Floor mattresses are a versatile alternative to other types of portable mattress, giving you the ability to quickly set them up and pack them away at a moment’s notice. As the name suggests, they don’t even need their own base, simply locate some empty floor space and you can create a temporary (or permanent) sleeping space with ease.
They’re even suitable for camping, creating a soft play area and being used for exercise activities such as yoga. We’ve tested the best floor mattresses available and are able to give you our verdict on which one you should buy – simply take a look at our recommendations and make your choice.
Best Floor Mattress In 2020
Milliard Memory Foam Tri-Fold Mattress – Top Pick
Milliard’s floor mattress is our pick of the bunch due to its fantastic multi layered foam construction.
The top layer is a medium density memory foam which sits atop a high density polyfoam base for extra support. These two layers combine to produce a 6 inch mattress that provides a medium-firm feel with minimal sagging during use and over time.
As a result, pressure relief is a strong point which is great news for those who suffer from back and neck pain as well as those with sore knees. The other benefit is exceptional spinal alignment which is usually lacking with floor mattresses.
The foam internals are ventilated for better ventilation and breathability and the non-slip bottom is going to prevent unwanted movement during the night. Finally, this mattress is available in twin, full and queen sizes providing an option for everyone.
Zinus Tri-Fold Comfort Mat – Best Value for Money
Zinus produce some great mattresses and their tri-folding Comfort Mat is no exception.
Its constructed from both memory foam and polyfoam which offers a good amount of cushioning and also incorporates a naturally breathable Biofoam which also promotes odor reduction.
The overall thickness depth is 5 inches which gives this mattress a firm feel – perfect for those who sleep on their back or stomach.
The tri-fold design makes for easy storage and transportation as well as several options for sitting on during the day. Add in the 5 year warranty and the Comfort Mat offers tremendous value for money.
A great alternative to the Milliard floor mattress for those on a budget.
Better Habitat Rollable Floor Mattress – Best Rolling Floor Mattress
If you’re looking for a rollable mattress then this pick is for you.
At 3 inches thick when laid out and filled with memory foam, the Better Habitat floor mattress reminds us of a sleeping bag. But rather than that being a bad thing, this mattress actually works very well.
It feels very plush despite its relative lack of thickness and features enough support to provide a comfortable night’s sleep. This is all down to the use of contouring memory foam rather than fiber padding.
We like the inclusion of a hypoallergenic cover which is designed to protect against dust mites and bacteria, which will bring comfort to allergy sufferers and those who are sensitive to dust.
The warranty period is only for 5 years but providing its looked after, we see no reason why this mattress won’t last for many more years to come.
Lucid Folding Mattress and Sofa – Best Convertible Floor Mattress
If you’re looking for the perfect allrounder, look no further than Lucid’s convertible floor mattress.
This mattress can be used in either of two forms, a fully-fledged sofa or a full-size floor mattress. This is possible due to the presence of 4 hinges as well as the use of unequal length sections which are designed to be stacked onto each other.
The mattress itself is constructed from gel infused memory foam in conjunction with a firmer polyfoam base for extra support. This provides a comfortable ‘medium’ sleeping surface even though the overall thickness is only 4 inches.
What is also remarkable is that the entire mattress weighs only 18 lbs which is lighter than the other multi-folding floor mattresses we tested, depending on which size you choose (twin through to California King are available). If you need the sofa functionality then we don’t think you can do better in this product category.
D&D Futon Rolling Floor Mattress – Best Traditional Floor Mattress
The traditional futon traces its origins back to Japan where they’re still used as a permanent bed.
This model is filled with cotton padding, polyfoam and polyester instead of memory foam which makes for a different feel when sleeping. We would describe it as light and airy as cotton is much more breathable than synthetic fibers.
From a comfort and support point of view, the 3 inch layer of material does a good job of protecting you from the hardness of the floor but is going to be much better for lighter people.
Its lightweight, allows you to sleep closer to the floor and is well-priced, so if you’ve always wanted a futon, this option is for you.
Buying a Floor Mattress
Floor mattresses are a great investment for most households as they have so many uses. Whether you regularly have guests sleeping over or you lack the space to install a full-size bed, the floor mattress is for you.
They’re lightweight and comfortable as well as easy to transport and store when not in use, and best of all, they’re some of the cheapest mattresses you will find.
This guide is designed to tell you exactly what to look for so that you can buy the best one for your needs.
