Best Foldable Mattresses

Folding mattresses are a popular option when you need a sleeping surface that’s comfortable, portable, and easy-to-store. Typically made from a variety of ultra soft and supportive foams, a high-quality folding mattress facilitates a good night’s sleep for kids and adults. Their versatility makes them ideal for unexpected guests or venturing out on a camping trip.

Check out our picks for the best folding mattresses and read our buyer’s guide to find out how to shop for a new foldable mattress.

Best Folding Mattresses

• Milliard 6-inch Tri-fold Mattress – Editor’s Pick
• Lucid 4-inch Foldable Mattress – Best Mattress for Camping
• Zinus Sleep Master Tri-fold – Best Portable Mattress
• Olee Sleep Tri-fold Memory Foam Mattress – Best Mattress for Travel
• Cozzzi Tri-fold Foam Folding Mattress – Best Mattress for Kids
• American Furniture Alliance Hide a Mat – Best Budget Mattress
• Best Price Tri-fold Memory Foam Mattress – Best Mattress for Guests
• D&D Futon Furniture Tri-fold Foam Bed – Best Adjustable Mattress

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In the next section, we will tell you everything you need to know about our top mattress picks. You’ll learn what makes each mattress a good folding mattress, and who is best served by each.

As you read through, consider how you’ll be using your new folding mattress and who will be sleeping on it to help you find the right fit.

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Milliard 6-inch Tri-fold Mattress

The best folding mattress is one that makes you feel like you’re sleeping on a high-quality traditional mattress. The Milliard 6-inch Tri-fold Mattress does just that. With 1.5 inches of marshmallow-y comfort foam supported by 4.5 inches of base polyfoam, the sleeping surface is incredibly plush and supportive.

It is this construction that makes the Milliard Tri-fold Mattress a great fit for adults who are planning to use their foldable mattress for long stints. Maybe you need something for a month-long road trip or for guests that will be staying for weeks in a row. The Milliard is plush and supportive enough to keep adults comfortable for long periods of time. And thanks to a 78” length, even tall adults can enjoy a restful night’s sleep.

The Milliard Tri-fold sleeps exceptionally cool for a memory foam mattress. The foam itself has an open-cell structure, facilitating air flow that sweeps away excess body heat. And the lusciously soft jacquard bamboo cover has mesh sides, further supporting a comfortable night’s sleep. This cover is removable, so you can sleep directly on its soft and cool surface.

What further raises this mattress above the rest is Milliard’s commitment to health and indoor air quality. Their foams are CertiPUR-US certified, ensuring that they’re made without toxic chemicals like heavy metals and ozone depleting substances. Plus, they use a physical fire barrier made from fiberglass, eliminating the need for the toxic chemical flame retardants used by some mattress companies.

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Lucid 4-inch Foldable Mattress

The Lucid 4” Folding Mattress is one of the most versatile foldable mattresses available. With its durable cover, it is built for use either indoors or outdoors. This feature is what earned it our top spot for best foldable camping mattress.

When you bring the Lucid mattress to a campout, it serves two purposes. When laid out, it creates a plush sleeping surface. When folded up, it creates a low profile couch, great for relaxing before you head off to bed.

The Lucid is not only versatile, but incredibly comfortable and supportive for its 4” height. It is constructed from a layer of supportive base foam topped with gel memory foam. The cooling gel memory foam dissipates body heat, reducing night sweats. When you lie on it, you will notice a bit of a soft hug and reliable support, making it a good choice for back and front sleepers.

Another feature offered by the Lucid that you won’t find in many of its competitors is a wide array of sizes. You can opt for anywhere from a twin XL to a king size mattress. Smaller sizes are great for kids and solo sleepers, and queen and king sizes for couples or those who sleep with their pets.

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Zinus Sleep Master Tri-fold

When you bring a folding mattress with you when you travel or go camping, there are a few things that you’ll be looking for. You want something that is comfortable, compact, and thin enough to work in a variety of settings. The Zinus Memory Foam 4-Inch Tri-Fold Floor Mat meets these expectations and more.

