Written by Nicole Gleichmann, Content Writer
Floor mattresses are as versatile as they are comfortable. Some people use a normal mattress on the floor instead of one on a frame, for a minimalist feel. Others ditch their traditional mattress for a thin floor mattress in the hopes of relieving back pain. And then there are the more common uses of a floor mattress, such as welcoming guests or going camping.
We’ve selected the best floor mattresses for a variety of uses to help you find what you’re looking for. You can also read our buyer’s guide for advice on how to choose the best floor mattress for you.
Best Floor Mattresses: Our Top Picks
- Helix Midnight Luxe – Best Cooling Floor Mattress
- Tuft & Needle – Best Floor Mattress for Back Pain
- The WinkBed – Best Floor Mattress for Adults
- Nectar – Best Floor Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Nolah Signature – Best Foam Floor Mattress
- Best Price Mattress Tri-Fold – Best Floor Mattress for Travel
Compare the Best Floor Mattresses
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| Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress | Tuft & Needle Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Nectar Mattress | Nolah Signature 12″ Mattress | Best Price Tri-Fold Memory Foam Mattress | |
| Rating | ||||||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 6/10 | Medium: 5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6/10 | |
| Material | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Foam | Foam | Foam |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | — | |
| Warranty | 15-year warranty | 10-year limited warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | 5-year warranty |
| Shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping minus HI and AK | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 100 nights | 100 nights | 120 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | N/A |
| Best For | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors | Back Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors | Back Sleepers, Back Pain, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Couples | Side Sleepers, Back Pain | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Couples, Kids |
Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology
Our mattress testing team uses specific tools and methods to evaluate the quality, feel, and performance of beds that come through our studio. We look at the mattress’s overall feel, along with other important performance categories such as motion isolation, edge support, pressure relief, cooling, and more.
In the case of floor mattresses, we also kept in mind that these mattresses are supposed to work without a foundation and used that to help us evaluate them for this specific purpose.
Check our product review process page to learn more about our testing methodology.
What We Look For in a Floor Mattress
Mattress Thickness
The minimum thickness we like to see for a floor mattress on this list is 9.5 inches, which is the case with the Tuft & Needle. The others are around 13 inches, which is even better to avoid being too close to the floor. The exception here is the Best Price Tri-Fold, which is only 4 inches thick, but it’s also geared more towards travel rather than everyday use.
Durability
A floor mattress should be as durable as every other mattress, if not more. For a floor mattress, we look at how well it would hold up when exposed to humidity and less airflow. We also look at the quality of the materials and stitching and whether we think they would stand the test of time. With this in mind, we like to see materials such as dense foam and coils to help with longevity.
Support
A supportive mattress will help promote a healthy spine alignment. Similar to durability, we like to see floor beds with dense foams and/or coils that will help keep the sleeper nicely supported. We also make sure it has at least a 4 out of 5 rating in this category.
The Best Floor Mattresses
Helix Midnight Luxe – Best Cooling Floor Mattress
Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress
With the Ultra-Cool phase-changing cover and gel-infused foam, the Helix Midnight Luxe is an excellent choice for hot sleepers who also need pressure relief and zoned support.
Save 20% sitewide + 2 FREE pillows with any mattress ($150+ value)
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Warranty
15-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress
With the Ultra-Cool phase-changing cover and gel-infused foam, the Helix Midnight Luxe is an excellent choice for hot sleepers who also need pressure relief and zoned support.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
15-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress
With the Ultra-Cool phase-changing cover and gel-infused foam, the Helix Midnight Luxe is an excellent choice for hot sleepers who also need pressure relief and zoned support.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
15-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
| Mattress Thickness | Durability Features |
| 14.5 inches | Sturdy DuraDense foam base layer |
| Metrics | Helix Midnight Luxe | Average |
| Overall Score | 4 | 4.1 |
| Mattress Height | 14.5″ | 11″ |
| Mattress Type | Hybrid | – |
| Number of Layers | 6 Layers | – |
| Firmness | Medium-Firm | – |
| Sleep Trial | 100 Nights | 141 Nights |
| Shipping | Free Shipping | – |
| Certifications | CertiPUR-US® and GREENGUARD Gold | – |
| Price (Queen) | $2,373 (before discounts) | $1,695 |
We already mentioned how breathability can be an issue with floor mattresses, so if you’re a hot sleeper, we suggest you look at the Helix Midnight Luxe. Even though your bed might not allow as much airflow when on the floor, Helix’s cooling features should make up for that.
This hybrid offers good bounce, spine support, and pressure relief, all of which are important to have in a floor mattress. More importantly, it comes with two cooling cover options. You can go with the standard Tencel™ cooling cover, which is also hypoallergenic, or the advanced version if you sleep extra hot.
