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 FoundationSleepopolis is supported by readers.
Product links on Sleepopolis are referral links. If you use one of these and buy something Sleepopolis makes a little bit of money. See how it all works here. It’s a simple enough question: do you need a boxspring with a mattress? With so many advancements to mattress technology, is it really still necessary to use a boxspring?Whether or not you will need a boxspring depends on your mattress warranty and the type of bed frame or foundation you have. So how do you know when you need a boxspring and when you can do without? This guide breaks down why you need a boxspring, when to know if you need one, and boxspring alternatives. Boxsprings serve two basic, but important functions. It’s also important to note that some mattress warranties require you to use the mattress on a boxspring or platform bed. If you fail to do so, this can void your warranty. Be sure to confirm the details of your warranty before deciding on your foundation and / or boxspring. Most traditional innerspring mattresses always needed a boxspring to maintain their support, but today that’s not necessarily the case.
Here are a few scenarios of different bed frame types with a breakdown of whether a boxspring would probably be required or not. With a collapsible metal frame, you would need a boxspring. Because there is no support for the mattress beyond the perimeter frame, without a boxspring, your mattress would receive insufficient support, not to mention most likely void the warranty. Example – Zinus Compack 9-Leg support bed frame More supportive that a collapsible metal frame, a reinforced metal frame would not generally need a boxspring. The additional metal supports across the frame help provide even weight distribution throughout the frame. This limits sagging or uneven wear on the mattress and essentially offers the same supportive foundation that a traditional boxspring would provide. Example – Purple bed frame and the Zinus SmartbaseRead my review of Purple’s bed frame Platform beds utilize a solid surface, so you would not need a boxspring. This solid surface accomplishes the same goal of the boxspring by providing a stable platform.
Generally, platform beds are lower than a traditional mattress would be with a boxspring, which can be a desirable and modern aesthetic you may want to achieve for your bedroom. However, for older sleepers or those who suffer from back, hip, or joint pain, a low platform bed may be more difficult to get in and out of. Some platform beds are a slight variation of the traditional platform bed. These use slats for support instead of the solid foundation. As long as the slats are close enough together to satisfy the mattress warranty, this frame would not need a boxspring either. Example – Zinus Modern Studio slat frame and the Forever Foundation As a general rule of thumb, slats should not exceed 4” apart from each other. The slats can come flexed or straight and are available in wood, metal, plastics, or even composite materials. Steel slats are going to be the strongest in these types of frames since they create a more rigid support. Lastly, the slat gap is commonly indicated on mattress warranties.
Ensure your slat gaps are appropriate to your mattress warranty.Check out our eLuxury foundation review for this type of frame. Want the Sleepopolis bed? I use a platform frame from Copenhagen Imports. It’s simple, but very sturdy and well made. – If you have an adjustable foundation, you will not need a boxspring. Adjustable foundations allow the mattress to shift height and angle, reducing stress on your back, internal organs, and breathing. One thing to note: Adjustable foundations cannot support most innerspring mattresses. Example – Classic Brands adjustable bed base Despite whether these frame types need a boxspring or not for support, you can add a boxspring to any of these bases (excluding the adjustable base). Some sleepers prefer the increased height that a boxspring provides or like a more traditional look. Sometimes, people use the term “boxspring” and other times it’s a “foundation.” So what’s the difference? Basically, in today’s market a boxspring and foundation are the same thing.
Originally, boxsprings were constructed with actual springs contained inside of a wood frame (box). Modern manufacturers have found more efficient ways to create lightweight, supportive boxsprings without the springs — say hello to foundations. Example – Classic Brands instant foundation and the Zinus high profile smart box The words “boxspring” and “foundation” can usually be used interchangeably, assuming no springs are actually used. In the case where you skip the boxspring, your bed frame actually becomes your foundation since it offers the same support.In many situations, there will be no significant negative effects. However, placing a mattress directly on the floor can result in the following: The biggest risk to placing the mattress on the floor is mold. If you live in a moist or humid environment, mold can be a serious issue and one that can ruin a mattress. To reduce the risk of mold, consider adding a mattress encasement to protect your investment.
If you aren’t a fan of the traditional boxspring, you may want to consider one of the following boxspring alternative options. Functionally, a low-profile boxspring will act exactly like a traditional boxspring; however, its height is usually about half that of a traditional boxspring. Example – Zinus 4″ low profile boxspring and the Classic Brands 4″ low profile boxspring This can allow you to still achieve the benefits of a normal boxspring, with a much sleeker design and style. It’s also a nice middle ground between low platform beds and traditional boxsprings. A Bunkie board is a thin sheet of a solid surface (commonly plywood) that sits between your mattress and your bed frame. It provides a solid foundation similar to a platform bed and eliminates the need for a boxspring. Example – Signature Sleep steel bunkie board If you like the lower look and aren’t concerned about voiding your mattress warranty, placing the mattress on the floor is another option.