A Murphy bed is a pull-out bed that can be transformed into a cabinet and stowed away when not in use, which can be very helpful for maximizing your living space. For help choosing a Murphy bed frame, check out our list of the best Murphy beds. Since Murphy beds fold up or slide back into a cabinet, it is very important to get a compatible mattress. With that said, what kind of mattress should you get?
We think that the best mattresses for Murphy beds are going to offer comfort for a range of sleepers. At the same time, it needs to be no taller than 12-13 inches, or the bed won’t be able to stow away properly. Still, it’s important to find a mattress that fits your needs. Below, we’ll highlight some of our favorite mattresses for Murphy beds and dive into all the factors that contribute to a comfortable, stylish, and space-saving experience.
Our team of mattress review experts ranked the best mattresses for Murphy beds by running each one through a series of tests to see how well it performed in areas such as support, pressure relief, firmness, motion isolation, and cooling. A good mattress should be comfortable for a range of sleeping positions and weight.
Best Mattresses for a Murphy Bed 2024
- Nectar – Best Overall Murphy Bed
- DreamCloud – Best Hybrid Murphy Bed
- Helix Midnight – Best Cooling Murphy Bed
- WinkBeds GravityLux – Best Murphy Bed for Couples
- Saatva – Best Luxury Murphy Bed
- Bear Original – Best Murphy Bed for Back Pain
- Nolah Evolution – Best Murphy Bed for Side Sleepers
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Murphy Bed for Back Sleepers
- Plank Firm – Best Firm Murphy Bed
Compare the Best Mattresses for Murphy Beds
Nectar Mattress | DreamCloud Original Mattress | Helix Midnight Mattress | WinkBeds GravityLux Mattress | Saatva Mattress | Bear Original Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress | |
Rating | |||||||||
Firmness | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Firm: 7.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options |
Material | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Innerspring | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam |
Cooling | -- | ✓ | -- | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | -- | -- | -- |
Sleep Position | Combination | Back | Back & Side | Back | Back & Stomach | Back & Side | Back & Side | Back | Back & Stomach |
Nectar – Best Overall Murphy Bed
The Nectar Classic is a memory foam mattress that provides solid support for most light to average weight sleepers. The cushioning memory foam allows for plenty of pain relief around the lower lumbar spine. Most back sleepers and side sleepers should enjoy the pressure relief. Plus, a lengthy trial period, lifetime warranty, and affordable price make the Nectar a reassuring choice for many. Watch our video review to learn more.
Expert Opinion
The Nectar is a 12-inch all-foam mattress featuring a contouring comfort layer and quality materials, making it the perfect thickness for Murphy beds and our favorite pick overall. We tested its pressure relief ourselves in the Sleepopolis mattress lab, and found that it should be an exceptional option for folks suffering from back pain.
We especially like this bed for back sleepers and most side sleepers, as it provides cozy pressure relief in both positions and showed promising results on our pressure map. To learn more about our testing processes, see our methodology.
What Customers Say
Customers who struggle with chronic back pain reported that they found a lot of relief on the Nectar Classic mattress.
Pros of the Nectar Mattress
- The Nectar Classic doesn’t sink as much as other traditional foam beds, making it a great option for combination sleepers who prefer memory foam mattresses.
- Nectar gives customers 365 nights to test out their beds, so you can buy with confidence.
- There is good pressure relief for most back sleepers.
Cons of the Nectar Mattress
- While the Nectar should work for most average-weight side sleepers, we wouldn’t recommend them to sleepers with sensitive joints.
- This mattress might be too responsive for couples who wake up easily throughout the night.
Considering the Nectar Classic? If so, click here to reveal the best deal. If you want more information, take a look at our full Nectar mattress review or check out some more of the best mattresses on the market.
DreamCloud – Best Hybrid Murphy Bed
With soft foam and a sturdy layer of innerspring coils, the DreamCloud strikes a balance between comfort and support — a little bit of contouring up top and on-top-of-the-bed feel that comes from the bottom. It’s a fairly firm mattress that we think is most comfortable for back sleepers. It also has some luxury touches such as a cashmere-blend cover that are reminiscent of a high-end hotel. Learn more in our DreamCloud video review.
