Best Foldable Mattress

A foldable mattress is a mattress that can be folded to save room. These space-friendly and often portable mattress designs are almost always made of foam and typically have two to four folds that allow them to be compressed into smaller sizes for storage or travel. In most cases, individuals in the market for a foldable mattress are either camping hobbyists or live in a compact space.

Keep reading to learn about the best foldable mattresses available in 2021 and a buyer’s guide to purchasing a foldable mattress. In the guide, we’re sharing tips for first time shoppers, pros and cons of a folding mattress, and who should consider purchasing a foldable mattress. Be sure to check out our top overall selections for the best mattresses of 2021 as well.

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The Best Folding Mattresses

• Editor’s Pick – Zinus Tri-Fold Comfort Mat
• Best for Travel – Cushy Form Tri-Fold Mattress
• Best for Heavy Sleepers – Milliard Tri-Folding Memory Foam Mattress
• Best for Storage – American Furniture Alliance Hide A’ Mat Foldable Mattress
• Best for Kids – Milliard Tri-Fold Pack ‘N Play
• Best Size Selection – Best Price Tri-Fold Memory Foam Mattress
• Best Chair Combination – D&D Futon Furniture Sleeper Chair Folding Foam Bed
• Best Luxury – Inofia Folding Mattress

The additional layer of transitional polyfoam reinforces this bed, providing more support than the average foldable mattress. It has a firm feel, which makes it most appropriate for average weight sleepers who tend to lie on their backs and stomachs. The three layers of foam are encased in a jacquard mattress cover that promotes breathability for the all-foam surface. Measuring roughly the size of a Twin mattress at 39” wide x 75” long, the Zinus Tri-Fold is backed by a five-year warranty and comes with free shipping, depending on the seller.

Air beds and futons can be a challenge to clean for travelers, but they’re more comfortable than a sleeping bag. The Cushy mattress brings sleepers the best of both words with packaging that’s catered for travel and a mattress that delivers comfortable sleeping for a mobile bed. The Cushy comes in two sizes, 25” x 75” and 31” x 75”. The company recommends the thinner model for camping, RVs, and tight spaces and the wider option for adults and house guests. It’s available on Amazon with free shipping for Prime members for less than $150.

The vast majority of foldable mattresses on the market are 4 inches thick, making it difficult for tall and heavyweight individuals to find a suitable option. The Milliard Tri-Folding Memory Foam Mattress has a six-inch profile. The layers of foam create a medium firm feel that can accomodate most sleeping positions with pressure relief and support. Heavyweight sleepers, who tend to sleep hot, will also enjoy the bamboo cover, which is naturally breathable and cooler than other fabrics. The Milliard folding mattress is available in three sizes, but all cost more than the average foldable bed.

Related: Best mattresses for heavy people

This foldable mattress weighs just eight pounds and folds easily for travel and storage. It can be used as its name indicates or as a sofa style floor chair or mattress topper. With 517 positive reviews, it’s earned a badge as “Amazon’s Choice” product for “folding mattress.” The American Furniture Alliance Foldable Mattress comes in three colors, measures 74” x 30” x 3.5” when laid flat, and comes with the manufacturer’s warranty upon request.

A playpen is a great place for toddlers to crawl, roll, play, and sleep, but most pack and play models come with mattresses that are too thin and firm for toddlers. With the Milliard Pack ‘N Play Mattress, little ones can enjoy a supple, soft surface. The fabric on this mattress is silky on the exterior and has a special inverted laminating layer to keep liquids from soaking through to the inside. The cover unzips for easy washing, and rounded corners allow for snug universal fitting.

Related: Best mattresses for kids, best crib mattresses

Too often, foldable mattresses are only available in twin or full sizes. The Best Price foldable mattresses are available in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Extra Small, Small, and Short Queen. Every size has a below average price point; for example, a Queen costs just $136.57 on Amazon. These mattresses have a medium firm feel that will accomodate most average weight sleepers.

This foldable mattress can be easily transformed into a chair, making it ideal for individuals who want a sleeping surface and a chair to read a book, play video games, watch TV, or relax. It can be packed up into three panels for easy transportation, but it’s recommended that you only use this chair in one spot indoors as the foam isn’t as sturdy as memory foam. The only downside to this bed is that the cover isn’t removable, but if kept relatively clean, it’s a worthwhile investment at just $136 on Amazon with free shipping.

