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Unlike a standard mattress, a foldable mattress can fold up into sections for simple storage when not in use. Foldable mattresses are a must-have for those who frequently travel, go camping, have sleepovers, parties, or large families that stay over around the holidays.
When it comes to shopping for a foldable mattress, quality is key. The best foldable mattress is comfortable, supports your back when you sleep, and is easy to move and carry, much like a typical air mattress. Some even come with a handy carrying case to make mobility easier. This article will help you find the best foldable mattress for your needs. The products below represent some of the best foldable mattresses in each respective category.
- BEST OVERALL: Milliard 4-Inch Tri-Fold Foam Mattress
- RUNNER-UP: Best Price Mattress 4-Inch Trifold Mattress Topper
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: American Furniture Alliance Hide A’ Mat Jr Mattress
- UPGRADE PICK: Inofia Memory Foam Tri-Folding Mattress
- BEST FOR TRAVEL: Cushy Form Tri-Fold Folding Mattress
- BEST FOR HEAVY SLEEPERS: D&D Futon Furniture Sleeper Chair Folding Foam Bed
- BEST FOR BACK PAIN: Milliard 6-Inch Foldable Memory Foam Mattress
- BEST FOR KIDS: Molblly Tri-Folding Memory Foam Mattress
- BEST FOR CAMPING: Cozzzi 4-Inch Folding Mattress With Removable Cover
- MOST VERSATILE: Best Choice Products 4-Inch Folding Portable Mattress
How We Chose the Best Foldable Mattresses
Choosing the best foldable mattress for your needs depends on how you plan to use the sleeper. We carefully considered mattress brands, dimensions, type, and thickness as helpful starting points. We also noted firmness in some cases and looked to see if a folding mattress came with a washable or removable cover.
Portability matters if you plan to travel with your mattress, and we checked for features like easy folding, weight, and whether the mattress has a handle or carrying case. We also considered the folded size and shape for those tight on storage space.
Our Top Picks
The top-rated products below were chosen for quality, price range, and customer satisfaction to help you find the best foldable mattress for your home. Plus, each of our picks has a thoroughly vetted list of pros and cons to make the selection even easier.
Best Overall
Milliard 4-Inch Tri-Fold Foam Mattress
Product Specs
- Material: Polyurethane foam
- Thickness: 4 inches
- Firmness: Firm
Pros
- Queen-size folding mattress is a great option for overnight guests
- Measures only 58 inches long by 26 inches wide when folded down into 3 sections
- 4-inch-thick combo of memory foam and high-density polyurethane foam
- Washable jacquard bamboo nonslip cover included
Cons
- Softer than other portable mattresses, which can impact long-term comfort
- The thicker polyurethane layer is lower quality than the thinner memory foam
- Larger fold-up size than some; requires more storage space
The Milliard Tri-Fold mattress is a perfect option for a guest room doubling as an office, with folded dimensions of just 26 inches long by 58 inches wide, allowing you to tuck it away in the closet when not in use. The CertiPUR-US-certified queen tri-fold mattress is 4 inches thick and made of high-density polyurethane foam.
The foldable mattress comes with a jacquard bamboo cover that can be removed for washing and an anti-slip bottom to prevent the mattress from sliding out from under you while you sleep. When the mattress is unfolded it lays flat at 78 inches long by 58 inches wide and comes with ventilated mesh sides to help keep temperatures down.
Get the Milliard 4-inch foldable mattress at Amazon or Bed Bath & Beyond.
Runner-Up
Best Price Mattress 4-Inch Trifold Mattress Topper
Product Specs
- Material: Memory foam and polyurethane, or cooling gel-infused memory foam and polyurethane
- Thickness: 4 inches
- Firmness: Medium
Pros
- 1.5-inch memory foam top layer, polyurethane base, and machine-washable cover
- Folded size is easier to store than some other options available
- Comes in 9 different sizes to suit a variety of occasions; can be used for camping, sleepovers, or travel
- Includes removable machine-washable nonslip cover with nonslip bottom
Cons
- Twin size sleeps only 1, and thinner foam isn’t as comfortable for side sleepers
- Does not include storage cover
The CertiPUR-US-certified Best Price Mattress TriFold mattress topper is a great option for mobility because it can fold up into a compact unit due to its slim 4-inch thickness. However, you still get great sleep on the 1.5 inches of memory foam that forms the top layer of the mattress and 2.5 inches of high-density polyurethane for the firm base.
