Do Murphy Beds Need Special Mattresses?

Investing in a new bed can be expensive, especially if you have to purchase a special mattress for it. Murphy beds have recently become incredibly popular because they save space and are very convenient. If you are thinking of investing in this type of bed, you might be wondering if you have to purchase a special mattress with it. 

Well, you have come to the right place. Here is a complete guide to help you understand whether your Murphy bed needs a special mattress.

murphy bed mattress thickness

Do Murphy Beds Need A Special Mattress?

You don’t need a special mattress for a Murphy bed because they are built to fit mattresses of standard sizes. The mattress will easily fit as long as it matches the length and width of the Murphy bed. There are standard sizes for every mattress, which include:

  • Twin Bed: 38-inches wide, 75-inches length
  • Twin XL Bed: 38 inches wide, 80 inches long
  • Full Bed: 54 inches wide, 75 inches long
  • Queen Bed: 60 inches wide, 80 inches long

An important thing you should keep in mind is that Murphy beds have a maximum thickness limit you can fit in the bed.

Generally, the mattress should not be more than 10-12 inches deep, otherwise you won’t be able to close the bed properly. 

That is why it is crucial to double check with the manufacturer what is the mattress thickness requirement, so you don’t purchase the wrong product.

Do Murphy Beds Use Regular Mattresses?

While Murphy beds don’t need a special mattress, that does not mean that any mattress will work. Mattresses are designed and constructed to spend the entire time lying flat.

This means that the quilting is sewn, the springs are bonded, and the layers are adhered for horizontal performance. Many mattresses are required to be shipped and stored flat to prevent damage.

That is why there are a few things you should always avoid when purchasing a mattress for your Murphy bed. Here are some of the top types you must avoid:

1. Individually Wrapped Coils

Pocketed coils (also referred to as individually wound coils) are a coil system that is widely used in mattresses today. It is a support system composed of numerous individual springs placed in separate hosiery that are glued or sewn together.

They provide a pleasant sleeping experience, but lack structure when stood on end, so the entire mattress collapses and crumples at the head of the bed. This causes irreparable harm to the frame and coils by causing them to become deformed.

2. Latex Mattress

A latex mattress can be incredible to sleep on because it keeps you cool and comfortable. However, it is extremely heavy and loses its shape when placed vertically.

When attempting to use a latex mattress in a Murphy bed, you will notice that it slides off the end of the frame/bed box when the bed is closed, and it can become lodged in the mechanism and headboard when the bed is opened.

3. Cheap Mattress

Finally, it is crucial that you don’t invest in a cheap mattress for your Murphy bed because the materials and construction are poorly made. It will also not hold up well inside your Murphy bed.

What Types of Mattresses Work Best with a Murphy Bed?

Innerspring and memory foam mattresses work best with Wall Beds. The innerspring coils provide support for your body, while the layers of memory foam provide comfort. 

With innersprings, you should opt for continuous coils (not pocketed coils), and with the foam core, you should purchase a high-quality foam mattress (not an inexpensive “bed in a box”). 

Do Murphy Beds Come With A Mattress?

Most of the Murphy beds in the market will not usually come with a mattress. You can just purchase the same type of mattress as you would for a standard bed. Just make sure you check if there are any requirements on the length, width and height of the mattress, which the manufacturer has provided. 

Final Thoughts

That was your complete guide to understanding if wall beds require a special mattress. You don’t need a special mattress for the bed, but be sure to check the dimensions and depth of the bed so that you can invest in the right mattress. It will make all the difference to your sleeping experience.

We recommend that you don’t compromise on the quality of the mattress. A high-quality mattress will always be a great investment in your sleep quality. So, shop around, look for different manufacturers, compare prices and features.