The best folding mattresses in comparison – my top recommendations & insider tips. Find out how to choose the right model in this comprehensive review.

You can get folding mattresses in a wide variety of price ranges. I have therefore taken a very close look at the differences and in this test I will show you which properties are decisive for the quality.

They experience:

  • Which material and which size / height suits you.
  • Which points are crucial in terms of care and durability.
  • And my performance winners in the different price categories.

I’ll also show you how to use the folding mattress when you don’t need it to sleep – so you can make the most of it.

In any case, the perfect folding mattress should give you a good night’s sleep, both as a guest bed and as a travel bed. This is possible with the visco foam mattress from Gigapur. So here is my top recommendation:

I hope the post helps you to find a suitable folding mattress quickly and easily.

What are folding mattresses?

 

A folding mattress is a (mostly) 3-part mattress.

The 3 elements are sewn together on one side so that they can be folded. This gives you a practical mattress that you can fold away to save space.

Folding mattresses are an inexpensive alternative to the regular guest bed.

But they are not only ideal as a practical guest bed, but also when traveling. A foldable mattress can also be an alternative to an armchair or stool in the children’s or youth room.

As with any mattress, you have to pay attention to qualitative differences in terms of material, stability and durability with folding mattresses.

Advantages of a folding mattress

 

A foldable sleeping mat has many advantages:

  • Uncomplicated assembly and disassembly, since you only have to fold the mattress up and down again.
  • You save storage space because you can fold the folding mattress.
  • Foldable mattresses can be used in many ways as a guest or travel bed, armchair or sofa for the youth room.

So that you or your guests can sleep comfortably on your mattress, it is important to pay attention to the quality.

That is why I will explain below how to select the right degree of firmness, volume weight, mattress height and size.

What degrees of hardness and density are there?

The degree of firmness and density are decisive for a durable and comfortable mattress.

The degree of hardness

The firmness of a mattress is related to the weight of the person who sleeps on it.

 

It ensures that the mattress does not sag or is too hard or too soft. Here is a quick overview of the different degrees of hardness:

  • H1: for up to 60 kg.
  • H2: 60 – 80 kg.
  • H3: 80 – 120 kg.
  • H4: 100 – 150 kg.

Depending on the material, a mattress can be harder or softer. This is not included in the degree of hardness. Still, it’s a good guideline when looking for a suitable folding mattress.

The volume weight (RG)

The volume weight (RG) is another measure of a quality sleeping pad. A higher density means that there is more material than air in the core of the mattress. Your folding mattress will last a long time and will not sag as quickly.

 

It is relevant here for whom you specifically want to use the folding mattress. This point is crucial for the purchase.

  • Is the folding mattress for your children’s overnight guests? Then a degree of hardness of 1 and a density of up to 30kg / m³ is sufficient.
  • Is it for adults as a guest bed or for occasional camping trips? Then H2 or H3 with an RG over 30kg / m³ are ideal.

Ultimately, it also depends on how often you want to use the mattress.

The perfect height

A folding mattress is significantly thinner than a conventional mattress, as it is usually used less often and does not replace a continuous sleeping pad.

 

That is why you should choose a certain height depending on the use of the folding mattress:

  • For small children: 2-4 cm
  • For older children: from 6cm
  • For teenagers: 5-8 cm
  • For adults: from 10 cm

The higher the mattress, the more comfortable it is.

The right size

Even if a folding mattress is only intended for 1 or 2 nights at a time, your guest should still be able to sleep comfortably on it.

 

I don’t find anything more uncomfortable than waking up at night because I’m halfway down next to the mattress. Make sure that a good size is guaranteed depending on the area of ​​application. This starts at 75 cm wide and 180 cm long.

  • Since foldable mattresses are quite thin, they are not suitable for heavyweights and also not for couples.
  • There are also offers for this – but I would advise you to buy 2 single mattresses and place them next to each other.

One of the most important points is choosing the right material. Therefore I would like to introduce you to the common types of materials for a folding mattress and the cover. Then you will find tips for the right mattress for children and allergy sufferers.

Materials of the folding mattress

Before buying a folding mattress, you should take a look at the material of the mattress. One of them may be sufficient for the child overnight guest – but not for the adult allergy sufferer.

 are made easier.

