The Best Rollaway Beds to Make Extra Space for Guests
Your overnight guests will thank you!
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Inflating an air mattress every time you host overnight guests can be a pain, and it can be a pain for your guests if it's not the most comfortable bed, too. However, we don't all have an extra bedroom or the space for a sleeper couch. That's where a rollaway bed comes in handy. When it's not in use, you simply fold it in half and roll it away to a large closet, garage, or a corner to free up some floor space. And if you buy a comfortable rollaway bed, your overnight guests will likely get a good night's sleep.
To find the best rollaway beds and folding beds online, we evaluated specifications like materials, mattress thickness, dimensions, and more. We also considered online reviews to see whether customers found the beds comfortable, sturdy, and easy to fold or open. Ahead, find the best rollaway foldable beds to make extra space for your guests without taking up too much space in your home.
Pros
- CertiPUR-US certified
- Thick, comfortable mattress
- Comes with a machine-washable cover
Cons
- Very heavy
- Expensive
Mattress size: Twin | Mattress thickness: 5 in. | Folded dimensions: 44" x 14" x 38" | Unfolded dimensions: 75" x 38" x 17" | Weight: 57 lbs | Weight capacity: 300 lbs | Materials: Steel, memory foam | Wheels: Yes
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Those looking for a high-quality, long-lasting rollaway bed
WHY WE LOVE IT: Though it is on the more expensive side, the Milliard Deluxe Diplomat Folding Bed has everything you’d hope for in a rollaway bed. The sturdy steel frame can support up to 300 pounds, making it a suitable sleeping spot for most adults. The included 5-inch Twin mattress offers a bit more room to move around than your standard cot, but it's still easy to store away. "It folds up nicely without any resistance," one online reviewer wrote.
The mattress is surprisingly comfortable, according to reviewers, likely because it’s composed of a 3.5-inch base foam and a 1.5-inch memory foam layer. Unlike many other options, it’s also CertiPUR-US certified, which means it meets third-party guidelines that guarantee it’s constructed without ozone depleters.
The mattress comes with a polyester cover that’s machine washable, and when it’s time to stash the bed, the whole thing secures together with a quick-close latch. Wheels make it easy to transport from room to room, even though it is on the heavier side. (At 57 pounds, this fold-up bed is the heaviest one on our list.)
Pros
- Wooden slats offer more support
- Thick memory foam mattress for comfort
- Lightweight and easy to fold up
Cons
- Lower weight capacity
Mattress size: Twin | Mattress thickness: 4 in. | Folded dimensions: 33" x 13" x 31" | Unfolded dimensions: 79" x 31.5" x 16" | Weight: 37 lbs | Weight capacity: 265 lbs | Materials: Steel, wood, memory foam | Wheels: Yes
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Anyone on a budget who doesn't want to skimp on quality
WHY WE LOVE IT: Another Twin-sized rollaway bed that offers a little bit more space to sleep, the Giantex Rollaway Folding Bed has many of the same great features as our top overall pick, yet comes at a fraction of the price. Online customers raved about its comfort as well. One reviewer on Amazon even said, "I don't know if I've ever slept so good in my life."
We also love that the steel frame is made with wooden slats instead of springs, offering even more support and durability. It's worth noting, however, that the weight capacity on this foldable bed is just 265 pounds, which is significantly less than most others and may not be strong enough for heavier adults.
The memory foam mattress is made of 4 inches of high-density support foam that's breathable and offers medium support to suit all types of sleepers. And when it's time to put it away, this option is even easier to fold up. It weighs a manageable 37 pounds and has a locking mechanism to keep the mattress from opening as you wheel it back into its storage space.
Pros
- Thick memory foam mattress for comfort
- Comes with a cover for storage
Cons
- Cot-sized
Mattress size: Cot | Mattress thickness: 5 in. | Folded dimensions: 31" x 12.8" x 45.2" | Unfolded dimensions: 75" x 31" x 16.8" | Weight: 45.1 lbs | Weight capacity: 300 lbs | Materials: Steel, memory foam | Wheels: Yes
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Those looking for a sturdy bed that's still offered at a reasonable price
WHY WE LOVE IT: A happy medium between our top overall pick and our best value pick, this foldable bed checks most boxes. The sturdy steel frame can hold up to 300 pounds, offering enough stability for most adults.
