The Highest Quality Mattress for a Platform Beds in 2021 – Buyer’s Guide and Awards

Forget about a regular bed frame; platform beds are now a thing. Also known as cabin beds, they look cool and aesthetically pleasing, and are quite affordable and will give every bedroom a stylish touch.

Lower than your usual bed frame, platforms are a smart and durable choice. The great thing is that if you invest a bit more, you’ll get a stable platform that will last for years.

They are made of wooden or metal slats and provide decent support not only to your mattress but your back as well. Usually solid wood and metal coated materials are a fantastic combination that won’t let you down or wear off after several years.

You can pick different styles such as traditional, Asian, modern or storage. But the question still remains: which mattress for a platform bed is the best?

This guide will help you learn everything you need to know before you buy your platform. Also, we prepared our bed list, size, materials and everything else in between you need to know for your mattress and platform.

Buying Guide for Platform Bed Mattress

Are Special Mattresses Required?

The answer is no. Although some mattresses will perform better than then the others, there is no special type of bed that works only for a platform. The only thing you ought to be focused on is the comfort. Perhaps the best choices are memory and latex mattresses because they work good with solid bases, but it doesn’t mean that you should exclude innersprings or hybrids.

Make sure you pick a mattress that feels good, has great reviews, provides you with benefits for your favorite sleeping position, feels fresh and supports you. Your platform will surely hold it well.

Even though a platform is a firm base, it doesn’t mean that you will feel that firmness through the mattress. So even if your choice is a firm bed, you will only feel its firmness. Everything depends on your preference (firmness, materials, height). Just make sure you get a bed with an extended warranty.

Size

You can pick whatever size works the ideal for you.

They are available in all standard sizes including:

Queen (60 x 80) – Have this type?

Read: Top Rated Queen Size Beds You Can Buy Online

King size (76 x 80) – Looking for this one?

Click on: Highest Quality King Beds Ranked Online – Most Comfortable

Also, twin (39 x 75) and  full (54 x 75).

If you are going big, purchase a California king size for such platform (72 x 84). There is no specific size of bed that is required for the size of the platform.

Manufacturers make them based on the bed size, not the other way around. Purchase the one that works best for your needs, space, and budget.

Weight

This feature, again, depends on your preferences and needs. Depending on whether you’ll sleep alone, or share it with a partner (plus kids or pets), how much you weigh yourself and so on, you can purchase a suitable platform.

Not every platform is made of the same materials nor will it be able to endure your weight (combined with the weight of your partner if you sleep together).

The best weight capacity depends on what wood was used for the slat. Also, not every wood is thick the same (it will play a major role here as well). The number of slats and the type of construction give durability.

Most manufacturers will let you know about the weight capacity (label or website), but don’t forget to add the mattress weight to yours. Only then you will get the real picture of how much the platform can endure.

Height

A platform bed sits much lower to the floor because of its design. It doesn’t require foundations and box springs; therefore your mattress may feel much lower than it is on an actual bed frame. Picking a tall mattress will give you a bigger elevation from the floor.

People who don’t like having bed skirts or box springs will benefit a lot (not only it gives a minimal aesthetic but will spare you from additional splurging on bedding and other accessories).

The great thing about their height is that you can store things underneath and save some space. Also, the fact that they don’t need spring box makes them much lower than a standard frame (it’s ideal for people who prefer lower beds such as children, elderly, people with some sort of injury and so on.).

Warranties & Return Policy

This depends mostly on the company you have purchased the platform from. Most of them (especially online stores) offer long warranties (more than ten years) and more often than not you will come across lifetime warranty.

We recommend you to search for companies that give you the longest warranty possible. Since this is going to last far longer than the mattress, it’s smart to invest your money in a product that is covered with a guarantee for a long period.

When comes to return policy, most companies (at least from online stores) have this option, and of course, you should purchase form such company.

Most companies offer 30 days testing, so if you aren’t satisfied simply return it and get a full refund. Make sure you read all the conditions well before you buy it.

What About Adjustable Beds?

When someone mentions adjustable bed people think of those in the hospitals. Now most adjustable beds in today’s market are so rich and versatile, that you can purchase it for your home. Their designs are different, but all of them allow you to elevate or lower your legs or torso.

