Are you living in a small apartment and suffering from a lack of space to accommodate a giant bed? Are you looking for somewhat temporary sleep arrangements to welcome unexpected guests at your place? Or have you ever thought of carrying a mattress with you on a trip up to mountains? For all these problems, there is a comfortable solution available known as “portable mattress”.
What Is a Portable Mattress?
Portable mattresses are your comfy yet less costly solution for fulfilling the need of temporary bed space. A portable mattress can do more than just accommodate the occasional need for extra space. It is a more convenient option for those who do not like to have fancy bedding in their room but want to make the decoration theme of the room less crowded.
A portable mattress or foldable mattress is the same thing. It is a rollable and easy storable floor sleeping arrangement that you can use in replace of the traditional mattress. Most portable mattresses contain a two-fold, three-fold, or a roller shape. You can use it when needed and put it back in storage when not needed.
There are more reasons to invest in a portable mattress, let’s have a detailed look:
Why Should You Invest in a Portable Mattress?
Having a portable mattress at home benefits you in so many ways. There are many possible scenarios where you can bring it out of the storage and make a comfy sitting for yourself, your family, and your friends. It is good for sleeping as well as just creating a comfortable arrangement for children in the home.
Whether you have friends at home for a sleepover, family get to gathers activities, or your toddler in need of comfort over a hard tile floor, just spread it out and let everyone enjoy the freedom of sitting on the floor.
Best Solution for Compact Space Apartments and Rooms
It is a viable solution for places with limited space like single-room apartments, multiple people in shared spaces, etc. Any of these situations would require a thoughtful utilization of available space. A room where only 2 persons can sleep on a regular bed would be able to accommodate more people by using a portable mattress.
Therefore, portable mattresses have gained remarkable popularity among people who are suffering a lack of space for themselves as well as the friend visiting over. You can simply invest in durable and portable mattresses, and bring some trendy options home today.
Additional Sleeping Space
A portable mattress is not just a replacement for the regular bed. You can also use a portable mattress in a room with a bed to create more sleeping space. There may be several reasons why you cannot bring another bed in the room. You might be lacking funds, not want to crowd your space with unnecessary furniture, or you may need additional sleeping space very occasionally.
In any of these scenarios, all you need to do is to bring the portable mattress out of your storage and place it where you need it most.
Travel Friendly
A portable mattress is travel-friendly as well. You can easily put it in the back of your car and carry it anywhere. Some of the options available in the market are also a good fit for your camping plans. Carry it with you if you want to camp near your car or van. You will have a comfortable sitting arrangement right outside the car parking space.
However, carrying a portable mattress for hiking might not be a good idea. It is no easy to carry at the back during hiking. Nevertheless, for the camping plans, picnics, family getting to gather in public places, you can easily drag it out of the car and enjoy comfort.
Budget-Friendly
If you have a limited budget and you also want to enjoy a peaceful sleep at night, a portable mattress is the best solution. Compared to the furniture bed set with a mattress, a portable mattress would be less costly for you.
Also, not every room deserves a regular furniture bed. In places, you may need to save money from heavy-duty furniture and equip the space with more casual arrangements. This is doable with a variety of low-cost portable mattresses.
Storage Friendly
The two-fold or three-fold design becomes very compact and can be stored anywhere in the house. You can wrap it back into the packaging and put it in the storage, cupboard, or beneath the bed if you have one. By the way, you do not need to worry about carrying them as some of the options come with wheels for easy movement.
Portable mattresses are designed to cater to the low space issues. As a result, shapes and sizes are easy to manage, and you do not have to spend a lot of effort moving them in and out of the storeroom.
Versatility
There is a wide range of options that you can choose from – varying in size, foam type, depth of the mattress, colors, convertible to the sofa, etc. Not only can you grab convenience for sleeping, but you can also have a unique sitting couch for the drawing-room area using the same portable mattress.
There is no limit to your imagination to think about multiple usages of the portable mattress. You can also get customized covers to match your house theme and make them an integral part of the house.
Types of Portable Mattress
After knowing all the benefits associated with portable mattresses, the next step you would like to take is to buy one. However, before jumping to that, let us give you a brief overview of various types available in the market. Each type of portable mattress is designed to cater to a specific need. And some may be multipurpose as well. Therefore, you can read here in detail and take the next step accordingly.
Trifold Mattress
It is indeed one of the most common and most purchased categories of portable mattresses. It is best to use on the floor, very compact size, and does not require any frame structure. You can simply put it on the floor, just be careful with the cover fabric and ensure it is non-slippery. It is very lightweight and best for use in the TV lounge, bedroom, anywhere in the house.
