Written by Julia Forbes, Mattress Tester
If you ask me, the reign of the box spring is behind us and the platform bed has taken its crown. These modern bed frames have a solid or slat-based foundation that can support your mattress with no extra help. Compared to the traditional bed-frame-plus-box-spring setup, a platform bed is less cumbersome, more aesthetically pleasing, and often less expensive.
When pairing a mattress with a platform bed frame, however, you’ll still need to do a bit of research. Some beds will look or feel better than others when perched on top of a platform foundation. Additionally, some mattresses need a certain size of slat—or a maximum amount of distance between slats—to rest on a platform bed comfortably.
My team and I have tested more than 75 beds in person, and for this list, I selected the best mattresses for platform beds based on a few key factors. Whether you’re using a solid or slatted platform, I’ll tell you what to look for in a mattress to guarantee a good match.
Best Mattresses for Platform Beds
- Nectar – Editor’s Pick
- DreamCloud – Best Mattress for Back Sleepers with a Platform Bed
- WinkBed – Best Hybrid Mattress for a Platform Bed
- Helix Midnight – Best Affordable Mattress for a Platform Bed
- Saatva Classic – Best Mattress for Restless Sleepers with a Platform Bed
- Nolah Evolution – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with a Platform Bed
- Bear Original – Best Memory Foam Mattress for a Platform Bed
- Titan Plus – Best Mattress for Heavy People with a Platform Bed
- Plank Firm – Best Firm Mattress for a Platform Bed
- Birch Natural – Best Organic Mattress for a Platform Bed
Our Video Review of the Best Mattresses for Platform Beds
Compare Mattresses for Platform Beds
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| Nectar Mattress | DreamCloud Original Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Helix Midnight Mattress | Saatva Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Bear Original Mattress | Titan Plus | Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress | Birch Natural Mattress | |
| Rating | ||||||||||
| Firmness | Firm: 7.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7/10 | Firm: 8/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6/10 |
| Material | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Innerspring | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | — | |||||
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | 10-year warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | 10-year warranty | 10-year warranty | 25-year warranty |
| Shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free white glove delivery | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 365 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 100 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 100 nights |
| Best For | Back Sleepers, Back Pain, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Couples | Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Seniors | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors | Couples, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Seniors | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors | Hot Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hip Pain, Seniors | Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Seniors | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Seniors |
How We Chose the Best Mattresses for Platform Bed Frames
We judge overall mattress performance based on a variety of factors, but we honed in on a few relevant categories when considering which mattresses pair best with a platform bed.
Namely, we examined the thickness of each mattress, its firmness level, its edge support, and the texture of its lower cover.
Mattresses with lofty profiles, a versatile medium-firm feel, strong edges, and lower covers that resisted slipping were put at the front of the pack.
What to Look For in a Platform Bed Mattress
A High Profile
Platform beds can sit low to the ground, and you won’t have a box spring to elevate your mattress further. Thicker, taller mattresses therefore tend to be easiest to get in and out of when placed on a platform foundation.
Soft to Medium Firmness Level
Due to the strength of its solid or slatted foundation, a platform bed may add just a smidge of firmness to your mattress. Unless you’re someone who wants a very firm sleep surface, I recommend sticking to a soft or medium-firm option.
Reliable Edge Support
With a platform bed frame, you won’t have a box spring to help shore up the sides of your mattress. Strong, sturdy edges should keep you feeling secure while you lie or sit at your bed’s perimeter.
Textured Bottom Cover
The last thing you want is for your mattress to slip and slide all over your platform bed frame. A textured, slip-resistant bottom cover will help prevent any movement once your mattress is placed on the slats or solid foundation.
The Top Platform Bed Mattresses, Reviewed
Nectar – Editor’s Pick
The Advisor Says: We believe that Nectar offers a quality bed backed up by generous policies, and for under $1,000 for a queen (after discounts). If you’re looking for a firmer foam mattress on a budget, the Nectar Classic has you covered.
Why the Nectar Earned Best Mattress for a Platform Bed Overall
The Nectar is a memory foam bed with a deceptively simple three-layer design. Even as its foam layers give it a firm and sturdy feel, it still has some cushioning so you can nestle in for a night of soothing pressure relief.
Its affordability has long been legendary in the online mattress world, and its policies are just as customer-friendly. Enjoy a year-long trial alongside a lifetime warranty! And it should work great on a platform base, so it’s no surprise we gave it top billing based on all you get.
