What Size Mattress Fits a Murphy Bed?
One of the most common questions people ask before buying a Murphy bed kit is: what size mattress can I use? It's a great question — and the answer is more flexible than most people expect. Here's everything you need to know about choosing the right mattress for your Murphy bed.
Standard Murphy Bed Mattress Sizes
Murphy beds are typically designed around standard mattress sizes. The most popular options are:
• Single (NZ/AU: 92 x 188cm)
• King Single (NZ/AU: 107 x 203cm)
• Double (NZ/AU: 138 x 188cm)
• Queen (NZ/AU: 153 x 203cm)
Easy Fold Murphy Bed kits are available in both vertical (portrait) and horizontal (landscape) orientations, and in multiple sizes, so you can choose what best suits your room layout and your sleeping needs.
What Mattress Thickness Is Recommended?
Mattress thickness is important for Murphy beds. The mechanism and cabinet are designed to accommodate a mattress up to a certain depth. For most Easy Fold kits, we recommend a mattress no thicker than 32cm.
Thinner mattresses (15–25cm) tend to work best. High-profile pillow-top mattresses or very thick memory foam mattresses may make it harder to close the bed properly and can put unnecessary strain on the mechanism over time.
What Type of Mattress Works Best?
The best mattress types for a Murphy bed are:
Foam mattresses: Lightweight, flexible, and easy to fold. Foam mattresses (including memory foam) up to 25cm thick are ideal. Brands like Ecosa are a popular and affordable option in New Zealand and Australia.
Innerspring mattresses: Can work well but tend to be heavier, which adds load on the mechanism. Choose a lighter spring mattress where possible.
Pocket spring mattresses: Similar to innerspring — fine to use as long as thickness and weight are within range.
Avoid: Extra-thick hybrid mattresses, very heavy orthopaedic mattresses, or waterbeds (not suitable at all).
Where to Buy an Affordable Mattress in NZ and Australia
If you're looking for a budget-friendly mattress to pair with your Murphy bed, there are a few good options:
• The Warehouse (NZ) — often has foam mattresses under $300
• Trade Depot (NZ) — competitive pricing on foam and spring mattresses
• Ecosa — well-regarded foam mattresses, good value for money and not excessively heavy
• Harvey Norman (AU/NZ) — regular sales on a wide range
Always check the weight and thickness specifications before purchasing. When in doubt, go lighter and thinner — your mechanism will thank you.
Does the Mattress Stay on When the Bed Is Raised?
Yes. Murphy bed kits are designed so the mattress is held in place by a combination of straps and the snug fit of the cabinet. When you fold the bed up, the mattress stays securely inside. There's no risk of the mattress sliding out.
Just make sure you don't overload the bed with heavy pillows or thick duvets before closing — it's best to remove bedding before folding if possible.