Best Floor Mattresses

Written by Nicole Gleichmann, Content Writer

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In This Article

Explore our picks for the best floor mattresses, reviewed by experts.

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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

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Helix Midnight Luxe – Best Cooling Floor Mattress

The Helix Midnight Luxe is a foam/innerspring hybrid mattress built for comfort—and cooling. This mattress is near-perfect in its cooling capabilities, with a 9.5/10 cooling score.

The Midnight Luxe also earns excellent scores in pressure relief (8.5/10) and spine alignment (9/10), making it a particularly good choice for side sleepers who need gentle cushioning for their shoulders, hips, and lower back, along with healthy sleep posture. Its durability is rock-solid, with a 9/10 score. Also, Helix offers a 100-night sleep trial and a 15-year warranty.

The Midnight Luxe is a luxury product, designed primarily as a bedroom mattress, so it may not be your top choice if it’s going to be a bed for occasional use. Also, its motion isolation score is 7.5/10, making it not the best for couples and people who sleep with their kids and pets.

Tuft & Needle – Best Floor Mattress for Back Pain

The Tuft & Needle original mattress is one of the best budget mattresses out there and is also a great mattress for back pain. This memory foam mattress combines above-average comfort, impressive support, and high customer satisfaction, creating a mattress that’s hard to beat at its price point.

The upper layer of the Tuft & Needle mattress is made using their proprietary adaptive foam. This foam layer exhibits the contouring feel of memory foam with the springy support of latex. Sleepers experience a slight give at their curviest points and reliable support that keeps the spine aligned.

The Tuft & Needle registers a 6 on the 1-10 firmness scale, delivering a medium-firm feel. Back sleepers, front sleepers, and those who weigh more than 130 pounds are the best fit for the Tuft & Needle. And because it’s a 100% foam mattress, it can spend its entire life directly on the ground.

WinkBed – Best Floor Mattress for Adults

The WinkBed comes in four firmness levels, so you can get the most comfortable sleep surface for your preferences and needs. The luxury firm model has the firmness level preferred by most sleepers; it’s an excellent choice for back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and those who cycle between their back and side. (Side sleepers might prefer the softer model.) The mattress excels in solid edge support, which is a win for those who like to spread out or sit on the edge of the bed, and also speaks to the overall solid construction of the mattress.

Sweaty sleepers will also be pleased to know that the WinkBed regulates temperature well by virtue of its breathable cover, gel-infused foam, and a dual coil system that keeps warm air flowing. The mattress uses eco-friendly materials and high- quality CertiPUR-US certified foam.

Nectar – Best Floor Mattress for Side Sleepers

Made from multiple layers of premium memory foam, the Nectar is a great option for shoppers looking for a high-quality mattress at a reasonable price that includes a generous sleep trial and warranty. The mattress has a medium firmness that works for a lot of sleepers—particularly those who sleep on their sides, due to its pressure-relieving properties. In our lab testing, we gave the mattress an 8.5/10 for pressure relief, which shows it provides effective cushioning for your shoulders and hips.

Some memory foam mattresses can leave you feeling like you’re stuck in sinking foam. For an all memory foam mattress, the Nectar scores well for responsiveness, which makes it easier to reposition yourself or get in and out of this bed when you have it on the floor. The mattress is 12” thick with a 7” base layer made of durable foam that provides plenty of stability and support with or without a foundation.

Just note that our testing shows the Nectar to be a good mattress for lightweight or average-weight side sleepers—side sleepers over 230 pounds might want a mattress with a thicker comfort layer so they won’t sink in so far. Stomach sleepers of all sizes will also likely want to look for a firmer mattress.

Nolah Signature – Best Foam Floor Mattress

The 12” Nolah Signature is a great choice for hot sleepers due to its Airfoam construction. Airfoam has the amplified pressure-relieving qualities of memory foam, but it’s designed to be even more breathable so it doesn’t retain heat. The mattress has a soft 4.5/10 feel, which makes it ideal for side sleepers seeking a little give to their mattresses to keep tension from building up in the hips and shoulders.

For an all foam mattress, this one is very responsive—we gave it a 9.5/10, which means it’s easy to move around on and climb off when the mattress is on the floor. It’s also very durable; you can expect it to hold up for years to come. That said, if you encounter any defects, they’re covered by a lifetime limited warranty.

