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Written by
Logan Foley, Certified Sleep Coach
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The quality and longevity of your mattress often depend on the type of foundation you use. While a lot of people use simple metal bed frames and box springs, these options can often impact mattress warranties and even cause sagging.
Platform beds are one of the sturdiest and most durable bed frames on the market, and they can also be quite affordable. Since they tend to use solid, flat foundations or evenly spaced slats, they’re usually an excellent choice for any type of mattress, including those made with memory foam.
With that said, some platform beds sit very close to the ground, which could make getting into and out of bed more difficult. As a result, factors such as mattress thickness, edge support, and ease of movement can play a big role in determining the best mattresses for a platform bed.
We’ll provide information about how to pick the right mattress for this type of foundation and share a detailed list of some of the best platform bed mattress options on the market.
Best Overall
The GravityLux Mattress is the only all-foam model byWinkBeds With three firmness options and a balanced performance, the GravityLux is a strong option for platform bed owners.
The firmness levels include medium soft (4), medium (5), and firm (7). The GravityLux measures 11 inches thick, so customers who prefer a higher sleep surface might want to consider purchasing a thicker bunkie board to use with their platform bed.
Two layers make up the comfort system. The first layer is 2 inches of gel-infused polyfoam tufted into the cool-to-the-touch, moisture-wicking Tencel cover. Next, there is a layer of patented AirCell memory foam, which is designed to enhance temperature control while molding to the body to relieve pressure. A zoned polyfoam transition layer provides extra reinforcement around the hips and lumbar region, and a high-density polyfoam core supports the surface.
The GravityLux Mattress earns high marks for pressure relief and motion isolation due to its extensive use of both polyfoam and memory foam. While all three firmness options have fairly balanced performances, their strengths and weaknesses vary slightly. The firm performs better for edge support, sex, temperature neutrality, and ease of movement, and the medium soft earns higher marks for motion isolation and pressure relief. The medium option falls between these two for some of the benefits of both.
WinkBeds currently offers a 120-night sleep trial and a lifetime limited warranty.
Best Value
Nectar specializes in affordably priced all-foam models, including the flagship Nectar Mattress.
This model consists of three layers of foam: a 3-inch gel-infused memory foam comfort layer, a 2-inch polyfoam transition layer, and a 6-inch high-density polyfoam core. The layers work together for balanced conforming and support without the excessive heat retention sometimes associated with all-foam models. A breathable, moisture-wicking Tencel-polyester blend cover also adds to the temperature regulation.
Since the Nectar Mattress measures 11 inches thick, the sleep surface may be lower than box-spring users are accustomed to, but this can be adjusted with a higher platform bed or a bunkie board.
This model is medium firm (6), which is a popular level across weight groups and sleep positions. The Nectar Mattress rates well for side sleepers in every weight category, and it’s also a good option for back and stomach sleepers under 230 pounds.
Nectar offers a 365-night sleep trial and a lifetime limited warranty on this product.
Most Comfortable
The Saatva Modern Foam Mattress is the quintessential all-foam bed. With a medium (5) firmness level, the bed excels at contouring and should feel comfortable for sleepers who prioritize pressure relief.
The cover is made with a breathable organic cotton fabric and is quilted with foam for extra cushion. The cover is also quilted in the lumbar area, with a thin layer of latex underneath for enhanced support to the lower back. This is a nice feature for foam beds, which can be less supportive than latex and hybrid beds.
The comfort system is made with a high-density convoluted foam layer followed by a memory foam layer infused with cooling gel. Together these layers provide excellent contouring. The channeled design of the convoluted foam also helps air flow, which can disperse some of the heat that tends to build up on foam surfaces. The support core is comprised of high-density open-cell polyfoam.
Like many foam beds, the Saatva Modern Foam excels at pressure relief. It is virtually soundless and isolates motion very well, making it an appealing choice for couples who tend to wake each other up with nighttime movement. Side sleepers will benefit greatly from the cushioned layers in this bed, since this sleep position puts a lot of pressure on the shoulders and hips.
Saatva offers free shipping as well as White Glove delivery with all mattresses. The bed comes with a 365-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty. Saatva will also remove your old mattress and foundation for free.
Best for Side Sleepers
Helix Sleep offers a wide range of hybrid mattresses designed for specific types of people based on weight and preferred sleep position. The Midnight is one of the brand’s most balanced models thanks to a medium firm (6) feel and a memory foam comfort layer that conforms easily without sinking or buckling too much. While the mattress is geared toward side sleepers who weigh 130 to 230 pounds, our testing found side and back sleepers who weigh 230 pounds or less should feel adequately cushioned and supported.
The support core contains pocketed coils over a base layer of high-density polyfoam. The coils are reinforced along the perimeter to minimize sinkage whenever you sleep near the edges or get on and off the mattress. Air flows freely through the coil system, so the mattress should also sleep cool despite the memory foam’s heat-trapping tendencies. The foam layers are also deep enough to absorb movement and reduce disruptive motion transfer – a major benefit for couples and co-sleepers.
