Traveling can be one of the most fun experiences. As the weather warms up, people are ready to get their vacation on. In fact, 85% of people are planning to travel this summer.
But, we all know the headache that can come from poor sleep. Jet lag, poor sleeping arrangements, and time zone changes can be a major mood damper. Travel causes many people anxiety and keeps them from enjoying their trip. Sleep deprivation is a major concern with it comes to travel. The issue of Sleep Deprivation affects one-third of American adults. Keeping a solid sleep schedule is important for your health and for the enjoyment of your travels.
These situations can be easy to avoid with proper planning. Investing in items such as a foldable mattress can bring you peace of mind for your travel plans.
What Is a Folding Mattress?
A folding mattress is a portable mattress created to provide a sleeping surface. It is similar to the idea behind the sofa bed or a Murphy bed. But, travelers have been using folding sleep surfaces for thousands of years. Folding mattresses needed to be compact enough to fit rolled on a horse or donkey.
Today, there are many different types and companies that make folding mattresses. You do not have to search far to find some great choices.
Benefits of a Folding Mattress
The folding mattress is arguably one of the greatest inventions. It can provide a comfortable sleep surface anywhere.
Folding mattresses are available in a range of sizes. They are also easy to store when not in use. Some options come with a metal frame that allows you to be away from the ground and any bugs.
A foldable mattress can be used while camping, in a hotel, in a guest bedroom, etc. Their portability makes taking them anywhere easy. It is a perfect option for kids or rare guests.
These mattresses can also be quite comfortable. They are usually made of foam which allows for breathability and durability. Foam will support your body and avoid sagging.
The biggest benefit? They are affordable. The price point of a folding mattress is significantly less than purchasing a regular mattress.
Uses of a Folding Mattress
Folding mattresses can come in handy for a lot of situations. Not having a dedicated bed or bedroom setup doesn’t have to mean a lack of quality sleep. There are some great reasons you may need a folding mattress
Camping
Forget sleeping bags on the ground. You can go from camping to glamping with the benefits of a folding mattress. Becoming a camp dreamer with a foldable bed will provide you with a better trip experience. Many folding mattresses fit great in the back of your truck or SUV. Folding mattresses are a great option for outdoorsy families that need proper rest before hikes and other adventures.
Guests
You never know when the family will pop up. If you live in a smaller home or apartment, having a dedicated space for guests can be an issue. But, some people just want a free place to stay. With a folding mattress, you can provide a great sleep surface anywhere. This is also a great sleeping option for kids. Having a sleepover can be one of the most fun experiences for kids. Folding mattresses make this experience easy and free of stress. Folding mattresses can also be easy to store. If you have a small space, keeping your mattress out of sight when not in use doesn’t need to be an issue.
Tiny Homes
In the early 2000s the phenomenon of Tiny Homes started. The ability to build an inexpensive home and move it anywhere was intriguing for many. They are also inexpensive to maintain and can make life simpler. But, space often becomes a cause for concern. Some tiny homes only offer 117 square feet of living space. With spaces that small, each area will need to serve several functions. Enter the folding mattress. A folding mattress in a tiny home is a game-changer. You can have a comfortable sleeping space that doesn’t take up much room. It is a winner for those needing to make a small space work.
Play Space
A foldable mattress is a great option for a floor mat. Small children can have a soft cushiony place to play or rest. Watching movies or building an indoor fort can be made more comfortable with the use of a foldable bed. The best floor mattress can meet many needs. From a safe playing place to a sleeping pad, these are great options for families.
What To Look For in a Folding Mattress
Like most mattresses, folding mattresses come in all shapes and sizes. They offer different types of filling and covers. They also vary in the ability to be stored easily. Finding the best mattress for your family can be easy when considering specific factors in a mattress review.
Types of Foam
There are generally two main types of foam used in a foldable mattress. Polyurethane foam and memory foam are both good options.
Polyurethane foam is also called polyfoam. It is inexpensive to use and is high density. This allows it to maintain durability. It also offers a variety of firmness levels. But, it doesn’t offer the best support. Those who need extra support for pressure points should look at memory foam options.
