How To Pick The Best Folding Mattress For Your Needs

Common Uses

Where you plan to use your foldable mattress is up to you, but some of the most common places and uses are:

• Sleepovers/Temporary usage
• Reading/Fold up into chair mode
• TV/Video games
• Yoga/Exercise mat
• Tent/Camping/Other outdoor usages
• Ideal for dorms/Students on a budget
• Guest rooms
• Convenient for small apartments
• Small rooms
• Playrooms/Napping/Playing

Dimensions/Size

The final size after folding your mattress determines portability and storage size. When you fold these mattresses, they usually become triple or even quadruple the hight, but much shorter.

The best folding mattress manufacturers offer their models in the standard sizes i.e., Twin, Queen, King, etc. However, this isn’t common. Others will simply list the dimensions as Small, Medium, or Large with their own made-up measurements. As a general rule, the sizes below are a good guideline to work with:

• Twin usually measures 75 x 39 inches and is ideal for children.
• A Full size folding mattress is typically classed as a medium and measures 75 x 54 inches, making it suitable for adults who sleep alone.
• A folding Queen mattress measures at 80 x 60 inches, making it suitable for couples.

Material

Foldable mattresses are typically designed from memory foam or polyester fill. A folding memory foam mattress is a much better choice over polyester, considering memory foam lasts longer than their polyester counterparts. Also, they are more comfortable but more expensive.

If your budget is tight, try the polyester mattress (which can also be used on a futon if the size is right). But you have to bear with the low quality and reduced lifespan of some of these mattresses.

You’ll rarely ever find a foldable latex or innerspring mattress due to the rigid nature of the material.

Weight and portability

Folding mattresses should be lightweight. However, due to differences in sizes, thickness, and type of material, their weight may vary. For those who travel a lot, picking a small-sized and lightweight mattress is a good idea.

Keep in mind; not all foldable mattresses are highly portable. Besides weight, it is vital to consider the folding technique. The best folding mattress should allow for quick and efficient folds.

The majority of modern foldable mattresses are tri fold, meaning they break at two places, giving three panels. These options are more portable than those that fold only at one point.

Thickness

Folding mattresses come in different thicknesses. The choice you make depends on the amount of comfort you need. Note that the standard thicknesses for foldable mattresses are four, six, or eight inches.

Of course, a thicker fold up mattress has high amounts of foam for more comfort and superior support. But your needs should dictate your choices. For travelers and campers, a four-inch-thick bed should ideal.

If you go with thicker (8-inch) versions, it means you’ll pay more than other versions, and it will take up more space when packed away. But, you get superior comfort, support, and durability.

Firmness

Like with traditional beds, folding mattresses tend to have different firmnesses from model to model and brand to brand. Most people already know what type of comfort level they want, based on the experience with their permanent bed. However, be sure to check the firmness on the listing, as it can differ tremendously. For example, a 4″ option may be listed as firm, while the same model in a 6″ version may be listed as soft.

Ultimately, your sleeping position, the intended use of the mattress, and the amount of support you need should dictate the right firmness.

The cover

Some foldable mattresses have a removable cover while others have a sewn-on non-removable cover. In both cases, as these mattresses are almost always placed on the floor, the cover works well to protect your mattress from getting dirt, dust, and mites. Thus, they reduce the rate of wearing out and increase its lifespan.

If you are an avid camper, for instance, your mattress might get dirty more often. In this case, choose one with a removable cover. That way, it’s easy to clean.