Shopping for the best temporary bed?
We’ll help you find the right one.
When someone suddenly needs a bed for the night, are you prepared?
Unless you have an extra room, you'll need a different solution – fast. This is where temporary beds come in.
There are several options available today: air mattresses, rollaway beds, and sofa beds are the most common.
In this guide, we recommend a top pick for each kind of temporary bed and explain what to look for when shopping for one.
What’s In This Buying Guide
In this guide, we recommend a top pick for three kinds of temporary bed.
Then, we review and compare them in detail and discuss their unique features, pros and cons.
We also discuss the features you should look for when shopping for a temporary bed.
Then, we answer a few common questions regarding temporary beds.
Best Temporary Beds
- Best Air Mattress: King Koil California King Air Mattress
- Best Rollaway Bed: Milliard Diplomat Folding Bed
- Best Sofa Bed: Milliard Tri-Fold Foam Mattress & Bed
Disclaimer: All links below go to Amazon.com
| Temporary Bed | Award | Material | Dimensions | Weight Capacity | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
King Koil California King Air Mattress  | Best Air Mattress | PVC combined with soft flocking | 76 x 38 x 20 inches | 650 pounds | 20 inches |
Milliard Diplomat Folding Bed  | Best Rollaway Bed | High-quality Steel Frame 5-layer mattress | 75 x 38 x 17 inches | 300 pounds | Approximately 5 inches |
Milliard Diplomat Folding Bed  | Best Sofa Bed | CertiPUR - US certified high-density Foam | 78 x 38 x 4.5 inches | Not Specified | 4.5 inches |
1. Best Air Mattress: King Koil California King Air Mattress
The King Koil Twin Air Mattress is an excellent option for when you are short of sleeping accommodations. You can inflate this air mattress to make a temporary guest bed and deflate it to store it away when not needed.
Pros
- Sturdy and comfortable air mattress
- Flocked top and PVC construction prevents it from losing shape
- The built-in high-speed pump makes it easy to inflate and deflate it
- Built-in pillow for maximum support
- Endorsed by the International Chiropractors Association
Cons
- It May smell a bit for the first and second use
- Requires an AC power outlet to operate the built-in air pump
Our Review
The King Koil Twin Air Mattress with Built-in Pump is a premium temporary bed that comes at a really affordable price. It offers firm support and ensures a good night's sleep without leaking or losing air.
It is designed using enhanced coil technology that keeps the body in a healthy sleeping position, protecting it from any issues related to back pain. A major contributing factor here is its raised height too.
Unlike other air mattresses, it keeps you off the ground, provides better support, and makes it easy to get into and out of bed.
This King Coil temporary bed employs a very high-quality, puncture-resistant material. It is protected against regular wear and tear, which can sink a regular air mattress.
The outermost layer is made with a blend of soft flocking with PVC material, giving it a durable and waterproof finish.
The top is not the only flocked surface on this air mattress; both the top and sides have a velvety soft material that sets it apart from the rest. The bottom is also non-slip, so your bed won’t budge as you get into or up from it.
Another good thing about this King Koil temporary bed is its built-in air pump.
You can use the pump to adjust the mattress according to your desired level of firmness. There are separate valves for inflating and deflating the mattress, making the task easy. The pump works twice as fast as some other options and takes about 2 minutes to inflate the bed fully.
2. Best Rollaway Bed: Milliard Diplomat Folding Bed
The Milliard Diplomat Folding Bed features a sturdy metallic structure with a luxurious memory foam mattress. The entire frame, including the mattress, folds up into a compact, almost 14-inch wide structure that you can roll away for storage purposes.
Pros
- Features a reinforced steel wireframe
- Comes with a luxury memory foam mattress
- Quick and simple to set up
- 360-degree wheels for smooth movement
- Folds compactly for easy storage
Cons
- Might require some effort to expand and fold
- Expensive
Our Review
The Milliard Diplomat Folding Bed is a twin-sized bed that provides a lot of space for sleeping but can be folded into a compact size for more accessible and manageable storage.
Measuring 75 x 38 x 17 inches when expanded, it offers your guests plenty of sleeping room. But once you fold it, it only measures 44 x 38 x 13.5 inches, so you can easily roll it away to store it neatly.