Memory foam is great at providing pressure point relief. If a manufacturer uses high-quality memory foam it is durable. The downside to memory foam is that it is more expensive than polyethylene. Both options provide a good sleeping space and construction for your foldable mattress.
Cooling Properties
If you are a hot sleeper, the cooling technology the mattress provides is an important consideration. You will need to look for features that offer breathability. Luckily, many folding mattresses come with a bamboo or jacquard cover.
Thickness
The thickness of a foldable mattress is a critical factor. You can learn a lot about the quality of a mattress from its thickness. The trick is to find a mattress that provides enough thickness for quality sleep but is still easily foldable. Looking for an option that meets both needs will serve you best when looking for the top folding mattress.
Cover
Another important feature to look for in the best folding mattress is the cover. From camping to wild guests, the cover on your mattress can get dirty quickly. Even with the protection of a sheet, it may not be enough to keep your sleeping surface clean.
Many folding mattresses offer a removable cover that is machine washable. Most have a zipper making it an easy process to remove and clean. Some covers even have non-slip padding to keep you from sliding around while you sleep.
Sizing
Be sure to know what size you need to fit your needs. Many folding mattresses range in size from cot size to queen size. Consider who will be sleeping on the mattress, how much space you have, and where you plan to store it. If you are purchasing a folding mattress for a child, a cot size will likely meet your needs. However, planning to use a folding mattress in the bed of a truck for camping, you will need to take some measurements. Manufacturers should have the measurements listed to make this process easy. Choosing the right size is essential to ensure you get the best product to meet your needs.
Folding Mattress Top Picks
There are a ton of options when it comes to folding mattresses. From travel to dorm rooms, you can find the option that is the best fit for your needs. Here are some top picks.
Millard Full Tri Folding Mattress
This foldable mattress offers a plush, soft, and breathable sleeping surface. It is tri-fold making it very compact allowing you to store it almost anywhere. The Millard Full Tri Folding Mattress is made of 4” foam that is luxe certified. This polyethylene foam will help to keep you cool.
The mattress is described as a firm mattress making it a good option for stomach sleepers. It also offers a removable bamboo cover. A washable cover will help you to keep it clean.
The Millard Folding Mattress provides body support and is a reputable brand. Reviewers agree. This folding mattress scores 4.6 out of 5 stars with over 10,000 ratings. This great option comes in five sizes and ranges from $99 to $199.
Olee Sleep Tri-Folding Memory Foam Topper
The Olee Sleep folding memory foam mattress is a great value at only $80. It can be used as a sleep surface or folded to provide extra seating. It has 4 inches of foam and includes 1.5 inches of gel foam for supreme comfort.
The tri-fold mattress meets the needs of any temporary sleeping arrangement. It weighs only 10.5 making it extremely easy to move.
One review states, “I bought these for guests visiting my home. I have had air mattresses before and they ALWAYS get holes and I wanted something that I could have for at least a few years without having to buy replacements. I actually let my guests sleep in my bed and I slept on two of these pads that I put side by side to create a queen! I slept on them for a whole week and now my guests are gone and I’m STILL sleeping on these pads! Call me crazy but these are SUPER comfortable! Very happy with them so far!”. This shocking review is a testament to the product. The Olee Sleep Mattress has a 4.3 out of 5-star rating. It is a top pick for folding mattresses.
Japanese Floor Mattress
A Maxyoyo Japanese Floor Mattress is a great option for your sleeping needs. It offers so many different colors and sizes. This mattress is available in twenty different colors and 4 sizes.
It has a microfiber cover and is filled with polyester and memory foam. It has 5 layers for optimal comfort. Included with the memory foam mattress are a dustproof cover, a bandage, and a storage bag. This mattress is great for camping or as a play mat for kids. It can also be used as a futon mattress.
53% of reviewers rated this option 5 stars. It ranges in price from $139 to $199 depending on the size chosen. This is a solid choice for a folding mattress.
