Your guide to choosing the best bed base for your mattress

Why your bed base is the foundation to a good night’s sleep

Why are bed bases important? Well, it’s universally accepted that the key to a good night’s sleep is a supportive and comfy mattress. But what many of us don’t realise is that the bed base your mattress sits on is essential in creating and maintaining structure.

The bed base is the foundation of your bed ensemble, and finding the right one can be the difference between an okay night’s sleep and a great night’s sleep. Yet there’s still debate over whether a bed base is even necessary at all!

In this guide, we walk you through the benefits of having a bed base and how you can find the right one for you.

At Sleep Republic, we know that having the right best base for your mattress changes the way you sleep for the better. That’s why we’ve created The Pro Base — a base that’s easy to assemble, easy on the eyes and provides the best support.

Why are bed frames important?

At a basic level, a bed frame’s purpose is to hold your mattress in place and give you support in your sleep. But the correct bed base can provide so much more.

1. Having extra support

Your bed frame needs to support both your weight and the weight of your mattress. With a sturdy bed base, this weight is evenly distributed throughout the bed, helping to avoid sagging and lumps.

2. Keeping your bed hygienic

By having a bed base, you’re giving your mattress an extra layer of protection against things like bed bugs, silverfish and dust mites.

3. Creating a comfortable bed height

Although some people swear by the magic of having a mattress on the ground, this can be difficult for people with mobility issues. If you have any joint or back problems, having your bed elevated to the correct level is essential.

4. Increasing airflow

A bed base elevates a mattress allowing more airflow within the bed ensemble. Increased airflow allows for mattress ventilation which helps you remain cooler when you sleep.

5. Keeping your mattress in place

There’s nothing that disturbs your slumber more than a mattress shifting every time you roll over. The right sized bed base will keep your mattress firmly in place.

The different types of bed bases

Box spring bed bases

As the name suggests, the box spring base looks like a box with springs inside. This type of base supports the weight of your mattress and your body and distributes this weight evenly. Box spring bases typically need a headboard for extra stability.

Bed frames

Bed frames are a structured bed foundation with solid beams. These types of bases are made to fit the dimensions of your mattress and are made from materials like metal, wood and even hard plastic.

Bed slats

Slatted beds are given their name from the supportive slats that run horizontally across the base. Bed slats can be made from metal beams but more commonly wooden planks. These bed bases are ridged and structurally strong, which helps support against a sagging mattress.

Does your bed frame affect sleep in any way?

A bed base is the foundation of your bed and gives primary support to your back, joints and neck. So having the wrong bed base will most definitely affect how you sleep.

If your bed base is too big, small, low or high, this can make your mattress shift, lift or spill over your bed frame. If you have a weak bed base without proper centre support, this can lead to a sagging or sunk in mattress. Low-quality bed frames can also cause damage to your mattress over time which will affect your overall sleep.

But having the right bed frame can help support your body, give better air circulation and allow you to have a longer and more comfortable night’s sleep. It’s all about finding the right bed frame that works for you and your mattress.

Why should I buy a bed frame when buying a mattress?

Your mattress and bed base is kind of like an iconic duo. So buying them at the same time comes with a lot of benefits, including:

• Ensuring the mattress fits with your bed base
• The possibility of getting a cheaper bundle deal
• Matching accessories like sheets and pillows with your new bed ensemble
• Buying the best mattress and base combo based on their material and technology
• Getting a base that fits your interior design, room function and layout
• Getting the base and mattress delivered together or picking them up at the same time

Common bed frame questions

How long should a bedframe last for?

A bed frame can last as long as 7 – 20 years before being replaced. Wooden bed frames tend to last between 7 – 10 years on average, whereas metal bed frames can survive as long as 15 – 20 years. All bed bases deteriorate up to 70% from its ‘new’ condition after about 10 years because of general wear and tear.

What are the dimensions of bed frames?

• King: 183 × 203 × 29 cm
• Queen: 152 × 203 × 29 cm
• Double: 137 × 188 × 29 cm
• King Single: 107 × 203 × 29 cm
• Long Single: 92 × 203 × 29 cm
• Single: 92 × 188 × 29 cm

How much does a bed frame cost?

Bed frames can cost as low as $150 for very simple metal frames. On the other end of the scale, you can spend upwards of $1200 on a bed frame that might be made from expensive materials or feature extras like storage and draws.

The price of a bed frame will always depend on the type of base and the quality of the materials used to make it. However, an average queen-sized bed frame costs between $400 and $500.

A mattress on the floor vs a bed frame?

There are a lot of reasons why sleep experts suggest you don’t place your mattress on the floor, including:

1. Mobility issues

It can be awkward trying to roll off a mattress on the floor, and if you’re somebody who already has bad joints or back issues, this can lead to more injuries for your body.

2. No mattress protection

A mattress needs a stable foundation, and although the floor is flat and hard, this doesn’t create the right base for a mattress and can lead to wear and tear over time.

3. No support

The ground is incredibly hard and offers no support for your body, especially your back, which can result in uncomfortable sleeping positions.

4. Bad bed hygiene

Mattresses left on the floor tend to attract more mould and mildew, especially in warmer environments. These conditions make it easier for things like bed bugs to gain access to your mattress.

5. Restricts airflow

A bed base gives your mattress the ability to filtrate air, but with a mattress on the ground, the air becomes trapped in the mattress, ultimately making the warmer bed.

It’s time to invest in the right bed base to ensure you’re getting the best night’s sleep! Check out the Sleep Republic Pro Base for a strong, stylish, supportive bed frame. With over 20 years of experience in the mattress industry, Sleep Republic know what helps you sleep at night.