Mattress Support: WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?

When it comes to getting a good night's sleep, mattress support is just as important as comfort. The right support system under your mattress will help keep your spine properly aligned, reduces pressure points, and ensures your mattress performs at its best for years to come. At The Organic Bedroom, we offer several support options to complement your organic mattress, each with unique benefits worth considering.

Foundations

Foundations (often referred to as "box springs") are the most traditional choice to support a mattress.  The difference between a foundation and a "box spring" is that a foundation provides a rigid support surface (instead of a flexible one) and doesn't have any coils (springs) in them.  In the simplest of terms, a foundation is a wooden box wrapped in fabric. 

Foundations provide both support for your mattress and enable airflow from the mattress through the sides and bottom of the foundation. Traditional bed frames are typically designed to hold a foundation which then provides the support surface for your mattress.  A good foundation is made from sustainably sourced wood and will provide a flat, even surface for your mattress for many years.

A well-made foundation will have rigid wooden slats at the top of it (underneath the fabric).  The slats in the foundation should be at least 2-3 inches wide and no more than 3 inches apart.  If the slats are too far apart, some of your mattress (like a coil or latex) may sink into the space between the slats, which would cause severe discomfort when you're laying on the mattress.

Foundations come in many sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King (two twin XL's) and Cal King (two 1/2 Cal King's).  If you have a unique bed size, you can also get a foundation in a custom size.

Foundations come in different heights.  At The Organic Bedroom, we offer foundations in 2", 5", 7", and 9" heights.  The most common foundation height is 9" ("high profile").  If you have a really high bed or you just want to lower the height of your mattress, you can go with a 5" ("low profile") foundation.  A 2" foundation is the lowest height we offer, and that's often referred to as a "bunkie board".

Foundations are bulky.  Most foundations are too big to ship via UPS or FedEx and require local "white glove delivery", delivery via a freight company, or you could pick it up from our store.  We also offer "knock down" foundations in 2" or 7" height that can be shipped via FedEx or UPS.  "Knock down" foundations require assembly before you can use them.

Platform Beds

Platform beds have become increasingly popular for their minimalist aesthetic and reliable performance.  All of the mattresses at The Organic Bedroom are designed to work on platform beds.

Simply put, a platform bed does not require a foundation to support a mattress.  But, keep in mind, not all platform beds are made the same.  

Here's what to look for when selecting a platform bed to support your new mattress:

• Rigid slats at least 2-3" wide
• Slats no more than 3" apart
• Middle support beam with a leg going to the floor

Adjustable Bases

For the ultimate in versatility, adjustable bases have evolved beyond hospital beds to become sophisticated sleep systems. Adjustable bases allow you to elevate your head or feet at the touch of a button, putting you in positions like "zero-gravity", "anti-snore", or various lounging positions so you can read or watch TV.  Adjustable bases also offer numerous health benefits like helping to alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea, acid reflux, snoring, and circulation.

Whether you choose a simple foundation or a high-tech adjustable base, make sure you have something that will provide the support your mattress needs.  Mattress support isn't a "one size fits all" scenario... the best support for your mattress likely depends on your budget, bedroom aesthetics, sleep preferences, and any health considerations.

Unfortunately, many customers ignore the importance of having sturdy support for their mattress which often leads to discomfort as well as sleepless nights.  If you visit The Organic Bedroom's Raleigh showroom, we'll, of course, show you all of our favorite mattresses, but we'll also explain the different "under the mattress" options to help you find the perfect support for your new mattress.

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