The Zinus Tri-Fold Floor Mat is made using three layers that work together to provide a supportive and cuddly night’s sleep. The lower layer utilizes high density polyfoam to boost durability. The middle layer of 2” responsive viscolatex foam delivers breathable and firm support. The top layer uses 1” of plush memory foam to yield a soft feel that hugs the body’s curves.

When combined, these layers create a mat that provides just enough give and support for the average adult. It’s an especially good mattress for back sleepers and stomach sleepers.

What makes this folding foam bed impressively portable is its size and depth. At 4 inches thick and twin-size, the trifold creates a portable package that easily fits into compact cars and storage closets.

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Olee Sleep Tri-fold Memory Foam Mattress

The Olee Sleep Tri-fold Memory Foam Mattress is a narrow but relatively long mattress that is comfortable enough for the whole family to enjoy. Because it’s the same length as a twin size mattress (75”) but much narrower (25”), it folds up extra-small, making it great for long road trips or tight closets.

This 4-inch memory foam mattress is made from two layers of foam. The upper layer is a gel memory foam that gently hugs the body while dispersing body heat away from the sleep surface for a cool night’s sleep. The bottom layer is 2.5 inches of durable polyfoam that contributes longevity and firmness.

Because of the comfortable support that the Olee Sleep Tri-fold Mattress offers, adults can sleep on it for many nights in a row without acquiring new aches and pains. And with the ultra-durable bottom layer and mattress cover, it makes a great camping pad to safeguard you from tree roots and uneven ground.

Olee is committed to the safety and health of their customers. Their memory foam mattress is made using CertiPUR-US certified foams, guaranteeing that the foams have met strict criteria that protect human health.

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Cozzzi Tri-fold Foam Folding Mattress

Made from 100% high-density foam, the Cozzzi Tri-fold Foam Folding Mattress is incredibly comfortable and versatile for those who like a firm bed. Its 4” thickness and firm feel fully protect you from the ground beneath, making it a solid choice for use in tents or on hardwood floors.

Because high-density polyfoam is less expensive than memory foam, the Cozzzi mattress is an affordable option. The sturdiness of the foam creates a mat that can be used for more than sleep. The Cozzzi mattress doubles as a play or exercise mat to keep kids safe on hard floors.

The Cozzzi Tri-fold mattress comes in two sizes, each the same length as a twin mattress (75”) but narrower. This size means that the mattress is more compact than most tri-fold mattresses when packed away. Those who have tight storage spaces or who want to pack their foldable mattress into a compact car will appreciate the small size.

Its zippered, washable cover is removable. And being machine washable, you get to keep it for longer. With its durable fabric and black color, it can last through years of children’s playtime without showing signs of wear and tear.

Still shopping? Check out our top picks for the best mattresses for kids.

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American Furniture Alliance Hide-a-Mat

The American Furniture Alliance Hide-a-Mat offers exceptional quality and comfort at a competitive price. At 3.5” thick, we recommend this mat for kids or lightweight adults. It’s just as long as a standard twin bed (75”), so even tall adults will fit.

The Hide-a-Mat is made using high-density foam but no memory foam. As a result, it’s a firm mattress without much give at pressure points. Because it is quite firm, it is best for front and back sleepers.

This mat is one of the easiest tri-fold mattresses to take with you when camping or traveling. With a built-in strap and lightweight foam construction, most adults and kids can easily carry this mat. And with Velcro straps that hold it shut, it’s not going to fall open on treks from the car to your campsite or hotel.

The polyester cover is designed for impressive functionality. The top of the cover is wonderfully soft, the sides made from mesh, and the bottom non-slip, promoting a comfy and cool night’s sleep. It’s removable and washable, eliminating the need for another cover. The only downside is that it’s not waterproof.

Not sold on the Hide-a-Mat? Check out our top picks for the best budget mattresses.

