Ace Your Base – What Mattress Foundation is Best for You?

A great bed starts with a great foundation

Congratulations! You may have found the perfect mattress, but you’re not quite done yet. Another important decision needs to be made about the kind of foundation you’ll put under it. It’s okay to admit that you probably haven’t given the base much thought. Many people don’t – but they should.

Your mattress foundation is key when creating your most sleep-worthy bed.

Why does the mattress foundation matter? For starters, it plays an important role in the overall comfort of your mattress and its comfort life. Fortunately, picking a foundation is easier than choosing a mattress. And although your options are fewer, it’s still important to note the differences of various types of mattress foundations available.

4 reasons why you should care about your mattress foundation

• Added support. Everyone could use a little extra support now and then, right? Your mattress is no different, even a new mattress. A good foundation prevents sagging and supports all that comfort-inducing technology in your new mattress.

• Improved durability. Your choice of foundation helps boost the staying power of your mattress by absorbing motion and weight – actually lengthening its comfort life. It’s like the back-up singer of the band. It doesn’t get star treatment but it needs to be there for you to have the ultimate, full-sensory sleep experience.

• Greater height. You could put your mattress on the floor, if you really wanted to, but it’s not going to be much fun getting in and out of bed. A proper mattress foundation will add up to 16 inches of height, which is just about right for easy access.

• Go with the flow. Giving your mattress some clearance off the floor means you’ll not only be keeping it cleaner, but you’ll allow for maximum airflow. It helps with the breathability of your mattress and prevents you from overheating as easily. Research confirms that, for better sleep, cool is always better than hotter.

Key factors in making the right choice for your mattress foundation

• Budget. All roads lead back to how much money you have and want to spend on a foundation. Generally, a mattress foundation will cost much less than a mattress unless you opt for an adjustable frame, which is also a good choice if you use your bed for more than just sleeping.

• Warranty. Reading the fine print is always good advice. Sometimes a mattress company will null and void your warranty if you choose another manufacturer’s foundation. Note – at Restonic, we just want you to have a good foundation with proper support, no matter where you buy it.

• Set up. If you’re going the online route to buy your foundation, make sure you understand what kind of assembly is required (if any). Sometimes you’ll receive a slew of bits and pieces that you’re expected to put together. IKEA enthusiasts might not have trouble with that, but for others this is a note of caution.

• Choice of mattress. Different types of mattresses pair up with different types of foundations with various results. Size also matters. Larger mattress sizes benefit from a foundation with good support down the center to prevent center sagging. Not sure what works well with your mattress? Check your mattress company’s website for recommendations or give them a call.

Types of mattress foundations

• Box spring foundation. This is the most common type of foundation you’ll find under most mattresses in America. Old-school box spring foundations were made with actual springs, but that made them heavy and a real pain to move – not to mention noisy. Newer types skip the springs and are more lightweight within a metal or wooden framework. They work well with most mattress types. If you live in a space with narrow stairways and such, you can opt for a split box spring, which is easier to maneuver.

• Slatted foundation. These foundations use slats of metal, plastic or wood across the frame to provide support. They will suit a wide range of mattress types, but make sure the slats are closer together and made from a sturdy material.

• Bunkie board foundation. Made of wood (often plywood) or metal, this solid type foundation works well with heavier memory foam mattresses. Or you can use bunkies, if you need some additional support under your mattress, whether it’s foam, hybrid or latex. The good news is that they fall under the category of cheap and cheerful.

• Adjustable mattress foundation. The gold class in foundations, these have come down in price in recent years and are no longer just for the aged. If you work on your laptop, read or watch Netflix in bed, they allow you adjust the mattress to various heights for improved comfort. And if you and your partner have different sleep schedules, many manufactures offer split king and queen size mattresses for optimal comfort. Most modern mattresses are compatible with adjustable bases but always ask to be sure.

Rest well & wake up ready to go!

Better sleep gives rise to better mornings, bringing your goals into focus and dreams within reach. Hungry for more sleep info? Dig into these posts:

• Does eating before bed cause nightmares?
• Do you know how to choose the best sheets for your bed?
• 12 smart bedtime habits worth adopting for a better night’s sleep