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What Goes Under A Mattress

What Goes Under A Mattress

Written by: Daniel Connell · Updated on: January 19, 2024

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Key Takeaways

You have several options for what goes under your mattress to support it.

Support is often overlooked and usually considered an afterthought when buying a mattress. But a bed base is just as important as the mattress itself. It ensures the mattress is properly supported, increases longevity, and provides air circulation benefits for cooler sleep.

There are 6 major mattress supports, including:

• Adjustable bed
• Box spring
• Bunkie board
• Platform bed
• Wooden slats
• Metal frame

Note: The #1 mattress currently available in America is the Saatva Classic. Check out their site and do some research. Pairs incredibly well with an adjustable bed, too. Incredibly comfortable and built to last.

#1 Best Mattress Support

An adjustable foundation is a hinged mattress foundation that allows you to customize support. An adjustable bed is likely the best investment you can make other than a new mattress.

There are several reasons why:

• Hospitals have relied on adjustable foundations for many years to help patients find relief from certain conditions and rest more comfortably.
• Most high-quality foundations are easy to install and require no additional tools. They provide superior comfort and support, and can also help you find a perfect night's sleep.
• An adjustable bed frame can be elevated at the head and foot of the bed, letting you customize your sleeping or resting position. Not every mattress works with an adjustable bed, so choose carefully (we recommend the Saatva Classic as the perfect matching mattress for an adjustable bed).
• An adjustable bed can provide pressure relief by elevating the head and foot of the bed and using materials like latex and memory foam.

7 Major Supports That Go Under Your Mattress

There are 7 major mattress supports, so read about each in the following text:

• Adjustable bed: An adjustable bed frame allows you to customize your sleep position with the push of a button. It's a great option for people with back, neck, hip, or shoulder pain.
• Box spring: A box spring is a metal or wooden frame with springs inside that goes under a mattress to help absorb shock and add bounce.
• Bunkie board: Bunkie boards are the thinnest base available and sit 2 inches high. They are usually made of wooden boards covered in fabric.
• Platform bed: A platform bed frame is a sturdy base with wooden slats that provide a firm, even surface for a mattress. It is not compatible with box springs.
• Wooden slats: A wooden bed frame is an alternative to a metal bed frame. It requires a box spring or foundation.
• Metal frame: Metal bed frames are sturdy and can hold a heavy mattress, but you'll need a box spring or foundation.
• Floor: The floor is a sturdy and supportive surface, but it's also cold and dirty and makes it easier for bugs and other pests to reach your bed.

A rotated mattress, much like rotated tires, typically wears more evenly and reduces indentions or support issues.

Other Considerations When Deciding What Goes Under Your Mattress

The type of mattress you have is the most important factor to consider when buying a foundation. Foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses need stronger support, so in addition, we present some tips on choosing the right foundation:

• The aesthetic of your mattress base should match your overall vision for your bedroom's style.
• If you have a foam or hybrid mattress, you should not use a box spring. Instead, use a solid foundation or a bunkie board.
• Innerspring mattresses needed a box spring underneath to help distribute weight and absorb pressure evenly. Today's box springs are simply wood or metal box covered with cloth.
• Bed frames are very handy since they allow stuff to be stacked below the bed.
• Staying cool and comfortable is one of the best ways to get adequate sleep. The right foundation will help release trapped heat and circulate air around the bed.
• If your mattress rests on the ground, it may slide around while you sleep. A good foundation will keep it stable and prevent discomfort.
• People don't really understand the use of box springs, but they are actually quite useful. They provide strong, flexible support and help prolong the life of the mattress.

For the best experience, consider buying a high-quality mattress from a reputable brand. Saatva Classic is the #1 mattress available on the market. Extremely comfortable and built to last.

Related Secondary Content:

If Bed Bugs Live In Beds, Will They Infest My Whole House?

If bed bugs have made their way into your bed, you may be worried that they will infest your entire home. However, bed bugs usually stay close to their food source, which is why they are commonly found in beds. That being said, if you leave the infestation untreated, bed bugs can move to other areas of your home.

Bed bugs are not attracted to dirt or clutter but to warmth and carbon dioxide. Therefore, they can be found in any type of dwelling, from clean to dirty homes. If you do find bed bugs in your bed, act quickly to prevent them from spreading.

Start by thoroughly inspecting your bed and surrounding areas. Look for small reddish-brown insects, tiny white eggs, and dark spots on your mattress, bedding, and walls. If you find evidence of bed bugs, call a professional exterminator to eliminate the infestation.

In addition to professional treatment, you can prevent bed bugs from spreading by regularly vacuuming, washing bedding and clothing in hot water, and sealing cracks and crevices in walls and floors. Taking these steps and addressing a bed bug infestation promptly will ensure that the bugs do not infest your whole house.

Can A Box Spring Be Used As The Only Support For A Mattress?

A box spring can be used as the sole support for a mattress, but not all box springs are equal in terms of providing ample support. To ensure that your box spring is suitable, make sure it's in good condition and can bear the mattress's weight. Inspect for loose or disrupted springs and consider supplementing with plywood sheets atop the box spring.

Also, contemplate the type of mattress you have. Memory foam and latex mattresses, for example, may not require any additional support. Always refer to the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific mattress.

Ultimately, the decision to use a box spring as the only support for your mattress is a personal choice and dependent on the box spring's condition. Weigh all possibilities and consult a specialist if you are uncertain. A solid foundation is essential for a good night's sleep.

