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 FoundationWe all know that the bedroom is where the magic happens.
But the magic we’re speaking of today is, well, uninterrupted, renewing, blissful sleep. As much as we’re all about the trimmings—the perfect bed linens, the just-right throw pillows—there’s simply no point in all of that fuss without a solid foundation to lay on. Because mattress shopping can be daunting, we did the research and found 9 mattresses at various price points that promise many a good night’s sleep. Read on to find your best match. We all know that the bedroom is where the magic happens. Yogabed Mattress ($600 and up) Yogabed's new-era mattress features a fully ventilated design infused with a layer of the brand's patented YogaGel technology, as well as a removable, machine-washable cover with easy-glide zipper. Plus, each mattress comes with a pair of YogaGel pillows. Shipping is free to anywhere in the United States, and you have 101 days to decide if it's a keeper. Mattress Type: Proprietary foam Best Assets: Easy cleaning, new technology, sleeps cool, USA-made
Brooklyn Bedding Ultimate Dreams ($164 and up) The Brooklyn Bedding crazy quilt pillow top mattress is the perfect mattress for any sleeping style in that it is not too firm not too soft. Overall, a great value if you're in the market for a more budget-friendly option. Mattress Type: Pillow top Best Assets: Comfortable middle grade firmness, USA-made, great value. Casper The Casper Mattress ($500 and up) Casper's entire M.O. is to be low-stress and seamless: one model, affordable pricing, easy delivery, generous returns, made in the USA products. Their patented latex memory foam technologies create a soft, cool, and, according to their marketing materials, "bouncy to the touch" mattress. Mattress Type: Proprietary latex and memory foam Best Assets: Sleeps cool, new technology, easy delivery, long-lasting, USA-made. Lucid 16-Inch Plush Memory Foam and Latex Mattress ($419 and up) The first layer of this Lucid model is a 1-inch bamboo charcoal memory foam layer, especially good for sensitive skin or allergy-prone skin.
A combination of latex and memory foam provides optimal orthopedic support and pressure relief. Mattress Type: Memory and latex foam Best Assets: Orthopedic support, hypoallergenic, firm. Safavieh Harmony 10-Inch Spring Mattress ($407 and up) Luxury furnishings brand Safavieh just recently added mattresses to its range of offerings. This particular model, one of their most economical, combines a soft, Euro pillow top layer of memory foam with a support layer featuring independently encased heavy-gauge metal springs, which work to promptly absorb movement and vibrations. Mattress Type: Spring + memory foam Best Assets: Memory foam pillow top, orthopedic support, movement absorbing. Signature Sleep Contour 8-Inch Mattress ($153 and up) The Contour's 480 tempered steel independently-encased coils promote individualized orthopedic support, as well optimum movement and vibration absorption. Another great bang-for-your-buck option. Best Assets: Movement absorption, compress-ship ready, comfortable middle grade firmness, orthopedic support.
SilverRest Therapeutic Memory Foam Mattress ($379 and up) Made of 100-percent Viscoelastic Memory Foam, the SilverRest mattress conforms to your body shape to relieve pressure points. It also features an easy-to-remove cotton cover for easy cleaning and maintenance, and comes with a 20-year warranty. Mattress Type: Memory foam Best Assets: Sleeps cool, orthopedic support, easy cleaning, long-lasting. Simmons Beautyrest Recharge Plush Pillow Top ($800) A patented AirCool system ensures that this luxurious mattress stays comfortable throughout sleep. Several layers of cushioning make this one of the more soft and plush mattresses; however, its bottom layer of coils provide support. Mattress Type: Coil Gel Memory Foam Best Assets: Sleeps cool, orthopedic support and pressure relief Price Range: $800 for a King Tuft & Needle Mattress ($350 and up) Another new generation mattress, Tuft & Needle touts a well-crafted, universally-enjoyable mattress at a fair price and is the highest rated mattress on Amazon.