Platform Bed Compatibility
The base layer in the Nectar is robust enough to make it fully compatible with a platform bed, no box spring required. In fact, Nectar sells its own lineup of platform bed frames made with wood slats or metal bars. The mattress also has a “shift-resistant” lower cover, so there shouldn’t be much movement on the foundation once it’s been placed.
Testing Studio Soundbite
“No motion [transfer]. Corey jumped onto the bed and had it not been for the sound, I wouldn’t have known he was even on it, let alone jumping.”
Sosha Lewis, Senior Staff Writer
What’s Inside the Nectar? (Click to Expand)
The Nectar is a foot tall and has three foam layers, plus a top and bottom cover.
At the surface, a 1-inch sheet of memory foam sits atop a 3-inch springy response layer. This second layer lends the bed a bit of pleasant bounce while simultaneously limiting motion transfer, so you can reposition easily without disturbing any sleeping partners.
Underneath, it’s backed by an 8-inch durable base layer.
Customer Reviews of The Nectar
With thousands of reviews on Nectar’s website, the Nectar mattress has an average 4.8 out of 5 stars. One common customer complaint about the Nectar mattress is its longer-than-average break-in period, while many customers praise its excellent value and comfort once fully settled.
Want to learn more? Check out our picks for the best mattresses of 2024.
DreamCloud – Best Mattress for Back Sleepers with a Platform Bed
The Advisor Says: The DreamCloud is a pleasantly supportive hybrid that really appealed to the stomach sleepers on our testing team (though it proved itself capable of aligning spines in every position). Its affordable price and couple-friendly features have made it a mainstay of the bed-in-a-box scene.
Why the DreamCloud Earned Best Mattress for Back Sleepers with a Platform Bed
Back sleepers require more support under their spines than side sleepers do, and the DreamCloud is an ideal fit.
I felt like this bed was medium-firm, about a 6.5 out of 10. When it comes to spine alignment, it definitely kept my back lifted and straight, with no worrisome sinkage.
Platform Bed Compatibility
This hybrid should look classy on any platform bed—including those with lower profiles. It has a lower cover that’s characterized as shift-resistant, so it should stay put on the foundation. DreamCloud itself sells an assortment of platform bed frames with slats.
Testing Studio Soundbite
“Honestly, for how well-rounded this bed is, I’m surprised it doesn’t cost more.”
Julia Forbes, Mattress Tester
What’s Inside the DreamCloud? (Click to Expand)
The DreamCloud has six internal layers as well as a top and bottom cover, and it’s 12 inches tall.
Its top cover is made with a cashmere blend that makes it notably soft. Its cloud-stitched pattern sits on two layers of quilted foam: a plush contouring foam, and a more supportive foam.
Underneath is a layer of gel memory foam that molds to the body and eases the strain on sensitive joints. It’s followed by a transitional layer of firmer, dynamic foam, and then by the bed’s coil unit.
The DreamCloud’s coils are individually wrapped so that they can compress independently of one another. They’re reinforced along the edges of the bed as well.
At the bottom of the mattress, a base layer of foam serves as a solid foundation for everything stacked above.
Customer Reviews of The DreamCloud
The DreamCloud Original scores a solid 4.7 out of 5 stars among customers on its site. While some customers appreciate the value and affordability of the DreamCloud Original mattress, others find it to be on the heavier side, which could make moving or rotating the mattress more challenging.
Want to know more? Visit our roundup of the best beds for back sleepers.
WinkBed – Best Hybrid Mattress for a Platform Bed
The Advisor Says: Our testers often compare the WinkBed to a luxury hotel mattress, which is no surprise given its handcrafted touches and elegant hybrid design. It’s also one of the most customizable beds out there, with a firmness level for every body type.
Helix Midnight – Best Affordable Mattress for a Platform Bed
The Advisor Says: The Midnight has one of the most impressive score spreads of all the mattresses we’ve reviewed. The best word to describe it is “balanced”: it’s got pressure relief, support, and cooling power in spades, plus a versatile medium-firm feel that tends to satisfy lots of sleepers.
Why the Helix Midnight Earned Best Affordable Mattress for a Platform Bed
The Helix Midnight is a hybrid bed with conveniently broad appeal. Side sleepers and back sleepers alike tend to feel cozy atop its arrangement of springs and proprietary foams.
