Platform beds continue gaining popularity with minimalist and modern decor styles, but since these beds use different support systems, different considerations go into finding the best mattress. From weight to function, see what you need to know about buying the best mattress for a platform bed. First, here are our top picks below if you just want to get straight to the point. Read on to get into the details about what makes some beds better than others for platform frames. With clean lines and the ability to create sleek appearance, a platform bed makes a small space look much more open or modern. Some styles also create added storage, helpful for tight spaces. A key feature of platform beds is that they do not require box springs or foundations; in fact using box springs can make a platform bed too high or unstable. The “platform” can be composed of a solid wood base, wood or bamboo slats spaced closely together, or metal slats. They do not require the use of a standard metal frame either, as the mattress is designed to sit right on the bed’s slats or platform.
Because of these unique differences, many people have trouble deciding what would be the best mattress for a platform bed. In this guide, we look at the pros on cons of different types. There are six primary types of mattresses you can buy: innerspring, memory foam, latex, soft side waterbeds, hard side waterbeds, and futon-style mattresses. Each type has distinct pros and cons for comfort and satisfaction, and for use on a platform bed. Here are the top things you should to consider when looking for a platform bed mattress: Taking the above factors into consideration, some mattress types will perform better than others. We will go over the pros and cons for each category below to help you determine which might be the best mattress for your needs. Memory foam beds are composed of poly foam cores with layers of memory foam and/or gel foam on top. Memory foam mattresses work well on platform beds, as they too are designed to work with solid support foundations. Slats should be wide, sturdy and spaced closely together or the platform should be solid.
Sturdy slats prove preferable as they allow plenty of airflow to prevent moisture buildup and overheating. Denser memory foam mattresses can be on the heavier side, so always check weight limits. Latex mattresses are composed of latex cores, with additional layers of latex and possibly wool or cotton. Some brands may use poly foams as well to reduce costs. They are meant to work with firm, solid foundations, making them a good option for platform frames. The latex cores offer solid support, meaning you are unlikely to feel slats through the bed. Since latex beds can be heavy, it is important to check the weight limit of your bed’s platform or slats. Hardside waterbeds are composed of a vinyl bladder, and can only be used on wood waterbed frames that surround the bladder on five sides. Softside beds are composed of vinyl water chambers set within a fabric and foam cover, often with layers of quilting or foam on top. Softside waterbeds can be used on regular platform beds, but require solid flat support.
The water filled chambers become quiet heavy, so weight limits are an important consideration if you wish to use this type of mattress. Innerspring mattresses are composed of interconnected or pocketed coils topped with layers of foam and fiber. They typically sell in sets with the top mattress and supporting box spring designed to flex and work with the mattress top. Innerspring beds usually are not recommended for platform beds, since they are designed to be used in conjunction with box springs. Some still might work with solid, flat platform bases but the bed may feel firmer than usual and the two parts may not feel stable due to increased height on the platform. Futon mattresses are simple beds with foam and fiber layers designed to fold for use on futon frames. They are usually lightweight and fairly thin. They can be accommodated by most platform frames. Several types of mattresses can work with a platform base, with the main differentiator being what type feels most comfortable to you.
Latex and memory foam mattresses are perhaps the best mattress options for platform beds since they are compatible with solid support foundations, though some types of spring, water and futon mattresses can also work as well. If you are unsure which type would be the best mattress for you, weigh the pros and cons and try out a variety of beds. As with any big purchase, it is wise to thoroughly research before buying. Know what’s in the bed, seek out reviews, and compare different brand and retailers, including online. Check bed warranties for any restrictions on support or bed types, as some may require specific slat spacing or use of the matching foundation. Pairing the specifications of the frame, such as height, the type of support and the weight limit, with your comfort preferences will help you choose the best mattress for your platform bed.A mattress can cost up to £3,000, but you don't need to pay this much to buy the best. We explain how to find the best mattress for you.
