Murphy beds are known for their smart space-saving features in spaces like a guest room, small bedroom, or studio apartment. One of the famous variations is the queen Murphy bed. While it’s incredibly practical, its size may take up a lot of space.
The good news? The right setup and choices for bedding and mattresses can make your queen Murphy bed comfortable enough for nightly sleep. Go over these tips to ensure your maximum comfort and better sleep quality in the years to come.
Choosing the Right Murphy Bed Mattress
The mattress you choose is essential for the comfort of your Queen Murphy bed. It shouldn’t be too bulky, and you should avoid extra-thick mattresses, either. It must have the right thickness, so you can sleep well every night.
Here are some practical mattress shopping tips:
1. Go for a Memory Foam or Hybrid Mattress
A memory foam mattress, as well as a hybrid one, provides excellent pressure relief, motion isolation, and top-notch support for various body types. These mattresses adapt to your body shape, keeping your spine aligned, which makes sleeping on Murphy beds comfortable for back and stomach sleepers.
These mattresses are ideal for those with limited space. However, choose a gel-infused foam or a cooling mattress if you’re a hot sleeper to regulate your body temperature all night.
2. Check Mattress Thickness and Weight
Most Murphy beds, like those from Lori Beds, work well with mattresses that are 10-12 inches thick. Anything thicker than that can prevent your bed from closing or strain the Murphy bed mechanism.
Refer to the manufacturer’s manual to determine the recommended mattress thickness and the bed’s weight limit.
3. Avoid the Stock Mattress
These mattresses are usually too firm or of low quality. Upgrading to a high-quality or luxury mattress can significantly improve your sleep quality.
Upgrade Your Bed Frame Support
A strong, stable bed frame supports your foam or hybrid mattress, which in turn supports a restful night’s sleep. Here’s how you can upgrade it:
1. Check the Bed’s Base and Mechanism
Make sure the Murphy bed frame and mechanism are installed into the wall studs. Any loose connection can cause imbalance or squeaking, making it harder for you to sleep.
Adjust or reinforce the frame for an even weight distribution when your bed feels uneven.
2. Add a Bunkie Board or Slatted Base
Most Murphy beds use a flat platform. However, adding a slatted base or bunkie board can improve airflow and provide a bouncier feel when lying on the bed. This also prevents the mattress from sagging.
Pick the Perfect Bedding Setup
A comfortable mattress is just one part of the entire Murphy bed experience. Now your bedding can also determine how well you’ll sleep every night.
Make your bedding choices count with these tips:
1. Use a Mattress Topper for Custom Comfort
You may want a more comfortable sleeping experience beyond your memory foam, and that’s where mattress toppers come in. Choose one that:
- Fits the queen-size bed perfectly.
- Has a cooling layer if you’re a hot sleeper.
- Is lightweight enough when you store the bed vertically.
2. Get Breathable Sheets and Pillows
Breathable materials, such as linen, cotton, and bamboo, help stabilize body temperature. Pick pillows that match your sleeping position—firm for stomach sleepers, medium for back sleepers, and soft for side sleepers.
3. Layer for Year-Round Comfort
Keep light and heavy bedding options to maintain a consistent body temperature during the four seasons. Store the heavy bedding in another place instead of tucking it into the wall along with the bed.
Adjust for Everyday Convenience
If you’re sleeping on the Murphy bed every night, these practical tweaks can make your setup and storage smoother than before:
1. Balance Comfort and Accessibility
Use lightweight and cozy bedding so the bed can still be lifted and pulled down effortlessly. Heavy comforters can make it hard for you to close the bed frame properly.
2. Secure Bedding Before Folding
Use straps or elastic bands to hold your bedding in place when storing the bed. It prevents shifting and makes it faster to pull down when you badly want to sleep.
3. Keep the Area Clutter-Free
Remove any clutter around the bed area so the bed opens and closes without damaging anything.
4. Leave Room to Move
Allow sufficient floor space for the bed to extend to its full size, especially if your space is limited. Don’t put furniture near the bed frame.
5. Create a Relaxing Atmosphere
Install a ceiling fan or a small air purifier to bring more comfort and good air quality during your sleep.
Final Thoughts
Just because you have a queen Murphy bed in your small apartment doesn’t mean you have to compromise your comfort. There are always a million ways to make room for the bed and maximize the space you live in.
Investing in a comfortable mattress, ensuring its proper installation, and keeping your room free from clutter help you sleep comfortably at night.