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If you have a platform bed, mattresses from trusted brands like Helix, Saatva, and Sealy get the job done. See which other mattresses made our list for premium platform sleeping.
Buying a mattress is a personal decision, a long-term commitment, and — depending on the brand — an expensive purchase. It’s important to do your research and think about your needs and preferences as you search for the best mattress for your platform bed.
All of our top mattress picks for platform beds meet federal safety requirements. Many are made of components certified safe by a reputable third party and comply with environmentally responsible standards.
We also prioritized brands that let customers try out their mattresses at home before buying — so you can sleep soundly knowing you made the right choice for your comfort.
One of the easiest ways to explain what a platform bed is, is by explaining what it isn’t.
A platform bed doesn’t require a box spring or any additional pieces that you would see from traditional beds. Instead, it supports the mattress on a solid or slatted base made from wood or metal.
While some platform beds incorporate headboards or footboards, they don’t have to. That makes them a good choice for people who might want a more minimal look.
You can also find platform beds that include storage space, like drawers, making them a great pick for function as well as design.
The good news is that since platform beds are designed to provide support, they’ll work with most types of mattresses. You can go with whatever feels comfiest.
However, three of the most popular types of mattresses for platform beds are:
Innerspring. These provide support through a system of steel coils.
Foam. These are body-contouring and are typically made with memory foam.
Hybrid. These include both foam and coils to provide comfort.
The best way to shop for a mattress is to try before you buy. You’ll want to look for a mattress that gives you the support you need no matter how often you move around at night.
If you’re shopping online, it can be hard to know if a mattress is right for you. That’s why buying from a company that offers a trial period is important.
You may also want to pay attention to reviews from other buyers. Consider the average rating as well as negative and positive reviews.
Take some time to think about size, budget, and your sleep needs before finalizing any major purchase.
For example, if you have back pain, you may want to opt for a medium-firm mattress. One 2016 study found that people who used a medium-firm mattress instead of a firm mattress might see a slight reduction in lower back pain.
A 2015 study found similar results, stating that self-adjusted, medium-firm mattresses offered the best conditions for comfort, spinal alignment, and quality sleep.
Keep in mind that there’s no one best type of mattress for platform beds. You can go with whichever type of mattress feels most comfortable to you and not worry about additional pieces like a box spring.
While we recommend all of the mattresses on this list, we particularly like the Saatva Classic Mattress for platform beds because you can choose your firmness level and it has a comfortable, soft pillow top. It also has great support along the edges of the mattress to prevent you from easily rolling off of it.
What type of mattress is best for a platform bed?
Generally, hybrid mattresses make good choices for platform beds because they give you the softness of foam along with the support of metal coils. However, the price of a quality hybrid may be outside of your budget, so you can also use a memory foam or latex mattress for a platform bed to help save money.
How tall should a mattress be for a platform bed?
There is no hard and fast rule for how tall a bed should be. If you want your bed to be accessible to young kids and pets and if your platform bed frame is standard height, aim for a mattress that’s around 10 to 12 inches tall.
Whether you buy an innerspring, hybrid, or foam mattress for your platform bed, finding the right one will be a great investment for your nightly routine.
As long as you understand what you need for restful sleep and keep in mind that platform beds come in various designs and pricing, you’ll be good to go when making your mattress choice.
Last medically reviewed on July 31, 2023
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
