Memory Foam Mattresses - What Type of Mattress Foundation is Best?

I've been in the mattress industry about 5 years now, and the #1 question I hear from people is 'What type of mattress foundation or support base should I use with my memory foam mattress? Now, as most of you know, a mattress foundation is basically the support base or support mechanism that sits underneath a mattress.

There are two basic types of support bases for mattresses in the mattress world today: box springs and foundations. Box springs are, for the most part, a combination of wood and steel springs that act like shock absorbers for a traditional innerspring mattress. Foundations are a more solid structure, for use with memory foam or latex mattresses, and are typically a solid wood top or wood slatted system with a cover Now, older box springs, typically ones that are over 10 years old, have too much give with their spring systems, and are not a good support base for memory foam mattresses. If you have an existing box spring, and is less than 10 years old, and still in good shape, test the box spring by pushing against the springs in several spots, to make sure the entire box spring has the same consistency in feel, and if it’s rigid and firm, with an inch or less of give, then it should be OK to use with our mattresses or any memory foam mattress. If not, then you’re going to have to purchase a foundation. Typical foundations on the market today, come with a nice zippered cover, and a solid, wood top or even tacked cardboard. They are ideal for memory foam mattresses, because they provide a solid, uniform bottom for the foam cores of these mattresses.

Wood slat foundations are great for memory foam mattresses too, as long as the slats are close enough together.  We like to see the slats no more than 3” apart or less, (preferably 2” apart), so you’ll need to measure or make sure with a retailer that the slats are close enough together to support a memory foam mattress.  Otherwise, you’ll need to put a ½” to ¾” cut plywood or pressboard over the slats to create that solid, uniform bottom (these boards will typically be in two cuts that you’ll butt together, the bigger the mattress you have).

I recently tested (1/2012) the Pragma Bed Mattress Platform (sold on Amazon.Com, link at right) with both a memory foam and latex mattress. The platform worked beautifully with both mattress types (memory foam and latex foam cores), and is easily unfolded and used, then you can fold it right back up in seconds to store.. The metal support strands are close enough together to provide that much needed congruous support for a foam core mattress. Great for guest beds that need to be put away after use, or for your main mattress for long term use. HIGHLY recommend this platform foundation for your memory foam or latex mattress. Great buy at a great price.. Comes in a surprisingly small box, because it is collapsable, is lightweight which makes it easy to move (as you'll see in the video at right) so is great for storage..

I get this question alot... Is it OK to put a memory foam mattress directly on the floor? The simple answer is 'yes'. Why? Because a memory foam mattress needs a solid, uniform bottom. And a floor gives you that. Now, this will be a very low profile bed, because you don't have the elevation that a foundation and frame would give you.. So, getting out of bed will be a bit difficult. However, many people do this, particularly folks who are just starting out, trying to save some money. Make sure that you check with your mattress' warranty to determine whether the warranty is affected/void by not using a traditional foundation. This is sometimes the case..

What adjustable base would I recommend for a memory foam or latex mattress? By far, adjustable bases manufactured by Leggett and Platt are the best on the market.. They are durable, last a long time, are backed by a good warranty, and are built with quality components and craftsmanship. And, if my word isn't enough for you, the leading memory foam mattress company (which I dare not name because of their trademark restrictions, just think of the glass of wine test on the mattress), uses their adjustable bases almost exclusively with their models. Plus, I own one (the ShipShape adjustable base, like the models shown at right with Amazon.Com), and in 4 years haven't had one problem with it, and I've moved twice in that time..

What amazed me the most when I received mine (and during my moves), was how easy it was to assemble and disassemble. They were really thinking when they had the consumer in mind in this area.. Check out the video at right..