by After loads of research, maybe you have found the perfect memory foam. And this is probably your first one. But, if that is the case, you might have grown up with conventional innerspring mattresses.
Those innerspring mattresses tend to work best with box springs (also check the top rated innerspring mattresses). But now you have this memory foam mattress. Wondering if it needs a box spring?
This guide will determine whether you can use a memory foam mattress with a box spring. So, read on to find the best setup for your memory foam mattress.
If you are still looking to buy a new memory foam mattress, we have a recommendation for you. Let’s bring up the discussion.
Best Memory Foam Mattress
A blend of cooling gel memory foam and latex
The GhostBed Classic is made of gel memory foam and latex. At the top is memory foam infused with gel, which comes with hypoallergenic properties. It is followed by aerated latex to ensure cooler sleep (check the top rated cooling mattresses for hot sleepers).
These layers are well supported by support foam that is of high density, and the mattress is covered with a plush-knit breathable cover. This mattress is medium firm on the firmness level and ensures an optimal level of comfort and balance with excellent support. So, it provides you with a mix of all features.
It will not only provide you with spinal support but will also gently contour those pressure points. Hence, this mattress is an excellent choice for backaches and joint pains (check 10 amazing mattresses for back pain).
GhostBeds are highly regarded for their cooling technology, and this mattress is no different. It features a latex foam layer that will dissipate heat from your body elsewhere.
Furthermore, the mattress is equipped with gel memory foam that will absorb heat from your body and keep you warm all night. This mattress has an open-cell design that keeps you cool and comfortable all night (check the most comfy mattresses).
Another excellent feature of this mattress is its highly dependable support. It is equipped with a 7.5-inch high-density foam that serves as the mattress’s foundation.
It is layered strategically to provide you with reliable support. Therefore, this is the mattress right for you if you are looking for a perfect balance between support and comfort.
This mattress comes with a medium-firm feel. It means that this mattress is an ideal choice for most sleepers out there. Whether you need more comfort while sleeping on a loud-like surface or looking for better spinal alignment with proper support, this mattress will work for you.
The GhostBed Classic mattress is CertiPUR-US certified. Therefore, the mattress is free from any harmful chemicals. In other words, this mattress is a top choice for anyone who has to deal with any allergies or asthma (check the top rated mattresses for allergies). It is a suitable option for anyone who has sensitive skin.
This mattress comes with a 101-night free trial. It means you can conveniently try it out and see whether it’s the right option for you or not.
Does A Memory Foam Mattress Need a Box Spring?
No, memory foam mattresses don’t need box springs under them. These mattresses do better without these box springs.
Be sure to use a foundation that is firm and flat. Memory foam mattresses need a stable platform underneath to distribute the weight evenly.
A solid or slatted mattress foundation is an ideal platform that works better with memory foam mattresses. If you have decided to go with a slatted foundation, the slats must be approximately 2.75-inch apart.
If these salts tend to be any further apart, you go for extra slats or a bunkie board to create a more stable surface where you can place your memory foam mattress.
The Best Memory Foam Mattress Foundations
There are various options you can try out when it comes to looking for the best foundations for your memory foam mattresses. We have listed a few options that you can try out.
The floor
If you are looking to place your memory foam mattress on the floor, it can be handy permanent and variable temporary. It will provide your mattress with uniform support (check the best selling floor mattresses).
Therefore, it will meet all your requirements regarding a supportive surface. Lack of air circulation at the bottom surface of your mattress might cause retention.
Wooden slats
Placing your memory foam mattress on wooden slats would be better than placing it on the floor directly. This is because the bottom surface of your mattress will be properly ventilated. It means that your mattress won’t retain any heat, and it won’t get warm.
But be sure to keep these slats at least 3-inch apart. These slats have to be 0.5-inch tall to support the weight of your mattress and you on it properly.
The gap needs to be this wide because the mattress won’t sag and will retain its shape pretty well.
Bunkie boards
These boards are among the most cost-effective ways to go instead of box springs for your memory foam. These boards are flat objects that are made from particleboard or plywood. Generally, you place them on box springs or rails to ensure good support.
Adjustable bed frames
An adjustable base is another option you can use with your memory foam mattress. They can provide your mattress with a flat surface that is solid as well. This foundation is unique because you can lower or raise the foot and heat of your bed for watching TV or reading and comfortably sit (check the best selling mattresses for adjustable bed).
Platform bed frames
These bed frames are affordable, but they come with a modern design and don’t have a headboard. There are different profiles, too, and you can choose the right option depending on the overall height of your floor. With this foundation, you will get storage space under your bed.
Metal bed frames
These bed frames are made of metal, and they are extremely sturdy. This surface has a grid that features wide-paced rectangles. But these platforms don’t meet the 2.75-inch rule standard, and this grid design doesn’t feature multiple contact points, which can lead to eventual sagging and indentation.
