We could not find the page you were looking for. Some reasons might be: Try going back to the Home Page or use the Search function at the top of the page.Home > Blog > Platform Beds - Purchasing GuidelinesPlatform Beds - Purchasing Guidelines Platform beds have been around for a long time but have only recently gained popularity, especially in the natural and organic market. A platform bed incorporates the support of a box spring or foundation into the design of the bed frame by utilizing either a solid surface or wooden slats. The platform bed allows you to place a mattress directly on the bed frame without needing a box spring or foundation to support the mattress, and also eliminates the need for a bed skirt or long bed spread to cover up the unsightly box spring. A common misconception about platform beds is that they are always modern in design. There are actually many different styles of platform beds from very traditional to modern. The Natural Sleep Store sells a range of platform bed styles made by Pacific Rim and the Bedworks of Maine.There are many companies today that sell platform beds and it is important to choose a quality product for longevity and for proper support of your organic or natural mattress.
In this article I will discuss what to look for as far as durability, materials, and support. I like to see metal on metal construction where the side rails meet the headboard and footboard. These joining areas are the places on the bed that take the most strain over time. Eventually, you will probably have to tighten these joints and a metal on wood connection can strip much easier than metal on metal connections. To the left is a diagram of a “bed bolt” connection where a long bolt threads into a metal nut and holds the connection in compressionTo the right is a diagram of bedrail hooks that latch onto a metal fitting When purchasing a bed frame look for strong structure to support your natural or organic mattress with a base of either slats or a solid surface. I prefer wooden slats over a solid surface. If you choose a platform bed that has a solid surface instead of slats I recommend one with holes for ventilation. Without proper ventilation, mold or mildew can form between the mattress and bed surface.
On a slatted platform bed, especially if you will be using it with a natural latex mattress, the slats should be no more than 3 inches apart and should be at least 3/4” thick by 2” wide. Additionally, it is an absolute necessity for a slatted platform bed from full to king size to have a center support that runs perpendicular to the slats (from head to foot). The last thing that I look for in terms of durability is solid wood. Veneered particle board is not the best choice for most parts of a bed frame because it has less structural integrity than solid wood. Because of its structural intergrity solid wood will also last much longer than veneered particle board.The other element that I find important in choosing a platform bed frame is healthy materials. Again, I always look for solid wood over plywood or particle board. Metal can be a good choice as well. Metal is mostly neutral (i.e. does not out-gas) as long as the finish on it is not toxic.The majority of the odor and out-gassing in a furniture product can come from the glue that is incorporated into its construction.
A solid wood product has little to no glue depending on how it is made, whereas veneered particle board has a tremendous amount of glue in it. It is glue that is holding the little particles of wood pieces together and glue that is holding the veneer to the particle board. The other thing to consider about this is that glues are much more volatile over time than stains are. Once a stain dries or cures it is mostly inert whereas glue will release odor and chemicals over time when it is affected by temperature and changes in humidity. For people highly sensitive to odor, I also suggest products with low to no Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) finishes or completely unfinished.Mattresses, especially natural latex mattresses are heavy, so it is best to put them on a platform bed that has a strong base with proper slats, a center support, and made with strong materials that have metal on metal connections. Choose solid wood or metal to compliment your healthy organic mattress and keep the air in your bedroom clean from VOCs.❮❮ Go Back
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We've put together ten of the best ways to protect your investment by caring for the mattress and preventing disasters before they occur. While you may not always need to purchase the matching box spring or foundation with a new mattress, it is essential to make sure your mattress does have the right kind of support. This helps preserve the integrity of materials and prevent early wear. Check with the manufacturer or look at the warranty policy for recommendations. Box springs are generally used only with spring mattresses, while memory foam and other specialty mattresses usually require firm, solid support. Beds that use a frame should be designed to support the weight of sleepers and the mattress, and queens and kings should have center support bars. Platform beds with wide slats may need extra support depending on mattress type and weight. It's a smart idea to check on your bed's support every year or so to make sure there are no broken slats or springs that could affect your mattress.
