In this guide, we’ll cover the three key aspects of cot mattresses you should consider when buying online — the sizes, the features, and the materials.
From new purchases to a cot mattress replacement, we’ve got you covered!
Best of all, we’ve already done the homework for you, putting in many nights of sleep on various makes and models to be able to give you a first-hand account of what we consider the best cot mattresses.
What Is a Cot Mattress?
A cot, also known as a camp bed, is a type of fold-out mattress. As the name suggests, the frame of these beds ‘folds up’ to take up less space when not in use.
This makes them convenient for a broad range of situations where an additional bed may need to be pulled out — such as for company, or for when capacity has been reached in hotels, shelters, hospitals, or when camping.
The Best Cot Mattresses to Buy Online
All three of the mattresses below have their pros and cons. What’s most important is finding the right fit for your unique situation.
One more thing worth mentioning: if you have problems finding the right size, you may be in need of a custom mattress.
With MattressInsider, each of the mattresses below can be customized to whatever size or shape you need. We think that’s pretty awesome.
Rating: Best Overall
Type: Gel Memory Foam
Thickness: 4.5″
Customizable: Yes
Feel: Medium to Medium Firm
Great For: Camping, Hotel, Home, Military, Emergency, Storage
Features Overview
- Customizable to virtually any size or shape
- Impressive pressure point relief
- DUAL sided mattress, featuring a soft plush side and a firmer side ideal for those who need additional support
- Generous 10-year warranty
- 100% USA Made, and USA Materials
What We Love Most About the East Hampton Memory Foam Cot Mattress
There’s a lot to love about this mattress. First up, its luxury gel memory foam uniquely blends comfort with support. The mattress overall is a bit on the firmer side, but it doesn’t take away from the comfort.
Those who are hot sleepers or who live in warmer climates will also enjoy the cooling technology built into the gel layered foam — specially engineered to help regulate body temperature to keep you cool through the night!
Plus, the CertiPur-Us 4LB open cell memory foam offers superior orthopedic support for your joints and pressure points, keeping your body in alignment all night long and helping you to wake up feeling refreshed and restored.
Rating: Most Affordable
Type: High Density Foam Mattress
Thickness: 4.5″
Customizable: Yes
Feel: Medium
Great For: Camping, Home, Hotel, Military, Emergency, Storage
Features Overview
- Customizable to virtually any size or shape
- Perfect for individuals looking for a firmer feel in their mattress
- Contouring rapid recovery foam
- Resourced and made in the USA
- CertiPur-US certified foam
- 5 year warranty
Why We Love the Ovation
In a few words, this is an affordable mattress that doesn’t sacrifice support or comfort. Featuring a silky-smooth organic cotton cover followed by high-density support foam and a no-slip fabric base, this model is ideal for those looking for an entry level foam cot mattress.
Rating: Honorable mention for those seeking a THICKER mattress
Type: Gel Foam Mattress
Thickness: 6″
Customizable: Yes
Feel: Medium to Medium-Firm
Great For*: Camping, Home, Hotel, Military, Emergency
*Keeping in mind that this mattress may be more difficult to fold up
Features Overview
- Customizable to virtually any size or shape
- Impressive pressure relief and support, compared to other 6” models
- Airflow foam aids in reducing heat and improving breathability
- CertiPur-US certified materials
- 100% USA Made, and USA Materials
- DUAL sided for two firmness levels
- Includes a soft as silk organic cotton cover
- 15-year warranty
Why We Love the 6" Elation
Despite boasting many of the same features that make other cot mattresses on our ‘best of’ list a good buy, the Elation offers unparalleled support and a generously thick 6” build.
We especially appreciate the cooling technology, with gel-infused foam wicking away body heat and the aire-flow foam improving the dissipation of heat away from sleep surfaces.
Rapid-recovery foam also offers a glove-in-hand comfort-fitting feel, without losing its firm support.
The result is a comfort-driven mattress that offers superior joint and orthopedic support, while not sacrificing its luxurious plush feel.
NOTE: In general, the thicker a mattress becomes, the more difficult it will be to fold for storage. If storage of the mattress is important to your buying decision, we recommend one of the thinner 4.5″ mattresses.
What Should You Consider Before Buying a Cot Mattress Online?
The market is flooded with various options for cots, offering a wide variety of functionalities, features, designs, builds, and more.
To help cut through the noise, we’ve put together a brief outline of the most important aspects to consider when buying a cot mattress online.
Quality of the Build
Seems like a no-brainer, but you don’t always need a premium and top of the line mattress if it’ll only get used once or twice a year when guests come over.
On the other hand, if the cot will be regularly used as an extra guest bed or for a child, quality will be a bigger concern.
Comfort and Features
This is a whole topic in and of itself. You’ll find a literal boatload of guides on our site to help you find the right comfort features tailored to your sleeping style, use, and personal needs.
For now, just be mindful of whether or not you sleep hot or cold, your preferred levels of firmness, and the size that you need.
Size
Cots aren’t always one size fits all.
Be sure to measure the frame (if you have one) to determine the appropriate size of the cot you need.
Similarly, if you have a sleeping platform, you’ll want something that’s going to fit without hanging over the edge and that doesn’t crowd the room.
Storage Space
Think about where the bed will be used and where you will store it when not in use.
In some cases, a tuck-away, roll-away, or Murphy bed may be a better option.
Weight
Do you intend on moving the cot around a lot? Are you taking it when moving to a new home or apartment? Do you need to lug it up and down stairs for storage in an attic or basement?
In all such cases, weight plays a big role in portability.
Price
Unless you have a rich uncle or hit the MegaMillions lottery, you’ll likely have a budget in mind.
Most lower-end mattresses are factory-made in mass using low quality builds and materials from overseas.
These aren’t always a bad option for the rare occasion, but if you intend to use your cot more frequently or require a level of comfort that doesn’t resemble a concrete block, shelling out just a few extra dollars can go a long way.
Why Use a Cot Mattress?
Space
The uniquely small size of this model makes it ideal for smaller bedrooms, apartment living, and for adding an additional bed to a bedroom (such as when siblings sleep in the same room).
Room Scale
Smaller living spaces require a unique approach to furniture and layout, such as with couches and refrigerators being undersized. Your bed may be no different!
Portability
Does your job have you moving around a lot? Are you in need of a temporary bed before making a move to your ‘forever home’?
Do you foresee that your sleeping arrangements or needs may change considerably in the near future? Are you staying with friends or relatives and want to take your own bed?
The small size of these mattresses means you can more easily take them with you on the go, no matter where life takes you.
Flexibility
The small size of these mattresses, and their ability to tuck away when not in use, provides a lot of flexibility with regards to sleeping arrangements.
From children’s sleepovers to visiting relatives, you can bust out the cot anytime you need.
Cot Mattresses: Final Thoughts
Made with pride right here in the USA, these cot mattresses take a fresh approach in an industry otherwise wrought with bulk-made poor quality materials sourced from cheap overseas providers.
Each of these mattresses use genuine CertiPur-US certified foam that is eco-friendly, sustainably sourced, and guaranteed non-toxic.
They are made with care, passion, and a dedication to superior build quality.
Plus, they’re handcrafted to meet your unique needs and to ensure you get the best sleep of your life.
Need something custom? We can help! Get the mattress of your dreams with a price tag that will have you thinking you’re still dreaming!
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