I receive many requests for foundation recommendations ... especially for all latex mattresses which are heavier and need a strong and suitable base. There are many different threads on the forum that talk about this so I thought I would amalgamate them into one which gathers all the information together in one place.
This post applies to all foam and latex mattresses (without an innerspring). For more information about foundations vs "active" box springs and the type of mattresses that are most commonly used with each see
post #2 here.
The first and most simple option is to use the foundation that is recommended by the manufacturer of your mattress. Because the mattress manufacturer knows exactly which foundation is suitable for their mattress ... this can save lots of research and you know that you will have a foundation which the mattress manufacturer themselves knows works well with their mattress.
For those who may want to do some research into other options either for reasons of price, function, or because the manufacturer doesn't offer one ... here are some guidelines and choices ....
An all latex mattress generally needs and does best on a strong solid base with enough supportive surface to make sure that it doesn't sink through any gaps and that the base is strong enough and supported on the floor well enough to hold the weight of the latex mattress and the people that sleep on it. Normally a slatted wood base with solid slats that are no more than 3" apart (or preferably less) work best. A metal wire grid base with a non flexing or "semi flex" wire grid with narrow gaps and a strong fabric on top to even out the support surface (to help prevent the latex from sinking in to the gaps in the wire grid surface over the longer term) can also work well. These can either rest on legs that are included and screwed onto the foundation or on a strong suitable steel frame designed to hold a foundation and are widely available. For a mattress that uses a polyfoam base layer which is stiffer and less flexible than latex (won't bend into any gaps as easily) then the manufacturer's recommendations about the number of slats or the gap between them should be followed.
In some cases though ... a more flexible slatted base with closely spaced curved more flexible slats or another type of flexing surface such as a box spring, is also recommended by a manufacturer and can have some advantages as part of a complete "sleeping system". These act like another layer of the sleeping system and will "give" under the heavier parts or pressure points of the body (like the pelvis/hips and shoulders) as long as the mattress on it is thin enough that this bottom "layer" of the sleeping system can affect the feel and performance of the mattress.
Another (generally more expensive) option that is similar to a flexible slatted base is a tension adjustable slatted base which typically uses similar flexible curved slats or another flexible surface that can be adjusted to allow for different tensions or firmness levels in certain areas of the body. This can fine tune the alignment and performance of the mattress and "firm up" the support under the hips or "allow" the shoulders to sink down more. These work best with mattresses that are thin enough for the adjustments to be effective on the surface of the mattress.
A slatted platform bed is also perfectly suitable as long as the slats are spaced close enough together (again 3" or preferably less) and the bed is supported with legs to the floor in the middle (in sizes above a twin) so it doesn't sag. Putting the mattress directly on a bed like this would make a separate base or foundation unnecessary.
Position adjustable bases allow you to raise and lower the head and feet or in higher end models and often include other features such as a vibrating massage, different types of remote controls, and sometimes all kinds of other "bells and whistles". These have many uses and can be desirable for those who work, read, or watch TV in bed or enjoy the other features of the system and can be used for other reasons or even medical conditions that are either helped by or require a non flat sleeping positions for pressure relief, support, or to alleviate some health or medical conditions. These are usually suitable for a latex or any "bendable" mattress as long as the weight limits of the motor are not exceeded. If there is any doubt about the suitability of an adjustable bed for a particular mattress then the recommendations or warranty conditions of the mattress manufacturer should be followed.
There are also foundations which are both position and tension adjustable and include other optional features (such as massage) as well.
Regardless of the type ... a foam mattress generally needs a strong and evenly supportive base (suitable for the materials used in the mattress) with a strong support system that can ventilate and has enough supportive surface area to prevent the latex (or other material) from sinking through any gaps in the foundation.
There are also many people who believe that a solid platform surface such as plywood is also suitable but this reduces the ventilation of the mattress and can increase the risk of moisture in the mattress and lead to the possibility of mold and mildew and even an increased dust mite population in the mattress. While the risk of this is small with latex and other "treated" materials or foams ... I personally prefer options that have the least risk and promote the ventilation of the mattress so I am not one of those who believes that a solid platform base is the best option. For those who have a solid platform foundation then a product such as
this bed rug may be a good idea.
Most bases or foundations also come in various height options which allow the surface of the mattress to be at a certain height. They can be put on a metal frame or on a platform bed or bed frame and many also have attachable legs of various heights to raise them off the floor in which case they don't need to go on anything else as long as in sizes above a twin they have good center support to the floor. In all cases ... the mattress needs to rest on an evenly supportive base which will not sag or weaken over time under the weight of the mattress and the people on it.
