For many purposes, some people prefer floor mattresses for their flexibility, portability, and lower cost. With no need for a base, frame, or box spring, you simply lie the mattress on the floor and climb in. Whether you need one for camping or a guest bedroom, or even for yoga sessions, we have everything you need to know today.
With the majority of floor mattresses, they’re not intended to be a permanent fixture, and this means they are rolled or folded for easy storage. With fiber padding, polyfoam, and memory foam mattresses available, thickness varies between three and six inches. Furthermore, they offer covers that go in the machine and a non-slip base to prevent sliding and movement while sleeping.
We mentioned the affordability, but just how affordable are floor mattresses? Well, they tend to have a window between $50 and $160. If you’re interested in floor mattresses, whatever your purpose, keep reading. We’re going to explore some of the best products, buying considerations, frequently asked questions, and a whole lot more; we’ve done all the research so that you don’t have to!
The Best Floor Mattress
- Inofia: best with a bamboo cover
- Better Habitat: best for camping
- Milliard: best tri-fold design
- Best Price Mattress: best for a budget
- Lucid: best for versatility
- Simmons: best floor mat
- D&D: best floor futon mattress
- Best Choice Products: best for guests
- FULI: best Japanese floor mattress
Table of Contents
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Floor Mattress Comparison Table
Picture | Product | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | - Anti-slip design - Cover has bamboo fiber on outside and fiberglass cloth on inside - CertiPUR-US certification | ||
 | - Fitted waterproof sheet (cotton terry) - Water resistant and non-slip - High-quality zippers, stitching, and fasteners | ||
 | - Temperature regulation with ventilation and air flow - Dense construction - Combination of foam base and memory foam | ||
 | - 2.5 inches of base foam and 1.5 inches of memory foam - Ideal for car trips, camping, sleepovers, and guest rooms - CertiPUR-US certification | ||
 | - CertiPUR-US certification - Cover that works both indoors and outdoors - Designed as a floor mattress and sofa-like floor chair | ||
 | - Machine washable, ultra-plush cover - Three inches of memory foam - Measures 12 inches once rolled up | ||
| - Flame retardant - 100% polyester cover - Filling is 90% white cotton, 5% resilient foam, and 5% polyester fiber | ||
| - Ideal for camping, as a guest bed, and as a floor sofa - Four inches of high-density foam - Comes with a carry case | ||
| - Works both outdoors and indoors - Comfort comes from cotton (100% hygroscopic) - Lightweight and portable |
Floor Mattress Reviews
Inofia: Best with a Bamboo Cover Review
- Anti-slip design
- Cover has bamboo fiber on outside and fiberglass cloth on inside
- CertiPUR-US certification
Price:
With six inches of foam, this tri-fold mattress offers a great night of sleep and customized support for the whole body. While one-quarter of the thickness is provided by memory foam, the rest comes from a supportive foam base. The two work together, and the CertiPUR-US certifications means we can be confident that there are no chemicals or toxins either in the mattress or used in the manufacturing process. Ultimately, this thick mattress will offer durability and great value for money.
For us, the bamboo cover is the best feature though and it’s removable (which means it can go in the machine). While keeping the mattress protected, the cover is also non-slip which means you shouldn’t get frustrated with slipping and movement.
Ultimately, it’s clear Inofia had the end user in mind while designing the mattress. Folding for easy storage and transportation, just unfold it whenever required and you’re ready for a good night’s sleep. If you’re still not sure, the purchase comes with no risk thanks to the 10-year warranty and 100-night sleep trial.
Better Habitat: Best for Camping Review
- Fitted waterproof sheet (cotton terry)
- Water resistant and non-slip
- High-quality zippers, stitching, and fasteners
Price:
Sometimes, we need a mattress for a comfortable sleep while camping (no, this isn’t an oxymoron!). With its compactness, simple setup, and surprising comfort, we couldn’t look beyond Better Habitat. For the couples reading this, you’ll even find a twin size whether you’re out in the wilderness, in a van, or a camper.
If you’ve previously camped with an air mattress, you’ll know the difficulties they cause. On the other hand, this mattress simply unfolds and is ready within seconds. When you’re ready to go home, roll it back up and put it in the bag (you even get a strap to make carrying easier!).
With the mattress itself, it has the CertiPUR-US certification and is three inches thick. With this, you shouldn’t feel the bumps of the ground underneath while camping and the medium-firm cushion will actually hug the shoulders and hips for extra support. If you’re worried about allergies, this isn’t a concern with Better Habitat because the cover is hypoallergenic and, therefore, resistant to bacteria, dust mites, mildew, mold, and other allergens.
Elsewhere, the bottom is non-slip and the cotton terry makes the whole thing breathable for the warmer months. What about the rain? Well, it doesn’t matter if some rain makes its way into the tent because the fitted sheet is waterproof. Also perfect for sleepovers and guests, the mattress is available in a child’s size, twin, and single.
