After you’ve decided on which is the best mattress for you, you’ll need to figure out what bed frame to put it on!
All of the mattresses in Canada have specific requirements as to what type of bed frame and the amount of support you need for your new mattress.
Take note of the specific requirements for your mattress so that you don’t void your mattress warranty!
Types of Bed Frames
There are different types of bed frames, and each mattress company stipulates bed frame requirements for their mattresses.
The main differences between these types of bed frames is in their construction and function. Each type of bed frame caters to different preferences in terms of design, support, and mattress compatibility.
A platform bed is a type of bed frame that features a raised, flat, solid surface to support the mattress, eliminating the need for a box spring.
It typically has a sleek and modern design, and the mattress sits directly on the platform, providing a low-profile look.
A slatted bed frame consists of a series of wooden or metal slats that are horizontally positioned across the bed frame to support the mattress.
These slats provide ventilation for the mattress and help distribute weight evenly, promoting better air circulation and preventing the mattress from sagging.
Slats are of varying width and the spacing between them is also different on each bed frame, so be careful when purchasing a bed frame to make sure the slats are the correct distance to support your mattress.
A box spring, also known as a foundation, is a supportive base for the mattress that is typically constructed from a wooden frame and metal springs or coils.
It is designed to absorb shock and reduce wear on the mattress, while also providing additional height to the bed.
Box springs are commonly used with traditional innerspring mattresses to enhance their support and comfort, and they will void the warranty on your memory foam mattress.
Bed Frame Requirements by Mattress Company
Since some companies have different requirements for their mattress in a box warranties, we split it up by company. Here they are in alphabetical order.
Avocado Mattress Bed Frame Requirements
Firmer, non-yielding surfaces are best suited for your Avocado mattress. For slatted bed frames, they recommend each slat is 3 inches apart (although their help site mentions a maximum of 5 inches between slats), and each slat is wide and strong enough to create a platform for the mattress that doesn’t flex. A flexing bed frame will make the mattress feel like it sags in the middle.
For queen size bed frames and larger, Avocado recommends a center support beam .
The mattresses work well with solid platforms, but they don’t recommend using a boxspring with their hybrid mattresses as they already have springs inside and the result would be a bed in a box that is too bouncy.
While your mattress can be put directly on the floor, they caution you against doing that for an extended period of time. In rare instances mold growth could occur because a solid surface doesn’t allow the mattress to breathe.
Bloom by SleepCountry Mattress Bed Frame Requirements
SleepCountry doesn’t provide much information about what sort of bed frame is required or suggested for their Bloom mattress in a box. The only info we could find was a tagline on the Bloom mattress page promoting the Bloom box bed base that says “In order for your Bloom to properly support you, it’s important that you have a good platform base.”
Cacoon by Sealy Mattress Bed Frame Requirements
In their warranty terms, Cacoon says the mattress must be continuously supported by a proper bed frame sufficient to support the collective weight of the mattress and foundation. A proper bed frame must provide sturdy support for both the mattress and foundation. For slatted bed frames, it must offer ample structural support for the mattress and foundation.
Best bed frame for Casper mattress
Casper has some information in their FAQ section about bed frames for their mattress in a box. Casper says that a foundation ensures that mattresses “sleep like they should.” They also note that older box springs or foundations don’t provide a solid surface and that can cause the mattresses to be affected from breaks in the support.
Casper also mentions that with a foam mattress (the type Casper makes) you want as much firm support directly applied to the mattress as possible. A simple metal frame with thin beams will not work, but a frame with thick wooden slats less than 4 inches apart will work. They recommend placing a piece of plywood on top of metal slats if you want to use a metal frame.
Casper mattresses may be also used on adjustable bed frames as long as they were designed to be used with foam mattresses.
Casper also recommends rotating the mattress every 3 to 5 months to even the wear and tear on the surface. But don’t flip the mattress, as the materials are layered and need to be facing the right side up.
Shop CasperCherry Mattress Bed Frame Requirements
The Cherry Canadian budget mattress works with all sorts of bed frames. Platform beds with a solid, flat surface work well as long as the wood is untreated. Or you can use a solid box foundation, just not one with coiled spring or wire grid boxspring because they flex.
If you’re planning on using a slatted bed frame with your Cherry mattress, ensure the slats are 2 inches wide or wider, and that they are spaced no more than 3 inches apart. Queen and King size beds require a center support beam.
Adjustable beds are also okay, although Cherry does mention ‘non-medical adjustable beds’ but gives no indication why that is.
Shop CherryBest bed frame for Douglas mattress
Douglas specifies that the mattress must not be used on floors where moisture buildup can occur such as concrete or below-grade floors which could result in mold growth on the bottom of the mattress. They also note that the mattress in a box should be unpacked within 2 weeks and placed on a foundation or frame that allows air to circulate beneath it.
Douglas mattress company also mentions that larger bed frames need additional supports: queen, king, and California king size bed frames should have an additional 1 or 2 support legs in the center (in addition to the typical 4 legs on the corners).
In addition, in order to provide enough support to the foam mattress, the bed frame or bed base used with a Douglas mattress needs to be solid, with non-flexing construction (not compatibly with coiled or wire boxsprings).