Our only qualm with the mattress is that it provides lackluster edge support, which means it doesn’t maintain its structure as well as other mattresses when you sit on its edge. However, this shortcoming is lessened by positioning the mattress on the floor, which provides a solid foundation of support for the mattress.

Best Price Tri-Fold – Best Floor Mattress for Travel

The Best Price Mattress Tri-fold is one of the most comfortable tri-fold mattresses we’ve come across. Its exceptional softness and pressure relief is thanks to its thick 1.5” memory foam top layer. Underneath this layer is 2.5” of high-density base foam that supplies the necessary support for adult sleepers.

With sizes that range from smaller than a twin to a California king, you can choose the size that best suits your needs. Thanks to a supportive base and plush top, the Best Price Tri-fold Mattress works well in most every travel situation. It can be used to provide an ultra-soft barrier between yourself and the ground when camping, along the bed or a truck, or even as the permanent mattress in an RV or camper.

Its poly-Jacquard cover has an anti-slip bottom and is easily removed and washed. And with a 3-year warranty, you know that Best Price stands behind the quality and longevity of their mattress.

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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 simply a 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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 an environment of optimal comfort.

How to Make Your Floor Mattress More Comfortable

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.

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.

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

Clearly, you can rest any mattress directly on the floor. Many people do this right when they move into a new place until they are able to set up their sleeping space. But some people would prefer to permanently keep their mattress on the floor.

Sleeping with a mattress on the floor is becoming more popular in the United States, and it has remained common in other countries. The truth is that 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, and 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

Floor mattresses come in several varieties. To choose the right one, you want to think about what you’re going to use it for, and what type of mattress would best fit your needs. Here are the factors to consider when shopping for a floor mattress.

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 play pad. 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 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

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

Like edge support, overall durability is one of the factors included in our mattress reviews, with each mattress scored on a 10-point scale. If you want to dive even deeper, you can check out customer reviews and see if durability emerges as a positive or negative theme.

Thickness

The thicker the floor mattress, the more comfortable it will be, especially for side sleepers or adults. But thinner mattresses are lighter and take up less space. Think about who will be using it, where it will be stored, and how it will be transported to choose the best thickness.

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.

How to Sleep Clean on the Floor

When you’re sleeping 1 foot from the floor, give or take, cleanliness is an even bigger deal than usual. Here’s a look at different types of flooring and how to keep them clean:

Hardwood

Most hardwood floors are very low-maintenance, especially if they have a seal finish. Sweeping or vacuuming followed by damp-mopping (damp, not wet) usually does the trick. Using a steam cleaner isn’t recommended, for the same reason you should avoid wet-mopping: wood has a tendency to swell and warp when exposed to water.

Carpet

Carpet fibers can be magnets for dust, pet dander, and other potentially nasty stuff, so regular vacuuming is essential. You can get your carpet professionally steam-cleaned periodically, but don’t go overboard. Steam-cleaning more often than once a year could damage the carpet.

Vinyl

Vinyl flooring is very easy to keep clean, especially if it’s more durable luxury vinyl. Sweep, mop, repeat.

Laminate

Like vinyl, laminate flooring doesn’t take a lot of effort to clean. The only difference is that experts recommend you avoid wet-mopping since laminate planks often have fiberboard content. Use a damp mop or a microfiber mop instead.

Linoleum

Linoleum can be cleaned using the same methods as laminate: sweeping, damp-mopping, or using a microfiber mop. Avoid using too much water.

Tile

Tile floors are very easy to clean with regular sweeping and mopping.

Another Floor-Cleaning Tip

After you’re done mopping or steam-cleaning, don’t forget about drying. Give your floor plenty of time to dry before putting your mattress back down, since dampness is an enemy not just of cleanliness but also mattresses.

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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	Award	Customer Rating
Helix Midnight Luxe	Best Cooling Floor Mattress	4.5/5
Tuft & Needle	Best Floor Mattress for Back Pain	4.6/5
The WinkBed	Best Floor Mattress for Adults	4.5/5
Nectar	Best Floor Mattress for Side Sleepers	4.7/5
Nolah Signature	Best Foam Floor Mattress	4.8/5
Best Price Mattress Tri-fold	Best Floor Mattress for Travel	4.5/5

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.

Stomach Sleeper