Platform beds create a sturdy, level surface to support a range of mattresses without the need for a box spring. This type of bed frame comes in a seemingly endless variety of styles, suiting virtually any aesthetic. Shoppers looking to balance form and function often prefer the practical design of platform beds. However, finding the right mattress remains critical.
While the versatility of platform beds means compatible mattresses are widely available, it also means the selection can seem overwhelming. When choosing a mattress for your platform bed, it’s important to take into account your sleep style, body type, and comfort preferences.
We’ll do some of the work for you by providing recommendations for the best mattresses for platform beds based on our extensive in-house testing. We’ll also delve into greater detail about what a platform bed is and what to look for when shopping for a mattress to use with a platform bed.
Find Your Perfect Mattress
We know mattresses work differently for different types of sleepers. Use the filters below to help narrow down your options for your best bed.
Read on to see why the following five options made our top picks list of 2024’s best mattresses for platform beds.
Sleep Doctor’s Picks
Best Overall Mattress
Helix Midnight
Sleep Doctor’s Review
Of all the hybrid models offered by Helix Sleep, the Midnight offers one of the best balances of contouring and support. The GlacioTex Cooling Cover reduces heat retention on the surface, making this mattress stand apart from competing hybrids.
Buy From Helix
Combination Sleepers
Medium Firm (6)
Plush Surface
Good Value
Pros
- Hybrid design contours closely while maintaining lumbar support
- Strong motion isolation
- Optional cooling cover helps minimize heat retention
Cons
- Foam layers emit strong off-gassing after the mattress is unboxed
- Stomach sleepers over 230 pounds may need a firmer bed
Why We Like It
Hybrids with a medium firm (6) feel tend to perform well with different sleeper types, and the Helix Midnight proved to be no exception with our product testers. Side sleepers who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds reported comfortable cradling around the shoulders and hips, areas that typically receive pressure buildup for this sleep position, while back sleepers in the same weight group received strong cushioning for the spine. The sturdy coils ensured minimal sinkage around the midsection, which is not always the case for beds with strong pressure relief.
Ventilation through the coils allowed plenty of air to circulate through the bed’s interior. The GlacioTex Cooling Cover, which is available for an additional fee, is made with specialized cooling fibers designed to draw heat away from your body during sleep. Our testers recommend this option if you overheat easily.
How Does It Feel?
The Helix Midnight begins with a layer of memory foam that conforms closely, followed by a polyfoam layer that further promotes contouring but has a denser feel to prevent your body from sinking too deep. These foam layers excelled at absorbing movement, which may appeal to couples, while pushback from a coil support core ensured ease of movement across the surface. A reinforced perimeter helped stabilize the mattress for sleepers who frequently sit or sleep near the edges.
Best Value Mattress
Silk & Snow Mattress
Sleep Doctor’s Review
The medium (5) feel of the Silk & Snow Mattress makes it perfectly suited to sleepers who need deep contouring and a plush feel. The mattress carries a very reasonable price-point compared to other foam beds we’ve tested.
Buy From Silk & Snow
Hot Sleepers
Medium (5)
Close-Conforming Foam
Great Value
Pros
- Antimicrobial textile engineered to fight bacterial growth
- Washable cover zips off for easy cleaning
- Open-cell, gel-infused memory foam designed to cool and conform
Cons
- Stomach sleepers over 130 pounds may need a firmer bed
- Sleepers who easily overheat may find the bed too warm
Why We Like It
Our team members under 130 pounds gave the mattress excellent ratings across sleep positions. Side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds also rated the mattress highly, citing its above-average pressure relief. However, our testers over 230 pounds didn’t get the pushback they needed for maximum comfort.
Since our testers sunk in along the edge, the Silk & Snow may not be the best option for those seeking edge support to counteract the lower profile of their platform bed. That said, sleepers who prioritize motion isolation and whisper-quiet movement may appreciate the mattress’ solid performance in these categories.
How Does It Feel?
The Silk & Snow Mattress provides a high-end feel at a reasonable price-point. This gently conforming all-foam model has a medium (5) feel, offering mid-level support suitable for a range of sleepers.
