Mattress Topper Directly on The Floor

Lagravier on 17/04/2024 - 19:08

I'm thinking about temporarily sleeping on a mattress topper only, on a carpeted floor, until I find a bed base and mattress that will suit my needs and wallet. Unless I like it and keep it that way.

Has anyone done that and what kind of topper have you used, and what's been your experience? For reference, I'm 62 kg and 1.8m.

Some considerations:
- I'm thinking I'd need to lift the topper by day to aerate the underside, otherwise it'll be humid there and mouldy. Anyone to confirm that it's a real issue?
- There are a few types and thicknesses, it looks like 7cm high density foam should provide the best isolation from the floor (any feedback about that), but there are fancy things like gel-infused memory foam of which I have a hard time understanding the mechanical properties.

Home & Garden Mattress Topper

Comments

  • boomramada on 17/04/2024 - 19:27
    +9

    At least get a blow up mattress.

    • agravier on 17/04/2024 - 19:51

      Bit worried the cheaper ones don't actually hold air for more than a night. Any recommendations below AUD 200?

        • agravier on 17/04/2024 - 20:22

          Looks like a reliable one, thanks!

      • freefall101 on 17/04/2024 - 20:42
        +13

        Put the mattress topper on it. At worst it deflates and you're in the same situation.

        However I've never had the problem of blow up mattresses deflating, no matter how cheap they are. I used to go mattressing on rapids too. Just don't use it as a jumping castle.

      • Cunning Linguist on 18/04/2024 - 21:54
        +4

        I would get a self inflatable mat over a blow up - they are way more comfortable and infinitely more useful for future camping trips and great portable bedding to take somewhere else for nights away.

        I have these two and they are both amazing:

        Zempire Single $199.99: https://www.snowys.com.au/megamat-single-camp-mat
        Exped Megagmat $389.95: https://www.snowys.com.au/megamat-10-lxw-camping-mat?c=Green

        Can pair with a stretcher - makes it more comfy and gets you off the ground:
        Single stretcher: https://www.snowys.com.au/easy-fold-single-stretcher-2

        • agravier on 18/04/2024 - 22:06

          Cool, a little outside my budget but appreciate the specific advice.

        • virhlpool on 19/04/2024 - 19:03

          What's the difference between these and the blow up mattress except that they are of different sizes?

          • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 20/04/2024 - 16:31

            @virhlpool: Self inflating are full of foam. Waaaay more comfortable.

          • Cunning Linguist on 20/04/2024 - 21:52

            @virhlpool: They basically have a memory foam structure that is always trying to expand. There are usually 2 valves (one in and one out) or one valve that rotates around so air can only go in one direction like the Zempire ones. When you want air in you just open the 'in' valve and let it do it's thing. When it's time to pack up you open the 'out' valve and close the 'in' valve and squeeze the air out as you roll it up then close both valves.

      • kaleidoscope on 19/04/2024 - 23:48

        I had one from aldi that lasted for a good amount of time until one day my mate borrowed it for a week to accompany some guests and its been leaking air since…

    • HeWhoKnows on 18/04/2024 - 08:07

      yes
      Mattress toppers are just that
      They are a solution for uncomfortable mattresses
      Not for sleeping on the floor.

    • Analytical Therapist on 19/04/2024 - 20:43
      +1

      I personally prefer someting else that blows up…

  • dtc on 17/04/2024 - 19:28
    +9

    Just get a camping mat or a futon. Mattress toppers are not firm enough to sleep on, you will sink right to the floor. Or a cheap foam mattress from Ikea

    • agravier on 17/04/2024 - 19:54

      Thanks, OK, which one? Again, worried inflatable ones will not stay inflated overnight, but I have little experience with camping mats, welcome any recommendations.

      • elgrande on 17/04/2024 - 20:46
        +1

        I have used many and can highly reccomend the dune 4x4 from anaconda. Self inflating, never deflates and quite comfy compared to alternatives.

      • Mikeer on 19/04/2024 - 18:29

        I have a $9 single air mattress from Kmart + $5 pump for emergencies like this. It stayed inflated for multiple nights in a row without me topping it up. If it's just for a few weeks, you don't have to spend more.

        • agravier on 19/04/2024 - 18:56

          Thanks. I decided for an did mattress indeed.

  • epkh on 17/04/2024 - 19:35
    +3

    You definitely need to aerate the carpet.

    We had a mattress directly on top of a carpet and mould eventually grew.

    • rumblytangara on 18/04/2024 - 10:14
      +3

      This seems to be a very situational thing. We've had mattresses on floors for years in various countries and never had a mould problem.