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Best Price Tri-fold Memory Foam Mattress

Best Price Tri-fold Memory Foam Mattress delivers support and cushion comfortable enough for adult use. With a variety of sizes that range from smaller than a twin to a California king, the Best Price mattress comes in sizes large enough for multiple overnight guests to use at one time.

With 1.5” of plush memory foam supported by 2.5” of high-density base foam, the Best Price Tri-fold mattress hugs the body’s curves while keeping the spine aligned. It’s so comfortable that many people use it not only as an extra bed for guests or a portable mattress, but as a memory foam topper for their existing mattress.

Its soft and attractive zippered cover is machine washable, making it easy to keep the mattress fresh and clean. With a non-slip bottom, you can place the mattress directly on hard surfaces without it moving about.

Every foam used in the Best Price mattress is CertiPUR-US certified, allowing you to sleep easily knowing that you’re protected from harmful chemicals.

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D&D Furniture Tri-fold Foam Bed

The D&D Futon Furniture Tri-fold Foam Bed works equally well as a floor mattress or chair, kind of like a portable sofa bed. What sets the D&D Futon Furniture Tri-fold Foam Bed apart is that its 6” thickness is made using only high-density polyfoam. This type of foam is incredibly dense and supportive, resulting in a sturdy, comfortable chair.

The versatility of this mattress makes it a great addition to a child’s game room. During the day, it can be used as a gaming chair or hangout spot, and at night as an extra bed for sleepovers.

Because this tri-fold mattress is thick and firm, it provides a good surface for heavier teens and adults. This mattress is best for back and stomach sleepers, not side sleepers, because a lack of conforming foam leaves insufficient give at hips and shoulders.

 

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Folding Mattress Buying Guide

Folding mattresses are as versatile as they are comfortable. The same compact mattress can yield benefits for adults and children inside and outside of the home. To find the best foldable mattress for you, you must consider both your needs as well as a mattress’s specifications.

In this guide, we’ll go over:

• What is a Folding Mattress?
• Benefits of a Folding Mattress
• Uses for a Folding Mattress
• What to Look for in a Folding Mattress

What is a Folding Mattress?

A folding mattress is many things—space-saver, guest room staple, handy camping accessory, and much more. You can even use a foldable mattress as an upgrade over your old, flimsy yoga mat.

They’re typically made of foam similar to the materials used in traditional mattresses, including memory foam and polyfoam. The difference is that they’re thinner and use a hinge-type design that separates them into interconnected blocks that can be folded on top of each other.

Most folding mattresses use a tri-fold design. Instead of having to pack 6 vertical feet of mattress into a closet, for example, you can fold it into thirds for a more manageable use of space.

Benefits of a Folding Mattress

Portability

The primary reason that people turn to folding mattresses is their portability. Whether you want an extra-comfy sleeping surface for use in your home or outside of it, it’s no fun to try and haul a full-size mattress with you. Even a twin mattress can be too bulky to easily move around the house, and it would be pretty tough to travel with, too.

Folding mattresses typically have a tri-fold design, which folds into thirds, and are therefore known as tri-folding mattresses. When you fold a tri-fold mattress, the length becomes ⅓ its original size. This makes it possible to fit a large mattress into a small space, such as a closet, car, or through a tent door.

This portability gives you the power to make a spur-of-the-moment guest room out of your living room, or enjoy a restful night’s sleep on the forest floor. The compact size also makes them physically easier to move—especially when a folding mattress comes with a carrying case or handles. Young kids or elderly adults can easily use most foldable mattresses without help.

Affordable

Folding mattresses are an affordable alternative to setting up an extra guest bedroom with a traditional mattress and frame. The price for a high-quality folding mattress starts at about $50 and typically caps out around $200.

What makes folding mattresses an especially good deal is that they are a versatile and durable investment. They can easily be used by both kids and adults in a variety of settings. And, unlike portable air mattresses that can begin to lose air fairly quickly, a good folding foam mattress can easily last you into the tens of years.

