Have you ever been camping and wished that you had a more comfortable bed? Or perhaps you had unexpected guests stay for the night and didn’t have any soft space for them to lay? Well then, you should try and get yourself the best foldable mattress possible. These versatile and portable mattresses provide plenty of comfort, without taking up a ton of space. This makes them perfect for camping or unexpected guests alike.
Of course, you can’t just go out and get any old mattress. You need to think about the material they are made out of, how thick they are, and the number of layers they have. You should also take the size and firmness into consideration. Since we were looking for the most portable mattresses possible, all of the models we selected are twin size mattresses, except for the Milliard Pack and Play, which is designed for babies.
Now, you might be thinking that this is a bit overwhelming. Well, don’t worry! We have taken the time to read through hundreds of different user reviews to put together a comprehensive and easy-to-read table that is sure to contain the best foldable mattress for your needs. To help you decide, we have also written in-depth reviews for each of these mattresses. Of course, if you are still not sure what you are looking for in a foldable bed, then you can check out our detailed buying guide. This section will give you all the information you need to pick the perfect mattress.
More features: three-section fold, doubles as a cushion or picnic mat, wipeable surface
This tri-fold mattress is made of three separate foam sections, so it unfolds or folds up in seconds. The top 1.5 inches are gel memory foam that contours to the body and helps you stay cool, while a 2.5-inch base foam underneath keeps you off the floor.
When you don’t need it as a bed, fold it up and use it as a floor cushion, or take it outside as a picnic mat. It also fits in a cabinet or other small space, which makes it a practical backup bed for sleepovers and surprise guests.
More features: 9-layer construction; portable enough to carry in a car
Camper beds need to be comfortable without taking over the space, and this Japanese-style futon manages both. Its nine-layer build, with five layers of padding and high-density foam, gives it a thicker, more bed-like feel than most travel pads, and the foam spreads pressure so you wake up with fewer aches.
It is light enough to load into a car and take on a trip, and it can double as a tent mat once you arrive. The stitched microfiber surface keeps the filling from shifting, so it stays flat after being moved around. Be aware that it ships compressed and needs a few days, or up to a few weeks in cold weather, to expand fully before the first trip.
More features: tri-fold design with a portable carry bag; rounded corners for a gap-free fit; free of glass fibers, chemical flame retardants, phthalates and lead
If you want one mattress that travels as easily as it stores, this is the one to look at: it folds into three sections and slips into the portable bag it comes with, so it goes in a car trunk or on a closet shelf without a fight.
It measures 38 by 26 inches with rounded corners, the standard footprint for most pack n plays and playards, so it drops in without leaving gaps along the edges. The two foam layers give you a choice as your child grows, with a firm high-density side for support and a softer gel memory foam side when they want more give.
The cover is waterproof, breathable and washable, which matters more than any other feature once teething and spilled milk enter the picture.
More features: non-slip bottom; CertiPUR-US certified foam
The appeal of a foldable mattress is that you get a real sleeping surface without hauling in a bedframe, and this queen trifold is built for exactly that. It uses two foams rather than one: an inch of gel memory foam on top for contouring, sitting on three inches of high-density support foam that keeps you from settling onto the hard floor.
That combination lands at a medium-firm feel, the cover unzips down the middle and goes straight in the machine, and the underside is a non-slip fabric that keeps the mattress where you put it on tile or hardwood. It ships compressed and rolled, so plan on giving it up to 72 hours to reach full shape before the first night on it.
More features: in-built head cushion
This foldable mattress from D&D Futon Furniture is one of the most flexible and comfortable options out there. Perhaps its best feature is the built-in headrest. This exciting option makes it possible to leave your pillow at home, which will save a ton of space in your vehicle. This will become even more essential if you intend to use this foldable mattress for camping since every bit of weight you can shave off your pack is a huge benefit to you.
This mattress can also be quickly and easily transformed into a sofa, which is exceptionally comfortable. It can then be turned into a high chair. This versatility makes this mattress ideal for a variety of occasions, from travel to sleepovers, or even just playing video games in your living room.
This is one of the thicker mattresses available on the market today, though it is not quite as comfortable and supportive as it could be. This is because it is not made with memory foam. It is instead constructed out of high-density white foam. This foam is much lighter than memory foam but is not as durable or supportive. This makes it best for using indoors, rather than outside.