Our take: “I highly recommend this mattress for hot sleepers looking to stay cool through warm nights. From the cooling pillow top and copper gel memory foam to the airflow from the coils, hot sleepers should feel plenty comfortable with this mattress.” – Loren Bullock, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
Customer Review of the Helix Midnight Luxe
On Helix’s website, the mattress has over 6,000 reviews, scoring 4.5 out of 5 stars. Customers appreciate the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress for its customized support but have reported that it may not be the best option for those who prefer an exceptionally soft sleep surface.
Read our in-depth Helix Midnight Luxe review or explore more cooling mattresses here.
Tuft & Needle – Best Floor Mattress for Back Pain
Tuft & Needle Mattress
This model should be a great option for most bargain shoppers who value quality.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Firmness
Medium: 5/10
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Tuft & Needle Mattress
This model should be a great option for most bargain shoppers who value quality.
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Firmness
Medium: 5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Tuft & Needle Mattress
This model should be a great option for most bargain shoppers who value quality.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium: 5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Price Range
$$$$$
| Mattress Thickness | Durability Features |
| 9.5 inches | Strong stitching, a 6.5-inch base |
| Metric | Tuft & Needle | Average |
| Overall | 3.3 | 4.1 |
| Mattress Height | 10″ | 11″ |
| Mattress Type | Foam | – |
| Number of Layers | 2 Layers | – |
| Firmness | Medium | – |
| Sleep Trial | 100 Nights | 141 Nights |
| Shipping | Shipping is free within the continental United States. | – |
| Certifications | CertiPUR-US® and GREENGUARD Gold | – |
| Price (Queen) | $995 (before discounts) | $1,695 |
Tuft & Needle offers bounce-back support to help your body stay aligned throughout the night. This should help reduce already existing back pain or prevent it from happening. The mattress is simple yet effective in providing comfort, pressure relief, and support for the heaviest areas, such as the hips and shoulders.
The medium-firm feel allows just enough sinkage to relieve pressure in the lower back without letting you sink too deeply. This area stays aligned regardless of your sleeping position. However, heavier people might prefer an even firmer mattress for back pain.
Our Take: “The Tuft & Needle mattress is the Goldilocks of beds. Not too soft, not too hard – just right.” – Stuart Petty, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester.
Customer Review of the Tuft & Needle
On the Tuft & Needle website, this mattress has more than 35,000 reviews and is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars. Customers appreciate the Tuft & Needle mattress for its affordable price and good overall comfort, but some report that it lacks the longevity and durability of more expensive options.
To learn more, read our Tuft & Needle mattress review. You can find our picks for the best mattresses for back pain as well.
WinkBed – Best Floor Mattress for Adults
WinkBed Mattress
WinkBed is a luxury hybrid bed with a variety of comfort features that should make it a versatile pick for most sleeping positions.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
WinkBed Mattress
WinkBed is a luxury hybrid bed with a variety of comfort features that should make it a versatile pick for most sleeping positions.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
WinkBed Mattress
WinkBed is a luxury hybrid bed with a variety of comfort features that should make it a versatile pick for most sleeping positions.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
| Mattress Thickness | Durability Features |
| 13.5 inches | DuraTech™ Lifetime Durability system, sturdy coils |
| Metrics | WinkBed Mattress | Average |
| Overall Score | 4.3 | 4.1 |
| Mattress Height | 13.5″ | 11″ |
| Mattress Type | Hybrid | – |
| Number of Layers | 3 Layers | – |
| Firmness | Soft, Luxury Firm, Firm, and Plus | – |
| Sleep Trial | 120 Nights | 141 Nights |
| Shipping | Shipping is free within the contiguous United States. | – |
| Certifications | OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 and CertiPUR-US® | – |
| Price (Queen) | $1,799 (before discounts) | $1,695 |
Adults need a heavy-duty, long-lasting mattress that provides a combination of support and pressure relief for top-tier comfort and pain relief. Enter the WinkBed, a hybrid with zoned support and multiple firmness options to cater to many different people.
As mentioned above, the WinkBed comes in four firmness options, but we tested the Luxury Firm since it’s more universally accommodating. The other three include a softer and firmer variation, as well as a WinkBed specifically made for plus-size sleepers. This bed is on the more expensive side, but we think it’s worth the investment considering the quality of the product.
Our Take: “The original WinkBed mattress is for those who love a bouncy, supportive, hotel-like bed.” – Loren Bullock, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
Customer Review of the WinkBed
On the WinkBeds site, the WinkBed has over 8,500 reviews and a score of 4.8 out of 5 stars. One drawback of the WinkBed mattress is that it might be too expensive for budget-conscious shoppers, but overall it offers excellent durability and customizable firmness options.
