Can I put a mattress directly onto the floor without issue? July 19, 2009 SubscribeI'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 Foundation Mattress foundationsDo you prefer a bed that stands higher from the floor – to make it easier to get in and out of, for example? Then a mattress base with legs (sold separately) may be your ideal option. Our mattress bases match our mattresses in color and come in a flat pack. IKEA FAMILY products & offersSearching for the perfect night of sleep means searching for the bed that is most perfect for you. With so many different styles, preferences and options out there, we wanted to make your life simple and break down three of the most popular choices out there: the foundation, box springs or the platform bed. What Is A Platform Bed? Let’s begin with the basics. A platform bed is a bed frame that has a head and foot board, as well as wooden slats that support your mattress.
A platform bed differs from a traditional bed in that a mattress can be placed directly upon your platform bed without any need for a box spring or a foundation, whereas, in the case of a typical, non-platform bed, you’d need either a box spring or a foundation on top of your bed frame before you could place your mattress on it. A platform bed will be lower to the ground than a typical, non-platform bed will be, so it is important to take into consideration what your optimal bed height is. What Are Box Springs? Next, let’s discuss box springs. A box spring is shaped as a rectangular box and has metal springs inside of it. These springs are important, as they move with the springs of the mattress, thereby helping firmer mattresses feel softer on you while you sleep, as the flexing and moving of the metal springs absorbs much of the stiffness. Also, box springs will allow you to raise the height of the mattress, if, indeed, this important to you. (And it very well might be: who wants a bed too low to the ground?
Or, on the other hand, who wants a bed that is too high and is a pain to climb on to when you are tired at night?) Also worth noting is that the box spring’s structure will give you a very flat, very firm surface on which to place the mattress. What Is A Foundation? Now, for the foundation. A foundation is a box, usually made of wood with many wooden slats on its sides, that gives you a flat, solid surface. A foundation will look like a box spring, as it is covered primarily in the same fashion. The foundation is important as it allows for the mattress to be supported. This differs from the role of the box spring, which acts less for support and more for the absorption of shock, due to its springs. Nowadays, many people opt to replace their box spring with a foundation In the days of old, box springs had thick springs in them to balance out the thinner, more mobile springs of your mattress. People would buy box springs for a simple reason: they gave you support while you slept, and also absorbed a lot of the weight that you put on your bed while you sleep.
As the mattress industry evolved, companies primarily stopped using box springs and began using foundations instead. Unlike box springs, foundations have no springs, but instead give you an even thicker, stronger support for your sleep, helping not just to absorb all the weight you put on your bed, but to distribute the weight more evenly, thus taking pressure off of your back and your bed. If, however, you are someone that does not enjoy a foundation, all you need is a platform bed: take your mattress and place it directly on the platform instead. Now, for some advice. In general, it is thought that, for a harder surface that allows for less movement, a mattress that is memory foam and spring-free is best. Some people enjoy using a mattress with inner springs on foundations with little to no give. If you don’t like using a memory foam mattress, however, you don’t have a problem. Really, any sort of mattress will work on a platform bed, not just memory foam mattresses: coil mattresses, pillow-top mattresses, latex mattresses will all work.
If you buy a platform bed for yourself, you are definitely not limiting your options in terms of which mattresses you can and cannot use. Plus, it’s worth pointing out that, since a platform does not need a box spring, you’ll be able to save more money that you can pump into getting the perfect mattress for you. And now, to summarize and make sure everything is clear. Looking at the box spring vs the platform vs the foundation, all have their advantages, and it really depends on your preferences for how you enjoy the feel of your bed when you sleep. The box spring has its coils that will work in tandem with the mattress, and will also help to conform the mattress to the shape of your body. This can improve your sleep by wonders, in that it maximizes your potential for comfort, in addition to warding off the usual problems of wear and tear on mattresses, allowing it to last even longer. The foundation has its own advantages: it is often cheaper than box springs, and is ideal for those among us that seek out a firmer, more rigid sleep.