It’s accessible from a budget perspective, too: when sales are running, you can often purchase a queen-size version of this bed for $1,000 or less.
Platform Bed Compatibility
The Midnight works swimmingly on top of a platform bed.
Per the brand, if you’re using a slatted platform bed, there should be no more than 5 inches of space between each slat. This setup ensures that both its coil unit and its foam layers have the necessary support (and that you don’t void your warranty).
Testing Studio Soundbite
“I enjoyed the contouring and support of my lower back. The foam layers made me feel cozy while the innersprings did their thing in supporting me.”
Sosha Lewis, Senior Staff Writer
What’s the Helix Midnight Made Of? (Click to Expand)
The Helix Midnight is 11.5 inches tall and has five internal layers.
Underneath its cover, there’s an initial comfort layer of Memory Plus Foam for pressure relief and contouring. It’s followed by two layers of Helix Responsive Foam, both of which have a medium feel and offer a relaxing ratio of cradling to support.
The Midnight’s spring unit includes pocketed coils that compress individually and have been reinforced on the long sides of the bed for edge support. They sit on top of a base layer of DuraDense foam.
Customer Reviews of The Helix Midnight
The Helix Midnight rates 4.5 stars out of 5 on Helix’s website. The main negative is that reviewers tend to find it too soft for their liking and feel as though they’re sinking. But overall, users say they’re getting a great nights’ sleep and some pain relief.
Looking for more details? Explore our picks for the best cheap mattresses.
Saatva Classic – Best Mattress for Restless Sleepers with a Platform Bed
The Advisor Says: The Saatva Classic is the gold standard for lower-back support, strong edges, and customizable luxury. It’s not the softest or most motion-isolating bed out there, but it’s a dependable, bouncy hybrid that consistently impresses our testers with its two coil units.
Why the Saatva Classic Earned Best Mattress for Restless Sleepers with a Platform Bed
The Saatva Classic combines dual innerspring units with the cushioning and comfort of advanced foams.
Its first layer—a Euro pillow top—feels plush and cozy on top of the two stacked coiled systems, which add bounce and targeted pushback to the equation.
The result is what I call a “Goldilocks-esque blend” of softness and support.
Platform Bed Compatibility
Although this mattress can work with a box spring, a platform bed is a more suitable choice, as it provides a more even, consistent foundation.
Saatva says that any slats in your platform bed should be spaced 4 inches apart at most.
Additionally, if you’re ordering a queen-size mattress or larger, make sure that your platform bed has a supporting leg in the center. I recommend ordering the 14.5-inch version of the Saatva Classic if you want some extra loft atop the platform frame. However, if you plan on buying an adjustable base, stick with the 11.5-inch model.
Testing Studio Soundbite
“The firmer stitching and lumbar support layer at the center of the bed are working wonders for keeping the spine straight and posture aligned while laying down.”
Julia Forbes, Mattress Tester
What’s the Saatva Classic Made Of? (Click to Expand)
Every Saatva Classic sports a 3-inch Euro pillow top that contains soft, welcoming foams. Its cover is made from organic cotton, and its specialized quilting gives it added strength beneath your lumbar spine.
Beneath the Euro top is a strip of memory foam that occupies the center third of the mattress — again, just under your lumbar region. It’s followed by a layer of pocketed coils that compress individually around the pressure points of your body.
These thinner coils lead into a second coil unit of interconnected, thicker springs. Also among the coils is the bed’s Lumbar Zone® Active Spinal Wire, which bolsters the same aforementioned middle area of the mattress to enhance back support.
Around the Saatva Classic’s edges, a thick perimeter of high-density foam ensures memorable edge support.
Customer Reviews of The Saatva Classic
The Saatva Classic rates 4.8 stars out of 5 on Saatva’s website. One negative aspect customers found with the Saatva Classic mattress is that it may feel too firm for some users, while a notable advantage is its high-quality materials, providing durability and support.
Looking to learn more? Investigate the best mattresses for couples.
Nolah Evolution – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with a Platform Bed
The Advisor Says: The Nolah Evolution is a team favorite with a highly competitive score spread—our testers gave it at least a 4 out of 5 in every single performance category. It’s definitely a luxury mattress, with the height (and price) to match.