The mattress sizes range from 25 to 84 inches long and 25 to 72 inches wide and come with a poly-jacquard machine-washable cover and slip-proof bottom to prevent the mattress from moving during use. You can also rest easy on this folded mattress knowing that it can be bought in nine different bed sizes for exact customization. Plus it comes in a cooling gel-infused memory foam construction for hot sleepers.
Get the Best Price foldable mattress at Amazon.
Best Bang for the Buck
American Furniture Alliance Hide A' Mat Jr Mattress
Product Specs
- Material: Soft polyester
- Thickness: 3.5 inches
- Firmness: Plush
Pros
- Versatile trifold twin mattress can serve multiple purposes
- 3.5-inch polyurethane thickness provides convenient comfort
- Measures 75 inches long by 30 inches wide flat and only 25 inches long by 30 inches wide when folded
- Ventilated mesh sides provide natural cooling, and nonslip bottom keeps mattress put
Cons
- Those who prefer a firmer mattress might be more comfortable with an additional topper
- Some reviews mention increased sagging and flattening over time
Designed for portability, the American Furniture Alliance Jr mattress comes with a handy carrying strap that attaches directly to the mattress. The 3.5-inch thick polyurethane foam is more than enough comfort for sleepovers, giving overnight guests a soft place to lay their heads.
The trifold twin mattress measures 75 inches long by 30 inches wide when laid flat and 25 inches long by 30 inches wide when folded, offered at a price that is easy on the wallet. The bottom and sides of the foldable mattress are made with nonslip mesh for increased airflow and traction, making this mattress an excellent option for yoga classes.
Get the American Furniture Alliance foldable mattress at Amazon.
Upgrade Pick
Inofia Memory Foam Tri-Folding Mattress
Product Specs
- Material: Memory foam
- Thickness: 4 or 6 inches
- Firmness: Medium firm
Pros
- Memory foam mattress includes a risk-free 100-day trial and responsive customer service time
- Included bamboo cover is incredibly soft and machine washable for added support and comfort
- Nonslip bottom offers increased traction on hardwood and tile
Cons
- Comes at a premium price range in comparison to other options
- Needs ample time for all sections to fully expand after shipping
The Inofia Memory Foam Tri-Folding mattress comes at a premium price, but it is well worth the extra cost. Inofia even offers a 100 hassle-free night trial with purchase. The included machine-washable bamboo cover is incredibly soft and also has a nonslip bottom for increased traction on hardwood and tile.
The mattress comes in multiple sizes, including cot, single, twin, full, and queen. Its trifold design features breathable mesh sides to allow for better airflow and temperature regulation during sleep. The 4- or 6-inch thick foam is separated into a 1.5-inch memory foam top and 2.5 to 4.5 inches of high-density polyurethane support foam for a comfortable, firm sleep.
Get the Inofia foldable mattress at Amazon.
Best for Travel
Cushy Form Tri-Fold Folding Mattress
Product Specs
- Material: High-density foam
- Thickness: 4 inches
- Firmness: Medium
Pros
- Lightweight 4-inch mattress with soft, removable, and washable cover
- Comes in 2 sizes depending on individual user needs: 25 and 31 inches wide
- Includes handle and carrying case; easy travel option
Cons
- Not made of memory foam; high-density foam is less comfortable for some
- Small size sleeps only 1 person
This lightweight, trifold mattress from Cushy Form is an ideal option for travel at just 4 inches thick, and it folds down to only 12 inches high by 25 or 31 inches wide. The high-density foam mattress can extend out to 75 inches long by 25 or 31 inches wide when laid flat and features a helpful storage and carrying case with a handle that makes it easy to take the mattress anywhere.
