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Platform beds do not have box springs, meaning some mattresses are more suitable for them than others. The best platform mattresses feature cooling technology, motion control, and adequate support.
Platform beds are usually lower to the ground than those consisting of a frame and box spring. Manufacturers typically make platform foundation bed frames from wood, metal, or plastic.
The base on which the mattress fits can be solid, slatted, or in the form of a metal grid.
This article discusses what mattresses are best suited for platform beds and suggests what features to consider before making a purchase.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
All quotes are provided by Sydney Koeplin, an Associate Editor from our sister company, Healthline, who independently purchased and reviewed one of the products below.
The main purpose of a box spring is to provide a sturdy, flat, supportive surface on which a mattress can lie. Usually, a person would use an innerspring mattress on a box spring.
Platform beds provide this solid, firm surface, so no box spring is necessary.
We chose our favorites from the mattresses in this article. We chose a mix of latex, memory foam, and hybrid that all share generous warranties, sleep trials, and competitive pricing.
Mattresses comprising latex can be a suitable fit for a platform bed. They can conform to the shape of the person’s body as they sleep but bounce back to their original shape when individuals get out of bed. However, they are unsuitable for people with a latex allergy.
Many memory foam options are available for platform bed mattresses. Some people find they get too hot sleeping on these mattress types, so it might be a good idea to look for those that feature cooling technology.
Manufacturers build hybrid mattresses using a combination of materials. These mattresses consist of latex, memory foam, or gel and could also incorporate springs.
Medical News Today chooses products that fit the following criteria:
Certifications:MNT will choose products that have CertiPUR-US or other certifications. This means that the products are low in pollutants and free from heavy metals and volatile organic compounds.
Size: MNT chooses products available in various sizes.
Materials and fill:MNT selects products made from different materials and fills, such as memory foam and latex, to suit a range of sleep and lifestyles.
Budget: MNT features products to suit a wide range of budgets.
Firmness: MNT selects mattresses that are available in a range of firmness options to suit most people’s sleeping styles.
Sleep trials:MNT chooses companies that offer a sleep trial.
Shipping: Where possible, MNT will include shipping information, such as where the company delivers and whether shipping is free.
Warranties and return policies: MNT will include products with warranties and clear returns policies.
Mattresses have a direct effect on an individual’s sleep. However, it is important to note that claims from some bed manufacturers about their products alleviating back pain, sciatica, or circulation issues may be more promotional than factual.
People can purchase mattresses online or in-store. Online shopping may save time from having to travel to a store and try out beds.
However, it is important to consider several factors when purchasing a mattress online.
As a person cannot try online products before purchasing them, they should consider whether a company offers a trial period. Many offer extended return periods, meaning people can try the mattress at home for several weeks or months and return it if it does not meet their needs.
Other factors to consider when shopping for a mattress include:
Customer reviews: People may wish to look at online reviews on websites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or Trustpilot. If a company does not have a profile page on an external website, a person can read through the reviews available on the company website carefully.
Company reputation: The BBB and Trustpilot offer free assessments of a company that can help a person determine whether they provide a reputable service. Similar to reviews, individuals can check several websites to make an informed decision.
Warranties and returns: A person should look for mattresses with long warranties and a competitive trial and return period.
Mattress firmness: People should consider the firmness of the mattress they are considering purchasing. Generally, a medium-firm mattress suits most sleeping styles. However, firmness is subjective, and a person should buy one that feels comfortable.
Sale items: If an individual purchases a mattress on sale, they should read the small print carefully. Some companies may also offer a reduced warranty or trial period during sales.
Because people with a platform bed do not require a box spring, innerspring mattresses are not the best for a platform bed.
Popular mattresses include:
Memory foam mattresses
Memory foam is one of the denser materials that manufacturers use in mattresses. It is slow to change shape and will cradle the body as it rests.
However, these mattresses can sleep hot as the material is so dense. Some companies include perforated memory foam or gel foam to help reduce overheating during sleep.
Latex mattresses
Latex mattresses contain latex from natural, synthetic, or blended sources. The manufacturing process can result in differing levels of firmness.
Manufacturers claim that latex mattresses are more durable. Additionally, a small, older study found that latex mattresses were more effective at pressure point relief than memory foam mattresses.
However, it is important to note that people who are allergic to latex should not use these products.
Hybrid mattresses
Hybrid mattresses contain one or more layers of memory foam or latex with a layer of coils. These coils respond dynamically to a person’s body as they move around on the bed, potentially offering more support in the lumbar region.
These coils can also reduce motion transfer, making this type of mattress a good choice for couples.
However, hybrid mattresses can be more expensive than other types due to the combination of materials.
Setting up a mattress on a platform bed can vary according to several factors. Therefore, a person should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Below are some general steps a person can take to set up their mattress.
Unbox the mattress and lift it onto the platform bed.
Once in place, carefully cut and remove the packaging around the mattress.
Unroll the mattress on top of the platform surface.
Allow the mattress to return to its normal size.
Mattresses can take several hours to expand to size. Some manufacturers may recommend leaving them to reshape for up to 24 hours before sleeping on them.
Below, we answer some common questions about mattresses and platform beds.
What type of mattress is best for platform beds?
Generally, memory foam, latex, or hybrid mattresses are the best for platform beds.
Platform beds usually feature a rigid, hard surface. A memory foam, latex, or hybrid mattress should offer enough comfort and support to ensure a person does not feel this hard surface underneath.
Do platform beds need a special mattress?
No, hybrid, latex, and memory foam mattresses are all suitable for platform beds.
How thick should a mattress be for a platform bed?
Most mattresses are suitable for a platform bed.
However, people who prefer extra support may wish to choose a mattress that is 12 or 14 in high.
Can a mattress go directly on a platform bed?
Yes, mattresses can go directly on a platform bed.
Platform beds offer people who sleep in small bedrooms a space-saving alternative due to their built-in storage capabilities.
However, their simplicity also makes finding the most suitable mattress essential.
There are many mattresses to choose from, including latex, memory foam, and hybrid options.
Ultimately, the best mattress for platform bed sleeping will be the mattress that meets a person’s physical needs. They also need to be suitable for an individual’s budget.
Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
Radwan A, et al. (2015). Effect of different mattress designs on promoting sleep quality, pain reduction, and spinal alignment in adults with or without back pain; systematic review of controlled trials. https://www.sleephealthjournal.org/article/S2352-7218(15)00140-0/fulltext
