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Is your bed taking up too much space? Enter: The Murphy bed. This unique design can be stored against a wall and pulled down when you’re ready to slay your sleep.

But what kind of mattress are you supposed to pair with your space-saving sleep setup? We’ve got you covered with a list of the 10 best mattresses for Murphy beds — plus tips to help you pick the right one for you.

Here’s what we looked into when choosing the best of the best:

  • Fits a Murphy bed. Obvi, we started with mattresses that are the perfect fit for Murphy beds. That means only selecting models with a height of 12 inches or less. Because a Murphy bed is meant to save on space, most Murphy bed cabinets can’t fit mattresses that are thicker than that.
  • Reviews. We looked to real customer reviews to make sure people actually love these mattresses. We also asked our Team Greatist peeps for their faves. Yes, we’re trying to save space, but we’re also trying to be comfy, right?
  • Vetted brands. We also put all of our picks through a thorough vetting process that makes sure the company doesn’t make any unsupported health claims about its products or have an F or D rating from the Better Business Bureau. We also make sure each mattress complies with the Federal Flammability Standard (aka the mattress isn’t hella flammable).

Pricing guide

We know mattresses can be expensive (enough to get stolen from your roommate back in Boulder) so we included a range of prices:

  • $ = under $500
  • $$ = $500–$1000
  • $$$ = over $1000

Prices are based on a full-size mattress (which fits a standard Murphy bed) unless otherwise noted.

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We made sure to include a wide range of options, so you can pick the Murphy bed mattress that best suits your needs.

Best 10-inch mattress for Murphy bed

Leesa Original Mattress

  • Price: $$
  • Type: all-foam
  • Firmness: medium-firm
  • Height: 10 inches (in.)
  • Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king

Leesa’s original foam mattress is all kinds of comfy wrapped up in a 10-inch package.

And even though it’s the thinnest mattress on our list, it still has *three* layers of foam: two top layers made of breathable, bouncy foam, and pressure-relieving memory foam. The third is a thick base for added support and durability.

All of this foam adds up to a medium-firm feel, which should work well for basically any sleeping position. But the pressure relief from the comfort layer makes this especially comfy for side sleepers.

Pressure relief is an absolute must for side sleepers because they spend alll night putting tons of pressure on their hips and shoulders. A little bit of bounce is also a plus since it makes it easier to flip over from side to side throughout the night.

Reviewers say the Leesa Original helps them sleep better and is worth every dollar. But a few people complain that it’s not as supportive as they had hoped and has crappy edge support.

Pros

  • 10-inch thickness fits most Murphy beds
  • great for side sleepers
  • free shipping and returns
  • 100-night sleep trial
  • 10-year warranty

Cons

  • only one firmness option
  • returns aren’t free outside the contiguous U.S.
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Best 11-inch mattress for Murphy bed

Casper Original Mattress

  • Price: $$$
  • Type: all-foam or hybrid
  • Firmness: medium
  • Height: 11 in.
  • Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king

The original foam Casper mattress is made with a layer of memory foam with three different zones designed to support each part of your body a little differently. It has softer foam under your shoulders and firmer foam around your hips and lower back. This is supposed to help align your spine as you snooze.

It also has a breathable top layer that’ll keep you comfy all night, making this a great one for hot sleepers, too.

Just like Casper the friendly ghost, your mattress should feel pretty much invisible. You shouldn’t feel it poking and prodding at your body. Reviewers say the mattress feels just right, blending softness and support. Though, some people complain that the mattress still sleeps hot.

One of our editors tested this one and says it was a little too firm for her, but her partner was obsessed with it. She sleeps on her side (side sleepers usually like softer beds) and her partner sleeps on his back, so this mattress might work better for back sleepers. But hey, comfort is subjective.

Pros

  • available as hybrid or all-foam
  • 11-inch thickness fits most Murphy beds
  • free shipping and returns in the contiguous U.S.
  • 100-night sleep trial
  • 10-year limited warranty

Cons

  • only one firmness option
  • shipping isn’t free outside of the contiguous U.S.
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Best memory foam mattress for Murphy bed

Layla Memory Foam Mattress

  • Price: $$
  • Type: all-foam
  • Firmness: firm and soft (flippable)
  • Height: 10.5 in.
  • Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king

This dual-sided memory foam mattress delivers banging back support. And thanks to its two-sided design (one side is soft and the other is firm), you can be as indecisive as you want when it comes to firmness. That makes it a sweet option for adding to a guest bedroom since you can flip it to whatever side your guest prefers.

