Murphy beds are well-known for their space-saving prowess. They are often installed in sparsely slept-in guest bedrooms and kept in the upright position when not in use.
This can give the impression that Murphy beds aren’t suitable for everyday use, and begs the question if wall beds sacrifice comfort for convenience. But you can rest easy knowing that modern-day wall beds are just as inviting, durable, and comfortable as their traditional counterparts.
Alison Mazurek, who operates the popular lifestyle website 600sqft.com, told Apartment Therapy that the Murphy bed she shares with her husband is “Very comfy, more comfy than our previous bed.”
It’s true that a Murphy bed makes for a comfortable nightly accommodation, but there are a few factors that contribute to ease of use and overall comfort to bear in mind. This guide will review convenience of daily use as well as how to select the right mattress and bedding for your Murphy bed.
Are Murphy Beds Good for Everyday Use?
Types of wall bed lifting mechanism and mattress/bedding selection are the two most important factors to consider if you plan to use your Murphy bed regularly.
There are a few types of lifting mechanisms to consider before purchasing. Traditional wall-mounted Murphy beds rely on air piston or metal spring lifting mechanisms to raise the bed platform up and down. These lifting mechanisms tend to get worn after 5-7 years, according to Go Downsize.
Unlike other Murphy beds on the market, the Lori Bed has no mechanical aids for lifting and lowering the platform. It's a mechanism-free solution that can be lifted and lowered by hand using your and your lifting partner's strength.
This lack of a lifting mechanism is an advantage for daily users. With no metal spring or pistols that wear down over time, the Lori bed has longevity.
The bed can certainly withstand lifting and lowering the platform each day. The bed can certainly withstand lifting and lowering the platform each day, as it's made of real wood and is very sturdy. With it being real wood, plus the weight of your mattress, it's going to feel heavy for many. Lori Beds always recommends having two adults to safely operate the bed.
Murphy Bed Mattress Selection 
While you’re picking out the best Murphy bed for your family, you might also be wondering what mattress is recommended for a Murphy bed? After all, with a bed that’s so unique, there must be special considerations that go into selecting a compatible mattress, right?
The truth is that Murphy Bed mattresses aren’t fundamentally different from traditional mattresses. The selection process is much the same, with the additional considerations being mattress thickness and mattress weight.
Thickness dictates whether or not a mattress will fit within the dimensions of the Murphy bed’s cabinet once it is in the upright position. This is where height (also known as the thickness) plays a major role when you consider your purchase.
Each Murphy bed cabinet can accommodate a specific maximum thickness, which is listed in a product description. We recommend using a light-weight mattress that is 12-inches thick or less, such as a conventional inner-spring or latex foam mattress, for the Lori Bed. Memory foam mattresses are heavy and will make lifting more difficult. The lighter your mattress, the easier the bed will be to lift. With very little wear and tear throughout the year, your mattress will sleep like new for several years.
If you’re not familiar with mattress thickness and weight, not to worry. These sizes are readily available on the market and you shouldn’t have any trouble finding the right fit. In fact, a normal thickness ranges from 9 to 12 inches. Retailers like Amazon, Overstock and Walmart all offer these options. If you’re looking for a budget option, IKEA has several low-cost, light-weight and comfortable mattresses to choose from.
If you decide to purchase a Lori Bed, it will be helpful to know that the platform is a firm, 100 percent supported surface, more like a foundation or platform than a box-spring, that might have a little bounce to it. It is also important to note that Murphy beds do not require box-springs at all.
Murphy Bed Bedding Selection 
Choosing the right sheets for your Murphy bed — and any other mattress — all comes down to what makes you feel the most comfortable. Finding the sheets that feel good to the touch will help you get the restful night’s sleep you deserve.
The good news is that you don’t need special sheets or bedding to accommodate a Murphy bed. All the bedding basics discussed above will serve you well no matter what type of mattress you sleep on at night.
Standard bedding and sheet sizes, like twin, queen, and king, usually fit Murphy beds. However, if you have an extra-deep bed frame or high mattress, you might consider buying sheets one size larger than your mattress. For example, king-size sheets for a queen-size mattress so that you can tuck the fabric fully under the mattress, according to the bedding experts at Mattress Nut. Most of the time, you will not need to do this with standard Murphy beds, such as the Lori Bed.
Keep in mind that you’ll also be storing linens and possibly pillows, which may increase the thickness of your mattress by an inch or two. You’ll want to make sure that all the bedding and pillows aren’t too bulky, so they fit into the wall bed cabinet when it’s in the upright position.
If you prefer fuller fabrics, pillows, or comforters, consider storing the bedding on the shelves or hanging rods on the front-facing cabinet when the bed in the upright position. If you choose to remove fluffier bedding, you should still keep the fitted sheet on to protect your mattress from dust particles.
Murphy beds have long been a space-saving solution, but modern-day models, like the Lori Bed, are more than just convenient. These wall beds are comfortable enough to use daily as your main sleeping arrangement.
If you have additional questions, please reach out to our experts at info@loriwallbeds.com. We will walk you through the buying process. You can also check out our additional know-before-you-buy guides below:
