The Best Portable Mattresses of 2021 You Can Buy Online

A portable mattress comes in very handy when you have an overnight guest and need an extra bed. These mattresses fold up into a compact size for easy storage. But some models offer users more than just a bed because they can also fold up into a sofa. Portable folding mattresses come in a variety of designs with different features. This is why it can be challenging to determine which model would best meet your needs. So, how do you decide which one would be the best portable mattress for you?

It’s a matter of knowing exactly what you’re going to use if for. However, it always helps to have the opinions of experts when making your selection. This is why we’ve taken time to research and analyze the portable foldable mattresses currently available on the market and come up with our list of the Best Portable Mattresses of 2020, which we’ve reviewed as follows.

The Best Portable Mattresses 

Milliard Tri Folding Memory Foam Mattress Review

The Milliard Tri Folding Memory Foam Mattress is the best choice for anyone looking for the luxurious comfort in a portable mattress. This is a Twin XL size mattress measuring 78” x 38” x 6” and made with two layers of foam. The bottom layer is made up of 4.5” of medium-firm, high-density, anti-slip foam with 1.5” of plush, body-conforming memory foam on top.

This is an exceptionally healthy product to use, made of CertiPUR-US certified materials, which ensures that it meets the most stringent standards in terms of emissions and health. The encasement covering this mattress is made of non-toxic fire-resistant fiberglass, rather than the chemicals many other manufacturers use.

The foam interior of the mattress is encased in an ultra-smooth breathable cover. The bottom layer of the cover is made of mesh, which allows air to circulate, so the sleeping surface remains cool. The layer on top is made of an incredibly smooth bamboo fabric that feels like silk, tempting users to forego sheets. Should the cover become soiled, the side zipper allows it to be easily removed, and machine washed.

The Milliard Tri Folding Memory Foam Mattress folds into thirds, so it can easily fit in a closet, storage area, or the trunk of your car if you want to take it on camping trips. It’s nice and compact, so it works nicely as a guest bed. We had no trouble choosing the Millard for our list because it is one of the very few portable mattresses comfortable enough for long-term adult use.

Better Habitat Floor and Camping Mattress Review

The Better Habitat Floor and Camping Mattress conveniently rolls out to be an ideal portable bed for camping. It rolls out in seconds when you need a nice soft bed for the night and rolls up just as quickly when you’re ready to pack it up and comes with its own carry case for portability. It’s made of non-toxic CertiPUR-US memory foam, 3” thick, encased in a waterproof cotton terry cover. The mattress provides a comfortable medium-firm foam padding on a bumpy surface, so you can get a good night’s sleep while camping.

The hypoallergenic terry cloth cover protects you from bacteria, dust mites, mildew, mold, and other allergens while keeping you dry. The water-resistant bottom is made of non-slip material to keep the bed from slipping and sliding during the night.

The Better Habitat Floor and Camping Mattress comes in Twin, Single, and Kids’ sizes. The Twin size easily fits adults, whether you’re sleeping in a van, RV, or tent. Even though we love this mattress for camping trips, you can also use it for kids’ sleepovers and other overnight guests. You get a 12-month warranty on the product should you find a manufacturer’s defect.

D&D Traditional Japanese Futon Mattress Review

The D&D Traditional Japanese Futon Mattress is sleek looking and conveniently compact. It comes in Full size, measuring 80” x 54” x 3”. When you’re ready to use, just roll it out on a futon frame, floor, or tent. It’s sufficiently compact for easy storage and lightweight enough to take with you on camping trips or park outings. Plus, it works great as a massage, exercise, or yoga mat and for overnight guests.

Many users claim to have replaced their standard mattress with this minimal futon portable mattress, placing it right on the floor. Some medical professionals and many users report that their back pain has improved after adjusting to sleeping on the floor with very little padding.

This futon is 3” thick, filled with 90% cotton, 5% polyester, and 5% foam. The 100% polyester cover is black and stitched through in an attractive-looking pattern to please more discerning consumers. The nice soft filling makes the D&D Traditional Japanese Futon Mattress feel so much like a pillow. Its convenient roll-up design makes it easy to tie up and store away.

