What Does a Folding Mattress Look Like
As a rule, folding mattresses are a structure consisting of several elements connected to each other by fabric. Each unit contains a filler, so when unfolded, it forms a flat surface, almost identical to a thin mattress or topper. For storage, all elements of the product can be easily stacked and put away in a special case. Some models have straps that allow you to fix it when folded.
The key feature of folding models is their functionality – such products can be used in various situations:
Guest option: If there are no sleeping places for friends or relatives in the house, such a mattress can be laid on the floor. The right height and size of the model will provide a fairly comfortable rest, and in the morning it can be quickly folded and put away in the pantry.
Correction of the sleeping place at home: By choosing a folding mattress for the sofa, suitable in terms of firmness, you can level its surface and relax with great comfort. Some models have an orthopedic effect, so they can be used temporarily to solve problems with the spine even on the bed.
Advantages of Folding Mattresses
In addition to a reasonable price, other advantages of folding mattresses can be noted:
- Compactness: Low weight and folding design allow you to easily store the product at home and transport it even in a car.
- Practicality: For such models, durable and easy-to-care materials are used, which involve frequent use of the product in various conditions: and therefore they can last from 7 years or more without losing their properties.
- Variety of options: In store catalogs, you can find products of various sizes and degrees of hardness, with current elastic and soft fillers.
Another advantage of such products is versatility – in addition to the above uses, a folding mattress can act as a mat for a child’s games or fitness at home.
Types of Folding Mattresses
Today, manufacturers produce various varieties of folding models:
Classic folding models: Externally, they look like ordinary mattresses, divided into several elements. In terms of filling, they also do not differ from traditional bedding. They can include spring blocks, as well as layers of soft and rigid materials.
Air folding mattresses: Products with flocked coating are pleasant to the touch, able to withstand significant loads, and if necessary, deflated to a minimum size and can be stored even in a small cabinet.
Futons: A folding topper variant that is most commonly used for a sofa or bed. It differs in a moderately soft filler and the same cover, and therefore, when folded, it can play the role of an ottoman.
Also in stores you can see transforming mattresses – designer models that can turn into armchairs and even sofas. They belong to exclusive options, and therefore it is quite difficult and expensive to purchase them, but it is transformers that can give the living room a stylish look and do not require storage space.
How To Choose?
When choosing a folding mattress for sleeping on the sofa, you should not focus solely on the cost. A variety of models allows you to find an option that flawlessly combines all factors – from price to comfort and safety. The key criteria when buying a folding model are:
Size: Today, manufacturers offer mattresses of various sizes – from compact to full-fledged double. Those who plan to use the model for sleeping for a long time should choose a product that fully corresponds to the size of the sofa or bed. If you intend to buy a mattress for guests, a compact single model will be enough.
Construction: On sale you can find both springless models and with blocks of dependent or independent springs. The second option is typical for expensive models and is rare, besides, it involves use for a long time. If the mattress will be folded and unfolded regularly, a model without springs will be the best solution.
Materials: The same compositions can be used as fillers for folding mattresses as for classic mattresses – latex, coconut coir, polyurethane foam and viscoelastic orthopedic foams.
When purchasing a folding mattress, it is also important to take care of a high-quality mattress topper. A protective cover will make the sleeping place even more comfortable and protect it from dust and moisture.
What should be the stiffness?
- If you plan to use a folding mattress as a sleeping place for a long time, then you need to choose a model by firmness. Experts recommend using the same recommendations as when buying traditional products:
- In the absence of health problems, mattresses of medium firmness are selected – springless and spring with combined fillers.
- For people with low weight, over 50 years old, folding models with latex or orthopedic foams, or more budget options based on polyurethane foam are advised.
If the sleeper is overweight, then doctors most often prescribe sleeping on hard mattresses – spring or springless with a layer of coconut coir.
The purchase of a mattress should be approached with all attention. Today, in stores, you can study the design of the model you like, its composition and documentation, read reviews and even lie on the mattress to assess your feelings. With this approach, the use of bedding will bring only positive emotions.