Can You Use A Slatted Frame With Our Memory Foam Mattress
We get this question quite a bit. Whether its a futon frame or a slatted platform bed , potential customers have asked whether these options would work with our mattress.
Slatted foundations can be appropriate as long as they have sufficient slats. As a rule of thumb, we generally find that the slats that work well are about 3 wide or so and about 2 3 apart. So a queen slatted foundation or platform would end up with 12 or 13+ slats.
There are some newer metal frames that allow storage underneath that I often get asked about as well. And Im skeptical about these, even though they are sold as compatible with memory foam mattresses, since the metal framing that the mattress sits on has such thin metal pieces . While they have fabric that then goes on this metal structure, I am concerned that this still doesnt provide that firm a base for the mattress, and also that over time the thin metal frame pieces may dig into the foam even through the fabric cover.
Manufacturer Specifications For Their Memory Foam Mattresses
Although it is possible to put your memory foam mattress on a box spring, many companies have specific guidelines on appropriate bases for their mattresses. For example, some will state right away that box springs are not going to be covered under warranty if your mattress experiences sagging.
Lets take a look at four different companies and what their warranties specify.
Solid Platform Bed Frame
Platform beds use one solid surface that accomplishes the same goal of a box spring foundation, rendering them unnecessary. As a result, platform bed frames are lower to the ground than a traditional mattress, fulfilling a clean, modern aesthetic.
However, older sleepers or sleepers who suffer from joint pain might struggle to get in and out of this lower bed frame. In that case, a box spring can be helpful to raise the mattress.
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Does The Foundation Of A Bed Make A Difference
Yes, your beds foundation can impact your beds feel, airflow, and longevity. Slatted bases are more breathable than solid ones, but solid foundations are better at firming up a mattress. Adjustable bed frames can change your entire sleep experience by letting you change your sleeping angle.
Its best to use a foundation thats compatible with your mattress to ensure your bed doesnt sag or feel uncomfortable. A foundation made with durable, high-quality materials is important as well if your mattress foundation sags or breaks down, your mattress can too.
What’s Special About Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam is special because it adjusts to the exact contours of your body and bounces back slowly .
Pros of memory foam mattresses:
- Ideal for back and side sleepers because in these positions, memory foam aids spine and neck-bone alignment and provides better hip and shoulder comfort than traditional mattresses.
- Ideal for couples who are light sleepers, as movement on one side of the bed will hardly be felt on the other.
- Ideal for people with allergies, as memory foam is hypoallergenic and dense enough to keep dust mites, dirt, and bacteria from penetrating the mattress.
I bought a Zinus Memory Foam mattress back in 2012, and it’s still going strong! The odor was minimal upon opening, and the foam has proven durable.
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Benefits Of Box Springs
Before memory foam was introduced, traditional mattresses required additional support to last longer and provide enough support to their users. Some benefits of the box spring include:
- Keeps your bed off the ground, away from dust and bugs
- Improves ventilation
- Prevents mold forming from moisture on the floor
- Aesthetically more pleasing than a mattress on the ground
- Increases bed height
What Is An Innerspring Mattress
An innerspring mattress utilizes a steel coil support system and different kinds of these mattresses are available on the market today. Some of these have springs that are connected into a single unit, while other mattresses are comprised of hundreds, sometimes even thousands of individually pocketed coils.
Each mattress differs in the number of coils, coil gauge, design, and shape. Their coil system is usually covered with a layer of fibers, foam or yet with another layer of smaller smaller steel springs all wrapped in the quality cover.
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Can You Use A Mattress Topper Instead Of A Mattress On The Floor
While technically, yes, you can use a mattress topper on the floor, its not a good idea. Keep in mind, a mattress topper and a mattress are not the same and serve different purposes. Toppers are meant to add a comfort layer to an overly firm mattress, meaning they lack the supportive base layers a traditional mattress has.
In a pinch, you may use a mattress topper for a temporary sleeping solution, though its not recommended long-term.
What Do You Put Under A Memory Foam Mattress
All that is required to support your new memory foam mattress is a solid foundation. Bunkie boards, metal bases, wooden slats, or the floor will give you the support you need. Firm box springs would be okay. Make sure to keep a check for any wear and tear to keep your memory foam mattress in good condition. An old box spring is not a good choice.
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Alternatives To Using A Bunkie Board Under A Foam Mattress
A bunkie board is not the only type of mattress foundation that you can use under a foam mattress for proper support. In fact, there are a few different alternatives to using a bunkie board under a foam mattress.