SoundAsleep Air Mattress Review

The SoundAsleep Air Mattress is so comfortable that you will have no trouble getting a good night’s sleep. The bed has a built-in air pump for easy inflation, and it only takes you 4 minutes to fully inflate the mattress, and it will remain inflated for days. If you want more firmness, just pump in a little more air!

The air pump allows you to eliminate any sagging caused by air loss. This portable bed is made of heavy-duty material for long-lasting durability. It also comes with its own carrying case, so it is truly portable. No special skills are needed to inflate the mattress, but it does come with full instructions. It also comes with a built-in pillow, so you always have a soft spot to rest your head.

The SoundAsleep Air Mattress is made with proprietary ComfortCoil Technology that ensures even firmness. The SureGrip bottom keeps it stable, so it won’t slip and slide during the night. Made with 40 air coils, this mattress is durable and supportive and can be counted on to stay flat and firm when in use.

This air mattress is built with multiple layers, so it’s puncture-resistant, guaranteeing it a long life. It is also waterproof and tear-resistant, so you can expect many years of reliable usage. It comes with a 1-year warranty, as do all SoundAsleep mattresses.

BestPriceMattress Trifold Mattress Topper Review

This 4” tri-fold portable mattress from BestPriceMattress is incredibly comfortable for a tri-fold, which can be attributed to the 1.5” thick layer of memory foam on top. The pressure relief and outstanding softness of the memory foam are supported by a base of high-density foam 2.5” thick, which can easily support an adult.

The BestPriceMattress Trifold Mattress Topper made with certified CertiPUR-US foam to ensure the health and safety of users. The manufacturer has also infused the foam with green tea extract, which reduces stress to promote a nice restful sleep. This portable mattress is so incredibly soft and comfortable for the price that we were delighted to add it to our list. Some users even use it on top of their standard mattress. It comes in a large range of sizes, from Extra Small to California King, so you can select the size that works best for you.

With a comfortably supportive base and soft conforming top, the BestPriceMattress Trifold Mattress Topper can travel with you anywhere, whether you need a nice soft cushion between you and the ground on a camping trip, in your RV, or in the back of your truck under the stars. The removable poly-Jacquard cover is made with an anti-slip bottom and can be machine washed. Best Price Mattress stands behind their product with a 3-year warranty.

Milliard Diplomat Folding Mattress and Frame Review

Millard can be counted on to give their consumers an ultra-comfortable sleep experience. They make some of the best mattresses and beds on the market, known for providing sleepers with a great night’s sleep. Their Milliard Diplomat Folding Mattress and Frame feels so luxurious that you hardly know you’re on a rollaway bed.

Constructed of high-quality double-reinforced steel and stabilized legs, this portable bed is the sturdiest one currently being sold. The reinforced wire patterned base is highly supportive and never sags as you find in so many other rollaway beds. Made of solid steel, this is an extremely durable, long-lasting product that can be relied on for many years to come.

Many rollaway beds have a thin, flimsy mattress that offers little if any comfort, but not this one. The Diplomat comes with a comfortable portable mattress that feels just like a standard mattress. It is made with a 4” thick foam base for excellent support with a comfortable layer of plush memory foam on top. The result is an ultra-soft, yet supportive sleeping surface that you can’t help but love.

The Milliard Diplomat Folding Mattress and Frame comes in standard rollaway bed size, measuring 75” x 31.5”. The trampoline-style wire support system does not interfere with the bed’s comfort. This bed is great to have on hand when you have overnight guests. It comes with casters that turn 360°, so it couldn’t be easier to move around. Two wheels lock in place, so the bed stays in place. When the bed is folded up, it’s only 14” thick, so it’s easily stored.

What also makes this such an outstanding product is its weight capacity of 300 lbs., which is far more than most rollaway beds. Several users wrote reviews mentioning broken springs with minimal use, but the vast majority of customers are thrilled with the comfort, sturdiness, and portability of the Diplomat.

Best Choice Products Folding Portable Mattress Review

The Best Choice Products Folding Portable Mattress provides users with firm support while still being soft and plushy, making this ideal for keeping houseguests nice and comfortable. Made with high-density memory foam 4” thick, this mattress feels so much like a standard mattress, you can hardly tell the difference. It even supports heavier adults as well as side sleepers with the cushioning they need for a good night’s sleep.

