When you’re in the market to buy a new mattress, it might not be at the forefront of your mind to consider the surface on which the mattress will be placed.
So why is this so important?
Mattresses are not designed to lay directly on the floor. This encourages germs, bugs, mold, and moisture to gather within the mattress, damaging its structure, causing health problems, and even making your warranty void.
I bet you never thought of that, did you?
No matter where you intend to place your mattress, the fact of the matter is it does need a foundation.
If you’re unsure of what qualifies as a mattress foundation, keep reading to learn more.
What is a Mattress Foundation?
A mattress foundation doesn’t just mean a bed frame. It’s an additional surface that adds extra support for your mattress and provides a stable base.
There are various styles of mattress foundations, including spring boxes and platform beds.
Many people assume that their bed comes equipped with an adequate mattress foundation when in actual fact, that’s not the case at all.
Box springs are the most common kind of mattress foundation. These are wooden frames with fabric-covered springs and work best with innerspring mattresses. This is because this kind of mattress needs more support, and box springs reduce wear, increasing their longevity.
Another kind of mattress support comes in the form of a platform bed. These seem to be becoming increasingly popular designs. They have a solid surface and no springs and work with a wide range of mattress types.
I will discuss in more detail which mattress types benefit from different foundations shortly.
Lastly, the low-profile box spring is a third option. These are similar to the standard box springs but not as high. These are more suited to a thicker mattress that requires less support.
Why Does Mattress Need a Foundation?
A mattress foundation is a vital component of any bed structure. They’re designed to support the stability of your mattress, in turn improving your sleeping position, which can be hindered if you have a mattress that dips and sinks in the middle.
Most mattress foundations are made from either wood or metal. They are placed underneath the mattress but on top of the bed frame itself, creating a solid, even base for your mattress.
Not using a foundation can not only cause your mattress to sink but can also hinder other qualities of your mattress, which can cause it to become uncomfortable.
1. Weight Distribution
An uneven weight distribution is one of the problems caused by a lack of foundation.
A foundation can stop the mattress from wearing in one particular spot. For example, if you share a bed, and one of you is heavier than the other, the mattress is under much more strain on one side. Of course, rotating your mattress regularly also aids this dilemma.
2. A Stable Surface
Another benefit of having a mattress foundation is keeping your mattress in one place and preventing it from moving throughout the night.
Some mattresses can shift around and slide, especially when they don’t fit the bed precisely. This can be uncomfortable and cause a nightly disturbance, waking you up during the night and causing significant back problems.
3. Shock Absorption
A mattress foundation absorbs some of the movement while you sleep. By absorbing shock, this reduces the wear and tear on your mattress, increasing its lifespan.
Additionally, a foundation can help absorb shock and motion transfer, reducing wear and tear on the mattress, which can help it last longer. Again, this is particularly beneficial to anyone who shares a bed.
4. Prevents a Lumpy Mattress
Everyone’s experienced a lumpy mattress at least once in their life, right? Therefore knows how uncomfortable it is.
Quite often, a lumpy mattress is caused by a lack of support underneath. A mattress foundation provides a flat, even surface that prevents those pesky lumps and sags.
Best Mattress Foundation for Each Mattress Type
Certain mattresses require different levels of support. This varies depending on material, density, and quality.
To make sure your mattress foundation is performing as it should to improve your quality of sleep and extend the lifespan of your mattress, check out the following mattress types and the foundations that work best with them below.
1. Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses require a sturdy foundation to ensure proper support and prevent sagging.
A platform bed with a strong, slatted base is suggested. Box springs are not ideal for memory foam as they can cause the mattress to sag and lose its shape. A foundation made of strong wood or metal is a decent choice. To avoid mattress damage and ensure a comfortable sleeping surface, ensure that the foundation can support the weight of the mattress and the users.
2. Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses are made using a mixture of springs topped with a layer of foam. This means they require a solid mattress foundation that provides enough support to prevent sinking.
3. Innerspring Mattress
As the name insinuates, an innerspring mattress contains numerous coils, which gives it a bounce and springy feel. These are best placed onto a box spring foundation to ensure the correct amount of shock absorption. They’re better suited to people who prefer a firmer mattress.
4. Gel Foam Mattress
A gel foam mattress is best suited to a solid foundation, such as a platform bed. Preferably, this will have slats no more than three inches apart. We wouldn’t advise using a box spring with a gel mattress because they cause it to lose shape.
Conclusion
The fact of the matter is that, yes, it is required to use a foundation underneath your mattress.
Not only will a foundation increase the lifespan of your mattress, but it can also enhance your sleep quality quite significantly.
When shopping for a mattress foundation, ensure that you purchase the correct size that can support the weight of your mattress and the person/people who will be sleeping on it. A foundation that’s not strong enough may cause your mattress to sag and dip. This can even deem the warranty on your mattress invalid.
