Your mattress can work with any bed frame, right? Wrong! Some bed frames require a specific mattress construction for the best possible performance. If you own – or are shopping for – a platform bed, you have fewer mattress options. Read on to find out what kind of mattress is most ideal for your platform bed.
What is a Platform Bed?
Platform beds are bed frames that sit lower to the ground and have a strong flat base which eliminates the need for a box spring. While you could place a box spring on some platform beds if you wanted additional height, some platform beds might not allow for the extra height.
Platform beds are often more affordable than traditional beds, and they can help your room feel larger since they sit lower on the ground. Some platform beds even provide additional storage with built-in drawers on the sides or underneath! Not only are platform beds functional, but they also have a modern vibe.
Types of Platform Bases
When it comes to platform beds, there are three types of bases: slatted wood, metal, and solid wood.
Slatted wood base
The first type of base, which is the most common, is a slatted wood base. A slatted wood base has long planks of wood, sometimes cut into two pieces, that lay across the bed frame horizontally to provide a foundation. The closer together the planks of wood are, the more support the frame will likely provide. The wood slats will either be connected to each other like a ladder or will be secured to the frame of the bed. A slatted wood base allows air to circulate around your mattress easily, often helping to keep you cool while you sleep.
Metal base
The second type of base is a metal base. The pattern of the metal support beams is usually like a slatted wood base with long metal beams that reach from side to side of the bed frame. A metal base can also offer additional support with beams that reach the bed frame both horizontally and vertically.
Solid wood base
The third type of platform bed base is a solid wood base. This is often one large piece of wood to act as the base but can also be several pieces to make up one large piece. Often made of plywood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF), a solid wood base works well for thicker, heavier mattresses.
3 Best Mattress Types
Now that you know more about the best type of bases, it’s time to find your ideal mattress! With platform beds, the best choices are memory foam, latex, and hybrid.
Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses are the most versatile mattresses because they can lay on essentially any type of base. The breathability of a wood or metal slatted base would allow the memory foam to perform to the best of its ability, but it is important to make sure that the wood slats are not too far apart, otherwise, the foam mattress can sink in between the cracks of the wood slats.
Latex
Latex mattresses are like memory foam mattresses, but they allow compression and sinkage without attempting to mold to the exact shape of your body. Rubber tree sap is used to make natural latex foam. A solid wood base provides the most support and therefore is the best type of base for latex mattresses since they tend to be heavier and need more reinforcement.
Hybrid
When compared to memory foam mattresses, hybrid mattresses are usually firmer and more breathable, but when compared to latex mattresses they are softer and are likely to be less bouncy. Hybrid mattresses can sleep hotter, which is why a slatted wood or metal base works best since it allows for better air circulation. A solid wood base works fine as well.
Finding The Right Mattress
There you have it - the best mattress types for platform beds. Now all you need to do is pick a mattress at Crane's Mattress! Our selection has the mattress types and sizes you need for all those sweet dreams!
Contact us today if you have any questions — our experts will help find the right mattress for you!