The best thing about this Milliard temporary bed is its construction. It is made with a high-quality steel wire lattice frame on top of stabilizing legs, which makes it sturdy and reliable.
This overbuilt and reinforced construction means it won’t sag, which is a common problem in other folding beds. The components are durable and long-lasting.
Most foldable, rollaway beds come with flimsy, thin mattresses that bring back pain problems. But this Milliard foldable bed comes with a real memory foam mattress that offers a soft and luxurious sleeping experience.
The mattress consists of 5 different layers: a non-slip bottom, 4-inch support foam, 1-inch memory foam, a fireproof protection barrier, and a topper with a soft polyester cover.
3. Best Sofa Bed: Milliard Tri-Fold Foam Mattress & Bed
In apartments where floor space is very spacious, the Milliard Tri-Fold Foam Mattress & Bed is a great option. It is a multi-purpose piece of furniture that offers you a place to sit, hang out and sleep.
Pros
- CertiPUR – US-Certified high-density foam construction
- Encased in a removable, machine washable, hypoallergenic, and antimicrobial cover
- The hinge-less design makes converting it easy
- The multi-purpose design saves valuable storage space
- Provides a balanced, supportive lift that does not bottom out
Cons
- A little too low to the ground to be used as a couch
- Cover zips are of poor quality
Our Review
Milliard Tri-Fold Foam Mattress & Bed is a simple but elegant alternative to full-size sofa beds. It is one of the cheapest temporary beds that’s also excellent for a portable sleeping or sitting solution.
This Milliard mattress boasts an all-foam construction that makes it really comfy. There are no metal hinges or other mechanical parts to fiddle with.
It only has a pair of Velcro straps that you can undo to unfold and fully expand for sleeping at night. During the day, you can fold it back up and reattach the straps to make it a sofa.
It is made from approximately 4.5-inch high-density foam that does not sag or flatten even with two adults lounging on it. It offers firm yet comfortable support even in its expanded form whether you sleep in your back, front, or side.
Unlike other flimsy foam mattresses, this Milliard Tri-Fold bed does not sink into the ground – instead, it provides optimum support that ensures you wake up without any pains or aches.
A noteworthy aspect of this foam sofa bed is its CertiPUR US-Certified foam. The certification means it is an eco-friendly product free from heavy metals, CFCs, lead, and ozone depleters. It is completely safe to use.
For more convenience, the mattress comes encased in a 100% polyester 3D mesh cover. It is hypoallergenic, anti-microbial, and machine washable.
Temporary Bed Buying Guide
What Is a Temporary Bed?
A temporary bed is a sleeping alternative to a standard stationary bed. It can be a very basic hammock, a versatile air mattress, or an inconspicuous Murphy or trundle bed.
Temporary beds are very easy to set up and can be stored away neatly when not in use. Some styles like sofa beds or Murphy beds can be converted to serve other purposes.
They are perfect for homes that are short on space or don’t have a dedicated guest room to accommodate guests, especially during the holidays, when the whole family gets together under the same roof.
Types of Temporary Beds
When it comes to temporary beds, your choices are unlimited. As long as it is a portable unit that you can quickly set up when your guests come over, it is classified as a temporary bed.
Some common types of temporary beds include:
Rollaway Bed
A rollaway bed is also known as a folding bed and consists of a wooden or metal structure that can fold for convenient storing.
Some rollaway beds come with foldable mattresses that can bend with the frame. Others come without one, so you will have to purchase one separately.
In addition, these beds usually have caster wheels to move the entire bed (when it is folded) from one room to another.
Sofa Bed
The concept of sofa beds first originated in Japan (known as futons).
A sofa bed is ideal for a small home. It works well as a comfortable piece to sit on with your friends during the day and doubles up as a bed to spend the night in.
Sofa beds are available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and upholstery, so it's not difficult to find a piece that goes well with your décor.
Air Mattress
Air mattresses are often dubbed as air beds or blow-up beds because they are inflatable. You can blow one up when needed and deflate it to roll up and stow away neatly afterward.
They are a great choice not just for occasional guests but also to take with you on camping or road trips. Plus, they are considered to be the most inexpensive of the temporary bedding options.
Murphy Bed
Remember the folding ironing stand we used to see in Tom and Jerry? Murphy beds are the same thing.
