Brad, Owner since 1987: "We have been helping Brantford families sleep better since 1987. Every customer gets personal attention, honest advice, and the kind of follow-up service you just do not get from big box stores."
Foldable mattresses solve a problem that every Canadian with limited space faces: where do you put the guest bed? A tri-fold mattress stores in a closet, slides under a bed, or sits in a corner. A Japanese futon rolls up and disappears during the day, turning a bedroom into a living space.
This guide covers every type of foldable mattress available in Canada, from tri-folds to Japanese futons to roll-up options, with specific products and pricing.
Tri-Fold Mattresses
| Product | Thickness | Sizes | Price (CAD) | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milliard 6" Memory Foam | 6" | Twin, Full, Queen | $100-$250 | Amazon.ca |
| Milliard 4" Foam | 4" | Twin | $80-$120 | Amazon.ca |
| Lucid Gel Memory Foam | 3-4" | Twin, Full | $60-$120 | Amazon.ca |
| Continental Sleep | 5" | Twin, Full | $100-$180 | Amazon.ca |
| IKEA SLAKT | 3" | SLAKT bed size | $99-$149 | IKEA Canada |
The Milliard 6-inch is the bestseller for good reason. Six inches of CertiPUR-US certified memory foam provides enough support for a comfortable night's sleep. The washable cover is a practical bonus. It folds into thirds and can be stored in a closet or under a bed.
Japanese Futon Mattresses
Japanese futons (shikibuton) are thin mattresses designed to be laid directly on the floor and folded or rolled up during the day. This is the traditional Japanese approach to small-space living and is increasingly popular in Canadian apartments.
| Brand | Thickness | Price (CAD) | Material | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAXYOYO | 4-6" | $80-$300 | Memory foam or polyester fill | Amazon.ca |
| EMOOR | 2-3" | $150-$400 | Traditional cotton fill, 10 colours | Amazon.ca |
| FULI | 2-3" | $200-$500 | Traditional cotton shikibuton | Amazon.ca |
| J-Life | 3" | $200-$600 | Handmade in Japan, highest quality | jlifeinternational.com |
Floor Sleeping Tips
- Ventilation: Place a tatami mat, breathable mat, or slatted platform under the futon to allow airflow. Sleeping directly on a cold floor without ventilation leads to moisture buildup and mould.
- Air daily: Stand the futon up or hang it to air out each morning. Japanese households do this routinely.
- Temperature: Floor-level sleeping is cooler because cold air settles. This is a benefit in summer but may require extra blankets in Canadian winters.
Roll-Up Mattresses
True roll-up mattresses are thin (2-4 inches) and designed to be stored rolled between uses. They are the most portable option for camping, travel, or occasional guest use.
- MAXYOYO Roll-Up Floor Mattress: 3-4 inches, $60-$150, includes carrying straps
- Dr. Futon Japanese Roll-Up: 3-4 inches, $70-$150, good for camping
Important distinction: Bed-in-a-box mattresses (Douglas, Endy, etc.) arrive rolled and compressed, but they are NOT designed to be re-rolled for storage. Once expanded, they are permanent full-size mattresses.
Best Uses for Foldable Mattresses
- Guest beds: The primary use. A 6-inch tri-fold stores in a closet and provides a comfortable night for guests.
- Small spaces: Japanese futons turn a bedroom into a living room during the day.
- Kids' sleepovers: Budget tri-folds and the IKEA SLAKT are perfect for kids' sleepover nights.
- Camping and RV: Thinner 3-4 inch options work as secondary sleeping surfaces in RVs or for car camping.
- Temporary housing: When you need a mattress for a few months (new apartment, renovation, university).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sleep on a foldable mattress every night?
Short-term (a few months), yes, if you choose a 6-inch option with quality foam. Long-term (years), not recommended. Foldable mattresses are thinner, have less support, and wear out faster (2-5 years) than standard mattresses (8-10 years). For primary sleep, invest in a real mattress.
What is the best foldable mattress for guests?