Dive into our full WinkBed mattress review, or browse our picks for the best mattresses of 2024.
Nectar – Best Floor Mattress for Side Sleepers
Nectar Mattress
Nectar provides a premium memory foam bed backed up by a year-long trial and a Forever warranty.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nectar Mattress
Nectar provides a premium memory foam bed backed up by a year-long trial and a Forever warranty.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nectar Mattress
Nectar provides a premium memory foam bed backed up by a year-long trial and a Forever warranty.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
| Mattress Thickness | Durability Features |
| 12 inches | 7-inch base layer |
| Metrics | Nectar Mattress | Average |
| Overall | 4.4 | 4.1 |
| Mattress Height | 12″ | 11″ |
| Mattress Type | Memory Foam | – |
| Number of Layers | 3 Layers | – |
| Firmness | Medium-Firm | – |
| Sleep Trial | 365 Nights | 141 Nights |
| Shipping | Ships free across the continental United States. | – |
| Certifications | CertiPUR-US® | – |
| Price (Queen) | $1,099 (before discounts) | $1,695 |
Side sleepers need a supportive mattress that keeps the body aligned, but they also typically require a bit more pressure relief since they’re putting all their body weight on a smaller surface area. This Nectar mattress scores highly in the pressure-relieving category; we gave it a 4.5 out of 5 when we tested it. Combine this with a solid support rating, and we think side sleepers are a good match for this one.
This bed has a softer foam on top, allowing enough sinkage to contour the hips, knees, and shoulders. However, the firmer base still keeps you nicely supported.
Our Take: “You’ll find great pressure relief for your hips and shoulders along with support for your lower back.” – Julia Forbes, Lead Product Tester
Customer Review of the Nectar
With a staggering 52,000 reviews on Nectar’s website, the Nectar mattress has an average 4.7 out of 5 stars. One common customer complaint about the Nectar mattress is its longer-than-average break-in period, while many customers praise its excellent value and comfort once fully settled.
Explore our Nectar mattress review to learn more or find our picks for the best mattresses for side sleepers here.
Nolah Signature – Best Foam Floor Mattress
Nolah Signature 12″ Mattress
Shoppers interested in a hybrid feel should find this Signature bed a perfect choice for their needs.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Signature 12″ Mattress
Shoppers interested in a hybrid feel should find this Signature bed a perfect choice for their needs.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Signature 12″ Mattress
Shoppers interested in a hybrid feel should find this Signature bed a perfect choice for their needs.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
| Mattress Thickness | Durability Features |
| 12 inches | Reinforced high-density foam core |
| Metrics | Nolah Signature Mattress | Average |
| Overall Score | 4 | 4.1 |
| Mattress Height | 12″ | 11″ |
| Mattress Type | Memory Foam | – |
| Number of Layers | 4 Layers | – |
| Firmness | Medium-Firm | – |
| Sleep Trial | 120 Nights | 141 Nights |
| Shipping | Shipping is free within the United States. | – |
| Certifications | CertiPUR-US® and GREENGUARD Gold | – |
| Price (Queen) | $1,799 (before discounts) | $1,695 |
The Nolah Signature is hard to beat when it comes to all-foam mattresses. Along with great support, we noticed it gives plenty of pressure relief, so it scored a 5 out of 5 for pressure relief as well. This should make sleeping on the floor a more comfortable experience.
The Nolah Signature is made with the brand’s proprietary AirFoam™, a high-resiliance foam, and a strong high-density foam base. Thanks to their medium feel, the foams give enough sinkage and cushioning to relieve pressure while keeping the sleeper nicely lifted.
Our Take: “The foam surface lets you sink in, but it’s not overly soft” – Loren Bullock, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
Customer Review of the Nolah Signature
The Nolah Signature gets a 4.8 out of 5 stars on Nolah’s website. Customers appreciate the Nolah Signature mattress for its exceptional pressure relief, but some have mentioned that it lacks the edge support they desire.
Read our full Nolah Signature review or discover the best memory foam mattresses.
Best Price Tri-Fold – Best Floor Mattress for Travel
Best Price Tri-Fold Memory Foam Mattress
A lightweight floor mattress that’s ideal for travel.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
N/A
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 5/10
Warranty
5-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Best Price Tri-Fold Memory Foam Mattress
A lightweight floor mattress that’s ideal for travel.