Milliard: Best Tri-Fold Design Review
- Temperature regulation with ventilation and air flow
- Dense construction
- Combination of foam base and memory foam
Price:
We mentioned a tri-fold mattress at the beginning, but we think the best in this niche actually comes from Milliard. Portable as a twin XL (78 x 38 x 6 inches), this is another product that combines 4.5 inches of foam (dense and anti-slip) with a 1.5-inch memory foam upper layer. While the bottom layer provides the support, the memory foam brings the plush, luxurious hugging sensation.
Inside, the foam interior has a breathable cover and some of this cover uses mesh. Thankfully, this allows for air circulation and a cool surface even when the sun is beating down outside. Meanwhile, the smooth bamboo top layer feels wonderful against the skin (you’ll be tempted to not use a sheet at all, and you won’t be the first!). If so, use the zip on the cover and make sure it gets washed frequently.
With all materials used in the mattress, they meet strict standards, and this has allowed the product to achieve the CertiPUR-US certification. Even with the fiberglass (non-toxic) material encasing the mattress, it doesn’t use the harsh chemicals of some, and it’s also fire-proof.
Finally, you want to hear about the reason we included this mattress in the list - the folding is simple. When folded into thirds, it will store away in a small space which makes it ideal for camping trips and guest rooms. Over the years, many customers have found this to be the best mattress for long-term use.
Best Price Mattress: Best for a Budget Review
- 2.5 inches of base foam and 1.5 inches of memory foam
- Ideal for car trips, camping, sleepovers, and guest rooms
- CertiPUR-US certification
Price:
Coming in at four inches, those working with a budget should look to the appropriately named Best Price Mattress for this tri-fold mattress. With the 1.5 inches of memory foam at the top, it feels incredibly soft and relieves the pressure points when lying down. Underneath, it has 2.5 inches of dense base foam and this is where the support originates. Just in case this wasn’t enough, it has the CertiPUR-US certification and green tea extract infusion for stress relief.
As well as using this mattress on the floor, we’ve heard from some customers who put this extra on top of their regular mattress for added comfort and support. Luckily, Best Price Mattress provide every size between twin and California King (in fact, it starts with a mattress smaller than a twin!).
If you travel around and need something comfortable on the road, there’s no reason why this one won’t work. When camping especially, why sleep on the hard and rough floor when you can use this mattress and get the right environment for the rest you need? Many camping trips are ruined by a lack of sleep and poor moods the next day, but this mattress can prevent this problem.
As noted, the bottom is anti-slip, the cover is made of poly-Jacquard, and it goes in the machine whenever needed. Thanks to the manufacturer, we also benefit from a three-year warranty.
Lucid: Best for Versatility Review
- CertiPUR-US certification
- Cover that works both indoors and outdoors
- Designed as a floor mattress and sofa-like floor chair
Price:
We know that some people need a mattress that has more than one purpose, and this is what we have with this Folding & Sofa Mattress from Lucid. Rather than two seams, this mattress has three and this makes it very different from the competition. With the clever design, it can be used as the following:
- Standard mattress
- Portable mattress
- Chair
- Futon mattress
- Play mat for children
In the current market, it seems that manufacturers have been opposed to making foldable mattresses above twin XL, but Lucid goes all the way up to king. We think that the larger sizes could be useful for family camping trips and sleepovers, but some parents have also used this mattress as a play pad for time with their children. With the CertiPUR-US certification and the fact that it’s resistant to dust mites and other allergens, we can be happy leaving children to play and sleep on the mattress.
Of the 4 inches, 3.5 come from the base foam while the remainder is a memory foam (infused with cooling gel). With this mixture, the mattress has a firm feel but with a good amount of padding to make it comfortable at all times. When folded into a chair, we think it will remain comfortable for long periods.
Lastly, the light gray cover is washable, and this is helpful after using the mattress outdoors. Lucid is known to build high-quality products, have a good customer support team, and offer strong warranties (this mattress comes with three years).
Simmons: Best Floor Mat Review
- Machine washable, ultra-plush cover
- Three inches of memory foam
- Measures 12 inches once rolled up
Price:
Have you ever had guests stay only to feel embarrassed that you can’t offer anything more than a sofa? This is no longer a problem, and we have Simmons to thank. Boasting three inches of memory foam, this mattress rolls up for portability and easy storage. Even if you want to go camping, the mattress will work wonders. When rolled, the diameter of the whole product is just 12 inches. It will fit in the trunk of the car, in the cupboard, and anywhere else you need to keep it.
One of our favorite features is actually the machine washable ultra-plush cover. Not only is it great just to throw the cover in the machine and have it smelling fresh in a matter of hours, it feels amazing against the skin. In the past, we were stuck between wanting to offer guests a place to stay and not wanting to keep a cumbersome mattress somewhere, but Simmons removes this issue entirely.
