A building is only as solid as its foundation, and that’s a great analogy for why you should choose your bed base carefully.
An excellent mattress is a key factor for better rest, but when you pair your mattress with the right foundation, you’re set to get the best sleep of your life. Today, you have quite a few bed base options, from a simple slatted frame to a fully adjustable base—and Leesa doesn’t shy away from setting the right stage.
Let’s look at all your choices, which type is best for each mattress style, and why beds need bases anyway
Do I really need a bed base?
No. You can put your mattress on the floor. But, ew—because dog hair and dust bunnies.
Your mattress is more vulnerable to allergens, dirt, pet hair, moisture, and mold or mildew on the floor. Using a proper bed base reduces exposure to dust mites as well, which are a common concern for allergy sufferers. For this reason alone, we don’t recommend setting your memory foam or hybrid mattress directly on the floor.
But there’s another reason: carpet provides an uneven, soft base. So if you have carpet, a firm foundation is a great investment.
Let’s also admit that it’s easier to get into and out of a bed that’s elevated, whether you prefer a modern low-profile lift or an epic Princess and the Pea “run and jump” height (some of us are really tall and don’t actually need a running start).
TL;DR: Yes, you should opt for a bed base.
An adjustable base is a beneficial solution for people who suffer from sleep apnea, excessive snoring, asthma, or acid reflux.
Types of bed bases (and mattresses that pair best)
BThere are many bed base options today, from low-profile platforms to fully adjustable frames, so there’s something for every style and preference. Which one is right for you? Here’s what you need to know about
- Bed frames
- Bed platforms
- Mattress foundations
- Adjustable bed bases
Basic bed frame
Start with the basics. A standard bed frame is the simplest way to get your mattress off the floor with a stable foundation. It's a simple four-sided frame, usually made of metal, that sits on legs or wheels and has either crossbars or slats running across it to hold your mattress. You can also use a bunkie board (a flat piece of plywood or particle board) instead of slats for more solid support.
The cool thing is that you can customize a basic bed frame to be as minimalistic or fancy as you want.
Slats let your mattress breathe: cooler nights, less moisture. Solid surfaces offer more support: mattress longevity, less motion transfer.
Prefer no frills? Keep the frame as is, and it'll be essentially unnoticeable. Want to feel like Sleeping Beauty? Pair your frame with an ornate, four-poster headboard and footboard, and throw a canopy on top. The bed frame is just the beginning—the sky's the limit here.
The downside is that basic bed frames aren't all that sturdy—especially if made from pine or another softwood—and since memory foam and hybrid mattresses tend to be quite heavy, we recommend a more robust option for better support and motion isolation. But it's a solid choice if you have a traditional innerspring mattress and box springs.
Platform bed
A platform bed is a combination of a bed frame and mattress foundation. It’s sturdier than a basic bed frame, and it has more pizzazz. Instead of metal rails, platform beds usually have decorative sides—think fabric-covered panels or carved wood and slats no more than 4.5 inches apart. A platform bed gives memory foam and hybrid mattresses the support they need, with minimal flex, to prevent uneven wear and sagging.
Some platform bed bases have closely spaced slats, while others offer a completely solid foundation for your mattress. There are pros and cons to each:
- Slats let your mattress breathe better, which means cooler nights and fewer moisture concerns.
- Solid surfaces provide more stability and support for better mattress longevity and less motion transfer.
Mattress foundation
Mattress foundations do the work of traditional (outdated) box springs, but they create a better foundation for hybrid and memory foam mattresses. Put a foundation directly on the floor, or pair it with a basic bed base to give it some height. Foundations give you the opportunity to let your inner interior decorator shine by adding your favorite style of legs (also called feet). From chunky to tapered to hairpin, a foundation becomes one with your bedroom when you add a personal touch.
Like platform beds, foundations tend to be more aesthetically pleasing than simple bed frames with box springs and may come with slats (ideally no more than 4” apart) or solid surfaces. Mattress foundations work well for foam and hybrid mattresses and offer an extremely low-profile way to elevate your mattress off the floor.
It’s important to note that Leesa mattresses aren’t made to go on box springs. In fact, because of the lack of support required for modern mattresses, using a box spring with a Leesa mattress voids the warranty. There are better options (mentioned right here) that cost the same—go for better.
Adjustable bed base
The crème de la crème of bed foundations: the adjustable base. The most basic of these mattress foundations raises the head and foot of your bed to suit your ideal sleeping or lounging position and alleviates pain or pressure. Fancier versions offer additional features like USB charging ports, built-in massage, and LED lighting.
Some adjustable bases are all-in-one solutions, while others are made to be placed on top of an existing bed frame or platform bed. They work well with any all-foam mattress, but some hybrid mattresses may not be compatible. The Leesa Adjustable Base pairs perfectly with any Leesa mattress, including the Sapira Hybrid and the uber-luxurious Reserve Hybrid.
An adjustable base is a beneficial solution for people who suffer from sleep apnea or excessive snoring, asthma, other breathing problems, or acid reflux. Raising your head by a few inches while sleeping may reduce or even eliminate these issues. An adjustable base also makes it easier for those with mobility challenges or chronic pain to get in and out of bed.
Couples who prefer different sleeping positions—or even completely different mattress styles—will also appreciate an adjustable base. You can get an adjustable bed in a split King configuration, where you purchase two Twin XL mattresses, place them side by side, and adjust each side individually.
Couples who prefer different sleeping positions—or completely different mattress styles—will appreciate an adjustable base.
Support your mattress in style with a Leesa bed base
Now that you know all the key benefits of giving your bed the right foundation, maybe it's time for an upgrade!
Whether you want a simple base that keeps your mattress off the floor or a fully adjustable bed with all the bells and whistles, Leesa has you covered!
Our bed bases are fully compatible with Leesa’s complete line of mattresses. That means you check two boxes, satisfying your sleep style and your aesthetic style. With Leesa, choose the perfect mattress and the perfect base for functionality and form.
Check out Leesa's full selection of bed bases for a solid foundation that has your mattress's back—while it has yours.
FAQ
Still have questions about bed bases? We have the answers here!
What kind of base is best for a mattress?
The best base for your mattress varies depending on the type of mattress you have. Memory foam and hybrid mattresses usually need a solid or narrow-slatted base for even support—think platform beds, foundations, or adjustable bases.
If you’ve got an innerspring mattress, you can get away with a basic bed frame and box spring combo. The key is to make sure your base provides enough support to prevent sagging and gives your mattress the lift it needs for maximum comfort and durability.
What is the difference between a bed frame and a bed base?
A bed frame is just that—an outer frame your mattress rests on. It usually comes with legs and sometimes slats or crossbars, but its more open nature typically isn’t sturdy enough for heavy foam or hybrid mattresses without additional support.
A bed base, on the other hand, has a solid or slatted surface designed to give your mattress the support it needs. In other words, all bed bases are bed frames, but not all bed frames are true bed bases.
Can you put any mattress on a bed base?
A platform bed base or mattress foundation will support any type of mattress, including latex, memory foam, hybrid, and traditional innerspring. But not all mattresses are compatible with an adjustable bed base. An adjustable bed will work well with memory foam and some hybrid mattresses, but not innerspring mattresses.
Can you buy just the base of a bed?
Absolutely! If your mattress still has plenty of life left, but your base doesn't quite measure up, buy a bed base on its own. From sleek platform frames to fancy adjustable bases, you have plenty of options to give your mattress the support it deserves without splurging on a new bed setup.
