Choosing a new mattress for your bed is a big decision.
If you’ve invested in a platform bed already or you’re looking into getting one in the future, it’s a good idea to know which type of mattress works best with it and how it can be used in your household.
We’re going to take a look at the best twin mattress for platform bed frames and see what the limitations and benefits are.
Why Choose a Platform Bed?
Instead of acting as a simple frame for your box spring and other mattress, platform beds become the base for you to rest your mattress on directly.
It’s a convenient option if you won’t want to use a box spring mattress at all, or if you’re interested in a shorter bed height.
Although platform beds come in all different sizes, they are commonly used with twin mattresses for single occupants.
Best Twin Mattress for Platform Beds
8, 10 & 12 in
Memory Foam
CertiPur US Certified
10 yr warranty
6, 8, 10 & 12 in, Twin & Twin XL
Memory Foam
30 day return
CertiPur US Certified
1 yr warranty
6, 8, 10 in, Twin & Twin XL
Memory Foam
CertiPur US Certified
10 yr warranty
10 in, Twin XL
Innerspring
CertiPur US Certified
1 yr warranty
10 in, Twin & Twin XL
Latex Foam
30 day return
CertiPur US Certified
25 yr warranty
8, 10 & 12 in
Memory Foam
CertiPur US Certified
10 yr warranty
6, 8, 10 & 12 in, Twin & Twin XL
Memory Foam
30 day return
CertiPur US Certified
1 yr warranty
6, 8, 10 in, Twin & Twin XL
Memory Foam
CertiPur US Certified
10 yr warranty
10 in, Twin XL
Innerspring
CertiPur US Certified
1 yr warranty
10 in, Twin & Twin XL
Latex Foam
30 day return
CertiPur US Certified
25 yr warranty
Platform Beds for the Elderly
For elderly sleepers, it’s not recommended to get a platform bed with a standard or thin twin mattress.
These tend to be lower than the average bed, which can make them more difficult to get out of.
Most platform beds with a solid slab top or a metal frame design offer the low, modern look, which may not be ideal for the elderly unless a box spring or similar is added to make the bed taller.
Foam and latex beds may not have a solid enough structure when used with a platform bed alone. The side structure is particularly soft, which may make it more difficult to get in and out of bed.
Are Twin Size Platform Beds Good for Kids?
Children have special requirements for their beds. Young children from toddlers onwards may do well on a platform bed because of the shorter size.
This will help them to get in and out of the bed more easily, and may even provide some extra storage space for their things.
You also won’t need to buy a box spring or foundation piece when you’re using a platform bed.
This can help with the height of the bed, as well as the expense of transitioning from a crib mattress to a twin mattress for your younger child.
Platform beds make box springs obsolete, reducing your overall budget for a new bed.
How to Choose The Best Twin Mattress for Platform Bed
What do you need to look at before you buy a mattress for your platform bed? The right twin mattress needs to fit your individual comfort and lifestyle needs. Look at these factors to help you make a strong choice for your new mattress:
Desired Bed Height
You can easily adjust the height of a platform bed. For the lowest height, you can put your twin mattress directly onto the platform.
If you want to increase the height for a taller bed, you can use a box spring mattress or a bed foundation to boost it a few inches. Box springs and foundations are not necessary for support but can help you change the height.
The weight of the Mattress
Weight varies based on the design of the bed. Many beds have a rating for the weight they can support. It may be anywhere from 250lbs. + depending on the bed.
Make sure your twin mattress fits into the weight requirements for the bed itself.
Keep in mind that the full weight the bed will need to support is the mattress, you, and anyone or anything else that will also occupy the bed at the same time as you, including pets.
Slats or Slab
Platform beds usually come with a series of wooden or metal slats across the top. These are usually around 3 inches apart, making a flat space for any type of mattress to lay on.
If the slats are designed with gaps larger than 4 inches, it might be best to avoid a foam or latex mattress type, because it can sag between the slats and lose its shape and support.
If the platform bed as a flat slab of wood or similar hard materials, you can use any type of mattress on that bed without trouble.
Innerspring, foam, latex, hybrid, and all other mattress types can sit on a perfectly flat slab platform bed without any need for extra support.
Type of Mattress Material
Mattresses of all types can be used safely with platform beds.
For those mattresses that need a little more breathability, like memory foam or latex mattresses, slat platforms are the best for airflow, as long as the slats are not too far apart.
Innerspring mattresses can be used with platform beds as well, and a box spring will not be necessary as it would be with other types of beds.
Mattress Firmness
Mattress firmness plays an important part. Some people would like to go for soft ones while others prefer a hard surface.
In some cases, the choice is also driven by issues such as back or neck pain.
Can You Use a Box Spring with a Platform Bed?
If you do want to transfer your twin size box spring mattress to a platform bed for any reason, you may do so.
It’s not going to change the effectiveness of the bed, and it won’t make it more or less comfortable for you to sleep on at night.
It’s not necessary to use a box spring with a platform bed, but it will not affect the overall experience.
Most often a box spring is used if the twin mattress is not thick enough to make the bed tall on its own, so the box spring adds a few inches of height.
The other reason a box spring may be used is if you choose an innerspring mattress that requires a box spring beneath it for the warranty to be valid.
This is common with innerspring mattress warranties, so it’s something you’ll want to consider beforehand.
Using a Twin Mattress for Platform Bed with Back Pain
For people with back pain, a platform bed can help add much-needed support.
You should look at a thick mattress made from foam, latex, or a hybrid material that can lend a mix of support and comfort for your back.
It may be a good idea to look at something to increase the height of the bed, such as a low-profile box spring, regular box spring, or foundation if the platform is not tall enough on its own.