You have to admit having the choice to adjust your bed like this has many benefits for people who experience lower back pain, snoring, or simply having yourself a bit elevated if you read or watch TV. The base is usually sold individually, but some stores can make combinations (you don’t need box springs for it as well).

You can purchase it in various sizes (single, queen and king) and get other additions such as massages for your legs or back. Before buying one, make sure you get a trial period (some people may not like the motor sound when the bed is lifting especially if they sleep with a partner).

Outstanding Materials for Platform-Beds

Foam

Memory foam is one of the high-grade materials that will rest on a platform. Its responsiveness, support, and comfort will give you a lovely rest.

Most people say that foam is a top-quality and a great choice because it lies directly on the platform without box springs (that usually amortize the firmness of the base). Since the firmness and the materials are up to your preferences, just pick whatever you want.

Memory foam should provide you with decent response and distribute your weight well. The little sinking is good enough for a calm and relaxed sleep. The slats are usually wide and placed close to each other making the platform firm; a foam bed will not let you feel the firmness.

When purchasing your all-foam bed check how much it weight and check the platform weight limit so you can surely know if it will endure it. Even if the foam isn’t gel infused (but make sure you purchase one with gel) the slats will allow constant airflow so your sleep will always be fresh.

Want this type?

Go to: Most Recommended Memory Foam Mattresses

Air

There are many air mattresses that are sold with platforms; they are the top-grade choice for camping, guest rooms, dorms or simply for your room. So this combination is also a good one. No matter what you will use the air bed for, the platform will keep it a bit elevated from the ground, keeping it safe from any damages.

Plus, the air will work just fine for your comfort, preventing your back from feeling any discomfort that may come from the firmness of the slats.

You may experience deflating because it’s placed higher on the ground where the air is hotter (don’t worry about this, it’s completely normal). This process cannot be stopped, but it doesn’t mean that you ought to pump it every day. Also, don’t pump air to the maximum due to rusk of popping.

WaterBed

Waterbeds that are hard-sided are usually made of a vinyl bladder, so they can only be placed on a wood frame or platform (it’s a must because it will surround it from five sides – four sides plus bottom).

Their softer version is made of vinyl water chambers placed in a cover made of fabric and foam. It can be placed on regular platforms, but there has to be a firm flat support.

The water inside can get very heavy, so make sure you purchase one that can endure enough weight.

A soft side waterbed uses the water for support, therefore, it will last longer, just make sure you get a firm and flat platform that can hold enough weight.

Innerspring

Innersprings contain (pocketed) coils combined with foam or latex layers for improved comfort. Although you can use it for your platform, they often come in two pieces – the mattress and the box spring.

This type of mattress isn’t recommended because their design is meant to be combined with box springs. You can still get the coil-base bed, but you may feel it a bit firmer than usual.

On the other hand, two firm surfaces may cause low stability. Also, consider the weight before purchasing it (in case you don’t have a problem with a firm sleeping surface). Make sure you pick a moderate firmness for a better sensation.

Hybrid

A high-quality hybrids usually contain materials such as – pocketed coils, latex, foam and organic cover. These mattresses feel excellent because they give a great contouring, slow response and enough bounce. Also, they are always enriched with cooling effect (through gel infusion and airflow through the spring layer).

You can find different combinations (foam and latex, foam and innersprings, latex and innersprings); we recommend sticking to foam and latex because you’ll get enough bounce, firmness, and support and yet it won’t feel too firm so your sleeping will be pleasant and comfortable.

The latex and foam combo will give you excellent edge support and motion transfer, will last for a long time, and your sleep will be cool, free of allergens and dust mites.

Other Considerations Before Buying

Storage

We all need more space for our belongings, and the excellent thing with platform beds is that they allow you to put things below them.

Whether you’d keep boxes, suitcases, toys, smaller workout equipment, etc., you will always have your room tidy. Dorm rooms and smaller apartments will have a significant benefit because you can always keep plenty of things underneath them.

Children’s rooms will have another extra space for keeping toys and clothes that aren’t worn in the particular season.