There are also some manufacturers who design their all foam mattresses as part of a system for use on an "active" box spring which will change the feel and performance of the mattress compared to a rigid non flexing foundation. This is less common with an all foam or latex mattress and is generally used with innerspring mattresses. These are generally used with a thinner foam mattress and like a flexible slat foundation are designed to be part of the performance of the whole sleeping system. If you have tested a mattress on an "active" box spring, then it's important to be aware that using the mattress on a non flexing foundation (or the other way around) can significantly change the feel and performance of the mattress and a mattress that works well for your body type or sleeping style and positions may no longer be as suitable for you on a different base than the one that you tested in the store.
Some specific examples of each type:
Non flex slatted wood foundations:
KD Foundations:
The most simple, convenient to ship, and often the most economical of these is the KD (knock down) foundation which is shipped in pieces and are assembled at home with very simple instructions. They are mostly good quality but sometimes the quality can be mixed and I have heard a few stories and know of examples where lower quality (with slats that are too far apart or uses inferior or different wood than is advertised) is being shipped or slips through from the manufacturer in which case of course it would need to be replaced. Ordering from a reputable outlet can make sure that any lower quality foundations will be replaced. In the "best" version, they are good value, easy to ship and set up, and cost less than most slatted wood foundations. make sure you know the amount of any gaps between the slats. Some examples include (make absolutely sure that the gaps are less than 3" if you have an all latex mattress because many of these are more) ...
www.mattresses.net/wood-foundations.html. Spruce wood with cover. Gaps are approx 2.5"
www.usboxspring.com/wood.htm Wooden slatted version with a high quality organic cover with slats less than 3" apart in both low and regular profile. Ask about
waiving the shipping.
www.sleepez.com/foundations.htm (less than 3"gaps). Same as the previous US Box Spring version except free shipping with both high and low profile available.
www.usboxspring.com/metal.htm Metal frame with a combination of slatted and tension adjustable slats that are also less than 3" apart. See
post #15 here. All sizes are not available so make sure you check for your size.
www.boxspringonly.com/KD_mattress_foundation.htm (just over 3" gaps)
www.michigandiscountmattress.com/box-spring-kd-foundation.htm (just over 3" gaps)
http://www.sears.com/ (just over 3" gaps)
www.amazon.com/Easy-Fit-Box-Spring-Found...HVDW/ref=pd_sbs_hg_6 (probably over 4" gaps)
www.amazon.com/VersiFlex%C2%AE-Mattress-...T94Y/ref=pd_sbs_hg_3 (probably over 4" gaps)
For those of you who enjoy DIY projects, one of our forum members has put together a list of materials and detailed instructions for building a very strong low profile king size foundation that bolts together with 6 bolts for about $300 which you will find in
post #7 here (thanks Minok)
Higher quality slatted wood foundations:
With wood foundations ... the more wood that is used and the higher quality of the wood and construction that is used ... the more expensive they are. They can also include surface materials such as wool or cotton padding on top which can increase ventilation in the foundation mattress interface, increase support in the foundation "gaps" and provide a softer surface and decrease any possibility of damage to the mattress. Some of these are built like a tank and use two center supports instead of one for higher weight mattress/people combinations. Some examples include ...
www.amazon.com/NATURA-Natura-Universal-F...id=1326765438&sr=1-2
www.amazon.com/Natura-QL96262-Organic-Fo...id=1331272116&sr=1-8
www.pjssleep.com/MATTRESSES/ORGANIC-MATTRESSES/ (Ivy Organics 2", 4", and 7" foundations)
www.shepherdsdream.com/p-29-custom-box-insert-55-height.aspx
www.ahappyplanet.com/store/mattresses/or...mattress_fd_wso.html
www.goodnightnaturals.com/goodnight_wood_foundation.html
www.shepherdsdream.com/c-8-wood-bed-frames.aspx
www.purerest.com/Mattresses/8-Foundation
www.flobeds.com/foundation/
www.savvyrest.com/products/foundations/savvy-rest-foundation
Steel grid non flex foundations: I should note here that there are some latex mattress manufacturers who would suggest avoiding these for an all latex mattress because of the risk that the latex will sink into the wires and the gaps between them over the long term and reduce the life of the mattress because of the lack of supporting surface area of these types of foundations. If you do choose one of these for budget reasons for an all latex mattress ... I would suggest using a model with the most possible longitudinal wires and a strong tight fabric cover to provide some support between the wires.
