For years box springs were the gold standard in bedding, but more and more they are being replaced by a type of bed that, while simple in design, has much going for it: the platform bed. A platform bed is in the form of a frame that holds a mattress, removing the need for a box spring. Because they don’t need an expensive box spring, platform beds are usually a more affordable option than a traditional bed.
Platform beds are made from a variety of materials such as wood, metal, or even plastic. The base where the mattress sits can be solid, or can be in the form of slats (often wooden) or a metal grid, both of which allow for better air circulation. A platform bed typically offers much more support than something like a box spring, and its design usually incorporates a variety of storage options within it to store spare bedding or other items.
What is the best mattress for a platform bed? While most mattresses will work well with this type of bed, some mattress types really take advantage of the platform bed’s unique characteristics to create an excellent sleeping environment. This article will examine just what makes up a great platform bed mattress, and the factors you should keep in mind when shopping for one. We also offer up a variety of our own mattress picks, and highlight why we think they are some of the best options on the market for use on a platform bed.
What Makes a Platform Bed a Good Choice
There are a number of reasons why you might find that a platform bed is the right choice for you. Some of the more common reasons that we have found people use when buying this type of bed include:
Low-profile Frame
Seniors and people with mobility issues will often have issues with getting on and off a traditional box spring mattress bed. Due to its low-to-the-ground profile, many who do experience problems with a box spring bed will find a platform bed to be much easier to use.
Sturdy Foundation
The even support of a platform bed can be beneficial in a couple of different ways. For one, it can typically support much more weight than other bed types. While this can vary bed to bed, the weight range for platform beds will usually be anywhere from 450 lbs. to 4400 lbs.
The strong platform base that the mattress rests on will also not sag, which will keep the mattress from sagging and help to extend the overall life of the mattress. This is particularly true for solid bases (i.e. a single sheet of wood), which will tend to be sturdier than either wooden slats or a metal grid.
No Box Spring or Foundation Needed
One of the biggest advantages you will realize with a platform bed is that you won’t need a box spring to use it. This will affect everything from the overall cost of the bed to how less bulky and heavy it is to move around. Another advantage of going without a box spring is that you forgo all the fabric that goes into the construction of one, which in turn will cut down on the prime areas where dust mites live and reproduce.
That said, you should still be able to use your box spring with a platform bed if you wish to, so long as it fits. Some sleepers will continue to use a box spring to retain the comfort level they are used to, while others will simply want for their sleep surface to be higher off the ground.
Easy On The Budget
The overall greatest benefit of going without a box spring is definitely the cost. Box springs are typically one of the priciest parts of a bed, and cutting out this expense will allow you to come in well under budget.
Types of Mattresses That Work Well With a Platform Bed
So, what type of mattress works best with a platform bed? There is no right answer here. While the majority of mattress types will work with this type of bed, some will be better than others. Platform beds have their own built-in support, allowing you to shop a bit more towards mattress comfort and contouring than you otherwise might. You should also pay close attention to the manufacturer’s recommendations concerning use, as this can provide you with a much better idea of how a potential mattress will pair up with a platform bed.
While your own sleeping preferences will be the ultimate decider in determining what type of mattress you should go with, let’s take a look at some of the more common mattress types and how they stack up when it comes to platform beds.
Memory Foam Mattresses
One type of mattress that works particularly well with a platform bed is a memory foam mattress. Memory foam not only provides excellent cradling for pressure relief, but also good motion isolation, so partners won’t keep each other awake by tossing and turning. What memory foam mattresses often lack is a sturdy support system, which a platform bed provides. Side sleepers in particular will find this type of mattress to be comfortable.
While a platform bed will keep a memory foam mattress from sagging, there are a couple of issues you will want to be aware of before setting out to buy this type of mattress. The first is that platform beds are not built to allow for the type of airflow that a box spring naturally has. As such, you might be better off going with a memory foam mattress that includes some form of built-in cooling features, such as a cooling gel layer.
A platform bed that uses slats instead of a solid base will help with airflow. If you do go with slats, however, be sure that they are not so far apart that the memory foam is able to sink into the gaps. Slats spaced 3-4 inches apart are usually sufficient to support memory foam mattresses.