Made with ease of cleaning in mind, the silver-infused cover is engineered to prevent bacterial growth. This polyester-spandex blend cover also has a 360-degree zipper for quick removal, and it’s washable for easy cleaning.
The comfort layer consists of 2 inches of open-cell gel memory foam designed to dissipate heat. Our testers noticed little heat buildup on the surface, helping them stay cool and comfortable. Another 2 inches of transitional polyfoam adds responsiveness and cuts down on motion transfer. The mattress’ support core uses 6 inches of polyfoam for added stability and durability.
Most Comfortable Mattress
WinkBeds GravityLux
Sleep Doctor’s Review
With three firmness options to choose from, nearly everyone on our test team found the WinkBeds GravityLux a comfortable fit. The all-foam design offers deep cradling and keeps motion transfer to a minimum.
Buy From WinkBeds
Combination Sleepers
Medium Soft (4), Medium (5), Firm (7)
Close-Conforming Foam
Good Value
Pros
- Patented AirCell memory foam designed for conforming, breathability, and motion isolation
- Three firmness options to suit different needs and preferences
- Zoned transition layer for lumbar support
Cons
- Foam layers may feel too warm for hot sleepers
- Stomach sleepers over 230 pounds may need stronger support
Why We Like It
The WinkBeds GravityLux Mattress comes in three firmness levels. With multiple foam layers that combine contouring and support, nearly any sleeper can find a GravityLux Mattress that’s comfortable for their body type and preferred position.
The cover consists of moisture-wicking Tencel fabric quilted with gel-infused polyfoam engineered to dissipate heat. A main comfort layer of AirCell memory foam contains air capsules designed to absorb motion while letting air circulate. In our tests, few vibrations traveled across the surface and very little heat built up. This responsive memory foam also contours to the body to relieve pressure and support the spine, but it regains its shape quickly to enable easy position changes.
Targeted support and contouring extend to a transitional layer of zoned polyfoam that provides more pushback where the body is heaviest. A core of high-density polyfoam stabilizes the mattress and increases its durability.
How Does It Feel?
During our testing, the GravityLux medium soft (4) mattress garnered excellent reviews from side sleepers under 130 pounds. Stomach and back sleepers of a similar weight favored the medium (5) model. Side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds also enjoyed the medium feel. The firm (7) version was most popular with our testers over 230 pounds as well as back sleepers and stomach sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds.
The performance also varies depending on the firmness. The medium soft and medium mattresses performed better in our motion isolation and pressure relief evaluations, while the firm earned higher marks in our edge support, temperature neutrality, and ease of movement tests.
With three distinct firmness levels, the GravityLux can accommodate sleepers of all body types and position preferences. Its balance between responsiveness and contouring also makes it well suited to sleepers who prioritize both pressure relief and ease of movement.
Best Luxury Mattress
Avocado Luxury Organic Mattress
Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Luxury Organic Mattress is one of Avocado’s most extravagant offerings, and that’s really saying something given the brand’s reputation for high-end sleep products. A sophisticated comfort system with 12 individual layers provides next-level cushioning, but the underlying latex and coil layers provide enough support to prevent uncomfortable sinkage.
Buy From Avocado
Combination Sleepers
Medium Firm (6)
Responsive Latex
Fair Value
Pros
- Thick comfort system cradles the body without retaining too much heat
- Latex and coil layers push back against your weight to keep your body on an even plane
- GOLS and GOTS certifications ensure sustainably sourced materials
Cons
- Sticker price is too expensive for shoppers with tight budgets
- Limited motion isolation for co-sleepers
Why We Like It
If you’re shopping with a flexible budget, the Avocado Luxury Organic Mattress is impeccably crafted and highly suited for use with an adjustable bed. Deep comfort layers and a robust coil-on-coil support system make this latex hybrid model stand out from the competition, and a slew of organic certifications should appeal to eco-conscious individuals.
During our hands-on tests, the Luxury Organic Mattress earned high praise from our side sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds, and our back and stomach sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds. The balanced medium firm (6) feel should appeal to anyone seeking a mattress that gently contours and provides decent overall support. While the various comfort layers soften the surface, this mattress reinforces weight quite well and shouldn’t sink excessively.