Since this is such a thick mattress, it is not quite as portable as it could be. It is about 12 inches thick when it is completely folded up, which might make it difficult to store when it is not in use. It is also one of the heavier mattresses on the market, which again, makes it a bit more challenging to move around. However, it is still a perfect choice for home use.
More features: two carry handles; shipped compressed
While most foldable mattresses can be transformed into a sofa or folded up into an easy-to-move format, this model trumps them all. Instead of the normal three hinged areas, this mattress has four. This makes it possible to put it into a variety of comfortable positions. It also has Velcro on its sides to hold it into these positions. This makes it one of the most comfortable units for reading, writing, schoolwork, or watching TV. Of course, you can also just lay on it when it is flat and get a pretty good night’s rest as well.
This particular mattress is made out of relatively thin high-density foam. It is incredibly lightweight, which makes it easy to move around to wherever you want to use it. While this will provide enough comfort for smaller individuals, it might not be the best suited for larger people, especially if you intend to use it as a mattress on the floor. On the other hand, if you are going to be using this mattress as a topper for a standard bed, it should work out perfectly well, though this type of foam doesn’t always bounce back to its full plush after continuous use.
Something else to keep in mind with this mattress is that it can have a bit of an odor when you first open it. This can last for a few weeks. While this odor is not quite strong enough to cause headaches or similar discomforts, it might be an issue for someone with a sensitive sense of smell. Thankfully, this smell doesn’t last for very long. This is especially true if you have it in a well-ventilated area. If, however, you put it in a closet, the smell will linger for a much longer time.
More features: tri-fold design, carrying handles, storage bag included, non-slip bottom, hidden zipper
This tri-fold twin mattress pairs a cooling gel memory foam top layer with a carbon fiber-infused support base, so it contours to your body while still holding your spine in line. The breathable bamboo-derived viscose cover comes off with a hidden zipper and goes straight into the washing machine.
Because it folds in three, you can use it as a guest bed, a floor sofa, a yoga mat or a camping pad. The handles and included bag make it easy to carry to the car or stash in a closet.
More features: comes compressed and packed in a box
Lots of foldable mattresses and their standard counterparts have one issue in common. They are, unfortunately, quite smelly when they are first unboxed. This is mostly because of the different chemicals that are used in the manufacturing process.
This is, thankfully, not the case with this particular model. Even if you lock it up in a closet right after you buy it, you should not notice any sort of an odor. This makes it a great choice if you are looking for a foldable mattress on short notice since you can use it pretty much right away when you take it out of the box.
That being said, this model does have some minor issues that you will want to take into account before you buy it. First off, it is rather narrow. While it is certainly large enough to be considered a twin size mattress, it is just barely wide enough for an average sized adult to lay on comfortably without hanging off the edge. It would probably be perfect for a child or teenager but might be a bit too small for everyone else.
This mattress is made out of highly supportive memory foam. It is very good for any type of sleeper since it is designed to contour to your body as you rest perfectly. Unlike lots of other memory foam mattresses, however, this one seems to take an extra-long time to return to its normal shape after it has been used.
This certainly is not the biggest deal if you are only going to be using it at night, it might cause an issue if it is going to be used to lounge around each day to watch TV or play games. If this mattress doesn’t get a break in between uses, it might start to break down and become unusable.
More features: pillow included; converts between chair and bed; no assembly required
If you need somewhere for a guest to sleep in a dorm room but cannot give up the floor space all week, this one folds up into a chair between uses. Opened out it measures 72 by 28 inches, and the high-density memory foam is made to conform to your body rather than hold you flat on top of it, which is what you want if you sleep on your side.
It arrives compressed in a small box with nothing to assemble, though you should unfold it and leave it 24 to 48 hours before the first night on it so the foam can come back to full thickness. The cover unzips and goes in the machine, which matters more than it sounds in a shared room.
More features: double stitched with double overlap folded seam; carry strap; mesh sides and bottom
One of the most important factors when choosing a foldable mattress is its durability. Since these mattresses are constantly folded and unfolded and carried all over the place, you don’t want the one that is going to fall apart on you quickly. This is one of the most durable and budget-friendly options that you could get. This is because it is double stitched at all of its seams. It helps to make sure that it doesn’t rip or tear, even after lots of use.
