The Incredible Foldable Mattress
Every once in a while a product comes along that seems so simple in design yet meets some of the needs that people have been struggling with for years. When it comes to mattresses, one example of this is the foldable mattress. The foldable mattress is the perfect solution where the full-size standard mattress won't do. They're also great for those who need temporary sleeping arrangements but don't like the thought of using air mattresses. Best of all, they are compact, light weight, and extremely portable.
How They Work
In order to make a great foldable mattress you need three things:
- latex rubber or memory foam
- vinyl sheeting
- pillow top or flocked material
The foldable mattress usually comes in three or four sections and is constructed by starting with the foam. Foam is produced in very large sheets and then cut to size as needed. Whether the manufacturer uses latex or memory foam, they simply have their sheets cut into cushion sized panels. Typically a single mattress panel will be roughly 3 feet square; sometimes they're measured 3' x 2' if the manufacturer prefers a rectangular shape.
The individual panels are encased in vinyl with the flocked material or pillow top added afterwards. Then, one long continuous strip of vinyl is added to the back of the panels all across their length and sewn in place. It is this long strip of vinyl which provides the ability for the mattress to be folded. If the manufacturer prefers an accordion fold they might dispense with the single vinyl sheet and instead attach individual vinyl "hinges" to each panel.
Who Uses Them
Foldable mattresses are very popular among campers who don't like air mattresses. As nice as some camping air mattresses are, they do tend to leak air during the night. This is especially true if there is an extreme temperature change between daylight and night time. Foldable foam mattresses are not plagued with that same problem. Additionally, the hollow air mattresses don't provide the same insulation underneath the user as foam. You'll stay a lot warmer on a cold night using a foldable mattress than you will an air mattress.
Even campers who are staying in an RV sometimes prefer the foldable mattress over the other alternatives. They prefer them over air mattresses for the same reasons we just listed above, but sometimes they also prefer them over the standard mattresses provided by the RV manufacturer because they are firmer, more durable, and can be folded up and put out of the way when not in use. That allows the bed frame to be used for other things.
Finally, people who need temporary sleep solutions for guests love the foldable mattress as well. In a day and age when most of us no longer have guest rooms in our homes, a foldable mattress can be stored away in the attic or closet and only pulled out when needed. They make a great temporary bad for kids who seem to love the novelty of unfolding a mattress before going to bed. And in the morning, they will help pick it up because they love folding it back together.
Other Uses of Foldable Mattresses
There are some creative manufacturers who have taken foldable mattresses to new heights. For example, you can get a combination piece which looks like a comfortable chair in its folded position but unfolds into a double or queen size mattress. Or you may see a larger piece folded into the shape of a sofa and then unfolded to make a queen or king mattress. These combination pieces are ideal on a camping trip because they provide you with a mattress at night and furniture during the day. Combination pieces are also good for people who live in studio apartments, providing the same benefit in an apartment with such limited space.
Folding mattresses are a great alternative if you need temporary sleep options that can be easily stored away. You can find them online at hundreds of retailers, or by visiting your local department store, sporting goods store, or camping and RV Center. They're fairly inexpensive as well, so they won't break the bank.