If using a slatted base with the Douglas mattress, the slats need to be at least 2 inches wide with gaps no more than 3 inches apart. If your current bed base doesn’t have enough support, Douglas says you can place a sheet of untreated pegboard or plywood between the mattress and the base to increase the surface area of the base.
Customers using their product on an unapproved base or bed system will void the warranty.
Shop DouglasEmma Mattress Bed Frame Requirements
On their website, Emma says that the mattresses will fit in the majority of appropriate bed frames. So then we wonder, what’s an appropriate bed frame?
In the warranty terms for the Emma foam mattress, we only found line relating to the bed frame requirements. It says that in order for the mattress to be covered by warranty, the mattress must be laid upon a flat, supportive surface during use.
Shop EmmaBest bed frame for Endy mattress
An Endy mattress will work with most bed frames (including adjustable beds), but Endy recommends using a box spring or placing on a slatted base like the one that Endy sells. Endy says that both of these options provide adequate support of the foam mattress while alllowing it to still breathe to prevent moisture buildup.
If you want a firmer feel, then a boxspring is recommended, while a slatted bed frame will provide a little bit more flex and give adding to a slightly plusher sleep experience.
When opting for a slatted support system, Endy notes the slates need to be placed no more than 3 inches apart, and note that although they are durable enough for a 15 year limited warranty, the mattress in a box can become damaged if used on a base or foundation with gaps or spaces wider than 3 inches.
Endy also warns against placing the mattress directly on the floor. Using a proper foundation or bed frame will help prevent damage that can be caused by moisture accumulating underneath the mattress.
Shop EndyEssentia Mattress Bed Frame Requirements
Essentia says you should be using your mattress on a flat, rigid, breathable surface, and they note that the mattress should not be used on the floor.
The Essentia mattress works perfectly on their foundation, and it can also be used on a slatted bed base. They do require the slats are completely flat and firm (with no bowing upwards) so that means an Ikea slatted bed frame won’t work. Also, the slats should be no more than 3 inches of space between each slat.
A boxspring may be used as long as the inside does not actually contain springs and is a firm surface.
Best bed frame for GhostBed mattress
On the warranty page, Ghostbed specifies that the warranty covers any visible and lasting indentation greater than one inch not associated from a sag in the foundation, box springs or platform (mattress support).
Further down on the same page, GhostBed mentions their mattresses are “designed for use on a firm, solid-surface, or adjustable bed base (mattress supports).”
I chatted with support and received this information. “any bed frame can be used.” and so I asked about requirements for a slatted bed frame: “The length between slats varies. Measurements can be 4.5″, 6.5″ , or even shorter towards the middle“
Shop GhostBedHamuq Mattress Bed Frame Requirements
The Hamuq can be used on any regular boxspring, slatted bed frame, platform bed or adjustable bed. In order to ensure your mattress lasts as long as the warranty, Hamuq says to use a boxspring, a solid surface, or a slatted bed frame with slats no wider than 4 inches apart.
In the warranty, Hamuq gives the same blurb as many other mattress-in-a-box Canada companies: “…requires that a Mattress continuously supported by a matching foundation or adjustable bed base with a proper bed frame sufficient to support the collective weight of the Mattress and foundation.”
Best bed frame for Haven mattress
The Haven mattress is designed to work with new box springs, slatted frames, or with it sitting on the floor. Any firm, flat surface will do. They are also compatible with adjustable bed frames, just be sure to put the mattress in the flat position when not in use.
Haven also mentions that the mattress is not meant to sit on a bare metal bed frame without proper support as it will cause damage to the mattress.
Digging into their warranty conditions, Haven says that the warranty will not apply if the mattress has inadequate support from a weak or unsuitable frame or foundation.
Hush Mattress Bed Frame Requirements
The Hush mattresses are both designed to be used with any foundation. Their website mentions 4 based that work great: platform, slatted, box foundation, and adjustable. No other details are given, even in the typical place – the warranty terms – nothing is mentioned about required mattress support.
Best bed frame for Juno mattress
The Juno mattress in a box needs to be properly supported with a solid base or foundation. A base that flexes will make the Juno foam mattress feel softer than it should and can cause sagging.
A wooden foundation made specifically for memory foam or latex mattresses will work, as will a platform bed with a solid, flat, and untreated wood surface. Non-medical adjustable beds are allowed as well.
If you’re planning on a slatted bed frame, make sure slats are 2 inches or wider, and less than 3 inches apart. Larger beds need a centre beam for support.
Juno also mentions that while not ideal, you can place your foam mattress directly on the floor if there is no risk of moisture buildup (do not place your mattress on a concrete floor).
If your current bed base doesn’t have enough support, you can place a piece of untreated pegboard or plywood between the mattress and base to increase the surface area of the bed base.
Shop JunoNature’s Embrace Mattress Bed Frame Requirements
Information on the bed frame is provided in a PDF file that is linked from Nature’s Embrace latex mattress info pages.
The platform bed frame and/or mattress foundation must not have spaces between the slats of more than 3 inches, the slats must be at least 2 inches wide, and the slats must be supported by a full-length mid-rail with at least one mid-rail support that reached the floor.
