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Sleeping with mattress on floor, a good idea?

Have you ever wondered about placing your mattress on the ground? Well, it is not a new concept. It dates back to when our ancestors also slept on it. You do not always need a box frame or other fittings. Your flooring can be great for bracing it as well as saving you quite a lot of money. Still, floor sleeping comes with its pros and cons. If the pros outweigh the cons for you, do give it a try.

Here we will help you look at both sides of using the floor to rest your mattress and share some pointers that will come in handy for its maintenance.

How To Prep Your Floor for The Mattress

If you are willing to put your mattress on the tiles and want to enjoy an adventurous sleeping surface, make sure you follow some simple steps to prepare it for a comfortable sleep (also check 10 top rated mattresses with great comfort).

mattress on the floor

Vacuum The Floor First

Earnestly preparing the floor will save the mattress from all the dirt and dust. To have a clean sleeping ambiance, vacuum the area or a mob to clean the space. It will devoid your mattress from unnecessary wear and tear.

A Mattress Protector Is a Key

It is possible to utilize a mattress protector when placing the mattress. The importance of cover is especially crucial as it is vulnerable to dirt and microbial spores from the ground. It shields your mattress from potentially harmful bacteria and stains.

Better on Finished Smooth Surfaces

Make sure you pace the mattress on surfaces like smooth floors or rugs and carpets. It absorbs moisture, which encourages the growth of allergic responses. Furthermore, worn-out flooring may be contaminated with mites and dust spores, smearing your mattress and rendering it unfit for sleeping.

Air Out the Mattress

When washing your bed linens or cleaning the floors, try to air out your mattress to prevent moisture build-up. It is advisable d to air it out twice a week if you reside in a warm region.

Raise your mattress and lean it against a wall in either case. Before returning it to the ground, give it two to three hours.

Tips For Using a Mattress on Floor

Floor Surface

Whichever surface you wish to place your mattress on is your decision. Since you have spent quite a lot of money on buying one, you have to make sure you are using it in the best possible manner. If you are comfortable using the floor, check out these tips to make your experience wholesome.

The type of surface or floor is crucial. A polished tiled surface is too slippery. It will make the mattress slip and slide each time you get on it. A carpeted surface has enough friction to hold it in place.

Type of Mattress

It is better that you avoid your memory foam mattress (check the best selling mattresses without memory foam). It is a very dense material that tends to hold in moisture and sweat. Being in contact with a firm surface will not allow the escape of vapors or fumes. Let your mattress breathe at least once a week by raising it against a wall.

Allergic Reactions to Dirt and Creepy Crawlies

Keep the floor tidy and free from any dust accumulation. Sleeping so close to a place with dust will only lead to aggravating allergies. Sooner the mattress will be welcoming creepy crawlies and mites. To avoid this, regularly dust your floor and use insect repellent frequently.

Beware of Mold

Avoid humid areas or flooring. It will promote moldy growth that would be hard to tackle. Make sure the flooring is dry before putting your mattress back on it. A wet surface might encourage the growth of mold and fungus.

Double check the warranty on your mattress. It is advisable to use bed foundations to maintain the warranty of your mattress. If not, manufacturers may invalidate the guarantee because they view it as an inappropriate foundation.

Can You Put a Mattress on Floor – Pros & Cons

Pros

Some people find extra comfort with foremost health benefits after experiencing their sleep with a mattress on their wooden floor. Try the new sleeping style but do not overlook the several pros and cons. 

Therapy to diminish back pain 

The possibility of back pain treatment is one of the main benefits of sleeping on it. The vertebral column, especially your spine, will stay erect. Your posture will remain good too. People with back discomfort may benefit from its increased hardness (also check 10 amazing mattresses for back pain).

Additionally, those who sleep on this type of surface may experience a lessening of their spinal pain and a decreased risk of developing Scoliosis (also check the top-quality mattresses for scoliosis). It enhances the firmness and durability of the mattress.

Your gateway to cool sleep 

In fact, due to convectional currents, hot air goes up, and cooler air comes down. It will make your mattress stay chill throughout the night. You will feel a chilly breeze surrounding you. It is also beneficial for hot sleepers who perspire more at night (also check 10 great cooling mattresses for hot sleeper). It will raise your electricity bills if you set your air conditioner to higher temperatures.

Budget-friendly sleep 

If you are on a tight budget, the bed frame for the mattress is an extra expense. However, you may save several extra bucks only by purchasing a mattress alone, rendering the floor an affordable option (also check 10 amazing mattresses under 1000 dollars).

Extra space

Believe it or not, bed frames and foundations take up much room. If you inhabit a small place such as a hostel or guest room, your bed may take up all the space ending up in a suffocating room. Fuel to fire to your problem if you want to shift your bed position. Lying the mattress is super easy and accessible.

best mattress to sleep on floor

Cons 

Let’s discover what harm it might cause your mattress without a frame.

Prone to allergic reactions 

The dust exposure would be a drawback of sleeping there. The effects of breathing in dust and other filth particles might last a lifetime.

Dust, squalor, and insects cause allergic reactions (also check the best selling mattresses for allergies). You can have nasal congestion, eye discomfort, or respiratory problems. All of this substantially impair the ability to get a decent night’s sleep.

Not suitable for side sleepers.

Those who only ever sleep on their sides won’t be able to adjust to this sleeping position (also check the top rated mattresses for side sleepers). It will be hard to have a restful night’s sleep because of the additional pressure from the floor, which will cause excruciating hip and arm pain. 