Different foundations for foam mattresses: Plywood laid over a slatted bed base , a platform bed with built-in wooden slats , and wooden slats . Image from .
Some alternatives to using a bunkie board under a foam mattress include plywood, slats, and platforms. Each of these alternatives provides great support for foam mattresses.
Plywood is a thin, light, and rigid material. However, it will need to be treated and laminated otherwise, it will chip and snag on your mattress. The plywood needs to be at least one inch thick to provide minimal support for your mattress. For more information, refer to this article: Can You Use Plywood Instead Of A Bunkie Board?
Slats are thin and light, and they promote proper support and breathability for your mattress. As mentioned when discussing slatted bunkie boards, the gap between the slats should be less than three inches. Otherwise, the slats can dig into the mattress and damage it.
Do You Need A Bunkie Board Under A Latex Foam Mattress
Latex foam mattresses are known for being elastic and durable. They are dense and heavy, just like any foam mattress. Therefore, they require a sturdy base underneath. So, does that mean that you need a bunkie board under a latex foam mattress?
Yes, you do need a bunkie board under a latex foam mattress because latex foam is heavy, elastic, breathable, and can break down over time. A bunkie board will help prolong the life of your latex foam mattress.
Latex foam mattresses are dense in order to help absorb shock. Bunkie boards, whether made of a whole plank or of slats, are sturdy enough to support and bear the extra weight of latex foam mattresses. However, the slats have to be wide, thick and spaced less than three inches apart to provide even weight distribution. Hardwood and metal rods support heavy weights better than plywood, so look for those materials when selecting a bunkie board for a latex foam mattress.
Latex foam mattresses also react to movement. Whenever you move in bed, the mattress will dig in at specific points and mold to your body. Because of this, the mattress needs a foundation that offers constant and uniform support, like a bunkie board.
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What Are My Options
First, we need to understand that mattresses, box springs, and frames have very different jobs. The comfort portion of the bed is the mattress which sits directly on top of a foundation and we often refer to it as the boxspring. The boxspring then sits upon the bed frame. Of course, we lie on the mattress, and its flexibility, support, and comfort can come from several different inner working configurations all of which need specific unique support required by the manufacturer coil springs, latex rubber, memory foam, or a hybrid of the aforementioned.
Mattresses typically have a firm core and malleable sleeping surface that easily molds, contours, and supports the unique curvatures of our bodies. Placing it on anything but a supportive flat surface can cause it to sway, sag or worse still fall between the steel supports.
Allows The Mattress To Work For You
Memory foam, latex foam, and hybrid mattresses contour to the body, so your muscles can recover as you sleep. These beds provide the perfect combination of cushioning and support so your spine remains in a safe, neutral position.
Without the right foundation, the mattress will begin to sag in certain places. As this happens, your body will also sinkforcing your spine out of alignment. When the spine is not straight, our bodies have to overcompensate for the lack of support by sleeping in uncomfortable positions. However, a stable support base will allow you to get the most out of your advanced mattress.
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How Do These Bed Bases Affect The Life Of Your Mattress
To begin with the type of base you choose will in turn affect the type of mattress you buy. Bed bases with a slatted structure lend well to a spring bases mattress where as a solid structured bed base such as a plywood platform top would compliment a dense foam mattress better. Overall choosing the right base and complimenting mattress will prolong its life expectancy making your investment last longer. Though there are other mattress care steps you can take to enhance its life expectancy.
Platform Bed Frame With Slats
Whether or not a platform bed frame with slats requires a box spring depends on the distance between the slats. As long as the slats are close enough together, theyll support the mattress without a box spring foundation and typically satisfy the mattress warranty.
If the slats are more than four inches apart, then you might need a traditional box spring. Your mattress warranty should indicate the appropriate distance of the bed slat gaps. These slats can come flexed or straight, and theyre available in a variety of materials, including but not limited to:
- Wood
- Plastic
- Composite
With that being said, steel slats provide the most rigid support for your mattress, as compared to wooden slats. Wondering how long do memory foam mattresses last? The average lifespan of memory foam mattresses is 10 years, but to stand the test of time, they need to be well supported by a bed frame or sturdy slats.
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Place Your Mattress On Finished Surfaces
Its best to set your mattress on surfaces such as hardwood floors, tatami flooring, tile, or synthetic rugs and carpet. Avoid unfinished flooring, natural fiber carpets, and rugs made of wool, cotton, or jute.