Inofia Memory Foam Tri-fold Mattress
This is a luxury foam mattress. It has been CertiPUR-US Certified and is made from memory foam. The Infoia Memory Foam mattress has a 100-night trial and a 10-year warranty. Options this good, make it an easy sell. This mattress comes in three sizes and has a 4-inch or 6-inch base. It provides long-lasting comfort. The memory foam mattress has a soft bamboo cover with breathable mesh for ventilation. This will keep you cooler as you sleep. It is a bit heavier than the other options at 21 pounds. But, it is rated 4.5 out of 5-stars. It is also the most expensive choice running from $189 to $298. 73% of reviewers have given this option 5 stars which makes it one of the best options for a folding mattress.
Cushy Form Folding Mattress
The Cushy Form mattress was made for both comfort and convenience. It is made of high-density foam to support you through the night. The foldable mattress is 4” to provide a cushy sleeping area. This option has a storage case with handles to make transportation easy. It is a breathable option that is built to last. It also has a zippered cover for easy washing ability. It comes in both 25” and 31” for a fair price. The price ranges from $105 to $112. This is another highly rated option. It is rated a 4.5 out of 5 stars. This is a great folding mattress option.
Each of these mattress options is a great pick. No matter your situation, there is a folding mattress to meet your needs. From memory foam to polyurethane there is a foam to provide the sleep support you desire. Sleeping while traveling doesn’t have to be a burden. You can prepare for any sleep situation with a folding mattress.
How Does a Folding Mattress Compare to an Air Mattress?
The first air mattress was invented in 1889. It came from the Pneumatic Mattress & Cushion Company. It was made to give an alternative to hair-filled mattresses due to their ability to be stored easily.
The main difference between an air mattress and a folding mattress is that an air mattress needs to be blown up.
Pros of an Air Mattress
Today, most air mattresses offer a self-inflating option. This is a major positive as you will not have to spend the time blowing it up with your mouth or a hand pump.
Air mattresses are extremely portable as they can inflate or deflate easily. You can also control the level of firmness in an air mattress. If the air has slowly decreased in the mattress, it is easy to blow it up again. This ensures you will not experience a saggy mattress.
Air mattresses are also widely available at an affordable price.
Cons of an Air Mattress
Air mattresses are not comfortable for a long period of time. They are also less comfortable if you have to share them with someone else while sleeping. The motion transfer from one person to another can make it feel like you are at sea. Air mattresses can also be quite noisy. They move easily on the ground and often make squeaky noises. Air mattresses are not ideal for long periods of time. They also need to be regularly inflated to keep their firmness. The biggest negative of an air mattress is the holes. Air mattresses can get a hole at any time. You could be having a great night of sleep only to end up on the ground. While you can get a patch to temporarily fix the hole, it is unlikely to remain inflated for additional use.
Pros of a Folding Mattress
Compared to an air mattress, folding mattresses have a lot of pros. Folding mattresses provide better support and comfort to your body. They are more comfortable than air mattresses as they have several types of foam. Foldable mattresses offer both a memory foam mattress and a polyurethane foam mattress. They also do not make any extra noise when rotating.
Folding mattresses also support larger or heavier people.
You can easily share a folding mattress with your spouse or child and be perfectly comfortable. A foldable mattress also usually offers a cover allowing you to wash it and keep it clean.
Cons of a Folding Mattress
The only negative side to a folding mattress compared to an air mattress is the space it takes up. Air mattresses can fold very small into a box while a folding mattress will take up a bit more space.
Folding Mattresses are a much better choice for a temporary sleeping space. A folding mattress can provide you with a great amount of comfort to help you get the sleep that you need.
Reviewing different options to prepare for a guest or travel can help ease any anxiety you may have. Finding the top choices of folding mattresses doesn’t have to be a burden. Make a list of your needs and look for options that meet and exceed those needs. Folding mattresses are widely available and there are many options. Finding the best folding mattress to fit your needs should not be difficult. Folding mattresses are a great option for travel, guests, and small spaces. Enjoy your sleep no matter the situation.