Bear Original – Best Memory Foam Mattress for a Platform Bed
The Advisor Says: With a name that inspires hibernation, it’s no surprise we found the Bear Original to be an attractive all-foam mattress at its fair price. It’s got a firmer feel that’s sure to please folks looking for support—and a surprising amount of bounce.
Why the Bear Original Earned Best Memory Foam Mattress for a Platform Bed
The Bear Original is an all-foam bed with a few luxury features that distinguish it from its competition. While its firmer foam base keeps the body in a neutral posture, its graphite-gel memory foam should help ease muscle tension and maintain a cool sleep space.
For an additional fee, it also comes with a cover made with Celliant®, a performance textile that may help with tissue recovery after exercise or prolonged activity.
Platform Bed Compatibility
Bear recommends using a platform bed—or a foundation with evenly distributed support—to hold up this model. You may want to look at taller platform frames, as this mattress is a relatively slim 10 inches thick.
Testing Studio Soundbite
“It has pretty great lift and alignment. The foam contours to my back, which doesn’t happen often.”
Loren Bullock, Former Lead Product Tester
What’s Inside the Bear Original? (Click to Expand)
The Bear Original is 10 inches high, with three internal foam layers and and two cover options.
The standard cover is made with breathable, plant-derived TENCEL™ fibers. But for an added fee, you can get a cover that incorporates Celliant®, a textile that can reportedly assist the body’s recovery from exercise by reducing inflammation and increasing the transfer of oxygen to the blood.
Underneath is a layer of gel memory foam. This material conforms to the shape of your body while fighting off excess warmth and pressure buildup. It’s supported by a layer of dynamic foam with a slightly firmer feel, and a base of high-density foam that fortifies the bed’s structure.
Customer Reviews of The Bear Original
On Bear’s website, the Bear Original has more than 10,000 reviews and an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars. Customers appreciate the Bear Original mattress for its cooling features, yet some express concerns about a potential initial off-gassing odor.
Looking for more details? Peruse our recommendations for the best memory foam mattresses.
Titan Plus – Best Mattress for Heavy People with a Platform Bed
The Advisor Says: Brooklyn Bedding created the Titan Plus to cater to heavier shoppers looking for a bed that truly met their needs, and we believe they’ve delivered. Consider buying the Titan Plus if you’re looking for a comfortably supportive mattress with added benefits like cooling and bounce.
Why the Titan Plus Earned Best Mattress for Heavy People with a Platform Bed
For plus-sized sleepers, a Titan Plus mattress and a platform bed should make for a long-lasting partnership. The Titan Plus can comfortably support up to 1,000 pounds and is built to resist the problems that heavier folks often encounter with long-term mattress use, namely sagging and a lack of sturdy support.
Our plus-sized tester Patrick was especially fond of how this bed evenly distributed his weight over its surface, ensuring that no part of him dipped too far into the layers.
Platform Bed Compatibility
The Titan Plus should be paired with a platform foundation that has a flat, solid base, or slats with no more than 4 inches of space between them.
Testing Studio Soundbite
“Surprisingly great motion isolation. You barely feel anything from the partner tossing and turning. There is some motion transferring, but nothing significant.”
Julia Forbes, Mattress Tester
What’s the Titan Plus Made Of? (Click to Expand)
The Titan Plus is a hybrid bed with 4 distinct layers and 11.25 inches of height.
At the top, there’s a soft cover that can be swapped for a GlacioTex™ Cooling Cover if you pay an additional fee. The GlacioTex™ cover strives to cool the skin at first touch and encourages an average skin temperature of 88 degrees, which is said to be conducive to restful sleep.
Next, a 1-inch layer of quilted gel memory foam molds to the shape of your body. It’s followed by 2 inches of the brand’s proprietary TitanFlex™ foam, a material designed to relieve pressure around the areas exerting the most force on the mattress.
The mattress’s coils are individually wrapped to prevent motion transfer, and strong enough to provide what the brand calls “industrial support.” They sit on a 1-inch foundation of high-density foam.
Customer Reviews of The Titan Plus
Users on Titan by Brooklyn Bedding’s site have given the Titan Plus a 4.7 out of 5 stars. Customers find the Titan Plus mattress to offer exceptional durability and support, but some mention that it might be too firm for those who prefer a softer feel.
Want to learn more? See our full list of the best mattresses for heavy people.