Expert Opinion
The DreamCloud is a 14-inch foam and coil hybrid mattress. It provides robust support and a luxury feel, which is why we chose DreamCloud as the best hybrid option for a Murphy bed. We rated the DreamCloud a 7 out of 10 on our firmness scale, meaning it is a bit firmer than the average medium-firm mattress. This firm, but comfortable feel works especially well for back sleepers — it provides the right mix of comfort and support.
What Customers Say
Customers found that the DreamCloud was a good option for back pain, and had the luxury feel of a bed in a nice hotel. Many customers were able to move around on the DreamCloud very well because of the responsiveness and bounce the bed offers.
Pros of the DreamCloud Mattress
- The DreamCloud is a high-quality mattress with a luxury feel. It has a quilted cashmere-blend cover, which elevates the experience of sleeping on the mattress.
- This mattress is very bouncy and responsive, allowing for easier mobility.
- The DreamCloud does a great job at staying cool, thanks to the breathable coil layer.
Cons of the DreamCloud Mattress
- This mattress has poor motion isolation, meaning couples will likely feel their partner tossing and turning during the night.
- The DreamCloud does not offer enough pressure relief for strict side sleepers.
- This mattress is not firm enough for strict stomach sleepers.
Considering the DreamCloud? If so, click here to reveal the best deal. You can also check out our full DreamCloud mattress review or peruse more of the best hybrid mattresses.
Helix Midnight – Best Cooling Murphy Bed
The Helix Midnight is amongst Helix’s line of six standard mattresses. It’s known for its more balanced feel, allowing it to accommodate a wide range of sleepers. We also recommend it for couples, as it scored well on our motion isolation, responsiveness, edge support, and cooling tests. For a plusher and more cooling version of this mattress, see the Helix Midnight Luxe. Learn more in our video review.
Expert Opinion
The Helix Midnight is a 11.5-inch hybrid mattress designed for ultimate comfort and cooling. It’s also perfectly compatible with most Murphy beds. We rated the Helix Midnight the best option for people who overheat at night not only because of its hybrid construction, which allows airflow through its support coils, but also because of its many cooling features, including a cooling top cover. And for those who overheat a lot more than the average sleeper, we recommend the optional GlacioTex pillow top, which you can add to your purchase for a fee.
To put this bed’s cooling abilities to the test, we used a temperature gun to see how much the mattress heated up after we laid down on it for 15 minutes. Over 15 degrees Fahrenheit shows poor cooling, and under 5 degrees shows effective cooling. Our test yielded impressive results, showing that the Midnight only heated up by 5 degrees.
What Customers Say
Customers reported that the Helix Midnight was well-constructed and cool, but warned that it was much too firm for side sleepers.
Pros of the Helix Midnight Mattress
- When we tested the Helix Midnight, we found it had an amazing value considering its quality construction. We gave it a 4 out of 5 in this category.
- Our pressure map test showed that this mattress is offers proper pressure relief for back sleeping, making it a good choice for those with lower back pain.
- During testing, we found it was super easy to switch sleeping positions at night, so it’s a solid choice for combination sleepers.
Cons of the Helix Midnight Mattress
- This mattress is a hybrid, so its coils give it a more responsible feel that memory foam fans may not love.
- The Helix Midnight received a 3.5 out of 5 score for motion isolation. So if you’re an especially light sleeper who shares a bed with a partner, you might feel their movements at night.
- Helix Midnight only got decent scores for trial period and warranty. If you’re wanting a year-long sleep trial or extended warranty, we’ve got some great options on our best online mattresses roundup.
Does the Helix Midnight sound right for you? If so, click here to reveal the best deal. Or take a look at our full-length Helix Midnight mattress review for more information. And if you’re still wanting more options, you’re in luck; we’ve got a roundup of the best cooling mattresses.
