Choosing the proper foundation for your purple mattress is critical to ensure adequate support and protection. However, with so many options available, how do you choose the right Purple Mattress Foundation?
What Base Should Be Used for a Purple Mattress?
The purple mattress is compatible with various foundations, such as adjustable bases, platform bases, slatted frames, flat foundations, and bunkie boards. However, it’s not compatible with box spring foundations. Additionally, Purple mattresses should not be placed directly on the floor.
Whether you have a Purple mattress or any mattress in general, here is a complete guide to choosing the appropriate bed foundation for your particular mattress.
Before going deeper, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the basics of a mattress foundation and explore its diverse types.
What Is a Mattress Foundation?
A mattress foundation is the flat surface of a bed on which your mattress lays. It serves three main functions:
1. Provides additional support
2. Protects the mattress
3. Allows airflow
It is essential to differentiate between a bed frame, bed base, and foundation.
People often use the terms mattress foundation, bed frame, and bed base interchangeably. However, they are unique parts that, when combined, make up the complete bed.
Bed Frame: The bed frame is the decorative part of your bed, consisting of the headboard, footboard, and side railings. It suspends a mattress off the floor.
Bed Base: The bed base is a sturdy structure on which your mattress lies and can support the mattress alone.
Foundation: The bed foundation is the portion of the bed base, for example, the slats or planks that support your mattress. However, a bed foundation can’t provide support on its own.
Why is Mattress Foundation Important?
From providing sturdy support and ensuring cleanliness to allowing ample airflow, here are the benefits of mattress foundation:
- Provides Support: The primary role of the mattress foundation is to provide sturdy support to the mattress, bedding, and users.
- Protection: Prevents your mattress from sagging and creaking.
- Ensures Cleanliness: It provides a barrier between the floor and the mattress, keeping dirt and dust from reaching the mattress, ensuring mattress cleanliness, and saving cleaning time and energy.
- Allows Airflow: A mattress foundation allows ample airflow below and above the mattress, helping you sleep cooler during the night.
- Adds Height: It lifts the mattress off the ground, helping you sleep soundly.
- Easy Movement: Adding height to the mattress makes getting in and out of the bed easier.
- Prevents Sliding: Keeps the mattress fixed in one area to prevent sliding.
- Increases Mattress Lifespan: A mattress foundation extends your mattress’s lifespan by ensuring cleanliness, protection, cooling, and the necessary support. Without a mattress foundation, this would not have been possible.
Discover How Long a Purple Mattress Lasts and factors influencing its lifespan. Find out Purple mattress durability secrets and ways to extend its longevity.
Mattress Foundation Types
Let’s examine the six most common types of mattress foundation, their ideal sleepers, and which mattress type best suits each foundation type.
We will also look at the benefits and considerations for each mattress foundation type.
1. Adjustable Bed Base
The adjustable base is an electronic metal frame that helps elevate your head and legs based on your comfort preferences. It provides a lounging experience by elevating your body.
You can adjust the reclining angle according to your needs using a remote control or an app.
Perfect for activities such as reading, meditation, eating, watching television, and scrolling social media for most of us.
Ideal Sleeper:
- People who are looking for the ultimate comfort and luxury
- For those with snoring problems
- If you use your bed for activities such as reading, eating, meditating, endless social media scrolling, and watching television
- Struggling with getting in and out of bed, particularly those having mobility issues
Ideal Mattress Type:
- Purple Mattress
- Memory foam mattresses
- Latex
- Some hybrid and innerspring mattresses
| Benefits | Considerations |
| Lounging experience | Expensive |
| Comfort customization | Heavy |
| Health Benefits | Difficult to move |
| Do not need a separate bed frame | Compatible with flexible mattresses only |
2. Platform Base
The platform base consists of a metal grid frame. Its steel construction makes it super strong and sturdy. It can support up to 2000 pounds, making it an excellent choice for heavier body types and couples.
It has a built-in support system. To use it, you just have to lay your mattress on top of it.
The platform base is easy to set up and take down.
Ideal Mattress Type:
- Purple Mattress
- Hybrid
- Memory foam
- Latex
- Innerspring
- Some air mattresses
- Some water beds
| Benefits | Considerations |
| Easy to assemble and disassemble | It can be a bit squeaky |
| 13-inch storage space underneath | Minimalist Design |
| Solid and sturdy (can support up to 2000 pounds) | Low profile aesthetic |
| Easy to move |
3. Flat Foundation
The flat foundation is a wood or metal box covered with fabric. It is similar to the box spring foundation in appearance, but it does not contain springs. No springs means you can use it with most mattress types.
Ideal For:
- Tall individuals who want to add height to their bed
- Slatted bed frames having wide gaps between the slats
Ideal Mattress Type:
- Memory foam
- Latex
- Hybrid
| Benefits | Considerations |
| Higher weight capacity | Heavy |
| Provides sturdy support | Difficult to move |
| Increases mattress longevity | 10-year lifespan |
4. Box Spring Foundation
The box spring foundation is a wood or semi-flex steel box with springs inside. It is designed mainly for innerspring mattresses.
