Is sleeping on a platform bed comfortable?

Is sleeping on a platform bed comfortable?

At Solid Custom Heirlooms, we handcraft a wide variety of beds - from platform beds and more traditional box spring beds to loft and bunk beds. We love to help our customers find the best style of bed for their needs.

Platform beds are the most requested bed in our catalog because of the style, simplicity, and sleeping comfort that they offer. If you like a strong, supportive bed and want a box spring alternative, sleeping on a platform bed is an extremely comfortable option.

When discussing the pros and cons of platform bed frames with our customers, comfort is always an important question to consider. Comfort is highly dependent on the mattress and the individual person’s preferences. We always suggest that you either try the mattress before buying or in the case of online-only mattress companies, choose a brand with a generous return policy.

This blog will explore what we have learned over the years about the advantages of platform beds, mattress comfort, types of beds and other factors to consider before making a purchase.

Solid Custom Heirloom guide to platform bed comfort

Platform beds are very comfortable

- but make sure to pick a mattress that you love. A quick Google search will show the endless choices in modern mattresses. Traditional innerspring mattresses, memory foam mattresses, hybrid mattresses and many more! We encourage customers to try as many types of beds as possible to find what works for them.

Nearly all new mattresses can be used with a platform bed base

One of the benefits of a platform bed is that unless you are using a very old mattress, or special order a mattress specifically designed to be used with a box spring, your new mattress is probably designed to work with a platform bed base. Most new mattresses including Ortho, Serta, Nectar, Avocado, Casper, Purple and many more are all ideal for platform sleeping comfort.

Most of the time a box spring is just a box!

Long ago when mattresses were made from feathers a box spring was needed to provide the “springs” to make a bed comfortable. With modern mattress construction techniques, the springs in the traditional box spring are no longer needed and most of the time there are not even any springs in the box! The box spring simply exists for style and provide a bed foundation. A platform bed is a true box spring alternative.

Do platform beds hurt your back?

Platform bed comfort primarily depends on mattress type. Many customers report that a high quality mattress used with a platform bed improves their sleeping comfort and reduces back pain.

Platform beds are great for seniors

-but pay attention to mattress height. Seniors and other people that sometimes have trouble getting getting in and out of bed typically prefer a bed height of 24 to 26 inches from the floor. Many low profile mattress foundations will be too low, while a standard height platform bed will most often provide the right height.

Tatami mats can be used with most platform beds

 A Tatami mat is a Japanese style of low-profile bedding traditionally made from Rush Grass woven around a Rice Hull core. Today Tatami mats are made from a variety of different materials that can vary in thickness from a half-inch to several inches thick. Tatami mats are very firm and if used in a bed frame require a very strong and flat platform base. Using a platform bed foundation provides the required support and by raising the sleeping surface up off the floor keeps your bed clean and organized.

Platform beds keep you cool

A often overlooked benefit of a platform bed is that the wood slat foundation promotes air flow in and around your mattress. Proper airflow keeps your bed fresh, free of mold-causing moisture and cool during the night.

Does a platform bed feel different than box springs?

Yes, platform beds and traditional box springs feel different depending on the type of mattress, mattress toppers and personal preference. Most of the time box springs are used as a innerspring mattress foundation, whereas a platform bed is used with latex foam, hybrid and memory foam mattresses. But this is not a hard and fast rule! We encourage our customers to test out as many types of bed foundations and mattresses as they can to get the perfect feel that is right for them.

How to make your existing platform bed more comfortable

If your platform bed is uncomfortable the first step is to inspect the wood slat foundation. Platform bed slats should be made from solid wood and be spaced 1 to 3 inches apart. If your bed sags you may need to replace or increase the number of slats. While some people suggest adding a "bunkie board" or piece of plywood under mattress slats, this can often reduce the air circulation needed to keep your mattress fresh and stay within warranty terms.

Bed frame quality matters

Regardless of your choice of mattress you will need a well-built bed frame. A cheap bed frame that does not provide solid support will end up sagging over time and could even start to creak. There is nothing worse than being kept up all night by a sagging, squeaky bed frame.

Types of Platform Beds

Customers often ask how high should a bed be from the ground? This is entirely personal preference! Please consider style, function and don’t forget to calculate the thickness of your mattress.

Low Platform beds are typically 6-24 inches from the ground

High Platform beds are typically 24-60 inches from the ground

Loft Platform beds are typically 60+ inches from the ground

Solid Custom Heirlooms Platform Beds

As a maker of custom wood furniture, Solid Custom Heirlooms creates Platform Beds of all types - all made from American Hardwood. We encourage you to browse our website and would love to hear from you with questions or to discuss your bed customization ideas.