Twin Mattresses for Taller People
You can use a twin mattress for someone who’s a few inches taller than the average, but you may need to get an extra long twin mattress for platform bed frames.
Since the mattress is usually made to fit perfectly on top of the platform bed, you may need to look for a different bed that’s a little bit larger.
A twin mattress is normally a good size for most individual sleepers. But, the extra long size can give some relief to those that are taller than average.
It may also be useful if you have a pet sleeping at your feet at night, since they will have a little extra space to stretch out without getting in your way.
If you’re using a slat style platform bed, be sure that the slats extend as long as the mattress, so that no part of the mattress is left hanging on either end. This is why the mattress should fit the platform bed exactly.
What is the Ideal Twin Mattress Thickness for a Platform Bed?
Twin mattress thickness varies depending on who is sleeping on the bed and the desired aesthetics of the bed itself.
For elderly people and those who supper from back pain, a thicker mattress might be the best choice. This would ensure that the bed is higher up, making it easier to get in and out of bed.
It’s not ideal for this demographic of people to get a thinner twin mattress, since it may be too low for comfort.
For children, a thinner mattress works well. Keep in mind that a mattress can last 10 or more years, so it’s wise to get one that’s thick enough to grow with the child through their next 10 years.
If you’re looking for a low-profile design that gives the room a modern aesthetic feel, a thinner mattress might work perfectly.
Or, you can opt for a lower platform bed and a thicker mattress for a similar effect. Even a standard or thick mattress may look modern on a low platform bed.
What’s the Best Twin Mattress for a Platform Bed with Slats?
Platform beds can have either rigid or Euro-style flex slats that hold up the mattress and give support to you while you’re sleeping.
Rigid slats are hard, unmoving slats that go straight across the bed frame, while flex slats are bowed upwards towards the mattress and will give a little as weight is placed on top of them.
The most common slat type used in the US is the rigid slat, which is useful to know for choosing a mattress.
Rigid slats usually come with 3 inches or less between the various slats. With this sizing, the slats can be used for any type of mattress.
They will work especially well for foam and latex mattresses. However, if the slats have more than 3 – 4 inches between them, it’s wise to add another layer of support before your foam mattress or choose an innerspring mattress instead.
Review of Best Twin Mattress for Platform Beds
Zinus Memory Foam Mattress Review
Since 2003, Zinus began making mattresses and other indoor home comfort products as an expansion from their existing line of outdoor and camping supplies.
They have always been comfort-oriented, a characteristic that strongly influences their mattresses and bedding today.
This mattress is a 12-inch thick memory foam mattress available in twin, full, queen, and king sizes.
Within the 12 inches of foam are a top 3-inch layer of Memory foam, a 2-inch layer of comfort foam, a 3.5-inch layer of high-density airflow foam, and a 3.5-inch support base of high-density foam. It’s infused with Green Tea extracts and Castor Seed Oil that help it stay fresh and odour-free.
Check Price & Reviews on Amazon
Signature Sleep Memoir Mattress Review
A newer entrant into the market, Signature Sleep focuses on mattresses and sleep accessories. They have a full line of mattresses in a variety of styles and sizes.
The 12-inch Memoir mattress is made from two layers of foam. A 3.5 – 4 inch layer of soft Memory foam makes up the top with an 8 – 8.5 inch layer of high-density foam as the support base on the bottom.
It’s also available in 6, 8, and 10-inch models with differently sized foam sections.
Signature sleep’s Memoir mattress is made with CertiPUR-US foam, and it comes with a breathable, soft mattress cover.
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Best Price Mattress Memory Foam Mattress
Best Price Mattress Inc. sells modern mattresses, mattress toppers, beds, and other accessories at a reduced price compared to the competition.
Their products come guaranteed, and many special offers are available to reduce the total price every more.
This 10-inch Memory foam mattress comes with 3 different layers of foam. The top layer is a soft 3-inch Memory foam followed by a 2-inch layer of Super Soft Foam and a 5-inch high-density base layer.
The combination helps to relieve pressure points while you’re sleeping, and it conforms to the shape of your body. It’s also available in 6, 8, and 12-inch thickness as a twin, full, queen, or king size bed.
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Englander Finale Innerspring Mattress Review
Englander has been making mattresses and other sleep products since it was founded in 1894.
Their reputation for high-quality mattresses and comfortable materials is excellent, with new innovations being added to their mattress lines throughout the years.
Available in Twin XL, full, queen, and California King sizes, this 10-inch innerspring mattress works well with platform beds. It’s a medium-soft mattress with CertiPUR-US certification for quality.
This is hybrid mattress design with a plush top layer, foam materials in the middle, and a large 3-zone spring support on the bottom.
The springs are adjusted to give excellent lumbar support and softer uppers and lower body support simultaneously. You won’t need a box spring if you use this mattress with a platform bed.
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LUCID Latex Foam Mattress Review
Focusing on high-quality comfort items, LUCID makes a wide range of mattresses, mattress toppers, and other sleeping and comfort accessories.
As a hybrid mix of foam and latex, this LUCID mattress is made from two layers of material. The top layer is a 3-inch layer of natural latex and the bottom layer is a 7-inch section of high-density support foam made from polyurethane.
The foam used is made from CertiPUR-US materials. For increased airflow, the upper latex layer has built-in ventilation that makes it more breathable.
Check Price & Reviews on Amazon
Bottomline
A good night’s sleep can make a huge difference for your health and quality of life.
Choosing the right twin mattress for platform bed frames is a simple way to help make sure you or whoever is using the bed sleeps as well as possible in your home.
Make sure you pay attention to who will be using the bed, in case they have any medical or physical considerations, as well as the type of functionality and aesthetics you’re looking for. All of these factors come into play to help you make the best choice!
Last update on 2020-01-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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