Layla also says it boasts technology that firms up in response to pressure, snuggling you in a nice big mattress-sized hug. Wowza!

Bed bonus: It comes with a lifetime warranty and you can return it within 120 nights of delivery. So you have plenty of time to decide if it’s the bed of your dreams.

Reviewers like the flexibility of having a flippable, dual-firmness mattress. They also say that the Layla mattress doesn’t get hot like other memory foam mattresses.

Pros

  • flippable firmness
  • free shipping and returns in the contiguous U.S.
  • 120-night sleep trial
  • lifetime warranty

Cons

  • shipping and returns aren’t free outside of the contiguous U.S.
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Best twin-size mattress for Murphy bed

Helix Kids

  • Price: $$
  • Type:hybrid
  • Firmness: medium-soft and medium-firm (flippable)
  • Height: 8 in.
  • Available sizes: twin, full

Many twin-size Murphy beds come with a mattress, but if you want to replace it with something a little comfier, this is an excellent option. Yes, it’s technically for kids, but it absolutely works for adults too.

It’s on the thinner side — only 8 inches thick — but many twin-size Murphy beds have stricter dimension requirements than larger options. (Remember to always always always check your Murphy bed’s specs!)

We also appreciate that it’s only 60 pounds, which should fit the majority of twin-size Murphy beds.

The cherry on top: It’s a hybrid mattress with flippable firmness. One side is medium-soft and the other is medium-firm — so you can flip it depending on what you or your guest is feelin’. And because it’s stain and water repellent, you won’t have to worry about guests spilling or having accidents on your brand new mattress.

Pros

  • flippable firmness
  • thinner and lighter mattress ideal for twin-size Murphy beds
  • stain and water repellent
  • free shipping and returns for all U.S. orders
  • 100-night sleep trial
  • 10-year limited warranty

Cons

  • only offered in twin- and full-size options
  • 8-inch thickness might not be the comfiest
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Best queen-size mattress for Murphy bed

The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress

  • Price: $$$ (queen)
  • Type: all-foam
  • Firmness: medium-firm
  • Height: 12 in.
  • Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king, split king

Nectar mattresses are known for their multiple layers of memory foam, which gets an A+ for preventing motion transfer. This means you can toss and turn as much as you want in your queen-size bed without any movement transferring to your partner’s side.

The mattress also features a layer of gel memory foam, which can help stop it from trapping your body heat. (FYI, memory foam can get pretty hot).

Reviewers say it suits both back and side sleepers. One reviewer even says it’s the most comfortable mattress they’ve ever owned. Complaints mostly have to do with customer service issues, like ultra-slow shipping (yikes!). A few reviewers also say the mattress is too firm.

Pros

  • great for couples
  • free shipping and returns in the contiguous U.S.
  • 1-year sleep trial
  • lifetime warranty

Cons

  • only one firmness option
  • shipping and returns aren’t free outside of the contiguous U.S.
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Best firm mattress for Murphy bed

Helix Dawn Mattress

  • Price: $$
  • Type: hybrid
  • Firmness: firm
  • Height: 12 in.
  • Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king

If you like a firm mattress (we’re looking at you, back and stomach sleepers), this one’s for you! The ultimate mix of comfort and firmness, the Helix Dawn foam mattress is designed to contour your body.

This mattress has a firm layer of Helix’s latex foam alternative, which the brand designed to feel like latex foam (aka pressure-relieving but bouncy) without any latex. And because it’s a hybrid, it has a base of spring coils, which adds a ton of support, durability, and airflow.

Many reviewers say the mattress provides an ideal firmness level, BUT there are a handful of people who find it either too hard or too soft.

Pros

  • firm and supportive mattress
  • free shipping and returns for all U.S. orders
  • 100-night sleep trial
  • 10-year limited warranty

Cons

  • some reviewers say it’s not firm enough
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Best budget mattress for Murphy bed

Sealy Mattress-in-a-Box

  • Price: $–$$
  • Type: hybrid or all-foam
  • Firmness: soft, medium-firm, firm
  • Height: 8, 10, or 12 in.
  • Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king

If you’re looking for a cheap but quality mattress for your Murphy bed, the Sealy Mattress-in-a-Box is the real deal.

You can choose between an 8, 10, or 12-inch thickness and between all-foam or hybrid. The thicker the mattress, the plusher it’ll feel — especially if you opt for the all-foam option. The all-foam option is also a good pick if you love that sinking-in feeling of 100 percent memory foam. But if you’re more into having a little bit of bounce, go for the hybrid.

