Why Do You Need a Bed Frame?

Key Takeaways: 

• Bed frames provide better support, often making the mattress feel better than if you were on the floor.
• A bed frame helps protect the mattress from dust mites, mold, and bacteria by increasing breathability.
• A bed frame can help those with joint pain in arthritis who may struggle to get in and out of a bed by raising the mattress to hip level.
• Bed frames are a great accent piece that improves the aesthetic of the room.
• A bed frame can create new storage space under the bed, and some frames even come with drawers for cleaner-looking storage space.

What is a Bed Frame?

A bed frame is underlying support that holds a mattress and box spring, often including the headboard, footboard, side rails, and legs. Bed frames come in various heights, materials, and designs, and are designed to make your mattress more comfortable.

So, Why Do You Need a Bed Frame? The Purpose of Bed Frames and Benefits of Using One 

There’s no such rule that a bed frame is an absolute necessity. And no one is going to prevent sleepers from putting their mattress straight on the floor.

That being said, using a bed frame can offer numerous perks, including:

• Support. The main purpose of bed frames is to provide decent, even support for the mattress. A good bed frame can help the mattress remain stable and redistribute the sleeper’s weight evenly. And yes, some readers may think: “Why use a bed frame when the floor can support the mattress too?” The thing is, different bed frame types can offer different levels of support. Some might even change the feel of one’s mattress (for example, sprung slats, which this guide will explain below). Therefore, a bed frame is much more versatile than the floor in terms of support. Also, there are specific bed frames for different mattress types to provide even better support. For example, there are bed frames designed for memory foam mattresses. 
• Breathability. Another reason why sleepers need bed frames is linked to health concerns. A bed frame serves to raise the mattress above the floor. This leads to improved air circulation below and around the mattress. And improved breathability can protect sleepers from mold, bacteria, and dust mites appearing in the mattress. Naturally, this means a safer sleep environment and a reduced risk of allergies.
• Improved mobility. Keeping a mattress on the floor can’t work for everyone because getting out of bed would be more challenging. When the mattress is placed so low, people with mobility issues can’t really use it. Therefore, a bed frame is necessary for sleepers with back pain, arthritis, tender joints, chronic pain, and others who might experience limited mobility.
• Aesthetics. When thinking: “Why use a bed frame?”, readers might try to imagine how their mattresses would look on the floor. In most cases, the sleeping area will look bare, to say the least. And while some people love such plain minimalism, most sleepers appreciate the aesthetics of bed frames. This furniture piece can make all the difference and change the vibe of the room completely. Plus, there are so many beautiful options to choose from!
• Storage space. By lifting the mattress above the ground, bed frames do a bit more than just promote air circulation. They also offer extra storage space. Keeping boxes or containers under the bed is an excellent solution for smaller bedrooms. Additionally, numerous bed frame models feature built-in drawers and storage compartments. Thus, one bed frame can serve multiple purposes.
  

Also Read: 3 Best bed frames for back pain

What Happens If You Don’t Use a Bed Frame?

So, is a bed frame necessary? Yes, if sleepers want to avoid several unpleasant consequences.

First of all, as mentioned before, mattresses placed on the floor are hard to get out of. Moreover, such proximity to the ground can also cause sleepers to feel cold during the night.

Additionally, moisture may start building up inside when the mattress is not elevated (since there's no air circulation underneath it), inviting dust mites and mold. Naturally, this can lead to allergic reactions and, thus, a lower sleep quality.

Readers should also remember that being so close to the ground means being exposed to dust more. Again, allergies are very common in this case.

Now, placing one’s mattress on the floor can result in a firmer feel (compared to sprung slats, for example). Extra-firm support does not work for all sleepers and can result in sharp pressure points and pain (especially if the mattress is quite firm on its own). In this case, it might be a good idea to use a slatted bed frame that can deliver bouncy support and, thus, might make the mattress feel a bit softer.

How to Choose a Suitable Bed Frame: Types and Their Peculiarities

Now when readers know how important bed frames are, they might also wonder how to find their perfect match.

Well, it’s always better to learn more about different bed frames and which ones could meet sleepers’ requirements. So, here are the main types shoppers can come across: 

• Solid foundations. Also known as platform beds, they use wooden panels to deliver stable, uniform support. The panel is typically uniform. However, some models have small holes or narrow spaces between the wooden beams to improve air circulation. Solid foundations offer firm support with no bounce. They can be used to make a softer mattress feel sturdier. Many of them also belong to the list of the best sturdy bed frames for sex.
• Slatted foundations. As the name suggests, these bed frames use slats for support. There are two types of slats: solid and sprung. Solid slats are typically made of metal. They offer sturdy support without any bounce, similar to platform beds. Sprung slats, however, are arched and offer adaptive support. In other words, they move when the pressure is applied and usually have a bouncy feel. Thanks to that, sprung slats can make a firmer mattress feel a bit softer. Additionally, a slow-moving mattress can feel more responsive when placed on sprung slats (a great option for memory foam, which often feels restricting). Both solid and sprung slats ensure proper air circulation and can help hot sleepers maintain a neutral temperature during the night. Solid slats also make great bed frames for overweight people.
• Adjustable bed frames. Adjustable foundations offer various comfort setups while delivering the needed support for the mattress. For example, sleepers can elevate their legs, sleep in a reclined position, or even test the zero-gravity mode. Adjustable frames simply create a more comfortable sleep environment. They are especially helpful when it comes to chronic pain and post-surgery recovery. However, more comfort options make these bed frames more expensive.