Rolled-up mattresses, also known as roll-up mattresses or rollaway beds, have become an increasingly popular mattress option in recent years. But are rolled up mattresses any good for sleep and comfort? This article provides an in-depth look at the pros and cons of rolled mattresses to help you decide if one could be right for you.
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Are Rolled Up Mattresses Any Good?
A rolled mattress is a type of portable, flexible mattress that can be rolled up for compact storage and transport. Unlike traditional mattresses, rolled mattresses are made of flexible materials like foam or cotton that allow them to be easily rolled up without damaging the mattress.
There are a few key benefits that make rolled up mattresses an intriguing option:
- Portability – Rolled mattresses can be packed down small enough to fit in a closet, under a bed, or even the trunk of a car. Their compact size makes them great for use while travelling, having guests over, or setting up a temporary secondary bed at home.
- Affordability – Basic rolled mattress models tend to cost significantly less than traditional spring and foam mattresses. This makes them appealing for use as temporary or backup beds.
- Customization – Many rolled mattresses allow you to customise the firmness level by adding or removing foam layers. This lets you dial in your preferred level of softness and support.
However, there are some downsides to consider as well when choosing a rolled mattress:
- Durability – The flexible materials are prone to forming body impressions faster than a spring or foam mattress. Most rolled mattresses last 1-3 years before needing replacement.
- Support – While some rolled mattresses have impressive comfort layers, most don't provide the same degree of pressure relief and spinal alignment as a high-quality foam or hybrid mattress. The lack of edge support is also problematic for some.
- Off-gassing – The adhesives used in constructing rolled mattresses can produce an odour when first unboxed, just like with boxed bed-in-a-box mattresses. Allowing it to air out can alleviate most of the smell.
So considering rolled up mattresses are any good, it really comes down to how you plan to use it and your expectations around support and durability. The biggest advantages of rollaway beds are their convenience and affordability, making them best suited as guest beds, temporary kid beds, or travel mattresses rather than everyday primary beds.
Pros of Rolled Up Mattresses
There are several benefits that make rolled mattresses enticing options compared to traditional mattresses:
- Compact and portable design – Easily rolled up and transported or stored in tight spaces. Great for small homes, having overnight guests, or using while travelling.
- Lower cost – Simple materials and manufacturing make most rolled mattresses very affordable, often under $200.
- Easy setup – Rolled away mattresses literally unroll right onto the bed frame, no box spring or foundation required.
- Customizable firmness – Many models allow you to add/remove foam layers to soften or firm up the mattress feel.
- Durable exterior – Outer covers are typically made from thick, stretchy polyester that holds up well to the folding and rolling of the mattress.
If you need a flexible mattress for a multifunctional guest room or for family members to use occasionally, the compact storage ability and lower price point of rolled mattresses make them worthy options. Students and renters also like using rolled mattresses since they're easy to transport to a new home.
Cons of Rolled Up Mattresses
However, there are some disadvantages to keep in mind if considering a rolled mattress:
- Questionable durability – The average rolled mattress lasts 1-3 years before materials degrade and no longer provides adequate comfort.
- Minimal conforming ability – Don't expect the same degree of pressure relief and spine alignment from a rolled mattress compared to a quality foam or hybrid.
- Prone to impressions – Rolled mattresses take on deeper, quicker body impressions compared to other mattress types which shorten their usable lifespan.
- Limited edge support – You'll notice more sinkage and instability sitting along the edges without reinforced edge support.
The major downside of rolled mattresses comes down to lacklustre performance and shorter lifespan compared to other mattress options. For these reasons, rolled mattresses make questionable everyday/primary beds unless on a very tight budget.
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Key Factors to Consider with Rolled Mattresses
When evaluating are rolled up mattresses any good for your needs, keep these key factors in mind:
- Intended Use – Is it for a guest room, kid's room, travel or other occasional/temporary use? Rolled mattresses work better for flexible situations instead of everyday adult primary beds.
- Mattress Layers – Models with integrated foam comfort layers provide more pressure relief and minimise impressions vs. those with just cotton/polyfill interior materials.
- Frame/Foundation – Rolled mattresses work fine on most platforms from adjustable bases to floor surfaces. Just avoid excessive bending or uneven support.
- Sleep Position – Side sleepers require more padding for pressure point relief which may be lacking from some thin rolled mattress models.
Taking stock of your planned use cases and sleeping needs will clarify whether a rolled mattress could realistically provide enough comfort and durability. Setting realistic expectations around their performance can lead to better rest on a rolled mattress.
Top Rolled Mattress Recommendations
If choosing a rolled mattress, these top-rated models provide better support and durability:
Dreams Walker Rolled Mattress
- Filled with a responsive layer of premium foam
- Firm comfort grade to support your sleep
- Features a soft touch knitted cover
- Slim design perfect for bunk beds
- Rolled for convenience
- Made in the UK
- Single-sided
- Comes with our 100-Night Comfort Guarantee
- Rest easy with a 5-year guarantee
Dreams Cooper Rolled Mattress
- Features a soft touch knitted cover
- A premium memory foam layer provides gentle support
- Has a firm comfort grade
- It's rolled for convenience
- Made in the UK
- Single-sided
- Comes with our 100-Night Comfort Guarantee
- Rest easy with a 5-year guarantee
Eve Hybrid Duo Plus Mattress
- Good Housekeeping Institute award winner
- Comfort and quality rolled into one
- Luxury quilted soft-touch, stretch knit cover
- CertiPUR™ certified pressure relieving memory foam
- Added perimeter edge support
- 40 night comfort guarantee
- Free 8 year guarantee
- Made in the UK
Conclusion
So are rolled up mattresses any good for your needs? They can be – when used properly. The convenience of rolled mattresses makes them best suited as flexible guest beds, temporary kid beds or travel mattresses where durability and high performance aren't as critical. Their thin profiles minimise the comfort and support side sleepers need, however. Taking into account your main sleep position and intended use case clarifies whether a rolled mattress could be viably satisfied or if investing in a traditional foam/hybrid mattress that lasts over 7 years may prove more practical.
Ultimately rolled mattresses deliver where other mattresses fall short in compact storage and transport utility. Just be realistic with expectations around their long-term performance and comfort to determine if buying one makes practical sense.