WinkBeds GravityLux – Best Murphy Bed for Couples
The WinkBeds Gravity Lux stands out for being made entirely of foam, yet still very firm and supportive (note: it comes in three different firmness levels and we tested the Firm). Back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and heavy sleepers, should all get the support they need. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“The Saatva Youth is a high-quality mattress for growing children. If you’re looking for a new mattress for your child, I’d really recommend checking it out.” – Madison Schaper, former staff writer
Expert Opinion
The WinkBeds GravityLux is a durable all-foam mattress available in multiple firmness options (Soft, Medium, and Firm). We tested the Firm model of the bed — it is a firm and responsive mattress, making it easy to move around on. We rated this mattress the best option for couples due to its satisfactory edge support, motion isolation, responsiveness, and cooling features.
What Customers Say
Customers reported that the GravityLux was easy to order and easy to set up, leading to an overall good experience ordering the mattress. If customer service was needed, customers reported great service. The GravityLux seemed to be good for many individuals with back pain, as well.
Pros of the WinkBeds GravityLux Mattress
- The GravityLux features great edge support, allowing for use of the entire mattress. This is great for couples who are sharing a smaller mattress size, such as a queen.
- This mattress isolates motion well, which is a good feature for couples and people who share the bed with pets.
- This mattress has fairly good cooling capability. Since two bodies produce more heat than one, this is a great benefit for couples.
Cons of the WinkBeds GravityLux Mattress
- The Firm version of the GravityLux we tested is not a good option for strict side sleepers, who will want a softer mattress.
- The GravityLux does not have the slow-moving feel of a traditional memory foam mattress.
- While it sleeps decently cool for an all-foam bed, some hot sleepers may prefer an even more cooling mattress, such as a latex bed or a hybrid mattress.
Does the WinkBeds Gravity Lux sound like it has everything you could need? If so, click here to reveal the best deal or take a look at our WinkBeds GravityLux mattress review. Wanting more options? See our roundup of the best mattresses for couples.
Saatva Classic – Best Luxury Murphy Bed
The Saatva’s coil-on-coil construction provides a classic innerspring feel. It’s a good option for combo sleepers, who will want to feel free to switch positions and avoid feeling “stuck” in the mattress. It comes in three firmness levels, so you should be able to find one that suits your needs. The white glove delivery Saatva provides is an added perk and will save you the headache of getting rid of your old mattress (they take it away for free!). For more information, watch our video review.
Expert Opinion
The Saatva is a high-quality innerspring mattress available in three firmness options: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm. Saatva also offers two heights for this mattress: 11.5 inches or 14.5 inches. We rated this mattress to be the best luxury option for a Murphy bed due to its high-quality materials and construction, and the robust support it offers.
With a sturdy coil construction, plush Euro top cover, memory foam lumbar support, and highly impressive edge support, the Saatva looks and feels luxurious. We tested the Luxury Firm model and found it to be just firmer than average, rating it as a 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale.
What Customers Say
Customers found that the Saatva was great for back pain and that the company selling the mattress had excellent customer service. However, many customers warned that the delivery company was a different story. Many customers noted poor delivery service, with their mattresses arriving very late, with damaged or very dirty packaging.
Pros of the Saatva Mattress
- The Saatva offers robust support all the way to its edges, making the bed more sturdy. This is a bonus for couples and for heavy sleepers, who weigh 250 pounds or more.
- This mattress is easy to move around on, making it a good option for combination sleepers.
- The Saatva has good cooling, thanks to the airflow through the coils.
Cons of the Saatva Mattress
- As a luxury mattress, the Saatva is more expensive than the average mattress.
- Those who love deep sinkage or a classic memory foam feel may not enjoy the sturdier construction of the Saatva.
- The Saatva does not isolate motion well, which means that couples would feel all of the motion from their partner tossing and turning during the night.
Does the Saatva sound like it has everything you could need? If so, click here to reveal the best deal. Or check out our full Saatva mattress review or our roundup of the best luxury mattresses for more information.
