The Bedroom Match-Up Demystified: Choosing the Best Base for your Mattress

Featured category: Beds

It’s a fact. Many have been lost to the Bermuda triangle trying to navigate their way through the ocean of mattress options on the market. Some have emerged, still breathing, on the other side, only to be hit by the next wave of confounding questions: what base do I need for my mattress? Do I have to buy the base the salesman swears is the soul-mate of the chosen one, with the fate of the world hanging on this successful union? What if I keep the base from my old bed? Do I even really need to have a base? Why, universe, why??

If you find yourself getting lost in the murky waters of the bed-base matchup, it’s time to stop crazy-rowing in circles for a second, grab yourself a cup of tea, and let us set you on the straight and narrow for a good night’s sleep!

Featured item: Jupiter Dual Function Bed

Do I actually need a base?

Let’s start with the question you were too embarrassed to ask the bed salesman. It’s one of those obvious, but maybe not so obvious after all questions. Because yes, you see the logic in having your mattress a couple feet higher so you can effortlessly combat-roll on and off the bed in one fluid motion as you realise you’ve forgotten your phone in the kitchen. But then again, you’re someone who prefers a morning ritual involving some quad squats. And besides, you’ve been known to perform the occasional combat roll in your sleep – onto the floor. So, just for argument’s sake, what’s so bad about the idea of having the mattress safely at floor level? Well, it’s not out of the question. But there are a few important side effects to consider.

The drawbacks of placing your mattress on the floor:

It’s going to be much colder down there (remember your 5th grade science – cold air sinks)

Your mattress and bedding will gather dust and dirt more quickly (multiply this by five if you have dogs in and out of your room)

Perhaps the least obvious point is, your mattress won’t get adequate ventilation. Yup, breathing room is just as important for your mattress as it is for you at night. Disgusting fact: humans can excrete up to a litre of fluids during the night, a good dose of which seeps down into your mattress. Without good ventilation, you’ll soon have to get comfortable sharing your mattress with a colony of unhealthy bacteria, mould and dust mites. A mouldy mattress will also lose its integrity and resilience much faster than it should. If you have to go the floor route for a while, lean your mattress up against the wall when you can to let it air out.

It may void your mattress warranty – most mattress manufacturers are pretty picky about what bases are used with their mattresses to ensure they perform at their best.

The sleep system: how a mattress and base work together

You probably already know the kinds of problems to expect with a bad mattress, from back ache and stiff joints, to headaches and chronic fatigue. But it’s not just up to your mattress to protect you from Zombieland. The bottom line is that these days, a mattress is only as good as the foundation it’s resting on. A mattress and bed base are designed to be a sleep system – a unit that works together to give you a comfortable night’s rest, and ensure your bed lasts as long as possible.

There are three important factors that come into play to create the ideal sleep system:

• Ventilation – all mattresses need adequate ventilation to help keep you cool as you sleep, and to stay in good shape on the inside. This is really important for memory foam mattresses in particular, as they are known to retain the most heat. Different base designs, as well as the quality of the base, will affect how well your mattress is able to breathe.

• Comfort level – different mattresses are designed to accommodate different body types and sleep preferences, from the firm feel of latex to the give and take of inner-spring, to the sink-in feeling of memory foam. The type of base used with the mattress will either reinforce or alter the intended comfort level of the mattress to some extent. For example, a solid base will give a firmer feel than a slatted base or box spring.

• Durability – as with any piece of furniture, some bases will last longer than others, depending on materials and construction methods. But in the sleep system, it’s also about the specific base design adding to the longevity of the mattress. Using the wrong support structure for your mattress will see it getting bent out of shape, while the right support will help max out its shelf life. The bigger your mattress, and the heavier the people sleeping on it, the more support it will need, particularly at the centre.

When it comes to picking your base, it’s not so much about right vs. wrong, but rather what factors are most important to you.

Types of bases and which mattresses they can work with

Platform base

A platform base is a solid or slatted platform which sits on legs, with most models made from metal or wood. It offers a closer-to the ground profile for your bed, with the bonus of under-bed storage room, and a more open feel for your room. 

Mattress match-ups: Any mattress type. For memory foam, opt for a slatted bed for a cooler feel. Solid platforms are a better choice for a firmer feel.  

3. Foundation

Often mistaken for the box spring, a foundation base looks the same as its bouncier cousin, but contains no springs. It is simply an upholstered box frame which can have either a solid or slatted reinforced top, providing firm support suitable for most mattresses.

Mattress match-ups: Any mattress type. For memory foam, opt for closely spaced slats for a cooler feel.

Featured item: Cecily Bed

4. Bed frames

Bed frames (also called bedsteads) come in a huge range of styles and designs, but are defined by the fact that they provide a full frame for your mattress combining a headboard, a typically slatted base, and some form of foot board. They provide a more stylised option than a foundation, but may require some home assembly. 

Mattress match-ups: Any mattress type as long as slats are closely spaced. 

Can I still use my old bed base?

It may be possible to save a few bucks and use your old base, as long as you can be sure it’s still in acceptable condition. A box springs is the biggest risk to reuse, and it’s highly recommended to replace it when you replace your mattress. Bed frames and platforms are a much safer bet to reuse – simply ensure there’s no obvious damage to the integrity of the frame and supports.

Featured item: Carlisle Bed

Cielo offers a fantastic range of mattresses, bases and stylish bed frames to give you the great night’s sleep you deserve. Visit a showroom and speak to one of our expert agents to find your perfect bedroom match-up!

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