If you live in a home that lacks space, consider buying it not only for its great design but also for this feature that will be practical and helpful (for a long time).

Bedding

You won’t need extra long bedding (this isn’t a regular box spring mattress so you won’t need skirts or additional accessories).

What you’ll need is fitted sheet or flat undersheet. Make sure that the mattress is well tucked in and that nothing hangs. Your cover shouldn’t be large as well, or it may cover the whole thing (if the platform is wide it will look weird).

You can find many cool designs and colorful bedding online (specially made for this type of beds). Add a cool throw blanket or a rectangle cover and add some funky pillows (long cylindrical pillows will look amazing).

Ventilation

This feature is important for every mattress, but with the platform, you can always be sure that the air flows through every layer. Your mattress will always be fresh, dry and free of odors. If you add a foam or latex mattress (or a hybrid) you can be sure that besides its cooling features, it will get additional ventilation).

Since there will be a storage place underneath it, make sure you clean the dust regularly, so you don’t breathe it in while you sleep.

The ventilation will come handy if you have a mattress that isn’t organic (the off-gassing will leave the sleeping surface much faster when there is enough space below). Besides that, you are preventing your bed from molding. Leave space of about 3 inches between the slats so the air can freely flow through the layers.

Top Mattress for Bed Platform Reviews

We picked Nectar for its moderate firmness which is excellent for every sleeping position. It’s made solely of foam layers; you will get some minor sinkage but that wouldn’t be drastic, and your spine will remain in a natural position. If you sleep on your stomach, you will get an excellent posture and no pressure to your lower back.

Its breathable layers give a fresh feeling and cool sleep.  Nectar’s cover is soft to the touch, and the top layer is gel-infused (another cooling effect provider).

This is a durable bed that comes with lifetime warranty and will fit any platform without problems. Its moderate firmness will provide you with great back support. It will give you the perfect cradling and contouring thanks to the slowly responsive memory foam.

When comes to edge support you will get a proper weight distribution and a minor sinking. It has excellent absorbing of motion vibrations, so calm sleep is guaranteed.

Want a much more in-depth overview of Nectar? Go here.

Puffy is another moderately firm mattress, excellent for every sleeping position and couples. Besides that, it would fit perfectly on your platform.

This is an American-made product and contains only foam layers (its core is made of high-density polyfoam). You will not feel any pressure in the usual pressure points (no matter what position you sleep in), and your bloodstream will be improved.

Waking up on Puffy feels fresh and pain-free. The layers are breathable, and you won’t experience any overheating during your sleep.

Puffy has excellent edge support and will properly distribute your weight (there is a minor sinkage when you sit near the edges). When comes to motion transfer, the foam will absorb the vibrations that come from movements and they won’t transfer to the whole surface.

The manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty, and one of the highest-rated service.

Read more about this model in our full review here.

If you’re on a budget, you can get the high-end comfort and benefits from Layla mattress for a decent price.  It has two sides, firm and soft, so switch them whenever you want a change in your sleep. It’s excellent for couples who can’t agree upon the firmness level.

Layla is made of copper-infused foam; copper will improve your blood circulation which is beneficial for arthritis or osteoarthritis. Besides that copper has anti-inflammatory features (you’ll get a better immune system and improved bloodstream).

Thanks to the copper it will emit antioxidants. This element is also known for its cooling effect; expect a fresh sleep on both sides.

Both sides have good edge support and provide you with enough support. The firm side has a better motion transfer absorption.

Layla also comes with a lifetime warranty. You can see our complete overview and tests here.

Our Final Thoughts

Platform beds have been used for a long time, but they become popular recently because of their practicality, design, and the storage that allows you to place things underneath them.

They are an excellent choice when comes to ventilation and will always provide you with a fresh rest, free of mold and odors.

Our buyer’s guide was focused on several reviews, as well as important features such as size, types of mattresses, durability, warranty, height etc. We hope that now you will be able to find the best mattress if you need it for your platform bed.

Check different companies and see what they offer (delivery, warranty, weight limit, materials) and pick the one that is made of solid wood because it will last far longer than your mattress.