Heads up: The brand’s 100-night trial and 10-year warranty don’t apply to the thinnest (and cheapest) 8-inch version. So, if having the option to try a mattress before you’re locked in is important to you, opt for at least the 10- or 12-inch.

Reviewers say shipping and delivery were super easy, and that they’re pretty dang satisfied with the quality for the price. Some people had issues with firmness — which is common — so def stick to a mattress with an in-home sleep trial so you can return it if you need to.

Pros

  • affordable
  • multiple thicknesses, mattress type, and firmness options available
  • free shipping and returns
  • 100-night sleep trial
  • 10-year limited warranty on 10- and 12-in. versions

Cons

  • only 5-year warranty on 8-in. mattress
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Best hybrid mattress for Murphy bed

Avocado Green Mattress

  • Price: $$$
  • Type: hybrid
  • Firmness: medium-firm
  • Height: 11 in.
  • Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king

This is the ideal choice if you want to sleep soundly knowing you’re helping the environment. It’s certified organic and made with Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)-certified wool and cotton. Avocado also offers a 1-year trial period and a 25-year limited warranty (with 10 years of full coverage!). So basically, the company is pretty confident in this mattress.

The 11-inch version of the mattress is considered medium-firm, but you can also add on an optional pillow top for an extra touch of softness. Avocado calls it “gentle firm” — keep in mind that the pillow top makes the mattress 13 inches thick, which might be too thick for your Murphy bed. So double-check your bed’s size requirements before buying.

Reviewers LOVE that buying organic means no weird off-gassing smells. They also say it does wonders for back pain and keeps them from overheating throughout the night. It’s one of the pricier options on our list, but most people say it’s well worth it. They also say the 1-year trial period made it easier to bite the bullet.

Pros

  • organic and eco-friendly
  • 1-year sleep trial
  • 25-year limited warranty

Cons

  • expensive
  • pillow top version might be too thick for some Murphy beds
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Best Murphy bed mattress topper

Saatva Mattress Topper

  • Price: $
  • Type: all-foam
  • Firmness: medium to medium-firm
  • Height: 1.5–3 in.
  • Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king, split king

Pop this Saatva mattress topper onto your Murphy bed mattress for a little added luxury. The organic cotton topper is available in three options: graphite, latex, and foam. We recommend the foam option because it’s only 1.5 inches thick.

Make sure to consider the height of your current mattress before buying a topper. Combined mattress and topper thickness shouldn’t exceed the specs of your Murphy bed.

It’s our pick for this type of bed because it features elastic band anchors to keep it from sliding around. When you stow away your bed, the secure elastics will prevent the pad topper from bunching up and coming off the top of your mattress. You’re welcome.

Reviewers point out that while the mattress topper is $$$, it’s totally worth the extra cost and helps soften up a hard mattress.

Pros

  • elastic bands help keep it in place
  • multiple material options
  • free shipping and returns in the contiguous U.S.
  • 180-night sleep trial
  • 1-year limited warranty

Cons

  • only ships in the contiguous U.S.
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Best RV mattress for Murphy bed

Brooklyn Signature Hybrid

  • Price: $$
  • Type: hybrid
  • Firmness: available in medium, firm, or soft
  • Height: 11 in.
  • Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, Cal king, split Cal king, short full, short queen, Olympic queen, short king, RV king (70 x 74 in., 70 x 80 in., or 72 x 80 in.)

Buying a mattress for an RV Murphy bed requires a few special considerations, especially when it comes to size. But you don’t have to skimp on quality! Brands like Brooklyn Bedding offer special RV sizing for some mattress models, including the Signature Hybrid Mattress, without sacrificing comfort.

Reviewers say the mattress is worth every penny and provides a great balance of support and comfort. It also has some top-notch edge support and works for all different sleep styles.