How Does It Feel?
Layers of cotton, wool, canvas, and silk-blend fiber batting create a plush, breathable sleep surface that adapts to your body without sinking too much. These materials are also highly breathable and resistant to heat buildup, so the mattress should sleep fairly cool. A latex comfort layer gives the mattress a mellow bounce when you get into bed. Transitional microcoils and a second latex layer add to the responsiveness, so you should be able to move across the surface without feeling stuck. Zoned coils with perimeter reinforcement make the mattress feel quite stable and help keep your body on an even plane.
Latex is naturally springy, so you should expect some motion transfer. This may be problematic for anyone who shares their sleep surface with a restless partner. On the other hand, steady airflow throughout the interior and a breathable organic cotton cover help the mattress maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the year.
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
Puffy Lux Hybrid
Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Puffy Lux Hybrid delivers a closer contour and more pressure relief than the average coil mattress, and this is thanks in large part to the three foam layers in its comfort system. Side sleepers, people with chronic pain, and couples can all benefit from this plush design.
Buy From Puffy
Side Sleepers
Medium (5)
Close-Conforming Foam
Good Value
Pros
- Thick foam layers cushion and adapt to your body’s unique curves
- Above-average motion isolation and pressure relief for a hybrid
- Cover is stain-resistant and fully machine-washable
Cons
- Too soft for many back and stomach sleepers
- Foam layers emit strong off-gassing odor up to 48 hours after the mattress is unboxed
Why We Like It
The mattress earned favorable ratings from our side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds, and our back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds. Deep cushioning and cradling are defining characteristics of the Lux Hybrid, and set the mattress apart from other coil mattresses made today. That said, heavier individuals and those who dislike being “hugged” by their sleep surface should consider a firmer, more supportive mattress.
Our tests also indicate the Lux Hybrid isolates motion well and alleviates pressure along the spine. Another feature we appreciated is the cover, which resists stains and can be machine-washed whenever a cleaning is needed. Comparatively, most mattresses come with non-removable covers that can only be spot cleaned.
How Does It Feel?
The Lux Hybrid is rated as medium (5), making it softer and more adaptive than most hybrid models our team has tested. Three foam layers form a gentle cradle around your body. This can be particularly beneficial for side sleepers, as this position often places undue pressure on the shoulders and hips. Pocketed coils and high-density base foam make up the support core, but these elements don’t take away from the Lux Hybrid’s exceptionally soft feel.
We always recommend choosing a mattress based on your primary sleep position. For side sleepers, an adaptive mattress like the Puffy Lux Hybrid can alleviate the aches and pains that tend to build up in the shoulder and hips. This mattress is constructed with thick foam layers to cushion your sore spots while you sleep, and a sturdy coil system to prevent excessive sinkage.
Why You Should Trust Us
Most modern mattresses are compatible with platform beds, so there’s no shortage of options. However, that can make deciding even more difficult. That’s why our team personally researches and tests hundreds of models to help narrow it down. Our experts have years of experience in the sleep products industry. We also work with testers who have different body types and position preferences for a broader look at how the same model performs for different people.
The result is straightforward and dependable recommendations you can use to make the best choice for your sleep needs.
Why You Should Trust Us
What Is a Platform Bed?
Platform beds have either a solid or slatted base that creates a strong, even surface for your mattress. Since the mattress rests directly on the frame, platform beds do not need a box spring and generally have a lower profile. Because of their unique design, they also tend to sleep cooler and have more underbed storage options.
What Are the Benefits to Using a Platform Bed?
Platform beds do not require a box spring, which can simplify your sleep setup and save you money. Beyond that, the design can add to your room’s aesthetic, provide storage options, and keep the sleep surface cooler.
