The foundation of a good night’s sleep is found underneath your mattress and appropriately named the mattress foundation. The type of mattress foundation you use to support your bed has a big impact on how your bed feels and its lifespan. As a mattress is soft and somewhat bendable a foundation helps prevent it from sagging which can lead to an uncomfortable night’s sleep.

A foundation also increases your mattress’s lifespan by providing a firm base of support that keeps it flat and functioning as intended and thereby increasing its longevity. A mattress foundation also allows increases airflow underneath the mattress and allows it to breathe freely for cooler comfort throughout the night. It’s important to choose the correct foundation for your mattress as some come with a warranty that specifies the specific type of foundation required to keep the warranty valid.

What is a mattress foundation?

A foundation is a base component that’s designed to support the mattress and protect it from wear.

What kinds of foundations are there?

There are several different types of mattress foundations including box springs, platform bases, bunkie boards, slatted bed foundations, metal platform bases, and adjustable bed frames. The best choice for your needs depends on your mattress type, sleeping preferences, and budget.

Box Spring

Box springs can be made of either wood or metal boxes covered in thin fabric and contain metal springs or similar supports inside. They are placed on top of a wooden or metal bed frame and provide added height to your bed making getting in and out much easier. They’re often designed to pair specifically with spring mattresses as memory foam or latex mattresses tend to sink between the widely spaced support slats.

Platform Bed

A platform bed is a term that describes bases designed as a raised platform to support a mattress without a box spring or foundation. They are typically part of the bed frame and feature a solid surface upon which to place the mattress. They’re a minimalistic, simple option and create a lower profile bed. Solid designs often have built-in storage. Many platform beds are designed a bit lower to the ground than regular bed types. While a platform bed does not require the use of a mattress foundation, it is perfectly fine to use one to raise the height of a platform bed.

Slatted Foundation

Slatted foundations are a variation of a platform base. Instead of a solid wooden surface the wood frames have planks of wood that span the frame from side to side. The gaps between slats allow for added circulation, and the height of the frame adds storage space underneath. In most cases, you won’t need a box spring with a slatted foundation but check the manufacturer’s recommendations first. Keep in mind that wood slatted foundations, while less expensive than metal ones, may bend over time.

Metal Platform Base

Another platform base variation are metal platforms. These are metal frames with metal slats spaced horizontally for added support. No box spring is required, and the strength of the metal often makes this a better platform option than slatted wood platforms. These are among the most affordable platform beds.

Bunkie Board

A bunkie board is a solid piece of material, usually wood or particleboard, that is set on top of a slatted foundation and provide more support without adding much height.

Adjustable Bases

As the name implies, adjustable bed frames allow you to adjust the angle or elevation of either the head, foot, or both of your bed. Modern adjustable bases are typically remote controlled and are easily the most expensive option for a foundation. Besides elevating your head to read or watch TV, adjustable bases provide a number of health benefits including alleviating back and joint pain, relief from acid reflux and snoring, promoting healthy blood circulation, and helping with sleep apnea. Factory Mattress always offers a wide selection of adjustable mattress bases to choose from – find yours today!