Two-fold with Frame
Two-fold mattresses are also known as military-style beds. The mattress is supported by a metal frame which is also foldable. It is most suitable for creating additional bed space at sleep time and then putting it away in the morning. The folded version is easy to move, and you can slide beneath your regular bed for easy management.
Japanese Style
The traditional Japanese shikibutons or futon mattresses belong to ancient Japanese history of simple living. It comprises of cotton covers filled with 100% cotton as the filling material instead of foam. Mostly these mattresses are always in the guest area of Japanese houses. And you can also choose to set up a corner to place them.
Memory Foam Mattress
There are many materials to choose from on the mattress market. However, memory foam is one of the most commonly used and popular materials, and people are more likely to buy portable mattresses according to the material type. Memory foam is known for its ability to adjust according to the weight of the person. This makes it a durable and long term product.
Rollaway or Slider Mattress
A rollaway mattress also comprises of the frame, also, it has wheels for easy rollaway. Unlike the two-fold portable mattress, the rollaway frame is designed without the folding ability. Rather it has wheels to go straight under the regular beds.
Buying Guide: How to Pick a Portable Mattress?
Several elements should always be on your checklist before buying a portable mattress. We recommend you to follow these steps in the same order they are provided here.
Usage of Mattress
As explained earlier, a portable mattress can be useful in multiple ways, so think thoroughly. A portable mattress is not just for additional sleeping space. You can turn that into a lounge sitting corner, or you can have your toddlers play on that rather on the hard floor, etc. These are just a couple of examples. Start thinking about the multiple usage situations and buy the portable mattress accordingly.
Foam/Material of Mattress
Although portable mattresses are less costly than the regular beds plus mattress set, you expect it to last longer. What makes a portable mattress last longer is close to the material inside it. As mentioned in the types of mattresses section, it could be foam, cotton, polyester, etc. Make sure to carefully thought through the expected lifetime of the material and buy the one with maximum lifespan.
Size of Mattress
Generally, the size of the portable mattress is less than the queen size bed. Yet there are many options available in different brands. The size of the mattress should fit in your available room space as well. Also, it should match your storage space dimensions. If you are going to use it for 5 ~ 10 years, a flexible size version may be a good option.
The key here is to measure the space where you will frequently use the portable mattress. Take these measurements with you when you go to the store or even buy online. It will help you make a comparison of different suitable options and finalize the most appropriate one accordingly.
Thickness of Mattress
The thickness of the portable mattress is another important feature that makes it either a comfortable or a painful experience. The thickness of the mattress will also change over time, so you must select the proper thickness at the beginning. Usually, the thickness of the portable mattress depends upon the material. As an example, a 100% cotton portable mattress will never match the thickness of a memory foam mattress.
Cover of Mattress
It is another important aspect of ensuring that you are investing in the right product. Indeed, you have the option to stitch a custom one if you did not like the original cover yet. Both the filling material (cotton, foam or polyester, etc.) and the cover must be made of high-quality material for a longer lifetime of the portable mattress. Therefore, carefully check for both and do not settle for cheaper versions.
Budget
Although the portable mattresses are quite friendly on the pocket, the variety in the market can deceive you. There would be a lot more options for what you need, and if you do not stick to your budget, you may end up buying an unnecessarily expensive version. Treat your budget religiously and only keep a margin of +-10% to stay within your limits.
Warranty Period of Mattress
Lastly, carefully review the terms and conditions related to the warranty period and claim process. Some brands may offer a couple of years only, and others may offer a lifetime warranty. Certainly, there would be a difference in pricing for both, and that’s where you need to draw the line depending upon the previous checkpoint on your list.
This is your primary checklist for getting started with the portable mattress purchase. Make sure you follow it and consider all points mentioned here for a better purchase decision.
How Does a Portable Mattress Feel?
We want a portable mattress not just to create extra space. The most important thing is that we want to have a peaceful and comfortable sleep. So how does a portable mattress feel? Is it comfortable for all age groups? Would you feel any different when switching from a regular bed mattress? Would it cause any disturbance in sleep?
Usually, a portable mattress is no different from a regular mattress. Lying on it, you will not feel the noticeable difference, except for the shape and size. Whatever material is used, the portable mattress will provide comfort and peace sleep to everyone. So you can select the type of portable mattress according to your comfort and enjoy, without worrying about anything else.