The Best Choice Products Folding Portable Mattress can be folded to form a sofa or laid flat on the floor for sleeping. Its built-in handles make it easy to move around, and it even has its own carrying case, so you can take it along when you go camping or on other trips. The removable cover can be machine washed and dried, so it’s easy to keep clean.

Dream on Me Portable Crib Mattress Review

The Dream on Me Portable Crib Mattress is a great solution for families on-the-go. Just make sure it fits your portable crib, and you’re all set! Measuring 38” x 24” x 3”, it weighs less than 2 lbs., so it’s easy to transport.

The mattress is 3” thick and sufficiently firm to support your child in comfort. The antibacterial cover is waterproof and can be easily cleaned with a little soap and water on a wipe, preventing a buildup of mold and odors.

The Dream on Me Portable Crib Mattress is GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means that all the materials used to manufacture the product are 100% safe for children. You don’t have to worry about your child being exposed to harmful phthalates and lead, making this a great portable mattress made for cribs.

FULI Japanese Traditional Floor Mattress Review

The FULI Japanese Traditional Floor Mattress is perhaps the most portable of all the portable mattresses we’ve recommended here. You can easily roll it up and carry it wherever it’s needed, and it even comes with its own convenient carrying case. The FULI is perfect for outdoor camping trips and for use indoors when you have houseguests. It’s made of 100% hygroscopic cotton, so it’s surprisingly comfortable for a futon-style floor mattress.

This is a 3-layer mattress with sufficient volume to be comfortable enough to provide users with a good night’s sleep. Japanese craftsmen came up with the unique design of the FULI Japanese Traditional Floor Mattress. With this in your home, you can confidently provide your houseguests with a comfortable place to sleep. It’s very lightweight, so quite easy to move around and store away when it’s not being used.

Inofia Memory Foam Trifold Mattress Review

The Inofia Memory Foam Trifold Mattress is made of 6” thick foam for the ultimate in comfort and support. The mattress is made of a 4.5” supportive foam base with a 1.5” layer of luxurious body-conforming memory foam for a better night sleep experience.

What makes this product even better is that the memory foam is certified CertiPUR-US, ensuring that it is free of all toxic chemicals. This mattress is made of strong, durable materials, so it should last you a good long time. The cover can easily be removed for washing, so it’s very easy to keep clean. The anti-slip design prevents the mattress from sliding around, even if you toss and turn during the night.

The Inofia Memory Foam Trifold Mattress ensures that you have a comfortable night’s sleep wherever you happen to be. It’s easy to transport, and once unfolded, you are all set for the night. It’s also very easy to store away when not in use. You really can’t ask for more in a portable mattress, but if you have any hesitation, the product comes with a 100-night free trial and a 10-year warranty.

Benefits of Owning a Portable Mattress

There are a lot of advantages to having a portable bed, so this section is devoted to helping you understand what they are. This way, you can decide whether or not to buy one. 

Comfort

Although your sofa may be comfortable to sit on watching TV, sofas are not designed to be slept on. If you had planned to sleep on your sofa for any length of time, you could suffer some serious side-effects. First of all, it’s unlikely that you’ll be comfortable enough to sleep very well. And secondly, you could develop back problems. 

The best portable beds of any type are sufficiently supportive and comfortable enough to be slept on for extended periods of time. A good air mattress will provide plenty of support and so will a portable memory foam mattress. This will relieve tension, so you’re more relaxed, and this alone can be very beneficial. 

Versatile

Portable mattress can be used for other things besides sleeping. They can be used as a lounging surface for your family and children are safe if you want to use it as a play area. Their portable design makes them easy to take on trips. 

When folded or rolled up they take up very little space and are lightweight enough to carry. The best portable mattresses are quite comfortable, so you can enjoy a good night’s sleep. Many people take their portable mattress when they go camping. 

Some models can be folded up to form a comfortable sofa, and some people even use them as a foot rest or ottoman. 

Space Saver

If you live in a small studio apartment, you may not want a lot of the floor space taken up by a bed. In this case, a portable mattress is the perfect solution. When you’re ready to retire for the night, just unroll or unfold it to sleep on. In the morning, it can be packed up and stored out of the way. 