We've covered the benefits of mattress protectors before, and they are one of the best and simplest ways to protect your bed's longevity. A good, quality mattress protector offers waterproof protection to guard against spills and accidents, and they also reduce the amount of dust, debris and dirt that make it into your bed. This helps protect the materials inside your bed from damage, keeps skin oils and sweat off the bed and reduces build up of allergens like mold and dust mites. A protector also makes cleanups a snap when accidents do happen, and many newer types feel just as comfortable as a fitted sheet. When you sleep, you shed sweat, oils, hair and skin cells. Eating in bed also leaves behind crumbs, and pets can track in all sorts of things. In addition to getting yucky, all of this can get into mattress layers, breeding bacteria and encouraging dust mites. Bed sheets and blankets should ideally be washed every week to every two weeks according to most cleaning experts.
Even when using a mattress protector, it's still important to keep linens clean. The mattress protector should also be washed occasionally according to a manufacturer's directions. Speaking of stuff in your sheets, it is better to give pets their own designated beds rather than letting them cuddle up on your mattress. Even well groomed pets walk outside, drool and shed hair and cells just like people, and all that winds up in your bed. Pets also can have the occasional accident, which can all but ruin an otherwise good mattress. Every type of mattress benefits from being rotated regularly, no matter the material or the size. Some manufacturers say it is not necessary, but rotating helps promote more even wear, while not rotating makes depressions and softening more likely. Every two to six months rotate the mattress 180 degrees from head to foot. This is particularly important the first couple of years as you are breaking in the mattress. Your mother always told you not to jump on the bed, and she wasn't wrong.
Spring, water and air beds may be most prone to damage with rough wear, but foundations, frames and even foams can all wear down more quickly if you are hard on the mattress. When you move, protect your mattress from damage by encasing it in plastic and avoiding bending or folding. Moving and box stores often carry heavy-duty mattress bags that can be secured with tape to keep dirt and water off the bed, and these also prevent scuffs and scratches. Generally when moving a mattress, it's also best to keep them upright on their sides so they don't crease or sag in transit. For covers with handles, manufacturers typically suggest not using them to move or drag the mattress. Bedbugs are one of the fastest ways to ruin a mattress, as they can be difficult to get rid of once they infiltrate. When sleeping away from home, always inspect the bed from signs of bed bugs and try to keep luggage off the floor. If you suspect bedbugs, Texas A&M University has a few tips for preventing bringing them back home.
In apartments or areas of the country where these critters are common, consider using a bedbug-proof mattress encasement. These differ from mattress protectors as they have impenetrable zippers and cover the bed on all sides to prevent bugs from making their home in your mattress. Every month or two when you have a sunny and dry day, strip your mattress and let the sunlight in to air out the bed for several hours (though if bedbugs are possible, leave the cover on). This helps prevent excess moisture both from sleepers and humidity, and may also help keep dust mite populations in check according to Kingston University study. Every type of mattress should be cleaned regularly to keep your sleep environment clean and keep your mattress healthy. Many manufacturers will include directions for stain removal and general cleaning, but most beds should be vacuumed with a hose attachment to remove surface dust. Stains can be spot treated with a mild water and soap solution, but allow them to completely dry before making the bed.
Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners on foams as they can break down foam integrity. Depending on dust levels, allergies, or personal preference, vacuuming should be done every 1 to 3 months and stains spot-treated as necessary. Although different types and brands of mattresses can differ somewhat in care and maintenance, the basics are the same. Essentially, keep the bed clean, protect it from accidents and damage, ensure it's supported, and rotate for even wear. Mattress lifespan depends on many factors, but following these best practices can help ensure that you enjoy years of healthy sleep and that your investment lasts as long as possible. This article originally appeared on the Amerisleep blog. Rosie Osmun is the Creative Content Manager at Amerisleep, a progressive memory foam mattress brand focused on eco-friendly sleep solutions. Rosie writes more posts on the Amerisleep blog about the science of sleep, eco-friendly living, leading a healthy lifestyle and more.