      • epkh on 18/04/2024 - 11:16

        maybe the type of mattress matters. but we left ours for a while and so much mould grew that we had to replace the carpet

        • MeesusEff on 18/04/2024 - 20:50
          +1

          My sister had a latex mattress on the carpet for 13 years and it never grew mould. Maybe the foam types are more susceptible

          • rumblytangara on 19/04/2024 - 20:04

            @MeesusEff: I wonder if it's down to the user- We've had pure foam, pure innerspring, foam+innerspring, on carpet, on hardwood. The foam+innerspring ones have been on solid surfaces (either the floor on on a solid bedframe) for >15 years. Never had a mould problem on any of them.

  • Randxyz123 on 17/04/2024 - 19:42
    +2

    This will be so damn uncomfortable.
    Get a blow up mattress from snowys or Kmart or somewhere. You can then just keep it in your cupboard if anyone comes to stay you are ready to go.

  • djsweet on 17/04/2024 - 19:59
    -1

    Seriously? Get your ass down to a bed shop right now and get something nice. I understand getting a good deal, but saving a few bucks isn’t worth even one night sleeping on the floor.

    • agravier on 17/04/2024 - 20:12

      OK dad, yes dad. I'll do that when I have the dough, in a few weeks.

      But until then I need an alternative solution.

      Actually op shops have mattresses sometimes, so this is something I consider as well, except that I do have some concerns about getting rid of it later. And some hygiene concerns too.

      • Mary Poppins on 18/04/2024 - 10:05
        +2

        They don’t sell used/2nd hand mattresses - don’t think they’re allowed to?

        • Loopholio on 18/04/2024 - 10:19
          +2

          My local shit shops sell new mattresses, no used. Lounges and foldout beds are second hand.

        • Monad on 19/04/2024 - 14:47
          +1

          I was put off ever buying 2nd hand mattress as the landlord I was renting a room from years ago, would sell mattresses on Gumtree etc.

          He would use the wet and dry vac and scrub to get what looked like piss stains out of the mattress to sell. He managed to get them out, but that would only be the surface, all the pee that soaked into the rest of the mattress is still there.

    • John Kimble on 17/04/2024 - 20:15
      +16

      Japanese have slept on the floor for centuries

      • Mechz on 17/04/2024 - 20:57
        +3

        It's fine if it's all you know.

        • rumblytangara on 18/04/2024 - 10:15
          +7

          Have you never tried sleeping on a futon and tatami combination? It's been perfectly comfortable whenever I've tried it.

      • boomramada on 18/04/2024 - 17:41
        -8

        Yep, then they stop using it and let the dump tourists use it.

      • virhlpool on 19/04/2024 - 19:08

        True that, and many other countries in Asia, such as Thailand, India, and Sri Lanka. Of course, not that everyone sleeps on floor but many people do, not out of compulsion but sheer choice, as it's considered healthy for posture and body. In fact, a lot of people who practise yoga prefer to sleep on floor (on a thin mat or so).

  • DemocracyManifest on 17/04/2024 - 20:03
    +11

    Get a bed off marketplace free and put the mattress topper on top. Presto!

    • TiredKitty78 on 18/04/2024 - 19:34

      Or even an ikea mattress 'pad' which will help slightly take the edge of being on the floor, especially if it's on top of a camping/yoga mat.

  • Mechz on 17/04/2024 - 20:56
    +4

    You can get a queen mattress in a box new from ebay for around $200 delivered.

    I bet it's more comfortable than a topper that would probably cost you a third or more of the price.

    At 62kg & 1.8m you probably won't make a dent even in the softest mattress so not much point waiting for an expensive one at half price.

    • agravier on 17/04/2024 - 21:21

      Tricky… on one hand, you may be right that the cheap ones on ebay will be OK. OTOH, if they're not, this is $200 wasted + transport and tip fees.

      However you're mistaken in that any mattress will work for me, I have had cheap ones where I felt the springs. Not great.

      I know, sleeping on the floor on a foam topper may not seem much better, but it's temporary and the topper can then be reused on a mattress.

      Thanks for your advice, I think it's a valuable idea where a topper can be used in case of some discomfort. Although I may start with an air mattress first instead as suggested by various others.

      • apsilon on 18/04/2024 - 08:05
        +4

        Read the details but Ikea offer a 1 year return window for spring mattresses if you don't like it. Only conditions I recall is it needs to be clean. Little risk involved there IMO.

  • Euphemistic on 17/04/2024 - 21:18
    +1

    Just get an air mattress. You can get em for around $20. They rarely deflate quicker than over night unless theyve been packed up and set up a lot or daged by sonething sharp.

    Havent used one as a bed for a long time, but used plenty rafting down river and they survived surprisingly well over rocks and sticks and getting knocked around by kids.