Common Floor Mattress Variations
There are several different types of floor mattress available, ranging from those that fold, are inflatable, or can even be turned into another piece of furniture. Here we’ll cover the most common types you’re likely to come across.
Folding Floor Mattresses
The most common type is the floor mattress that folds along a hinge (or several) which allows you to arrange them into a seat as well as stack them up for storage or transportation. They come in bi-fold, tri-fold and even quad-fold configurations which allows you to choose the type best suited to your intended use.
Typically filled with foam, they’re comfortable and require no preparation or setup before use.
Rollable Floor Mattresses
The second most common type are rollable mattresses or mats which are constructed from foam and can be rolled into a cylinder for storage when not being used. The first thing you’ll notice is that they’re much thinner and are usually not suitable as a permanent sleeping solution.
Japanese futons, Japanese tatamis and Thai rolling beds can also fit into this category which are designed for permanent use, so if you need that functionality, one of these options could be a great choice.
Futon mattresses can also be placed directly onto the floor.
Inflatable Floor Mattresses
This type of floor mattress has several different names such as air mattress and airbed and requires inflating before use. Because of this, they don’t tend to be used as often as other types due to the requirement for a separate air pump.
If you do have a pump (electric or manual) to hand and don’t mind using it every time you want to use your mattress, this could be the better option for you.
What Do They Feel Like to Sleep On?
Each variation feels a little different, but generally, they don’t offer as much cushioning as a normal bed. This is simply down to physics as their thinner construction doesn’t allow for the same level of padding or plushness.
Because of this you can expect a surface that feels firm to sleep on which isn’t going to suit everyone. We tend to find that they work far better for lighter people than heavier people who require greater levels of support. For this reason, they’re great for children and smaller people.
Some floor mattresses are softer than others, so if you predict that you might find them uncomfortable, try and find the thickest one possible as they’ll contain more foam. You can also add a standard foam mattress topper for extra cushioning and comfort.
A folding mattress for the floor will usually offer more support than a rollable one so we suggest this route for most users. This is even more the case if you suffer from back or shoulder pain as well as other forms of sleeping discomfort.
Other Floor Mattress Considerations
Sizing
Floor mattresses are sized similarly to other types of mattress so you’re likely to be able to buy a single, twin and twin xl floor mattress of your choice. Larger sizes such as queen, king and California King are available in certain product lines. Refer to our size guide for other common sizes.
For couples, we recommend the use of two separate floor mattresses so that you’re both adequately supported while sleeping.
Material and Thickness
Floor mattress usually range between 3″ and 6″ thick, and are typically made from polyfoam, memory foam, and / or fiber padding. Most are made with non-slip bases which are designed to prevent unnecessary sliding during the night and include removable covers that can be washed and dried in domestic machines. Prices vary by brand and type, but most fall between $50 and $150 – making them some of the cheapest mattresses you’ll find.
Firmness
Most floor mattresses fall between a 5 (medium) and an 8 (firm) on a scale of 1-10. This can be enhanced further with a mattress topper or pad if a little more softness is required.
Sleeping Temperature
Sleeping nearer to the floor often results in a cooler sleep, perfect for those who sleep hot. If you find yourself getting a little chilly, we suggest using a sheet to cover the mattress as well as a suitable tog blanket for extra warmth.
Durability
Floor mattresses usually last for a period of around 5 years, but this will vary based on the type of use it gets. Floor mattresses that are used everyday will wear much faster than those that are used infrequently.
How you store the mattress will also have a considerable effect on mattress lifespan.
Warranties & Sleep Trials
The longest floor mattress warranty you’re likely to find is for 5 years which is shorter than the industry standard of 10.
You’re also not going to be able to benefit from a sleep trial like you could with a more expensive traditional mattress.
Floor Mattress Pros & Cons
Pros
- An inexpensive sleeping solution that can be used anywhere
- Easy storage and transportation
- Sleeping closer to the floor is a great benefit for warm sleepers
- Floor mattresses can be durable if cared for and stored properly
- Can be customized with a mattress topper
Cons
- Much thinner and firmer than conventional mattresses which won’t suit all users
- A breeding ground for dust mites which can be a trigger for allergies and other respiratory issues
- A short warranty and no option for an extended sleep trial is common
Final Verdict
Our guide to floor mattresses features something for everyone, whether it will solely be used within the home or you intend to take it outdoors. Your choice should be based on your personal preferences as you’ll need to balance your desire for portability with comfort, as each mattress has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Whichever you choose, these are the best of the bunch, so choose with confidence.