D&D: Best Floor Futon Mattress Review
- Flame retardant
- 100% polyester cover
- Filling is 90% white cotton, 5% resilient foam, and 5% polyester fiber
Price:
If you’re in the market for a floor futon mattress, we recommend this one from D&D for a number of reasons. Measuring 80 x 54 x 3 inches, it’s the equivalent of a full-size mattress and it works on a futon frame, on the floor, or in a tent; just roll out the pad. Even for those with a small car, the compact design of the mattress makes storage and transportation easy.
We’re focusing on floor mattresses and sleeping for the most part, but we can’t see why the mattress isn’t suitable for exercise, massaging, and yoga. On Amazon, you’ll see that some customers have used this to replace their traditional mattress while others are comfortable enough with this mattress directly on the floor. If you suffer from back pain, customer reviews suggest that this mattress helps (once you’re accustomed to the feel of being on the floor).
As mentioned in the feature list above, there are three ingredients with white cotton providing 90% of the filling. Elsewhere, the filling consists of 5% resilient foam and 5% polyester fiber. In terms of the black polyester cover, the sewing goes from top to bottom which provides the beautiful pattern. If you want a floor mattress that will add to the character of the room, you won’t go far wrong with this one.
Going back to the filling, the fact that it is mostly cotton leads to a somewhat firm feel but one that’s often compared to a pillow. Just as we’ve seen before with other products, storage is simple, and this is aided by the ties located at the end.
Best Choice Products: Best for Guests Review
- Ideal for camping, as a guest bed, and as a floor sofa
- Four inches of high-density foam
- Comes with a carry case
Price:
If you’re the sort of person/couple who entertains frequently, you’ll know that sometimes it can end in someone needing a bed for the night. Don’t worry, Best Choice Products has you covered with this mattress. A common worry is that a floor mattress won’t provide support and that much-needed hugging sensation, but this product offers both. Even for those who sleep on their side and heavier adults, this is an excellent product for support.
Depending on your need, you could lay the mattress flat or fold it into a sofa. The cover handles make transportation simple and the carrying case means you can take it camping and on other adventures. Finally, you’ll have a machine washable cover and it even goes in the dryer.
FULI: Best Japanese Floor Mattress Review
- Works both outdoors and indoors
- Comfort comes from cotton (100% hygroscopic)
- Lightweight and portable
Price:
As our final product for this guide, we have the FULI Japanese floor mattress (considered a traditional Shinki futon). For us, there’s two reasons why you might choose this product; portability and comfort. While the latter comes from the 100% hygroscopic cotton, the former is thanks to the clever design. Whenever you need to take the mattress somewhere, just roll it up and put it in a bag. Regardless of whether you go camping or use the mattress in the home, a peaceful night comes from the three-layer volume.
Even if you want something to accommodate guests on those social evenings, the Japanese craftsmen have designed something for all occasions. Even without the design, it would still be easy to carry around because of the lightweight material. Whenever you don’t need the mattress, it should store away without taking too much space.
What’s a Floor Mattress
If you’ve joined us for a review before, you’ll know we like to follow some example products with a buying guide. As we’ve seen in the example products, there’s no universal definition for a floor mattress because they can differ so greatly. Some are lightweight and portable, some fold into a sofa chair, and others are simple to store away when not needed. In this buying guide, we’re going to tackle some important topics and hopefully move you closer to finding the right floor mattress.
Firstly, it’s important to note the different styles of floor mattress. Sometimes, you might see a polyester or cotton roll-out bed described as a floor mattress. One thing is for certain, they’re closer to a blanket or quilt than a traditional mattress, and their thinness often comes in handy for those who don’t need softness from their sleep surface.
Depending on what you need, take some time to look at the designs that fold and those made of foam. With camping floor mattresses, they normally fold into a small square to make storage easier. Whatever route you choose, know that most customers are able to enjoy the benefits that come with floor mattresses. When sleeping on the floor, we can be sure of an even surface. Suddenly, the risk of sagging that normally comes with mattresses just isn’t a problem. With this, our stomachs and spine have support rather than dipping.
On the other hand, we recognize the difficulty of getting used to this type of sleeping. Despite the benefits, some sleepers complain about the lack of cushioning. If you’ve spent years in an extremely soft bed, moving across to a harder surface can be tricky.
Benefits of Floor Mattresses
In the next two sections, we’re going to look at the benefits of buying a floor mattress generally and the benefits/drawbacks for our bodies. Firstly, why should we invest in a floor mattress?
Accommodate Guests
For many, a floor mattress is a wonderful solution for guests because it saves having a full bed set up when most of the time it will be empty anyway. Your guest will be comfortable overnight, you don’t have to feel embarrassed offering the sofa, and you can fold or roll up the mattress and store it away when not required.
