Last Updated on April 24, 2024 by Sandra Allens

Top Pick: DreamCloud Mattress – Luxury Hybrid Mattress with 6 Premium Layers

If you’re in the quest for the best mattress for platform bed, but don’t want to commit yourself on long research, then just go for this one.

After ample research, Dreamcloud is our first choice.

A new mattress will require you to replace your box spring, so you have to consider that when purchasing a new platform bed for the mattress. Those mattresses where a solid foundation is needed generally choose box springs, which are very popular options. Although they are one of the most popular options, they are not the only one.

DreamCloud Mattress – Best Luxury Hybrid Mattress with 6 Premium Layers

  • Foam memory
  • Luxury material

Least Expensive

The Essential Mattress by Layla | Fits All Sleeper Types | 10 Year Limited Warranty

  • Motion isolation at its best 
  • Two-sided flip design

Most Preferred

Wink Mattress

  • Foam cooling system
  • featuring a hybrid design

Alternatives to Box Springs Include Platform Beds.

Despite their benefits, box springs aren’t perfect. In addition to preventing mattress sagging, they can also add undesirable height to beds while at the same time preventing the mattress from degrading. It’s not necessarily a bad thing if you use box springs, but they’re not always the best choice, so you must be knowledgeable about another option.

To determine what platform beds are and to discuss their pro and con, we will explore this topic in this article. In addition, we’ll give you tips for choosing a mattress that’s compatible with a platform bed as well as ideas for choosing the best mattress.

How Do Platform Beds Work?

Basically, a bed is made up of both the frame and mattress, as well as pillows and comforters. There are many things that can be referred to as beds including the structure, but not exclusively, the framework. It is also common to use the word “foundation” in this context.

Mattresses sit on foundations. To ensure that the mattress’ materials function properly, it provides support to prevent sagging. A box spring is usually the foundation of a mattress. Whether a bed is made of wood, metal, or a combination, box springs are a common feature.

An elevated platform bed has a horizontal frame. Generally, they have a low profile. It comes with options for head and foot boards, as well as storage underneath. If you have a small apartment or a dorm room, a storage bed is a great option for you. Box springs or slats may be used for platform beds.

Platform Beds: Advantages and Disadvantages

The support provided by mattress foundations is among the benefits they offer. The right foundation can improve airflow, which can lead to a cooler night’s sleep. By keeping the bed off of the floor, some foundations are clean and can be adjusted in height. Platform beds are a practical foundation that has a number of advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages: 

  • You can invest that money toward purchasing a higher quality mattress instead of purchasing a box spring.
  • When you feel uncomfortable with the mattress’ comfort or height, you can always add a box spring to adjust it.
  • A platform bed with storage is a great idea if you live in a small apartment or have a cramped space.
  • Platform beds can help you sleep cooler at night by improving air circulation under and around the mattress.

Disadvantages: 

  • Some people who have trouble getting up on their own may find platform beds to be too low if you don’t use a box spring.
  • Once assembled, platform beds are commonly constructed from one piece, so moving them can be difficult.
  • It’s possible you’ll have to spend more on a headboard if you look at platform beds as being too basic or simple.

If a platform bed is right for you, then it is completely up to you. As we cannot say definitively which platform beds have which advantages and disadvantages, we cannot make comparisons. However, we can make recommendations regarding the mattress that goes on your platform bed. We have some suggestions for you below.

Picking the Right Platform Bed

The wide variety of platform beds available today means you can choose one that suits your needs perfectly. Sadly, that also makes making decisions more challenging. A platform bed base is one of the most important products you can buy for your bedroom. Here are some tips to help you choose the right one.

When Looking for a Platform Bed, you Should Consider These Factors:  

  • Pricing. Compared to other types of foundation, platform beds are easier to find for a decent price. While there are a variety of prices to choose from, you should think about your budget before shopping.
  • Style. Think about whether the bed suits your bedroom décor or plan your bedroom makeover around your new bed. Platform beds come in a wide array of styles and materials.
  • Height. There are a variety of heights for these platforms, as well as a low profile. You should consider your comfort level when choosing a mattress, taking into account the thickness and the use of a box spring.
  • Assistance. Solid wood platform beds are available or slatted platforms. These items will need to be purchased separately if the bed doesn’t come with them.
  • Extras.  A platform bed with a headboard or footboard may be a better option if you need one. If you want to store something, you should also think about it.