The Milliard 6-inch Tri-Fold Memory Foam ($100-$250 on Amazon.ca). Thick enough to be comfortable, folds for storage, and has a washable cover. It is the most-reviewed and best-selling foldable mattress in Canada.
Are Japanese futons comfortable?
Yes, but the comfort is different from a traditional mattress. Japanese futons provide firm support with minimal cushioning. Side sleepers may find them too firm. Back and stomach sleepers tend to adapt well. If you are new to floor sleeping, start with a thicker futon (4-6 inches) like the MAXYOYO rather than a traditional 2-3 inch shikibuton.
Does IKEA sell foldable mattresses in Canada?
IKEA sells the SLAKT folding mattress ($99-$149) designed for their children's bed frames. It is 3 inches thick and folds to fit under the SLAKT bed. It is designed for kids and is not recommended for adult use. IKEA also sells the foldable SLAKT mattress in Vissle beige and green.
Where can I buy a foldable mattress in Canada?
Amazon.ca has the widest selection, including Milliard, MAXYOYO, EMOOR, Lucid, and Continental Sleep. IKEA sells the SLAKT for kids. Wayfair.ca carries some options. For authentic Japanese futons, jlifeinternational.com and fulishikibuton.com ship to Canada.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
Mattress Miracle
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford
Phone: (519) 770-0001
Hours: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4
Our team has 38 years of experience helping customers find the right sleep solution. Call ahead or walk in any day of the week.
Sources
- Jacobson BH, Boolani A, Smith DB. Changes in back pain, sleep quality, and perceived stress after introduction of new bedding systems. J Chiropr Med. 2009;8(1):1-8. DOI: 10.1016/j.jcm.2008.09.002
- Radwan A, Fess P, James D, et al. Effect of different mattress designs on promoting sleep quality, pain reduction, and spinal alignment. Sleep Health. 2015;1(4):257-267. DOI: 10.1016/j.sleh.2015.08.001
- Kovacs FM, Abraira V, Peña A, et al. Effect of firmness of mattress on chronic non-specific low-back pain. Lancet. 2003;362(9396):1599-1604. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(03)14792-7
Foldable mattresses in Canada include tri-fold foam, Japanese futon-style, and roll-up designs, each serving different space and portability needs. Mattress Miracle at 441½ West Street in Brantford recommends foldable mattresses only for temporary or guest use, not as a primary sleep surface. Brad notes that the fold points in tri-fold mattresses create gaps in support that can cause discomfort during extended use. For permanent sleeping, a proper mattress on a low-profile frame provides the same space efficiency with better support. Call (519) 770-0001.
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Find Your Perfect Mattress at Mattress Miracle
We are a family-owned mattress store in Brantford, helping our community sleep better since 1987. Come try mattresses in person and get honest, no-pressure advice.
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
Call 519-770-0001Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sleep on a foldable mattress every night?
Short-term yes with 6-inch foam. Long-term not recommended - thinner support, faster wear (2-5 years vs 8-10 for standard).
What is the best foldable mattress for guests?
Milliard 6-inch Tri-Fold Memory Foam ($100-$250 Amazon.ca). Comfortable, folds for storage, washable cover.
Are Japanese futons comfortable?
Yes but different. Firm support, minimal cushioning. Back/stomach sleepers adapt well. Start with 4-6 inch thickness if new to floor sleeping.
Does IKEA sell foldable mattresses in Canada?
IKEA sells the SLAKT ($99-$149) for children's beds. 3 inches thick, designed for kids, not recommended for adults.
Where can I buy a foldable mattress in Canada?
Amazon.ca has widest selection. IKEA for kids. Wayfair.ca also carries options. jlifeinternational.com for authentic Japanese futons.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
We are located at 441½ West Street in downtown Brantford. Free parking available. Our team does not work on commission, so you get honest advice based on your needs.
Mattress Miracle , 441½ West Street, Brantford, ON · (519) 770-0001
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 10am–6pm, Thursday–Friday 10am–7pm, Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 12pm–4pm.