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 they can perform each feature well. That's why these are such common questions: Can a Murphy bed be both space-saving and comfortable? Will the mattress retain its shape and support? Buyers want reassurance that they’re not sacrificing quality for convenience.
In this guide, you'll learn how to store a mattress against a wall, learn about different types of mattresses, and get expert tips for choosing the right one.
Key Takeaways:
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Proper mattress storage prevents damage. Storing a mattress upright against the wall in a breathable plastic cover helps maintain its shape and protects it from moisture, dust, and direct sunlight.
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Murphy beds won’t ruin a mattress. A well-made mattress like The Lori Mattress will last for years in a Murphy bed.
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Choosing the right mattress matters. Lightweight mattresses with adequate thickness (7–10 inches) are ideal for Murphy beds, ensuring comfort, longevity, and easy lifting when stowing the bed.
Say goodbye to cramped spaces—get your sleek, space-saving Murphy bed today!
Table of Contents
Tips to Store a Mattress Against a Wall
Can a Murphy Bed Ruin a Mattress?
Murphy Beds & Mattress Maintenance
Prevent Murphy Bed Mattress from Slumping
Types of Mattresses
Tips to Store a Mattress Against a Wall
Storing a mattress flat against the wall is a great space-saving solution, especially in small apartments, guest rooms, or storage areas. Whether you’re storing a memory foam mattress, spring mattress, or hybrid mattress, it’s essential to protect it from damage while ensuring it remains in top condition.
Here are steps on how to store and secure your mattress properly:
1. Clean and Prepare the Mattress
Before storing mattresses, it’s crucial to remove dust, dirt, and stains to prevent odors and deterioration:
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Vacuum the surface thoroughly to eliminate dust, allergens, and debris.
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Spot-clean stains using a mild detergent and warm water, but avoid soaking the mattress.
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Make sure the mattress is completely dry before you store it to prevent mold and mildew growth. You can air-dry it in a well-ventilated area or use a fan.
2. Choose the Right Storage Spot
Selecting an appropriate storage location helps maintain the mattress’s structure and longevity:
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Find a dry, cool area that isn’t exposed to direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, or humidity.
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Ensure there’s ample space on your wall for the mattress to fit securely without bending.
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If storing long-term, consider using a climate-controlled storage unit to protect against moisture and temperature fluctuations.
3. Protect the Mattress with a Cover
Wrapping your mattress properly prevents dust accumulation and potential damage:
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Use a breathable plastic mattress bag to protect against moisture while allowing airflow.
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If storing a latex mattress, opt for a fabric cover or a simple plastic sheet to prevent the material from degrading.
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Secure the cover tightly with strong packing tape or mattress straps to keep dust and pests out.
4. Position the Mattress Correctly
To prevent structural damage, always store the mattress in a vertical position:
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Lean it against a flat, sturdy wall to avoid bending or warping.
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Avoid placing heavy objects against it, as they can cause sagging over time.
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If stacking multiple mattresses, make sure the wall and floor can support the weight safely.
5. Secure the Mattress Against the Wall
To prevent your mattress from tipping over or sliding, secure it in place:
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Use furniture straps or bungee cords to fasten the mattress to the wall. Attach the straps to wall-mounted hooks or brackets for extra stability.
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If the mattress is heavy, consider placing a non-slip mat or rubber grippers underneath to prevent shifting.
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Position a sturdy object, like a bookshelf or dresser, in front of the mattress to keep it upright without excessive pressure.
6. Avoid Long-Term Sun Exposure
If storing in a room with windows, keep the mattress away from direct sunlight. UV rays can cause:
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Fading and discoloration of fabric covers.
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Breakdown of foam layers in memory foam and hybrid mattresses.
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Loss of elasticity in latex mattresses.
7. Consider Storage Space for Long-Term Needs
If you’re keeping the extra mattress for future use but don’t have space at home:
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Rent a climate-controlled storage unit with proper ventilation.
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Make sure it handles heavy weights when you stack mattresses with each other.
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Use wooden pallets to elevate the mattress off the ground and avoid potential moisture absorption.
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Check the mattress materials to ensure it remains in good condition.
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 the 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.
Upgrade your home with a Murphy bed—shop now!
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. At Lori Beds, we offer mattresses that suit either the mechanism-free YouLift Bed or the mechanized Lori Bed. It’s recommended that you use 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 10 inches tall, while the YouLift bed can handle up to 12 inches. 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 the mattress if it 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?