You may not always have the space for a full size mattress on a frame. This is where finding the best floor mattress can be handy because they not only give you a comfortable sleeping surface but they can also be packed away quickly when not in use.
We've created this guide to show you the best floor mattress so you can have a high quality sleep...or rather so you can guarantee you guests can have a cosy sleep!
Find the Best Floor Mattress
1. Milliard 15cm Thick Tri Folding Mattress
The Milliard Foam Tri-fold Mattress provides you with the means to get a lovely and comfortable nights sleep when you’re on the move or only have access to sleep on the floor. The mattress can simply be unfolded onto the floor and is also suitable for caravan, tents or anywhere that you need a sleeping surface.
Once you’ve finished using the mattress, it simply folds back up, and you can store it away. The mattress is made from 4.5 inches of medium-firm polyurethane foam with 1½ inch layer of spongy soft memory foam which provides excellent support for your body while also being soft enough to give a little sink to contour your joints and muscles.
There are no springs or bed frames to jab into your back. The foam is ventilated to allow airflow in and out and keep your temperature regulated throughout the night. The foam used in the mattress is CertiPUR certified and has been tested and confirmed to not use any dangerous chemicals in the production such as lead, mercury or heavy metals.
Even if you don’t plan on using this as a regular sleeping surface, it’s great to store away in case you have any last-minute overnight guests to your house.
2. Aonesy Floor Mattress
This isn’t strictly a floor mattress but can be used for a whole host of things both indoors and outdoors due to its high-quality construction.
The mattress has a waterproof corduroy sheet that’s also removable and washing machine friendly and also repels the threat of dust mites and other bacteria from getting to the mattress. The bottom of the mattress is also non-slip, which means it’s suitable for the hard floor as well as carpet.
The mattress is made using high-density foam which gives you support all through the night and brings added relaxation, so you wake in the morning feeling more refreshed and rested. The foam used in the mattress is tested and safe for all people and is easy to roll up and transport as it only weighs 12lb.
Also included is a free travel bag to make transportation even easier, especially if you plan to also use it outdoors. This mattress is very supportive, and you won’t feel yourself sinking into the material.
Due to being made from memory foam, it’s highly responsive, so when you’ve finished sleeping on it, the mattress will return to its original shape.
3. Beautissu Folding Mattress
The Beautissu folding mattress provides a quick way to create a sleeping surface in the comfort of your own home or when you’re away from home. The mattress can be folded and stored away when not in use and measures 120x195cm when folded out.
You have the choice of 3 sizes in several colours, and it’s lightweight design means you can easily transport it, especially due to its tri-folding design. The mattress is made using high-quality medium-hard foam that contours to the shape of your body to give you a comfortable nights sleep.
The mattress comes with a removable cover that can be machine washed. If you tend to sleep hot, then this mattress is ideal because it’s well ventilated which allows airs to flow in and out of the material, so you don’t overheat while you sleep.
This isn’t just great for home use but also outdoors if you’re a regular camper but don’t want to be restricted to only using a sleeping bag. The mattress folds into the included carry bag that also has a handle which makes it easy to transport.
4. LoveHouse Sleeping Tatami Floor Matress
The Tatami floor mattress is made using polyester fibre and has a comfortable thickness of 6-8cm, which provides enough to give you a great nights sleep. The mattress is soft and fluffy, but the quilting is also high quality to ensure that it doesn’t bunch or create any cold spots.
The mattress is foldable, so once you’ve finished using it for the night, you can store it away from view. This also makes it great if you need to travel with it if you’re going camping. It’s easy to care for which makes it long-lasting while also being durable, so you don’t need to keep replacing this frequently.
The mattress comes in several sizes and colours, so you have lots of choices depending on your personal preferences. Also included is a dust cover which helps to not only protect your mattress from bacteria and dust mites but this leads to it lasting longer.
This is a good alternative if you don’t find memory foam floor mattresses comfortable as this is a softer alternative.
Floor Mattress Buying Guide
Mattress Weight
Folding mattresses are generally lightweight because they need to be easy to move around and store away when not in use. They’re also made of light material such as foam or polyester, so it’s important to consider the material that your chosen floor mattress is made from.
Portable
Ideally, you should choose a floor mattress that can fold away, which then makes it easier to move into position. If it comes with a carry case, then this is even better as you then have a simpler way of carrying it. It also means that you can store it away in a cupboard when it’s not in use.
Budget
If compared to a full-size mattress then floor mattresses are considerably cheaper, but you should always have a budget in mind because like with any type of product, they’ll be expensive and cheap options. Having a budget will make the purchasing decision easier as it will instantly reduce the number of options to choose from.
Removable Covers
You should see whether your chosen floor mattress comes with removable covers because you can’t put most mattresses into the washing machine even if they fold up. So you’ll need to protect it using a mattress cover which will also prolong its life, so you don’t need to replace it as often, so you save money in the long run.
Benefits of Having Your Mattress on the Floor
Modern mattresses can usually be placed directly on the floor without the need of a frame or any other support structure. A common question is asked about the benefits and drawbacks of doing this.
Sleeping on the floor isn’t a new concept, but it’s often argued about whether a bed frame is necessary for a good nights sleep.
We’ll highlight the main pros and cons of sleeping on your mattress when it’s on the floor so you can make a more informed decision.
Better for the Human Body
Bed frames are naturally firm and stable, so when we sleep without these structures, it allows your body to align correctly which relieves pressure throughout the night. It is incredibly vital for vulnerable pressure points along the spine.
This natural position can be maintained without any added cushioning or support as long as you choose the right mattress.
This will leave you feeling refreshed in the morning and also allows for blood to circulate freely around your body ensuring that your tissues receive optimal nutrients throughout the night.
Can Be More Natural
As a species, humans have been sleeping on the floor, and it’s only in modern times that we have converted to sleeping on beds. In fact, in some countries such as China, Japan and Korea it’s still common to sleep with a mattress directly on the floor.
However, the majority of the western world has decided to choose unsupportive soft mattresses that lead to joint and health problems over time.
It’s essential that if you decide to put your mattress on the floor that you want a supportive mattress because over time a poor mattress will begin to dip and sap which can cause your body to misalign.
It’s similar to if you sit in a chair with the wrong posture, over time this can turn into chronic issues.
Stay Cooler on the Floor
Sleeping close to the floor means you'll experience cooler air throughout the night which will help to regulate your body temperature because air can circulate more effectively. Overheating is a common culprit of sleep disturbance and can leave you feeling tired in the morning.
Colder air will not only reduce the amount that you sweat but also promote more effective blood flow. So if you have a tendency to overheat throughout the night, sleeping with your mattress on the floor could be the solution for you.
READ NOW: Stay cool with the Best Silent Cooling Fans - Perfect For Any Bedroom
Save Money
Any form of foundation or base will cost you money to purchase, and even the cheapest options can cost upwards of £100, so it can be a significant saving. Sleeping on the floor will allow you to avoid these upfront costs.
You shouldn’t decide to sleep with your mattress on the floor just for this reason, but it's an additional benefit.
Can Reduce Stiffness
If you’re regularly waking up with a slight stiffness in your joints then sleeping on the floor can address this. It's not uncommon that you don’t even realise you’re waking up with this stiffness because you’ve just gotten used to it.
This stiffness often develops you sleep in an unnatural hunched over position when you sleep, similar to if you slouch in a chair for too long. This leads to muscle tightness so in the morning you feel less rested.
Sleeping with your mattress on the floor can feel strange for the first few nights, but you will need to give your body a bit of time to adapt to its new sleeping surroundings.
Once your body has adapted, and your muscles have loosened, then you'll begin to feel the effects when you take up in the morning feeling considerably better.
Improved Blood Circulation
One of the best reasons to stop sleeping on your bed frame is that it helps to improve the blood flow around your body.
Sleeping is an essential function for your body as it allows your muscles and vital organs to rest and recover. Blood circulation supplies the body the necessary nutrients to enable this recovery.
It is the main reason why people who sleep with their mattress on the floor feel more rested when they wake. This improvement in circulation can help people who suffer from abnormal spine curvatures as this can relieve joint pain.
Negatives of Having a Floor Mattress
Can Be Harder To Get Out Of Bed
An important issue that comes with sleeping with your mattress on the floor is that it can be considerably harder to get out of bed. In the morning, you can often be tired and uncoordinated, so this can make it hard to pull yourself onto your feet from such a low height.
From the height of a traditional bed, this is much easier, and even for other tasks that you regularly do on your bed including getting dressed, sitting and putting your shoes on. This is something to consider if you have mobility issues.
More Dust
One distinct disadvantage of sleeping directly on the floor is that you are in closer contact with dust that gathers on the floor. To lessen the effect, you will need to clean regularly to prevent allergic reactions as well as other respiratory issues.
If you aren't the most regular cleaner, then this can cause severe issues in the long term, especially when you consider how many hours you’ll spend in bed each night being exposed to dust and allergies.
Insects and Bugs
If your mattress is directly on the floor, then this gives easier access for bugs and insects that can easily crawl onto the surface. This would be much harder if the mattress was on a frame or support structure.
If bugs and insects get into the mattress, in the worst case scenario this can lead to infestations which will then need a deep, thorough cleaning. However, this can also completely ruin the mattress.
Can Cause Mould
If you live in an environment which has higher humidity or levels of moisture then sleeping with your mattress directly on the floor can lead to moisture accumulating on the underside of your mattress.
If this goes untreated, then this can lead to mould developing which can then negatively affect your health including your breathing. Allowing mould to grow on your mattress will often cause your warranty to be voided.
This can be made worse if you place your mattress on a hardwood floor as it may already contain mould which can then spread into your mattress.
Uncomfortable for Side Sleepers
If you sleep on your side, then it may be hard to adapt to sleeping directly on the floor.
This is because there is a higher level of pressure between the mattress and the floor which can cause pain up the side of your body including the shoulders and hips. This makes it more ideal if you sleep on your back or front.
Mattress Care Tips
There are some simple cleaning tips that you can incorporate into your weekly routine to help keep your mattress in top condition:
1. Use bleach to clean any hardwood floor that your mattress is placed on, which will help to kill any dangerous bacteria present
2. If you have carpet then before placing the mattress on the carpet ensure that you give it a thorough clean. You also need to make sure that it's thoroughly dry because if it's damp, then this is an ideal environment for the development of mould.
3. Repair any cracks that appear on the floor which is more likely to happen if you have a hardwood floor. Cracks in the floor are ideal for bugs to accumulate which can then lead to them finding a way into your mattress.
4. Keep the room well ventilated as this will allow fresh air to circulate through the mattress to get rid of any unwanted smells. It will also help to keep the mattress and the floor dry.
5. Regularly lift your mattress to allow air to circulate through the bottom. This will help to lower the amount of mould build up on the underside on the mattress.
6. Before you place your mattress down, you should put a thin piece of material, usually cardboard, in between the floor and the mattress. Not only does this added another dirt protection layer but can also bring insulation benefits.
7. To reduce the build-up of body sweat and bacteria, throughout the hotter summer months you should use a fan to regulate your temperature which will also make it easier for you to sleep.
8. It’s essential to check the terms of your mattress warranty because some manufacturers do not allow mattresses that are placed directly on the floor to be included in their warranty program.
This can potentially void the warranty meaning that you have no support from the manufacturer if a fault develops.
Verdict - Finding the Best Floor Mattress
It’s your choice if you want to try sleeping with your mattress on the floor because all that matters is that you’re comfortable. As you can see, there are positives and negatives, but the main thing is to keep the surrounding area clean.
Finding the best floor mattress can be perfect for guests or if your kids are having friends around for a sleep over.