Can I Use a Regular Mattress in a Murphy Bed? What You Need to Know

One of the most common questions we get is: do Murphy beds use regular mattresses? Yes, they can, but a regular mattress isn’t the best fit. Murphy beds have a specialized mattress and we’re here today to explain why. Let’s break it down!

By Caden

Can I Use a Regular Mattress in a Murphy Bed? What You Need to Know

One of the most common questions we get is: do Murphy beds use regular mattresses? Yes, they can, but a regular mattress isn’t the best fit. Murphy beds have a specialized mattress and we’re here today to explain why. Let’s break it down!

By Caden

What to Look for in a Murphy Bed Mattress

When choosing a mattress for your Murphy bed, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, you need to check that the mattress is the right size. Murphy bed mattresses typically come in standard sizes—single, double, twin, queen, and king. Still, it’s always a good idea to double-check the dimensions of your bed before you buy a mattress, especially if any DIY is in the equation.

Second, the mattress must be the right thickness. Some Murphy beds can accommodate mattresses up to 12 inches thick, while others have tighter restrictions. Because of these variations, you must check the manufacturer’s specifications to know if your mattress will fit in your specific bed.

Third, you need to consider who will be sleeping on your mattress. If it is primarily for children, a lower-priced mattress is sufficient. If it’s primarily adults, you will want to consider a mattress of higher quality to adequately support the size and weight of adult sleepers.

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Mattresses to Avoid for Your Murphy Bed

Some types of mattresses are not good for Murphy beds. These include:

• Mattresses with individually pocketed coils: These mattresses are designed to conform to the body, which is great for comfort. However, because the coils are individually pocketed and not tied to one another, they are almost guaranteed to slump over time.
• Foam core mattresses: The primary concern with foam core mattresses is the glue. Foam core mattresses typically comprise several layers of different foams that are glued together. Because mattresses usually lay flat their entire lifetime, most manufacturers only use small amounts of glue to hold these layers together. In a Murphy bed mattress, the entire surface area of each layer is coated in glue.
• Latex mattresses: Latex mattresses are very durable and supportive, but they are extremely heavy and typically stand on end about as well as overcooked linguine.

Are Murphy Bed Mattresses More Expensive?

While we can’t speak for every manufacturer, it is true that Murphy bed mattresses, on average, are more expensive than regular mattresses. This shouldn’t be a surprise as there are actual differences in the materials and quantity of materials used to construct them. 

However, Murphy bed mattresses are worth the extra upfront investment. 

Our team receives thousands of customer calls about Murphy beds every year, so we hear plenty of questions about Murphy bed mattresses. One of the calls we get regularly is from people who decided to roll the dice on a cheaper mattress they found locally and are now looking for a replacement. 

Eventually, all mattresses have to be replaced, but these calls usually come within a year of purchasing the Murphy bed. This means that in less than a year, a regular mattress used in a Murphy bed can wear out and need replacing.

While a Murphy bed mattress might cost more upfront than a regular one, it’s cheaper in the long run than replacing it yearly. Wilding Wallbed offers the best mattress for a Murphy bed, designed for vertical storage.

Mattress Lifespan in a Murphy Bed

Another common question people have when considering a wall bed mattress is how long it will last. The lifespan of any mattress depends on several factors, including the quality of materials and how it’s used. 

Unfortunately, as we discussed, when placed in a Murphy bed, regular mattresses tend to wear out much faster than they would on a traditional bed frame. This is due to the unusual vertical storage position, which strains the mattress in ways it wasn’t designed to handle. Gravity works against them, inducing sagging, discomfort, and a need for a speedy replacement. 

Our specialized mattresses will last for many years without replacement since they’re designed to sit in an upright position. Before you buy a mattress, learn more about the mattress requirements for Murphy beds to buy the correct mattress that will ensure years of comfort to come. These mattresses use higher-quality materials and are built to maintain their shape and comfort even after years of use. 

If you’re looking for the best mattress for a Murphy bed, choose one specifically designed for it. Check out our guide to choosing the right Murphy bed mattress.

Choosing the Right Mattress for a Murphy Bed

Choosing a Murphy bed mattress requires more than just a focus on comfort. You need a mattress that can endure the demands of vertical storage and still provide a great sleeping experience night after night. So, what should you keep in mind?

Thickness matters, but it’s not just about fitting the bed. A mattress that’s too thick, like 14 inches, can cause closing issues, while a mattress that’s too thin, around 6 inches, might not provide enough support for regular use. The sweet spot is usually between 10 to 12 inches, but it’s always smart to double-check your bed’s specifications.

Beyond thickness, look for a mattress that balances comfort with support, matching your preferences. Some higher-end options come with added features like reinforced edges or hybrid designs that combine support with cushioning. The quality indicators for each mattress will tell you what mattresses are good for children, guests, and adults who will use the mattress frequently. 

If you’re going to use the Murphy bed frequently, opt for materials that maintain their structure over time, like high-density foam or gel-infused memory foam, which can resist sagging and body impressions better than lower-priced alternatives. These options also help with heat regulation, keeping you cooler at night.

Get Years of Comfort with Murphy Bed Mattresses

Murphy beds are a great way to maximize your space, regardless of your home size. A bed is only as comfortable as the mattress on it, and nothing is worse than a mattress that is lumpy and ruined from months of standing on end. 

Consider the factors listed above, and choose a specialized mattress that will last for years inside a Murphy bed. Need additional help or support? Contact us today to discuss your situation with a qualified expert.

Caden Wilding

Director of Digital Marketing

Caden is our in-house guru on all things digital marketing. But, before he was building advertising campaigns he was building Murphy beds and TV Lift Furniture. Woodworking is in Caden’s blood…