2 other additional notes are provided. (1) The surface must be rigid and cannot contain foam and/or springs (which we assume means a spring box spring doesn’t count). (2) The slat spacing must not exceed the slat width by more than 1/2″ (which means that a 2″ slat can’t have 3″ spacing, but a 6″ slat can only have the maximum 3″ spacing).
If you place the natural latex mattress in a box on a solid platform or on the floor, Nature’s Embrace mentions there is an increased risk of excessive moisture damaging the mattress, and moisture related issues are not covered under warranty.
Best bed frame for Naturepedic mattress
If you’re placing your mattress on slats, make sure the spacing between slats is no more than 3 inches apart. Naturepedic also notes that the mattresses are intended for use with a foundation. Keeping your mattress in a box directly on the floor could lead to hygienic issues and void your mattress warranty.
Digging further into their warranty details, they say that the mattress should be continuously supported by a foundation or adjustable bed base with a proper bed frame sufficient to support the collective weight of the user, mattress, and foundation. Sufficient support is deemed to be a solid platform, a “bunkie board,” or a slatted base, with unyielding slats thick enough to support you and the mattress. However, the slats or supports must be no more than 3 inches apart. If they are more spread out than that it will not provide enough support and will void your warranty.
Noa Mattress Bed Frame Requirements
Noa Home mattresses are extremely versatile and may be used on a slatted or platform bed frame, on the floor or with a box spring. Noa doesn’t specify anything specific, and they note that “There is no preferred setup beyond your own personal preferences.”
Digging into their warranty terms, we find a note specifying that the mattress must be continuously supported by a proper bed frame to support the collective weight of the mattress and its user(s). The warranty does not cover damage due to use with an inappropriate foundation.
Best bed frame for Polysleep mattress
Polysleep suggests their Ultimate Foundation underneath their mattresses, as it allows maximum airflow, keeping you cooler and improving your sleep. They also say that all Polysleep mattresses are designed to work with standard support frames.
When you dig deeper into their blog, you can find information articles about using the mattress on the floor, and comparing bed foundations to box springs, but none of those have specifics about whether or not they can be used with the Polysleep mattress. Those articles also specify to check the warranty to make sure you don’t void the mattress warranty by using the improper bed foundation.
In the Polysleep mattress in a box warranty terms, they specify that “normal wear requires that a Polysleep mattress be continuously supported by a foundation or adjustable bed base with a proper bed frame sufficient to support the collective weight of the Polysleep mattress and its user(s).”
Shop PolysleepPurple Mattress Bed Frame Requirements
In the FAQs section, the company says that the Purple Bed will work great on any flat, sturdy foundation. If it’s a platform, slats, box foundation, adjustable bed, or even the floor, the Purple mattress will do well with it. They do specify that a slatted frame should be 3″ or less apart for best support.
Purple also states that you should avoid springs in your foundation as that will help prevent a sagging mattress.
In the warranty, they give more details specifying that the mattress in a box needs to be used on a firm, flat, non-spring foundation sufficiently strong to remain flat or firm under the weight of the mattress and its users, from the date of delivery onward to the date of the warranty claim without interruption. Other placement (whether short or long term) of the mattress, including but not limited to a storage facility in any orientation, or use of a non-sufficient frame voids the warranty.
Silk & Snow Bed Frame Requirements
All of the Silk and Snow mattresses in a box – the S&S Mattress, S&S Hybrid, S&S Organic – need to be placed on a firm, stable surface to ensure the mattress will perform as designed.
They recommend a rigid base like a traditional bed frame with a foundation, a platform bed, or a slatted bed. For slatted beds, make sure the slats are not bowed and are equally spaced – each slat must be at least 2 inches wide and not farther than 3 inches apart.
For queen size and larger mattresses a center support beam is needed on platform and slatted beds.
Shop Silk & SnowSimba Sleep Bed Frame Requirements
Simba has designed their mattresses to work on any supportive and dedicated mattress platforms. They say the mattress in a box is best on a sprung or rigid slatted bed frame or divan/box-spring.
For slatted beds, the slats must be no greater than 3 inches apart.
Shop Simba SleepBest bed frame for Slmbr mattress
Slmbr recommends using a platform bed for their mattress-in-a-box to maximize its life. If you have a slat bed it’s recommended to get a piece of plywood to put under the mattress.
They do not recommend placing the mattress on the floor as it will expose the bed in a box to moisture, dirt, and undue wear and tear.
Tuft & Needle Bed Frame Requirements
Tuft and Needle says that their mattress has been designed to be compatible with most frames and foundations including: traditional frames, box springs, platform frames, slatted frames, bunky boards, and adjustable frames.
In their FAQs, Tuft & Needle mentions that their mattresses work with individual slats as long as they are spaced less than 5 inches apart.
They have no issues with you using the foam mattress on the floor, but they do recommend propping the mattress up against a wall to refresh the airflow once or twice a week to help keep the mattress dry and clean. They mention that even a solid surface like plywood or a cotton rug can increase the chance of mildew and mold which isn’t covered by their warranty.