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.
Sleep Doctor’s Picks
Best Overall
Nectar Premier Copper
Sleep Doctor
4.9
Amazon
4.3
Details
Trial Length 365 nights
Warranty Lifetime, Limited
Trial Length / Warranty
365 nights / Lifetime, Limited
Type Foam
Firmness Medium Firm (6)
Price $999 – $2,198
Sleep Doctor’s Take
Our testers found the Nectar Premier Copper offered excellent contouring without the excessive sinkage we’ve sometimes noticed in all-foam models. Side sleepers in particular benefited from the pressure relief from the bed’s adaptive layers.
Highlights
- Thick memory foam comfort system for deep contouring
- Copper fibers, phase change material, and gel memory foam designed to wick away heat
- Stay-put lower cover to prevent shifting
Drawbacks
- Some hot sleepers may find the foam too warm
- Just one firmness option available
At 14 inches thick, the Nectar Premier Copper’s high-profile construction is a good match for sleepers who struggle to get into or out of a low platform bed. The layers of this all-foam, medium firm (6) mattress are designed to relieve pressure without trapping heat.
Cooling technologies are included throughout the mattress’ design. The poly-blend cover contains conductive copper intended to wick away body warmth. A 4-inch layer of gel memory foam also incorporates phase change material intended to draw heat away from the sleep surface. Our temperature sensors picked up minimal heat retention compared to most all-foam models.
Next, a 1-inch transitional layer of responsive polyfoam helps prevent excessive sinkage. A 9-inch high-density polyfoam support core provides a stable and durable base, and a shift-resistant lower cover helps the mattress stay in place on a platform bed.
The Nectar Premier Copper earned excellent scores from our side sleeping testers over 130 pounds. Their hips and shoulders sank in enough to relieve pressure and promote good sleep posture. The mattress also received above-average marks from back sleepers under 230 pounds and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds. This versatility combined with strong motion isolation could make the Premier Copper a good choice for couples who prefer different sleep positions.
Shoppers can take advantage of Nectar’s 365-night sleep trial and free shipping to the contiguous United States. The Nectar Premier Copper comes in seven sizes, including split king, all of which come with a limited lifetime warranty.
The Nectar Premier Copper’s high-profile design and slip-resistant bottom cover pair nicely with a platform bed. Thanks to its generous, close-conforming comfort system and cooling technology, the mattress is also exceptionally comfortable for many sleepers.
Best Value
Silk & Snow Mattress
Sleep Doctor
4.8
Details
Trial Length 100 nights (30-night requirement)
Warranty 15 Year, Limited
Trial Length / Warranty
100 nights (30-night requirement) / 15 Year, Limited
Type Foam
Firmness Medium (5)
Price $600 – $900
Sleep Doctor’s Take
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.
Highlights
- 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
Drawbacks
- Stomach sleepers over 130 pounds may need a firmer bed
- Sleepers who easily overheat may find the bed too warm
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.
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.
Silk & Snow offers a 100-night sleep trial and a 15-year limited warranty. Mattresses ship free to the contiguous United States.
The Silk & Snow Mattress balances quality and affordability. Despite its low price-point, this model provides the pressure-relieving hug of memory foam without much heat retention.
Most Comfortable
WinkBeds GravityLux
Sleep Doctor
4.6
Details
Trial Length 120 nights (30 night requirement)
Warranty Lifetime, Limited
Trial Length / Warranty
120 nights (30 night requirement) / Lifetime, Limited
Type Foam
Firmness Medium Soft (4), Medium (5), Firm (7)
Price $1,199 – $1,999
Sleep Doctor’s Take
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.
Highlights
- 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
Ideal For
- Foam layers may feel too warm for hot sleepers
- Stomach sleepers over 230 pounds may need stronger support
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.
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.
A 120-night sleep trial lets shoppers try the mattress at home. WinkBeds offers free shipping to the contiguous United States and a limited lifetime warranty.
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
Saatva Latex Hybrid
Sleep Doctor
4.7
Details
Trial Length 365 Nights ($99 Return Fee)
Warranty Lifetime, Limited
Trial Length / Warranty
365 Nights ($99 Return Fee) / Lifetime, Limited
Type Hybrid
Firmness Medium Firm (6)
Price $1,295 – $2,990
Sleep Doctor’s Take
The Saatva Latex Hybrid is made with premium materials that promote longevity and comfort. Latex and organic wool gently cradle your body while supportive coils ensure proper spinal alignment. Many of our back and stomach sleepers benefited from the well-rounded performance.
