Best Mattress For a Platform Bed: Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Although platform beds look similar to traditional bed frames, they aren’t the same. A platform bed is a sturdy bed frame that eliminates the need for a mattress foundation or box spring.

Instead of needing an additional foundation, platform beds contain wooden or metal slats, which lay horizontally across the bed to support a mattress entirely.

For a frame to be considered a platform bed versus a basic bed frame, the slat support system must be no further than 3 inches apart. Any farther apart puts your mattress at risk of damage and voids some mattress warranties.

After lots of research, we’ve reviewed some of the best mattresses for a platform bed to help you when mattress shopping.

Best Mattresses for a Platform Bed

	Mattress	Highlights
	Amerisleep AS3	Best Mattress For a Platform Bed Overall
	Zoma Mattress	Best Mattress For Back Pain
	Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid	Best Luxury Mattress For a Platform Bed
	Vaya Mattress	Best Budget Mattress

Bio-Pur® is the top layer of the AS3. This plant-based memory foam is made partly of castor oil to minimize potential off-gassing when you first receive your bed. Compared to standard memory foam, Bio-Pur® is cooler and more durable, making for a much better alternative.

The Affinity layer is a thin transitional foam with a HIVE® technology zoned support system. The foam features hexagonal cutouts in a variety of sizes to provide different levels of support.

The cutouts are tight-knit around the head, back, and legs for firmer support, while being spread out and softer around the shoulders and hips. As a result, this layer promotes even weight distribution and a neutral spine. The Bio-Core® base is a sturdy foam built to reinforce the upper layers.

The Amerisleep AS3 is made in the USA and is CertiPUR-US® certified, meaning the foam is free of harmful toxins. The mattress is backed by a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty.

The Zoma Mattress is 12 inches thick, which includes 2 inches of Triangulex™ foam, 2 inches of Reactiv™ foam, and 8 inches of Support+ foam. The mattress is wrapped in a breathable mesh fabric.

Triangulex™ is a gel memory foam with a 3-zoned design. The foam feels firm and supportive around your torso while being softer around your shoulders and hips. This design promotes healthy spinal alignment and reduces pressure points in sleepers.

The next layer is Reactiv™ foam. It’s a responsive transition layer between the soft top layer and the sturdy base layer. Since the mattress has a soft feel, this foam prevents uncomfortable sinkage.

The bottom of the bed is the Support+, a durable foam built to support your spine and prevent the mattress from breaking down.

The Zoma Mattress is CertiPUR-US® certified and comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

This thick mattress contains 3 inches of Bio-Pur®, 2 inches of Active Flex, 8 inches of pocketed coils, and a 1-inch base. It’s encased in a plush and breathable mattress cover.

Unlike other Amerisleep mattresses, the AS5 Hybrid contains a layer known as Active Flex. This buoyant foam minimizes potential sinkage without affecting the soft feel of the bed.

The core of the mattress is made from pocketed coils. The coils are each wrapped in fabric to minimize motion transfer and noise from the springs. The coils feel softer around your head and feet, but extra supportive under your back and torso.

The coils are framed by a sturdy foam to ensure solid edge support, and underneath the entire layer of coils is a durable foam to enclose the mattress.

The Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid comes with free shipping and returns. Amerisleep also offers a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty covering sags beyond 0.75 inches.

The first layer of the Vaya Mattress features their proprietary comfort foam. This cool and springy foam makes it easier to switch sleeping positions and won’t cause you to feel stuck in bed.

The second layer is called Vaya Base Foam. This supportive layer is long-lasting and reinforces the softer upper layer. It ensures the top layer won’t sag and helps sleepers stay well-supported while they sleep.

Encasing both of the two layers of foam is a soft and stretchy mattress cover.

Despite being so affordable, the Vaya Mattress is still made in the USA and CertiPUR-US® certified. Vaya also offers a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty, along with free shipping and returns.

The Nolah Signature 12 is 12 inches thick and has four layers, starting with 2.5 inches of AirFoam™ (soft side), a 1.5-inch support layer, a 7-inch foundation, and another inch of AirFoam™ (firm side). The mattress then features an organic mattress cover made from cotton to keep you cool and dry.

AirFoam™ provides excellent pressure relief by contouring under your body’s curves. At the same time, it’s cooling and regulates your body temperature.

The support layer is made from a foam similar to latex. This foam adds a healthy bounce to your bed, making it easier to sleep undisturbed.

The foundation is durable and firm, helping the mattress last for years to come. It minimizes sags and soft spots from forming in the mattress.

The Nolah Signature 12 comes with a 120-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty. While Nolah offers the option to skip the trial period and save some money, we recommend keeping it since the mattresses are sold exclusively online. With a platform bed, Nolah suggests having slats no further than 4 inches apart.

The mattress features Adaptive®, graphite and gel-infused foam. This layer draws heat away from your body while also relieving pressure. Adaptive® foam is quite responsive as well, so it’ll be comfortable during the night.

The base of the mattress is made from a thick layer of support foam. It’s quite cool while also reinforcing the top layer and promoting a neutral spine. The base layer prevents the mattress from wearing down prematurely and developing soft spots.