Good for Kids

One of the top uses for folding mattresses is for kids, both visiting family members and children’s sleepovers.

When you have visiting family or friends, you want everyone to sleep comfortably. Even if you have an extra bedroom or a comfortable foldout mattress, few houses are set up to sleep more than 2 guests. With a folding mattress, you’ll have a quick-and-easy place for younger visitors to sleep.

Foldable mattresses are also great for sleepovers. While many kids won’t complain about sleeping directly on the floor in a sleeping bag, most kids would prefer some cushion. When you have an extra portable mattress or two, you can use it when your kid’s friends stay over and bring it with you when your kid stays elsewhere.

Interested in a floor mattress? Check out our top picks for the best floor mattresses

Versatility

Folding mattresses are one of the most versatile sleeping surfaces out there. So long as you buy a portable mattress that is both thick and large, kids and adults can use it. They are also able to be used inside of the house or outside of it, opening up lots of opportunities to get a comfy night’s sleep where you wouldn’t otherwise.

Uses for a Folding Mattress

Guests

Even if you have a guest bed, you might find yourself in a situation where you have more guests than beds. And then there are those of us who live somewhere that doesn’t have the space for a whole room dedicated to visitors. Folding mattresses are exceptional pieces of furniture to have around when you need an extra spot or two for overnight guests. Their portability and storage capabilities make them convenient and useful for hosting guests.

Folding mattresses are also useful for children’s sleepovers. Kids usually want to sleep in the same room. With a folding bed, every kid can sleep on a nice, soft surface, rather than on the cold, hard floor. This is especially important if your child has allergies, as sleeping on the floor can increase their interaction with dust and pet hair.

Camping

Camping doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. There are lots of contraptions that you can use underneath a sleeping bag to turn the forest floor into a comfy getaway.

Folding mattresses are the best option if you want your tent to feel like a real bedroom. Memory foam foldable mattresses turn your camping trip into a glamping experience. Sleep well while camping by sinking into a nice, warm bed rather than a minimal camping mat or chilly air mattress.

Travel

Folding mattresses are often used in place of regular mattresses in campers and RVs. Their thin profile and cushiony support make them a great mattress for RV bunk beds or as an additional sleeping spot.

Bringing a foldable mattress with you can also make your nights more comfortable when you travel via car, van, or truck. You might have room in your vehicle to lay the mattress out at night, or you could bring it with you to your hotel or Airbnb. You can use the mattress on top of existing mattresses to ensure adequate comfort, or use it on the floor if you will have more guests than the existing beds allow.

Dorm Rooms

A high-quality foldable bed can be just as comfortable as a traditional innerspring or memory foam bed. While many dorm rooms come with their own mattresses, they are often extremely uncomfortable. Send your son or daughter with a memory foam folding mattress that they can use in its place or on top of it as a comfy mattress topper.

What to Look for in Folding Mattress

All folding mattresses have a similar makeup. They tend to be made from one or more foams that fold up into a small, portable package. But there are differences between foam beds, and knowing what they are can help you find your best fit.

Types of Foam

Most folding beds will be made using memory foam, polyurethane foam (aka polyfoam), or a combination of the two. This begs the question—memory foam vs polyfoam, what’s the difference?

Polyfoam has been used in mattress construction since before memory foam entered the mattress scene in the 1990s. It has long been used in innerspring mattresses to boost edge support, durability, and provide cushion.

High-density polyfoam is typically utilized as the supportive base to memory foam tri-fold mattresses. Low-density polyfoams can be used as a soft, responsive upper layer in fold up beds.

Memory foam is a type of polyfoam, but it has other chemicals added to it that result in a different feel. When body heat contacts memory foam, the foam responds and contours to the body. This is why memory foam beds yield a bit of a snug, sinking feeling. It’s also the reason that memory foam is the best material to deliver relief at high-pressure areas, like the hips, shoulders, and lower back.

