We’ve all been there. A wonderful evening with friends or family stretches late into the night. Laughter fills the room, and someone joyfully exclaims, “You should just stay over!” Then comes the quiet, sinking feeling. Where will they sleep? The sofa is lumpy, an inflatable mattress takes an eternity to set up (and will inevitably be half-flat by morning), and a pile of blankets on the floor is hardly the hallmark of a good host. This scramble for a comfortable, temporary sleeping solution is a universal problem, turning a gesture of hospitality into a logistical headache. Failing to have a proper guest bed not only leads to a restless night for your visitor but also leaves you feeling like you’ve let them down. It’s in these moments that the need for a practical, space-saving, and genuinely comfortable sleeping surface becomes crystal clear.
What to Consider Before Buying a Folding Mattress
A folding mattress is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for modern living, where space is a premium and flexibility is paramount. It solves the perennial problem of accommodating guests without dedicating an entire room to a permanent bed. Its main benefits lie in its trifecta of convenience: instant setup, compact storage, and surprising comfort. Unlike bulky traditional mattresses or unreliable airbeds, a tri-fold mattress can be deployed in seconds, providing a supportive sleeping surface, and then folded away into a neat cube that fits in a closet, under a bed, or in the boot of a car. It’s the ultimate chameleon of home furnishings, ready for sleepovers, camping trips, dorm room life, or even as an impromptu floor sofa for movie nights.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the challenges of limited space or the need for a portable sleeping solution. This includes apartment dwellers, students in dormitories, families who frequently host guests, and avid campers or road-trippers. It’s for the person who values preparedness and practicality. On the other hand, it might not be suitable for those who are looking for a primary, everyday mattress for their main bedroom. While modern folding mattresses offer excellent support, they are not designed to replace the complex layered structure and long-term features of a high-end permanent mattress. Individuals with severe, chronic back conditions who require a specialised, multi-zone mattress may also want to consult their doctor before relying on this as a long-term solution.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Pay close attention to both the unfolded and folded dimensions. Unfolded, the PurrJoys Folding Mattress Single 10CM measures 190L x 90W cm, a standard UK single size, ensuring it’s spacious enough for most adults. Critically, when folded, it becomes a compact cube, allowing you to assess exactly where it will be stored. Measure your closet space or car boot to ensure a perfect fit.
- Capacity/Performance: The core performance metric here is the foam’s density and thickness. A 10cm thickness of high-density foam, as found in this model, strikes a crucial balance between comfort and portability. It’s thick enough to cushion you from the hard floor and provide orthopedic support, yet not so thick that it becomes unwieldy to carry or store. The “medium-firm” rating is generally the sweet spot for accommodating a wide range of sleepers.
- Materials & Durability: Look for high-quality, certified materials. The PurrJoys mattress uses CertiPUR-US certified foam, which means it’s made without harmful chemicals and is environmentally sound. The cover material is just as important; a hypoallergenic, breathable, and—most critically—washable cover ensures hygiene and longevity, especially when used for travel or by different guests.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: The best folding mattress is one you’ll actually use. Features like integrated carry handles, a lightweight design (6.2kg for this model), and a smooth-gliding zipper for the cover make all the difference. Long-term care should be simple; a removable, machine-washable cover is non-negotiable for maintaining a clean and inviting sleeping environment for years to come.
Having a reliable guest bed transforms your home and readiness for any situation. It empowers you to be a more generous and prepared host, always ready for life’s spontaneous moments.
While the PurrJoys Folding Mattress Single 10CM is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
Unboxing the Solution: First Impressions and Key Features
The PurrJoys Folding Mattress Single 10CM arrived in a surprisingly compact, vacuum-sealed package. Upon carefully opening the plastic, it was satisfying to watch the mattress expand to its full 10cm thickness over a few hours. There was a very faint, new-foam odour that dissipated completely within a day, which is a great sign of quality, CertiPUR-US certified materials. Our first touch revealed a dual-textured cover: a soft, white, breathable top fabric and a more durable, non-slip grey fabric on the sides and bottom. The stitching felt robust, and the heavy-duty zipper glided smoothly around the foam sections. Unfolding it was effortless; the three sections lay perfectly flat with no discernible gaps or lumps at the folds. At just over 6kg, carrying it via the two sturdy, integrated handles was a one-person job, immediately highlighting its superior portability compared to bulky alternatives. It felt like a well-engineered piece of kit, designed with real-world use in mind.
Key Benefits
- Exceptional Orthopedic Support: The 10cm high-density foam provides a medium-firm feel that effectively supports the spine and pressure points.
- Superb Portability and Storage: Its lightweight design, built-in handles, and compact tri-fold nature make it incredibly easy to carry and store.