The trifold design comes with a soft, removable, and washable cover to keep your purchase safe. The material is breathable but plush, and this mattress is a good multipurpose folding option.
Get the Cushy Form foldable mattress at Amazon.
Best for Heavy Sleepers
D&D Futon Furniture Sleeper Chair Folding Foam Bed
Product Specs
- Material: High-density polyurethane foam
- Thickness: 6 inches
- Firmness: Unspecified
Pros
- Lightweight for moving from room to room, unlike traditional mattresses
- Measures 70 inches long by 32 inches wide flat; 23 inches long by 32 inches wide folded as chair
- 6-inch-thick polyurethane foam holds its shape in dual configurations
Cons
- Doesn’t offer much back support when folded as a chair
- Doesn’t unfold completely flat so likely too short for taller individuals
The D&D Futon foam bed is 6-inches thick and made completely of high-density polyurethane, giving heavy sleepers a cushy place to slumber. When fully extended, the foldable mattress measures 70 inches long by 32 inches wide, but rather than folding up into a box shape that can be neatly tucked away, it doubles as a chair when folded.
As a chair, the backrest measures 23-inches high and the seat is just 12-inches high, but it gives users a seating area of 32 inches by 30 inches, which is more than enough for a comfortable chair. While this foldable mattress does have a cover, it isn’t removable and the mattress doesn’t come with a warranty, so consider picking up a cover or sheet to keep it clean and in good condition.
Get the D&D Futon Furniture foldable mattress at Amazon.
Best for Back Pain
Milliard 6-Inch Foldable Memory Foam Mattress
Product Specs
- Material: Memory foam and high-density polyurethane
- Thickness: 6 inches
- Firmness: Medium firm
Pros
- Thick (6-inch) combination of memory foam and high-density polyurethane foam lessens back pain
- Measures 75 inches long by 31 inches wide flat and folds into thirds for convenient storage
- Soft mesh material is breathable and adds an extra layer of comfort
- Top cover is fully removable and can be machine washed
Cons
- Quite heavy, so portability can be an issue
Aches and pains can flare up quickly when you have to spend the night on an uncomfortable cot or couch, but with the Milliard 6-inch foldable memory foam mattress, you and your aching back can sleep well. The 6-inch thick mattress is made up of 1.5 inches of comfortable memory foam and 4.5 inches of high-density polyurethane for a firm base.
The mattress lays flat at 75 inches long by 31 inches wide and folds up neatly into just 25 inches long by 31 inches wide. The trifold mattress features ventilated sides to help control body temperature during sleep and a soft removable cover with a nonslip bottom so you don’t find yourself on the floor in the middle of the night.
Get the Milliard 6-inch foldable mattress at Amazon.
Best for Kids
Molblly Tri-Folding Memory Foam Mattress
Product Specs
- Material: Gel memory foam and support foam
- Thickness: 3 inches, 4 inches, or 6 inches
- Firmness: Medium-firm
Pros
- Comes in a wide variety of sizes and thicknesses; option of a washable cover
- Folds into a compact size that fits into the included storage bag
- Provides ample support and breathability; should not cause any overheating while resting
Cons
- The amount of gel memory foam and support foam vary depending on the size chosen
Having a kid’s sleepover means having a comfortable and versatile place for them to sleep. On these occasions, the Molblly Tri-Folding memory foam mattress is just the ticket. This medium-firm mattress is made with gel memory foam and high-density support foam, both of which provide ample support and enough airflow to prevent overheating. Be advised that the amount of memory foam and support foam varies between the 3- to 6-inch thickness options. It comes in small twin, twin, narrow twin, twin XL, full, and queen.
Once it arrives in its compressed and rolled form, it can expand in just 10 seconds once removed from the packaging. When the slumber party is over, this mattress can be folded into a compact size that fits in the included storage bag. Plus, some of the available options come with a washable cover in case of accidental spills.
