What to Sleep On That's Both Comfortable and Easy to Move?

November 15, 2024 1:54 PM

I move/ travel somewhat frequently and would like to find something comfortable to sleep on that's also easy to move. My last mattress was from IKEA and was totally fine comfort-wise, but it weighed a lot and was a real pain to move in and out of storage - particularly on my own - so I got rid of it, and am currently sleeping on this futon mattress + tatami mat, but it's too thin/ uncomfortable when I sleep on my side. What is the sweet spot of light weight and comfort for queen size sleeping?
posted by my log does not judge to Home & Garden (7 answers total)

sleeponlatex has various options
posted by HearHere at 2:13 PM on November 15

We have two "tri-fold" memory foam mattresses from Amazon - one of them is 3" thick and one is 4" and damn can you tell the difference. I'm a sizeable person and the only time I have trouble with the 4" model camping is if I put it over a rock or some other distinct lump in the ground. I've considered getting a shikibuton to put over it, in fact, just to get that extra bit of padding that's still really portable.

We carry these around in a cargo van with the rest of our belongings, mostly for camping but sometimes as a spare bed if we're visiting. They're not feather-light but they're way more reliable than inflatable airbeds, and the folds mean you can kinda shape it around other stuff when you're taking it places.

Another option might be a mid-grade to higher-end "self-inflating" (ish) camping sleep pad to put under the shikibuton. Popular brands are Exped and Thermarest.
posted by Lyn Never at 2:38 PM on November 15

An old-school mattress that is mostly springs and not a lot of foam. These are hardly made anymore, but Original Mattress is one company that still does, and you can find used ones (from any brand) in excellent condition.

Out of left field suggestion: I absolutely LOVE the Exped Megamat Duo fancy camping mats. Just the right amount of foam and softness, still stable, easy to move in and out of storage. Many people say they are as good as a real bed, so why not use them as one?

Exped Megamat Duo Queen - 4" thick

Exped Megamat Max Long Wide - 6" thick
posted by danceswithlight at 2:39 PM on November 15 [5 favorites]

I love my little cot. I’ve long had my eye on one by thermarest or helinox, but went with one similar to the FE active here:
https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-camping-cots-6891993

It says they’re for camping, but I use it while visiting friends, AirBnB-type places, when friends come visit, etc. It supports my weight fine, and I’m not a small person.
posted by at at 2:43 PM on November 15

Came here to suggest the Exped, as well. I have slept on one for weeks at a time when staying with my brother, they're extraordinarly comfortable, no difference in quality of sleep from my normal mattress. Takes a little time to inflate and deflate, but it's not hard to do.
posted by philotes at 2:45 PM on November 15 [2 favorites]

A hammock stand is considerably heavier than an inflatable mattress, but much more comfortable, in my opinion, and still can be carried in hand.
posted by wnissen at 3:52 PM on November 15

Bought this 4” futon and lay it a couple of those exercise pad puzzle piece mats instead of a proper tatami mat and it’s been great. They have a full queen size version I believe.
posted by flamk at 5:47 PM on November 16