Bear Original – Best Murphy Bed for Back Pain
Even though it’s made entirely of foam, the Bear has a firm, supportive feel that should be sturdy enough for back sleepers and stomach sleepers alike. Additionally, combination sleepers should be able to easily move around on its surface. You can also pay extra for a Celliant cover that may help with cooling and muscle recovery. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I found the double poly foam construction produced a firm, supportive feel. Though you’re likely to sink into its top layer of memory foam, this sinkage is somewhat curbed by the taut poly foam transition layer. This means most folks are going to be positioned more “on top” of the structure than “in” it.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
Expert Opinion
The Bear is a 10-inch all-foam mattress designed for athletic recovery. We rated the Bear a 7 out of 10 on our firmness scale, meaning it is a bit firmer than the average medium-firm mattress. The Bear is firm and supportive and contours the body without limiting mobility. We rated the Bear the best option for back pain because of the excellent pressure relief and support it provides for back sleepers.
What Customers Say
Customers found the Bear to be firmer than expected upon delivery but noted that it softened a bit after a short adjustment period. Even so, the mattress was too firm for most side sleepers. Many combination sleepers and couples opted for a plush mattress topper to help alleviate pressure.
Pros of the Bear Original Mattress
- The Bear features gel-infused foam and an optional Celliant cover to help with cooling.
- This mattress has good motion isolation, which should be beneficial to couples.
- The Bear is most comfortable for back sleepers and has proper pressure relief for alleviating back pain.
Cons of the Bear Original Mattress
- This is not a good mattress for side sleepers, who will want a softer mattress.
- Stomach sleepers will want a firmer mattress.
- The Bear is not supportive enough for most heavy sleepers. Check out our roundup of the best mattresses for heavy people for other options.
Does the Bear sound right for you? If so, click here to reveal the best deal. Check out our Bear mattress review for more information, and our roundup of the best mattresses for back pain if you’re wanting additional options.
Nolah Evolution – Best Murphy Bed for Side Sleepers
The Nolah Evolution’s hybrid construction offers the cushioning of memory foam with the responsiveness of coils. The Luxury Firm model is a good option for side and back sleepers due to its medium-firm feel, though there are Plush and Firm versions as well. Those who share a bed may also appreciate its low motion transfer, so you won’t be disturbed by a partner’s movements and its solid edge support to allow you to maximize surface area. For more information, check out our video review.
Expert Opinion
The Nolah Evolution is a foam and coil hybrid mattress. We rated the Nolah Evolution a 6.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale, which puts it at the industry standard for a medium-firm mattress. The Nolah Evolution features proper sinkage and pressure relief for side sleepers, which is very important for avoiding pain in the shoulder and hip. We rated the Nolah Evolution the best option for side sleepers because of the plush feel and pressure relief around the shoulder and hips.
What Customers Say
Customers reported that the Nolah Evolution was very comfortable for sleeping on your side, and a great option for hip pain. While it was too soft for some sleepers, customers reported that they received great customer service when contacting Nolah.
Pros of the Nolah Evolution Mattress
- Nolah offers three firmness options (Plush, Luxury Firm, or Firm) for the Evolution, to best suit individual needs. Side sleepers could do well on either the Plush or Luxury Firm versions, as we tested the Luxury Firm and saw good pressure relief.
- The Evolution features good pressure relief for most back and side sleepers.
- This mattress has good edge support, cooling, and motion isolation, making it a great option for couples.
Cons of the Nolah Evolution Mattress
- The Luxury Firm model of the Nolah Evolution is not a good option for stomach sleepers. It is not firm enough to keep the hips supported. However, it is worth noting the Firm version may work better.
- This mattress is a bit too expensive to be affordable for most budget shoppers.
- While the Evolution is soft and plush, it does not have the traditional slow-moving memory foam feel that some shoppers are looking for.