- Multi-Functional Versatility: Easily transforms from a mattress into a comfortable floor sofa, gaming chair, or children’s play mat.
- Hygienic and Easy to Maintain: The removable, machine-washable hypoallergenic cover makes cleaning simple and effective.
Potential Drawbacks
- Not for Heavy Side-Sleepers: While 10cm is supportive, individuals with a heavier build who sleep on their side might feel the floor slightly at the hip.
- Basic Foam Structure: It lacks advanced features like cooling gel infusions or zoned support found in more expensive, permanent mattresses.
A Deep Dive into the PurrJoys Folding Mattress Single 10CM’s Performance
A folding mattress lives or dies by its performance in three key areas: Is it actually comfortable? Is it genuinely convenient? And will it last? We put the PurrJoys Folding Mattress Single 10CM through a series of real-world tests, from hosting an unexpected weekend guest to taking it on a family camping trip, to see if it truly delivered on its promises.
The Comfort Test: Orthopedic Support You Can Feel
The term “orthopedic support” gets thrown around a lot, but here, it feels earned. The core of this mattress is a single, solid piece of high-density foam, which provides a consistent, medium-firm sleeping surface. When lying on my back, I immediately felt the difference compared to a soft air mattress. My hips and shoulders didn’t sink excessively; instead, the foam contoured just enough to cradle my body while keeping my spine in a neutral alignment. There was no “hammock” effect whatsoever. The 10cm thickness proved to be the magic number—it provided ample cushioning from the hard floor below without feeling bulky. We had a guest, a side-sleeper of average build, use it for two consecutive nights. Their feedback was overwhelmingly positive, noting they woke up without the usual stiffness they experience on sofas. They confirmed what we found in our testing: the support is firm but not hard, preventing pressure points from developing at the shoulder and hip.
This experience is echoed in user feedback, with one person describing it as “super comfortable” with “tick foam.” This aligns perfectly with our assessment. The CertiPUR-US certification also provides peace of mind, knowing the air you’re breathing around the mattress is free from harmful VOCs, formaldehyde, or heavy metals. While it may not have the luxurious plushness of a pillow-top hybrid mattress, for a temporary sleeping solution, the supportive comfort level is truly exceptional. It delivers a restorative night’s sleep, which is the ultimate goal. For anyone needing a reliable guest bed that prioritises spinal health, this mattress’s support system is a feature that really sets it apart.
The Genius of the Tri-Fold: A Masterclass in Versatility and Portability
This is where the PurrJoys Folding Mattress Single 10CM truly shines and becomes more than just a bed. The tri-fold mechanism is brilliantly simple and effective. It takes literally five seconds to unfold it into a bed or fold it back into its storage cube, which measures a tidy 90L x 63W x 30H cm. This compact form is a game-changer for storage. We easily slid it into the back of a wardrobe, where it took up less space than a stack of duvets. For our camping test, it fit neatly in the car boot alongside our other gear, a feat impossible with a traditional mattress.
The two integrated handles are not an afterthought; they are stitched securely into the durable grey side fabric and are perfectly positioned for a balanced, easy carry. At 6.2kg, it’s light enough for almost anyone to move between rooms or from the house to the car without strain. But the versatility extends beyond sleep. When folded into a cube, it’s the perfect height for an ottoman or extra seat. When folded into an “L” shape (with one section propped against a wall), it becomes an incredibly comfortable low-profile sofa for reading or gaming—a feature that was a huge hit with the kids. This multi-functionality makes it an invaluable asset in a small studio apartment, dorm, or playroom, serving multiple purposes beyond just being a guest bed. As one user aptly noted, it is “perfect for travel, tents, cars, camping, friends visits and etc.,” underscoring a versatility that we can wholeheartedly confirm.
Built to Last: A Focus on Durability and Simple Maintenance
A product designed for travel and frequent use needs to be durable, and the PurrJoys mattress shows excellent promise in this department. The high-density foam is engineered to resist compression and sagging over time. After several nights of use and being left folded for a week, it bounced back to its full 10cm height without any signs of permanent indentation. The cover is clearly designed for longevity. The smooth top material feels soft against the skin, while the grey fabric encasing the sides and bottom is a tougher, more resilient material that can handle being dragged across floors or placed on rougher surfaces like a tent floor.
However, the standout feature for long-term ownership is the washable cover. Spills and dirt are inevitable, especially when camping or used by children. The zipper is robust and runs along three sides of each foam section, making removal and re-insertion of the foam blocks surprisingly straightforward. We put this to the test after a minor coffee spill; the cover came off easily, went through a standard machine wash on a gentle cycle, and air-dried quickly thanks to its breathable fabric. It fit back onto the foam snugly without any shrinking or warping. This commitment to hygiene is essential. It ensures the mattress remains fresh and welcoming for every guest, every time. The inclusion of a 5-year manufacturer’s assurance further instills confidence that this is not a disposable item, but a reliable piece of furniture you can depend on for many years, making the initial investment an excellent value proposition. For those considering this mattress, you can check the latest price and its full 5-year warranty details here.
