Best Rollaway Beds – Perfect Picks For Small Spaces
Not everyone has the luxury of having the extra square footage tied to an extra bedroom for the occasional visiting guest or sleepover. However, we all typically have that occasional guest that comes to visit and deserves a comfortable place to rest their head each night. Rollaway beds are the perfect solution for households that regularly need an extra sleeping space for sleepover guests, but don’t have the room for a full-sized bed.
They also serve as an excellent option for those restless nights or warm summer evenings where sleeping elsewhere sounds like a perfect solution to your insomnia. The ease of storage and setup make them a convenient, and helpful extra bed to have around.
Table Of Contents
Best Rollaway Beds Comparisons
Brand | Details | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
LUCID Rollaway Guest Bed |
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Milliard Premium Folding Bed |
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iBed in a Box Hideaway Guest Bed |
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Zinus Sleep Master Traveler Deluxe |
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Serta Durable Rollaway Bed |
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Why a Roll-Away
A rollaway is a folding frame that supports a standard twin sized, or full sized mattress (queens may also be available, but are hard to come by) and is called such due to how many of the designs are equipped with wheels to help roll the bed in and out of its storage place. Most rollaways generally fit easily into a closet space or under a bed, to be out of the way when not in use- but unfold into a full sized frame for your guest’s comfort. They are also great choices for smaller living areas, such as dorm rooms or apartment lofts.
History of Folding Beds
Near the turn of the 19th century multiple patents relating to folding beds were sought by innovative thinkers in response to crowded living conditions within working class neighborhoods. Living quarters were often small, occasionally fitting multi-child families into one bedroom apartments. Single men and women looking for work would also room together for both saved money, and lack of affordable housing.
Some of the first designs were created to be multi purposeful and would fold up during the day into writing desks, but by the 20th century a simplified folding bed became a more affordable, and convenient choice that would eventually become the rollaway we know today.
Rollaway Design
Rollaways are typically made with a durable steel frame which can often support 300 lbs or more, and generally come with wheels to make storage easy and convenient. A trampoline type base, wooden slats, or steel mesh serve as the mattress support decking, and many of the mattresses used are considered of high quality material. What they all have in common is how the fold and latch to stay secure in storage. Some even come with storage bags so they can be stored in garages or sheds without fear of ruining the mattress.
Different sizes are readily available with the most common being a twin, or cot size (slightly more narrow than a twin). But twin XL, Full, or even queen can also be found.
What to Consider Before Purchase
Even though rollaway beds aren’t considered extremely pricy when compared to a regular bed frame and mattress, it is an investment and you should consider the reasons you are exploring it as an option in the first place.
What do you plan on using your rollaway for?
Do you have a small space and are looking to open up a living area further, or are you solely searching for a guest bed? If you are planning on using your rollaway as a daily bed, you might want to consider one that has a dual purpose and can serve as a side table when folded up. A rollaway may not even be your best choice either, and you might want to explore a Murphy bed option.
How often will you be using it?
If you have guests regularly and know it will get a lot of use- then a higher end, more durable bed should be what you are looking for. Rollaways are more focused on the occasional guest convenience market, and not for consistent heavy usage.
Who will be sleeping on it?
Young children and smaller adults can obviously fit more easily on a cot or twin sized mattress than a larger, heavier adult. Twin XL sizes are longer to help accommodate longer bodies, and full or queen sized beds are worth the extra cost if you know you will be having couples visiting rather than invest in two separate beds.
Where will you be storing it?
Most rollaways fit well into a closet, but some are narrow enough to be stored under a permanent bed frame as well. If you really do not have a place indoors for storage, but do have room in a garage or shed, consider a bed that comes with a storage bag to help keep it clean when not in use.
Top 5 Rollaway Beds Reviews
LUCID Rollaway Guest Bed
Available in multiple sizes, this rollaway features a flat, spring supported base for a four inch, memory foam mattress. It does requires some simple assembly upon purchase, but once together folds and stores easily. The wheels also lock to keep the bed in place when in use, and to make it safe for children. It can also support over 300 lbs comfortably making it an ideal choice for grown adults as well.