Save Space
Following on from the previous point, why buy a whole bed frame and have it lying dormant when you can save space with a floor mattress? With the lightweight nature and compactness of most floor mattresses, you can move them between rooms, get great sleep, and then store it away in the morning. Within moments, you transform a spare room into a bedroom for somebody.
Mattress for Children
Although it’s not an idea we’ve explored much in this guide yet, some parents actually use a floor mattress for their children because they’re worried about them falling out of a traditional bed. Not only do they feel comfortable overnight, you have the peace of mind that they won’t hurt themselves. With many manufacturers, they actually develop mattresses specifically for children. Not only does the design lend itself to children, the materials make the product hypoallergenic and resistant to allergens (removing the problem of irritation).
Camping Help
If you’re someone who likes to camp, you’ve probably got that one memory of a great camping trip ruined by the sleeping arrangements (we all have!). Even if you like travelling around in an RV, better sleep makes the trip so much better, and this is where a floor mattress comes in. They fold away when not needed, they’re extremely comfortable, and you can even find an affordable option to meet your budget.
Affordable Solution
As noted in the previous point, floor mattresses are affordable. In fact, their cost pales in comparison to a traditional mattress. It doesn’t matter the purpose of the mattress, whether you like camping or want something for guests, it’s great to be able to get this product without breaking the bank. As long as you get the right mattress first time (something with which our buying guide will help), your investment will go a long way and you’ll wonder why you didn’t get a floor mattress sooner.
Pros and Cons for Sleepers
We’ve seen the general advantages of buying a floor mattress, but what about the benefits and drawbacks that come with actually sleeping like this? It’s true that we’re now spoiled in our sleeping habits, and this is particularly true considering our ancestors would sleep on the back of a horse (while moving too!). As we work long hours, we invest in a soft and supportive mattress - this is one reason why memory foam has become so popular.
Over time, the work of scientists has allowed us to learn the damage caused by poor sleeping arrangements. Without the right bed, we don’t get the rest we deserve, and we wake up feeling more tired than we did the night before. Suddenly, we can’t concentrate at work, we have no energy for exercise, and it becomes the catalyst for a poor lifestyle.
In Asia, sleeping directly on the floor is common practice, but how does this affect the body? Let’s look at both the pros and cons.
Pro: Blood Circulation
First and foremost, many people choose to ditch their bed frame and sleep on the floor because it encourages blood circulation for the whole body. Just like those who sleep without a pillow, many report an improvement in back and neck pain after making this move.
In fact, it’s actually a double effect because blood circulation is encouraged while also removing blood flow obstructions. With this, all the tissue and muscles get the blood and minerals it needs to remain healthy.
Pro: Lower Risk of Scoliosis and Reduced Pain
Secondly, it seems the risk of scoliosis reduces when sleeping on the floor. At the same time, the joints enjoy some relief while back pain is eliminated. During sleep, a floor mattress ensures proper spinal alignment, and this has a wealth of benefits. With no extra cushioning, pressure is distributed across the surface area of the mattress and the body adapts. Over time, most people wake up free from neck and back pain.
Pro: Cool Air
This is a benefit that many forget, but it’s one worth considering. The closer you are to the floor, the cooler the air. If you normally wake up in the middle of the night or feel restless at times, one of the most common reasons for this is actually body temperature increases. On the floor, you should remain cool, you won’t sweat as much, blood flow improves, and it even does wonders for your respiratory system.
Pro: New Feeling
As the final pro, there’s no denying the positive impact that a big change can bring. It’s exciting to freshen things up and try something new, and this motivation can carry across to other areas of your life.
Con: Dust Accumulation
On the other hand, one of the biggest problems is for those with allergies or respiratory issues. Sadly, dust tends to accumulate on the ground and all the lower surfaces, and they’re places we tend to miss when cleaning too. If you’re to start sleeping on the floor, you’ll need to pay closer attention to cleaning so that you aren’t inhaling dust and other particles. As well as cleaning the floor, we recommend raising the mattress a little.
Con: Potential Mold
Similarly, mold on the surfaces can cause allergic reactions and other health problems. What’s more, having a mattress on the floor lends itself to odor while also making it easier for bed bugs to get inside and settle. The longer they’re in the mattress, the harder it gets to remove them once again (they multiple rapidly!). Just as we said before, one ideal solution is to raise the mattress. With none of the bedding touching the floor, you alleviate this risk.
For those who plan to go away and leave the mattress for long periods, we recommend an encasement.
Con: Poor Airflow
We mentioned the cool air, but this isn’t true all year round. During the warmer months, the lack of space under the mattress will cause heat retention in the mattress and the sleeper will undoubtedly sweat and feel uncomfortable. As we sweat, this soaks into the mattress and can cause odors and mold.
Con: Cold Conditions
Again, the benefit can turn into a drawback when the weather changes for the worst. When it’s almost freezing outside, sleeping close to the ground will feel cold, and this presents a risk to your health. Not only are we cold on the surface, we’re breathing in the cold air, and this can cause problems for the blood flow, for the lungs, and potentially lead to hypothermia.