With so many mattresses to choose from on the market, you may find it difficult to get your favorite one in a short time. Don’t worry. Here we will give you some comprehensive tips for buying the best portable mattress. Based on our actual tests and customer feedback, we have selected 9 mattresses for you. We have tried to cover maximum variety for a comprehensive guide:
9 Best Portable Mattress
1. Milliard Diplomat Folding Bed
The perfect combo of a portable mattress with a foldable steel wireframe. If you do not want to equip your room with a heavy bed, this is a perfect choice, especially if you are living in a single room apartment. You can unfold this portable mattress with the frame at night, enjoy peaceful sleep, and in the morning roll it back, then put anywhere in the corners of the room.
The mattress is delivered to you fully assembled. So you can just unfold the frame and place it in your bedroom. The wheels rotate 360 degrees, so you don’t have to worry about movement. The portable mattress is made of 6-inch thick memory foam. As a result, it is thick and provides a lot of support for the body during sleep.
Pros:
- No assembly required
- Easily moveable from room to room or storage space
- Just 14-inch thickness when it is folded
- The durable and comfortable memory foam material
Cons:
- Due to the steel frame, it is a bit heavier than other types of portable mattresses.
2. LUCID Rollaway Folding Guest Bed
Another high selling portable mattress, although the foam is just 4 inches in thickness. The steel frame provides excellent support to the user in terms of peaceful sleep. It is durable and comes with a ten years warranty period.
The material inside is a combination of polyfoam (about 3 inches) and memory foam (about 1 inch on top of polyfoam). However, the warranty period is quite impressive, but the thickness of the mattress may not be able to hold a person for so many years.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly, you do not need to get a bank loan approved for setting up your home with these beds.
- Longer warranty period.
- Very lightweight.
- Easily moveable due to the wheel structure of the bed frame.
Cons:
- The lightweight mattress does not mean it can hold too much weight, so it could be torn early from overuse.
3. D&D Futon Rolling Mattress
It features the traditional Japanese style floor cushions, which have multipurpose usage for the entire house. You can quickly bring it out of the storage and throw over the hard floor to create additional sleeping space. You can have this resting in the corner of the drawing-room for occasional playtime of the children. You can also use this underneath your yoga mat to create a comfortable layer. It consists of cotton, polyester, and a think foam layer.
It is recommended to roll away the mattress when not in use. This way you can ensure a longer lifetime of the product. The length of this portable mattress can accommodate people of every age and size. But with time, the thin mattress will be flattened due to excessive weight.
Pros:
- Great usage for back sleepers as it helps to sleep on the floor
- Easy to roll and store anywhere in your cupboard
- The best choice to take along for traveling and camping
Cons:
- There are no other color options; you can only buy this in black.
- The cover is not separable; hence you cannot change or wash it separately.
4. Better Habitat SleepReady Memory Foam Floor Mattress
If you are looking for a floor mattress that can be used for long hours without causing any back pain or neck pain, go for it. It comes in variant sizes; you can buy for your kid, yourself, or your couples at once. The price varies based on the chosen size of the mattress.
This is a great temporary accommodation arrangement for camping and traveling. You can easily carry it with your luggage and use anywhere where you need a comfortable sitting or sleeping place. It consists of memory foam and is about 3 inches thick, thus providing more comfort and ease.
Pros:
- The materials are of superior quality with a high degree of comfort.
- The structure is breathable and very lightweight to carry. Simply out the clip lock and carry it away.
- With the mattress, customers experience better health and less joint pain.
- The twin size can bear up to 230 pounds of weight, which is quite remarkable.
Cons:
- Still looking, but for now, everything about this portable mattress is great.
5. Leewadee Roll-Up Thai Mattress
The Thai style floor portable mattresses are a replacement for machine-made mattresses. It is a totally handmade mattress with Kapok and cotton, converting this into a breathable and lightweight floor mattress. The design of the mattress is also unique compared to other similar portable mattresses.
Not only is this good for sleepovers, but it is also equally beneficial to use under yoga mat, massage places. This mattress is available in a variety of colors, and the cover is stitched along the material inside. It is very lightweight and easy to carry. So you can simply roll it and put it in your car storage to take along anywhere.
Pros:
- All handmade product, with natural materials
- Double stitching guarantees longer product life
- Add a very comfortable immediate padding
Cons:
- With all the great benefits, the price is a bit higher compared to similar products. But it’s worth the money.
6. Best Choice Products Portable 3″ Tri Folding Mattress
The Best Choice Portable 3-inch Tri Folding portable mattress comes with a carryable packaging. Once you bring it home, let it rest on the floor for about 72 hours to fully expand and get rid of the packaging odor.
The best usage is to create additional sleeping space for sleepovers or guests visiting for a couple of nights. Bring it out of the storage and spread on the floor to enjoy a peaceful sleep. The material is comfortable, breathable, and durable all at once.
Pros:
- It has gel-infused US certified memory foam
- The layout and the packaging are travel friendly. Just zip the cover and take it to places.
