What is the best foundation for latex mattress?
May 2, 2011 2:34 PM
Joined: Apr 20, 2011
Points: 65
Anyone have recommendations for a foundation for a latex mattress that will fit into a regular bed frame? I'm looking for maximum motion suppression, minimum noise - I guess good build quality will accomplish this. A slats-only base wont work since the bed frame is only 6" off the ground and I like too add some height.

Thanks!

Re: What is the best foundation for latex mattress?
Reply #8 May 10, 2011 3:35 PM
Location: L.A. area
Joined: Jan 18, 2008
Points: 1161
budgy wrote:

I probably wouldn't recommend the above foundation if its exactly as pictured.  Not because it would damage the mattress but I think the type of slats (curved) used will bend significantly under weight and possibly make the mattress feel uneven, especially if it is a thinner latex mattress.  


I am indeed using bent wood under my latex mattress and I have the same concern as Budgy about it. I thought from the beginning, "this isn't going to last". It provided an excellent feel for my latex mattress. But now that excellent feel is beginning to deteriorate. I cannot be sure it's the frame/foundation. It could just be me. But I am concerned which is why I want to buy something with a similar feel but more substantial. See my thread on foundations and the suggestions given me there.

Re: What is the best foundation for latex mattress?
Reply #9 May 10, 2011 5:06 PM
Joined: Apr 20, 2011
Points: 65
That's good feedback on those adjustable frames - I had wondered about that too.

Here's another slat frame option I found on amazon. Seems sturdy from the reveiws.

Re: What is the best foundation for latex mattress?
Reply #10 May 11, 2011 6:48 AM
Joined: May 10, 2011
Points: 12
Is there any reason that a plywood platform would not be suitable for a latex mattress? Does latex need to "breathe"?
This message was modified May 11, 2011 by Phoebe2011
Re: What is the best foundation for latex mattress?
Reply #12 May 11, 2011 9:34 PM
Location: L.A. area
Joined: Jan 18, 2008
Points: 1161
proof1st wrote:

That's good feedback on those adjustable frames - I had wondered about that too.

Here's another slat frame option I found on amazon. Seems sturdy from the reveiws.


Yes latex should breathe, and this frame at amazon looks like it would be fine. I want something like this but adjustable in terms of firmness/softness (not adjustable in terms of raising or lowering).

Re: What is the best foundation for latex mattress?
Reply #13 May 15, 2011 10:17 AM
Joined: May 1, 2011
Points: 8
Here is the foundation we bought for our latex mattress. Make sure if you order one that you tell them you want the EZ-Sleep foundation with the nicer cover. I should mention that I went to Home Depot and purchased a couple 1" X 4" X 8' and made up 4 or 5 extra slats so I could make the space between each slat about 2 inches.

http://www.bedinabox.com/product/52.html

Re: What is the best foundation for latex mattress?
Reply #14 May 15, 2011 10:47 AM
Joined: May 10, 2011
Points: 12
Well, the Goodrich 4" latex mattress placed on a plywood foundation that we have been sleeping on for 47 years has never had any condensation or mold problems. We have used a thin rubber pad, covered with some kind of soft material over the part of the bed where the trunks of our body were all those years. Maybe that or the fact that the latex was only 4" were the reason we had no problems. One person at Savvy Rest said that we could use a plywood foundation. Didn't ask anyone else, but will ask that question again.

Thanks for all the feedback!

Re: What is the best foundation for latex mattress?
Reply #15 May 15, 2011 1:09 PM
Joined: Aug 31, 2007
Points: 793
Phoebe2011, that is good to know that your mattress lasted so long on a plywood foundation.  Maybe it has to do with the covering of your mattress and the location where you live. What state do you live in?
Re: What is the best foundation for latex mattress?
Reply #16 May 15, 2011 1:31 PM
Joined: May 10, 2011
Points: 12
 

Lynn2006, 

Yes, I meant to say that we live in Kentucky where it there is a lot of humidity. The cover on the mattress is the same type of ticking that used to be found back in the 60's, a heavy gray and white striped canvas, at least it feels like canvas. I have the rubber pad on top of that, then a fairly thin mattress pad under the sheets. I doubt if many people still have that type ticking on their mattresses these days, because most people don't keep their beds this long. Friends and family think we are crazy for still sleeping on this old mattress, but it seems to be doing what it aways did. It is firm, but has some "give" to it also. I  have been spending the last few night thinking about how it feels while I am trying to go to sleep.

I may go with the Flobed mattress, but think it is Talalay, which may not hold up as well as Dunlop. I also like the fact that the mattress can be returned. I am checking out SleepEZ too.

Thanks again!

Re: What is the best foundation for latex mattress?
Reply #17 May 15, 2011 6:01 PM
Joined: Aug 31, 2007
Points: 793
Phoebe2011, To live in a state that has a lot of humidity and to have a mattress last as long as yours is amazing.  If you are able to get a good price on three layers and a topper that may be the best way so you can move the layers around. I would go with SuperFirm on the bottom and Ex-Firm on top and then the topper.  If you only want two layers, then since you will be closer to the platform, I feel two layers of X-Firm will be enough.  If the bed is too firm despite the 2" convoluted topper.  I have three layers and the 1" topper and I like how everything fits inside my zippered cover. I would not want the topper over this since having it inside the cover makes nothing move around in my opinion.

If you go with SleepEZ, I would make sure your top layer is firm and ask for a soft topper no thicker than 2" to fit inside the zippered cover. Find out about exchanges and the return policy and make sure you get slip layers so each side of the king bed is a twin size easier to move around.  If you do not need a King Size bed and a Queen size would be adequate, the later cores are thinner than a twin bed and easier to move around. 

Since my platform bed had fallen apart and I had been sleeping on the floor over a latex topper for a few months during my busy tax season, when I bought my bed, I went for the pine platform that is split and attaches together easily and apart easily if I ever have to move the bed out of the room.  Despite ordering the highest legs and three layers of Talalay Latex with the topper, I have no problems getting on and off the bed despite not being quite 5 feet tall. I had problems getting on top of the way too tall Rockaway Bed that I had bought and was allergic to. It was a Simmons with too fat of a mattress and the boxspring also was very thick on top of that awful metal frame that moved around. 

I attached a Wesley Allen Headboard on the back of my mattress which makes it look like a real bed and I had not had a pretty headboard since a child which is many years ago since I am age 49.

Please keep us updated and whatever you decide, at least you are now educated and know what is out there and have your bed as a comparison.

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