  • altomic on 17/04/2024 - 22:10
    +3

    30 milk crates + cable ties = queen size bed base
    I'd recommend this queen size mattress in a box from eBay for $210 delivered - i have one and really like it.

    • agravier on 18/04/2024 - 22:04

      Thanks for the recommendation!

      • Monad on 19/04/2024 - 14:36

        If you get something like this bed frame, for example, it's $160 delivered (with coupon code). Then it's a Queen (if suits) bed frame and queen bed and mattress for $370 delivered and you don't spend money on a temporary fix like mattress topper and blow-up mattress.

  • JIMB0 on 17/04/2024 - 22:12

    It might be ok if you double it up.

    • Ciderfizz44 on 19/04/2024 - 04:57

      That's what she said

  • belesci on 17/04/2024 - 22:13
    +1

    We’ve been doing this dor years due to small kids co-sleeping. No issues at all.

    • agravier on 18/04/2024 - 21:47

      Cool, thanks for the data point. High density foam, memory foam or something else?

  • Kail on 17/04/2024 - 22:43
    +2

    If it's only temporary, maybe consider a sleeping bag?

  • redfox1200 on 18/04/2024 - 05:53
    +2

    just buy a sleeping duck matress and get the 100 night trial, return if if you dont want it, we did this with an emma matress (didn't end up liking the matress), the sleeping duck mach II was great through and we kept that

    • agravier on 18/04/2024 - 21:48

      Good idea, didn't think of a trial

  • morse on 18/04/2024 - 06:44

    Mattresses are on special buy at aldi the moment. Pretty cheap and comfy. But yeah you’ll go straight through the topper and get sore, especially as you sound quite lean. A decent air mattress at Kmart is $99

  • Hardlyworkin on 18/04/2024 - 07:19
    +2

    Get on tinder to find a bed.

  • jellykingdom on 18/04/2024 - 08:16
    +1

    Before we got a larger guest bed, when the in-laws would come to stay i would use the queen mattress topper, fold it in half (i.e double thickness), and that was pretty damn comfy. Not sure you'd want to sleep on that long term

    • agravier on 18/04/2024 - 21:49

      Not looking at long term do thanks for the idea of doubling it up

  • richadam on 18/04/2024 - 09:23

    VADSÖ Sprung mattress from Ikea
    Comes with a 1 year change of mind policy.

  • payless69 on 18/04/2024 - 09:24

    A good yoga mat, presto!

  • gaber on 18/04/2024 - 11:13
    +2

    How about the Ikea foldable mattress?

    https://www.ikea.com/au/en/p/slaekt-pouffe-mattress-foldable…

  • Haribo on 18/04/2024 - 11:32

    Have done it because we moved from fully furnished to normal, but owned a mattress topper. Our plan was similar to find the right mattress combo.

    It wasn't great sleeping on the mattress topper and it was a decently thick foam topper.

    Would recommend an intex air mattress instead if you really need to take your time in finding the right mattress + bed combo.

    • agravier on 18/04/2024 - 21:52

      Thanks for the data point, I've had so many issues with Intex inflatable pools though I'm going to look at other brands. Maybe those issues don't translate in mattress land but I'll avoid the risk.

  • Shadowsfury on 18/04/2024 - 11:39

    cant you at least get one of those cardboard bed frames to use temporarily with the topper?

    • agravier on 18/04/2024 - 21:53

      I didn't know this exists! I'll look

  • John Kimble on 18/04/2024 - 11:42

    Depending on where you live, you could probably score a free bed frame from general clean up or free item give away FB groups?

    • agravier on 18/04/2024 - 21:57

      Yeah but frame or no frame is not really an issue, more looking for people's experience sleeping on a topper topping any hard surface.

      • us3rnam3tak3n on 19/04/2024 - 18:25

        Bed topper straight on the floor will create a humid space and possibly mould. The frame would overcome that problem.

  • kolorijo on 18/04/2024 - 12:51

    Get a self inflatable camping mattress second hand of facebook market. I have 2 different blackwolf brand SIM and very happy with them.

    • agravier on 18/04/2024 - 22:02

      Thanks for the brand advice. I'll look at Blackwolf. What's SIM?

      • kolorijo on 22/04/2024 - 08:50

        Self Inflating Mattress :)

  • xylarr on 18/04/2024 - 19:12
    +2

    1.8m and 62kg? You need to eat more 😝

    • agravier on 18/04/2024 - 21:55
      +1

      I eat a lot actually. Guess I'm just not efficient as a carbs to fat converter

  • toniteddy on 18/04/2024 - 20:14
    +1

    I am a floor sleeper by choice for years now (over 10 years at this point?). my issue is that I like very very very firm mattresses and no matter how "firm" thee sale person insist the mattress is when I buy it, by the time I sleep on it for a few months (I'm a side sleeper), it starts developing soft spots. I use to just put a duvet on the floor (carpeted) and that was it. but last year a friend, who knows I sleep on the floor, was clearing out her shed and gave me a futon mattress she brought back from Japan. this was a nice "upgrade" and I love it. it is thin enough that it still gives me the firmness I'm after with a little extra cushion. Another idea would be to check out the mattress on the day beds from Ikea. My brother who lives in Canada has one and that's where I sleep when I visit and I love it as well. the only issue is that the name of the mattress there isn't the same here so I don't know if it's the same.

