What Mattress Is Best for a Murphy Bed? Thickness, Weight and Comfort

Choosing the right mattress matters for both comfort and the operation of a Murphy Bed. You usually don't need a specialty mattress, but you do need one that meets the bed's weight, thickness, and construction requirements.

For Murphy Wall-Beds Hardware systems, we recommend an innerspring mattress that stays within the specified thickness and weight limits. From there, firmness and comfort come down to personal preference and how often the bed will be used.

Can You Use a Regular Mattress on a Murphy Bed?

In many cases, yes. A Murphy Bed does not necessarily require a specialty mattress.

For our systems, we recommend an innerspring or coil mattress. A mattress with comfort foam over a spring core can add cushioning while retaining the support of an innerspring design.

Before buying any mattress, check the specifications for your particular Murphy Bed system. Thickness, weight and construction can affect how the bed fits and operates.

How Thick Can a Murphy Bed Mattress Be?

Mattress thickness needs to match the Murphy Bed system and leg configuration.

For MWB systems, the recommended maximum core thickness is:

• Up to 10 inches with regular-height legs
• Up to 12 inches with extended legs          

A mattress that is too thick may not fit properly when the bed is closed, so this is worth checking before you buy.

How Much Should a Murphy Bed Mattress Weigh?

Mattress weight matters because the mattress is part of the Murphy Bed's lifting and balancing system.

For our systems, we recommend a mattress weighing no more than 75 pounds. A heavier mattress can make the bed more difficult to operate and put additional load on the mechanism.

Check the actual mattress weight rather than judging by mattress type alone.

Which Mattress Is Best?

It depends on the mattress and the Murphy Bed system.

For our hardware, we recommend an innerspring mattress. If you're considering another type, compare its actual thickness and weight with the requirements for your system before purchasing it.

Are Murphy Bed Mattresses Comfortable?

They can be. The Murphy Bed mechanism does not determine how firm or soft your mattress feels.

Once you've found a mattress that meets the bed's specifications, choose the firmness and cushioning you would normally prefer. An innerspring mattress with comfort layers can provide extra cushioning while meeting the system's requirements.

Think about how the bed will be used, too. A mattress for occasional overnight guests may have different priorities than one that will be slept on regularly.

How Can You Make a Murphy Bed Mattress Last Longer?

Follow the mattress manufacturer's care instructions, including recommendations for rotating it. A mattress protector can help protect against spills, stains and dust.

If the Murphy Bed will be used frequently, mattress quality and warranty are also worth considering.

Choosing the Right Mattress for Your Murphy Bed

Start with the specifications for your Murphy Bed system, particularly mattress construction, thickness and weight. Once those requirements are met, you can focus on the personal part: what feels comfortable to you.

If you're still deciding on the bed itself, read our guide to choosing the best Murphy bed for your home.

Ready to start planning yours? Explore our popular Build-A-Bed combinations or customize a Murphy bed system for your space.