Plank Firm – Best Firm Mattress for a Platform Bed
The Advisor Says: We’re constantly calling this mattress one of the firmest in the online market, and if you don’t believe us, try it for yourself! It offers both a classic firm and extra-firm feel in its flippable design, alongside posture-aligning support. Bonus points for good marks in performance for cooling, bounce, and couples.
Birch Natural – Best Organic Mattress for a Platform Bed
The Advisor Says: Dare we say the Birch Natural is the bed that comes to mind when we think latex? As the name implies, this bed combines natural components with quality construction, yielding a supportive, luxurious, and eco-friendly mattress.
What Is a Platform Bed?
A platform bed is a bed frame that does not need any extra support from a box spring to hold a mattress.
Most platform bases are made with horizontal wooden or metal slats that are a few inches apart. These slats can even encourage airflow between them, allowing for a cooler feel on the bed.
If a platform bed doesn’t have slats, it typically has a solid sheet of wood or other material—a literal platform—as a foundation upon which the mattress can rest.
In this guide, I’ll use the terms “platform bed,” “platform foundation,” and “platform bed frame” interchangeably.
Explore More: Best Bed Frames
Platform Bed Sizing
- Twin Platform Bed – A popular choice for kids, a twin is a perfect size for single folks who want to conserve space.
- Twin XL Platform Bed – Twin XL beds are often seen in college dorms because they’re slightly longer than the twin—great for taller individuals or those who sleep with pets.
- Full Platform Bed – Fulls are nice for singles who want a little more wiggle room or move around a lot in their sleep; or for couples who don’t mind spooning.
- Queen Platform Bed – The most common size, queen beds are a great option for couples and can still comfortably fit in most bedrooms.
- King Platform Bed – Kings offer the most room from side to side, ideal for those who share the bed with kids, pets, and partners.
- California-King Platform Bed – Slightly less wide than a king but longer, a California King is the perfect choice for especially tall sleepers.
Get more information on mattress sizing here.
How to Pick the Best Platform Bed Mattress for You: Key Considerations
Platform beds can mix a stylish minimalist look with durable construction, and they’re designed so that you don’t have the added expense of a box spring.
To help you decide on the mattress that you want to use on your platform bed, you will want to consider the type of mattress you’d be getting, along with other important factors that help determine how a mattress will perform on this kind of foundation.
What’s the Best Mattress Height for a Platform Bed?
I recommend mattresses that are at least 10 inches thick for a platform bed. That being said, the right mattress height for you will depend on how low to the ground you want your bed to be.
A platform bed will elevate your mattress less than a traditional frame and box spring setup. That’s why I prefer a mattress that isn’t too thin—if it’s very close to the floor, you can feel like you have to bend or crouch quite a bit to get into it.
However, a mattress that’s too tall may be difficult to climb into, and might also overwhelm the look of a platform bed frame.
When adding up the height of your mattress and platform bed, aim for a total height that will allow you to get in and out of bed comfortably, as well as sit on the edge. The height of a chair seat is usually around 20 inches, so that can be a rough target to shoot for.
Mattress Type
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses are usually the most familiar mattress type. Made with a coiled system, these have that signature bounce that many people enjoy. Springs do wear out over time, so make sure that the individual mattress you choose is designed to work on a platform frame, otherwise, it may break down faster.
A warranty may be void if a box spring was recommended as the proper foundation. However, many mattresses these days are made with platform frames in mind.
Hybrid
Hybrid models are exactly what they sound like — a hybrid between two or more materials combined to provide a comfortable night’s sleep with the use of multiple technologies. Most often, a supportive spring system is integrated with a softer memory foam or latex.
Hybrid mattresses perform well on platform beds because of the combination of materials; the foam or latex layers support the coil layer and help evenly distribute pressure.
Read More: Top Hybrid Mattresses
Memory Foam
This foam is an exceptionally versatile option as it can be placed on pretty much any surface. If you have ever pressed your hand onto the surface of a mattress and could see its impression, you have seen the wonders of memory foam.
It will perform best on a slatted frame to allow for breathability, but make sure the slats are not too far apart — 3 to 4 inches tend to be best — or the foam may start to sink into the cracks.
For More Info: Top Rated Memory Foam Mattresses
Latex
Latex is an all-natural material made from the sap of a rubber tree, making it great for allergies or asthma (unless you have a latex allergy, of course). It is non-toxic and is a safe material for those who do not want a mattress made from synthetics. That said, there are some latex foams made synthetically, so we recommend double-checking that the latex bed you’re interested in features natural or organic latex, specifically.
Latex is generally more heavy, so a more sturdy frame will be needed in order to support the weight. Slats work just fine with latex beds, but the same suggestion as memory foam applies in terms of distance.
Read Our Full Guide: Best Latex Mattresses
Sleeping Position
The position you sleep in can be a big factor when deciding on the type of mattress you want to use on your platform bed because different sleeping positions have different needs when it comes to comfort, support, and pressure relief.
If you’re a back sleeper, look for a mattress that provides spinal alignment and pressure relief, which can often be found in a medium-firm mattress. Memory foam, latex, and hybrid beds can be a great beds for back sleepers because they provide that combination of support and pressure relief.
Side sleepers may want a bed that is slightly softer than back sleepers to alleviate the pressure that builds up around their hips and shoulders. However, they will not want the bed to be so soft that it will allow their hips and shoulders to sag.
Stomach sleepers need to keep their hips elevated throughout the night. If they sleep on a bed that allows their hips to sag, this could lead to lower back issues as this can put a strain on their spines. As such, firmer, more supportive beds are usually best for this group.
For people who switch positions throughout the night, a bed that is responsive to their movements will help provide quality sleep. Mattresses made with latex and coils are more springy and quick-responding to help foster easier repositioning.
Weight/Body Type of Sleepers
Your body weight matters when mattress shopping because it can impact how a bed feels and performs.
Lightweight sleepers should look for mattresses that are softer and offer plush comfort to ensure they can sink in enough to receive pressure relief. Conversely, heavyweight sleepers will typically be better served by firmer mattresses that are highly supportive, such as hybrids, which have the advantage of both foam layers and an innerspring unit. Average-weight sleepers are often a good match for medium-firm mattresses.
Firmness
Firmness refers to how soft or hard a mattress feels, and it’s a subjective category since people of varying weights can experience a mattress differently. For example, a heavyweight person may experience a bed as softer than a very petite person would on the same mattress.
We generally recommend medium to medium-firm mattresses for the average sleeper, but depending on your body weight and sleep position, you may prefer something softer or firmer than this.
Need more details? Visit our complete mattress firmness guide.
Cooling
If you sleep particularly warm, a cooling mattress is probably high on your list of priorities. Memory foam is usually the warmest material, while innerspring, latex, and hybrid models tend to promote better breathability. However, there are many memory foam mattresses available that combat heat buildup by using technology like gel, low-density foam top layers, moisture-wicking fabrics, and air pockets.
The good news for those interested in a slatted platform bed is that these frames allow more air to flow through for additional cooling.
Motion Isolation
Beds that can isolate the movements of one partner so that they don’t disturb the other can help provide quality sleep for couples and co-sleepers. Memory foam mattresses tend to do a good job at motion isolation, and they are also a top-notch choice for platforms. That being said, many hybrids also perform well at this, especially if they include memory foam and individually wrapped coils, both of which can curb motion transfer.
Sex
The right type of mattress can certainly enhance sex, and mattresses that work best for sex are typically those that are bouncy and quick to respond to movement so that they don’t leave people feeling stuck.
Latex, latex hybrid, and innerspring mattresses can snap back to their original position for easier repositioning. However, latex and hybrid mattresses tend to be heavier than other beds, which means that you will want to ensure you have a platform base that can handle more weight.
The only downside to bouncier beds is that they’re not always great for motion isolation. Often, memory foam hybrids can give you that balance of some bounce from the coils while the foam layers help keep movement more isolated.
Pressure Relief
Finding a bed that provides pressure relief is a great way to prevent aches and pains in the morning. Memory foam and latex mattresses can provide excellent pressure relief, and these beds tend to work well for platform beds, particularly those with strong, slatted bottoms.
We recommend steering clear of innerspring beds, though, if you need extra pressure relief. This is because innerspring beds often lack the thicker, cushiony foam layers that help mitigate pressure buildup.
Find beds for pressure relief specifically here.
Edge Support
Proper edge support can make it easier to get in and out of your platform bed. Further, edge support allows you to utilize the entire bed, which is good for couples and those who like to sleep on the edge.
Traditional innerspring mattresses tend to have excellent edge support, but they are not always the most conducive to platform beds. Fortunately, many memory foam beds have denser foam along the perimeter for edge support, and they also tend to work well with platform beds.
Additionally, many hybrid models come with reinforced coils for stronger edges, but just make sure the hybrid you’re interested in is compatible with a platform base before buying.
Budget
Budget is always a crucial factor when purchasing a mattress. Along with price, you should also consider the quality of the bed since extremely low-budget beds may not be as durable and comfortable.
Memory foam and innerspring beds are often cheaper, though there are some higher-end memory foam brands that will cost more, particularly if they have special additions like cooling features or proprietary materials. While innerspring mattresses are affordable, they aren’t always the best match for platform bases.
Latex mattresses are considerably more expensive in general because they are made from a sustainable product, but the upside is that latex is generally longer-lasting. Hybrid mattresses also generally cost more because they have more materials and an advanced design.
Buying online can help cut overhead costs, though, and shopping during major holiday sales can save you even more money on high-quality mattresses. Shop our picks for the best budget mattresses here.
Best Mattress for Platform Beds FAQs
Can you use any mattress for a platform bed?
Yes, in general, any mattress can be used on a platform bed. The type and the weight of the mattress will help you determine what kind of platform is best suited. What many people like about platform beds is that you don’t need a box spring with them. However, not using a boxspring with some innerspring mattresses will void the warranty.
What type of mattress is best for platform beds?
Considering that all mattress types can work on platform beds, the kind you choose will be largely dependent on your personal preference. While most mattresses will work on a platform bed, we still recommend that you check what the manufacturer recommends for the foundation for optimal performance and to ensure you don’t void the warranty.
What’s the difference between a platform bed and a box spring?
A platform bed acts as both a foundation and a bed frame for your mattress, whereas a box spring is a separate foundation that goes between your mattress and a bed frame.
Platform beds tend to feature supportive slats that hold up the mattress. A box spring, on the other hand, is a wood or metal platform covered in fabric. It might be hollow inside or outfitted with springs.
A box spring is only necessary if your bed frame doesn’t offer enough of a foundation on its own, but some people still prefer to use them for the additional height they lend to a bed.
Wondering which setup is best for you? Learn more about box springs vs. slats.
Can I use a box spring with a platform bed?
Although it is not necessary for support, you can definitely use a box spring with a platform base to add some extra height, if desired.
Get more info: Do You Need a Box Spring?
Compare the Scores of the Best Mattresses for Platform Beds
| Mattress | Price (Queen Size) | Pressure Relief | Support | Motion Isolation | Cooling | Bounce | Edge Support | Couples |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nectar | $1,099 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3.5 | 4 | 4 |
| DreamCloud | $1,332 | 4 | 5 | 4.25 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| WinkBed | $1,799 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4.5 | 4 |
| Helix Midnight | $1,199 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 3.5 | 2 | 3 |
| Saatva Classic | $1,995 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| Nolah Evolution | $2,498 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Bear Original | $999 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3.5 |
| Titan Plus | $1,249 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Plank Firm | $1,249 | 3.5 | 5 | 3.5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| Birch Natural | $1,799 | 4 | 5 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Average Score | $1,722 | 4.2 | 4.9 | 3.8 | 3.9 | 4.1 | 4 | 4 |
Prices of the Best Mattresses for a Platform Bed
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Queen Size) | Review |
| Nectar | Editor’s Pick | $1,099 | Nectar Mattress Review |
| DreamCloud | Back Sleepers | $1,332 | DreamCloud Mattress Review |
| WinkBed | Hybrid | $1,799 | WinkBed Mattress Review |
| Helix Midnight | Affordable | $1,199 | Helix Midnight Mattress Review |
| Saatva Classic | Restless Sleepers | $1,995 | Saatva Classic Mattress Review |
| Nolah Evolution | Side Sleepers | $2,498 | Nolah Evolution Mattress Review |
| Bear Original | Memory Foam | $999 | Bear Original Mattress Review |
| Titan Plus | Heavy People | $1,249 | Titan Plus Mattress Review |
| Plank Firm | Firm | $1,249 | Plank Firm Mattress Review |
| Birch Natural | Organic | $1,799 | Birch Natural Mattress Review |
Julia Forbes
Mattress Tester
About Author
Julia specializes in testing out mattresses and sleep accessories – she’s in the right line of work, because she loves to sleep.
Stomach Sleeper
Education & Credentials
- Certified Sleep Science Coach