (W) x 25″ (L) x 12″ (H) the maximum weight capacity on the mattress is 400 lbs.
The mattress is 4 inches thick and comprises of 1.5 inches of Dura i-gel foam and 2.5 inches of Dura HD support foam. It is completed with a supportive memory foam mattress providing a soothing sleep. This tr-folding memory foam mattress is ideal for temporary sleeping accommodations and is perfect for unexpected sleepover guests, dorm rooms, camping and travelling. The mattress is super comfortable and is an easy portable option. The mattress measures 75 x 25 x 4 inches.
This is a 6-inch thick folding foam bed which is made of all high-quality foam covered by the solid colour fabric. It is really convenient to use these folded foam beds on any occasion. It is perfect for any sudden visit of your special guest, a summer picnic, camping or other activities like taking a rest, watching T.V., reading, or playing video games.
You can place this foldable chair cum bed in your living or family room. You can also have it on your van, mini truck or studio apartment to save up on space. The bed measures 6″ thick x 32″ wide x 70″ long and as a chair, it measures 23″ high at the back-rest x 12″ high at the sitting position x 32″ wide x 30″ deep.
This little toddler portable mattress is 5-inch thick and is made up of high-density foam which is a perfect blend of softness and support. The edges of the mattress are made up of thick foam to provide superior support and stability. Some crib mattresses lack support along the edges making the kids vulnerable to roll off the mattress and get physically hurt as well as suffocation.
This baby mattress is easy to store as it easily folds up. The mattress can also be used as a playing mat or for lounging around and is also helpful for travelling. The infant mattress comes with a removable quilted cover which is machine washable. The mattress measures 52.36 X 27.5 X 5 inch.
This mattress is made from memory foam to provide long term strength and use. It is known for its therapeutic qualities and comfortable support. The foam conforms to the contours of your body and is ventilated to allow airflow to help regulate your sleep temperature. The mattress is perfect for unexpected sleepover guests, family reunions, dorm rooms, camping, travelling or any sudden picnic plans.
It easily accommodates all of your sleeping needs and then folds away neatly. The mattress comprises of 1.5 inches of luxurious memory foam and 4.5 inches of supportive base foam. It has a high-density construction that won’t lose its shape. The mattress also includes carrying straps for easy transportation and a removable ultra-soft bamboo cover with anti-slip bottom.
This twin tri-fold mattress constitutes 1-inch gel memory foam and 2 inches of the base foam layer for added support. It is convenient to fold and store and is great for guest visits and easy to transport. It is perfect for sleepovers, camping, cabins, dorm rooms and children’s playrooms. It includes a removable cover which is washable and carrying handles as well. The mattress measures 38″ x 75″.
This mattress is perfect for your little ones. It is apt for lounging in your room, daycare, travelling. It is thick, soft, cosy and assembles really quickly. It comes with an ultra-soft removable cover which is machine washable for easy care. It easily folds into a compact storage. The mattress measures 58in. x 24in. x 3in. and when folded it measures 24in. x 19in. x 9in. It is also CertiPur US certified ensuring that the foam is free of toxins and chemicals.
This 4-inch mattress comprises of 1-inch memory foam, 2 inches of viscolatex responsive foam and 1 inch of high-density base foam. It is infused with natural ingredients to absorb moisture, eliminate odours and keeps the mattress fresh. The foam is CertiPur US certified for durability, performance and content. The mattress is perfect for unexpected sleepover guests, family reunions, dorm rooms, camping, travelling or any sudden picnic plans. It measures 80 x 27 x 4 inches.
These mattresses are made up of easy foam and impart you with extreme comfort and support. It includes a 100% polyester removable, machine washable cover. It measures 74.8″ x 35.4″ x 5″. The cover of the mattress is high quality printed and can change the vibe of any room. It goes well with any room decor and can even go with any loft or standard bed too. The patterns come in various designs and cater to your variety of choices. Wherever you take it, be it camping, picnics, dorms etc. it will definitely catch everyone’s eyes.
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Mostly foldable mattresses can cost less than $200.
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Polyfoam mattresses are usually the cheapest but are not very comfortable and tend to deteriorate quickly. Whereas mattresses with memory foam provide more comfort and last longer but then obviously you need to pay more.
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If you plan to buy a mattress which is to be used outdoors then opt for a mattress which has aa waterproof, antibacterial cover with a slip-proof bottom. Also, ensure that the cover is removable or not since mattresses with non-removable covers cannot be cleaned easily.
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The number of folds preferred by each individual is subjective. Some don’t mind the extra divot in the sleep surface of bi-fold and tri-fold mattresses while some prefer more uniform feel of bi-fold mattresses.
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You should go by the general thumb rule, however, thinner mattresses are much lighter and are easier to store and carry.
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Mattress sizes such as Twin XL, King, and California King are less common than sizes like Twin, Full and Queen when it comes to Foldable Mattresses. There are a few special smaller sizes available which can be great for kids and camping trips but is not widely available.
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Generally, all folding mattresses are lightweight but some do weigh more and this plays a crucial role during transportation and storage planning. Roughly speaking some pay around 10-15 pounds while others weigh as much as 30 pounds or more.
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This is a very important aspect and comes to play while storing the mattress as well as finding space when transporting it. You should know that the mattress will be twice or thrice times higher (depending on the folds) and the width dimensions will roughly remain the same but only the length will be considerably shorter.
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The firmness level varies from product to product and on an individual basis it is highly subjective. An 8-inch mattress will usually feel softer than a 6-inch mattress which in turn will be softer than a 4-inch mattress. If your budget demands a thinner mattress then you can add a mattress topper to rule out some of the excess firmness.
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Warranties for folding mattresses vary significantly, some mattresses do come with warranty coverage of five years or more than this and on the contrary, there are some mattresses who do not come with any sort of warranty.
Foldable mattresses are a great portable solution and can be useful in various situations like unexpected guests, camping, travelling, lounging, snuggling with pets, for your toddlers, etc. In this article, we have shared a guide on how to choose a perfect foldable mattress with its advantages and the options available in the market. If you found this article helpful, do like and share it and do let us know in the comment section below as we are always open to your suggestions.