This way, you can enjoy the roominess of your apartment, while still having a comfortable bed to sleep in at night. 

Easily Carried

Portable mattresses by their very nature are lightweight and easy to carry. Many come with their own carrying cases, handles and all. This makes them easy to transport to wherever they’re needed, and just as easy to store away when not in use. 

While rollaway beds are not intended to be lifted, they do have wheels, which make them very easy to move around. And, since they fold up, they too can be easily stored. 

User-Friendly

The best portable mattresses are easy to unroll or unfold for use, so you can have the bed ready in just a couple of minutes. Portable air mattresses take a little longer because you need to pump them up with air. They come with a pump either built-in, or separate. 

Portable mattresses are also easy to roll or fold up and store away until they’re needed again. All of this should take no more than a couple of minutes. 

Great for Camping Trips

If you enjoy camping trips, you will enjoy them even more with a portable mattress. They are far more comfortable to sleep on than your tired old sleeping bag. Whether you choose a roll up, foldable or air mattress, it won’t take up much space in your tent. 

Cots can also be used on camping trips. They’re easy to set up and comfortable enough for a short period of time. 

Come in a Variety of Sizes

Most foldable portable mattresses come in a variety of sizes, including Twin, Full, Queen and King. Air mattresses also come in a broad range of sizes, from Twin all the way up to King size. However, rollaway beds only come in Twin size. 

Where Are Portable Mattresses & Beds Most Commonly Used?

Movable portable mattresses and beds are commonly used in a lot of different places. You’ll see some types more often than others, but these are where they are often found: 

Dorm Rooms

Some colleges expect students to furnish their own dorm rooms, including their bed. In such close quarters a portable mattress or bed may be the perfect solution. Also, if you’re planning to share a dorm room for a short time, a portable mattress would be perfect. 

A good portable mattress or bed allows you to sleep comfortably, even in a tight space. 

Guest Rooms

If you have an extra room, like a home office or art studio, you can use it as a guest room with a portable mattress or bed. But, if you have a guest room, you can sleep two guests with an extra bed. This way, no one has to sleep on the sofa. 

When it’s time to say “goodbye” to your houseguest(s) you can simply roll or fold up the mattress and store it away for next time. 

Camping

Camping is supposed to be fun, but if you can’t get a good night’s sleep, you’ll wake up grumpy and what fun is that? Rather than just using a sleeping bag, why not bring along a comfortable portable mattress or cot? 

A nice roll-up or foldable mattress would likely be more comfortable than a cot, but a cot would lift you off the ground so you wouldn’t be bothered by insects. 

Hotels

When you stay in a hotel, motel, B&B or Airbnb are often asked to accommodate extra guests in a room. In these cases, they usually have portable beds or mattresses they can pull out of a closet to sleep the extra guests. 

There are Several Different Types of Portable Mattresses

There are a number of different categories of portable mattresses based on their design, features and size. Once you know the differences you can better choose which type would most meet your needs. 

Inflatable Air Mattress

Inflatable air mattresses are the least expensive option on the market. They come in many different thicknesses, from a few inches up to 20+ inches. The best options are filled with air coils to evenly distribute the support and prevent sagging. 

They all need an air pump to inflate the mattress. The least expensive models will assume that you will use your own pump, whereas the more expensive ones will have a built-in pump. 

While inflatable air mattresses are not as comfortable as a standard bed, they can work out well on a temporary basis. 

Foldable

Some of the best portable mattresses are foldable, but they can be a bit pricey because they do tend to be more comfortable. Many users claim they are worth every penny, especially the ones made with memory foam. Foldable mattresses are usually divided into 2-3 small sections, which are connected by their covering. These connections are where they are folded. 

Foldable mattresses are more versatile than air mattresses because they’re easier to take along on camping trips or other travels. Some models can also double as an exercise mat. 

When choosing a foldable portable mattress, you’ll want to balance comfort with price. They’re usually lightweight, so can be stored easily. 

Rollaway

A rollaway bed is more than just a portable mattress because it also includes a foldable bed frame on wheels. Although this is a more cumbersome option, it is the most comfortable. They’re also heavier, less compact and a lot more expensive than other popular options. 