Pros

  • extended sizing — including RV sizes
  • multiple firmness options available
  • free shipping and returns in the contiguous U.S.
  • 120-night sleep trial

Cons

  • shipping and returns aren’t free outside the contiguous U.S.
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PriceTypeFirmnessHeightSleep TrialWarranty
Leesa Original Mattress$$all-foammedium-firm10 inches (in.)100 nights10 years
Casper Original Mattress$$$all-foam or hybridmedium11 in.100 nights10 years
Layla Memory Foam Mattress$$all-foam firm and soft (flippable)10.5 in.120 nightslifetime
Helix Kids$$hybridmedium-soft and medium-firm (flippable)8 in.100 nights10 years
The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress$$all-foammedium-firm12 in.1 yearlifetime
Helix Dawn Mattress$$hybridfirm12 in.100 nights10 years
Sealy Mattress-in-a-Box$–$$hybrid or all-foamsoft, medium-firm, or firm8, 10, or 12 in.100 nights10 years
Avocado Green Mattress$$$hybridmedium-firm11 in.1 year25 years
Saatva Mattress Topper$all-foammedium to medium-firm1.5–3 in.180 nights1 year
Brooklyn Signature Hybrid$$hybridavailable in medium, firm, or soft11 in.120 nights10 years

Here’s why you might want to consider a Murphy bed:

  • Save on space. Living in a tiny apartment means saving on rent but sacrificing space for stress-busting yoga and dance parties à la Cristina and Meredith. A Murphy bed can free up floor space while you’re wide awake.
  • Extra storage. Some Murphy beds even have extra storage where you can store knickknacks. If you’re not ready to Marie Kondo all your belongings, your Murphy bed can double as your closet/storage unit.
  • Great for guests. If you live in a larger-than-sardine-can apartment, you can stick a Murphy bed in your guest room or office. That way, you can welcome friends and fam for a few days without wasting precious space the rest of the year.

Drawbacks

The biggest drawbacks to Murphy beds are probably exactly what you think:

  • Pricey. They might save on space, but they’re usually not cheap. You’ll need to pay the big bucks for the actual Murphy bed and a new mattress if yours doesn’t come with one.
  • Mattress wear and tear. Let’s get real. Mattresses were designed to lie flat on a box spring or platform bed of some kind. Being stored vertically might put some unnatural wear and tear on your mattress that might not be covered by your warranty (always read the fine print!).

Here’s how to pick the best mattress for your M-bed:

Dimensions

Unless you have a nonstandard Murphy bed, you’ll likely need a full-size mattress that’s maximum of 12 inches in height. But some models are built to support queen and king-size mattresses.

Measure, measure, measure! Sure, many companies nowadays offer awesome trial periods and return policies but avoid wasting time and lugging around a useless mattress by finding out the dimensions of your Murphy bed first!

Weight

You might be pumped about the idea of getting swole by opening and closing your wall bed every night. But most Murphy beds can support a maximum of 1,000 pounds and some up to 2,500. Don’t forget that that includes the mattress and you (and whoever you plan on sleeping next to).

Mattress type

Some people argue that foam is a better choice for a Murphy bed because it’s more resistant to slumping, but really, it’s more important that you’re comfortable. Avoid any mattress that feels flimsy and floppy. Mattresses with A+ edge support are a good pick.

Here’s a quick rundown of each type of mattress and its pros and cons:

Memory foam. These mattresses form to your shape and bounce back when you remove your weight. They’re ideal for side sleepers due to their extra cushioning. And memory foam is a good choice for couples because it isolates movement better than other materials. It also provides excellent pressure relief, which is great for people who tend to wake up with aches and pains. The downside? Memory foam doesn’t provide as much ease of movement as hybrids, innerspring, or latex foam materials. Some people find this body-wrapping feeling cozy, while others describe it as sinking into quicksand. Also, all-foam mattresses are HEAVY, so they could be a pain in the a$$ to put away in your Murphy bed.

Hybrid. They usually have a layer of coiled springs on the bottom and layers of latex or memory foam on the top. You’ll want to skip mattresses made of latex when outfitting your Murphy bed because the material isn’t meant to stand upright for long periods — you’ll eventually end up with a bed that’s all slumpy and lumpy. Why else might you pick a hybrid model? Hybrids tend to be better for hot sleepers. Memory foam is notoriously sweat-inducing, which is bad news if you tend to sweat in your jammies. BUT hybrid models are often the most expensive option, which is a b-u-m-m-e-r.

Innerspring. Good ol’ innerspring mattresses are one of the cheapest options available. They’re made of steel coils that compress once you put weight on them. FYI: More coils usually means more support. But the problem with innersprings is that they can really lack in the comfort materials department, so you just need to make sure you pay attention to the materials used on top of the innersprings.

Airbed. Some mattresses have air chambers (think: Sleep Number) that make them adjustable. Most models have a remote to control the firmness level. These are amazing for couples with different firmness preferences, but they’re pricey AF. There’s also a large possibility that your Murphy bed won’t be able to hold all of the tubes and cords needed for an airbed.