Con: Shoulder and Hip Pain
We mentioned that neck and back pain disappears, but this is replaced by hip and shoulder pain for those who sleep religiously on one side. For a floor mattress to work, you’ll need to be a stomach or back sleeper. As you sleep on your side, there’s a focused pressure on the mattress and you’ll push through to the floor. On the stomach or back, our body weight is spread more evenly.
The Feel of a Floor Mattress
You’ve never slept on a floor mattress, and you’re wondering whether it could possibly be comfortable? Well, the first thing we should note is that they are designed to be a complete surface. With toppers and pads, they’re only made to be used on mattresses, but floor mattresses can be installed by themselves. Most toppers and pads only go up to four inches, and this just isn’t enough for a comfortable sleep. Therefore, if you’re going to sleep on the floor, make sure you have a product designed to be used as such.
Compared to a standard mattress, floor mattresses are generally thinner, and this leads to a firmer surface. If you’re used to a softer surface, we recommend looking for a mattress that has foam layers. Alternatively, introduce a soft topper to counteract the firmness.
When it comes to foldable mattresses, the next question regards the creases. Can you feel the creases? Sometimes, and the uneven surface can cause problems. With this in mind, most are able to alleviate this problem with a blanket or pillow. If you don’t want to face this problem at all, buy a rollable mattress because this won’t have any creases.
Experiencing pain is a nightmare during the day, but it’s potentially even worse at night because we have nothing to think about except the pain that’s stopping us from sleeping. Whether in your shoulders, neck, or back, both tri-fold and bi-fold mattresses are the way forward. With a combination of the high-density polyfoam base for support and the memory foam material for comfort and softness, it doesn’t get much better. For those with severe pain, talk to your doctor and be aware that sleeping on a floor mattress may not help.
Buying Considerations
What do you need to consider before investing your money? Let’s take a look!
Mattress Type
First and foremost, we touched on the different types of mattress in the previous section, so it makes sense to go through them fully here. Which is best for your needs?
On the one hand, we have the folding mattress and you’ll find both a bi-fold and a tri-fold design. Lightweight by nature, portable, and affordable, they normally come in any size under a queen. You don’t need to prepare anything, just unfold the mattress when you have a guest staying and then fold it back up in the morning.
In recent times, we’ve seen lots of people pair a folding mattress with a folding bed, but this only works when the folding dimensions of the two products match each other. Otherwise, folding mattresses can work on a chair bed for children or students.
In terms of material, folding mattresses normally make use of foam. In our opinion, it’s best to go with memory foam. Here’s some folding mattress buying tips:
- Most will have numerous foam layers
- Thickness ranges between three and six inches
- Most will have no-slip bottoms
- A removable cover makes washing easier
As well as folding mattresses, you’ll also find roll-up mattresses, and some prefer this product (also called a Japanese bed, tatami floor mat, and other names!). As you’ve probably guessed by the name, these mattresses roll up rather than being folded. Although they don’t work with chair beds, many use them with a folding bed or futon.
Appearance-wise, they’re more like a large mattress pad and they work as a mattress topper when not used elsewhere. Why choose this type of mattress? They’re more compact than a tri-fold mattress and they’re normally lighter too. While the comfort comes from foam layers, the mattresses can also use cotton and polyester. Here’s some roll-up mattress buying tips:
- Most will just have one foam layer
- Thickness ranges between two and four inches
- They use less space when stored
- Most have covers (non-removable)
Thickness
When shopping the market, you’ll most likely come across four different thickness levels; two inches, four inches, six inches, and eight inches. You’ve probably seen that thicker is better, and this is true for comfort, but not the bank account. With thicker mattresses, they have room for lots of foam layers and other materials, and this does lead to comfort. For example, a thick mattress will have a memory foam layer on top of high-density base foam.
What if you have a small budget? You might be tempted to look at the thinner mattresses but know that this will lead to a replacement much sooner. It’s easier to justify a heavy price tag when you know the product will have a longer life.
When deciding on a thickness and how much to spend, think about when and where it will be used. If you have a guest staying each and every weekend, the higher price tag makes for a good investment. Remember, roll-up mattresses have less freedom with thickness because too thick and they won’t roll up (and a roll-up mattress that doesn’t roll up wouldn’t get very good reviews!). If you’re to buy a roll-up mattress, remember that you’re sacrificing thickness for other qualities - this includes the ability to store and transport.
Dimensions
Just like a normal mattress, the dimensions of a floor mattress play a role in your decision. In order to make this decision, think about the mattress’s purpose. Do you want a spare mattress for the odd guest? Will you use it for camping? If it’s just for one person, there’s nothing wrong with a smaller size - 75 inches in length and between 27 and 35 inches in width. For camping, lean towards the thinner side of this range.