- Easily moveable with the handles on the packaging cover.
- The cover is machine washable so you can clean it frequently.
Cons:
- This mattress is not very lightweight, therefore it is difficult to carry for a long time.
7. Luxton Home Extra Padding Japanese Shiki Futon Foldable Mattress
If you are a big fan of traditional Japanese foldable floor mattresses, then Luxton Home Extra Padding Shiki Futon is necessary to have for you. It is pretty compact and lightweight. And it has an easily foldable design, so you can create additional space within no time.
You can bring it out at night and roll back to storage in the morning. You may enjoy a durable yet comfortable sleep for many years. The filling material is polyester with a thickness of about two and a half inches. For a mold-free and bacteria-free experience, try putting these under the sun during summers.
Pros:
- Very lightweight and easy handling to carry anywhere
- Antibacterial characteristics.
- Available in multiple sizes
- Helps to fix back pain
Cons:
- May feel a bit firm at the beginning, making it tricky to fold and store.
8. Zinus 5-Inch Tri-Fold Portable Folding Mattress
Everything about this portable floor mattress is just superb. Be it the unique spiral design on the cover, the gel memory foam used in it, the perfect 3 inches thickness, or the durability of this portable mattress, everything is just an example of perfection.
With its unique feature of ventilation, it highly improves your sleeping experience. You can use it for kids, a sleepover with friends, additional space for guests, etc. The usage can be in multiple ways.
Pros:
- Easy management with simple folding/unfolding of the mattress
- It comes with three layers of the memory foam
- Portability and comfort all at one place
- Certi-PUR certified product
Cons:
- It may be a bit heavier than other types of portable mattresses, and you may need proper carrying arrangements during travel.
9. Smile Back Folding Rollaway Bed with Mattress
It is a durable 5-inch memory foam mattress. If you are looking for less costly portable beds for yourself or the guests coming over, it is the best option. The 5-inch thickness consists of a 3.5-inch of base support foam along with 1.5-inch memory foam.
It can easily bear 220lbs of weight with no harm done to the frame or the mattress itself. The foldable wheel structure makes it super easy to manage and put back to storage when not needed. There is no technical assembling involved and you can easily fold/unfold yourself.
Pros:
- Comes with an extra washable cover
- Easily go back to storage when not needed
- Super compact with just 14 inches thickness when folded
- Ideal for people with back pains or who face trouble sleeping on just floor mattresses
Cons:
- Some customers complained about the quality of the frame and did not find it very durable
Below is a summary of all our picks.
| Manufacturer | Model | Why We Choose | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Milliard Diplomat Folding Bed | Editor’s Pick | Check Cost |
 | LUCID Rollaway Folding Guest Bed | Best Value | Check Cost |
 | D&D Futon Rolling Mattress | Best for Carry Out | Check Cost |
 | Better Habitat SleepReady Memory Foam Floor Mattress | Best for Camping | Check Cost |
 | Leewadee Roll-Up Thai Mattress | Best for Sports | Check Cost |
 | Best Choice Products Portable 3-inch Tri Folding Mattress | Best Value | Check Cost |
 | Luxton Home Extra Padding Japanese Shiki Futon Foldable Mattress | Best Japanese Traditional | Check Cost |
 | Zinus 5-Inch Tri-Fold Portable Folding Mattress | Best Soft | Check Cost |
 | Smile Back Folding Rollaway Bed with Mattress | Best Luxury | Check Cost |
Portable Mattress Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Budget-friendly sleeping arrangements | Not recommended for people with medical issues such as back pain, etc |
| Temporary additional space | Some of the brands faced smell complaints |
| Best for small rooms | Not very precise pressure points as compared to a regular mattress |
| Simplistic living style | Not very resistant to motion transfer, if you have a reckless sleeping partner your sleep may also get disturbed |
| Easy mobility | Not every portable mattress is spill-proof |
| Easy storage | Folding points become a problem with usage over time |
| Travel friendly | Not recommended for patients or old age people |
| Useful in camping | When choosing for adults, if the thickness is not sufficient, you may develop back pain or neck pain |
| Multiple usages | May lead to allergies if not maintained or cleaned properly |
| A little customization can match the décor theme | You may need an additional comforting sheet if the material is too stiff in the beginning |
Conclusion
Everything and anything that you need to know about portable mattresses here. From knowing the basics about portable mattresses to benefits, the pre-buying checklist we have covered everything in this detailed guide to best portable mattresses. If you have any personal experience with any portable mattress that is not listed here, feel free to write to us and share your experience. We would love to add your input to further facilitate the other potential buyers.
