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 Foundation 45 posts, read 211,537 times
I really like the memory foam mattresses but hesitate over the high cost of the Tempurpedics. We saw a Serta Vera Wang memory foam mattress for $500 less and I wonder if there are any other comparable memory foam mattresses out there from reputable brands. I don't want to buy one over the internet at a substantial savings if it is inferiorly made. I understand the USA made ones are best because the foam manufacturing is government inspected and safer, as opposed to the ones made unregulated in China. Does anyone have experience with other brands? I appreciate any & all input! The more I sink into the bed, the better . To my (limited) knowledge that means I want a higher density memory foam. Who would have thought mattress buying to be such a process! 790 posts, read 3,371,638 times Originally Posted by boyohboyohboy It's so embarrassing but i'm looking at QVC at the moment (i was channel surfing ... really) and i'm seeing a memory foam mattress on sale ($585 - $1095 [depending on size] for sale at $303 - $567 with 3 easy payments!!! )
It's called Bodipedic E200 Visco Elastic Memory Foam Mattress. I have no idea about the quality but it looks like a full size mattress as opposed to just a topper. EZ pay only today ... act now I bought a memory foam mattress topper and it was great 'till i left it in a friends truck in the redwoods while i was away for a few months and now it's kinda funky as you can imagine. But it was pretty good while it lasted and it was just a topper. I'd check a non-bias consumer report of some kind before i spent alot on something like this. And i don't know what kind of guarantee the company or QVC offers. But if you're awake now, turn on your telly and check it out. Oh, they just said a 30 day guarantee. It looks like a 5 inch piece of foam with a few inches of memory foam on top which is interesting because what i did a few years ago was to buy a high quality thick piece of foam and then a memory foam mattress topper. The total came out to about $2 - $300 so it looks like this is similar to what i made myself but alot more expensive.
Anyway, blah, blah,blah ... just saying that there are options other than the very expensive tempurpedic mattress but i don't know how to compare quality. 605 posts, read 434,945 times 8,922 posts, read 12,203,512 times Originally Posted by emilybh Yes, this is a concern of mine as well. I'm very sensitive to chemicals. What is the brand of the latex mattress and what kind of topper do you have and, if you don't mind, how costly were both? Mine is from a Canadian company called Natura. If you call them they'll direct you to retailers new you. There are also other manufacturers of latex and organic latex mattresses. I know the Amish make them and actually slice the mattress in thirds so you can adjust the firmness (but also so you can move the mattress more easily because latex mattresses are HEAVY). IKEA also has some iplan nexpensive ones. My sister got a few of these for her kids to save money because the Natura ones are expensive.
The other thing about these mattresses are that they either need a special box spring or a platform bed. If you want to know the best place on line to order a solid wood platform bed frame, let me know. wow---I didn't know this Not good. 1,009 posts, read 3,220,576 times Consider firm talalay latex with a wool fleece pad on a platform or SmartBase (broken link). Since most boxsprings no longer actually have springs in them, placing a 1/4" thick Masonite wood panel over them for additional push-back support will also work. 2,111 posts, read 5,724,995 times We recently moved, and I am using a Simmons Deepsleep Highloft Raised Air Bed. It is the most comfortable mattress I have ever slept on!!! I am kind of a snob when it comes to certain things..So I was shocked on how comfortable it is. And it only cost me 70 bucks at Target. I am in no hurry to get a regular mattress. I am sure I will at some point, but for now, this is giving me a great nights sleep. Originally Posted by Suzet2262