 Warranty issues 

Your bed arrangement may void the guarantee on your mattress. Mattress manufacturers advise avoiding sleeping without a suitable frame because it violates product warranties. It is desirable to use a mattress foundation.

Why Do People Sleep with A Mattress on the ground?

Many people consider the fact that it bestows them with numerous benefits. No more spending a large sum of money on bed frames and foundations.

One of the flawless reasons folks can be sure of is that resting on it is frequently chill compared to their bed. If you sleep closer to the ground, the temperature may become more pleasant for people who tend to sweat at night.

The likelihood is that there is an improvement in posture through sleeping with a floor setup. Since the vertebrae are more likely to curve when you are resting on a mushy surface, sleeping on something hard may help realign the spinal column and neck (also check the best selling pillows for neck and shoulder pain).

Many studies reveal that it considerably reduces back pain. People with underlying medical concerns should see their doctor before sleeping to avoid further damage.

Is It Better to Sleep on the ground or on a Bed?

Well, nothing can beat the comfort of sleeping on a bed rested upon a frame. Dust mites and creeping insects will not approach you if the bed remains elevated. No dust will come in direct contact with you. It is always a safer option that is supportive and worth buying.

Floor-rested mattresses are neither an unwelcomed option. Budget-friendly and easy to install. Though, it requires high maintenance of your flooring. Frequent cleaning and keeping bed bugs away can be tough daily.

Types of Mattresses That Can Be Directly Used on the ground

Theoretically, nothing prevents you from placing a mattress directly there if you choose to do so. Most mattresses function well as they have a floor-positioning design. These are usually thick enough and do not need a box spring or bed frame.

The following are the most typical kinds of floor mattresses.

Folding mattresses and Air mattresses are floor friendly (also check 8 amazing air mattresses for everyday use). They both are easily accessible and can be placed directly without a foundation or frame. 

Mattresses that roll up easily or the roll-up mattress are also a good option. They are portable and do not have any storage problems. 

You can try an innerspring mattress too (check the top rated innerspring mattresses). All these are good solid options to be used. With time they may lead to wear and tear, but their proper maintenance can save them for years.

Key Takeaways: Sleeping With Mattress On Floor

Preparation for Mattress-on-Floor Sleeping

Before placing your mattress on the floor, it’s essential to vacuum and ensure the area is free of dirt. A mattress protector is vital to guard against dirt and microbial spores. Ideally, mattresses should rest on finished, smooth surfaces. To prevent moisture, regularly airing out the mattress, especially in warm regions, is advised.

Tips for Using a Mattress on the Floor

The type of flooring matters; polished tiles can be slippery while carpets provide friction. Avoid memory foam mattresses due to moisture retention and always ensure the floor is free from dust to prevent allergic reactions. In humid conditions, ensure the floor is dry to prevent mold growth. Furthermore, note that placing a mattress on the floor might void its warranty.

Pros and Cons of Floor Sleeping

Many find relief from back pain and appreciate the coolness and budget-friendliness of floor sleeping. However, there’s a risk of allergic reactions from dust exposure and potential warranty voidance. Additionally, side sleepers might find the firmness uncomfortable.

Why Some Prefer the Floor


People opt for floor sleeping to save on bed frame costs and for cooler sleep. The firmness can help improve posture, and studies suggest it might reduce back pain. However, the conventional bed setup offers protection against dust and pests.

Types of Floor-Friendly Mattresses

While most mattresses can be placed on the floor, some are more suitable. Folding and air mattresses are commonly used, as are roll-up mattresses and innerspring varieties.

Conclusion

In an era, full of different sleeping gadgets, shifting back towards the conventional methods of sleeping is not a bad option either. After waking up in your bed to screams of back and neck aches and stiffened joints, the combination of a floor mattress is a treat for you. It will support your spine, lessen pain, and enhance the overall quality of your sleep. It also decreases mobility issues and prevents falls. Some individuals love the feeling of falling asleep without a raised bed, and some do not.

There is always room for experimentation. You can move back to a regular bed if it doesn’t seem right to you. If you are new to this, give it a try. What if it heals your broken spine?

Mattress on floor FAQs

Can You Put a Mattress Topper Directly on the ground?

It is possible to put a mattress topper on your flooring, although it is not ideal. Mattress toppers and foam mattresses serve different purposes. The toppers are employed to provide a comfort layer to a firm mattress. Although it's not recommended long-term, you can use a mattress topper as a last resort sleeping arrangement.

Why Do Japanese People Sleep on the ground?

In Japan, sleeping down is customary. According to the Japanese, this exercise will aid in muscular relaxation, enabling your hips, shoulders, and spine to align naturally.

Can A Thick Mattress Do Better on the ground?

The width of the mattress will not directly affect your sleep. It will help you to achieve more softness and comfort despite the fact you are sleeping on a hard floor. Mattresses 10 to 12 inches thick often feature more padding and cushioning and provide the best support.

Will Putting My Mattress on the ground Void My Warranty?

Mattress warranties specify which bed frame is suitable for a particular mattress. If you put your mattress on and it gets damaged, you might not be able to file a warranty claim. In many circumstances, utilizing the wrong base might invalidate your mattress warranty.

How High Should the Mattress Be from The Floor?

The average mattress height is between 19 -24 inches from the floor. The mattress should be comfortable with your body movements, especially when you need to get out of the bed. Additionally, increased height enhances air circulation.