Does the Nolah Evolution sound like it has everything you could need? If so, click here to reveal the best deal. For more options, you can visit our full Nolah Evolution mattress review or our roundup of the best mattresses for side sleepers.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Murphy Bed for Back Sleepers
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress combines a foam comfort layer and sturdy coils. This combination of materials makes it bouncy and easy to move around on. It comes in three firmness levels, and we recommend the Medium model for most back sleepers. It’s a great choice for shoppers who are looking for a new mattress on a budget. For more information, check out our video review.
Expert Opinion
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is a 12.25-inch mattress with three different firmness options: Soft, Medium, and Firm. When we tested the Medium model, we found it to have a firmness of 6.5 out of 10, which is right where we like to see the best mattresses for back sleepers. After all, back sleepers require a one-two punch of comfort and support, specifically one provided by one of the best medium-firm mattresses. The foam layer of the Signature Hybrid contoured nicely to our lower back while sturdy coils kept our hips lifted into a comfortable alignment.
What Customers Say
Many customers rated the Signature Hybrid to be a good option for people with back pain. And better yet, multiple reviews verified that they use this model in a Murphy bed.
Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
- The Signature Hybrid usually costs $1,000 after discounts, making it one of the best value mattresses out there.
- This mattress tested really well for motion isolation in our mattress lab, which should benefit couples sharing a bed.
- During our testing process, we were easily able to switch sleeping positions on this bed. So, it should be a win for combination sleepers.
Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
- Memory foam lovers won’t find a slow-sinking feel here.
- With a 12.25″ height, it might be a tad too thick for some Murphy beds out there, so double-check what mattress thickness works for you.
- This mattress doesn’t have many bells and whistles, so it’s not the ideal luxury option.
Does the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid sound right for you? If so, click here to reveal the best deal or see our full-length Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress review. You can also peruse more of the best mattresses for back sleepers.
Plank Firm – Best Firm Murphy Bed
The Plank Firm more than lives up to its name with its ultra-sturdy foams and supportive feel. While this bed certainly isn’t for everyone, it should be an ideal fit for back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and combination sleepers who want to feel more on top of their mattress than in it. For more information, check out our video review.
Expert Opinion
It can be hard to find an extra-firm mattress, and even harder to find for a Murphy bed. But have no fear, the Plank Firm is here. It’s only 10.25 inches tall — thin enough for a Murphy bed while still providing lots of support. Even more shocking is the fact that it’s flippable with dual firmnesses .
In our mattress lab, we tested both sides of the Plank Firm. The Firm side measured a 7.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale, and the Ultra Firm side measured an 8.5. This should especially appeal to stomach sleepers, who require firm support to keep the hips and body lifted throughout the night, ensuring a comfortable and healthy spinal alignment.
What Customers Say
Customers found that the Plank Firm was great for back pain, and that Brooklyn Bedding — the company who created the Plank — had excellent customer service. Many customers noted that this mattress was even firmer than they expected, so they did have to buy a mattress topper for it.
Pros of the Plank Firm Mattress
- The Plank Firm offers robust support all the way to its edges, making the bed more sturdy. This is a bonus for couples and for heavy sleepers who weigh 250 pounds or more.
- This mattress is easy to move around on, making it a good option for combination sleepers.
- For an all-foam mattress, the Plank Firm sleeps fairly cool.
Cons of the Plank Firm Mattress
- As a firm mattress, the Plank Firm isn’t going to provide nearly enough pressure relief for side sleepers.
- For the same reasons, this isn’t the option for folks suffering from hip or shoulder pain, as they require more contouring and sinkage to ease pressure on the joints.
- Those who love deep sinkage or a classic memory foam feel may not enjoy the sturdier construction of the Plank Firm.
Does the Plank Firm sound like it has everything you could need? If so, click here to reveal the best deal or look to our full Plank Firm mattress review for more information. For additional options, see the best firm mattresses.
Best Mattress for Murphy Bed Buying Guide
What is a Murphy Bed?