In terms of the best mattress for a Murphy bedb … memory foam and hybrid mattresses might be your best bet. The foam and texture help it from slumping. Also, innerspring mattresses aren’t known for being the comfiest option in the world (remember your grandparents’ guest room mattress? Yeah, true innerspring mattresses are like that).

Firmness level

Medium-firm mattresses are known for being pretty universally comfy and ideal for aligning your spine. But comfort is subjective, so go with what feels comfortable and supportive for your body.

If you sleep on your side, a bed that’s not too hard and not too soft might feel most comfortable. Back sleepers might prefer a slightly harder surface, while stomach sleepers typically need lots of support and might do better with a hard mattress.

That said, sticking with a middle ground firmness level is a good option if you’re outfitting a Murphy bed in a guest bedroom.

Company policies

Please, please, please (we’re begging you), go with a company that will allow you to trial your new mattress and return it if it’s not compatible with your sleep style and needs. This is a must!

A solid warranty is another must-have. Look for policies that last at least 10 years.

Price

Because the vertical positioning of a Murphy bed will put additional pressure on a mattress, it’ll probably wear out faster than a mattress used in a regular bed. For that reason, it’s a good idea to opt for something more affordable.

But there’s also a chance that going for a higher quality mattress could add some durability to it.

Our advice? Choose a mattress that’s in a comfortable price range for you.

Why is it called a Murphy bed?

It’s named for its creator, William Murphy, who invented the bed to avoid the cultural faux-pas of inviting a woman into his bedroom *gasp*. Since he resided in a studio apartment, his invention allowed him to hang with the apple of his eye without having it deemed improper. We’ve certainly come a long way since then … Netflix and Chill for everyone!

How thick should a mattress be for a Murphy bed?

12 inches or less is the optimum thickness for a Murphy bed mattress. If your mattress is too thick you won’t be able to close up the bed.

Your Murphy bed should come with this info though, so check what’s compatible with yours before shopping.

Do you need a box spring for a Murphy bed?

Nope. There’s not really any need for one. Unless the Murphy bed or mattress warranty requires it or the instructions specifically mention the need for a box spring, don’t worry about it.

Do you need a special mattress for a Murphy bed?

Murphy beds rest in a vertical position. That means you need a mattress with enough structural integrity that it won’t slide down and crumple into a dough-like mattress ball. You can technically use any mattress for a Murphy bed but a foam model is most likely to resist slumping over time.

Size-wise, most Murphy bed cabinets are designed for full-size mattresses, but obvi there are exceptions to the rule.

Because these space-saving beds need to be relatively flush to the wall, most cabinets can’t accommodate mattresses that are ultra-thick. Sorry thicc chonky mattress, maybe next time! Mattresses that are 12 inches or smaller will probably fit but always double-check size requirements before buying.

How do you secure a mattress to a Murphy bed?

To avoid any unpleasant surprises during the night, make sure you secure your fab new mattress to your Murphy bed!

Here’s how to do it:

  1. With your bed in a horizontal position adjust the mattress to the frame.
  2. Hold it in place with the strap.
  3. Make sure it stays in place as you slowly lift the bed to an upright position.

How often do you need to replace a Murphy bed mattress?

You may need to replace a Murphy bed mattress earlier than one used with a standard bed frame because the vertical positioning adds lots of additional pressure. BUT wear and tear also depends on the specific mattress model, your weight, and whether you sleep with a partner.

It also depends on how often you’re putting your bed away — every night, every weekend, or only 1 to 2 times a month? Most mattresses will last at least 10 years.

Are Murphy beds better than futons?

It’s kinda relative. You might find a futon super comfortable! But the advantages of a Murphy bed over a futon are that it:

  • takes up less floor space
  • is more durable
  • is usually more supportive because you can buy an actual mattress

Are Murphy beds comfortable?

Let’s clear something up, you’re not sleeping INSIDE the wall when you sleep in a Murphy bed. It’s basically identical to a standard bed except that when not in use, it’s out of sight. If you buy the right mattress, a Murphy bed is absolutely just as comfy as a regular bed.

Do Murphy beds damage mattresses?

The vertical positioning will put strain on but won’t damage a quality mattress. To avoid unwanted slumping that can disfigure your mattress, always make sure the retention system is in place and secure before storing your mattress.

Murphy beds are an amazing way to save space — whether you’re trying to make the most out of the limited space in your studio apartment or turn your spare bedroom into a home gym/guest room. Our recs are high quality, supportive options that should work well with most Murphy beds, but remember to check size requirements and choose a company with a solid “try before you buy” policy.