The cover is also built to last. Since it is such a dark color, it hides stains extremely well. It is also made out of 100% polyester, which is famously easy to clean, even if a stain has been allowed to set in.
The American Furniture mattress is one of the most comfortable mattresses to carry around with you, thanks to its oversized carrying strap. This strap is large enough that you can fit it over your shoulder to carry the mattress across your body. This makes it feel as though it is barely there, which is unsurprising, given that it only weighs about eight pounds altogether.
The only drawback, however, is the fact that it is made with high-density foam. While this foam is quite firm, it does not bounce back well from heavy use. This will limit its effectiveness for larger individuals, unfortunately.
That isn’t necessary to say that this mattress wouldn’t work well for smaller people, however. Since it is light to carry and durable, this mattress is almost tailor-made for use by a child. They are not always the most careful with their things, so the added durability is a big factor. Plus, since it is so light and easy to carry, they can do it themselves, which will free you up to carry larger loads while you travel.
More features: non-slip bottom, breathable mesh side panels, storage bag included
This tri-fold twin gives you six inches of foam to lie on, so you are not feeling the floor through it. The memory foam layer sits on top of a support base foam, and the mesh panels along the sides let warm air escape instead of trapping it under you.
A non-slip bottom keeps the mattress where you put it, and the cover has a hidden zipper so it comes off and goes into the washing machine. It unfolds into a bed, a sofa or a lounger in seconds, and it packs into the included storage bag for a closet or a camping trip.
In this section, we will go through everything you need to know to find the best foldable mattress for your needs, no matter what they might be.
There are several different advantages to owning a foldable mattress. The first and perhaps the most important is how portable they are. Unlike a standard mattress that is relatively heavy, foldable mattresses are light and easy to carry. This makes them ideal for camping trips or for when you are going to pay a visit to your relatives and stay for a little while.
Another large factor in a foldable mattresses portability is the fact that they can be folded. This foldable nature is in stark contrast to a standard mattress. Standard mattresses are always the same size, which makes them very difficult to move around your home, let alone take with you when you are traveling.
Finally, since these mattresses can be folded up to a fraction of their size, they are perfect to use when you have extra guests coming. Since they can be folded up, they don’t take up nearly as much space as a standard mattress, which makes them easy to keep tucked away in storage until you need them.
There are several different factors that you need to take into account when you are looking for the best foldable mattress. In this section, we will detail everything you need to know so that you can be sure to make the best choice on your purchase.
When you are shopping for a foldable mattress, there are three different dimensions that you need to keep in mind. The first is the size of the mattress when it is unfolded. This will tell you how much space the mattress will take up in your tent or on the floor. It will also help you to determine how big a person can use the mattress.
The second dimension you need to consider is how thick the mattress is when it is opened up. This will tell you how supportive the bed is going to be. If you are looking for a firmer mattress, then you can go for one that is thinner, while you need a thicker mattress for more comfort and support.
Finally, the last dimension you will want to take into account is the size of the mattress once it is folded up. This will help you to determine where you can store the mattress. If you have a smaller space to store your new bed, then you will want to go with a more compact model. On the other hand, if you have a larger space, you can go for a larger one.
Foldable mattresses are, by their nature, relatively light. Of course, there are several different weights available. Based on what you are going to be using the mattress for will determine the weight you should be prepared to deal with. If you are looking to get the best foldable guest mattress, for instance, you are probably going to want to select a thicker model. This will usually add to its weight. However, it won’t make it too much of a factor since you are going to be keeping this mattress at home anyways, so you won’t have to haul it very far when you use it.
However, if you are looking for a mattress for camping or travel, then you’ll probably want a lighter one. The last thing you want to have to deal with when you are already carrying suitcases or camping gear is a heavy mattress. Some models offer to carry straps to help deal with this weight, like the American Furniture Alliance Hide’A Mat Jr..
When it comes to the materials used in your foldable mattress, there are several different options to choose from. These materials will help determine the durability and comfort of the unit. If you are looking for a super comfortable, then you will want to get the best foldable memory foam mattress you can get your hands on. Memory foam mattresses conform to your body to provide a lot of support, even if the mattress is on the floor. If this is what you are looking for, then you might want to check out the MASVIS 6-Inch Tri-Fold Memory Foam Mattress which is thick and supportive.