A folding mattress can consist of the following materials:

  • cold foam
  • Latex
  • Viscose

I would like to explain to you which type of material is suitable for whom.

Cold foam mattresses

The rather soft cold foam mattresses are made of PUR, which stands for polyurethane. This type of material adapts to the body while sleeping.

 

Your shoulders and pelvis sink in while light areas are supported. This keeps the spine in a healthy and straight line.

Cold foam mattresses have clear advantages:

  • They are light and
  • equipped with different lying areas.
  • Cold foam mattresses can insulate heat well.

The good air circulation makes the mattresses interesting for allergy sufferers. Cold foam mattresses are only recommended for a weight of up to 80 kg.

Latex mattresses

Latex mattresses are made of natural or synthetic latex and adapt well to the shape of the body. This makes them a pleasant material for restless sleepers .

 

On top of that, latex is moisture-repellent, which makes it attractive for night owls . Antibacterial properties ensure that allergy sufferers can sleep peacefully.

Unfortunately, there are also a few disadvantages: latex mattresses require slightly more complex maintenance, are heavier and more expensive.

Visco foam mattresses

The mixture of polyurethane and memory foam makes visco foam mattresses beautifully comfortable. Memory foam means that the foam adapts to your lying position. This is particularly important for back problems .

 

In addition, visco foam mattresses have a long shelf life and can be used for different weight classes. In the price comparison they are cheaper than a latex mattress, but more expensive than a cold foam mattress.

Tip: You can easily upgrade your old mattress with a gel topper or another mattress topper .

Summary

Cold foam mattresses are a good decision as a guest or travel bed for children and young people. For adults it should be a visco foam or latex mattress, as these can best withstand the body weight.

Mattress cover

Since folding mattresses are used by different guests or when traveling, a removable and washable mattress cover is particularly important. You should also take a closer look at the material itself.

High-quality folding mattresses have a cotton cover, simpler ones a polyester or polyester-cotton mixture as a cover.

  • Cotton covers absorb moisture better and are washable at 95 degrees. Practical for allergy sufferers and night owls.
  • The polyester covers can only be washed at 60 degrees, but are more dirt-repellent. They are therefore not suitable for sleepers who sweat at night.

I therefore recommend that you check before buying whether and at what level the cover is washable.

Proper care of a folding mattress

Since a folding mattress is used by guests or when traveling, you should wash it regularly. To do this, pull off the cover and clean it according to the instructions.

The best thing to do is to get a dust cover to store your folding mattress in. A fragrance spray is also recommended so that not every guest leaves his or her scent.

With good care, your folding mattress can last a long time.

Tip: I always use my folding mattress with a fitted sheet. It’s easier to peel off and wash. This keeps the mattress even more hygienic.

Folding mattresses for children and teenagers

Young people weigh less than adults. That’s why you can choose a cheaper cold foam mattress when buying.

 

By the way, folding mattresses can easily replace an armchair when folded up in the room and offer practical seating.

Folding mattresses for allergy sufferers

When buying, make sure that your dream mattress has been checked according to ÖkoTex.

 

In general, cold foam mattresses are a good choice for allergy sufferers.

My recommendations

I have looked at numerous folding mattresses in detail and would like to introduce you to the best models that have convinced me both in terms of price and performance.

My price-performance winner

This folding mattress is ideal for adult overnight guests and is very comfortable thanks to the thick foam core.

 

The maxVitalis folding mattress has the dimensions 195 cm * 75 cm * 15 cm. The surface of the foam mattress remains stable with a weight of up to 80 kg. What I like about the height of the bed is that it feels like a “real” mattress.

The cover is made of 100% polyester, removable and washable – that makes it easy to care for. For a good price you can get a solid folding mattress for occasional overnight guests and trips.

The perfect folding mattress for teenagers

A cool armchair and a guest bed that can be converted in no time at all make this folding mattress a find for the youth room.

 

I think Natalia Spzoo’s folding mattress is one of the coolest solutions for teenagers right now.

The guest bed is 2 m long and 70 cm wide, which makes it cozy for the night. You can turn it into an armchair in no time at all. On top of that, you can choose what is most beautiful for you from various designs.

The half-height angled backrest in the armchair position turns into a pleasant elevation for the head when the bed is folded out. The seat height on the armchair is 30 cm.