You’ll need a new mattress after you pick out your platform bed. If you plan on ditching your box spring and sleeping on an innerspring mattress, you should upgrade even if you don’t think you need a new mattress. You run the risk of terminating your mattress warranty if you do not use a box spring with traditional spring mattresses.

How Do You Choose A Mattress?

If you choose a platform bed, you have already made half of the decision. Next, choose a mattress. Modern mattresses can be used with platform beds. Most platform beds will satisfy your needs as long as they have a solid foundation. In general, platform mattress bases are more compatible with certain types of mattresses than others.

Memory foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses are generally thought to be the best mattresses for platform beds. In order to provide this, a platform bed is required, as it provides a solid, non-flexible foundation.

The same can be said about memory foam and latex, both of which sink under pressure and conform to your body’s contours. Heat can be absorbed differently when it comes to memory foam depending on the density, making it great for pressure relief, but problematic when it comes to heat retention. The properties of latex contribute to its cooling and responsiveness when compared with memory foam.

It is a mattress which combines the best features of several different mattresses. For added comfort, here are comfort layers made of latex or foam that are layered on top of these tanks. Platform beds are ideal for mattresses such as these.

Choosing the Right Mattress for Your Platform Bed

Next, you must choose the right mattress if you’ve chosen a platform bed. There is a wide variety of mattresses that can be used with platform beds, for instance. Even if you already know this is the bed’s foundation, you should double-check or choose a mattress designed for platform beds.

Our list of suggestions is divided into different categories so that you can narrow down your options. In terms of platform bed mattresses, here are our top picks:

1 Original Nectar

Best Overall. Due to their versatility, platform beds can accommodate nearly any mattress. As a result, we think there are some things to consider. Mattresses should provide support, but they should also provide good pressure relief. Nectar mattress has a perfect combination of both affordability and medium firmness, making it the top pick on our list.

In addition, two memory foam layers sit above an underlayer of supportive foam. Gel-infused memory foam provides long-lasting comfort. This memory foam mattress has an airy quilted cover made from soft and breathable memory foam. This combination of materials keeps you cool at night and relieves pressure. You can try Nectar mattresses for 365 nights free of charge and with free shipping.

  • Pros. Comfort and support are provided by the multilayer foam construction during the 365-night trial period.
  • Cons. Heavy sleepers may not find this mattress firm enough, and foam may not respond quickly

2 Amerisleep AS3

The Most Budget-Friendly. A good mattress does not have to be expensive, but a high price tag is not always indicative of quality. Mattresses by Amerisleep are high-quality and affordable. Amerisleep AS3 is a budget-friendly mattress recommendation. A 20-year warranty provides added peace of mind during the trial period.

One of Amerisleep’s most popular models is the AS3. The mattress is ideal for any sleep style because it provides firmness and softness. BioPur open-cell memory foam, a versatile, premium material used in this mattress, wicks away warmth, increasing its breathability over conventional foams. Mattresses made of this material exhibit better comfort and durability than traditional foam models.

  • Pros. In addition to being available in all 5 models, a bio-based material is also a plus.
  • Negative: May not provide enough bounce for a few sleepers, could be stronger in edge support

3 Memory Foam Layla

A Good Memory Foam. It is always a good idea to consider memory foam when it comes to choosing a mattress for your platform bed. Foam mattresses can be tailored to nearly any firmness level depending on the type, thickness, and density of the foam used. Unlike the previous memory foam mattress, this one comes in two different degrees of firmness, allowing it to be even more versatile as an option for platform beds than the previous one.

A cooling copper gel memory foam layer is used in conjunction with Layla Max AirFlow memory foam. In addition, the mattress is covered with a luxurious fabric cover, which keeps body heat under control and allows easy cleaning. A queen-size mattress for a low price and free shipping makes this an excellent deal under $1,000.