About X

X is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of NapLab.com. He has been featured in Fast Company, Reader's Digest, Business Insider, Realtor.com, Huffington Post, Washington Post, AskMen, and She Knows. X has personally tested over 268+ mattresses and hundreds of pillows, sheets, beds, and other sleep products.

See Our #1 Researched Mattress in 2024

Rated best for comfort and hotel-feel

Get 450$ OFF Mattresses

References

What Goes Under A Mattress

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You have several options for what goes under your mattress to support it.

Support is often overlooked and usually considered an afterthought when buying a mattress. But a bed base is just as important as the mattress itself. It ensures the mattress is properly supported, increases longevity, and provides air circulation benefits for cooler sleep.

There are 6 major mattress supports, including:

• Adjustable bed
• Box spring
• Bunkie board
• Platform bed
• Wooden slats
• Metal frame

Note: The #1 mattress currently available in America is the Saatva Classic. Check out their site and do some research. Pairs incredibly well with an adjustable bed, too. Incredibly comfortable and built to last.

#1 Best Mattress Support

An adjustable foundation is a hinged mattress foundation that allows you to customize support. An adjustable bed is likely the best investment you can make other than a new mattress.

There are several reasons why:

• Hospitals have relied on adjustable foundations for many years to help patients find relief from certain conditions and rest more comfortably.
• Most high-quality foundations are easy to install and require no additional tools. They provide superior comfort and support, and can also help you find a perfect night's sleep.
• An adjustable bed frame can be elevated at the head and foot of the bed, letting you customize your sleeping or resting position. Not every mattress works with an adjustable bed, so choose carefully (we recommend the Saatva Classic as the perfect matching mattress for an adjustable bed).
• An adjustable bed can provide pressure relief by elevating the head and foot of the bed and using materials like latex and memory foam.

7 Major Supports That Go Under Your Mattress

There are 7 major mattress supports, so read about each in the following text:

• Adjustable bed: An adjustable bed frame allows you to customize your sleep position with the push of a button. It's a great option for people with back, neck, hip, or shoulder pain.
• Box spring: A box spring is a metal or wooden frame with springs inside that goes under a mattress to help absorb shock and add bounce.
• Bunkie board: Bunkie boards are the thinnest base available and sit 2 inches high. They are usually made of wooden boards covered in fabric.
• Platform bed: A platform bed frame is a sturdy base with wooden slats that provide a firm, even surface for a mattress. It is not compatible with box springs.
• Wooden slats: A wooden bed frame is an alternative to a metal bed frame. It requires a box spring or foundation.
• Metal frame: Metal bed frames are sturdy and can hold a heavy mattress, but you'll need a box spring or foundation.
• Floor: The floor is a sturdy and supportive surface, but it's also cold and dirty and makes it easier for bugs and other pests to reach your bed.

Other Considerations When Deciding What Goes Under Your Mattress

The type of mattress you have is the most important factor to consider when buying a foundation. Foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses need stronger support, so in addition, we present some tips on choosing the right foundation:

• The aesthetic of your mattress base should match your overall vision for your bedroom's style.
• If you have a foam or hybrid mattress, you should not use a box spring. Instead, use a solid foundation or a bunkie board.
• Innerspring mattresses needed a box spring underneath to help distribute weight and absorb pressure evenly. Today's box springs are simply wood or metal box covered with cloth.
• Bed frames are very handy since they allow stuff to be stacked below the bed.
• Staying cool and comfortable is one of the best ways to get adequate sleep. The right foundation will help release trapped heat and circulate air around the bed.
• If your mattress rests on the ground, it may slide around while you sleep. A good foundation will keep it stable and prevent discomfort.
• People don't really understand the use of box springs, but they are actually quite useful. They provide strong, flexible support and help prolong the life of the mattress.

For the best experience, consider buying a high-quality mattress from a reputable brand. Saatva Classic is the #1 mattress available on the market. Extremely comfortable and built to last.

If Bed Bugs Live In Beds, Will They Infest My Whole House?

If bed bugs have made their way into your bed, you may be worried that they will infest your entire home. However, bed bugs usually stay close to their food source, which is why they are commonly found in beds. That being said, if you leave the infestation untreated, bed bugs can move to other areas of your home.

Bed bugs are not attracted to dirt or clutter but to warmth and carbon dioxide. Therefore, they can be found in any type of dwelling, from clean to dirty homes. If you do find bed bugs in your bed, act quickly to prevent them from spreading.

Start by thoroughly inspecting your bed and surrounding areas. Look for small reddish-brown insects, tiny white eggs, and dark spots on your mattress, bedding, and walls. If you find evidence of bed bugs, call a professional exterminator to eliminate the infestation.

In addition to professional treatment, you can prevent bed bugs from spreading by regularly vacuuming, washing bedding and clothing in hot water, and sealing cracks and crevices in walls and floors. Taking these steps and addressing a bed bug infestation promptly will ensure that the bugs do not infest your whole house.

Can A Box Spring Be Used As The Only Support For A Mattress?

A box spring can be used as the sole support for a mattress, but not all box springs are equal in terms of providing ample support. To ensure that your box spring is suitable, make sure it's in good condition and can bear the mattress's weight. Inspect for loose or disrupted springs and consider supplementing with plywood sheets atop the box spring.

Also, contemplate the type of mattress you have. Memory foam and latex mattresses, for example, may not require any additional support. Always refer to the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific mattress.

Ultimately, the decision to use a box spring as the only support for your mattress is a personal choice and dependent on the box spring's condition. Weigh all possibilities and consult a specialist if you are uncertain. A solid foundation is essential for a good night's sleep.