You will find roll-up mattresses for more than one person, but the majority are designed as singles. With both mattress types that we’ve discovered in this guide, one of the biggest problems is that it will keep the same width even when rolled or folded, and this is important to remember. With the tri-fold mattress from Best Price, it comes in at 75 x 33 x 4 inches and then 25 x 33 x 12 inches when folded.
Meanwhile, with the queen-sized Milliard folding mattress, the size is 26 x 58 x 18 inches when folded and 78 x 58 x 6 when in use. The width stays the same and it gets thicker, but the length shortens significantly.
Temperature
As we noted earlier in the guide, you’ll be close to the floor and this leads to a cool sleeping experience. In the winter, it’s much colder so to partner this with a floor mattress that sleeps cold too will only end badly. To prevent this, we advise purchasing a thin pad underneath the mattress; this should improve temperatures in the colder months.
Durability
For the most part, people don’t buy floor mattresses with the intention of using them every single night. With this in mind, they can last many years. To extend the life of your floor mattress, make sure you store it away properly when not in use.
Firmness
With any mattress, its firmness is judged on a scale between 1 and 10. With floor mattresses, they’re naturally firm and this sees them measure between Medium (5) and Firm (8). For those who prefer a softer mattress, you’ll either need an additional topper or to choose a traditional mattress.
Sex
One of the reasons why couples won’t adopt a floor mattress full-time is because of the lack of springiness and poor responsiveness; this doesn’t lend itself to the private aspects of a relationship.
Cover
We shouldn’t underestimate the power of a good cover; it protects the inside while keeping the surface contamination-free and clean. The more we sleep on a mattress, the more susceptible it becomes to bed bugs, human skin debris, dust mites, and more. With a good cover, you can avoid these problems (and this is great news considering the nightmares they cause for those with allergies). What’s more, it stops the mattress from having a tough battle with mold.
If you want to make your life easier, the best mattress will have a zipped cover. Whenever it needs freshening up, simply unzip the cover and throw it in the machine. Elsewhere, you might consider waterproof covers if children will use the mattress (or if you plan to take it camping and expose it to the elements!).
Additionally, it’s important to remember that most people sleep on floor mattresses without using a sheet. Therefore, the cover comes into contact with the skin - it needs to be comfortable.
Foam Types
- Memory Foam – Memory foam has quickly become the most popular bedding material, and this is because of the softness, the comfort, and luxurious feel it offers. Density increases in viscoelastic foam mattresses because of the modified polyurethane foams. Also, they react to heat differently.
- Latex Foam - As a natural solution, latex comes from the rubber tree and starts as a white liquid. Greener than most materials, latex is naturally smaller than the majority of foams.
- Polyurethane Foam - Sometimes shortened to ‘polyfoam’, this is normally what most people think of when they mention foam mattresses. Most common in today’s market, the material is used by many floor mattress manufacturers as well as designers for motels and hotels.
No-Slip Bottom
This might seem like a small feature, but it’s one that can prevent a world of frustration. Without a base, the mattress can move around and slip on the surface, and this is where a no-slip (or anti-slip) bottom comes in.
Waterproof Options
When sitting on a frame, you can be confident the bottom of the mattress will remain clean. When on the floor, you can’t have the same confidence. Sometimes, the floor gets dirty, dusty, and even wet. With this in mind, it might be wise to go for a waterproof cover - a feature that’s also useful for parents expecting children to sleep on the mattress and those who enjoy camping. If you like the look of a mattress that doesn’t have a waterproof cover, this isn’t the end of the world because you can buy one separately instead.
Portability
Will you move your folded or roll-up mattress from one location to another? You’re in luck, both designs are brilliant for transportation between not only rooms but towns and states for camping and RV trips too.
Before choosing a mattress, look at the dimensions when in use and when folded. With a tri-fold mattress, the thickness immediately trebles, so keep this in mind; of course, it will be a third of the original length.
When rolled, the width is the largest dimension for roll-up mattresses. In terms of diameter, you’ll only know once you have the thickness and length of the mattress. The shorter the mattress, the fewer rolls and the thinner the rolled-up mattress.
Budget
If you’ve read one of our guides before, you’ll know this is always a buying consideration. While some will have an unlimited budget, others are working within smaller means. Fortunately, manufacturers in the floor mattress market seem to produce and provide at all budget levels. Naturally, the most expensive products are the ones with higher quality materials and designs. For us, we think it’s best to spend some time looking around various websites and products; soon enough, you’ll get an idea of the price ranges available.
Manufacturer and Seller
There are three main things to pay attention to with the manufacturer; reputation, sleep trial, and warranty. The first one is very simple, and we believe in buying from reputable manufacturers and sellers (not only is the product normally better, the customer support is widely available should any problems arise).
Secondly, we hit a stumbling block for some because sleep trials are actually rare with floor mattresses. We know that standard mattresses mostly come with a sleep trial where customers can try the product for up to 90 nights, but this same luxury isn’t afforded to customers of floor mattresses.