Purple mattresses are incompatible with box-spring foundations because the springs can damage the Purple mattress material. Using a box-spring foundation will void the Purple mattress warranty.
Also, most memory foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses are incompatible with the box spring because the box spring’s coils can damage the mattress over time.
Ideal Sleeper:
- Tall individuals
- Bed frames with an open design or slats having wide gaps between them
Ideal Mattress Type:
1. Innerspring mattresses only
| Benefits | Considerations |
| Adds more bounce to your mattress | Heavy and difficult to move |
| Absorbs pressure | Expensive |
| Can make a bed very high off the ground than required | |
| 10-year lifespan |
5. Bed Slats
Among the diverse types of mattress foundations, bed slats are more common. Bed Slats are a set of wooden or metal slats placed on your bed frame.
The most significant advantage of the bed slats is that they allow sufficient airflow under the mattress, ensuring a relaxed sleep during the night.
Most bed frames come with built-in slats. However, you can purchase them separately if your mattress doesn’t have built-in slats or if the slats break.
Purple recommends that the bed slats be 2.5 to 3.5 inches wide and 1 inch thick and not more than 3 inches apart.
If the gaps between the slats are more than 3 inches, they can not provide the support your mattress needs.
Ensure you regularly check the spacing between the slats to avoid any sagging in your mattress.
Ideal Mattress Type:
- Purple Mattress
- Most Hybrids
- Memory foam
- Latex
- Most Innersprings
| Benefits | Considerations |
| Increased airflow above and below your mattress | Gaps between the slats should not be more than 3 inches |
| It helps you sleep cool | Slats could shift |
| Affordable and straightforward | Narrow slats provide more support but could limit airflow |
| Easy setup |
6. Bunkie Board
A bunkie board consists of 1-3 inches thick wood wrapped in fabric, which can be hardwood or plywood. It is constructed by placing cardboard on a set of support rails on a wooden support.
While bunkie boards were initially designed for bunk beds, they are now tailored to fit any bed frame or mattress type.
They are handy for bed frames with an open design or slats farther apart, providing additional support for your mattress.
Ideal Mattress Type:
- All mattress types
| Benefits | Considerations |
| Affordable | Can warp in high-humidity areas |
| Provide additional support | Not suitable for tall individuals |
| Fit any bed frame or foundation | Blocks airflow |
Purple Mattress Foundations
Choosing the appropriate purple mattress foundation is vital to ensure quality sleep and enhance the lifespan of your mattress.
Purple offers various mattress foundations to accommodate your needs, regardless of whether you have a Purple mattress or a mattress from another brand.
Here are the four different types of purple mattress foundations:
1. Purple Platform Bed Frame
If you want an affordable, super sturdy, and easy-to-set-up mattress foundation, the Purple platform bed frame is the one for you.
It features a minimalist metal grid design with steel support rails and legs, and it doesn’t take up much space in your bedroom.
Due to its strong and sturdy construction, it can support up to 2000 pounds, which is particularly helpful for heavy individuals.
The setup is easy, and you don’t need any extra tools. Plus, it is easy to move when required.
Key Features:
Some of the key features of the Purple platform bed frame include:
- Offers 13-inch storage space underneath
- It can support up to 2000 pounds due to its sturdy steel construction
- Increased airflow helps you sleep cool
- Polypropylene buffer design prevents squeaking
- Quick and Easy setup and take-down
2. Purple Foundation
The purple foundation features a mid-century modern design showcasing a metal frame with Polyethylene slats as support rails. The cover fabric is available in charcoal gray and stone gray.
When we talk about purple foundation construction, it is solid and sturdy and can support up to 2000 pounds.
The setup is super easy and quick. You don’t need any extra tools. All you need to do is unpack the purple foundation, unfold the metal frame on the floor, attach the wooden legs, and fit the polyethylene panels.
Lastly, put on the fabric cover and attach the headboard to the purple foundation, and you’re good to go.
Highlights:
- Quick and easy setup; no tools required
- Solid and durable, it can support up to 2000 pounds
- It comes in charcoal gray and stone gray
- Supports any mattress
- Aesthetically appealing design
- Neutral design that complements your bedroom aesthetic
3. Purple Premium Smart Base
Revolutionize your comfort and sleep experience at an affordable price with the Purple premium smart base.
It is designed to customize your comfort by allowing you to elevate your head and legs.
Additionally, it also boasts several key features that enhance your sleep quality.
Features:
- Zero gravity: The zero-gravity preset elevates your legs slightly higher than your heart, relieving pressure and improving circulation, similar to feeling weightless.
- Anti-snoring: The anti-snoring preset elevates your head, helping to improve breathing. If your partner has snoring issues, no more sleep disturbances now.
- Lounge: We use our beds not only for sleep but also for other activities such as reading, relaxing, sitting, working on a laptop, scrolling social media, and watching television. The purple premium smart base elevates your torso, making it easy to perform these activities.
