I've been in the mattress industry over a decade and the #1 question I hear from people is, "What type of foundation or support base should I use with my memory foam or latex mattress? As most of you know, a foundation is the support base or mechanism that sits underneath a mattress. Both memory foam and latex mattresses require a solid, uniform foundation to work properly. If you currently have an older box spring foundation, definitely read on. The Two Types of Foundations Two Basic Types of Mattress Foundations on the MarketThere are two basic types of mattress foundations in the mattress world today: box springs and foundations. Box springs are, for the most part, a combination of wood and steel springs that act like shock absorbers for a traditional innerspring mattress. Foundations are a more solid structure, for use with memory foam or latex mattresses, and are typically a solid wood top or wood slatted system with a cover. Now, older box springs, typically ones that are over 10 years old, have too much give with their spring systems, and are not a good support base for memory foam mattresses.
If you have an existing box spring, it is less than 10 years old and still in good shape, test it by pushing against the springs in several spots. Make sure the entire box spring has the same consistency in feel. If it’s rigid and firm, with an inch or less of give, then it should be OK to use with a memory foam mattress or latex mattress. If not, then you’re going to have to purchase a mattress foundation. This foundation comes in all sizes. It's perfect for memory foam and latex mattresses. I've tested it myself. Typical foundations on the market today are either steel frame and steel frame/wood slat combinations or come with a nice zippered cover, and a solid, wood top or even tacked cardboard. They are ideal for memory foam or latex mattresses, because they provide a solid, uniform bottom for the foam cores. The less give you have, the better. This wood slat foundation is super sturdy at a great price. Assembled height is about ten inches off the floor, so with mattress it sits at a nice height off of floor.
I had a 10-inch mattress on mine. Not too low and not too high. Easy to get in and out. Roll on Wood Slat Foundation Wood Slat Mattress FoundationsWood slat foundations work well too, as long as the slats are close enough together. We like to see the slats no more than 3” apart or less, preferably 2” apart. You’ll need to measure or make sure with a retailer that the slats are close enough together. Otherwise, you’ll need to put a ½” to ¾” cut plywood or pressboard over the slats to create that solid, uniform bottom (these boards will typically be in two cuts that you’ll butt together, the bigger the mattress you have). Foldable Metal FoundationsI recently tested the Pragma bed platform with both a memory foam and a latex mattress. The platform worked beautifully with both types. It unfolds easily and folds right back up in seconds to store. The metal support strands are close enough together to provide that much needed congruous support. This foundation is great for guest beds that need to be put away after use but would also work well for a main mattress with long term use.
I highly recommend this platform foundation. It comes in a surprisingly small box, because it is collapsable. It is lightweight which makes it easy to move (as you'll see in the video at right) so is great for storage. Memory Foam on the Floor?I get this question a lot: Is it ok to put a memory foam mattress directly on the floor? The simple answer is yes. Because these mattresses needs a solid, uniform bottom and a floor provides that. The floor functions like a foundation. Now, this will be a very low profile bed, because you don't have the elevation that a foundation and frame would give you. Getting out of bed will be a bit difficult. However, many people do this, particularly folks who are just starting out and trying to save some money. Make sure to check your mattress' warranty to determine whether it is affected/voided by not using a traditional foundation. This is sometimes the case. Adjustable Base ShipShape Assembly Video Which adjustable base would I recommend?
By far, the ones manufactured by Leggett and Platt. They are durable, last a long time, are backed by a good warranty, and are built with quality components and craftsmanship. And, if my word isn't enough for you, the leading memory foam mattress company (which I dare not name because of their trademark restrictions, just think of the glass of wine test on the mattress) uses these adjustable bases almost exclusively with their models. Plus, I own one (the ShipShape adjustable base), and in four years I haven't had one problem with it, and I've moved twice in that time.What amazed me the most when I received mine (and during my moves), was how easy it was to assemble and disassemble. They were really thinking when they had the consumer in mind in this area. Check out the video at right. How to Choose a Good Memory Foam MattressHow to choose a memory foam mattress when there are so many choices out there? Good Advice for a Latex Mattress FoundationPicking A Foundation For Your Visco Memory Foam Bed
If you're set on memory foam beds you've got two options -- buying a mattress and foundation set or buying them separately. Both could qualify for a free home trial. But is a foundation really necessary for a visco memory bed? With regular beds, foundations do more than simply provide support. The shock-absorber effect you get from a box spring also helps extend the life of the steel springs in your bed. Because memory foam beds already absorb shock, using a foundation is not essential. The only reason, then, to use a foundation is to get the bed some 8-9 inches up off the floor. If you do intend to use a foundation with your memory bed, however, here is what the best foundation should look like. Why Memory Beds Don't Work With Box-Spring Foundations There are two reasons why regular box-spring foundations should not be used with visco beds and mattresses. First of all, all foam beds are designed to easily shape to whatever's applying pressure. The custom shaping effect of Tempur beds -- or of any other brand, in fact -- means that memory beds shape to uneven surfaces even better.
A memory foam bed used with an uneven foundation becomes uneven itself. The mattress takes the foundation's shape and becomes an unhealthy sleeping surface. However good memory foam may be, an uneven bed surface does not allow your muscles to relax the way they are supposed to and you may still wake up in pain. Second of all, visco foam mattresses and beds are designed to absorb shock and relieve pressure points. When you lie on a regular innerspring mattress, your own body weight pulls you down. Springs react by pushing back against you. The skin and blood vessels are caught in the middle, squeezed between the gravity force of your weight and the upwards force of the mattress. Pressure points constrict circulation at the area of contact. The result is discomfort and even pain over time. When you lie on a visco foam bed, however there is no air left in the cells to push back and cause discomfort. Air is spread to adjoining cells and the viscoelastic bed simply 'melts' under you to provide balanced support.
It is this very lack of spring-back force in memory foam beds that help relieve pressure. If you use a box-spring foundation with the memory bed, the pressure-relieving properties of the visco foam change. The foundation's resilience ads a spring-back force where there was none previously. The spring-back force in the foundation is transferred to the bed which then starts to push back as if had springs. This pretty much defeats the purpose of memory foam beds. You're more than likely to dislike memory foam if you try this during your home trial period. My Foam Mattress Has Memory! A Critical Eye On The Latest Mattress Technologies 3.5 lb vs 5.5 lb densityWhich to choose from a 3.5lb visco elastic memory foam mattress topper 5.5lb visco foam matress comparison? Higher density alone does not make a quality sleeping surface. The formula behind the best sleeping surface uses best quality, high-density foam that responds to body temperature. Known BrandsWhat is the secret behind Tempur mattress technology and why is it in the top 5 most popular brands alongside the likes of Sensus, Isotonic, Bergad and Sealy?