You’ve spent weeks shopping for just the right mattress set at just the right price, and you have finally found the one that is not too firm, not too soft, but just right.
That’s great news, Goldilocks! Now, it is time to shift your attention to what is under your bed and examine your bed frame.
Often the excitement of getting a new mattress set overshadows the reality that your new mattress requires proper support. You will enjoy a longer comfort life on your new mattress if you make sure it has the right support.
How can you be sure that your new mattress set has the right support?
If your bed frame is metal and it is over 10 years old, make sure there is no squeaking or rattling when you roll over on the bed.
Squeaking and rattling may indicate that your bed frame has weakened over time. It is probably a good idea to replace your bed frame if this is the case.
Sometimes, mattress stores will give you a free bed frame with your purchase of a mattress set. Usually, this is the cheapest, least supportive bed frame available.
You’re better off asking for an upgraded deluxe model bed frame and paying for it. These last longer and are more supportive than the “free” ones most stores offer.
If you have a wooden bed frame with wooden slats, make sure the slats are not bowing in the middle.
Also, wooden slats are not enough for queen and king size bedding; you need at least one leg to the floor for queen size and two legs for king size.
You can make a leg by having a piece of wood cut to the correct length at your local hardware store.
Many companies offer metal center support slats that are far superior to wood slats. For the best possible support, choose a metal support designed for use with wood beds.
Following are some guidelines to follow for ensuring the proper support for your new mattress set:
You need at least one rigid center support bar with one leg to the floor for queen size bedding and at least two rigid center support bars with legs to the floor for king size.
Wood center support slats should be at least 3/4 inch plywood. If yours are not at least 3/4 inch plywood, consider a metal bed slat system like a Strong Arm, Bed Beam, or Bed Bridge support system.
Twin and full size beds do not usually require additional center supports, but with the extra heavy weight of today’s bedding, it sure wouldn’t hurt to add a center support bar.
Refer to your mattress manufacturer’s warranty card for detailed information about what support is required.