What our tester says: Meredith Towbin, Bob Vila copy editor, notes that “the Molblly memory foam mattress was very comfortable. Although it did start to inflate as soon as we removed it from its packaging, it took a full 24 hours for it to reach its full 6-inch thickness. We liked that it kept its form and stayed firm all through the night, unlike many air mattresses.” Get the Molblly foldable mattress at Amazon.
Best for Camping
Cozzzi 4-Inch Folding Mattress With Removable Cover
Product Specs
- Material: Foam, bamboo, and mesh
- Thickness: 4 inches
- Firmness: Medium-firm
Pros
- Made with foam, bamboo, and mesh; provides firm support and breathability
- Comes in multiple sizes, including single, cot, twin, full, and queen
- The removable and machine-washable cover keeps insects and dirt out
- Built-in carrying handle and lightweight construction provide easy portability
Cons
- Only 1 thickness option; may not be thick enough for some users’ preferences
Camping in a tent or an RV can bring a family together. But, bad sleep can make it hard to enjoy family time. When taking a camping trip, shoppers can bring along the Cozzzi 4-inch folding mattress for a comfortable night’s sleep. Made with long-lasting foam, this mattress has a trifold design that comes in single, cot, twin, full, and queen sizes, all of which include a gray or blue removable and machine-washable cover with a bamboo top and mesh sides. Plus, this model has a carrying handle for portability when folded down and only weighs 14 pounds.
Get the Cozzzi foldable mattress at Amazon.
Most Versatile
Best Choice Products 4-Inch Folding Portable Mattress
Product Specs
- Material: Plush foam
- Thickness: 4 inches
- Firmness: Firm plush
Pros
- Unique quad-fold design folds into a chair, couch, flatbed, or bed with pillow
- Includes a removable protective cover for spot-cleaning when desired
- Lightweight and tucks easily into included carry case
Cons
- This foldable mattress does not include a warranty
- Full plush polyurethane foam may not be as comfortable as those with a memory foam layer
This impressive twin quad-fold foldable mattress is a rare find, with four sections that can be folded and manipulated to form several different versatile configurations, including a chair, couch, flatbed, and a bed that uses one section as a pillow.
The plush polyurethane foldable mattress lays flat at 75 to 80 inches long by 39 to 60 inches wide and folds up into 25 to 26.75 inches long by 39 to 60 inches wide. It comes with a removable cover that protects the mattress. At only 4-inches thick, the mattress is lightweight and easy to tuck into the included carry case for mobility.
Get the Best Choice Products foldable mattress at Amazon or Target.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Foldable Mattress
When choosing a foldable mattress for their home, shoppers will want to educate themselves on some important shopping considerations to keep in mind. Here are some of the most important things to think about when selecting the best fold-in mattress for their needs.
Types of Foldable Mattresses
Foldable mattresses fall into three main types: polyurethane foam, memory foam, and latex. Each material has its pros and cons.
Polyurethane Foam
Polyurethane foam, also known as poly-foam, is the material used to make the most basic foldable mattresses. If you’ve never heard of poly-foam, think of the yellow foam used in sofa cushions and egg crate mattress toppers. Poly-foam is lightweight and inexpensive, so it’s a great option for teens and young adults looking to pick up a foldable mattress for themselves. However, polyurethane foam has a shorter lifespan and lower density than memory foam or latex, making it the lowest-quality material for a foldable mattress.
Memory Foam
Memory foam is actually a type of polyurethane foam known as viscoelastic polyurethane foam or tempurpedic foam, which contains additional compounds to change the way it acts and feels. These compounds give the foam the slow-reacting properties it is best known for and increases its density over regular polyurethane foam.
Memory foam is more expensive than polyurethane foam, but cheaper than latex. Most higher-end foldable mattresses are made with memory foam, though the industry is beginning to shift toward latex foam mattresses for its premium models. With memory foam you can expect more support than polyurethane, but you will also notice yourself sink into the mattress, which can make it difficult to roll or readjust without waking up. These mattresses also tend to hold a lot of heat, which can cause some discomfort while sleeping, so look for a memory foam foldable mattress with mesh breathability on the sides.