It is a cot size, so it's slightly smaller than a standard Twin bed, which may not be comfortable for larger individuals, but the smaller dimensions are nice if you have limited storage space. The bed is sturdy, easy to open and close, and comfortable, according to reviewers. "I would buy again with no hesitation," wrote one online reviewer on Amazon, who also called the bed "very comfortable."
It boasts a total of 5 inches of foam, which is 1.5 inches of memory foam and 3.5 inches of high-density support foam. For convenience, it comes with a machine-washable cover too.
At 45 pounds, it's heavier than some other options, which hinders portability to some extent, but does add to the overall support and durability of the bed. We also love that this rollaway comes with a storage cover, so it won't collect as much dust when not in use.
Pros
- Thick memory foam mattress for comfort
- 300-pound weight capacity
- Comes with machine-washable cover and dust cover
Cons
- Weighs 50 pounds
Mattress size: Twin | Mattress thickness: 5 in. | Folded dimensions: 37.5" x 8.5" x 19" | Unfolded dimensions: 75" x 38" x 17" | Weight: 50 lbs | Weight capacity: 300 lbs | Materials: Alloy steel, memory foam, metal | Wheels: Yes
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Larger body frames and heavier body types
WHY WE LOVE IT: Slightly larger than standard rollaway beds, which often come in cot sizes, this one offers a Twin-size 5-inch memory foam mattress that offers more room for adults and larger individuals to sleep comfortably. It has a weight capacity of up to 300 pounds.
For this much stability, the sacrifice is the weight of the bed. It's a whopping 50 pounds, which makes attic or basement storage a tall order. However, it comes on four smooth rolling wheels that make transport a breeze when stored on the same floor, and some online reviewers said it was not difficult to set up. "The bed was easy to put together and easy to fold up each day," wrote one online reviewer on Amazon. The wheels also lock into place to keep the bed in place during use.
We like that the mattress is encased in a cover that's machine-washable, plus it comes with a dust cover to keep the bed clean when not in use.
Pros
- Slimmer than most when folded
- Highly supportive design
Cons
- Cot-sized
Mattress size: Cot | Mattress thickness: 3 in. | Folded dimensions: 31" x 6.7" x 37" | Unfolded dimensions: 75" x 31" x 14" | Weight: 28.8 lbs | Weight capacity: 300 lbs | Materials: Metal, memory foam | Wheels: No
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Anyone with a small home and limited storage space
WHY WE LOVE IT: This thin rollaway bed may not look like much, but it’s a win for those working with tight quarters. Because it’s a cot, it doesn’t offer as much room to move about, but it does easily fit into cramped areas of the home—both when in use and when being stored. When folded, the portable bed measures just 6.7 inches deep, tying just one other pick on our list for the slimmest design.
Despite its more petite size, the bed can support up to 300 pounds, which is suitable for many adults. Reviewers said the 3-inch memory foam mattress is surprisingly comfortable and supportive, likely aided by the design, which is a combination of wood slats and reinforced wire mesh. One online reviewer on Amazon wrote, "My friend says it's so comfortable she goes right to sleep when she lies down on it."
Pros
- Only 32 pounds
- Thick 4-inch mattress for comfort
Cons
- Only holds up to 264 pounds
Mattress size: Cot | Mattress thickness: 4 in. | Folded dimensions: 31" x 12" x 42" | Unfolded dimensions: 75" x 31.5" x 15" | Weight: 32 lbs | Weight capacity: 264 lbs | Materials: Metal, memory foam | Wheels: Yes
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Anyone who wants a lightweight, easy-to-carry option, or those with multistory homes
WHY WE LOVE IT: From the makers of our top overall pick, this rollaway cot is a more budget-friendly option with an enviable feature: its weight. At 32 pounds, it's the lightest, wheeled rollaway bed on our list. And since it has wheels, it should be a cinch to move about the house. With the help of another person, you could even carry this one up or down a flight of stairs, if necessary. One online reviewer even said they take it camping.
For this benefit, there's not much sacrifice to be made in the way of comfort. The folding bed boasts a 4-inch foam mattress and a sturdy metal frame that supports up to 264 pounds. Because this weight capacity isn't as high as others, though, some reviewers preferred this pick for kids over adults.