Thirdly, it’s a different story for warranties because manufacturers WILL offer this feature. While standard mattresses offer up to 10 years, floor mattresses normally have a maximum of five years. Be careful, however, because some products won’t have a warranty at all.
Quality
When the price varies from one floor mattress to another, one of the biggest differentiators is the quality of materials. With the best materials, it shouldn’t sag, and the mattress should hold its shape for a long time. We believe in getting around five years from a floor mattress, but this is heavily dependent on storage.
As well as quality, you should also pay attention to the manufacturing processes so that you don’t buy a product that causes damage to the environment (or ourselves!). In the list above, you probably noticed that most had the Certi-PUR US certification.
Comfort
Compared to a standard mattress, there’s always a drop-off in comfort in a floor mattress. This being said, some are still more comfortable than others. With enough support, you won’t wake up with pains and aches. You can still choose a mattress with some cushioning, and this will help side sleepers who don’t want bad shoulders and hips.
Is a Floor Mattress Right for You?
Consider Back Pain
Interestingly, in all the research papers and articles we looked at while researching for this guide, the question of back pain was rarely considered. If this will be your first time sleeping on a floor mattress, back pain is likely. After some time, the body will adjust to this different level of support.
In the time ahead, we expect the experts to continue their research and consider back pain more closely. While back pain is normally linked with hard surfaces, it’s true that a surface that’s too soft also causes back problems.
Consider Floor Sleeping
The idea of sleeping close to the floor can be an exciting one, it’s something different, but it’s very different to a normal sleep. As time goes on, comfort and support are two areas only improving with floor mattresses. Often, it’s just a matter of allowing yourself some time to adjust to this new sleep environment. If you’ve never slept on the floor before, choose a mattress that boasts thickness and comfort in abundance.
Consider Frequency
After this, consider how frequently you’ll use a floor mattress. While some try this type of mattress for everyday use, others need a mattress for guests and camping. When comparing products, this is an important consideration. For example, buying for everyday use doesn’t require portability. Meanwhile, buying for camping and guests will need to consider both portability and storage.
Along with frequency of use, a floor mattress will be right or wrong for you depending on whether the cover is waterproof and the level of comfort on offer.
Using a Floor Mattress Correctly
‘Surely you just put the mattress on the floor and climb on’ - this might be a thought that came to your head when you saw the title of this section but using a floor mattress incorrectly can lead to some serious issues.
Firstly, think about the area and space in which you plan on using the mattress. Before putting the mattress anywhere near the floor, make sure it has been cleaned to remove dust, dirt, moisture, and other debris. We recommend using a vacuum on carpet while mopping a hardwood floor. When using the mattress on wood or laminate, use bleach or another disinfectant to remove bacteria.
When there’s no carpet, another top tip is to lay down a polythene sheet, foam sheet, or another form of protection for the mattress. If possible, place this sheet in layers. Otherwise, some people who use floor mattresses like to lay down a bed sheet, and this can work just as well.
For those who want to use a floor mattress every day from the day of purchase, one of the best pieces of advice we can provide is to allow it to air and dry every so often. By doing this at least weekly, the floor can dry, you can clean up dirt, dust, and other debris, and you extend the life of your mattress. While cleaning, just leave the mattress leaning up against a wall.
Commonly Asked Questions
Is it safe to sleep on the floor on a mattress?
Absolutely, it is safe to sleep on a floor mattress directly on the floor. However, we wouldn’t be doing our job if we didn’t provide a couple of warnings. Firstly, laying your mattress on the floor will increase the risk of dust and dirt exposure. If you have allergies or asthma, there’s a potential for problems. As we’ve just seen, a regular cleaning and airing should help.
Elsewhere, having the mattress in close proximity to the floor will lead to moisture absorption, and eventually this causes mold and mildew. Two steps to reduce the risk of issues include a waterproof cover and good ventilation in the room.
Is a futon the same as a floor mattress?
We’ve seen futons called ‘floor mattresses’, and this is accurate, but this doesn’t mean that floor mattresses are futons. While a futon can be rolled up and is essentially a flat mat, you could technically lay any mattress directly on the floor; a floor mattress has been specifically designed for this purpose. Floor mattresses tend to have special features including dust resistance, a non-slip bottom, and a waterproof cover.
Is a floor bed the same as a floor mattress?
Some people draw comparisons between these two products, and the answer is similar to the question regarding futons. While mattresses are sometimes called beds, you wouldn’t call a bed a ‘mattress’.
With a mattress, you might say you have a simple bed. Generally speaking, the word ‘bed’ is an all-encompassing term that covers the mattress, frame, headboard, footboard, and even the platform. Therefore, to see the term ‘floor bed’ is often confusing when it’s just a mattress sitting on the floor. When talking about our general usage, we can use bed and mattress interchangeably.