There are folding mattresses made from 100% memory foam, 100% polyfoam, and a combination of the two. When it comes to both comfort and longevity, look for a combination of the two, with a polyfoam base and memory foam top layer. But if you simply want the most affordable folding bed, a 100% polyfoam mattress will cost the least.

Polyurethane Foam	Memory Foam
Pros	Pros
Inexpensive	Delivers incredible pressure point relief
High-density foam bases boost durability	High-quality foams are durable
Variety of firmness levels	Great for side sleepers
Cons	Cons
Insufficient cushion at pressure points	More expensive than polyfoam
Low-density foam compresses easily	Can trap heat

Mattress Cover

Every new folding mattress comes with its own cover. But there are certain attributes that make some covers better than others. When examining the cover, ask yourself

1. Is the cover removable? A removable cover makes cleaning the mattress much easier, especially if the cover is machine washable.
2. Is the cover waterproof? Portable mattresses are often used when traveling, camping, or by kids. If well-used, it’s almost inevitable that these mattresses will end up getting wet at some point. A waterproof cover can protect the mattress from damage.
3. Does the cover have a non-slip bottom? If you plan to use your mattress in a tent, a non-slip bottom will help you stay in place. Especially if you toss and turn or if you’re sleeping on a slight hill.
4. Is the cover breathable? Foam mattresses can sleep hot. Look for a cover that’s breathable to help keep you cool. Natural fibers like cotton and bamboo allow for ample air circulation, as do things like mesh sides.
5. What does the cover feel like? How soft is the cover? If the cover has a zipper to remove it, you don’t necessarily need sheets to keep your mattress clean. It can be convenient to have an elegant-feeling cover so that you don’t extra sheets.

If your favorite mattress doesn’t come with your ideal cover, that doesn’t have to be a deal breaker. You can always buy a separate mattress cover with the qualities that you need.

Size

Folding mattresses come in traditional mattress sizes and variable sizes. To determine the best size, you want to consider who will be using the mattress, what you’ll be using it for, and where you will store it.

Twin and twin XL mattresses are a good fit for kids or small adults. They’re also a go-to for camping trips and use in dorm rooms, places where small mattresses are king. Lastly, a compact mattress means easy storage and transportation.

But if you think that multiple people may sleep on the mattress concurrently, look for a queen size or larger folding mattress. Larger mattresses are also more versatile. They can be used as play mats for young kids or as a secondary couch or surface for a movie night. Just make sure that you have room to store the larger mattress once it’s folded up.

Thickness

It is not only the length and width of a mattress that matters, but how thick it is. As a general rule, thicker mattresses are more comfortable. They’re also ideal mattresses for heavier people and side sleepers, both of whom sink deeper into a mattress and require more cushion. But keep in mind that thicker mattresses take up more space, weigh more, and are harder to transport.

Most folding mattresses are between 3 and 6 inches thick. We recommend a minimum of 4 inches for adults. 4 inches is a great thickness for camping mattresses that will be used in small 1-2 person tents. For optimal comfort, look for a mattress with memory foam that is 6 inches thick.

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Recap: Our Picks for Best Folding Mattress

Folding mattresses are a great addition to most any home. Their versatility adds comfort for visiting guests or for you when you’re out exploring the world.

As a reminder, here are our top picks:

• Milliard 6-inch Tri-fold Mattress – Editor’s Pick
• Lucid 4-inch Foldable Mattress – Best Mattress for Camping
• Zinus Sleep Master Tri-fold – Best Portable Mattress
• Olee Sleep Tri-fold Memory Foam Mattress – Best Mattress for Travel
• Cozzzi Tri-fold Foam Folding Mattress – Best Mattress for Kids
• American Furniture Alliance Hide a Mat – Best Budget Mattress
• Best Price Tri-fold Memory Foam Mattress – Best Mattress for Guests
• D&D Futon Furniture Tri-fold Foam Bed – Best Adjustable Mattress

We hope we’ve helped you find the best folding mattress for you and your family. If you have any questions, send us an email.