The only problem with memory foam mattresses is that they are heavy and more expensive than other mattresses. If you want to save space and a bit of money, then you can look for a model that uses other materials, such as polyurethane or high-density foam. These materials are not quite as comfortable as memory foam but are lightweight and budget-friendly.
Depending on what type of sleeper you are or the body type you have, you should get a mattress firmness that will provide the support you need. For instance, if you are someone who sleeps on their sides, then you will want to get a softer mattress like the Kasunpul Convertible Memory Foam Sleeper Chair. This will allow your body to sink into the mattress enough so that your head and spine can be aligned properly. That way, you will be able to wake up feeling rested and relaxed.
On the other hand, if you are someone who sleeps on their back, then you will want a more supportive mattress like the bedsmile 4 Inch Trifold Mattress, which rests its memory foam on a firm support base. This will allow your head, back, and neck to be on a level with each other. Thus you will wake up without any neck or back pain.
Finally, the firmness level that you select will depend on where you intend to use the mattress. If you are going to be using the mattress for tent camping, you will want to go for a firmer one. This way you’ll avoid any pain you might experience from rocks or roots on the ground. You can go for a softer mattress if you are only going to be using your foldable mattress in a home since it will only lie on a smooth surface.
While it might not seem like that big of a deal, the cover that comes with your mattress will go a long way in determining how long your mattress will last and how breathable it will be.
There are several different materials that you can choose from when it comes to a mattress cover, with cotton and bamboo-based materials being the most breathable. Polyester covers are much easier to clean, however, which makes them a great choice for younger kids.
The best covers are going to be easy to clean. They should be removable and washable. Otherwise, they are liable to get dirty quickly. Another great feature to look for is a non-slip bottom, like on the MASVIS 6-Inch Tri-Fold Memory Foam Mattress. This will keep the mattress in place during the night, which will lead to a better night’s sleep.
There are several different additional features that, while not essential to a good night’s rest, add an extra touch of convenience to your sleeping experience. For instance, the D&D Futon Furniture Long Twin Size Folding Foam Bed comes with a built-in cushion. This makes it highly portable since you don’t’ need to bring a pillow along with you when you use it.
If portability is important to you, then you should be specific to look for a model that has some sort of carrying straps. This will make it much easier to transport, which is ideal if the mattress is heavy, or you are on vacation. The Cozzzi Twin Folding Mattress, FurryWee 4-Inch Tri-Fold Twin Memory Foam Mattress, MASVIS 6-Inch Tri-Fold Memory Foam Mattress, and American Furniture Alliance Hide’A Mat Jr. all come with a convenient carrying system to make transportation that much easier.
Something else to keep in mind when you are looking for a foldable mattress is whether or not you can use them for more than just sleeping. The bedsmile 4 Inch Trifold Twin Mattress can be set up in such a way that it is like a small personal-sized sofa, which is nice for guests or camping.
If you want a model with a carrying strap, then a good option is the American Furniture Alliance Hide’A Mat Jr., a trifold mat that comes with a convenient carry strap.
That is, of course, until you consider how they are used. Since standard mattresses never leave the room that they are in, they have the ability to endure less punishment than a foldable mattress. To help to extend the lifetime of a foldable mattress, be sure to keep a good cover on it at all times.
It would probably also be a better idea to look for a firmer model. This will help the mattress to stand up to the punishment that you will dish out on it as you exercise. The Sweetnight 4-Inch Tri-Fold Mattress Topper is a medium firm option if you are trying to find a foldable mattress to use while you exercise.
The MLILY 4 Inch Trifold Gel Memory Foam Mattress is an excellent choice for anyone who desires an affordable, versatile mattress that offers soothing comfort. While it’s fit to attend to your travel needs and provide you with a relaxing experience, it can also be a seating solution when you have family and friends around, or your guests want to pass the night. If you have the money, you can invest in one, and you can always choose from getting the Full, Twin, or the Queen size.
If you are looking for a great foldable mattress to use in a camper, then you should try the Milliard 6-Inch Memory Foam Tri-fold Mattress (see similar options on Amazon). It folds up into an extra comfy couch that saves a ton of space, which is essential in a camper. It can also be laid out on the floor to be used as a mattress on its own too.
Foldable mattresses are also an excellent option for use with little ones. The ZNUZDRK Tri-Fold Pack and Play Mattress doesn’t take up a ton of space but will provide your child with plenty of comforts, whether it be at home, on vacation, or camping.