  • Pros. Memory foam with copper infusion for cooling and comfort
  • Cons. Changing positions may be a challenge due to the slow response foam

4 Saatva Zenhaven

Best Latex. It may be good, but not everyone will benefit from memory foam. Most people prefer to sleep ‘on’ rather than ‘in’ a memory foam mattress, and they desire more bounce. The benefits of latex include flexibility and pressure relief. It is highly recommended that you choose the Zenhaven by Saatva solid latex mattress as your best option for a platform bed.

A premium choice is Saatva’s Zenhaven mattress. A combination of Talalay latex and organic cotton makes this mattress ideal for those seeking natural comfort and breathable sleep. Located over a 5-zone latex comfort layer, the mattress is constructed of a support core made from latex. The organic cotton fabric is covered with organic wool that is flame-resistant. A 120-day trial is provided to help you decide if it’s for you, and the warranty is 20 years.

  • Pros. Natural and organic materials are used for the product, and it has two firmness levels.
  • Cons. Neither side is ideal for side sleepers and is substantially more expensive than many models

5 Saatva Classic

Best Innerspring. Saatva’s original model, the Saatva Classic, could be a better choice if the Zenhaven mattress doesn’t suit you. Providing an innerspring feel similar to those of an innerspring mattress, coil-on-coil construction offers three levels of firmness. Saatva’s mattresses come with free shipping and a 120-day trial period.

Besides the soft and luxury firm mattress options, Saatva has a firm mattress option with a height of 11.5″ also 14.5″ as well. This mattress provides optimal motion isolation and contouring comfort thanks to its 416 individually wrapped steel coils. It’s encased by a perimeter edge support system that provides additional support, and it has a layer of memory foam and active wires that activate Lumbar Zone technology. A cushion-top Euro pillow is included with the Saatva Classic.

  • Pros. Besides being breathable and supportive, there are three firmness options.
  • Cons. Hybrid mattresses are, on average, overly heavy and do not contour to the body as well foam mattresses

6 Helix’s Birch

Best Hybrid. If you don’t have to choose between different mattress materials, why would you? With a hybrid mattress, most of the best characteristics of several different types of materials are combined. The Birch by Helix is a premium hybrid mattress that offers individually wrapped coils with Talalay latex fit for soothing pressure points.

The Birch mattress contains six different layers, beginning with organic wool batting and ending with an organic cotton cover. Atop each layer are a considerable number of steel coils, Talalay latex, organic Birch wool, and then natural wool fires to finish the construction. With its durability and breathability, this mattress offers a lot of benefits. In addition to a free trial, you’ll be able to take advantage of hassle-free returns, free shipping, and a 25-year warranty if you join.

  • Pros. The hybrid construction provides pressure relief and support without sinking in too much like memory foam
  • Cons. Latex materials can feel bouncy to some people

7 Nolah Signature

Dual-Sides are the Best. You could probably sleep on either side of the mattress since there were two sides. Layers are often placed from top to bottom on modern mattresses. While this design seems durable, it does not last as long. A Nolah Signature mattress is an excellent choice if you want a double-sided mattress.

There are 12 inches of high-density foam on the Nolah Signature mattress, which measures 7 inches thick in total. Everah AirFoam provides comfortable and tailored pressure relief due to its patented pressure relief foam sandwiched between resilient foam layers. You will also feel comfortable and cool with this foam. Two different firmness levels for you to choose from, as well as a generous warranty and 120-day trial period.

  • Pros. A 120-day money-back guarantee and the option of three firmness levels.
  • Cons. In addition to being a bit more expensive, it may not be suitable for heavy sleepers

8 Luxe Helix Midnight

Best Customizable. Sleeping on someone’s mattress that has a different preference from yours is the worst. For perfect sleep, you need a mattress that can adapt to your needs. This type of choice can only be provided by Helix, as the company provides a variety of options. In addition to original and luxury mattresses, Helix offers hybrid mattresses as well.

A good recommendation is Helix Midnight Luxe if you’re looking for something specific. Medium firmness and luxury hybrid design distinguish this mattress from the crowd. Three layers of premium foam relieve pressure and isolate motion and rest upon a base of individually wrapped coils. It offers a variety of mattresses with varying firmness choices and sleeping styles so you can choose exactly what you need.