The memory foam mattress is an inch layer of high quality, CertiPUR-US Certified foam that is rated as a medium-plush surface, supported by 3 inches of a general support foam. The certification ensures that the foam was created using a process free from harsh or dangerous chemicals and is inspected by the Consumer Product Safety Commision for high quality products. The spring supported decking also provides give and helps dissipate weight and reduce pressure points.
Pros
Cons
Milliard Premium Folding Bed
This cot sized (more narrow than a twin) rollaway comes fully assembled with a four inch memory foam mattress. Although larger sizes are available for separate purchase, this is one of the company's more popular models due to it’s easy of storage and use. Wheels are removable and easily screw on and off, and also lock into place when in use or storage. Rated for up to 400 lbs of weight, this is one of the more sturdy rollaways available.
The four inch memory foam provides a medium-firm feel, and is rated at a 2.5lb/cu.ft for density and quality. The frame also comes complete with brackets to attach a head and foot board if you are looking for a more permanent setup with the additional ease of teardown if needed. The spring supported decking may sag under heavier weights, but any issues surrounding poor workmanship is covered under a free replacement policy.
Pros
Cons
iBed in a Box Hideaway Guest Bed
This incredibly compact, foldable bed opens into a standard twin sized bed in just seconds. Easy to store, the two inch mattress is considered surprisingly comfortable and well supported by the spring and mesh decking which can hold up to 275 pounds. Plus, extra padding can be added in the shape of an additional mattress, or even a simple mattress pad if needed. Made with tubular steel, the bed also comes with a carry-all storage bag.
Well priced, consumers praise the ease of set-up and prefer it over an air mattress which is cost comparable. Some complaints arise from how quickly it can snap open during setup, resulting in pinched flesh, so care should be taken during setup and takedown. The supportive legs do lock for added stability when set up as well.
Pros
Cons
Zinus Sleep Master Traveler Deluxe
A good alternative to some of the larger rollaway options, the Zinus Sleep Master folds slightly narrower than many other options for easier storage but still has a thicker, four inch, memory foam mattress. Rated up to 300 pounds, reviews state that overall the bed supports body weight well, but heavier bodies may notice a sink in the decking due to the additional weight.
The memory foam is also CertiPUR-US Certified for additional safety measures, and is considered a soft surface which may not be ideal for back or stomach sleepers, but does support side sleepers well. Any issues surrounding this bed seem to be taken care of by what is quoted as “excellent” customer service by multiple reviews.
Although it does not have wheels for storage, it does have a handled, zippered case for convenient carrying. Since it only weighs in at 34 pounds it has been noted that carrying and storage is easy.
Pros
Cons
Serta Durable Rollaway Bed
Boasting a thicker, spring supported mattress by an industry leader, the Serta rollaway is one of the more durable options in the cot to twin size rollaway category that is still considered easy to move and store. Heavier duty steel supports and a steel mesh decking is rated for up to 300 pounds and comes fully assembled for immediate use.
Since the mattress is of a more traditional material rather than a memory foam, this is probably a better choice for overall back support and longevity as springs generally breakdown less easily than foams over time. Despite being rated to 300 pounds, heavier bodies may experience some mattress sinking due to the supportive decking. Complaints about comfort surround this issue, which is backed by the 90 day comfort, hassle-free guarantee.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
I think it’s safe to say that as an extra bed option, or space saver, a rollaway bed is a product to seriously consider. Not only is it a convenient solution to guest bedding, but is multipurpose for your own needs, and packs easily for temporary sleeping spaces during moves or even longer-term sleep solutions.
A variety of sizes and options are available to meet both space and comfort needs, and my personal pick is the Zinus Sleep Master Traveler Deluxe due to its smaller storage size, and thicker mattress. As a temporary set-up it seems a sturdy choice, and if it was needed for an extended time, it's spring supported decking is a decent alternative to add another, thicker mattress or padding if needed.
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