They fold down from a wall or large cabinet, so you can have extra space for other activities in the living area or dining room during the daytime.
Trundle Bed
A trundle bed is basically a compact bed that sits low enough on the ground so that you can store it underneath another bed. Basically, it is a mattress on a rolling platform that can neatly slide under a standard bed frame. It is often installed with wheels for easy sliding.
When someone stays over, you can slide out the lower bed to make some sleeping space for them. Trundle beds are space-savvy; they sleep two but take up the space of one standard bed. Some models also have shelves and drawers for additional storage space.
Why Buy a Temporary Bed instead of a Permanent One?
Whether it is a sofa bed, a simple air mattress, or the most extraordinary Murphy bed, temporary beds look really cool and add an oomph factor to your hospitality.
Here are some reasons why you should purchase a temporary bed instead of a permanent one:
Saves Space
A fixed bed takes up a lot of valuable floor space. It is big, bulky, and very difficult to move around. Meanwhile, temporary beds, be it any type, take up less floor space.
Air mattresses and rolling beds can be folded up and neatly put away when not needed. Murphy and trundle beds can go back into their storage compartments, while sofa beds can be converted back into a couch for sitting.
In short, temporary beds can be put away when not in use, freeing up the floor space for other purposes.
Turn Almost Any Room Into a Guest Bedroom
The biggest advantage temporary beds have over permanent ones is their ability to convert any room into a guest room.
All you have to do is set them up, and you won’t need a dedicated guest room to host any visitors. You can host them in the office study area or even living room by only adding a temporary bed for them to sleep in.
Multifunctional
Most temporary beds, like sofa beds, Murphy beds, and trundle beds, are multi-functional.
Sofa beds can switch between a couch and a bed. Murphy beds usually have built-in cabinets that you can use to store many of your belongings.
Whereas a trundle bed slides beneath a standard bed to make space for two people. They often provide storage space, too.
More Convenient and Comfortable
For a permanent bed for guests, you need an entire guest bedroom. This is certainly not possible for people who live in small homes or have large families.
Having a temporary bed presents numerous opportunities to settle the guests. Being more comfortable than sleeping on the floor, they are a must-have for any home.
Cost-Effective
Even the most expensive temporary bed costs less than what a permanent bed costs. And since there are many styles and sizes to choose from, temporary beds really have the upper hand when it comes to sleeping arrangements for the guests.
What to Look for in a Temporary Bed
Finding a good temporary bed is easier said than done. Among other things, you have to evaluate its size, material, and design against the space available in your home.
Here are some factors you should look for in a temporary bed:
Size
The most significant determining factor in your choice of a temporary bed is its size. While looking at the different options, check its extended width and length to ensure it corresponds to the size of space you have available in your home.
Also, note that temporary beds, too, come in various sizes, so if you want something for more than one guest, it is wise to go with at least a double temporary bed.
Comfort
Temporary guest beds usually come with mattresses with various thicknesses. You’ll find them anywhere between 2 and 6 inches and sometimes even thicker.
Some even come with memory foam that really enhances customers’ sleeping experiences. Weigh the different options and choose one that suits you and your needs best.
Material
The construction material of a temporary bed varies from model to model. Most rollaway beds have a steel frame, which makes them both sturdy and durable. They can support different weights and are naturally coated to make them rust-proof.
On the other hand, sofa beds are made either entirely out of foam or a combination of wood (the frame) and foam.
A number of Murphy and trundle beds also feature wooden construction. While air mattresses are made out of plastic or rubber.
You can learn about the fabric’s strength and resilience from its Denier rating. The higher the rating, the more well-built and long-lasting it is.
Once you have decided on the type of bed you want, buy its sturdiest variation that falls within your budget.
Durability
Certain aspects of a temporary bed tell you about its durability.
For example, the pivot is the weakest point of a sofa bed or a rollaway bed because this is where you fold or unfold the bed. That’s why many models have a reinforced pivot to make them long-lasting.
Similarly, the Denier rating of an air mattress tells you about its durability. Make sure to choose a durable bed that lasts you for a long time.
Space-Saving
The biggest purpose of a temporary bed is to save valuable floor space around your house. If a certain model fails at this, it beats the purpose.
Your goal is to find a temporary bed that doesn’t take up too much space, even if it is extended. This way, you will have more room for movement.