If you are interested in using memory foam with a platform bed, there are a variety of options available to you. One is to go with a mattress topper, such as the 3 LB Gel Custom Memory Foam Mattress Topper. This 2” thick topper adds a layer of support to your existing mattress, and is available in a wide range of sizes. For added durability, you can even add a removable zippered organic cotton cover.
Another topper you should consider is the Custom 2” Brookside Memory Foam Topper with Organic Cotton. This environmentally-friendly topper helps to regulate body temperature, and is available for any sized mattress. It is constructed from luxurious 4 LB memory foam, and includes custom fit elastic bands on all four corners to help keep the topper in place.
The 4.5” East Hampton Memory Foam Cot Mattress is also constructed to help you achieve a cool, dryer sleep with its temperature regulating fabric and moisture-wicking abilities. This mattress is available in a variety of sizes (or have it custom built to your specifications), and it is also “flippable,” so you can change the firmness from cushion firm to firm simply by turning the mattress over.
Innerspring Mattresses
Innerspring mattresses have a number of things going for them. They tend to be less expensive than other types of mattress, and the “spring” part of it makes this mattress very breathable. Good for both stomach and back sleepers, innerspring mattresses also usually have reinforced edges, making them easier to get on and off.
While an innerspring mattress can often be used with a platform bed, it may not be your best option. Innersprings actually work very well with box springs, and may be too sturdy to really pair well with a platform bed and still provide enough comfort and contouring. Another potential pitfall here is in the form of the mattress warranty, which may be voided if you try to use the innerspring mattress on a platform. Check the mattress’ warranty information carefully before buying it.
If you are still interested in using this type of mattress on your platform bed, you won’t go wrong with the 8” Park Meadow Pocketed Coil RV Mattress II. This mattress sells in a variety of sizes, or you can have one custom built to your specifications. The 8” Park Meadow Pocketed Coil RV Mattress II is constructed from pocketed coils – for both comfort and support – and uses an open-cell foam that helps to create a cooler sleeping environment. Heavier sleepers and those sleepers who experience back pain will particularly enjoy this mattress.
Hybrid Mattresses
Much like memory foam mattresses, hybrid mattresses also work very well when combined with a platform bed. As the name implies, hybrids are made up of a variety of different mattress materials, usually combining core coils with elements like memory foam or polyfoam, gel, and latex. With these various layers, hybrid mattresses are comfortable and supportive when used on a variety of different bed types, including platforms. A platform bed will also allow the coil core of a hybrid to compress more evenly when you move around, resulting in a more comfortable sleeping surface.
When setting out to purchase a hybrid mattress, you can quickly become overwhelmed with the variety of options. One of the best hybrids for use on a platform bed that we recommend is the Scarsdale Luxury Hybrid Mattress with Organic Cotton. This high end luxury mattress is constructed using individual pocketed coils and gel memory foam, a combo that provides both support and contouring comfort. This mattress is available in any size.
Another mattress we recommend for platform beds is the Luxury Hybrid RV Mattress. This mattress is constructed using pocketed coils and a plush quilted organic cotton cover; some types include cooling gel foam, a real plus for hot sleepers. The Luxury Hybrid RV Mattress is available in a variety of styles, from the affordable Sedona Grand to the top of the line Luxury Grand. All styles are customizable both in terms of size and in features such as cut corner or radius corner.
Airbeds
Airbeds can be used on a platform bed, but only if the platform uses a solid base for the air mattress to rest on. An airbed on a platform using either slats or a metal grid will tend to move around too much, and the risk of puncture will be far too great.
If you wish to use an airbed on slats or a metal grid, you should first put a sheet of .75 plywood between the airbed and the slats/grid. Be sure you also lay a tarp or other material between the airbed and the plywood to cut down on the risk of a puncture caused by splinters.
Note that airbeds are different from sofa bed air mattresses, which are often more trouble than they are worth.
How to Choose the Best Platform Bed Mattress
When setting out to purchase a platform bed mattress, you will probably have a number of questions. How much will this type of mattress cost me? How large are these mattresses, and how much support will they provide? Do they come with a warranty, or a sleep trial period?
To select the right platform bed mattress for your needs, it is important to understand some of the key features and other considerations that these mattresses share. These include:
Budget
You will find in general that mattresses for use on platform beds will cost you pretty much the same as mattresses you would use on something like a box spring. The big difference when you are considering the cost of an overall bed is that with a platform bed, you don’t need a box spring. As box springs are usually one of the more expensive elements of a bed, you will need to budget for much less when setting up a complete platform bed. This will enable you to either pocket the savings, or use the extra money to upgrade to a better mattress.
Size
When selecting the size of a platform bed mattress, you will need to consider not only the length and width of the mattress, but also its thickness. For length and width, be sure to measure the base of the platform bed – the area where the mattress sits – carefully. A mattress too large for the platform base will obviously not fit within it, while one too small will constantly be sliding around whenever you move.
The thickness of the mattress will also be an important factor and will depend largely on your needs. Because a platform bed typically sits low to the ground, selecting a thinner mattress will ensure that seniors and others with mobility issues will be able to easily get on and off the bed. On the other hand, if you don’t face such difficulties, then a thicker mattress – one that raises you off the ground a bit – might be a better option. A mattress of 10-12 inches, or even 14 inches, will also tend to be more comfortable than a thinner mattress.
Material
Much like a mattress you would use on a box spring, platform bed mattresses can vary considerably in their overall composition. Some will have innersprings or coil cores, while others will be constructed largely of memory foam. Layers of latex, cooling gel, and other materials designed to add specific features – such as wicking heat or moisture away – are common to some types of platform bed mattresses.
In addition to buying a mattress made from materials that will help you to sleep the way you want to sleep, there are two primary factors to consider when deciding what materials to go with. The first is based on the platform bed itself. Flatforms provide a lot of support, so your best bet may be to go with a softer and more contouring mattress than you are used to.
You should also try to buy a mattress made from the best quality materials that your budget allows. This will extend the life of the mattress and keep it from breaking down, which can quickly result in an uncomfortable sleep surface.
Support Needed
As mentioned above, a platform bed brings a fair amount of support to the table before you even start to think about a mattress. The amount of support needed by a sleeper will vary depending on their health, personal preference, and even the position in which they sleep. For example, side sleepers are usually more comfortable on a softer mattress, where something like foam provides pressure relief to areas such as the hips or shoulders. On the other hand, stomach and back sleepers will usually fare better on a firmer mattress, which provides more support for better spinal alignment. Either way, the sleeper will probably want to go with a mattress a little on the softer side than what they are used to.
Another area where a platform can help in terms of support is in edge support. The platform itself will already help with edge support, and its low profile can be a big help for those who have trouble getting in and out of bed. Still, for seniors and those with physical limits that make this a problem area, it is probably best to go with a mattress that includes adequate edge support.
A Frame’s Height
Platform beds tend to be low profile, or low to the ground, but this is not always the case. While a low profile platform bed can be easier to get on and off, some sleepers may wish to go with a platform that is a little higher off the ground. Taller people in particular will find a taller platform bed to be easier to use, and a higher frame will also increase the space that you can use for storage.
Availability of Storage
Speaking of storage, another area where platform beds have a clear advantage over box springs is in their built-in storage capabilities. While not always the case, most platform beds incorporate some form of storage space, which can be a real plus if you live in a small apartment or some other situation where space is an issue.
This storage space is often in the form of drawers, although some platform beds actually have a handle built into the mattress base, so you can easily lift it up to access the sizable storage area underneath. These areas provide a handy way to store extra blankets, sheets, clothing, or other items.
Cooling Features
Overheating while sleeping can be a big problem for some sleepers. As such, it is important for them to select a bed – frame and mattress – that is designed for cool sleep. If you are a hot sleeper, select a platform bed frame that uses slats or a metal grid, as opposed to a solid base. This will allow air to circulate more easily under the mattress. This is particularly important if you plan to pair the platform with something like a foam mattress.
The mattress type a hot sleeper chooses can also help to wick away heat. Go with something like a hybrid mattress with a coil core, which often has a number of added cooling layers that can help remove heat. Mattresses with gel cooling layers, latex, low-density foam layers, and moisture-wicking cover fabrics can all help lead to a cooler and dryer sleep.
