How To Use An Existing Base With Your Tempur Foam Bed According to the maker of Tempur beds, the best foundations for memory beds are: Firm, wood, completely flat, non-spring foundations ... Unless you currently have a firm, wood, completely flat, non-spring foundation, you should not use your existing foundation with a Tempur bed. In fact, Tempur-Pedic and other memory foam bed manufacturers insist that failure to use recommended bed foundations will void the warranty. They don't want to take the chance that you're going to be unhappy with your new Tempurpedic bed because your old box springs was not in the best of shape. Returning a mattress at the end of the home trial period is just as much of a hassle for them as it is for you. You've then got two options. You can buy a memory bed and foundation set. This is usually recommended because most manufacturers design the foundation to work together with your mattress. Because Tempur-Pedic bed foundations are more expensive than most, you can buy a foundation from a cheaper retailer as long as it complies with the recommended Tempur bed base guidelines.
If your box spring is less than 5-8 years old, it may still be fairly flat and suitable for use with a memory foam bed. Older box springs, however, may show sagging should be replaced. If buying a foundation for your new Tempurpedic bed is not an option, you might still be able to use your old box-spring foundation. Before we tell you how to do that, remember that you may be voiding your warranty so use the following advice at your own risk. Foundations used with memory foam beds must be completely flat. However even your box-spring may be, you should still place a large piece of plywood between the bed and the box. Visco-elastic foam will now work as supposed to and the longevity of your Tempur bed is also prolonged. Tempur Memory Beds With No Foundation Another option would be not using a foundation at all. This means that your Tempur bed will be placed directly on the frame or on the floor. So how should bed frames be like? Memory foam beds and mattresses must be placed on even surfaces at all times which is why slate and grid bed frames as well as waterbed frames are not recommended.
Bottom line, your Tempur bed is only as good as your foundation. Not only that, but using the wrong foundation can void the warranty on your newly bought Swedish bed. If unable to buy a new foundation for your memory foam bed, consider placing it directly on the floor or make sure your old foundation is completely flat by placing a large piece of plywood between it and the bed. You can try this as a temporary solution during your home trial period to ensure the bed works as supposed to. Known BrandsWhat is the secret behind Tempur-Pedic mattress technology and why is it in the top 5 most popular brands alongside the likes of Sensus, Isotonic, Bergad and Sealy? The answer is that it uses good quality, high density, heat responsive foam.What affects the expected lifetime of memory toppers and does a Tempur mattress overlay last longer? Real NASA LinkMany manufacturers claim Swedish foam was first used by the NASA Space Program to boost sales for their memoryfoam beds.The truth is the Swedish Tempurpedic company did eventually come up with a reliable formula now used in the best-selling Tempur mattress.
While Tempur-Pedic beds are commonly known to use Swedish bed technology, not all such products made in Sweden are made of the so-called NASA bed foam. Authenticity TestHow can you check if your purchase as good as a genuine Tempurpedic mattress? You are here: Home > Buying & Using Advice > How To Use An Existing Base With Your Tempur Foam BedSkip to main content. Home Guides Home Home Improvement DIY What Kind of Frame Does a Memory Foam Mattress Need? Memory foam mattresses can help relieve back pain. Using a memory foam mattress has definite benefits. The contouring effect can add comfort and provide relief from back pain by providing a more natural resting position for the spine. The mattresses can also provide extra warmth. Because memory foam mattresses are heavier than traditional spring and foam mattresses, they require a sturdier foundation and frame to support the increased weight. Sturdy Frames Platform frames are usually made with heavier material and use a thick layer of plywood for support, making them an appropriate choice for memory foam mattresses.
A bed frame with horizontally placed wooden slats is another sensible choice. If the mattress is used without a foundation, the slats need to be wider and closer together. A metal bed frame is normally designed for a spring mattress. If using a metal frame for a memory foam mattress, check that it provides enough support for the additional weight, particularly if the mattress is a larger queen or king size. Adding a fifth leg to the center of the frame can help to provide additional support. References Novosbed: What's the Best Foundation for Memory Foam Mattresses? Photo Credits Image Source/Stockbyte/Getty Images Suggest a CorrectionI'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.