The Midnight carries a low price-point for a hybrid model and Helix Sleep offers free ground delivery to customers in all 50 states. Each order comes with a 100-night trial period that includes free return shipping, and those who choose to keep the mattress also receive a 10-year warranty against structural defects.
Best for Back Pain
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Brooklyn Bedding mattresses
Most flippable mattresses sold today feature soft and firm sides to accommodate the widest possible range of sleepers. The Plank Luxe Hybrid from Brooklyn Bedding is a bit different. One side is considered firm (7) and contours to a minimal extent, while the opposite side is extra firm (9) and feels remarkably even. This design makes the mattress a great pick for people who weigh more than 230 pounds – back and stomach sleepers in particular – and anyone else who has trouble finding a mattress that feels sufficiently supportive.
The firm side of the mattress features adaptive foam quilted into the cover, followed by a responsive layer of proprietary TitanFlex polyfoam and a dense polyfoam transitional layer. The extra firm side has a thinner surface layer and does not include TitanFlex, so it will feel noticeably firmer. A shared support core of pocketed coils is located between the foam layers to provide stability for both sides of the mattress.
The coils promote steady circulation to help the Plank Luxe Hybrid sleep cool. Thanks to the exceptionally firm feels, most sleepers should also receive plenty of surface airflow regardless of which side they choose. For added temperature control, you can opt for a phase change panel to be sewn into the cover on both sides. This material is engineered to capture and release body heat.
Brooklyn Bedding offers 12 different sizes for this mattress. In addition to standard mattress dimensions, these include a split California king for co-sleepers with adjustable beds, an Olympic queen, and several RV sizes. All are relatively cheap mattresses compared to the average hybrid – even if you include the phase change panel – and shipping is free of charge throughout the contiguous U.S. The Plank Luxe Hybrid is backed by a 120-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.
Best for Couples
30% off all GhostBed mattresses & 2 free pillows. Free weighted blanket ($479 Value) with a minimum $1.5k order.
The GhostBed Flex is a mixed-foam hybrid with a balanced design that feels comfortably plush on the surface but also provides sturdy support. The mattress begins with a foam-padded pillow-top, followed by two memory foam layers. The foams contour evenly to the body without hugging too tightly, which is particularly beneficial for side sleepers who need supportive cushioning to reduce pain and pressure around the shoulders and hips. Pocketed coils make up the support core. The coils are reinforced along the perimeter for extra push-back, resulting in little to no sinkage when you sleep near or sit on the edges of the mattress.
Even for a hybrid, the GhostBed Flex regulates temperature exceptionally well. The cover is composed of proprietary Ghost Ice fabric that feels cool to the touch, and is designed to capture and release heat for a comfortable sleep surface. The coils also promote airflow throughout the interior. Although the foam layers conform to a noticeable extent, the Flex is fairly responsive and most people won’t have too much difficulty moving across the mattress.
All Flex orders come with two GhostPillows at no extra charge and ground delivery is free for all customers in the contiguous U.S. GhostBed’s sleep trial spans 101 nights in length. Those who keep their Flex also receive a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty after the trial period ends.
Best Cooling
Get an additional $30 off the Nolah Evolution Mattress for total savings of $730 with code: SF730OFF
The Nolah Evolution 15 is a pillow-top hybrid that offers a comfortable balance of cushioning and support. The mattress is available in three firmness levels. Side sleepers will probably prefer the plush (5) or luxury firm (6) feels, depending on their weight. These options offer the closest contouring to alleviate pressure along the spine for people who use this position. The luxury firm may also be comfortable for back and stomach sleepers, though those who weigh more than 230 pounds should receive better support from the firm (8) feel. A 15-inch profile also caters to anyone who prefers tall mattresses.
Soft, adaptive polyfoam cushions the pillow-top to give the Evolution 15 a luxuriously plush surface feel when you get in and out of bed, and two additional foam layers deliver close, even contouring without sinking too much. The bed’s pocketed coils are divided into different zones based on thickness, resulting in added support for heavier areas of your body and less sinkage around the edges. Those who normally struggle getting on and off of their bed should have an easier time with this mattress.
The coils also circulate air throughout the interior to help the mattress stay cool. Another cooling component is the cover made of proprietary ArcticTex fabric designed to draw heat away from your body and keep you comfortable even on hot or humid nights. Since the Evolution has a medium feel and thick foam layers, it is also well suited to people who experience pain or pressure points in the shoulders, lower back, or hips.
The Evolution 15 is fairly low priced for a hybrid mattress and Nolah will ship for free throughout the contiguous U.S. Your order includes a 120-night sleep trial, as well as a lifetime warranty against structural defects.
Best Pressure Relief
Get $160 off a Layla Memory Foam Mattress + 2 free memory foam pillows with code: SLEEPFOUNDATION
The Layla Mattress is a flippable memory foam model. One side of the mattress has a medium soft (4) feel and provides close yet even body-contouring, making it most comfortable for side sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds. The opposite surface is firm (7) and quite supportive with very little conforming, so back and stomach sleepers who weigh 130-230 pounds will feel most comfortable. At 69 pounds in a queen size, the Layla is fairly lightweight and easy to flip whenever you want to change the firmness level.
