You May Also Like Drift away into a deep sleep with a mattress topper that adds extra comfort to your mattress! If you are ready to get a good night’s sleep, consider a mattress pad for your mattress. A mattress pad can do wonders for for an older mattress that is lacking softness that you want. Maybe your mattress is too hot? A mattress topper can help to keep you cooler throughout the night for optimal sleep. Never worry about counting sheep again! Purchase a mattress topper from our trusted Serta brand and you will feel like you are sleeping on clouds. Save money and sleep better on a mattress pad tonight!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 Foundation#1 in Sleep Product Research Millions Served Since 2008 Mattress Topper Reviews > Memory Foam Mattress Topper Reviews Based on 38,517 Actual Consumer Experiences THE GOOD: Most popular mattress topper • often highly effective at improving mattress comfort • available in several varieties to suit personal need and preference. THE BAD: Potential for initial odor and heat retention • can be too firm for people under 120 lbs • somewhat difficult to move on / get up off • squishy feel possible • fairly heavy.
THE COMPETITION: See how other topper types compare to memory foam in the topper comparison. Ratings show how the various memory foam topper varieties compare to the average mattress topper. Ratings indicate what tends to be true; ratings for a particular model or individual topper may vary. The table below compares toppers with 89% or better owner satisfaction based on at least 500 consumer experiences. * Memory foam density indicates howFor example, foam with 3.0 lb (or lbs/ft) density means that a cubic foot of this foam weighs three pounds. See the above grid and memory foam density: low vs high to learn more about differences in density. ** Gel-infused memory foam tends to sleep about 25% cooler longer than regular memory foam all other things being equal. *** CertiPUR-US certified foam meets standards for content, emissions, performance and durability. Memory foam is made from polyurethane with additional chemicals to increase density. The foam is made up of millions
of spherical shaped, open cells. What makes memory foam unique is its temperature and weight sensitivity. Memory foam mattress toppers should generally be expected to last about three to four years with regular use – a rate somewhat better than that of the average mattress topper. Memory foam toppers with higher density foam (4 lbs/ft or more) may last somewhat longer than those with lower density foam (3 lbs/ft or less). As the toppers age and wear, they tend to lose their resiliency and support. They may also discolor and tear. Memory foam toppers often have warranty lengths of 2-5 years. Owner experience data suggests that the likelihood of successfully filing a warranty claim is low. Consumers, as a result, should probably not place much emphasis on warranty coverage when shopping. When unpackaged, memory foam can initially give off a gas or odor which can last from hours to weeks. Off gassing is the main complaint by memory foam topper owners as about 18% report the problem.
Off gassing can be a small annoyance to some people and unbearable to others. Learn more about memory foam off gassing. There is often randomness as to whether and how much a memory foam mattress topper will off gas. However, owner experience data suggests that off gassing tends to correlate with topper thickness. * Off gassing lasting more than 24 hours. About 7% of memory foam topper owners – vs about 4% for the average mattress topper – report that their topper sleeps hot or, in other words, fails to disperse body heat resulting in an unnaturally warm sleep surface. Thicker memory foam toppers tend to have more heat-related complaints than thinner varieties. This appears to be due to the fact that the sleeper often sinks further into thicker toppers where there is less air circulation. High density foam toppers may also increase the potential for heat retention. * Heat retention is enough to undermine sleep quality at least some of the time. Gel-infused memory foam tends to sleep about 25% cooler longer than regular memory foam – all other things being equal.