The T&N Original is GREENGUARD Gold certified, Clean Air certified, and CertiPUR-US® certified. The T&N Original has a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

SEE ALSO: Most Comfortable Mattress

Mattresses Compatible With Platform Beds

As we mentioned above, platform beds are stable, flat bed frames that eliminate the need for a box spring or mattress foundation. However, there’s no special mattress needed for platform beds. Most beds nowadays are built to be compatible with platform beds since they are so popular.

Below, we outline the mattress types that can pair with a platform bed, including memory foam, latex, innerspring, and hybrid mattresses.

Memory Foam

Memory foam is a material known for its close-conforming, hug-like feel. Therefore, memory foam mattresses are excellent for relieving pressure and pain.

While memory foam is a popular choice for mattresses, some memory foam owners complain that it can get overly hot. We recommend looking for a memory foam mattress made with gel, graphite, or copper as they’re more breathable. Similarly, plant-based memory foam is naturally cooler than traditional memory foam.

Latex

Latex is a long-lasting foam produced from the sap of rubber trees. This eco-friendly material is naturally springy and cool, which is good if you tend to switch positions.

Natural latex mattresses are renowned for their durability as they last longer than most mattresses, with lifespans of roughly 12 to 15 years versus the average 7 to 10-year lifespan. With this in mind, you may come across synthetic or blended latex mattresses, which not only have shorter lifespans but aren’t as comfortable as natural latex mattresses.

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses are a very traditional type of mattress, having been around for over 100 years. Innerspring beds feature a continuous coil support layer and a pillow top comfort layer, made from materials such as foam, cotton, down, or wool.

Although the mattresses are responsive, innerspring beds tend to be uncomfortable and their pillow top layers flatten out rather quickly, reducing the chances of a good night’s sleep. For example, while partners may enjoy a bouncy mattress for couples, the traditional innerspring mattress is not the best choice because it tends to carry one person’s movements across the surface.

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses are essentially an upgraded version of innerspring beds.

Rather than having a continuous coil layer, hybrid mattresses feature pocketed coils. Pocketed coils are quieter, more durable, and provide better support compared to continuous coils. Compared to mattresses made entirely of foam, hybrid mattresses are more breathable and less likely to trap body heat.

Instead of having a thin pillow top, hybrid mattresses have at least a 2 to 3-inch comfort layer made from materials such as memory foam or latex.

Pros of a Platform Bed

• Eliminates the need for (and cost) an additional mattress foundation
• Suitable for most types of mattresses
• Platform beds increase air circulation to your mattress
• Many platform beds have storage options or have storage space underneath
• Frames come in different styles and colors

Cons of a Platform Bed

• Most platform beds are low profile, which can be difficult to access for those with limited mobility
• Standard platform beds can look overly basic and lack a headboard or footboard

FAQs

Why are platform beds so popular?

Platform beds are popular because they have a lot to offer for a reasonable price. There are countless styles and sizes for platform beds, including some beds with storage space. And since platform beds provide bed support, you won’t have to worry about buying a foundation for your bed.

What is the weight capacity for platform beds?

This depends on the exact platform bed you purchase. Platform beds can carry between 300 to 4500 pounds of weight.

With such a drastic range of weight capacities, it’s best to check the weight capacity for the platform bed you are interested in. When assessing a platform bed’s weight capacity, remember that it will carry your body weight, your mattress, and any partner or child you share the bed with.

How thick should a mattress be for a platform bed?

Typically, a 10 to 14-inch mattress is best for a platform bed. If your mattress is thinner than 8 inches, there’s a possibility that you will feel the slats beneath your mattress unless you’re very petite or the bed is for a child. A thin mattress on a platform bed will only be uncomfortable in the long-term.

Can you use a box spring on a platform bed?

Platform beds and box springs are not usually compatible. While you can use a box spring with a platform bed, it is not necessary and it will likely make your mattress feel too tall and unstable.

The slats on a platform bed are sturdy enough to support an innerspring mattress alone. Innerspring beds are still sturdy and comfortable on a platform, even if they lack a box spring.

One situation where you may want a box spring is if you’d like to make your bed taller since most platform beds are short.

How does a mattress stay on a platform bed?

Some platform beds lack tall railing and rely on your mattress’s weight to keep them in place, which causes your mattress to shift and slide around at night.

Similarly, if there is extra space between the railing and your mattress—despite the bed marketed as compatible with your mattress size—there’s room for your mattress to slide around. Mattress movement is annoying and potentially unsafe, especially while you sleep.

Here are our tips to help keep your mattress stay in place:

• Attach Velcro, carpet tape, or non-slip tape to your mattress and the wooden slats
• Place a non-slip pad or rubber mat between your mattress and the base
• Place small towels or wooden boards between the edges of your mattress and the platform bed

Conclusion

A high-quality platform bed is a great alternative to a basic bed frame and foundation combo, saving you both money and keeping your bed low profile. Since you can pair a new platform bed with virtually any mattress, there’s more of a reason to choose a platform bed!