Highlights
- Breathable design for notable temperature regulation
- Natural materials, including latex, cotton, and wool
- Zoned latex for pressure relief and spinal support
Drawbacks
- Price-point may be high for shoppers on a budget
- Only available in one firmness option
The Saatva Latex Hybrid combines sustainably sourced, natural Talalay latex with a core of individually wrapped recycled steel coils for a balance of contouring and support. Our testers noted that the quality materials and careful design give the mattress a high-end feel.
The comfort layers begin with a hand-tufted, GOTS-certified organic cotton Euro-top. Beneath the cover, a layer of GOTS-certified organic New Zealand wool wicks away moisture and helps regulate body temperatures. We found this combination added a bit of plushness while allowing heat to dissipate quickly.
Next, a 3-inch layer of zoned Talalay latex provides responsive support and pressure relief. The core uses pocketed coils, which are also zoned for enhanced support in the lumbar region and along the perimeter. Our testers noted that the edge reinforcement made it easier to get into and out of bed, which may be especially important if you have a low-profile platform bed. An organic eco loft pad made from a blend of cotton and wool provides a stable base.
In our testing, back and stomach sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds were especially impressed by the Saatva Latex Hybrid. Its zoned latex comfort layer and coil support core provided an even sleep surface, which helped our testers maintain their spinal alignment.
Side sleepers over 130 pounds also gave the mattress high marks, noting that it relieved pressure without restricting their movement. Across the board, the medium firm (6) feel was comfortable for virtually all our testers, though side sleepers under 130 pounds noted pressure around their hips and shoulders.
Saatva offers free White Glove delivery in the contiguous United States, which includes the removal of the old mattress. Each mattress comes with a 365-night sleep trial and a limited lifetime warranty.
The Saatva Latex Hybrid uses natural materials, appealing to eco-conscious customers who don’t want to sacrifice comfort. Thanks to the mattress’ balanced performance, it should meet the needs of most couples with different body types and position preferences.
Best for Side Sleepers
Helix Midnight
Sleep Doctor
4.6
Details
Trial Length 100 nights (30-night requirement)
Warranty 10 Year, Limited
Trial Length / Warranty
100 nights (30-night requirement) / 10 Year, Limited
Type Hybrid
Firmness Medium Firm (6)
Price $936 – $1,749
Sleep Doctor’s Take
Our side-sleeping testers are always on the lookout for mattresses that cradle the hips and shoulders without sacrificing sturdiness. The Helix Midnight checked all the boxes, thanks to a foam-and-coil design that excels at both pressure relief and support.
Highlights
- Close-conforming memory foam redistributes weight
- Reinforced coils along the perimeter for added edge support
- Optional cover designed for cooling
Drawbacks
- May feel too soft for some stomach sleepers above 230 pounds
- Only available in one firmness level
We found that the Helix Midnight performs well for its target audience of side sleepers, but it’s also well suited to some combination sleepers.
Designed specifically for side sleepers, the Helix Midnight’s memory foam comfort layer molds to the hips and shoulders to reduce pressure buildup. A transitional layer of slightly firmer polyfoam adds cushioning while preventing the sleeper from pressing against the core. The 8-inch pocketed coil core responds to the sleeper’s movements. In our sleep partner tests, it also effectively limited the spread of vibrations.
Our testers found that the reinforced perimeter made it easier to get into and out of bed, which is particularly valuable if you’re considering a low-profile platform bed. Finally, a layer of DuraDense polyfoam at the bottom of the mattress creates a stable foundation.
A breathable knit polyester cover encases the mattress. Hot sleepers may also choose to add a GlacioTex Cooling Cover for an additional charge, though most of our team felt the surface was cool enough without it.
Our testers confirmed that the Midnight performs well for side sleepers, especially those between 130 and 230 pounds. Individuals under 130 pounds also rated the mattress well. However, those over 230 pounds found that the medium firm (6) feel was not supportive enough to prevent their hips from sagging.
Back and stomach sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds also had high praise for the mattress, so it may be suitable for combination sleepers in this weight range. The Midnight earned above-average marks in most sleep categories, standing out in pressure relief and noise control.
This model comes in six sizes and ships free within the U.S. Helix offers shoppers a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year limited warranty.
With layers designed to cradle a side sleeper’s hips and shoulders, the Helix Midnight provides comfort and support for most who favor this position. Given its affordable price tag, this model is likely to appeal to budget shoppers looking for a hybrid.
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.
More Mattress Options for Specific Needs
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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