Benefits | Description |
|---|---|
Compact and Lower Profile | The absence of a box spring means platform beds often put the mattress at a lower profile. This can be an aesthetic choice, and it may be helpful if you have young children or pets who struggle to climb onto a higher surface. Many platform beds can also be broken down with the slats rolled up for easy moving or compact storage. |
Storage Options | Since platform beds don’t require a box spring, they often use the extra space for storage. Many include built-in drawers or roll-out accessories. The simple addition of low-profile storage bins can also make the most of the below-bed space. |
Sleeping Cooler | Since the mattress rests directly on the platform bed’s slats, air can circulate underneath it. This increased airflow means heat can dissipate, allowing platform beds to sleep cooler. |
Do You Need a Box Spring With a Platform Bed?
Platform beds negate the need for a box spring by providing a firm, even surface for your mattress. A solid or slatted platform bed foundation works similarly to a box spring, preventing loss of support.
What You Should Look for When Buying a Mattress for a Platform Bed
Using a platform bed offers shoppers a lot of leeway when making their mattress decision. However, depending on your needs, certain mattresses may work better for you than others. We’ll explain some of the more common considerations.
Mattress Thickness
Many platform beds have a low profile, but the mattress thickness ultimately affects the overall height of the sleep surface. For sleepers who struggle to get into or out of a low bed, we recommend a thicker mattress.
Edge Support
A sturdy perimeter can act as a push-off and landing point to simplify getting into and out of a low platform bed. Many hybrid models and a few foam mattresses have reinforced edges for added support.
Pressure Relief
The flat surface created by platform beds helps prevent sagging. This means they are particularly well suited to the pressure-relieving properties of memory foam mattresses, strengthening their pushback while limiting excess sinkage.
Firmness and Feel
Platform beds create a solid foundation for mattresses. This can add to the mattress’ support and make it feel a bit firmer than it would on a box spring.
The Best Types of Mattresses for Platform Beds
Platform beds can accommodate most mattress types, but each has distinct advantages that appeal to some sleepers. We’ve included an overview of the types of mattresses commonly used on platform beds and which sleepers are most likely to benefit from each one.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses combine a comfort system of foam or latex with a coil support core. These models typically balance gentle cradling and responsive support.
We recommend hybrid mattresses for platform beds because they’re often easier to get into and out of. They’re frequently thicker and have sturdier perimeters, which may be especially useful for sleepers with a low-profile platform bed.
Foam Mattresses
Foam mattresses are made from polyurethane foam, also called polyfoam. Polyfoam was developed for its cushioning capabilities. Many models also incorporate memory foam, which is a type of polyfoam with added chemicals that make it denser and closer conforming. Typically, foam mattresses incorporate layers of memory foam or lower-density polyfoam over a support core of high-density polyfoam.
Contouring is a signature of foam mattresses, making them a good fit for side sleepers who benefit from extra pressure relief. Platform beds give foam models an even surface to rest on, helping prevent sinkage and increase stability.
Latex Mattresses
Most latex models contain natural latex, which comes from the sap of rubber trees. The resulting material is bouncy and responsive with less hug than foam. Latex mattresses are a good fit for sleepers who want pressure point relief without restricted movement. We also recommend them for back and stomach sleepers who need more support to maintain good posture.
Using a latex mattress on a platform bed emphasizes its springiness and support by giving the sleep surface a sturdy foundation. Latex models are also frequently relatively heavy, so they benefit from a platform bed’s more stable base.
Innerspring Mattresses
Traditional innerspring mattresses feature a system of interconnected coils under an upholstered comfort layer. Higher-end models may have individually pocketed coils for greater responsiveness and motion isolation. Since traditional innerspring models have less cushioning than hybrids, we usually don’t recommend them for side sleepers or anyone with sharp pressure points. That said, some manufacturers use the terms “innerspring” and “hybrid” interchangeably.
While innerspring mattresses can be used on a platform bed, they usually work best paired with a box spring that helps absorb shock and accentuate the bounce of the coils.
About The Author
Staff Writer, Product Testing Team
Garen is a health and lifestyle content creator. She realized the importance of sleep when her children made getting a good night’s rest more challenging. Garen is always learning something new about the wide world of sleep and sleep products. Married with two girls, ages 7 and 11, she is a book nerd and a lover of pop music, travel, and the Pacific Northwest.
- POSITION: Side sleeper
- TEMPERATURE: Neutral Sleeper
- CHRONOTYPE: Wolf
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