Buying an IKEA bed in the USBuying an IKEA bed in the US might be something you are unfamiliar with. It will have a few parts and assembly will be necessary and I think a lot of people do not get all the parts on the first try. So this article offers a little guidance on all the parts and advice on choosing which parts to buy. To Boxspring/Foundation or Not to Boxspring/Foundation?Well, first of all, let me explain what a boxspring/foundation is. They are actually two different items, although they look the same from the side and serve the same purpose of raising your mattress. There is one major difference, however: The foundation has wood boards to hold up the mattress, while the boxspring, like its name suggests, has springs where it meets the mattress. So what does this mean, you ask? Well, a boxspring will give you a plusher, bouncier feeling, while a foundation will feel firmer and more solid. Do I need a boxspring or a foundation? No, you can place your mattress right on the slats if you want.
A boxspring has springs = softer A foundation is all wood inside = firmerBut you might not need either with an IKEA bed Slats: What Are They Good For?Slats are the wooden boards that the mattress, boxspring, or foundation rests on. The advantage of an IKEA bed is that you can use slats and a mattress alone, eliminating the need for a boxspring or foundation. This is very useful if you are trying to move a bedframe into a tight location, like up a narrow staircase or through a small doorway. What you should consider when buying a frame is if it has adjustable What you should consider when buying a frame is if it has adjustable bedsides. It will say it on the tag and it means you can set your slats lower if you want to use a boxspring or a foundation to make the bed higher. Which Slats Should I Choose?There are three types of basic slats to choose from: Lade are pine boards that provide the firmest feel. These are the ones you would use with a mattress and boxspring/foundation or with just a mattress if you like a firm feel.
Luroy slats are curved a little and made of birch wood. You would use these with a mattress alone, and they provide a softer feel. Laxeby slats are the plushest-feeling, and you would also use these with the mattress alone. Note: These come with their own wood frame, are adjustable, and need to be assembled. They are a lot of work, but if you like the softer feel, they are worth it. Each slat or slat and boxspring/foundation combo can work with any mattress, be it spring, foam, or latex. The thicker the mattress (standard mattress thickness is about 8 inches), the less you feel the slats; the thinner the mattress, the more you have to pay attention to the slat choice. Alright sound good, am I missing anything else? The Skorva Mid BeamThe Mid beam is included in the price of the bedframe, but is a separate part from the bed and comes from a different location in the warehouse. It is a universal part for all larger IKEA beds (full, queen, and king) that is adjustable to the size of the bed.
This is what lies underneath the slats and what supports them. It is a very important piece to the puzzle and the bed can't be assembled without it. There is only one type of mid beam to choose from, but just don't forget it at the store. If you are ordering online, the mid beam, if needed with your model bed, is included from the IKEA website.Most IKEA beds need the following:*Skorva Mid beam*Slats! Now You Are ReadyNow that you are ready with all your necessary parts, you will be able to build your bed. I hope you found this breakdown of the key pieces of the bed helpful. Remember that IKEA beds in the US are all standard US sizes, so you can purchase a mattress elsewhere to go with your IKEA bedfram, or purchase an IKEA mattress for a frame you already own. Good luck building and enjoy your new bed!! Did You Forget Something?Did you forget any parts when you bought your IKEA bed? Yes, the slats Yes, the midbeam Yes, another part of the bed frame No, I was able to assemble the bed on the first try!!
Considering that most people spend about one-third of their lives in bed, it's hardly surprising that a mattress can have a big impact on your overall health. There are several types of mattresses, each with a particular set of advantages and disadvantages. Traditional innerspring models remain the most popular type, but newer alternatives -- including memory foam, latex foam, air mattresses with adjustable firmness "zones" (as exemplified by the Sleep Number brand) and organic mattresses made of various materials -- have gained favor with owners. One of the big issues with buying a new mattress is that it generally requires a fairly significant cash outlay -- in most cases about $500 for a twin; $1000 or more for a queen or king. Some cost two or three times as much, depending upon features. And that often does not include the box spring or other foundation. However, with as much time as you spend in bed, and the average length of time you'll own the mattress, it pays to buy the best one you can afford.
Figuring out exactly how much a mattress costs can also be difficult. Most mattress companies have a specific line (or several) of a mattress (Posturepedic by Sealy and Beautyrest by Simmons are good examples of this), and then, within that line, have dozens of different models that are not detailed on the manufacturer's website. So, while several retailers may carry the same line, there is little consistency from retailer to retailer. In addition, the same model may be sold under different names at different retailers. Because of that, for the purposes of this report, we don't rate specific mattresses; rather, we rate mattress lines that get the best reviews across the board. As for price, we have quoted the manufacturer's suggested retail price, which are usually much higher than the actual prices you'll find in stores. We discuss price in more detail -- as well as how to get the best deal -- on our buying guide page. Also, if a mattress is just one of several bedroom purchases you're planning, check out our related reports on bed sheets, pillows and mattress toppers.
Innerspring mattresses have been the most popular type for decades, and countless styles, features and options are available. Models vary greatly in cost, from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Price differences may depend on the number and size of the coils, the amount and type of padding, and details such as fabric and stitching. Compared with other types, innerspring mattresses tend to retain less body heat and come in a wider range of firmness levels. They do tend to transfer more motion, which can be a concern if you share your bed with a partner, but can be a plus during sex. They're also less durable and more prone to sagging than other types of mattresses. Most experts say innerspring mattresses should be replaced after 10 years at most. Memory foam mattresses are made from visco-elastic foam, a type of foam that molds itself to the body. While the best-known manufacturer is Tempur-Pedic, quite a few companies offer less expensive versions. Many owners love sleeping on memory foam because of how well it conforms to the curves and lines of the body.
Memory foam is also a good choice if you have a restless partner as it minimizes movement transfer. Going from innerspring to memory foam can take some getting used to, but most who give it time say making the switch was well worth it. Some people find that memory foam traps heat -- a complaint that makers have addressed with the development of gel-infused memory foam, which is designed to create a cooler sleeping surface. Latex foam mattresses, which are made from natural or synthetic rubber, are springier than memory foam mattresses and don't retain as much body heat. They are also resistant to mold and dust mites. In addition, mattresses made of natural latex are eco-friendly, since natural latex is a renewable resource. Many latex mattresses go for several thousand dollars for a queen set, although some lower-end brands that incorporate synthetic latex and a less expensive processing method can run as low as $3000 (for twin). Some mattresses may help to ease back pain. Experts say that adjustable, permanent-use air mattresses may be the best choice for back pain sufferers.
Don't confuse them with inflatable, temporary air mattresses, though, which we cover in a separate report; those aren't considered suitable for long-term use. Permanent air mattresses, such as those sold under the Sleep Number Bed label, have air chambers that can be adjusted to provide customized support, and are topped with padding. Some even allow each side of the mattress to be adjusted independently. Permanent air mattresses can be expensive, running at least $1,000 for a queen set. They tend to be quite durable though, because, while they rely on mechanical parts that can fail, those parts are replaceable. Although it would seem as if the experiences of mattress owners would be the most crucial aspect of finding the best mattress; in fact, owners reviews are fairly hard to come by for specific mattresses. This may be because, as noted earlier, there is little consistency between mattress models. -- which has compiled more data about mattress satisfaction than any other site.