You’ll never know the importance of a foldable mattress until you need it. Whether it’s for an impromptu romp in the woods when camping, an unexpected visit from family, or lounging around at home, foldable mattress is an investment that pays dividends. However, not all folding mattresses are made the same. When looking for the best foldable mattress, you need to have a keen eye for quality.
A Guide to Foldable Mattresses
What are the advantages/benefits of a foldable mattress?
Foldable mattresses are great for travel
If you tend to move around for work or leisure, you’ll know that sleeping on an uncomfortable bed is one of the worst experiences on the road. That won’t happen with a foldable mattress. Folding mattresses are easy to carry around because of how compact they are. Because you’re already used to its softness, you won’t toss and turn all night.
Foldable mattresses are easy to store.
Every square inch counts, especially in small spaces. Foldable mattresses, especially foam tri-fold ones, can squeeze in small compartments easily. These folding mattresses are perfect for decluttering a bedroom or for a spontaneous sleepover.
Foldable mattresses are multipurpose.
Foldable mattresses are for more than just sleeping. You can use them like a lounge chair or a topper for a couch. Some can be used as a footrest. You can take a foldable mattress outdoors and lie down under the shade. They are great for camping trips if you don’t like sleeping bags.
Foldable mattresses are affordable.
I love foldable mattresses because they are relatively inexpensive. Compared to standard mattresses, a foldable mattress will save you hundreds of dollars.
Foldable mattresses are comfortable.
Other mattresses in this price range tend to sacrifice comfort and are not made of high-density foam. Foldable mattresses feel good to sleep on. I vastly prefer it to sleeping bags which can hurt my spine quite a bit. Foldable mattresses are the far better option for outdoor adventures and travel. They’re safe enough for children’s needs, too.
How to choose the best foldable mattress?
Here are the key features to look for when buying a foldable mattress. The best folding mattresses can be found at every price point but are usually distinguished by the following qualities.
Cover
The right cover is important because it shields the foldable mattress from dirt, debris, dust mites, moisture, and allergens. A removable cover is convenient because you can wash it separately when it gets dirty. However, you may have to buy your own because not all folding mattresses come with one.
The cover is the first thing you touch so it’s good to have one made of a soft material. Patterns and stylish colors add major points to the look of a foldable mattress. Sometimes, the cover is also functional. For example, some covers are non-slip to help the foldable mattress grip slick surfaces or inclines.
Material
Polyurethane and memory foam are the most common materials in a foldable mattress. They can also use a combination of the two foams, with the memory foam serving as the topper.
A memory foam mattress supports the body and molds to the contours of your head and spine. It’s a high-density foam, denser than polyfoam and thus, heavier.
A polyurethane foam mattress is less dense and feels softer. It’s also less supportive than memory foam. However, it’s the less expensive foam mattress component of the two.
You may smell chemical odors out of the package when you first open it. Don’t be alarmed. This is called off-gassing and is normal. Let the foldable mattress air out for a day before using it to get rid of the smell. You can also look for a Certi-PUR logo which is a certification that ensures a mattress company has complied with industry standards in chemicals.
Thickness
For foldable mattresses, thick foam is better for comfort. The range goes from around 3 to 6 inches and the higher you go, the higher the price of the foldable mattress. A thick foam is good for supporting the body well. Memory foam folding mattresses are better than polyurethane foam mattresses at support because of how they adapt to the contours of the body and relieve pressure at the joints.
Support and Firmness
Firmness is a matter of preference. A good rule of thumb is if you’re a back or front sleeper, medium to firm support is best to support the hips and spine. Foldable mattresses are great at this. Side sleepers will want a soft to medium level of firmness in a folding mattress that doesn’t sacrifice support. A memory foam mattress will suit side sleepers well.
Size
Foldable mattresses come in three standard sizes: twin, full, and queen. A twin-size mattress measures 75×39 inches, making it great for children. A full-sized mattress measures 75 x 54 inches which can comfortably accommodate one adult. A queen-size mattress is 80 x 60 inches, enough room for a couple. Those are the standard measurements but not all foldable mattresses conform to this sizing. Check the foam mattress for any irregular measurements.
Portability
A foldable mattress, true to its name, should be able to fold in on itself and be transported easily. Some mattresses can fold in half while others can be folded in three places (known as a foam tri-fold mattress). The latter is a more portable option. If you intend to carry your mattress in your travels, you’ll need a small folding mattress. A queen-size memory foam mattress is definitely not convenient to lug around.