Material
Foam
Warranty
5-year warranty
Firmness
Soft: 5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
N/A
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Best Price Tri-Fold Memory Foam Mattress
A lightweight floor mattress that’s ideal for travel.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 5/10
Trial Period
N/A
Warranty
5-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.| Mattress Thickness | Durability Features | Support Score |
| 4 inches | High-density base foam | 4 |
If you want a mattress for travel, you want one that’s compact, lightweight, and easy to carry. A regular mattress is usually not easy to carry due to its weight and size, especially if you go for some of the bigger options. This is where the Best Price Tri-Fold comes in.
This bed is highly convenient for on-the-go use; it folds and unfolds easily, and it’s thin and lightweight. Specifically, it’s 14 pounds, which is not a lot compared to regular mattresses that weigh 50 to 150 pounds. Even though this bed is noticeably thinner than others on this list, we think that’s an advantage for travel use. We wouldn’t recommend this one to sleep on every night though.
How to Choose the Best Floor Mattress for Your Needs
There are many reasons why people sleep on the floor. Young kids do it regularly at sleepovers. People who don’t have a guest room can use a floor mattress instead of asking overnight visitors to crash on a couch that’s seen better days. In some countries, sleeping on a thin mattress or mat placed on the floor is part of the culture.
It could be a recent college graduate saving up to fully furnish their first apartment or someone still waiting for their bedroom furniture to arrive after a cross-country move. Whatever the reason, some people simply opt for a floor mattress instead of a traditional American sleep setup that uses a foundation, box springs, or platform. Whether it’s a temporary situation or a matter of preference, this guide will show you how to get the most out of your floor mattress.
Pros and Cons of Sleeping on the Floor
Here’s a look at some advantages and disadvantages of putting your mattress on the floor rather than using a bed frame or foundation:
| PROS | CONS |
| Less expensive than a bedframe | Exposure to bugs, dust mites, allergens |
| Easier to move the mattress | Could void your mattress warranty |
| Saves space | Harder to get into and out of bed |
| Floors provide a firm surface | No airflow under the mattress |
How to Sleep on the Floor
To enjoy a good night’s sleep on the floor, take these steps:
- Clean: Make sure the floor is nice and clean before putting a mattress there. It’s not just hygienic—it can also reduce exposure to dust, allergens, and other irritants that could interrupt your sleep.
- Find the right mattress: Choose a floor mattress based on your needs to ensure a good night’s rest. The criteria include length and width, thickness, cooling capabilities, and price.
- Complete your sleep space: As important as your mattress is, it’s only one part of the equation. Use comfy sheets, blankets, and pillows to create a comfy sleep space.
How to Make Your Floor Mattress More Comfortable
- Toppers: The easiest way to improve the comfort of your floor mattress is to add a mattress topper. Many mattress companies have their own line of toppers and even offer bundle deals you can include with your mattress purchase.
- Cooling Products: Without the benefit of box springs or a slotted platform, your floor mattress won’t have any space for airflow underneath. However, you can use toppers and other accessories with breathable materials to reduce night sweats.
- Pillows: Don’t forget about pillows, arguably the most important piece of sleep gear after the mattress itself. To maximize the comfort of your floor mattress, look for the best pillow to match your sleeping position and firmness preference. If you have pain, allergies, or another health issue, there’s probably a pillow for that too.
Types of Floor Mattresses
Mattresses without a Foundation
Most mattresses will perform just fine on the floor. What you want to watch out for is the warranty. Many traditional mattresses specify what foundation must be used with their mattress to keep it covered under warranty. Additionally, you want to choose a mattress that is relatively breathable since the bottom won’t have any air circulation.
So long as your mattress is breathable, and you aren’t concerned about the warranty, you can place any traditional mattress on the ground. But be careful to air out the bottom of the mattress to ensure that moisture doesn’t build up underneath it.
Rolling Bed
Rolling floor mattresses roll up like an old-school sleeping bag. Thai rolling mattresses, Japanese futon mattresses, and Japanese tatami mats are common types of rolling beds. Rolling mattresses are fairly thin, relatively firm, compact, and easy to store.
Tri-Fold (Foldable Floor Mattress)
Foldable floor mattresses are a popular type of portable mattress. They feel much like traditional foam mattresses, providing sleepers with plush comfort and support. When folded for storage, foldable mattresses tend to take up more space than rolling mattresses.
Read More: Best Folding Mattress
Things to Consider in a Floor Mattress
Thickness
A thicker mattress will help keep you from lying too close to the floor, which wouldn’t be ideal since you’d be more exposed to dust and other elements. Thicker floor mattresses are also going to provide more comfort, especially for adults or side and back sleepers. That said, if you’re only using it occasionally, such as for travel, something thinner, like a tri-fold model, would be okay as long as it has at least 3-4 inches to it.