Ease of Use
Ease of use and rapid setup are the characteristics of a good temporary bed. You wouldn’t want to make your guests wait while you keep fiddling with the bed.
Whether you are inflating an air mattress or converting a couch into a bed, it should not take more than a few minutes to do so. That’s why ease of use should be your number one priority in a temporary bed.
Height
Out of all the temporary bed types, sofa and trundle beds tend to have the lowest height.
Roll-away beds and Murphy beds usually come at the same height as a standard permanent bed, while air mattresses vary in height from model to model.
You should look for a suitable height for your temporary bed so that your guests do not face difficulty in getting into or out of bed.
A temporary bed that keeps off the ground offers better temperature regulation by allowing airflow underneath. But those who want complete temperature regulation should look into getting a bedjet.
Versatility
Almost every temporary bed model is versatile in its own way.
Soft beds alternate between a bed and a couch; Murphy beds come with lots of storage space, trundle beds, along with offering storage space, inconspicuously allow two persons to sleep peacefully while occupying the space of a single bed.
Similarly, roll-away beds are great for temporary sleeping setup, and air mattresses are great for both at home and outdoor usage.
Identifying your needs is the key to finding the right temporary bed for yourself.
Cost
Like we mentioned earlier, temporary beds are more affordable than permanent beds. The range is so vast that everyone can find a unit that suits their budget.
That being said, air mattresses are usually the most affordable of them all. That’s why while shopping for a temporary guest bed, your budget won’t be a big concern.
You can set a suitable range and find a suitable bed without crossing it.
Warranty
You should choose a model with comprehensive warranty coverage so even if your bed malfunctions after some time, you can have it looked at or replaced without additional costs.
Limitations of Temporary Beds
Although temporary beds have the upper hand over permanent beds when hosting guests, their use is restricted with certain limitations. These include:
Demand Careful Handling
No matter what type of temporary bed you purchase, you have to be very careful while handling it.
If it's an air mattress, you should be careful not to get it punctured.
In the case of sofa or Murphy beds, you should be careful while converting them as these tend to be heavy, especially the latter. If you are not careful, the platform can even fall on you.
Trundle beds should also be carefully slid out.
Lastly, if you have a rollaway bed, be careful while rolling it out and assembling it. The metal frame is usually quite heavy, and if you are not cautious while assembling it, there is a fair chance of getting injured.
Weight Limit
All temporary beds have a suggested weight limit. Going over this weight capacity risks its integrity.
A single bed should be used for only one individual and double for two.
Make sure you check the weight capacity to ensure it is suitable for the number of guests sleeping on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How comfortable are rollaway beds?
A rollaway bed is intrinsically neither uncomfortable nor comfortable. After all, it features a metal frame that folds up with the mattress inside.
However, you can make it more comfortable by using a mattress of your choosing.
For example, memory foam is considered the most comfortable. So, you can use a memory foam mattress on your rollaway bed to make it very comfortable.
Is it difficult to keep the sheets on temporary beds?
Yes, it is challenging to keep the sheets on temporary beds. The reason is their design.
Flat sheets tend to slip and slide off. It's best that you get some fitted sheets for your temporary bed that can tuck neatly underneath the mattress and not slip off even if the sleeper changes positions.
How can I keep my temporary guest bed dust-free?
You can keep your temporary guest bed dust-free by covering it up when not in use.
For this purpose, most air mattresses come with storage bags that you can use to easily store the deflated bed to save it from collecting dust. For other mattress types, you can purchase some cheap plastic table covers and use them to cover the bed.
What is the ideal size of a guest bed?
A king or queen-sized bed will surely make the best purchase if you have ample space and often have guests over. But if you entertain less, have fewer guests sleeping over, or are short on space, a smaller temporary bed will suffice.
Final Verdict: What is the best temporary bed?
We think the Milliard Diplomat Folding Bed is the best temporary bed for guests. It is comfortable, very supportive and sturdy, making it a great choice for most.
If you prefer an air bed, then buy the King Koil California King Air Mattress. It offers a surprising level of support for an air mattress.
If you want a fold-out sofa bed at a great price and don’t want to compromise on quality, the Milliard Tri-Fold Foam Mattress and Sofa Bed is another great pick. It is multi-purpose and very comfortable.
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