Another thing to consider is the weight of the foam, which directly corresponds to how dense the foam is. If you want a lightweight mattress, you’ll have to make trade-offs in comfort and thickness.
Warranty
Get a folding mattress with a warranty so you can freely try it out and return it if you have complaints. Sometimes, a foam mattress that looks good online will not perform well in real life. You’ll also want a long warranty period, in case you discover anything wrong way after the folding mattress has been delivered.
Top 8 Best Foldable Mattresses
Milliard Tri Folding Memory Foam Mattress
The Milliard Tri-Fold Mattress is a high-density and luxurious folding mattress that offers plush comfort without losing the portability of standard folding mattresses. It has a six-inch thick memory foam hybrid that is dense enough to hold you up without fully sinking into the floor yet retains the best qualities of memory foam. How does it do this? The Milliard Tri-Fold Foam combines a spongy memory foam topper over a medium-firm polyurethane foam base. The memory foam is CertiPUR certified so it’s guaranteed to retain its shape.
Though memory foam absorbs heat, which makes it conform to the body, this memory foam tri-fold mattress won’t get hot. It’s well-ventilated to regulate your body temperature while sleeping. You will get a good snooze whether you use this folding mattress in your home or outdoors and guests will love how comfortable this is.
Let’s talk covers. The Milliard Tri-Fold Mattress has a jacquard ultra-soft bamboo cover that feels luxurious. It’s removable and easy to wash. The cover also comes with an anti-slip bottom. At the sides, you’ll find a mesh covering for better ventilation.
This memory foam tri-fold folding mattress comes in the size Twin XL (78 inches x 38 inches x 6 inches). When you want to put it away, fold it up to a neat cube that measures 38 x 26 x 18 inches. Because of how cushy the high-density memory foam is, it may leave back or front sleepers wanting. The partitions in the memory foam tri-fold mattress can also have a tendency to split open, leaving gaps when you sleep. Another bedding cover may solve this issue.
Overall, I recommend this as a guest bed or even as a spare bed for yourself. It may be too bulky to travel frequently with but the comfort this folding mattress provides may spoil you and you’ll never want to go on a camping trip without it. This is one of the best folding mattresses for supreme indulgence during bedtime.
Pros
- a tri-fold mattress that provides comfort and portability
- has memory foam topper plus a polyfoam base
- CertiPUR certified foam
- well-ventilated
- has a removable soft bamboo cover with an anti-slip bottom
Cons
- too soft for back or front sleepers
- the gaps may open wide in the triple partitions
- might be too bulky for travel
Best Price Mattress 4″ Queen Trifold Mattress
This is a minimalist 4-inch thick tri-fold portable mattress made of a high-quality 1.5-inch memory foam top layer and a 2.5-inch high-density base foam layer. Both layers are CertiPUR-US certified. The memory foam mattress comes in contact with your body and gives it plush support. The base foam is what holds up that memory foam so you don’t sink into the floor. It makes for a cozy lounging experience.
On top of the foam is a poly-jacquard zippered cover with an anti-slip bottom. You can easily slide off the cover and wash it when it gets dirty. It’s machine washable, too.
The Best Price Tri-fold Mattress comes in several sizes, including twin, queen, king, California king, and extra small. When folded up, the queen size is 26.6 inches x 60 inches. The memory foam mattress is also infused with green tea extracts to alleviate stress and promote good sleep.
What makes this a good deal is the generous 5-year warranty the manufacturers have provided. That does signal confidence in their product and it’s a huge plus for me as a consumer. Because of the multiple sizes this comes in, there’s surely one that will fit in the trunk of your car. I think it will be perfect for camping and other outdoor activities. I think it’s one of the best folding mattresses to take with you while traveling. It would also make a good mattress topper, to refresh a sagging or old mattress, or even serve as a guest bed.
If you’re using the memory foam mattress by itself, the ridges may bother you but some reviewers have noted they don’t notice it. It’s also not the best folding mattress for side sleepers because of its firmness.
Pros
- has a combination of CertiPUR-US-certified memory foam and a dense base foam layer
- has a removable cover with an anti-slip bottom
- comes in several sizes
- has a 5-year warranty
Cons
- ridges may be noticeable for some people
- not suited for side sleepers
Best Choice Products 4in Thick Folding Portable Mattress
If you want an uber-versatile foldable mattress, this one by Best Choice may tickle your fancy. This one looks like a tri-fold mattress but it can fold into four because one-third of the mattress can be divided into half. It’s a nifty feature that allows you to use it as a chair, a divan, a makeshift couch with back support, and a full mattress or topper.
This folding mattress is made out of a high-density foam that’s 4 inches thick. The padding is adequate, enough to lull you into a comfortable slumber. You can remove the cover that encases the foam for cleaning and drying.
On the sides of the foam are handles that help you transport the mattress easily. There are twin, full, and queen sizes available. The full size is pretty light, at 19.3 lbs. The folding features make this even more portable. There’s even a bag that comes with a purchase. It keeps dust and other debris off the foam while allowing you to carry it with you. However, some users have noted that the carrying case is not durable because of the flimsy material and construction.
Pros
- versatile and can be folded in several ways
- has a firm foam with enough padding
- washable and removable cover
- comes in twin, full and queen sizes and is lightweight
- comes with a portable bag
Cons
- The carrying case is not durable
Zinus Memory Foam 4 Inch Tri-Fold Comfort Portable Folding Floor Mat
The Zinus Memory Foam Tri-Fold Foldable Mattress has a clean simplicity that’s appealing. It provides enough support with 4 inches of thickness. It’s covered in a beige polyjacquard fabric that’s conveniently removable and machine washable. The size is excellent for a guest bed. This twin size foam has a tri-fold function so it can be stowed away in a cabinet or carried on family trips.
The high-quality foam is made up of 3 layers. Up top is a 1-inch memory foam, followed by a 2-inch viscolatex responsive foam, a latex-like layer that provides enough cushion and bounce. Supporting all this is the 1-inch high-density base support foam. These are all CertiPUR-US Certified for durability, performance, and content.
The Zinus Tri-Fold Foldable Mattress has medium support. It responds to the body by reshaping to allow for even weight distribution. This foldable mattress boasts of a temperature-smart foam that adjusts itself and maintains a cool temperature. It’s a folding mattress designed to relieve pressure points and improve circulation. This is one of the best folding mattresses for people who sleep hot.
If dust mites are the bane of your sleeping life, the mattress is anti-dust mite and naturally antimicrobial so you stay itch-free. Zinus has its own brand of memory foam called Biofoam. It eliminates foul smells and wicks moisture away so your mattress is always in tip-top shape. For any issues, though, you can count on the folding mattress’ 1-year limited warranty.
The foam’s downside is the fabric slip can tear easily if you don’t protect it with a sheet.
Pros
- has a removable, machine washable cover
- has a tri-fold design that’s easy to store
- made of CertiPUR-US certified high-quality foam with 3 layers
- temperature-smart foam with antimicrobial and anti-dust mite properties
- has a 1-year warranty
Cons
- has a flimsy cover
American Furniture Alliance Hide A’ Mat
The AFA Hide A’ Mat is the foldable mattress made for rest and play. Whether you’re having guests over, doing some yoga, or going glamping, this tri-fold mattress can do it all.
It’s the ultimate portable mattress, weighing only 8 lbs. It comes with handles and a strap so you can carry it like a tote. The cover is made of soft polyester but is non-removable. Instead, you’ll have to spot clean it. The anti-slip sides and bottom are made of high-quality, durable mesh. The foam is made of Pro Fiber filling that is certified non-flammable so your outdoor trips never go awry.
The folding mattress has good ventilation so you don’t get warm when sleeping. It’s 3.5 inches thick, 75 inches long and 31 inches wide. Because of the dark cover, this foldable mattress won’t show stains easily.
Overall, if you want a tri-fold folding mattress to travel with, this is an easy recommendation. However, for comfort, this folding mattress may be too firm for everyday use. The polyester may rub you the wrong way, as well, unless you use a bedsheet or topper.
Pros
- portable and light tri-fold folding mattress
- comes with a handle and straps
- made of non-flammable filling and anti-slip sides
- the dark-colored cover hides stains well
Cons
- the cover is non-removable
- is too firm
- polyester cover can be rough to the touch
Inofia Memory Foam Tri-fold Mattress
Guests will want to know where you bought your mattress with this super comfortable tri-fold mattress. The Inofia folding mattress spares no expense with 6 inches of foam composed of a memory foam topper and a supportive base layer. It’s encased in a machine washable cover made of soft bamboo with an anti-slip bottom.
The Inofia folding mattress measures 73in x 52in x 6in when laid flat and 52in x 25in x 18in when folded. Inside the cover is a non-flammable lining, for peace of mind. The memory foam is breathable so you can have a peaceful night’s sleep. The folding mattress is hypoallergenic and antibacterial, too, in case you’re sensitive or have allergies. Lying down on this after a long day will feel heavenly. It relieves pressure on the joints and has superb support.