The phrase ‘luxury folding mattress’ might seem like a paradox, considering many foldable mattresses on the market are thin, for temporary use, and less comfortable than standard mattresses. Luxury models, however, like the Inofia are available for shoppers who want to invest more in a foldable mattress to create a better sleeping experience for themselves or for guests. The foam in this mattress is designed for custom body support and delivers a rich softness to temporary sleeping accommodations, far different from clunky springs or deflated air mattresses. This luxury foldable mattress is perfect for an unexpected guest, camping, or traveling. The Inofia comes with all the bells and whistles, including a 100-night trial, a 10-year warranty, and free shipping and returns. It’s available in Twin, Full, and Queen sizes.

Related: Best luxury mattresses

How to Pick the Right Foldable Mattress for You

Folding mattresses are versatile in the sense that they can provide a sleeping surface for unexpected guests or be easily transported to a campground, hotel room, or friend’s home. In the guide below, we’re sharing tips for first-time foldable mattress buyers and how to know if a folding mattress is right for you. 

Types of Foldable Mattresses

Almost all folding mattresses are made of foam, so the differences between them lie in the details, like the type of foam used, the thickness of the foam, and the number of layers. Polyfoam and memory foam are the most common types of foam used in folding mattresses, and some contain both.

• Polyfoam, or polyurethane foam, is a budget-friendly foam also found in some standard mattresses. It’s less comfortable and durable than memory foam.
• Memory foam, or viscoelastic foam, is solid and dense yet displays elastic properties. It conforms closely to the body but is able to recover its original shape when you get up.

Considerations for Specific Features

• Cooling properties—Both memory foam and polyfoam share the characteristic of heat retention, absorbing body heat and causing foldable mattresses to sleep relatively hot. Look for features that increase the breathability and temperature neutrality of the mattress, like a bamboo or jacquard cover.
• Cover—A protective cover will guard against moisture, dirt, and more. Look for foldable mattresses with removable covers that are machine washable, and pay attention to cover material, making sure it’s waterproof if you plan to use it outdoors. 
• Size—Thicker folding mattresses tend to be more comfortable than their thinner counterparts, and the length and width should be taken into account as well. If the foldable mattress will be used by adults, a full size or larger is recommended.
• Storage or Carrying Case—If you plan to travel with your foldable mattress, look for a model that comes with a easy-to-use carrying case with handles, which will make car, airport, or train transport much easier. 
• Folds—Folding mattress come in bi- and tri-fold models, which comes down to personal preference.

Other Considerations for Folding Mattresses

In addition to mattress construction and features, here are factors to take into account when searching for the best foldable mattress:

• Budget—High-quality folding mattresses can cost $200 or more, but most models are under $100.
• Height and weight—Are you purchasing the mattress for children or adults? Are you or your guests petite, average, or overweight? Smaller specialty sizes are available for children, and firmer, thicker, and larger foldable mattresses are available for tall and heavy overnight guests.
• Warranty—Warranty coverage for folding mattresses varies. Some models come with no coverage while others come with five to 10 years of protection.

Benefits of a Foldable Mattress

• Camping—Provide extra padding, making camping more enjoyable. 
• Portable—Many models are small enough to fit inside large backpacks, the backseat of a vehicle, and overhead airplane compartments.
• Affordable—Foldable mattresses are more budget-friendly than outfitting an entire guest bedroom with furniture.
• Kids—A folding mattress can work as a play mat, pack ‘n play mattress, pad for watching movies and TV, and bed.

Cons of a Foldable Mattress

• Durability—Designed for occasional use in small spaces, even the best folding mattress won’t last as long as a standard mattress.
• Comfort—Folding mattresses are inherently thin, which allows them to fold and compress, but this may result in an uncomfortable sleeping surface.
• Sleep hot—The foam construction of folding mattresses tends to trap heat.
• Limited sizing—Most styles are only available in Twin and Full sizes. Few models are made in Queen size or larger, which limits selection.

Who is a Foldable Mattress Best for?

Determining whether a folding mattress is right for your lifestyle? Here’s who we think they’re best for:

• Frequent travelers and campers who would rather not sleep in hotel or motel beds, or on the ground or in a sleeping bag, respectively.
• Houseguest hosts without a spare bedroom can offer guests a better sleeping surface than a sofa or an air mattress.
• Parents who host sleepovers frequently for their children, as foldable mattresses are suitable for all ages and can be easily stored afterward.

Conclusion

A folding mattress is an excellent way to save space, but you’ll want to ensure you purchase a model that’s comfortable, easy to fold, and will fit the needs of your guests or children. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t expect these mattresses to deliver the best sleep of your life. A folding mattress is no match for a standard, high-quality mattress, but our list of the top ten above should provide you with options that are reasonably comfortable for the price.

If you still need guidance in your mattress buying journey, check out our ultimate mattress buying guide.