Folding Mattress for Guests: Height, Material, Cover and Storage
A checklist for anyone looking for a guest bed that can be stored away again after the visit.
When is a folding mattress worthwhile?
A folding mattress is worthwhile if you only occasionally have overnight guests and the guest bed should take up as little space as possible for the rest of the year. What to look for: height, width and length, type of foam, cover and folded size.
Unlike a guest bed with a fixed frame, a folding mattress usually consists of three parts that fold into a flat package. You lay it on the floor or on an existing base, and after the visit it goes back in the cupboard.
This is mainly useful in small flats or when guests stay only one or two nights. If you regularly have visitors for several weeks, you should rather consider a permanent guest mattress.
Height: 10 or 15 cm?
The height determines how far you are from the floor when lying down and how much foam lies between body and floor. Folding mattresses often come in heights of around 10 to 15 cm. The higher, the more foam volume, but also the larger and heavier the folded package.
Our memory foam folding mattress is 15 cm high. That puts it at the upper end of the range mentioned above. In return, the folded package is correspondingly larger.
Some rules of thumb:
- Getting up: a higher sleeping surface can make getting up easier for some guests.
- Little storage space: measure the space in the cupboard or storeroom before buying.
- Base: the base affects how the mattress feels. Lay the mattress on a level, dry surface.
Dimensions: judging width and length correctly
Check not only the height but also width and length. Our folding mattress measures 195 × 75 cm. That is a classic single size, and a narrow one: if you are used to plenty of room to move, 75 cm may feel tight.
Guests taller than about 1.85 m should work out whether their feet still lie on the mattress at 195 cm length. If in doubt, this can quickly be checked beforehand with a tape measure.
Folded, the mattress measures 75 × 65 × 45 cm. That is not pocket size, so plan a fixed place, for example in the wardrobe or behind the door.
Foam and cover
The core of our folding mattress is made of memory foam. Memory foam gives way under body heat and pressure and moulds around the surface it supports. For some this feels softer and more enveloping, others find it too yielding; that is a matter of taste. We do not state a firmness grade or density for this model, so when comparing with other sellers, only compare details that are actually stated.
According to the product page, the cover is made of micro plush and is described there as waterproof. It can be removed via a zip. For care: follow the care label. You do not wash the foam core itself; it should only be aired.
If the mattress arrives vacuum-packed, please do not open the bag with a knife or scissors (manufacturer's note). After unpacking it needs 24 to 48 hours to unfold fully. More on this on the page New mattress: off-gassing and airing.
Folding mattress, air mattress or roll-up mattress?
All three types of guest bed have their strengths:
| Folding mattress | Air mattress | Roll-up mattress | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Set-up | Unfold, done | Needs inflating | Unroll, wait for it to unfold |
| Sleeping height | Depends on model, 15 cm in our case | Depends on model, often higher | Depends on model |
| Storage | Flat package | Usually smaller to store | Rolled, but bulky |
| Material | Foam | Air in a plastic shell | Foam |
A folding mattress needs no pump and no electricity. An air mattress, on the other hand, can usually be stored smaller. A detailed comparison is in the guide Air mattress or folding mattress.
Tips for everyday guest use
A few simple steps make the stay more pleasant:
- Put a fitted sheet or a protector on the folding mattress to keep the cover clean.
- Air the mattress briefly after the visit before folding it up.
- Try the mattress yourself once before the first visit so you know how it feels.
- Store it dry, not next to a radiator or in damp cellar rooms.
To be honest: if you use the guest bed often or for many nights, a regular mattress on a slatted frame is generally the better choice than a folding mattress. On the other hand, the folding mattress is easy to set up.
Frequently asked questions
How thick should a folding mattress for guests be?
There is no fixed guideline. Around 10 to 15 cm is common. The higher the mattress, the more foam lies under the guest, but the larger the folded package becomes. Our folding mattress is 15 cm high and folds to 75 × 65 × 45 cm.
How wide is a folding mattress usually?
Many folding mattresses are single bed size. Ours measures 195 × 75 cm. Before buying, check whether this width is enough for your guest, and re-measure the space in the room if needed. If you like plenty of room to turn, you may find 75 cm narrow.
Can I wash the cover of a folding mattress?
On our folding mattress the cover is removable and has a zip. When washing, follow the care label in the cover. You do not wash the foam core; you can air it. A fitted sheet or protector helps keep the cover clean.
How long does a folding mattress need after unpacking?
Allow 24 to 48 hours for the foam to unfold fully (manufacturer's indication). Freshly unpacked foam can also have a new smell, which usually fades with airing. So put the mattress in a well-ventilated room before the first guest arrives.
Is a folding mattress suitable for permanent use?
Folding mattresses are generally intended as a guest bed for occasional nights. For daily use, a regular mattress on a slatted frame is usually the more suitable choice. For guidance on height and size, see our guides on mattress height and mattress sizes.