The material in the folding mattress is built for longevity. The CertiPUR-US Certified memory foam is a testament to that. It is free of toxins and chemicals to take care of you and your family’s health. I like that it comes with a 10-year warranty and a 100-night trial. That’s topnotch customer service. This is one of the best folding mattresses for peace of mind when buying.
At 30 lbs, this memory foam folding mattress may be a hassle to lug around, so I think it’s best for reunions, sleepovers, and dorms.
Pros
- comfortable 6-inch thick tri-fold mattress
- has a removable machine washable cover with an anti-slip bottom
- has a breathable memory foam that’s CertiPUR-US certified
- hypoallergenic and antibacterial folding mattress
- has a 10-year warranty and extensive trial period
Cons
- too heavy to be fully portable
Cushy Form Tri-Fold Folding Mattress
If you’re on the lookout for a multipurpose folding mattress with a washable cover, this might be the right folding mattress for you. Its form factor (75″ x 31″) does not sacrifice comfort. Though it’s lightweight, it’s 4 inches thick so you can lie down without getting acquainted with the floor. The CertiPUR-US certified foam holds you up well. Its dense, firm cushion supports in the right places and enhances your sleeping postures so you sleep like a baby.
When having people over, you can chuck the futon or air mattress because a trifold folding mattress is undoubtedly more comfortable. It’s easy to clean because of its machine washable cover. It’s safe for both machine washing and drying.
It’s safe for the whole family, too, because they manufactured this without PBDEs, TDCPP, or TCEP flame retardants. If you hate getting allergies from your bed, this one has no mercury, lead, and other harmful materials.
There’s a free carry and storage case that comes with a purchase of the Cushy Form Tri-Fold Mattress. To sweeten that deal is a 100% money-back guarantee, in case the folding mattress doesn’t fit in your RV or tent or whatever issue may occur. A word of warning though: if you’re on the heavier side, this folding mattress may not offer enough support for you at 4 inches thick. The folding mattress can also take some time and effort to inflate to its full size.
![Tri-Fold Folding Mattress w/Storage & Carry Case - Best as Adult Guest Bed, Camping Cot, RV, Floor Mat - Ultra Soft Removable Washable Cover, Foldable, Portable & Compact [75 x 31 x 4 inch]](https://www.heyslumber.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/31HE1uRYDuL._SL500_.webp)
Pros
- 4-inch folding mattress made of CertiPUR-US certified foam that’s dense and firm
- easy to maintain because of its removable cover
- free of harmful chemicals and allergens
- comes with a free carry and storage case
- has a 100% money-back guarantee
Cons
- not for heavier people
- can take long to inflate and requires some effort
D&D Futon Furniture Black Trifold Foam Beds
Sleep like the Japanese with the D&D “shikibuton”, a Japanese folding mattress placed on a platform or mat. The shikibuton is half as thick as a Western futon, around 3 to 4 inches. The folding mattress is thin and easy to fold because it’s designed to be stored after sleeping to save on floor space.
The D&D trifold mattress is a black 3-inch thick shikibuton. When laid flat, it’s 75 inches x 27 inches. The whole futon hybrid weighs 9 lbs total. It has a minimalist design and is filled with high-density foam. Because of how dense it is, it will last longer than softer cushions.
This will fit neatly in the trunk of your car, in a tent, an RV, or the great outdoors. When the folding mattress is tucked away, it’s only 9x25x27 inches. You can remove the cover easily and wash it when it gets dirty. The size of the D&D foldable mattress is good for a single person with little room to roll around. If you’re taller than 6 feet or so, you will probably not fit on the folding mattress.
This is also not the plushest folding mattress. If you want something barebones or a spare folding mattress for guests, though, this is the best choice.
Pros
- shikibuton-style folding mattress that’s 3 inches thick
- has a black cover that’s good for stains
- has a firm high-density foam
- lightweight
Cons
- not for tall people
- is narrow and thin
Conclusion
Those are the best folding mattresses on the market today. You’ll be satisfied with any of those foams and can find your bed away from home with them. For me, the best foldable mattress of this roundup is the Best Price Mattress. I love that it comes in so many sizes, so there’s something for everyone. The four-inch-thick foam is a good thickness for most sleepers and the memory foam will make sleeping a very sumptuous experience. The cover is removable for easy washing and there’s an ample five-year warranty, in case you encounter any hiccups. It’s comfortable and portable, capturing the two things I look for in a folding mattress.
