We get this question a lot at Nest Bedding: "What is the best thing to put my mattress on?" And who you ask that question of can influence the answer. Here is the best, unbiased answer: A Basic Wood Platform Bed.
The reason this is the best surface to place your new organic mattress or memory foam mattress takes into account a few factors. First, let's look at what an organic mattress or memory foam mattress really requires to function at its maximum potential.
- An organic mattress or memory foam mattress needs to breathe. Everyone sweats in their sleep, and what moisture doesn't evaporate gets pulled into the mattress by gravity. The moisture needs to be able to escape the bottom of the mattress, requiring air flow around the entire mattress,including the bottom of the mattress. A basic wooden platform bed allows this action to take place. Why is it important to allow moisture to escape from the mattress? All mattresses are subject to mold. Regardless of the type of material used, whether a non-toxic memory foam or an organic latex mattress, where there is darkness, a lack of air flow and moisture, you are likely going to have mold develop. I have seen this happen with both types of mattresses where people have the mattress sitting on the floor or have added plywood under their mattress. It has happened on wood floor and carpeted floors. It has even happened on a basic wood platform where they person had so much stuff shoved under their bed that it cut off the air flow under the mattress, allowing the mold to develop. A good quality basic wooden platform bed allows for moisture to evaporate and the mattress to breathe, ensuring a dry and mold-free sleep environment.
- An organic mattress or memory foam mattress needs proper support. A mattress is only as supportive as the base it sits upon. If you have a base, platform or box spring which sags, which has broken slats or slats too far apart, you are likely going to experience back pain. The mattress needs to have a strong, unyielding slat system with properly spaced slats to accomplish it's job of supporting your posture. An ideal basic wooden platform bed with have slats no more then 3-4" apart. The slats themselves should be no more than 3-4" in total width, as too wide and they will capture moisture and mold on the slats themselves. Some wood platform beds have flexible or bent slats. This will affect the feel of your mattress, but will not affect the mattresses ability to breathe. And ensure the slats are strong enough to support the weight of not only the mattress but the sleepers in the bed. If the slats are too thin, two heavy bodies could put too much stress on weak slats allowing the mattress to cave in and cause the mattress to sag in the middle.
A basic wood platform bed allows for access to the bottom of the bed, allowing you to add some storage beneath the bed, which you cannot do with a traditional box spring and metal frame. It also allows you to access the underside of the bed with a vacuum or broom, keeping dust from accumulating beneath the mattress. This is very important if the sleeper or sleepers are allergic to dust mites and dust in general.
A good quality basic wooden platform bed allows you to do away with the bulky and unnecessary box spring, avoiding an additional expense of a box spring. It also allows the mattress to sit lower to the ground by eliminating the box spring, making entry into the bed that much easier. A basic wood platform bed is an affordable alternative to the traditional box spring and metal frame, and is also much more decorative, adding a flair of beauty and design to any bedroom.