When shopping for a floor mattress, you might see some companies call their products a floor ‘bed’. As long as you know what you’re buying, there’s no reason to panic.
What thickness should I choose for a floor mattress?
This is a great question, and we’ll start by asking whether you have aches and pains in the body. If so, go for a thick folded mattress that boasts a high-density base with layers of memory foam on top. With around four or five inches, you’ll get the support you need while still remaining comfortable.
If you don’t have any major health problems (or even tiny concerns), you could go for a roll-up floor mattress. As long as you’re happy with being close to the floor, you’ll have two or three inches of thickness.
How much will a floor mattress cost?
It all depends on a number of factors, but the following is generally true:
- Roll-up mattress - Between $60 and $100
- Folded mattress - Between $90 and $160
Does chronic pain rule out a floor mattress completely?
If you experience chronic pain sleeping in a traditional bed, we recommend speaking with a health professional (you may not get enough comfort from a floor mattress). With small to moderate pain, pair your floor mattress with a pad or topper. This way, you get more comfort and additional support.
Which is better? Roll-up mattress or a folded mattress?
This is the biggest question for many, but it would be irresponsible to answer one way or the other because they both have benefits and drawbacks. With a rollable mattress, they’re not as thick nor do they have support, but they’re light, simple to store, and are more affordable. On the other hand, a foldable mattress has more support and comfort for sleepers. The drawbacks include the creases (which can lead to an uneven surface) and the size for storage.
Which is better? It depends on your preference!
Is it safe being next to the floor?
Earlier, we discussed the cleaning procedures when sleeping on a floor mattress, and there’s a reason these are so important. Without cleaning underneath the mattress from time to time, bacteria and allergens build; this includes dust mites, mold, and other debris. The longer they sit, the higher the risk of triggering allergies, transmitting diseases, and causing all sorts of other problems. When the sleeper has medical conditions, the concerns are even more prominent.
If you use the mattress every day, pick it up and clean underneath regularly. If only used infrequently, make sure it’s stored properly. If you’re staying on a friend’s floor mattress, there’s nothing wrong with asking about its state and cleanliness.
Do floor mattresses provide any bounce?
Not really (sorry to disappoint!). Floor mattresses aren’t recommended for everyday use; instead, they’re designed for the odd night when a guest stays or for RV and camping trips. When it comes to other nighttime activities, stick with a continuous coil spring or open coil mattress.
Will a futon work on a box spring base?
We’ll answer this with a question - why? You might save money buying a floor mattress for your base, but this isn’t recommended for a futon. When it comes to futons, we advise sticking with a futon frame or slatted bed. By doing this, mold won’t get into the filling or onto the base.
What about a futon on a flat floor? Well, this we don’t have a problem with. As long as you only do it for a couple of days before cleaning the bottom and ensuring that it’s clean underneath.
How does a pad/topper differ to a floor mattress?
With a floor mattress, you have a product designed to be used as a bed. After purchasing, you can roll it out or unfold and then sleep on it whenever required. Pads and toppers aren’t standalone beds; instead, they’re designed to add cushioning or firmness to an existing bed. If you try your floor mattress and don’t feel too comfortable, the solution might actually be a pad or topper to add comfort and softness.
Will I have options if I buy a mattress and can’t get along with it?
This all depends on the product you bought and whether the manufacturer included a warranty. Before spending any money, we recommend researching the warranty and any potential sleep trial (rarer with floor mattresses than standard mattresses). While the manufacturer websites should have this information displayed with the product description, Amazon lists warranties down the right-hand side of the page.
If you buy a product that comes broken or faulty, this is a different story altogether. The seller/manufacturer should offer a refund or replacement.
Should I flip a floor mattress?
If there’s a special non-slip surface on the bottom of the mattress, there’s no need to flip a floor mattress. If not, feel free to flip to keep both sides fresh and share the wear (so to speak!). For those who aren’t sure, follow the manufacturer’s instructions since they will normally tell you whether or not this is necessary or recommended.
Summary
There are many benefits to choosing a good floor mattress, and there are some fantastic products on the market (as seen in the first chapter!). Not only are they affordable, they can be used for guests or camping and then stored away nicely when no longer needed. With the right mattress, the spine aligns, and we actually encourage blood flow with good posture.
When deciding on a floor mattress, it’s important to keep our list of buying considerations close by. Think about the purpose and function of your floor mattress, how much you want to spend, whether you want a non-slip bottom, the foldable and rollable designs, and the portability. As long as you purchase a floor mattress with your intentions for the product in mind, you won’t go far wrong. Too many times, we see people buying based on recommendations only to get the mattress home and realize it doesn’t do the job required.
After narrowing your search, read customer reviews. When judging products and companies, there’s nowhere you’ll find more honest reviews than with people who have already spent their money. Hopefully, the next step will be narrowing down to one and choosing the floor mattress that will partner you for years to come!