Your browser does not support the video tagWant to buy the best mattress for you? Deciding which type of mattress you want is only part of the story. If you want a mattress that you'll be happy with for years to come, you also need to make a few other good decisions.Keep reading, as we'll help you to make those key decisions to ensure you get the best mattress for a good night's sleep. From the best way to try out a mattress in a shop to make sure it's going to be right for you, to what you need to look for in a mattress guarantee to make sure you don't get caught out. We've put mattresses of all types through our tough tests - go to our mattress reviews to find the one that's best for you.Buy a mattress from a trusted brand46% of Which? members bought their mattress because it's made by a brand they trust. If you're not sure what the best mattress brands are, we can help. Check out our guide to the best and worst mattress brands. This reveals what people think of the brand of mattress they own, including how comfortable it is, and includes major brands such as Silentnight, Sleepeezee and Sealy.How much do you need to spend on a new mattress?
A new mattress can cost anywhere between a couple of hundred pounds and several thousand. Factors like brand, size and the type of materials used can all have a significant impact on cost.We've found you don't need to spend a fortune to get a mattress that supports your spine and lasts for years.But our mattress tests have found that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a mattress that will support your spine and last for years to come. Sort our mattress reviews by price to find our cheapest Best Buys.Which type of mattress should you get?The type of mattress you choose all comes down to your personal preference and budget. members choose pocket-sprung mattresses. But unlike memory foam mattresses, they don't mould to your shape. You'll also see continuous coil and open coil mattresses, which are usually cheaper than the other types of mattress, and latex mattresses.For more information about mattress types, see our guide to choosing the best type of mattress.Try the mattress before you buyBuying a mattress online may be cheaper and more convenient but, if you can, it’s best to try a mattress before you buy.
Even if you feel awkward doing this in a shop, don't let this put you off - you're going to be sleeping on the mattress for years, so it's important you make the right choice. When we asked Which? members about their experience of buying a mattress, over a third of them told us they feel intimidated trying out a mattress in the shop. A good mattress shop - see our guide revealing the best mattress shops - shouldn't mind you doing this.When you go shopping for a new mattress, wear comfortable clothing and remove your outdoor gear. Lie on a mattress for at least 10 minutes, in positions that you normally sleep in.Sit on the edge of the mattress – it should be firm, not saggy. Don’t shop for beds when you’re tired, as all the mattresses will feel great.If you’re buying a memory foam mattress, relax in one position, then move into another. Was it easy or did you struggle to move? If the latter, you might find the memory mattress will restrict your movement too much, especially in cold weather when the memory foam will be harder.
Don't let sales assistants influence you – they can’t decide whether the mattress is comfortable. If the bed is for two, shop together.Make sure your mattress fits your bed baseManufacturers encourage you to buy a mattress and bed base together, and this is a good idea if you’ve had your old base for many years.If you buy the mattress and base separately, or are going to keep your old base, measure carefully to make sure they’re a good fit. Dimensions can vary so don’t rely on a new double mattress being exactly the same size as your old one.Is your mattress going on a slatted base? Then make sure that the slats are no more than 6cm wide or more than 4cm apart. This ensures sufficient ventilation, whilst preventing the mattress sagging through between the slats.Check the guarantee/warranty on your mattressMake sure you know what your rights are if there's a problem with your mattress. Each of our mattress brand reviews has information on the different guarantees that come with each mattress, so you won't get caught out.
Most guarantees for mattresses will not cover gradual wear and tear, which leads to loss of support. So make sure you use our mattress reviews to pick out a durable mattress that will stand the test of time.Most mattress guarantees will not cover gradual wear and tear.Before you buy your mattress, check whether there’s anything in particular, such as removing labels or using a base other than a recommended one, that would invalidate the guarantee.Don't worry if your mattress is smelly at firstIt's important that you unwrap your mattress as soon as you get it home - leaving the plastic wrappings on could lead to rot. Most bed mattresses have a distinctive chemical odour when you first unpack them, but some can be particularly smelly. Leave your mattress to air for a week before use and the fumes will disperse.Now you know how to go about buying the best mattress for you, check out our best mattress recommendations to reveal the mattresses that will support your spine and last for years.