Unfinished and natural flooring retains moisture and will lead to mold buildup, possibly triggering allergic reactions. Also, older flooring may contain mold spores or dust, soiling your mattress and making it unsuitable for sleeping.
California King Size Bed Foundation
72 inches by 84 inches
California king mattresses offer more length than a standard king size mattress. These beds are 4 inches longer, but 4 inches narrowermaking them a great option for anyone over 6 feet tall. If you plan to place a Cal king mattress on your new foundation, just be sure it can accommodate the additional length.
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Keep The Floor Beneath Your Mattress Clean
To prevent dirt buildup, always vacuum, dust, and disinfect the area beneath and around your mattress. By keeping the floor clean, you prevent bugs and dust from infecting your sleep space.
Always be sure the floor is completely dry before replacing your mattress. A wet or even mildly damp surface puts your mattress at risk for growing mold.
King Size Bed Foundation
76 inches by 80 inches
A king size mattress is excellent for couples who are looking for more space. Kings offer enough room to accommodate both you and your partners needs, but they do require a larger bedroom to comfortably fit. Since the standard US bedroom is 11 by 12 feet, a king bed leaves little room around the bed for movement or additional furniture. A master bedroom may be more suited for this size mattress.
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Zinus Joseph Bed Frame
Check out our guide on the best bed frames for Tempurpedic mattresses on the market today.
Moreover, Tempurpedic mattresses should be placed on bed frames that are adequately ventilated ie. that have with legs, castors, or feet so air can freely circulate and prevent moisture. When it comes to airing and support, you may also choose a bed base that has sturdy platform slats or tops with up to 90 millimeters distance from each other.
Before putting your mattress on its bed frame, make sure that everything is level. Dont place a new Tempurpedic mattress on an old box spring or bed base. Always check the foundation to see if its in good condition to avoid damage or other problems.
By making sure that your bed frame is fit for your mattress, you can prevent hollows and dips, which may occur with older bases. Support is vital in maintaining the performance of your mattress in a more extended period. Also, its not recommended to use a framing between the bed base and mattress to boost airflow.
Traditional Mattresses: A Basic Overview
Traditional mattresses, often known as spring mattresses, are made up of lots of metal coils inside a supportive foam encasement. The rings are suspended in the middle and padded with foam to provide comforting support.
Unlike memory foam, spring mattresses dont conform to your shape but rather push back against your bodys pressure to support. The downside to this, and the reason memory foam is considered better on your joints, is that your body does not apply pressure evenly.
It is not uncommon to feel soreness in specific, heavier areas after sleeping on a firm spring mattress. This is most typically felt in the hips, neck, and shoulders. However, some knee pain is not uncommon.
Box springs were initially designed to provide support for innerspring mattresses. Due to the uneven distribution of weight on a spring mattress, having another layer of support underneath offers more durability to the pressure points. This reduces wear and makes the mattress last longer.
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How Slat Spacing Affects How Bunkie Boards Support Foam Mattresses
Bunkie boards made of wooden or metal slats work well with foam mattresses as long as the slats are less than three inches apart from one another. But how exactly does slat spacing affect how bunkie boards support foam mattresses?
When the slats are close enough together, they provide solid and even weight distribution and thus enable proper body support.If the slats are too widely spaced, they will dig into the mattress, causing it to sag.
In that case, the slats will not only affect the mattress: they will affect your comfort and posture, too. For more information on weight distribution, see this 2014 study. Sometimes the maximum slat gap will be indicated on your mattress warranty. Always make sure to get a bunkie board with slats not exceeding the indicated slat gap, otherwise, it will void your mattress warranty.
Can You Put A New Mattress On An Old Foundation
We recommend replacing your foundation when you get a new mattress. Most mattress foundations wear down faster than mattresses, so if your mattress is showing signs of wear and needing to be replaced, then its safe to say your foundation also needs to be swapped with a new one. If youre working on a tighter budget and dont want to buy both a foundation and a mattress, look for bundle deals or brands offering freebies with a mattress purchase. Sometimes, you can score a free foundation with your new mattress. Alternatively, you can give an old foundation new life by pairing it with a bunkie board.
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Is It Okay To Put 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. Why? Because these mattresses need 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. This means 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.
Before Foregoing a Mattress Foundation . . .
Be sure to check your mattress’ warranty to determine whether it is affected or voided by not using a traditional foundation. If this is the case, you should consider using a base covered by your warranty.
