Mattress expert reveals the most common and costly mistake people make when purchasing a new bed—and how to avoid it.
We all know the importance of a good mattress, but have you ever stopped to think about how your bed frame might be affecting your sleep? Your bed frame, specifically the slats, plays a crucial role in supporting your mattress – and ultimately, your rest.
Mattress expert Steve Adams, CEO of Mattress Online, shares the biggest mistake people make when choosing a bed frame – not checking for the correct spacing between the slats!
Three mistakes we’re making when buying a bed frame
Steve shares his top three tips for choosing the right bed frame to support your mattress:
1. Not checking the spacing between slats
“The spacing between your bed frame slats is crucial, but it’s not one-size-fits-all. For example, foam mattresses need slats no more than 3 inches apart to prevent sinking. Whereas standard coil springs or foam mattresses can handle slightly wider gaps, but anything over 4 inches may cause dips over time. If you’re using a divan base then slat spacing is less critical, but for direct mattress support, getting it right is key.”
2. Buying a bed frame with poor support
“Beyond spacing, slats should be solid and durable. Weak, flimsy slats won’t support your mattress properly, which could lead to premature wear. Look for frames made of sturdy materials, like solid wood or metal, and avoid flimsy, budget options that may bend or break over time.”
3. Not looking for reinforced slats
“For heavier mattresses or larger sleepers, reinforced slats can make a big difference. Some bed frames come with central support legs that extend to the floor or additional slats for extra stability. This is especially important for superking-size mattresses or higher sprung pocket mattresses, which need consistent support to maintain their shape”
How slats affect your sleep quality
“Just like how a mattress that’s too firm or too soft can impact your sleep, the same goes for your bed frame. If the slats are too wide, the mattress doesn’t get the support it needs, meaning you’re more likely to sink into the bed and end up in awkward positions. This can lead to poor spinal alignment and increased pressure on your body.
And, for those of us with larger or king size mattresses , this becomes even more critical. Larger mattresses require stronger support to maintain their shape and comfort. Without proper slat spacing and solid support, king size mattresses are more likely to sag in the middle, leading to uneven sleeping surfaces and discomfort.
Something we have seen many times is that a lot of slats for bed frames come sprung, i.e. slightly bowed so it’s super important to make sure this bows up towards the mattress, not bowing down. The mattress life span and comfort will be greatly reduced. Another interesting fact, when buying a bed frame with a spring slat as above, is that when installed correctly they will make a mattress feel notably softer than a Divan or a bed with solid slats.
If you wake up with aches and pains, or notice your mattress is sagging, it could be a sign that your slats are to blame. A good, sturdy frame with properly spaced slats helps your mattress maintain its shape and ensures you get the support you need throughout the night.”