Rollaway beds usually come with their own mattress, which are often made of foam. It could be all memory foam or have a base made of latex foam with a layer of memory foam on top. 

Note: What’s missing in this section are the Futon-style portable mattresses that roll up. 

Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Portable Mattress

When trying to decide which would be the best portable mattress to meet your needs, you’ll have to consider a number of important factors, otherwise you could end up choosing the wrong one: 

Comfort

Comfort is matter of personal preference. Some people like their mattress to be soft and cushy while others prefer sleeping on a firm mattress. So, it’s totally up to you. 

Just so you know, more people prefer sleeping on a memory foam mattress rather than a latex foam mattress. Either one is likely to be more comfortable to sleep on than an inflatable air mattress.  

Folding or Roll-up

The main benefit of having a portable mattress is that it can be folded or rolled up, so that you can easily take it with you or store away in a closet. 

Folding mattresses usually have three separate sections with two folding spaces. Roll-up mattresses are just rolled up and usually come with clip-on fasteners that hold everything together.

Before buying, determine which system would work best for you in terms of set up and storage. 

Thickness

Most adults find a thicker mattress more comfortable. The best portable mattresses are made with a high-quality dense foam as a base with a generous layer of memory foam on top. This combination reduces the odds of a large adult sinking down to a hard floor below. 

Portable mattresses usually measure between 4” and 8” thick. Generally speaking, the thicker the mattress, the higher the quality and the more comfortable and long lasting it is. It’ll also cost more. 

If you plan on using your portable mattress on a regular basis, it makes sense to spend a little more on a thicker, more comfortable one. But if it’s just going to be used once in a while, a thinner mattress might be just fine. 

Support

Regarding the level of support the mattress would provide, consider your weight and whether you need reinforcement for your back and any pressure points. 

The importance of good support depends on how you intend to use the mattress. If you only need it for 2 or 3 nights, you can probably do with less support. But if you plan on using it for a longer period of time, it would be best to choose a mattress made of memory foam at the very least. 

Cover

Portable mattresses have a fabric cover designed to protect the mattress from moisture, dust, grime and other contaminants. However, not all mattresses have a good quality cover. You need to be careful here because some have covers that start tearing after very few uses. 

Therefore, it’s vital that you examine the specifications to ensure that the mattress you buy comes with a high-quality removable cover that not only protects the mattress but is also machine washable and dryable. 

Portability

Portable mattresses are by their very nature supposed to be easy to transport and store. But if you choose a large comfortable mattress it’s going to be heavier and a bit more difficult to move around.

A smaller, thinner mattress with less foam will weigh less and be a lot easier to take with you on trips. So, you’ll have to find a good balance between comfort and portability.  

If you’re mainly going to use this mattress for houseguests, a nice thick comfortable mattress would be great as long as you have room to store it. But, if you’re planning on taking it with you on camping and other trips, you’re probably going to want something more lightweight. 

Size

Portable mattresses and beds come in a full range of sizes, so you’ll need to consider where you plan on using this and the height and weight of the person using it. If you have a very small room, you’ll be using it in for houseguests, make sure you measure the space before buying. 

You can find portable mattresses in Crib size, Kids’, Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King and California King, depending on the brand. If you’re mainly going to use this when your friends are over watching movies with you, you’ll want at least a Queen size. But if it’s only going to be used by the occasional houseguest, a Twin or Twin XL should be fine. 

Durability

Long-lasting durability is a very important consideration in just about everything you buy, especially in a mattress. To determine whether the mattress you’re considering would be durable, look at the type of materials it’s made of. If you’re looking at rollaway beds, the ones with a steel frame would be more durable than those with aluminum frames. 

Another way of figuring out how durable a product might be, would be to check the warranty offered by the manufacturer. 

The most durable and long-lasting portable mattresses would have the longest warranty. If it comes with a 10-year warranty, it will likely last you a good 10 years. 

Mattress Material

Portable mattresses are made in a variety of different materials. You can find them made of memory foam, latex foam, polyester or other synthetic fibers, cotton and etc. 

If you plan on using it for adult houseguests that visit regularly, a portable mattress made of a combination of latex and memory foam would work well. If the mattress will primarily be used by children, a futon or hammock-style should be fine. 

