Best Foundation for a Memory Foam Mattress

So, you've just bought a memory foam mattress, but how do you choose the best foundation for your new addition? The most important thing to keep in mind when selecting a foundation for your memory foam mattress is that you find one that provides the right amount of support. Providing a supportive foundation is critical because it will ensure your memory foam mattress wears evenly, allowing you to get more years out of your new bed.  

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying a Foundation 

• Most mattresses range from eight to twelve inches in height. If you want a lower-profile bed (one that sits closer to the floor), you may not want a foundation.  

• If you want a high-profile bed (one that sits higher up off the floor), you can use a box spring underneath your memory foam mattress.  

• When buying a slatted foundation or making your own, remember that slats should be around three inches apart to create an even layer of support for your mattress. 

• For a cost-effective solution, you can use a sheet of plywood as a sturdy foundation for your memory foam mattress. Just make sure your measurements are exact when cutting the plywood to fit your bed frame.  

Types of Foundations for Memory Foam 

Flat Platform 

Typically, a platform bed will either use solid wood, plywood or particleboard as a foundation. Platform beds can also use a slatted base as a foundation. Flat platform beds often sit low to the floor, giving your bed a modern look. Because platform beds are designed to be low profile while supporting the mattress, you do not need to use a box spring with this type of bed.  

If you're buying a platform bed that uses wood as a base, keep in mind that particleboard is thinner and will not support a heavy weight and could lead to back pain. On the other hand, solid wood is, well, solid, and is able to withstand a heavier weight.   

Slatted Base 

As mentioned, platform beds can also use a slatted base as a foundation. A slatted base can be used on a bed frame to create support by spacing planks of wood evenly underneath your mattress. To make sure that your memory foam mattress wears evenly and aligns your spine properly, place your slats no more than three inches apart. Some slats are hammered or screwed into place, while others Velcro on and off for easy transport.  

If you are placing the slats on the bed frame, following the three-inch rule may be critical if you want to ensure that you don’t void your warranty.  

Box Spring 

A box spring is typically constructed using a wooden frame to encase wire coils that provide support for your mattress. The wood and coils are covered in a fabric that prevent the mattress from sliding off the box spring. Most box springs are fairly solid, not springy so if you add a box spring to your mattress it's unlikely that it will change the feel of your mattress. Plus, most memory foam mattresses are designed to provide the right amount of comfort and support riding solo, so it's not necessary to add anything extra underneath.  

If you're switching from an innerspring mattress to a memory foam mattress, chances are you have a box spring already on hand. But do you really need it? It depends on what you want the height of your bed to be. If you want to keep animals from easily jumping on your bed or just prefer a bed that sits higher off the floor, you may want to add a box spring underneath your memory foam mattress.  

Adjustable Base 

While, historically, adjustable bases have been used in hospitals to provide relief for those recovering from injuries and illnesses, they've recently grown in popularity for in-home use. An adjustable base uses a motor to move the mattress to a number of different positions, making it easier to read, watch TV or use a laptop from the comfort of your bed.  

Adjustable beds can be used to fit a single mattress or two twin-sized mattresses, allowing each person to adjust their half of the bed independently of their partner. Buying an adjustable base can help with circulation, back pain, breathing, swelling and acid reflux. In addition to therapeutic benefits, adjustable bases can also help with comfort, providing massaging motions and making it easier to relax in bed.  

Pro tip: If you and your partner disagree when it comes to choosing a mattress firmness, select the mattress firmness options that are best for you both (soft, medium or firm) and order two twin-sized mattresses for your adjustable base.  

The Floor  

If you're a minimalist or just on a budget, you may prefer to use your floor as a base for your mattress. Putting your mattress on the floor is the same as putting your mattress on a solid piece of wood. Remember, when choosing the best foundation for your memory foam mattress, you want to make sure you choose something that's supportive for even wear—and, of course, your floor is a solid foundation.