Durability
Placing a mattress directly on the floor means it won’t have the support of a foundation or frame. It’ll be bearing the weight all by itself, which makes the durability of the mattress even more important. Here are a few signs of durable mattresses:
- High-density memory foam or latex
- Individually wrapped or pocketed coils
- Strong edge support
- Secure stitching
Since we can’t test out beds over the long term, we also recommend reading real customer reviews to see if durability emerges as a positive or negative theme.
Support
Support for your back is vital in a new mattress, especially if you use it without a foundation. Without good support, you risk sinking through the materials to the floor and having your spine in poor alignment while you sleep, which may lead to back pain.
Ideally, a floor mattress should have strong support to keep the body aligned but also some pressure relief for the joints, especially if you’re a side sleeper.
Hypoallergenic
With a floor mattress, you’re sleeping close to the floor, even if you go for the thickest bed, which means you’re more exposed to dust. Also, the floor limits breathability around the bed, which may contribute to humidity and eventually mold and mildew growth.
With this in mind, it can be helpful to search for a hypoallergenic floor bed. Hypoallergenic materials help fight dust, mold, mildew, and dust mites for a healthier sleep environment, even this close to the floor.
Dimensions
Floor mattresses range in size from smaller than a Twin mattress to the size of a California King bed. To choose the right size, ask yourself who will be using the mattress and where it will be used.
Small mattresses are usually best for young kids or for traveling or camping. Children rarely need a mattress larger than a Twin unless they will be sharing it or using it as a playpad. Camping and traveling mattresses are restricted based on how much room you have to transport them, how far you will need to carry them, and how much space you have in your tent, van, camper, or RV.
Queen-size mattresses and larger ones are typically used for guests or gatherings. Larger floor mattresses are useful:
- For visiting guests
- During sleepovers where multiple kids might share the mat
- In place of a traditional mattress
Mattress Cover
Most floor mattresses come with a removable cover that is easy to launder. But only some will be waterproof, a huge benefit for those taking their mattress camping or whose kids will be using them. Other covers will be breathable and soft, ideal for guests or as a primary bed. You can always purchase a separate waterproof mattress cover if the mattress you choose does not come with a waterproof cover.
Portability
Weight and size determine how portable a floor mattress is. Yet, a more portable mattress is often a less comfortable mattress. Weigh the pros and cons of portability and comfort to find the right fit.
Who’s Using It?
Do you plan to use the mattress yourself on a nightly basis or is it a guest mattress for visitors? Will the mattress be for a solo sleeper or a couple? Is it for an adult or a child? Answering these questions can help ensure you get exactly what you need.
Best Cleaning Practices for Sleeping on the Floor
For those sleeping on a hardwood floor, sweeping or vacuuming followed by damp-mopping usually does the trick. Meanwhile, carpet fibers can be magnets for dust, pet dander, and other potentially nasty stuff, so regular vacuuming is essential. Vinyl and linoleum flooring is very easy to keep clean; just sweep, mop, and repeat. However, with laminated flooring, you can do the same as these but avoid wet mopping. Lastly, tile floors just require regular sweeping and mopping.
For drying, give your floor plenty of time to dry before putting your mattress back down.
Recap: Our Picks for Best Floor Mattress
Floor mattresses are a versatile tool used to make travel and camping more comfortable and to create extra sleeping space without the need for a guest room. Some will even use floor mattresses in place of a traditional mattress-and-frame setup. No matter your needs, there is a floor mattress fit for you.
As a reminder, here are our top picks:
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Queen Size) | Review |
| Helix Midnight Luxe | Cooling | $2,373 | Helix Midnight Luxe Review |
| Tuft & Needle | Back Pain | $895 | Tuft & Needle Review |
| WinkBed | Adults | $1,799 | WinkBed Review |
| Nectar | Side Sleepers | $1,099 | Nectar review |
| Nolah Signature | Fans of Foam | $1,799 | Nolah Signature Review |
| Tri-Fold | Travel | $149.99 | – |
Nicole Gleichmann
Content Writer
About Author
Nicole has spent much of her life pursuing health and wellness for herself and those around her. For four years, she has used her education in biology and her passion for a healthy lifestyle to craft educational articles and coach hundreds of people in diet and nutrition. Nicole knows that it takes a holistic view of wellness to achieve excellent health. Even when her clients eat whole foods and exercise daily, they rarely reach their goals without an optimized sleep routine. You will find Nicole reading study after study and following countless wellness experts as a way to acquire abundant knowledge that she can share with her readers. Her mission is to provide others with the foundation that they need to live their best lives.