A Queen Murphy bed saves space in small homes, guest rooms, and studio apartments.
But some people may think that Murphy wall beds are far less comfortable than traditional beds.
The truth is, a Murphy bed can be comfortable with the right Murphy bed mattress, frame setup, and a few upgrades here and there.
Follow these tips to turn your Queen Murphy bed into a heavenly sleeping space, whether you’re updating a current one or buying a new bed!
1. Choose the Right Mattress
Not every standard mattress is suitable for a Murphy bed.
Getting the right one is the most essential step to achieving your preferred comfort with Queen Murphy beds.
Here’s what you need to look for:
Mattress Thickness:
Most Murphy beds can accommodate mattresses 10-12 inches thick. However, using a thicker mattress that won’t fold properly may damage your wall unit.
Weight Considerations:
The Murphy bed frame has to support the mattress’s weight without risking its functionality and safety.
Your best options include:
Memory foam mattresses:
They’re flexible and can hold their shape when stored vertically.
Gel-infused memory foam:
It offers cooling comfort and excellent heat dissipation, which is perfect for hot sleepers.
Hybrid mattresses:
These combine individually pocketed coils with foam for an even sleeping surface and excellent pressure relief.
It’s like getting the best of both worlds—the contour of traditional memory foam and the extra support of springs.
2. Prioritize Comfort With High-Quality Foam
A regular mattress can be frightening to sleep on when you’re using a Murphy bed.
Don’t settle for a cheaper mattress if you need excellent body support. Consider the following:
- A high-density foam is more durable and provides better support.
- A gel-infused memory foam keeps a cooler sleep environment.
- Latex mattress regulates natural temperature and gives off the bounce you want.
- Stomach sleepers need a mattress with a medium-firm feel to achieve spinal alignment.
- Side sleepers need a supportive mattress for pressure relief on their shoulders and hips.
- Lightweight sleepers need a softer mattress to sleep comfortably without sinking.
3. Add a Mattress Topper for Extra Support
If your Murphy bed mattress is too thin or firm, a topper can significantly improve the sleeping surface.
Cooling gel foam toppers for hot sleepers make a good addition to a restful night’s sleep.
You can also use egg crate foam for added softness or latex foam for durability.
A mattress topper can often make a thinner mattress feel thicker. You can use it without replacing your current mattress.
4. Choose Breathable Bedding Materials
Even if you have the best mattress, stuffy sheets ruin your sleep.
Use bedding made of lightweight and breathable materials, like cotton or bamboo, for extra comfort and moisture-wicking properties.
Avoid using heavy comforters that trap your body heat if you want to sleep undisturbed all throughout the night.
5. Purchase a Reinforced Murphy Bed Frame
A wobbly bed frame can make even your new mattress feel uncomfortable. It should have:
- Reinforced edges that prevent sagging
- Sturdy center supports for better and fuller mattress support
- An easy-to-use folding mechanism that doesn’t put much weight on the bed’s surface
You can get bed frames with optional slat support or box spring alternatives for additional cushioning.
6. Avoid Air Mattresses for Long-Term Use
An air mattress may seem like a flexible option, but it isn’t ideal for a Murphy bed.
It doesn’t offer good edge support and spinal alignment, and doesn’t contour to the bed’s surface.
Using an air mattress occasionally can be ideal, but it’s not the best long-term solution for a Murphy bed.
Get a new hybrid mattress if you’re having restless nights or dealing with hip pain to improve your sleep quality by miles.
7. Let the Mattress Breathe
The mattress for your Murphy bed may be partially enclosed or compressed every time you close the bed. It needs to be fresh so you can sleep comfortably.
Here’s how to keep the mattress fresh:
Air Out the Mattress
Open the bed at least once a week and wait a few hours to maintain a clean sleeping surface.
Murphy beds can trap moisture when closed. This may lead to mold and mildew buildup and musty odors, especially if the Murphy bed mattress is made of memory foam.
Use a Breathable Mattress Protector
A breathable, high-quality mattress protector guards your mattress from dust and moisture.
It’s easy to clean and lets air circulate while protecting your mattress from spills, allergens, and sweat.
Rotate the Mattress Regularly
To preserve the bed’s structure, rotate the mattress 180 degrees every three to six months.
Repeated pressure from sleeping in the same area can cause uneven sagging and reduce support.
Regular rotation balances the wear across the bed’s surface so you can extend the mattress’s life by years.
Final Words
Creating a perfect Murphy bed experience means choosing the right mattress, understanding your needs as a sleeper, and making important upgrades to your queen Murphy bed.
You can sleep more comfortably and make every night count.