Which Types of Bed Frames Require a Box Spring?
Using a box spring with your new memory foam mattress is not ideal. But conventional innerspring mattresses do need box spring support. It entirely depends upon the bed frame. Bed frames that do require a box spring are:
Collapsible metal frame
These metal frames are affordable, and they are space-saving too. Nevertheless, you will still need to go for a box spring as there is no internal support. Without a box spring, this frame won’t provide sufficient support, and you might end up voiding the warranty of your new mattress.
Platform bed frames with slats
A platform bed with slats might or might not need a box spring (check 8 great slatted bed bases), but it depends entirely on the distance between the slats. If these slats are over 4-inch apart, you must go for a conventional box spring.
But you don’t need a box spring if the slats are less than 3-inch apart. Some frames come with fixed slats, while others have flexed slats.
Which Types of Bed Frames Don’t Require a Box Spring?
Different types of bed frames don’t even need a box spring, and for your convenience, we have listed them down for your consideration;
Solid platform bed frames
These bed frames have a single solid frame that archives the same goal that a box spring achieves. Therefore, they become unnecessary.
Platform beds are closer to the ground than conventional mattresses, fulfilling the need for a modern and clean aesthetic.
Older adults might have trouble accessing the sleep surface due to back or joint pain. That’s why a box spring is handy for raising the mattress.
Reinforced metal bed frames
Unlike the collapsible bed frames made of metal, the reinforced ones come with additional support made of metal. This support goes across the frame and evenly distributes your mattress’s weight. The purpose here is to emit wear and tear and to sag.
Adjustable bed frame
Adjustable frames don’t require a box spring as they are developed specifically for supporting memory foam mattresses. They evenly distribute the entire weight of these mattresses. But these bed frames are not available for conventional innerspring mattresses.
Key Takeaways
Memory Foam Mattresses and Box Springs
Memory foam mattresses do not require a box spring for support. They perform best with a firm and flat foundation to evenly distribute weight.
Recommended Foundation Options
For memory foam mattresses, suitable foundation options include solid platforms, slatted foundations with slats spaced about 2.75 inches apart, bunkie boards, and adjustable bed frames.
Bed Frames Requiring a Box Spring
Conventional innerspring mattresses typically need box spring support. Bed frames that may require a box spring include collapsible metal frames and platform bed frames with widely spaced slats.
Bed Frames Not Needing a Box Spring
Bed frames like solid platform bed frames, reinforced metal bed frames, and adjustable bed frames do not require a box spring when used with memory foam mattresses.
Conclusion:
The good thing about memory foam mattresses is that they need solid, flat, and stable support underneath them. Your floor can be a good option here, but your mattress won’t have a way to disperse body heat, and it will get hotter the longer you use it.
Bed frames with slats can also work, and they will keep the bottom surface properly ventilated so the mattress will have a way to disperse body heat and not get warm.
You can go for different options, but the best bed frame with these memory foam mattresses is a frame with slats. Your mattress will stay in its proper shape, and you will feel comfortable using it.
Just be sure you place your memory foam mattress on something solid and a table. Otherwise, it won’t be able to maintain its shape. Moreover, you won’t feel comfortable sleeping on it as well. Therefore, a bed frame with slats is an ideal choice for you.
So, which type of bed frame are you considering going for?
Resources
https://www.nasa.gov/offices/oct/40-years-of-nasa-spinoff/memory-foam/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3872656/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4232340/
Do memory foam mattresses need a box spring FAQs
Can you put memory foam on the slats?
Yes, you can put a memory foam mattress on slats, but these slats need to be 2.75-inch apart. If these slats are any farther apart, they won't be able to support your mattress properly. Hence, you will need additional slats or bunkie boards to provide extra stability.
What are the disadvantages of a memory foam mattress?
Memory foam mattresses are available in a wide range of qualities and tend to be off-gas. Some sleepers tend to feel stuck while sleeping on them, and they are not the right option for hot sleepers. Memory foam mattresses also tend to lose their shape over time.
What should you put under a foam mattress?
The ideal options for your memory foam mattress are wood or metal bed foundations with salts. But be sure the slats are not more than 3-inch apart.
What kind of support does a memory foam mattress need?
The important thing is that memory foam mattresses need a good platform with stable support. You can also use your floor for that, but your room needs to be highly ventilated.
Even when that is the case, your mattress will be directly in contact with the floor, and any heat from your body won’t have any way to go. As a result, your mattress will get warmer. This is not an ideal situation for a hot sleeper.
Memory foam mattresses require a solid, flat, stable base underneath for support. Your mattress won’t sink this way. But slatted foundations with slats not more than 3-inch apart can work.