- Flat: With one button press, bring your smart base to the flat position.
- Adjustable leg height: Adjust the height of your bed according to your needs.
- Remote or app control: It comes with a remote control. What’s cool about this smart base is that you can control it using the Purple app.
4. Purple Premium Plus Smart Base
Let’s introduce the Purple Premium Plus Smart Base if this is not enough. You need this if you are looking for the ultimate comfort and luxury.
It offers all the features of the Purple Premium Smart Base with more additional features.
Here are some additional features:
- Dual massage
- Motion-sensored lighting under bed
- Neck and lumbar support preset
How to Choose the Best Mattress Foundation?
Choosing the best mattress foundation involves several critical factors, including your mattress type, design preference, budget, and more.
Here are the factors to consider when choosing the best mattress foundation:
Mattress Type
What type of mattress do you have? Do you have a Purple mattress? If you have a purple mattress, go for any bed foundation except the box spring. Most mattresses are not compatible with the box spring foundations.
Box spring foundations are primarily designed for innerspring mattresses. The following graphic shows the ideal mattress type and foundation pairing.
Budget
Adjustable bases are the most expensive bed foundation options. The reason is apparent: they provide ultimate comfort and luxury.
Platform bed foundations are in the middle range, while the slatted bed frames are the least expensive.
Durability
Platform bed foundations are the most durable. For instance, the Purple Platform Bed Frame and Purple Foundation can hold up to 2000 pounds.
Assembly
People who frequently move prefer a lightweight mattress foundation that is easy to assemble and disassemble. Again, the purple foundation fulfills all these conditions.
Design Preference
A bed frame design dramatically enhances the overall look of your bedroom. It should complement the colors of your furniture, windows, and doors.
Most people prefer upholstered bed frames because they are more decorative and aesthetically appealing. They also fit most bed foundations, including adjustable bases.
Check the Warranty
Check the mattress manufacturer’s warranty for what mattress foundation is compatible with your mattress and what makes the warranty void.
For instance, you can not use the purple mattress with a box spring. Using one will void your Purple Mattress Warranty. Most mattresses do not work with box springs.
When To Replace Your Mattress Foundation?
It’s not always necessary to replace your bed foundation when you purchase a new mattress. Identifying the compatibility and the condition of your current bed frame are the determining factors.
Here are the scenarios when you need to replace your mattress foundation:
1. Your new mattress is not compatible with your old foundation (For example, you purchased a Purple mattress, and your old foundation is a box spring)
2. The slats are broken
3. Your mattress sags even though it’s relatively new
4. Parts are loose and can’t be tightened
5. Parts are broken and stop working
When to replace your mattress foundation depends on several factors, such as the foundation type, the amount of weight it supports daily, and the amount of activity it experiences.
On average, this is when to replace your bed foundation based on which type you have:
- Adjustable Base: 15+ years
- Platform Bed Frame: 15+ years
- Flat Foundation: 10 years
- Bunkie Board: 2 to 3 years
- Slatted Bed Frame: 7-10 years
- Box Spring: 10 years
Purple Mattress Foundation FAQs
Can a Purple Mattress be used on an adjustable base?
Purple specifically designs mattresses for use on an adjustable base. It offers two adjustable bases: the purple premium smart base and the purple premium plus smart base.
While the purple offers adjustable bases, you can use a purple mattress on any adjustable base.
Can Purple Mattress go on the box spring?
Do not place Purple mattresses on box spring foundations. They are compatible with almost all bases except box springs.
The reason is that the coils in the box spring can damage the purple mattress over time. The purple mattress warranty is void if you use it with a box spring.
Box spring foundations are explicitly made for innerspring mattresses. Most hybrid, latex, and memory foam mattresses are incompatible with box spring foundations.
Can Purple Mattress go on the floor?
Purple mattresses should not go directly on the floor. The same applies to all the mattress brands. Here are the reasons why:
Accumulates dirt and dust: A floor is where dirt, dust, bacteria, and other unwanted elements live. By placing the mattress on the floor, you are inviting dirt to your mattress.
Stops Airflow: The sole reason for using a bed base is to lift your mattress off the ground to allow airflow. By placing the mattress on the floor, you are blocking the airflow. Although the floor can support the mattress, it will prevent airflow, resulting in sleeping hot.
Humidity: Your mattress is more likely to get mold and mildew, especially in high-humidity regions.
Mobility Issue: Another reason a mattress should not go on the floor is that it makes getting in and out of the mattress way more difficult, particularly for people with mobility issues.
Can Purple Mattresses go on slats?
One of the most significant advantages of using slatted frames is the increased airflow below the mattress, helping you sleep cool during the night.
Slates are the perfect foundation for a Purple mattress. However, the slats should be 2.5 to 3.5 inches wide, at least 1 inch tall, and not more than 3 inches apart.
If the slats are farther apart, the mattress can sag quickly. Ensure your bed slats are in place regularly to avoid sagging.
Be cautious about these issues to ensure your purple mattress’s best performance and lifespan.