Latex
Manufacturers of foldable mattresses have only recently begun to use latex as a material, but it is the highest-quality material you can find for a foldable mattress. This foam can either be synthetically produced or harvested from rubber trees for those looking for an all-natural product. With latex foam you get pinpoint support for your body without sinking in like memory foam, which is especially necessary for side-sleepers. The durability of latex gives it a much longer life than polyurethane or memory foam, but since it is a newer material it can be difficult to find latex mattresses. Latex may also cause allergic reactions in some people.
Dimensions
Whenever you are looking to purchase a mattress you first need to have accurate measurements of the space available and the required sleeping area based on the size of the sleeper. This is equally true for foldable mattresses. Before buying, decide on which size you need, such as twin, full, or queen.
- Twin-size foldable mattresses measure on average 75 inches long by 39 inches wide.
- Full-size foldable mattresses measure on average 75 inches long by 54 inches wide.
- Queen-size foldable mattresses measure on average 80 inches long by 60 inches wide.
Keep in mind that even with standard sizing there can be differences between individual products, so always check the measurements before buying.
With a foldable mattress, you also need to be aware of its dimensions when folded. There are no standard folded measurements to rely on, since the fold pattern, thickness of the mattress, and material are all unique to the individual product.
Always double-check the dimensions before buying to know if it will fit on the ground when open and if you can load it into your car or store it in a closet when folded.
Thickness
The thickness of a folded mattress is a big factor in determining comfort, mobility, and price range. Most folded mattresses have a thickness between 3-6 inches, but some can be as thick as 8 inches.
As the thickness of the mattress increases, so does the price. However, thicker mattresses are more comfortable, especially for heavier individuals.
Also keep in mind that as a mattress gets thicker, it gets heavier and more difficult to fold, carry, and transport. So if mobility is a key factor for your folded bed, it may be better to avoid mattresses thicker than 6 inches.
Firmness
Firmness can be an important factor for heavier people and anyone who has posture or back problems. In general, the denser a mattress is, the more firm it will feel and the more comfortable you will be when you sleep.
Firmness can be sorted by mattress type, with polyurethane being the least firm, latex being the most firm, and memory foam in the middle. Alternatively, you can look for foldable mattresses that have a firm base to provide you with the support you need for a great night’s rest.
Cover
Just like a regular mattress, a foldable mattress benefits from some type of cover or sheet that protects the material from dirt, oil, skin, hair, and water. You can either have one cover that can be used, removed, cleaned, and returned to your foldable mattress, or you can have different covers for different purposes.
Waterproof covers are a great option for foldable mattresses that you take on a camping trip. They protect the mattress from moisture and also keep it safe from the sun and any insects that may want to hitch a ride home with you.
A regular polyester or cotton cover will keep your foldable mattress safe from food, drinks, nail polish, shaving cream, and other common spills that can happen during sleepovers.
Portability
Most folding mattresses are designed for portability, featuring either a bi-fold or trifold style that allows you to fold them up into a much smaller size. These mattresses often come with a carrying case where you can store the mattress when not in use or easily transport it when needed.
However, some folding mattresses are intended for stationary use. These mattresses tend to double as furniture when they are folded up, such as a futon, allowing you to use the same space for sleeping and entertaining.
If portability is your biggest concern, choose a smaller, lightweight mattress, no more than 6-inches thick, which comes with a carrying case and has folded dimensions that can fit comfortably into your vehicle.
Warranty
A warranty is always a good idea when making a large purchase, though not all foldable mattresses come with one. Many products that fall below the $100 mark will offer returns and exchanges for defective or damaged products but won’t accept returns based solely on customer dissatisfaction. More expensive folded mattresses may have a set warranty that will allow you to return it if you aren’t happy with the product. So if you aren’t sure about owning a folded mattress, consider investing in a higher-quality product that comes with a warranty.
Budget
Buying a mattress for the bedroom is a big expense for most people, but folded mattresses tend to be much more affordable than standard mattresses.
- Infrequent-use basic folding mattresses fall into a price range of about $50 to $100.