Pros
- Has lockable wheels
- Weight capacity of 330 pounds
- Adjusts to six positions
Cons
- Mattress isn't very comfortable
Mattress size: Cot | Mattress thickness: 3 in. | Folded dimensions: 30" x 14" x 40" | Unfolded dimensions: 75.5" x 30" x 17" | Weight: 35.5 lbs | Weight capacity: 330 lbs | Materials: Steel, foam, cotton | Wheels: Yes
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Readers and those who want to recline while watching TV
WHY WE LOVE IT: Because it adjusts to six different positions, this rollaway bed is a unique option for those who want the flexibility to read, watch TV, or eat in bed. It's also a worthy choice for aging adults who may want a more permanent option for resting in another room of the house. To prevent mishaps when getting in or out, it has eight wheels, four of which are lockable.
One online reviewer on Amazon shared, "I like the firmness of the mattress and the sturdiness of the bed," although it may be too stiff for some people. Another online Amazon reviewer said, "When side sleeping, my hips and occasionally shoulder pressure points are uncomfortable." Some online reviewers recommended adding a mattress foam pad. However, it does have an enviable weight capacity at 330 pounds.
How we chose the best rollaway beds
To round up the best rollaway beds, we evaluated highly-rated models online and considered the materials of the mattress and the frame. We also checked the dimensions, mattress thickness, weight capacity, and the weight of the bed.
Lastly, we also read through online reviews to understand customers' experiences with purchasing and using the rollaway bed. That way, we had a better understanding of whether the bed was easy to set up, easy to fold and roll away, comfortable to sleep on, and durable.
What to look for when shopping for a rollaway bed
✔️ Size and weight: In general, rollaway beds come in cot (slightly smaller than a Twin) or Twin sizes. But because many have sturdy metal frames, they can be rather heavy—usually somewhere between 30 and 50 pounds. Typically, the heavier the bed, the more durable the frame material and, therefore, the more weight it can support. Keep this in mind if you anticipate heavy adults using the rollaway, and look for a rollaway with a weight capacity of 300 or more pounds.
✔️ Mattress: Like other mattresses, the toppers on rollaway beds are made with all different materials, including memory foam and even inflatable PVC materials. We recommend memory foam for comfort, but note that not all memory foam is created equal. Take a look at mattress thickness—the thicker the better, like our top pick, which boasts 5 inches of memory foam. You may also want to consider any special certifications, like CertiPUR-US, for help determining overall quality.
✔️ Portability: Rollaway beds are inherently portable, since they're designed to be temporary options for guests. For the greatest convenience, look for a foldable bed with built-in wheels so you can easily move the mattress around the house. And don't forget to consider folded dimensions—particularly if you're short on storage space. Some fold-up mattresses are even small enough to fit into their accompanying storage bags, which not only helps keep the beds in better condition long term, but is also ideal for anyone who wants the flexibility of taking theirs on the road with them when traveling.
Are rollaway beds worth it?
It depends entirely on your personal needs and preferences. If you have the storage space and expect frequent visitors, a rollaway bed is a great convenience that will keep your guests more comfortable without a true bed or sleeper sofa available. On the other hand, if you rarely have anyone staying the night, the hassle of stashing a fold-up bed—even one of the slimmest options—may not be worth it, particularly if your home lacks storage space.
What is the thickest mattress on a rollaway bed?
Most rollaway beds come with mattresses that are somewhere between 3 and 5 inches thick. Keep in mind: The thicker the mattress, the more likely it is to offer adequate support. But a thicker mattress often means a heavier overall bed, so keep that in mind if portability is a priority for you.
Where can you buy rollaway bed sheets?
You can purchase cot-sized sheets, but we recommend confirming the mattress dimensions (especially depth!) before purchasing to ensure the best fit. And if you prefer not to stock separate sheets, many can accommodate Twin-sized sheets, even though they'll be a little bit loose. You can also use a flat sheet and tuck the corners under to act as a fitted sheet in a pinch.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Brigitt Earley is a writer and editor with over 15 years of experience writing about home products, including beds and mattresses. She worked under the guidance of Emma Seymour, associate director of the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, to research and review the rollaway beds recommended in this story.