A Murphy bed is a pull-out bed that can be folded up or slid back into a cabinet and stowed away when not in use. Murphy beds are very helpful for saving space if you have a smaller apartment.
What to Know When Choosing a Mattress For a Murphy Bed
There are many factors to consider when getting a mattress for a Murphy bed, like the materials, weight, thickness, and price of the mattress.
Which Type of Mattress is Best For a Murphy Bed?
Murphy beds are generally accommodating to all types of mattress materials, as long as they meet the manufacturer’s size, weight, and height specifications. Depending on the method that the Murphy bed uses to tuck away the mattress, flexibility might be of note.
If the mattress curls or bends as part of the stow-away process, certain materials might be more forgiving to that. Materials like foam will bend and squish easily, while innerspring mattresses may have less flexibility. Slow-moving foams, like memory foam, may need time to decompress after being stored for a while.
Weight and Height
The weight and height of a mattress are very important for ensuring it is compatible with a Murphy bed. A mattress that is too tall will not fit the bed frame or stow away properly. Many manufacturers will list the height and weight specifications for a mattress to help buyers get one that is compatible, but a good rule of thumb is to look for a mattress no taller than 12 inches.
Budget
Murphy beds and mattresses both range from budget-friendly to luxury prices. When choosing a Murphy bed and mattress, it may be best to determine your budget ahead of time and compare models. It is often best to put more of the budget into the bed than the mattress if you are choosing which to spend more on. The mattress will be much easier to upgrade later.
How Do You Install a Murphy bed?
In the following list, we will advise installing a Murphy bed. Please keep in mind that some Murphy beds can be installed on your own, while others require professional assembly. If you are assembling the Murphy bed on your own, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- Measure the space that the bed will go into, to ensure it will fit.
- Check the customer reviews for the bed to see how others rated the setup difficulty and time required to install.
- Have two or more people available to help with set up, especially if the bed will be heavy.
- If it would fit your needs better, consider a mostly or fully pre-assembled Murphy bed.
- Read the instructions that arrive with the bed, and make sure you have all the tools that will be needed for installation.
FAQs
How thick should a mattress for a Murphy bed be?
If a mattress is too thick, it won’t fit into the bedframe of a Murphy bed. A good rule of thumb is to look for one that’s no higher than 12 inches. However, the manufacturer of the Murphy bed should provide a height limit.
Do Murphy beds need special mattresses?
Most types of mattresses are compatible with Murphy beds, though you’ll want to check the manufacturer’s specifications for the bed frame to know size and weight restrictions. Some Murphy beds also arrive with a mattress included.
What mattress is best for a Murphy bed?
We think that the best mattresses for Murphy beds are going to offer comfort for a range of sleepers. We recommend finding a mattress that suits your needs and fits into the Murphy bed you desire.
Best Mattresses for Murphy Beds 2024
Mattress | Best For | Price (Queen Size) | Coupon | Review |
Nectar | Overall | $1,043 | Nectar Coupon | Read Our Review |
DreamCloud | Hybrid | $1,199 | DreamCloud Coupon | Read Our Review |
Helix Midnight | Cooling | $1,374 | Helix Coupon | Read Our Review |
WinkBeds GravityLux | Couples | $1,799 | WinkBed Coupon | Read Our Review |
Saatva | Luxury | $1,995 | Saatva Coupon | Read Our Review |
Bear Original | Back Pain | $998 | Bear Coupon | Read Our Review |
Nolah Evolution | Side Sleepers | $2,299 | Nolah Coupon | Read Our Review |
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Back Sleepers | $1,332 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
Plank Firm | Firm | $1,332 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
Amelia Jerden
Senior Staff Writer
About Author
Amelia is a Senior Staff Writer for Sleepopolis. She primarily covers bedding and sleep accessory products in reviews, how-to guides, and more. You can also find her over on the Sleepopolis YouTube channel. Amelia is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with double majors in media and journalism and in dramatic art. Outside of work, Amelia can usually be found on a hike, traveling to a new city, or at her local thrift store.
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