The lying height is 10 cm. The folding mattress has an RG of 22 kg / m³. The cover is made of a cotton-polyester mix, removable and washable at 30 degrees.

This folding mattress is intended for the occasional overnight guest in their teenage years and is a nice piece of furniture as a small armchair.

The best folding mattress as a travel and guest bed

The visco foam mattress impresses as a guest and travel bed for adults.

 

This folding mattress is ideal for you if you are looking for a versatile, comfortable and robust guest bed. With dimensions of 195 cm x 75 cm x 14 cm, you or your guests have enough space.

With a body weight of up to 90 kg, you will sleep comfortably on it. A 4 cm thick visco layer with memory effect adapts perfectly to the person lying down. This makes your sleep very relaxed.

The mattress gives way in the right places such as shoulders and pelvis and supports the lighter parts of the body. So you neither sink in nor lie on a rigid surface.

The microfiber cover is removable and washable at 60 degrees. The mattress has been tested for harmful substances and is therefore ideally suited for allergy sufferers.

With a weight of 8 kg, it weighs a little more than the other models, but is still easy to transport.

In my opinion, the optimal solution to satisfy all overnight guests and a great mattress for on the go, for example in the motorhome.

Alternatives to the folding mattress

A comfortable alternative to a folding mattress is an air bed . In the meantime, these are no longer thin, uncomfortable air mattresses, but rather high, electronically inflatable mattresses.

When fully inflated, air beds have a comfortable surface and do not sag . The disadvantage compared to the folding mattresses is that you need electricity to set up most models due to the electric pump.

This may make it unattractive as a travel bed , but as an inflatable guest bed for at home – also as a couple! – a wonderful alternative.

Tips for using your folding mattress

With these 3 tips you can get the most out of your folding mattress.

Tip: How to make the mattress non-slip

Often times, as an overnight guest at a friend’s house, the slipping of the 3 individual elements of a folding mattress made me lose my sleep.

I therefore recommend that you put a thin blanket, yoga mat or rug under the folding mattress on which it sits firmly.

Ideally, there will be a berth in your apartment where the mattress can lie directly at the top and bottom. This prevents the mattress from sliding apart.

Otherwise you can use a sleeping corner individually in your apartment for guests. Make sure that you use the folding mattress in a cozy, not drafty corner.

Tip: Diverse uses

The great thing about folding mattresses is that – unlike air beds – they can be used in a variety of ways. Do you always sleep uncomfortably with relatives?

  • Then simply pack your handy favorite folding mattress with you into the car.
  • Folded into a cube, you have a comfortable stool for your home.

When traveling, your folding mattress can be quickly taken out of the trunk and used as a comfortable deck chair with the beautiful view. Simply set up 2 folding parts like a triangle, lean against the car and take a seat on the remaining part.

The folding mattress can also be quickly expanded as an additional bed in the camper van. Even camping becomes more comfortable if you sleep on a folding mattress instead of a narrow sleeping mat.

Tip: For all those afflicted with intervertebral discs

When folded, you can use the mattress as a disc cube.

To do this, lie on your back and slide close to the cube. Then place your calves on the folded mattress – this relaxes your lower back.

Where can I buy folding mattresses?

The practical foldable mattresses are available in many discount stores and mattress shops. Ikea and the Danish bed warehouse also have folding mattresses in their range.

You will usually find great offers, especially during the holiday season.

When you search for a mattress online, you have more choices and a better price comparison.

Conclusion: ideal as a travel or guest bed

The foldable mattresses cannot be used as a standard bed. But as a guest or travel cot, they can be a cheap and cozy option. The combination with a pull-out wall bed or wall bed is also worth considering.

  • When buying, pay attention to the material, size and height, which are crucial for comfort.
  • Volume weight and degree of hardness also play an important role in durability and lying comfort.

Children and adults weigh different amounts – the optimal folding mattress for everyone will be difficult to find. So take note of who will end up using the mattress the most and not just sleep on it for an occasional night.

 

One thing is certain: with the right folding mattress, you save a lot of space – whether on the go or after your guests have left.

I created Sleep Knowledge to share my interests and experiences on healthy sleeping with others. On this page I am therefore dealing with interesting questions about the optimal night’s sleep & everything else that goes with it.

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *