A small house and a lot of guests will inevitably lead you to ask people to sleep on the floor. The last thing you want to do is offer them a thin, uncomfortable floor mattress to sleep on.
As someone with a small house and a large extended family, I have run into this situation more times than I can count. In my desperate search for a comfortable floor mattress that my guests won’t mind spending their nights on, I have found a lot of products that don’t meet expectations.
But I’ve also found seven of the best floor mattresses out there. One is so comfortable that I sometimes use it just to get away from my spouse’s snoring.
Whether you are looking for a budget floor mattress that will work in a pinch or a portable bed perfect for trips away from home, I’ve got a product that you and your guests are going to love.
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Our Top Pick
Best Overall Floor Mattress
Milliard 6-Inch Memory Foam Tri Folding Mattress
- 6 inches thick with memory foam for comfort and support
- Easy to fold and store when not in use
- Durable enough for night-after-night use
This Memory Foam Tri Folding Mattress from Milliard is one of the thickest options, but you can still fold it for easy storage. Moreover, six inches of firm yet conforming memory foam means no ground contact, even for those who weigh more or have especially boney hips.
This floor mattress is so comfortable you may have trouble getting your guests out of your house.
The Best Floor Mattress Reviews
Best Overall Floor Mattress
Milliard 6-Inch Memory Foam Tri Folding Mattress
Key Specifications
- 6 inches thick
- Tri-folding for easy storage
- Available in four sizes
The best overall floor mattress should be comfortable, easy to store, durable, and not hard on the wallet. The Milliard 6-Inch Memory Foam Tri Folding Mattress checked all these boxes while offering extra features that other contenders couldn’t touch.
This mattress is THICK. Thickness is essential when you plan to lay the mattress straight on the floor. And even more critical if you want to use it while camping. But keeping you off the ground is only one piece of the comfort puzzle. The mattress also needs to be firm enough to support and soft enough to cradle.
With thicker memory foam than any other product we found, this mattress accomplishes both. Even if you are on the heavier side, this mattress offers enough support to hold you off the ground. Don’t worry. It’s still soft enough to cradle pointy hips and shoulders for those on the thinner side.
Multiple users report preferring this mattress to their traditional innerspring. Because of this, it often seems more consistent use than a floor mattress normally would. But even in these cases, the Milliard holds up well and does not lose any support over time.
You do trade in some storability for all this comfort, however. Because the mattress is so thick, it doesn’t fold up into as tight a package as other options on this list. But the tri-fold action does still allow for quick pick up and easy storage in the back of a closet.
If storability is a big factor for you, we recommend the cot size. The Milliard is also available in twin XL, full, and queen. While each size is advertised as being washable, removing the cover is not advised. The inner fire-resistant layer contains fiberglass particles that will get everywhere. Instead, we recommend always using a fitted sheet to protect the mattress from stains.
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Pros
- Extra thick
- Very durable
- Well priced
- Soft cover
Cons
- Not as compact
- Gaps form around folds on slick surfaces
- Removing the cover is not advisable
Best Budget Floor Mattress
Best Price Mattress 4 Inch Trifold Memory Foam Topper
Key Specifications
- Available in nine sizes
- High-density foam base for support without the added thickness
- Memory foam or cooling gel types available
If you are searching for a floor mattress on a tight budget, you will always be balancing comfort with the price. The Best Price Mattress 4 Inch Trifold, more than any other budget mattress we looked at, gives you superior comfort at a surprisingly low price, especially for their larger sizes.
This floor mattress isn’t as thick as our top choice, but this is actually a bonus if storability is a concern. And it still offers a good deal of comfort thanks to the high-density foam base. This bottom layer will keep your hips and shoulders from touching the ground, despite the mattress only being about 4 inches thick.
On top of this base layer, you get the choice of standard memory foam or slightly thinner cooling gel memory foam. If you like a firm mattress, the cooling gel option is excellent and has the added benefit of keeping you from overheating while you sleep. If you are more of a soft-mattress type, the extra half-inch of standard memory foam makes a big difference in overall comfort.
Like all tri-folds, this mattress folds up quickly for easy storage. The extra small size is especially nice for small apartments with little storage or floor space. On the other end of the size spectrum, the California king is an excellent choice for family campouts.
The folds on this mattress do not gap like similar models, which adds to the comfort. But that doesn’t mean you should expect the experience of an innerspring. For what it is—an affordable, thin mattress—it is very effective. If you need something with more support or something you can use long-term, you’ll have to up your budget.
Pros
- Thin for easier storage
- Multiple options
- Affordable
Cons
- Spot clean only
- Not supportive enough for long-term use
- Some users report a strong odor upon opening
Best Floor Mattress For Children
Maxyoko Dinosaur Japanese Floor Futon Mattress
Key Specifications
- Multiple fun patterns to choose from
- Three different sizes available
- Comes with a dust cover and storage bag
The least critical patrons to use your floor mattress will always be kids. Youngsters just don’t require the same degree of support that adults do. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look a little harder to find a floor mattress that will appeal to these tiny guests. The Maxyoko Dinosaur Japanese Floor Futon Mattress is a fun, storable, and comfortable option that kids will absolutely love.
This traditional Japanese floor mattress is colorful and appealing to younger users. The dinosaur pattern is our favorite, but this option is also available in constellation, space adventure, and star patterns. Each comes with a matching dust cover that is easy to wash and a carrying bag that compresses the mattress for easy storage.
The Maxyoko also works well for toddlers who are still learning how to stay put while they sleep. It doesn’t come with oversized bed rails like a toddler-specific mattress, but the sides are defined by wide perpendicular sections that help keep kids in place. And, unlike a toddler mattress, you can use this one well into their elementary years.
This mattress includes cotton layers on the top and bottom with about 2 inches of memory foam between them. It is enough for young kids to feel comfortable, especially if it is set on a soft carpet. But it is not overly thick, so heavier or older children may find that it does not give enough support.
Pros
- Colorful designs
- Washable cover
- Packs up small
Cons
- Difficult to get in the storage bag
- Not overly supportive
- Not great for use on hard or uneven ground
Best Floor Mattress For Travel
Better Habitat CertiPUR-US SleepReady Memory Foam Floor & Camping Mattress
Key Specifications
- Rolls up for compact storage
- No pump needed, and will not deflate overnight
- Available in two sizes
The optimal floor mattress for traveling provides ample support but can also break down for easy packing. Of all the travel-capable mattresses we looked at, the Better Habitat SleepReady Mattress offered the most comfort and ease of use while also being easy to store.
Blow-up mattresses are often the go-to for camping and travel. But they require electricity (or a handheld pump) to blow up. Even if you do have the time and means to blow up one of these mattresses, you often wake up on a saggy, uncomfortable bed. This travel mattress is different.
Instead of using a pump, the Better Habitat simply rolls out. The thick 3-inches of memory foam holds its shape during storage and continues to support you throughout the night. Even on less than even ground inside your tent, this mattress is thick enough to help you get a restful night’s sleep.
It will take up a bit more room than a blow-up mattress of the same size, but a little extra packing space is worth it for a mattress that is so easy to set up. Plus, with this product, you get the benefit of near odorless, non-toxic Certi-PUR-US materials.
This mattress comes in two sizes: twin and single. Neither are going to be small or light enough for carrying long distances or for traveling by plane. But either would be perfect for car camping and visiting relatives. Thanks to a water-resistant base cover and waterproof sheet, you can expect this pad to last wherever you use it.
Pros
- Takes seconds to set up
- Highly supportive core
- Water-resistant material
- Comes with a carrying bag
Cons
- Not the most compact mattress
- Not optimal for side sleepers
- Even larger size is fairly narrow
Best Japanese Floor Mattress
Trule Hogue 4″ Cotton Futon Japanese Mattress
Key Specifications
- Available in 14 colors
- Comes in three sizes
- Includes storage bag and washable dust cover
A Japanese floor mattress is an excellent option for more permanent floor sleeping setups. These mattresses don’t fold down as compactly as others for storage but do offer a great night’s sleep at ground level. The Trule Hogue 4” Cotton Futon is our top pick for this category because of all the color and size options available, the non-bunching stuffing, and the durable workmanship.
It is easy to match your home decor with this Japanese mattress. It comes in 14 solid colors, from gray to vibrant magenta. Since the size and compactability of these types of mattresses make storing them out of sight difficult, what they look like is an important feature to consider.
In terms of sleeping and lounging comfort, this mattress scores high. A center layer of memory foam helps it hold its shape without bunching while offering more support. The cotton layer on each side gives you the feeling of napping on a cloud. If you like being cradled in plush blankets while you sleep, you will love this mattress.
Each Trule Hogue mattress comes with a matching, washable dust cover and storage bag. It will arrive vacuum-sealed and requires some time to fluff back up after shipping. It is not the thickest mattress on our list, but you cannot go wrong with this option if you prefer Japanese futons.
Pros
- Multiple options
- Supportive memory foam and cotton
- Even stuffing and durable quilting
Cons
- May be too thin for side sleepers
- Not easy to store
- Takes time to expand after shipping
Best Convertible Floor Mattress
Best Choice Products Folding Portable Mattress
Key Specifications
- Can be used as a lounger, seating, couch, or bed
- Removable cover
- Easy-carry handles and convenient storage bag
- Available in three sizes
All floor mattresses provide a great extra space for lounging around. But if you are looking for one that can provide even more, you need a convertible floor mattress. These products fold into multiple positions so you can use them as sitting areas and couches in addition to beds. If you want the best convertible floor mattress, we recommend the Best Choice Products Folding Portable Mattress.
This mattress is highly convertible. It can fold into a bed with or without a raised area for your head. It also transforms into a couch or a bench for lounging. And when you are all done with it, it can be completely folded up and placed back in the included bag for easy storage.
Not only does this product offer more use options than others in this category, but it comes with a fully removable, easy-wash cover. You can even throw it in the dryer! It is an essential feature for a convertible mattress that might be used around the kitchen table or brought along on a camping trip.
The 4-inch thick Best Choice Products mattress is made of durable foam that provides good support without feeling as firm as others. For the average person, this will be plenty for short-term and occasional use. But for long-term use and for those that like a lot of padding, we would go with a thicker option.
But if what you are after is a reliable, storable mattress that performs many additional tricks, you can’t go wrong with this one. And it is available in twin, full, and queen sizes to better fit your needs.
Pros
- Multiple uses
- Washable
- Supportive but not overly firm
Cons
- Too thin for extended use
- Couch position isn’t as large as advertised
- Needs to be off-gased before first use
Best Blow Up Floor Mattress
SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress
Key Specifications
- Built-in pump for easy blow-up
- Available in four sizes
- Extra height to make getting on and off easier
Foam floor mattresses are great if you are looking for easy setup and takedown, but they will never be able to get you far enough off the ground to make you feel like you are sleeping in a real bed. For this situation, having blow-up mattresses outperforms other floor mattress types. And the SoundAsleep Dream Series mattress will get you higher off the ground with less work than most.
This very well-priced air mattress blows up to an impressive 18 inches high. This added height makes it easier to get in and out of bed. It is an especially great option for older guests. Plus, the extra height keeps the user farther away from creepy crawlers that call the ground home.
The mattress includes a built-in pump that quickly inflates and deflates the bed. It is pretty loud and makes a distinct high-pitched sound while in operation. But it still beats using a manual pump or having to pull out a different product to get the bed ready.
If what you need is a durable mattress for consistent use or to take camping, you are better off with a higher-priced item. With repeated use and strain, this one will develop leaks. But as an occasional-use mattress for guests, this air bed is great. It deflates and folds up into a compact square that can be stored just about anywhere and comes with a very agreeable price tag.
Pros
- Well-priced
- Compact for storage
- Won’t deflate overnight
- Non-slip surface and base
Cons
- Not durable enough for hard use
- Heavy odor at first
- 1-year warranty does not cover leaks after first use
What We Look for
Floor mattresses aren’t just regular mattresses that you put on the floor. These specialty products have several features that make them especially useful as occasional use items that get the job done when needed and store away when not.
When we reviewed the top floor mattresses for each category, we took all of these features into account to find the best.
Support and Stability
Even if you are just sleeping on a mattress for a night, you need it to be supportive and stable enough to offer a good night’s sleep. These are the most basic measurements of any mattress and just as crucial for storable types.
We looked for floor mattresses that offered enough firm support to keep you off the ground without being too firm to allow a comfortable night’s sleep. Our top mattresses also needed to demonstrate stability, especially around the edges. Many floor mattresses are undersized, which means the edges need to be even more supportive than traditional mattresses so that every inch of the surface is usable.
Motion Transfer
For larger floor mattresses, meaning those meant to sleep more than one person, motion transfer is another huge feature that can determine how comfortable a bed is. Most traditional floor mattresses are made with dense foam bases and memory foam tops. These materials are well known for motion capture and are great for multi-person sleeping pads.
Blow-up mattresses are much more likely to suffer from motion transfer issues. Those that incorporate multi-chamber and internal air coils are more stable than those without these internal separators. Whatever the material used, we paid particular attention to motion capture for any mattress large enough to sleep more than one person.
Materials and Manufacture Quality
Whether a mattress utilized foam, cotton, or plastics, we spent time analyzing the quality of everything that went into it. We looked for materials that added comfort and stability without putting off VOCs and were especially interested in those with certifications for purity.
Even with the best materials, a mattress is only as good as the quality of the manufacture. Durability, life expectancy, and warranty length were all major considerations in picking our top choices.
Storage and Portability
The brilliance of a floor mattress is that you can store it away when not in use. Some products fold, some roll, and some deflate. How compact a mattress is when packed away is often at odds with how comfortable it is while in use. We looked for a balance between these features. We scored lightweight, easily storable, and comfortable mattresses the highest.
Overall Comfort
Whether small and portable or large and deflatable, the most defining quality of a mattress is its comfort level. In our categories above, certain features, such as the price tag, the design, or the convertibility, were taken into more significant consideration than other factors when looking for our top choices. But one feature that was never put second was comfort. Whether you or your guests are using your floor mattress, it must, above all, offer a comfortable night’s sleep.
The Wrap Up
The Milliard 6-Inch Memory Foam Tri Folding Mattress takes the cake when it comes to the overall best floor mattress. This mattress is thicker and more supportive than any other foam mattress you will find. And the tri-fold action makes setup and takedown quick and straightforward. Your guests will love this mattress, and we are sure you’ll find plenty of opportunities to use it yourself.
If it is a kids’ mattress you are shopping for, save a little money and get something extra-fun with the Maxyoko Dinosaur Japanese Floor Futon. Or, if what you need is easy to travel with or use in the tent or RV, the Better Habitat SleepReady offers a great night’s sleep in a compact, transportable package.