Both sides are constructed with memory foam comfort layers, and the softer side has additional polyfoam padding. The memory foam is infused with copper, which is naturally antimicrobial and also has cooling properties to prevent heat buildup on either surface. This can greatly benefit hot sleepers, especially if they’ve had bad experiences with memory foam mattresses in the past. A shared support core of high-density foam is sandwiched in the middle to stabilize both sides of the bed. Since the foam layers absorb movement very well, the Layla is a good option for couples and co-sleepers. The bed’s low profile also works well with platform beds.
Compared to other flippable mattresses, the Layla has a below-average price-point. The company also provides free ground shipping anywhere in the contiguous U.S. Your purchase includes a sleep trial that allows you to test out the mattress for up to 120 nights and a lifetime warranty for extra peace of mind.
There are many different factors to consider when deciding which type of mattress to purchase for a platform bed. Although most mattresses perform well on this kind of frame, some may be particularly appropriate.
Platform beds often have low profiles, which can make it difficult to get up, especially if your mattress is relatively thin, uses materials that contour closely to the body, or lacks edge support. Make sure to consider these and other potential concerns when shopping for a mattress to use on a platform bed.
Many mattress manufacturers use buzzwords and fancy names to try and sell their products, but these marketing techniques do not necessarily indicate that a model is superior. When shopping for a mattress you’ll use on a platform bed, it’s more important to analyze the elements that will impact your comfort level. You should also consider how using a platform bed could affect the performance of the mattress.
As the name implies, platform beds support a mattress with a flat platform rather than a box spring. The platforms in question can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, plastic, and wood. While some have a solid base, others use a slatted platform or a bunkie board.
Platform beds typically provide reliable support for a mattress. While other types of bed frames remain popular, the platform bed is quickly becoming one of the most recommended options.
One of the obvious benefits of a platform bed is that it does not require a box spring. Box springs typically use a lot of fabric that can become a breeding ground for dust mites. Another potential upside is the cost since you can usually find a quality platform bed at a budget-friendly price.
Although there are a lot of great reasons to consider this type of bed frame, it should be noted that platform beds typically sit low to the ground. However, this potential issue can be easily resolved by using a thick bunkie board or purchasing a high-profile mattress.
Platform beds use either a solid or slat platform for support, and this can impact the type of material and firmness level you should consider. Since the platform typically isn’t flexible, it acts as a very firm foundation capable of preventing sagging. To ensure a platform bed is appropriate support for your mattress of choice, you may want to read the terms of the warranty policy or contact the customer service department.
Definition: All-foam mattresses are often made with polyfoam and memory foam, though some use exclusively polyfoam. Both of these materials are well known for their cradling and motion isolation. All-foam mattresses are usually very good for the relief of pressure points, which makes them a good choice for side sleepers.
Cradles the Body: Platform beds give all-foam mattresses the support they need to let the sleeper’s body sink in without sagging. An all-foam mattress of the ideal firmness should balance pressure-relieving contouring and support for proper spinal alignment when paired with a platform bed.
Definition: Hybrid mattresses combine a coil core with a comfort system composed of other materials, such as memory foam, polyfoam, latex, wool, and/or microcoils. The result is often a mattress that performs well in many different areas by taking advantage of the best elements from all of its components. This mattress type is usually excellent for a wide range of sleepers, including couples.
Balanced Performance: Because of their combination of materials, hybrid models often receive high marks across performance categories. They frequently balance bounce, breathability, pressure relief, ease of movement, and edge support with no major weak points. The stable support of a platform bed can allow the coil core to compress more evenly, enhancing the bed’s responsiveness while preventing sagging.
Definition: Innerspring mattresses consist primarily of coils. These are usually excellent choices for back and stomach sleepers who need a lot of support, those who prefer a more traditional mattress feel, hot sleepers, and shoppers on a budget. You may find a layer or two of foam in newer innerspring models for cushioning, though these are typically thinner than the comfort systems on hybrid models.
Affordable and Supportive: This type of mattress is typically one of the most budget-friendly options on the market. They can be especially effective for sleepers who need a lot of support. Since innerspring models are usually easy to move on and typically have sturdy edges, the height of your platform bed may not be as much of a concern.
Definition: Latex mattresses contain natural latex, synthetic latex, and/or blended latex. This is a popular alternative to memory foam, as it provides notable pressure relief without sacrificing ease of movement. Rather than sinking into the mattress and potentially having trouble getting out of bed, latex addresses pressure points while pushing back against your weight and delivering more bounce.
Natural Materials: Many manufacturers of latex mattresses use natural components, which makes them a popular choice with environmentally conscious shoppers. A platform bed can provide a latex mattress with the supportive base necessary to maximize its bounce while preventing sagging.
Certified Sleep Coach
Logan has extensive experience testing sleep products and producing sleep content. She is also a Certified Sleep Science Coach.
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