  • Pros. Mattresses with a medium firmness rating are very comfortable to sleep on. The trial period is 100 nights. 
  • Cons. Brands are comparable in terms of prices; mattresses may be too soft for heavy sleepers; costs are similar between brands

9 WinkBed

A Good Choice for Couples. A comfortable mattress is important when shopping for a new mattress. However, your bed isn’t just a place to sleep. If you have other activities with your partner, you might want to think about whether the materials or firmness of your mattress affects those activities. A good platform bed for couples is the WinkBed.

With the WinkBed mattress, you can also enjoy the highest level of comfort with two layers of gel-infused foam encased in a quilted Euro-pillow. By integrating an Extra-Edge support system, the coils are individually wrapped, reducing sagging and enabling the mattress to last longer. In addition to providing cushioning and pressure relief, the gel-infused top layer is also more responsive than foam mattresses. A 120-day sleep trial is included with a free delivery and returns from WinkBed.

  • Pros. Two layers of padding support the quilted top, which prevents sagging.
  • Cons. The shipping process may be slower compared to those offered by other providers, and the price may be higher

10 DreamCloud

A good pillowtop. A new mattress can be purchased for a variety of reasons, but most importantly, comfort comes first. A pillowtop mattress is available for any type of mattress. The DreamCloud mattress boasts a pillowtop for additional comfort and quality for customers looking for a durable, quality mattress.

Although the DreamCloud mattress includes innersprings, it also has foam layers for additional comfort. Each encased coil provides targeted support while also responding to motion. In addition, the quilted pillow-top adds additional luxury and comfort and its top layer of foam relieves pressure in your sleep style. With DreamCloud mattresses, you can also test them for 365 nights.

  • Pros. The comfort, encased coils, and memory foam of hybrid mattresses are its main advantages. 
  • Cons. Mattresses made of hybrid materials are usually quite heavy

At the very least, you should upgrade your mattress whenever you upgrade your platform bed. You have lots of options to choose from when it comes to modern mattresses and platform beds. Supporting the mattress properly is what matters most.

To help you make the best choice for you and your partner, we provided you with as much information as possible. There are a number of excellent options for mattresses that you can choose from when selecting a platform bed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mattresses for a Platform Bed

Mattresses that are Suitable for Platform Beds?

platform bed

It is best to make sure the mattress is supported evenly when using a platform bed, though some modern mattresses do work with these beds. You will need to purchase a central support bar and slats separately if your platform bed does not include them. By simply placing wooden planks over the frame, you could possibly construct a solid foundation. Hybrid mattresses, memory foam mattresses, and latex mattresses are all suitable for platform bases. Not only do you have a choice of beds, but you can choose from different types of bases as well.

Are Regular Mattresses Compatible with Platform Bases?

best bed skirts

Many people who have traditional innerspring mattresses and are considering switching to platform mattress bases have difficulty deciding whether to do so. As long as it’s supported, you can do it. If your box spring sags, you can use another method to prevent it from happening. Platform beds are normally made up of slats or a flat surface over the frame, but it is possible to use one without slats.

Platform Beds Should have a Thick Mattress. how Thick Should it be?

When choosing your mattress thickness, you should take into account a number of factors. In addition to thickness, you should also look at your mattress’ construction and comfort when choosing it. Platform beds should be chosen according to their height. With a low profile bed instead of one that is very high, you can choose a thicker mattress. The average thickness of a mattress is between ten and twelve inches.

Platform Beds can be Used with Box Springs?

It’s possible; however, it might not be necessary. In the end, it is important to have a well-supported mattress. Slats are another option for accomplishing this goal instead of using your existing box spring. Make sure slats are spaced adequately if you plan to use them. A memory foam mattress should not have a gap greater than 3 to 4 inches between its slats. Wider spacing may be possible with hybrid mattresses.

Does Plywood Work on Platform Beds?

platform bed

There are many options for mattress foundations with newer mattresses. Platform beds do not require box springs, but they need support for the mattress. You can also use plywood as a foundation to create a solid frame if you prefer, though slats are most commonly used. A flat surface is all that is required.