Service Warranty
One good sign of a quality mattress is a lengthy warranty. A manufacturer that includes something like a 10 or even 20-year warranty with their mattresses is signaling just how sure they are that their mattress will last at least that long, and then some. As such, you should be focused on getting the longest warranty possible when shopping for a mattress for your platform bed. Warranties start out at under 10 years and can go up to 20 years or so; 10 years is around average for a mattress warranty.
Some manufacturers will also explicitly state within the warranty that the mattress is not designed for use on a platform bed, and that if you do use it this way, the warranty is void. Before buying any mattress, carefully read the warranty to avoid this scenario. You should also be looking for how long the warranty is for, what is covered, and what is not. Carefully follow all the manufacturer’s recommendations for set-up and use so that you don’t violate any terms of the warranty.
Sleep Trial Period
Another element usually attached to a mattress that you should be aware of is the sleep trial period. This is the length of time that you get to try out a mattress and decide to either keep it or send it back if it is not meeting your support or comfort needs. A sleep trial period is particularly important if you are buying something like a bed-in-a-box or buying a mattress online and are not able to even physically stretch out on it before you buy it.
Sleep trial periods can vary considerably, mattress to mattress. Some do not include a trial at all, while others will vary in length from a few weeks to a few months, or even a year. The longer the trial, the longer you will be able to “test” it out to make sure that it is something that you will want to sleep on for the next few years. You should also note the terms of the return, such as who to contact, who will be responsible for return shipping (you or the company), etc.
Mattress Options For Your Platform Bed
1. 8” Luxury Gel Foam Mattress With Organic Cotton
One of the best mattresses you can buy for use on a platform bed is the 8” Luxury Gel Foam Mattress With Organic Cotton (it is also available in an 11.5” thickness). Based on years of testing, this mattress hits the sweet spot between firm and soft, and should appeal to all sleepers regardless of whether they sleep on their side, stomach, or back. And the numbers back up this mattress’ popularity, with over 15,000 satisfied customers and counting.
What It’s Made Of
The Luxury Gel Foam Mattress With Organic Cotton contains two layers of cooling gel memory foam (1” and 2”), in addition to a 1.5” layer of Aire-Flow foam. The 8” mattress uses 3.5” of contouring support foam, while the 11.5” mattress increases that to 7”. Both sized mattresses include a plush organic cotton cover.
Features We Love
There is a lot to love here, and some of our favorite features include:
- Supports your body and spine well, while still offering premium contouring and comfort, even on a platform bed
Non-toxic - Layers of gel memory foam make this a cool sleeper
- Customizable size and shape
- 20 year warranty, with a 365-night sleep trial period
8” Park Meadow Pocketed Coil Mattress II
Do you suffer from back pain? The 8” Park Meadow Pocketed Coil Mattress II may be just the mattress you are looking for. The heavy-duty design of this mattress is a great option for heavier sleepers and those suffering from back pain. It increases comfort by including more coils than factory-installed mattresses, a real plus for use on a platform bed. It is also easy to use, as its no-flip design ensures that you won’t need to periodically turn or rotate the mattress.
What It’s Made Of
The 8” Park Meadow Pocketed Coil Mattress II is constructed from 6” of heavy duty individually pocketed coils. There is a 1” cushion firm soy foam transition layer, with a 1” thick double insulated luxury quilted cover with an elegant suede border. The bottom is made from a non-skid fabric, so your mattress won’t move around on your platform bed when you do.
Features We Love
Some of the top features here include:
- Open cell foam is breathable, so it won’t trap heat even on a solid-base platform bed
- Odor free
- Supports two adults weighing up to 300 lbs. each (and the firmness can be increased for an additional cost)
- 365 day no-risk trial, with a 20 year warranty
Customize Your Best Platform Bed Mattress With Us!
Since 2008, MattressInsider.com has been custom building everything from European and International sized mattresses to boat, truck, cot, and other odd-shaped mattresses. We also can help with your customized toppers, sheets, and mattress protectors. While the bulk of our customization requests are for foam mattresses, we can also customize latex, innerspring, gel foam, and other mattress types. You can learn all about our customization process on our Custom Mattress page.
Bring comfort home with you and get the best sleep on your platform beds. Browse through our mattresses today!