    • agravier on 18/04/2024 - 21:58

      I like the idea but I'm not sure where to try a futon…

  • Vool on 18/04/2024 - 21:08

    My grandfather often sleeps on the carpet and has done for as long as I remember. He's got a bad back and says it's comfortable for him.

    • agravier on 18/04/2024 - 22:01

      I'm serving lots of replies about bad back and sorting in the floor or on a topper on the floor, I should try some day even if I go with an inflatable one this time around

  • DirtCheapster on 18/04/2024 - 21:33

    I have a bad back, so I prefer sleeping on a hard surface. I am used to using a mattress topper on the floor. It's a matter of whether you are used to it or not.

    • agravier on 18/04/2024 - 22:00

      Thanks for the data point. What topper do you use? And why this one?

  • CommuterPolluter on 18/04/2024 - 21:43

    Just sleep on the floor.

    • agravier on 18/04/2024 - 21:46

      Maybe I'll try that too. Easiest over to try actually.

  • Richardc on 19/04/2024 - 00:41
    -1

    Try sofa bed

  • Ciderfizz44 on 19/04/2024 - 05:01
    +3

    Just get a cheap mattress in a box - why pay over $100 for a temporary solution when these are only $199.

    • AEKaBeer on 19/04/2024 - 08:07

      Seconded, Aldi also sells something similar from time to time. We replaced our old $900 matress with a queensize aldi matress for $250 and it was a better more supportive mattress than the pricey one by a long way.

  • blorx on 19/04/2024 - 09:18

    My back hurt reading this.

  • NaRaSaRang on 19/04/2024 - 13:53
    +1

    I used to sleep on a carpeted floor with a yoga mat for about a year. As long as you have a pillow for neck support, it'd be fine. It takes about a week to get used to it with a bit of sore body, but after that, all good. Some even argue it is actually better for your back/spine.

  • DiscoJango on 19/04/2024 - 17:44
    +2

    Ozbargain is either i sleep on the floor OR ive got $300k what should i do with it.

  • congo on 19/04/2024 - 17:53

    I've got back problems, been sleeping on a thick mattress topper that I fold in half to double its thickness.
    Its hard, but great for my back.

    Most of Japan sleeps on futons?

  • virhlpool on 19/04/2024 - 19:02

    OP, not sure about your budget but this bed has great reviews across internet and offers great quality at an affordable price: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07K1M7NXC

    • agravier on 19/04/2024 - 20:09

      Thanks mate, I've gone for an inflatable bed for now but I'll review real beds soon

  • beach bum on 19/04/2024 - 20:15
    -1

    Swag ?

  • Hugh G Rection on 19/04/2024 - 20:28

    that's dumb, that's going to feel like nothing. get a blow up mattress from kmart or outdoor store on sale for cheap. way better

  • bashar20 on 19/04/2024 - 22:07

    Just buy a mattress for $200 from aldi or Kmart or eBay.

  • aumacca on 20/04/2024 - 08:59

    stock still available $149, click the Check Stock Availability link at the end of the page:

    https://www.aldi.com.au/special-buys/special-buys-sat-13-apr…

    • agravier on 20/04/2024 - 11:00

      Thanks mate

  • BemusedRat on 20/04/2024 - 15:04

    I did this for a year or so and was quite comfortable. Definitely better than an air mattress like some other people are suggesting. It was nice being able to fold up the bed to take up less space too since I was in a studio apartment. In saying that, I was using a latex mattress topper from Clark Rubber which are currently $549 for a queen so maybe not worth the cost in your case.

  • Phreakuency on 20/04/2024 - 17:29
    +1

    OP you could manage that easily until you get a bed and mattress.

    I’ve done it twice.

    Once on carpet while waiting for a new mattress to arrive, using only a regular doona on the carpet and it was fine for about a month.

    Then did the same on tiles during COVID, getting rid of my mattress before the new one was due but it got delayed a few weeks so put down two thick doonas on the tiles and slept fine for a few weeks.

    Don’t bother with an air mattress, they are bad for your back and make all sorts of noises if you roll around while sleeping.

    As long as you have good pillows, the floor will give you better back support than any cheap mattress as well.

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