Less expensive options:
There are quite a few manufacturers of a newer type of mostly 14" platform frames which can be folded for shipping and are easy to set up in the home. They are each re-branded into many different names. They all are fairly similar but there are some noticeable differences between them.
Some are quad fold and some bi-fold. Some have add-ons available like headboard and footboard attachments and different rubber corners and feet, and some have covers and bedskirts of various types available. Some also have more longitudinal wires running head to foot than others (the twins seem to run from 5 - 11 wires) or use different gauges of wire. The ones with more wires or closer spacing in the grid would provide more even support and less space in the grid for the mattress to "sag" into. I would only use the versions with the smallest gaps between the wires and a strong fabric on top for an all latex mattress. There are also different weight ratings but they all seem to be able to hold lots of weight. There are also some where the king and queen sizes seem to be missing the longitudinal wires in the middle section which wouldn't offer enough support in this middle area (and which I would avoid). Some examples include ...
11 wires in twin size:
www.myluxurymattress.com/foundation-bedframe.html
11 wires:
www.usa-beds.com/glideaway_space_saver_frame-25958.aspx
10 wires:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ZQCJVC?tag=theeway155-20
7 wires:
www.walmart.com/ip/Spa-Sensations-W-SBBK-T/15739163
6 wires:
www.walmart.com/ip/Premier-Platform-Bed-Frame/12082083
L & P Out of the box foundation Example:
www.amazon.com/Foundation-Durable-Steel-...FLQA/ref=pd_sbs_hg_5
Higher quality wire grid foundations:
The next step up from the more basic wire grid would be some of the wire grid foundations that are supported by a wooden base of different types (a manufacturer can use different bases to support the wire grid). The wires grid systems are often made by made by Leggett & platt or Hickory Springs. They generally have a more evenly supportive surface with various types of grid patterns or use a higher gauge wire and look more like a typical foundation but are usually a little more costly. some examples include ...
www.hickorysprings.com/2008/powerstack.html Example:
www.mygreenmattress.com/view_products/foundations.htm
www.beddingcomponents.com/semi-flex.asp Example:
www.myluxurymattress.com/semi-flex-mattress-foundation.html
Flexible slatted foundations:
These are designed to be part of a sleeping system and use different methods to flex in areas of greater weight.
www.shepherdsdream.com/c-9-frames-with-latex.aspx
www.ergosleepsystems.com/mattresses/gree...s-200-foundation.php
www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60160217/ (needs a bed or base to go on)
Tension adjustable flexible slatted foundations:
Some examples include ...
www.sleepworks.com/mattresses/flexible-slat-system
www.flobeds.com/products/7037QU/Foundati...uro-Slat-Foundation/
www.ergosleepsystems.com/mattresses/gree...s-300-foundation.php
www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20125971/ (needs a bed or base to go on)
Position adjustable bases (adjustable beds):
www.adjustablebeds.org/ has many examples and brands which are good reference points for pricing and features.
Combinations of flexible, tension adjustable, and position adjustable bases:
Some examples include ...
Roewa (not available in North America to my knowledge)
www.axelbloom.com/los-angeles-beds/
Slatted platform beds:
Some examples (with a wide range of quality and price) include ...
tatamiroom.com/cgi-local/catalog.pl?cate...w=detail&item=TB6382
www.miwafuton.com/data/new%20version/bed..._and_accessories.pdf
nymattress.reachlocal.com/?scid=671375&kw=132968 (local NY only)
davisworld.com/store/organic-mattresses
www.allbeds.com/category/wood-beds/?sort...direction=0&show=all
www.foamorder.com/platformbeds.html
www.thebedworksofmaine.com/Beds/index.htm
www.shepherdsdream.com/c-8-wood-bed-frames.aspx
www.bedcetera.com/scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=570 (Canada)
www.furnature.com/bed-frames.html
More platform bed choices are in
post #7 here.
Many local outlets or manufacturers will also sell you a foundation (just make sure it is suitable) and a few phone calls to find out may be worthwhile as long as you can verify that the foundation is suitable for your mattress. Big box stores with good refund policies (in case the one you receive isn't suitable) or online shopping portals such as Amazon and Overstock can also be good sources or worth checking for pricing of the various types.
If you have any doubts about the suitability of a particular choice or want to make sure that it is acceptable for warranty purposes ... always check with the manufacturer of your mattress (or read the warranty) because warranty requirements can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer..
Hopefully this will help sort out most of the foundation, base, frame, bed, and platform options for foam mattresses.
Phoenix