What Other Users Are Saying
While we conduct our own rigorous testing, we always cross-reference our findings with the broader community of users to ensure a well-rounded perspective. The sentiment for the PurrJoys Folding Mattress Single 10CM is overwhelmingly positive and closely mirrors our own experience. One particularly concise review captured the essence of the product perfectly, stating it is an “Excellent quality mattress, tick foam, super comfortable, perfect size.” This directly validates our findings on the supportive nature of the high-density foam and its standard single dimensions.
The review further highlights its key strengths: “foldable, easy to use and fold/carry,” which speaks to the excellent portability and user-friendly design we praised. The mention of its suitability for “travel, tents, cars, camping, friends visits” confirms its role as a versatile, multi-purpose solution. Finally, the commendation for its “Removable covers, easy to maintain!” reinforces our view that the washable cover is a critical feature for long-term hygiene and value. While this is just one user’s feedback, its comprehensive praise across all major features—comfort, portability, and maintenance—suggests a product that consistently delivers on its promises.
How Does the PurrJoys Folding Mattress Single 10CM Compare to the Alternatives?
To understand where the PurrJoys mattress fits in the market, it’s helpful to compare it against other options. While some are direct competitors, others serve entirely different needs, highlighting the specific niche the PurrJoys excels in.
1. Vesgantti 3FT Single Pocket Sprung Mattress Medium Pillow Top
The Vesgantti mattress represents a completely different category. This is a traditional, permanent pocket sprung mattress with a luxurious 10.6-inch (approx. 27cm) height. It offers superior comfort, pressure relief, and motion isolation thanks to its hybrid construction of foam and individually wrapped springs. This is the ideal choice for a primary bed in a guest room or a main bedroom. However, its primary weakness is a complete lack of portability. It cannot be folded, is heavy, and is designed to stay on a bed frame. Someone should choose the Vesgantti over the PurrJoys if they need a permanent, high-comfort sleeping solution and have the dedicated space for it.
2. Direct Manufacturing King Mattress Storage Bag
This product is not a mattress but an accessory, and therefore not a direct competitor. This heavy-duty bag is designed to protect an existing mattress during moving or storage. It’s an essential item for anyone who needs to transport a traditional mattress and wants to protect it from dirt, moisture, and tearing. You would purchase this product if you already own a mattress (like the Vesgantti, for instance) and your primary problem is storage or transportation. It complements a mattress but does not provide a sleeping surface itself. If you need a sleeping solution, the PurrJoys is the answer; if you need to protect a mattress you already have, this bag is the tool for the job.
3. BEDZONLINE Memory Foam Mattress 3ft Single Firm Orthopaedic
The BEDZONLINE mattress is the closest competitor in terms of material and purpose, but with one crucial difference: it doesn’t fold. This is a solid block of firm orthopaedic foam, slightly thicker at 11cm. It’s an excellent budget-friendly option for a permanent bed in a child’s room, a bunk bed, or a dorm where portability isn’t required. Its “firm” rating may appeal to those who prefer a harder sleeping surface than the PurrJoys’ “medium-firm.” However, it completely lacks the versatility and space-saving storage benefits of the PurrJoys. Choose the BEDZONLINE mattress if you need a static, firm foam bed on a budget; choose the PurrJoys if you need a comfortable bed that can disappear when you don’t.
The Final Verdict: Is the PurrJoys Folding Mattress Single 10CM Worth It?
After extensive testing, our conclusion is definitive: the PurrJoys Folding Mattress Single 10CM is an outstanding product that masterfully executes its core purpose. It delivers a surprisingly high level of orthopedic comfort and support in a package that is brilliantly portable, versatile, and easy to maintain. It is not trying to be a permanent luxury mattress; instead, it perfects the art of the temporary bed. Its strengths lie in its high-quality foam, thoughtful design features like the carry handles and washable cover, and its ability to transform from a bed to a seat to a compact, storable cube.
We highly recommend it for anyone living in a small apartment, students in dorms, families that frequently host guests, or anyone who enjoys camping or travel with the comfort of a real mattress. It solves the “where will they sleep?” problem with elegance and reliability. While heavier side-sleepers might prefer a thicker option for long-term use, for its intended purpose as a versatile, temporary sleeping solution, it’s a top-tier performer that offers exceptional value. If you’re ready to banish inflatable mattresses and lumpy sofas from your home forever, we encourage you to see its full feature set and discover the convenience for yourself.
Last update on 2025-10-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API