Wall Bed Mattresses Part One
Buying a Modern Mattress for a Wall Bed: What Really Matters (Australian Guide)
Choosing the right mattress for a wall bed is one of the most common questions we hear. Many people assume wall beds require special, thin or uncomfortable mattresses, or that only certain types will work.
The reality is far simpler.
Modern wall beds are designed to work with modern mattresses, and in most cases, comfort is not compromised at all. This guide explains exactly what you need to know before buying a mattress for a wall bed in Australia, cutting through outdated advice and common myths.
The Only Hard Rule: Mattress Thickness
When buying a mattress for a wall bed, there is only one non-negotiable requirement:
The mattress must be no thicker than 300mm.
That’s it.
As long as the mattress is 300mm or less, it can be used in a modern wall bed system.
This thickness limit ensures:
• The bed closes smoothly
• The mechanism remains properly balanced
• The mattress is fully supported when stored vertically
• Bedding can usually remain in place
Most modern Australian mattresses fall well within this limit, particularly memory foam, hybrid, and pocket spring designs.
Mattress Types That Work Well in Wall Beds
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam mattresses are an excellent option for wall beds.
They offer:
• Even weight distribution
• No internal springs to shift or distort
• Quiet operation
• Excellent pressure relief
Modern memory foam mattresses are designed to handle daily movement and compression, making them well suited to vertical storage.
Hybrid Mattresses (Foam + Pocket Springs)
Hybrid mattresses combine foam comfort with spring support and are commonly chosen for wall beds.
Benefits include:
• Traditional mattress feel
• Strong edge support
• Reduced motion transfer
• Good long-term durability
As long as the mattress thickness is under 300mm, hybrid mattresses perform very well in wall bed systems.
Innerspring Mattresses
Traditional innerspring mattresses can be used in wall beds, provided they are modern designs with good internal support.
They are best suited for:
• Guest rooms
• Occasional-use wall beds
• People who prefer a firmer feel
Very soft pillow-top styles or older open-coil designs are generally less suitable.
Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses also work well in wall beds due to their resilience and durability.
The main consideration with latex is weight, as some latex mattresses can be heavier than foam or hybrid options. This is easily managed if the mattress is chosen at the time of installation.
Firmness: What Works Best in a Wall Bed
While firmness is largely a comfort preference, medium to medium-firm mattresses tend to work best in wall beds.
They:
• Hold their shape better over time
• Provide better edge support
• Suit a wider range of sleepers
• Perform reliably in vertical storage
Very soft mattresses may feel comfortable initially but tend to wear faster in a wall bed environment.
Common Myths About Wall Bed Mattresses
“Wall beds need special folding mattresses.”
False. Modern wall beds use standard mattresses within the thickness limit.
“Storing a mattress upright damages it.”
False. Modern mattresses are engineered to handle movement and compression.
“Wall bed mattresses aren’t comfortable.”
False. Comfort depends on mattress quality, not the wall bed itself.
Using an Existing Mattress vs Buying New
You can use an existing mattress if:
• It is under 300mm thick
• It is in good condition
• It has no sagging or edge collapse
However, many customers choose to upgrade their mattress when installing a wall bed to ensure optimal comfort and long-term performance.
If you remember one thing, remember this:
Any modern mattress under 300mm thick can be used in a wall bed.
In Part Two, we’ll look at why mattress quality matters more in a wall bed, and introduce a mattress specifically designed to remove all guesswork.










