Best Mattress Foundation

Modern mattresses no longer require box springs for support; this means you have a myriad of choices of mattress foundations which will affect the overall look of your bed.

What exactly is a box spring? It is a base for the mattress consisting of a wooden frame with springs inside that is upholstered in matching cloth. One of the most desirable aspects of a box spring is its height. Many people prefer to have their beds higher off the floor as it makes it easier to get in and out of bed. Another benefit of box springs is that they are designed to protect mattresses from sagging as they disperse the weight evenly. This helps to stabilize mattresses and that protects them from wear and tear. A foundation is a wooden or metal frame that has a sturdy flat board on top that provides support to the mattress.  Many people use the term box spring and mattress foundation interchangeably but they are two different things.

What is the difference between a box spring and a mattress foundation? A foundation is compatible with most mattresses while standard box springs can cause damage to foam beds and are best suited for innerspring or hybrid mattresses.  A box spring is a wooden or metal frame that is filled with steel coils that are arranged in a grid.  You set the mattress on top of the spring system which adds an extra bounce to the bed.

If your mattress has poor support and begins to feel uneven, lumpy, or sagging, you’re likely to point the finger at the mattress itself and not consider the base may be the source of your sleep issues. Make sure you’re getting the most of your investment towards better sleep by pairing your new mattress with a well-crafted foundation.

Best Mattress Foundation

Why get a foundation for your mattress?

• Maintain your warranty. Many mattress warranties require the use of a mattress foundation to give your bed adequate support.
• Extend mattress’ longevity. Helps prevent premature sags or indentations from occurring through your mattress’ surface.
• Adds extra height to your bed frame. Mattresses can range in height from 6 inches tall to over 14 inches thick, and a bed frame can easily swallow up thinner mattresses. To add extra height to your bed set, include a foundation underneath your mattress. A taller bed frame is easier to get in and out of, so you can roll out of bed in the mornings trouble-free.
• Keep your bed in place. A sturdy foundation will prevent your mattress from shifting as you get in and out of bed or toss and turn at night.
• Absorb shock and reduce pressure. Foundations absorb shock and pressure to prevent you from experiencing backaches when you wake up.
• Help keep your bed clean. Keeping your mattress up off of the ground prevents dirt, dust, and mold from accumulating on your bed. Plus, it helps keep your mattress free from moisture.

Foundation Options

Platform Bed

Platform beds are popular and versatile as they work with almost every type of mattress you can buy. A platform bed has a relatively simple design with a rectangular frame, a sturdy, flat base and durable legs. They usually do not come with a head or footboard but some have an option for you to attach one. The base has either slatted strips or a solid surface depending on the model you buy, both slatted are compatible with most types of mattresses.

Metal Platform Base

If you like to use the space under your bed as storage you should consider a metal platform base. They are sturdy and easy to set up, and maintain. Metal platform bases are usually a bit taller than other platform beds, so there is plenty of room for storage below.

Adjustable Bed Base

Adjustable beds are a real investment but keep in mind they usually do not include a foundation and in order to work a special foundation must be purchased.  You also do not have to buy the base from the manufacturer from which you purchased your mattress.  These frames allow for the head and foot of your mattress to adjust helping to alleviate pains and find a comfortable sleeping position.  These bases include remotes and often have additional electronic perks.

Metal Bed Frame

Metal bed frames are low maintenance, inexpensive way to support your new bed set. You cannot set your mattress directly on a metal bed frame as it could cause some serious damage, but these will hold your box spring or mattress foundation perfectly in place. These beds have a metal frame with a bar across the middle for extra support. Plus, some metal bed frames are adjustable to fit different mattress sizes.

Last Words:

The mattress foundation you choose will support your bed and will have a major impact on how comfortable your mattress feels and how long it lasts. A foundation is important for supporting both your mattress and your sleep. The best foundation types for memory foam mattresses are solid, flat foundations like a solid platform or a slatted bed frame. Most mattress brands will include the types of foundations they recommend on their website. The size of your mattress can also help inform how much support you need. Make sure you check the maximum weight the foundation can support so that the weight of your mattress and the sleepers.