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 FoundationPutting mattresses with memory foam on a box spring
Would it be a good idea to put my memory foam mattress on a box spring? I haven't found an answer for this question anywhere I have looked.Answer by Rich SilverHi Stan,The good news is, you can definitely use your box spring under your memory foam mattress.Make certain your box spring is in excellent shape with no broken slats. The reason is because memory foam mattresses are heavy. A good queen memory foam mattress will approach 100 pounds. Kings are even heavier. If you then put a couple of people on top of that, that's another several hundred pounds.With that kind of weight you can't afford to have any area of the box spring broken and sagging.An ideal set up for memory foam is the mattress on top of a foundation and then on top of a base.Memory foam companies sell foundations made of hardwood slats covered by a fabric. The way the foundation is constructed allows the memory foam mattress on top of it to breathe. This is because of adequate air circulation. In your case, your foundation will be the box spring.
In order for your box spring to allow proper air circulation, I recommend you put a sheet of perforated plywood on top of the box spring. The plywood also gives added strength to allow even distribution to the weight of the memory foam on top of it.You can find perforated plywood in a good hardware store. You'll notice the holes are drilled and evenly spread. Look for plywood that is about 1/4 inch thick. That should give you adequate support.The next consideration is the base. I'm guessing you might be using a metal frame base because you have a box spring. If so, make sure there is plenty of leg support down the middle of the frame to hold the weight of a queen or king mattress. (In other words, you should have as many as nine legs on the frame.)Feel free also to use a platform base with the box spring and mattress on top of it. That will work fine. Platform bases are good because they are flat and solid with no chance of sagging. Slatted bed frames also work well as long as the slats are close together (two to three inches apart) and the slats are wide (three inches).
A Luxury, Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress at a DiscountBy the way, if you or anyone you know is in the market for a luxury memory foam mattress, here’s news. In 2015 a company called Loom & Leaf came out with a finely crafted memory foam mattress layered with medical grade gel for cool sleeping.The best news is, this upscale memory foam mattress sells at a steep discount when compared to brands such as Tempur-Pedic. It’s perfectly suited for those who demand excellence yet have a limited budget.Click here to go to Loom & Leaf.RichFor memory foam topper articles, including how to get a great topper on Amazon at a bargain price, click here. Click here to post comments Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. Simply click here to return to Questions and Comments About A Memory Foam Topper. Do you enjoy the Sleep Passport website? Click the Like button below. Leg Cramps At Night: 9 Possible CausesFrom this moment on, leg cramps at night will hopefully be less of a problem for you.
Because this series of articles will tell you what you need to know... Best Light Therapy for SAD: White, Blue, Green, or Red?After you read this article on the best light therapy for SAD, you'll have a good understanding of what seasonal affective disorder light therapy is all about... 5 Seasonal Affective Disorder Treatment Tips Are you ready to live a new way? These seasonal affective disorder treatment tips, including light box therapy, may help create a real breakthrough in how you live with SAD. Putting mattresses with memory foam on a box springWould it be a good idea to put my memory foam mattress on a box spring? I haven't found an answer for this question anywhere I have looked. Answer by Read More How to Sleep Well When TravelingI just sent out a new issue of my newsletter Sleep Chat. In it you’ll find an article I wrote on help getting to sleep when you travel. In addition, if you’re interested in buying a luxury mattress at… Get these 3 FREE e-books valued at over $89 for subscribing to my free Sleep Chat newsletter.