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    What Is a Trundle Bed?

    Space-saving beds with hidden pull-out sleeping surfaces.

    Last reviewed: ·Reviewed every 60–90 days by the Sleep Sage editorial team.

    Key Takeaways

    Hidden bed underneath
    Great for guests
    Pop-up option available
    Need thin mattress

    A trundle bed features a secondary bed frame that slides out from underneath the main bed.

    Trundles are excellent for guest rooms, kids rooms, or any space where you need occasional extra sleeping capacity.

    Pop-up trundles can rise to the same height as the main bed, creating a king-sized sleeping surface.

    Standard trundles stay low to the ground, which may be less comfortable for adult guests.

    When shopping for trundle mattresses, look for lower-profile options (typically 6-8 inches) that fit the trundle frame.

    Pop-up trundles have evolved significantly. Modern hydraulic pop-up mechanisms can raise the lower bed to match the main bed height smoothly and quietly, creating a king-sized sleeping surface for couples or sleepovers. This dual functionality makes them excellent for guest rooms.

    Trundle mattresses need to be thin enough to slide under the main bed frame — typically 6-8 inches maximum. This limits your options to thinner foam mattresses. Our top picks for trundle mattresses include the Zinus Green Tea 6-inch and Linenspa 6-inch hybrid.

    Consider the floor surface when using a trundle. Wheels or casters roll smoothly on hard floors but can damage carpeting with repeated use. Some trundles use glides instead of wheels, which work better on carpeted surfaces.

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