If you're an adult, you're just not going to throw a mattress on the floor. Rather, you'll pick the perfect mattress foundation to elevate it, provide support and keep your expensive mattress clean with proper airflow.
But what kind of foundation can you pick? And what's a mattress foundation anyway. We'll answer these questions for you here in this guide.
Mattress Foundations are different from the old school box springs. Box springs are usually the "second mattress" under the main bed you sleep on. Box springs were generally just a wooden box with springs in them. Great for the old style spring mattresses.
But these days, we have foam mattresses. We need better support for that. Enter "Foundations". A fancy term used to explain the harder and stronger support for your new and expensive foam mattress.
Memory foam mattresses actually need to breathe. Unlike traditional spring mattresses, memory foam can heat up from your body. So the best kind of support is the one that has wooden or metal slats that allow air to reach the underside of the mattress.
Your mattress frame should be easy to break down into pieces for transport across town or just another room. Sure you can buy one that is fixed, but we do recommend the portability for obvious reasons.
Ensure that your foundation is not flimsy. If it uses wooden slats, then the wood should be really good quality that does not bend or make strange sounds in the night as you move around. If you rock the bed, it should "rock solid".
Whether it's you just moving around in your sleep or performing other more vigorous bedroom activities, your frame should be quiet. Be sure to look for this the reviews for the frame you're planning on buying. If you go into a mattress store, try to rock the frame by pushing and pulling against it.
This is more of a personal choice. If you're into headboards, then try to find a frame that comes with one pre-attached or that you can easily attach the headboard of your choice.
Whatever foundation you end up buying, be sure to properly check the online reviews and mattress foundation buying guides.
A mattress foundation is no joking matter. It should last for years, be easy to move as you do and support you during one of the most important times - your sleep.