One of the most creative solutions for maximizing small spaces is to use furniture that serves multiple functions, such as a sofa bed. A beautifully upholstered ottoman with secret storage, a decorative yet sturdy bookshelf room divider, and a cleverly designed Murphy Bed are all go-to choices for getting the most out of your floor plan. But when it comes to this type of bed, one of the common puzzles many people face is how to choose a Murphy bed mattress.
So naturally, when researching pieces designed to pull double duty, you might wonder if it can perform each feature well. That's why this is such a common question:
How to Store a Mattress Against a Wall
Storing a mattress flat against the wall is the best solution in a limited space. Whether it’s a memory foam mattress, spring mattress, or a hybrid mattress, make sure it stays in good condition with these tips:
- Vacuum the mattress's surface to remove dirt and dust. To remove stains, spot-clean the mattress with a mild detergent and water. Completely dry the mattress before storing it to prevent mold and mildew growth.
- Make sure you have ample space for mattress storage on your wall.
- Wrap the mattress in a durable plastic mattress bag before setting it up to protect it from moisture damage. Make sure the plastic cover is made of breathable plastic to allow air circulation. You can also use a mattress bag or a simple plastic sheet to protect latex mattresses if you’re using them.
- Put the mattress in a vertical position. Storing mattresses upright prevents sagging and keeps their shape.
- To prevent damage, avoid exposing the mattress to direct sunlight. If you’re considering replacing the mattress but want to keep the current one, put it in a storage unit with climate-controlled features for safekeeping. Choose a storage location with enough storage space near you. The storage units should be able to handle heavy weights when you stack mattresses with each other.
Can a Murphy Bed Ruin a Mattress?
The short answer is: no, if you select the right mattress. We'll explore the answer to this frequently asked question and provide recommendations for the right Murphy bed mattress that will fit your frame and offer a comfortable night's sleep. (Have you ever wondered how the Murphy bed got its name? Find out in this post)
Murphy Beds & Mattress Maintenance
Bed frames and mattresses are among the most significant investments in long-term health. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, ongoing sleep deficiency is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke. Maintaining your health is tied to getting proper rest. For most, that means a comfortable place to lay their head each night.
In addition to the right bed being a sound investment in your well-being, it's also a financial investment. Mattresses alone can be expensive. They're considered a large purchase because they have staying power. The average lifespan of a mattress is between 7 to 10 years. So, understandably, buyers are curious if a Murphy bed will wear them out before its expiration date. Wall beds move around and spend much more time up on end than a traditional mattress. For that reason, you might expect the mattress to peter out sooner.
But that is not exactly the case!
A Murphy bed or wall bed won't ruin a well-made mattress even after several years of use. But, of course, depending on the type of bed frame you choose, certain considerations must be made to maintain a mattress's integrity. For example, you should rotate a mattress on a traditional box spring every three to six months to prevent permanent body indentations.
Prevent Murphy Bed Mattress from Slumping
There are different care recommendations for Murphy bed mattresses. "Slumping" is the most common concern. According to Slumber Search, slumping occurs when the top part of the mattress bunches up because it is vertical for long periods of time. Murphy beds do not have box springs. Instead, the mattress attaches to the bed frame with a retention system, like an elastic strap, to hold the mattress in place when it is upright. Slumping can be mitigated by keeping the mattress strap tight, which will help it stay straight when stored upright. All mattresses break down over time, but a few essential pointers can help reduce the strain. Here is what to look for when you're in the market for a Murphy bed mattress.
Types of Mattresses
Almost any mattress can be a Murphy bed mattress! That's right: most mattresses can be used inside a Murphy bed frame as long as it meets the following considerations: mattress weight and thickness. Mattress comfort is another key metric, of course. But that depends entirely on personal preference if it fits the above technical specifications.
Mattress Weight
There are a couple of reasons why choosing a lighter mattress for a wall bed is optimal. Firstly, the lighter your mattress, the easier the bed will be to lift. Lori Beds, which doesn't use a traditional spring lifting mechanism, recommends using a lightweight mattress that you'd find comfortable, such as a conventional innerspring or latex foam mattress. A lighter-weight mattress is also less likely to sag or slump under its own weight. Read our Comprehensive Murphy Bed Mattress Guide next.
Mattress Thickness
Typical mattress thickness (also referred to as height) ranges from 9 to 12 inches. These mattresses can fit most Murphy beds, though each model on the market differs and can accommodate only a specific maximum thickness. Those specifications can generally be found in the product description.
The Lori Bed can accommodate any mattress up to 12 inches tall. However, to preserve the integrity of the mattress for the long term, We recommend choosing a thicker mattress. Thicker mattresses are less likely to bend or slump than a thinner option since the wall supports if the mattress is thick. On the other hand, a thinner mattress would need to bend more before it rests on the wall for support.
Choosing the right bedding for your Murphy bed is a must too! Here's how to do that.
Murphy-Specific Mattresses
There are mattresses on the market with design features that complement Murphy beds well. Brands like Saatva Luxury Mattresses are designed with motion transfer and edge support, making them a comfortable and long-lasting option. Just note that Saatva mattresses feature built-in structures and support, most notably an innerspring with two layers of coils, so it will be heavier to lift.
To answer the question, "Can a Wall bed ruin a mattress?" The short answer is no. Like all mattresses, the ones used within Murphy bed frames will retain their staying power if properly maintained. Need help choosing the right mattress for your bed? Contact us, and we'll walk you through it.
Did you learn a lot about finding the right Murphy bed mattress in this post?
Here are three more to read next:
1 comment
Linda
Do you ever have a time of year when a Lori wall bed is on sale?
Do you ever have a time of year when a Lori wall bed is on sale?