Number of Folds

How many sections a portable mattress has is a matter of personal preference. Some even fold up to form a sofa. So, this is something you’ll want to seriously consider. If you think an extra sofa might be useful, a multipurpose foldable mattress may be the right choice. Keep in mind that the more folds your mattress has, the more compact it will be to store. 

Price 

Portable mattresses are not meant to be used on a continual basis, they’re for short-term temporary use, which is why we do not recommend spending a fortune. However, if you are always having overnight guests, the best portable mattress would likely be one made of thick high-quality foam. This will undoubtedly cost more than a thin lightweight cotton mattress.  

Care & Maintenance

In time your mattress is going to get dirty, so it’s essential that it have a cover that can be easily removed and tossed in the washing machine. The best portable mattresses come with removable zippered covers, which makes them easy to keep clean. 

Storage

You’re going to want your portable mattress to be easy to store. Inflatable air mattresses can be deflated and packed up into fairly small sizes, so they need very little storage space. They are also very lightweight and portable. 

Portable mattresses that either fold or roll up require more storage space, but they are certainly more comfortable. Rollaway beds are the bulkiest and therefore take up more space than other portable options, but they travel on wheels, which makes them easy to move around. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do You Recommend Buying a Portable Mattress?

If you need a portable bed, but have a limited budget, you will likely find what you need online. There are tons of new and used products for sale online. But make sure you are buying from someone you trust, someone reputable. Ask about the condition of the mattress and get photographs. 

You can always trust Amazon to have a wide selection of portable mattresses and beds, including foldable, roll-up, futons, inflatable, cots and rollaway options. You can also find any additional parts and equipment you may need, which might be carry bags, linens and/or bed frames. 

You can also try Walmart and Wayfair if you don’t find exactly what you want, because they are known for having a good selection of household items as well. 

Do Portable Mattresses Work Well for Long-term Use?

It would depend on the quality and model. Inflatable air mattresses are not as comfortable as other options because they don’t offer enough support. This could lead to back problems and/or poor sleep.

Rollaway beds and foldable options with latex and/or memory foam mattresses offer more comfort, but you can’t expect them to be as comfortable as a standard bed. So, no we do not recommend a portable bed or mattress for long-term use. 

Which Portable Mattress Provides the Most Comfort When Travelling?

It would depend on where you’re travelling. For an extended camping trip, we would recommend an inflatable air mattress. Sleeping on this would be a lot more comfortable than in your sleeping bag on the ground. Furthermore, being on a raised platform will protect you against insects and other nasty creatures. The best inflatable air mattresses are filled with air coils that help support your back. 

Other than an inflatable air mattress, you may also want to consider a lightweight foldable mattress made of foam with a hypoallergenic cover and carrying case with handles. Foam mattresses may not be a good option for a camping trip because they are not waterproof.

But, if you’re going to be using your portable mattress inside, a foldable foam mattress may be the perfect travel companion. 

Which Portable Mattress or Bed do You Consider the Most Comfortable?

Portable mattresses and beds are designed for temporary use only. However, this does necessarily mean you have to sacrifice comfort. 

If you are looking for the most portable option, that would be inflatable air beds. But they’re not the most comfortable. Foldable portable mattresses are more comfortable, especially if you can afford one made of memory foam. 

If you have chronic back pain, you’ll want a portable mattress or bed that provides good support. You can get this from an inflatable air bed with built-in air coils. This works especially well if you’re limited on space. You can also get good back support from a portable mattress made with a thick base foam and a thick layer of memory foam on top. These of course cost more. 

Conclusion

Portable mattresses and beds can be very useful under certain circumstances. If you live in a small studio apartment, it could provide the perfect sleeping solution. A foldable option can be easily stored away during the day so that you have more living space. Many can also be folded into a sofa, which would be very convenient under these circumstances. You can also take them out when you have an overnight guest and use them on camping trips. 

The brands and models we’ve chosen for our list of the Best Portable Mattresses of 2020 offer all the features and qualities that you would want in a good reliable portable mattress. So, when you start shopping this list would be a good place to start. 

You will also want to keep in mind all the points outlined in this article when determining which features are most important to you. Hopefully, we’ve given you enough information to help you make the right choice.