A solid support beneath a mattress makes the mattress feel firmer. A comfortable mattress is key to a good night's sleep, which is key to the quality of your day. A mattress that is too soft for your liking may cause aches and pains or result in a less-than-restful night. Firm up that sagging nightmare by placing a bed board beneath it. Bed boards come in all shapes and sizes, some designed for use between a mattress and box spring, some with just a mattress. You can also make the bed board yourself from plywood, firming up that saggy situation once and for all. The Plywood Sandwich Solution Plywood cut to the size of the mattress acts as a do-it-yourself mattress support that fits between mattress and box spring, making a mattress firmer. This comes in handy for a mattress that's too soft overall, or for a mattress or box spring that sags in some areas due to age. Measure the mattress and cut a sheet of 3/8-inch plywood to the same size; this may require two sheets of plywood if the bed is queen size or larger.
To achieve curved corners matching the mattress, set the mattress atop the cut plywood, trace the corners, then saw along the traced lines. Sand the board and edges smooth to prevent snagging or splinters, wipe the dust away and then set it on the box spring with the mattress on top. Mattress-Only Support System If your mattress has no box spring as support -- for instance, a foam or latex mattress designed for use without the box springs, or on a platform bed designed for just a mattress, plywood comes to the rescue once again. Remove the mattress from the bed frame and measure the inner frame area upon which the mattress rests. Cut the plywood to size, then place it in the frame bottom. Depending on the frame type, you may wish to bolt the plywood down by drilling holes through both the plywood and frame. If the bed has slats to support the mattress, set the plywood atop the slats or remove the slats entirely. Hinging on Comfort Some premade bed boards are hinged, designed to use with adjustable beds such as hospital beds or home-based versions with head- and foot-raising capabilities.
These are available in hospital supply stores in various sizes compatible with common mattress models. Some versions are thin and fold up, accordion style. Hinged or folding bed boards are designed for use between the mattress and box spring. Bunky Board Bolster A bunky board -- a foam-covered, thin support typically used for bunk beds and platform beds -- works much like plywood to make a mattress feel firmer. These are sold in shops that sell bunk beds and come in standard bunk bed and platform bed sizes, such as twin, full and queen. : How to Use a Bed BoardAdvanced Inc.: Is Your Bed Too Soft? Photo Credits Image Source/Stockbyte/Getty Images Suggest a CorrectionAs Hamlet once said, “To box spring, or not to box spring.” Okay, that wasn’t really Hamlet, but when it comes to mattresses getting the right foundation is essential. To demystify this semi-boring, but very important topic, we’ve broken down the dos and don’ts of bed foundations for you. Educate yourself so you can get better sleep.
To put it simply, if your mattress isn’t supported well, you probably aren’t sleeping well. Wonky, broken or weak bed foundations can lead to sagging in your mattress. That means your body lacks uniform support and you can wake up in pain. To avoid pain and get the most out of your mattress, you need the right bed foundation. If you’re bed is supported right, your body will be too. So don’t brush this off! Now to the nitty gritty details. Box Spring vs Everything Else Box springs are literally wooden boxes with metal springs in them. They’re often designed to pair specifically with spring coil mattresses. This is because spring coil beds need the box spring to give a little to support the pressure of our bodies. A solid foundation probably won’t be very comfortable with a spring coil mattress. Besides that, however, box springs aren’t ideal. Since they don’t provide even support, they don’t work well with memory foam, latex, and Purple® mattresses.
In some cases traditional box springs can even void the warranty on these types of mattresses. What’s up with the sumo wrestlers? Why Get a Foundation? Foundations provide several benefits. First, they give your bed height. Although the floor is a great, sturdy place to put your bed, it might be difficult to get in and out of bed if it’s on the ground. If you get a foundation, get one that’s right for your bed. If you have a spring coil mattress, get a box spring that can absorb some of the pressure; otherwise, a sturdy, even foundation is best. The proper foundation will limit wear and tear on your mattress, extending the life of your bed. Lastly, they keep your bed away from dust and allergens that may exist on the floor. Plus, they can add a stylish element to your bedroom decor. How to Shop for a Foundation When looking for a foundation for your mattress, first check the warranty. Make sure you know which kinds of foundations (often a box spring) will void your warranty.
Consider that box springs can’t bend. Depending on your bedroom, you may need a more flexible, lightweight foundation, like if you live in small apartment or high floor. Look for features that suit your needs. Consider height and head and footboard attachments, if you have them. For those fancy shmancy peeps out there, an adjustable or power base is the best option. An adjustable base can move the head and feet up or down using a remote. This is great for severe snorers, avid readers, and those who just like customizability. These foundations often come with a slew of other features, such as massaging vibrations, bluetooth, and reading lights. The Purple™ Platform Base Purple recommends anyone with a Purple mattress uses the Purple Platform Base as well. This base was specifically designed to best support the Purple® Bed. It is strong so it can support Purple’s hefty 140 lbs of comfort technology, it’s an additional 2.5 inches taller than standard bases so it’s the right height without a box spring, and it’s quiet so you get uninterrupted sleep all night.