- Medium-use folding mattresses can cost between $100 to $200.
- Frequent-use folding mattresses come with a premium price tag in excess of $200.
Keep in mind that as the thickness and size of the foldable mattress increase, the price also goes up, so if you just need something cheap for your kid’s friend to stay over, go thin and go small.
The Advantages of Owning a Foldable Mattress
Owning a foldable mattress comes with many different benefits, from having an extra bed on hand for sleepovers or a comfy place to sleep while camping or traveling.
Travel and camping are fun activities, but lumpy car seats and thin sleeping bags can leave you exhausted each morning. Instead of sleeping in the back of your car or on the cold, hard ground during camping or travel, you can pick up a foldable mattress and save your back the strain.
Sleepovers and parties put the pressure on to come up with adequate sleeping arrangements, but having a foldable mattress around prevents your houseguests from fighting over the sofa. With the portability and small size of a foldable mattress you can store it in a closet, your car trunk, or under your bed until it is needed.
- Foldable mattresses give you the mobility you need for traveling or camping without sacrificing a good night’s sleep.
- Houseguests don’t have to fight for couch space; instead, they can quickly unfold a mattress and get some quality rest.
- Foldable mattresses are easy to store and set up, giving you more space in your home.
Tips for Buying and Using a Foldable Mattress
When buying a foldable mattress, you need to keep in mind how the mattress will be used. If you need the mobility to drag it up and down stairs or to load it into your car, then you want to avoid anything over 6-inches thick. Thicker mattresses will be more comfortable, but they will cost more and weigh more, making them more difficult to carry and store in their folded position.
Do yourself (and your back) a favor by making sure to invest in a product that has densely packed material and a firm base to properly support your weight. Also, look for a foldable mattress that comes with an appropriate cover to keep it safe. Camping mattresses will need a waterproof cover, but a cotton or polyester cover is probably all you need for a home mattress.
- Most foldable mattresses are thin for easy transportation and storage, so while an 8-inch thick mattress may be more comfortable, anything over 6-inches thick will begin to cost more and weigh more, making it less portable.
- When looking for a new foldable mattress, choose one with firm, tightly packed material because if the mattress is too giving you will sink in and feel the ground against your body.
- Consider how you will use the foldable mattress and pick up appropriate covers to keep it safe.
FAQs
Q. Are foldable mattresses less durable than regular ones?
In general, no. Most folding mattresses are thinner (so they can fold). Those made of memory foam are more durable than folding mattresses made of regular polyurethane foam. How long they last depends on where and how often they are used and stored. Look for a mattress with a washable cover and carrying case to increase life span.
Q. Are fold-up beds comfortable?
Today’s folding mattresses can rival the comfort of regular mattresses, with many made of dense foam or memory foam. Comfort depends on firmness, however, and whether a person is a side or back sleeper, just like with regular mattresses.
Q. How do you make a foldable mattress more comfortable?
You can add mattress toppers to some folding mattresses to make them more comfortable. It also helps to open the mattress a few days before the first use, or if it has been stored for a long time, when possible. Be sure to add a sheet over the mattress. For the best comfort, choose a high-quality, thick mattress like the Milliard 6-inch Memory Foam Tri Folding Mattress.
Q. How do I store a foldable mattress?
Some of the folding mattresses on this list double as low chairs, which is an easy way to store the mattress and have it ready, plus add a seat in the room. Otherwise, store them safely in the back of a closet if possible, and choose one with a storage bag (included or as an option) if dust is a concern.
Q. Can I use a folding mattress as an exercise mat?
Generally, most folding mattresses are thicker than yoga mats, but the American Furniture Alliance Trifold on our list features a somewhat thinner mattress with a nonslip base, a nice feature for yoga or stretching.
Q. Will I feel the gaps when sleeping on a foldable mattress?
Most thick-foam mattresses are made to minimize gaps. Thinner folding mattresses are more likely to pull apart. Having a nonslip base on the mattress and a good-fitting sheet or cover can minimize gaps as well.
