One of the most creative solutions for maximizing small spaces is to use furniture that serves multiple functions. A beautifully upholstered ottoman with secret storage, a decorative yet sturdy bookshelf room divider, and a cleverly designed Murphy Bed are all go-to choices for getting the most out of your floor plan. But when it comes to this type of bed, one of the common puzzles many people face is how to choose a Murphy bed mattress.
So naturally, when researching pieces designed to pull double duty, you might wonder if it can perform each feature well. That's why this is such a common question:
Can a Murphy bed ruin a mattress?
The short answer is: no, if you select the right mattress. We'll explore the answer to this frequently asked question and provide recommendations for the right Murphy bed mattress that will fit your frame and offer a comfortable night's sleep. (Have you ever wondered how the Murphy bed got its name? Find out in this post)
Murphy Beds & Mattress Maintenance
Bed frames and mattresses are one of the most significant investments to make in your long-term health. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, ongoing sleep deficiency is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke. Maintaining your health is tied to getting proper rest. For most, that means a comfortable place to lay their head each nig
In addition to the right bed being a sound investment in your well-being, it's also a financial investment. Mattresses alone can be expensive. They're considered a large purchase because they have staying power. The average lifespan of a mattress is between 7 to 10 years. So, understandably, buyers are curious if a Murphy bed will wear them out before its expiration date. Wall beds move around and spend much more time up on end than a traditional mattress. For that reason, you might expect the mattress to peter out sooner.
But that is not exactly the case!
A Murphy bed or wall bed won't ruin a well-made mattress even after several years of use. But, of course, there are certain considerations to keep in mind to maintain a mattress's integrity, depending on the type of bed frame you choose. For example, you should rotate a mattress on a traditional box spring every three to six months to prevent permanent body indentations.
Prevent Murphy bed mattress slumping
There are different care recommendations for Murphy bed mattresses. "Slumping" is the most common concern. According to Slumber Search, slumping occurs when the top part of the mattress bunches up because it is vertical for long periods of time. Murphy beds do not have box springs. Instead, the mattress attaches to the bed frame with a retention system, like an elastic strap, to hold the mattress in place when it is upright. Slumping can be mitigated by keeping the mattress strap tight, which will help the mattress stay straight when it's stored upright. All mattresses break down over time, but a few essential pointers can help reduce the strain. Here is what to look for when you're in the market for a Murphy bed mattress.
Types of Mattresses
Almost any mattress can be a Murphy bed mattress! That's right: most mattresses can be used inside a Murphy bed frame as long as it meets the following considerations: mattress weight and thickness. Mattress comfort is another key metric, of course. But that depends entirely on personal preference if it fits the above technical specifications.
Mattress Weight
There are a couple of reasons why choosing a lighter mattress for a wall bed is optimal. Firstly, the lighter your mattress, the easier the bed will be to lift. Lori Beds, which don't use a traditional spring lifting mechanism, recommends using as lightweight of a mattress as you'd find comfortable. For example, a conventional innerspring or latex foam mattress. A lighter-weight mattress is also less likely to sag or slump under its own weight. Read our Comprehensive Murphy Bed Mattress Guide next.
Mattress Thickness
Typical mattress thickness (also referred to as height) ranges from 9 to 12 inches. These mattresses can fit most Murphy beds, though each model on the market is different and can accommodate only a specific maximum thickness. Those specifications can generally be found in the product description.
The Lori Bed can accommodate any mattress up to 12 inches tall. However, to preserve the integrity of the mattress for the long term, We recommend choosing a thicker mattress. Thicker mattresses are less likely to bend or slump than a thinner option since the wall acts as a support if the mattress is thick. On the other hand, a thinner mattress would need to bend more before it rests on the wall for support.
Choosing the right bedding for your Murphy bed is a must too! Here's how to do that.
Murphy Bed Specific Mattresses
There are mattresses on the market with design features that complement Murphy beds well. Brands like Saatva Luxury Mattresses are designed with motion transfer and edge support, making them a comfortable and long-lasting option. Just note that Saatva mattresses feature built-in structures and support, most notably an innerspring with two layers of coils, so it will be heavier to lift.
To answer the question, "Can a Wall bed ruin a mattress?" The short answer is no. Like all mattresses, the ones used within Murphy bed frames will retain their staying power if properly maintained. Need help choosing the right mattress for your bed? Contact us, and we'll walk you through it.
Did you learn a lot about finding the right Murphy bed mattress in this post?Here are three more to read next:
- How Much Does a Murphy Bed Cost?
- What You Should Know Before Buying a Murphy Bed
- How to Choose a Murphy Bed Mattress
This post was first published in 2020, but it was updated in 2022 just for you.
