Let’s talk a little more about mattress systems and the various types of supports that complete your mattress systems. The first rule of thumb is to use the matching box spring, support base or mattress foundation recommended by the mattress manufacturer. Contrary to popular belief, this is not simply to sell you more products. A sleep system is a complete collection of components designed to work together, which includes a mattress and foundation. It is also the way the mattress is designed and tested during research and development stages, as well as Fire Retardancy testing to ensure FR 1633 compliance Let’s review the basic types you will encounter while shopping:

Box Spring/Coil Spring. It utilizes a spring coil system to support the mattress. The springs in the foundation may be matched to the springs in your mattress, making the pair work in unison more effectively, but some suggest this also puts undue strain on the middle of an innerspring mattress, causing sag. Yet, It can also add life to the mattress because some of the impact (from sitting on it) is transferred to the box spring, so the mattress doesn’t absorb 100% of the force from impact. Box Springs add a lot of money and are typically only used on more expensive mattress systems. A coil box foundation does provide a softer feel than a rigid box foundation, which many prefer. These are commonly offered in matching fabrics to compliment your mattress aesthetics. 

Posture Box/Rigid Box. Unlike a coil box, a rigid box has no moving parts and will not absorb any pressure from the mattress. This type of box is commonly used with No-flip mattress designs as well as all-foam mattresses. A No-flip mattress is engineered to lay on a flat, solid, level plane, allowing each coil to effectively and equally support each part of the body. By doing this it avoids inadequate, uneven support from coils resting at varying levels. Whereas, most foam mattresses are weight-sensitive, the rigid box enables the foam mattress to support different parts of the body properly and to maintain proper spinal alignment, allowing the surrounding muscles to relax, alleviating built up tension.

Semi-Rigid Box. This type of foundation blends the sturdy support of a rigid box with some give offered in a coil box. It does not use metal coils for support but does use some metal attached to the wooden slats to offer a little more give than a rigid box. These will also be commonly offered in matching fabrics to compliment the look of your mattress. 

Power Bases/Motion Bases. This type of foundation offers a wide range of features and options. Not only will they raise and lower the feet and head, they can be equipped with other therapeutic benefits, like massage. Models vary greatly, as does cost, so try several models and determine which features matter to you. You will also need to match up your adjustable base with a compatible mattress since not all mattresses are adjustable friendly or able to be used with power bases. The mattress must be able to articulate without damaging it and the bases’ weight capacity must be sufficient for the mattress and its users, so everything does need to be paired up properly. This is where shopping at an experienced sleep specialty store benefits you greatly.

As you can tell, not every mattress foundation is created equally. You have many choices and several factors will determine which one ideally suits your needs. By matching the components properly, you will gain the best sleep system and retain the most use from it. When you visit one of our sleep specialty stores, you can rest assured we will keep all of this in mind and help you make an informed decision that will serve your long term needs the best. It is what we pride ourselves on and something we take very seriously.

Most of these mattress support foundations come in various heights. Since many newer mattresses are made thicker, you can adjust the overall finished height by altering the height of your foundation and even the height of your frame. Frame you ask? Yes, you need a frame or a platform, too.  

Bed Frame. The bed frame is the final component of your sleep system. To complete your sleep system, you need a mattress, foundation and something to support these elements, which is the bed frame. Typically used is a metal frame with four posts for a twin or full, five for a queen and six for a king, and some type of feet, either glides or rollers. Glides being saucer shaped and better recommended for carpet, while rollers are better served on a hard surface. A frame can can come in various heights to help you obtain the ideal overall height of your sleep system. Some people like to sleep low to the ground while others like to sleep way up high. Our sleep consultants can provide assistance in getting your sleep surface height just right for you.

Platform Bed. As with varying likenesses in height, some people prefer a platform bed over a frame. A platform bed can have additional storage under it, like drawers.

As the mattress experts, we offer many options in frames and foundations to best accommodate you and your needs. There is no one size fits all with us, and there certainly is not one for you!   

Factoid – Pairing the proper foundation to the mattress will bring the best sleep.