Hi,
As I mentioned on this forum, I purchased the Brentwood Home Cypress Hybrid 11" full bed and am currently trying to figure out a box spring/foundation. I know after reading here that slats closer together are preferred, and unfortunately a quick look at the recommended brand links only showed things out of my budget. I have an antique, all wood bed that requires a lower profile (4-5") foundation, and am aiming to spend around $100.
I purchased a $79 Walmart Mainstays frame but there are 6.75" spaces between the slats so it needs to go back, correct? I’m looking at the Zinus Edgar and Zinus Walter but neither is currently on sale in my budget, unless I want to figure out a Sam’s club membership and wait 2 months for it to be delivered. Are these solid options, and are there any others?
Additionally, I have mentioned that I am 118lbs, 5’8" and a stomach sleeper. I am considering sleeponlatex’s 2" soft dunlop latex topper depending on how my mattress feels when it arrives, but I’m also considering sticking with a memory foam topper as I LOVE the feel. I know no one can tell me which to pick since a lot is based on preference, and after reading here I know a thinner topper is better, so I would replace my current 3" foam with a 2" and am considering the DreamFoam topper as it will be 30% off today and $44 for a full can’t really be beat (I bought a 1.5" The Big One topper from Kohls but I’m not expecting high density or great quality). The DreamFoam has a 3lb density. I know this is on the lower side of the recommended spectrum, but how well could I expect it to hold up as a 118 pound individual? Any other recommendations? Thank you again!
One of the advantages of an innerspring mattress is its breathability. The Brentwood Home Cypress Hybrid 11" uses Leggett & Platt Bolsa 8" encased coils, so you don’t need so much space between slats - an option with a maximum 4 1/2" is a correct choice for your mattress. If you look on the Brentwood site itself, that is what they offer and recommend.
You can also always reach out to Brentwood directly to make sure that whatever base you choose doesn’t void the warranty.
Is there a reason you’re looking at a slatted base specifically?
Thank you for your response, Jethro. I did notice Brentwood recommends that 4.5" difference which is what had me confused, as I was reading so many places that 3" or under was preferred. I especially wanted to go this route in case I end up switching mattresses if this one doesn’t work out. No reason for the slatted base other than I read they were best, saw Brentwood uses a slatted base, and thought the breathability of this over a platform would be preferred.
Would an actual box spring like this be better? https://www.nfm.com/southerland-5-semi-flex-full-box-spring
Or a full platform like this? https://www.nfm.com/sealy-stable-support-5-low-profile-full-foundation
I was also looking at an all wood slatted option: https://www.nfm.com/southerland-4-wood-full-box-spring I’m still trying to get the information about slat distance and center support from Nebraska Furniture Mart as the pictures and info on the website are useless.
I decided to wait on the topper until I get my bed! Thank you!
Both a slatted or platform option are adequate for an innerspring or hybrid mattress, because you don’t have to consider issues with humidity and breathability like you would with a latex or all foam mattress.
There isn’t a real difference between slats and a platform base in your case when it comes to concerns with regards to humidity, bacteria or mold, and the base of your bed is going to have little to do with how hot you sleep.
With regards to 3" of space or less – the manufacturer recommends 4.5" for whatever reason, probably related to their recommended “best feel.” A lot of people talk about wanting a smaller space between slats for adequate support for the springs. The mattress you are looking at is actually also compatible with adjustable bases without it affecting the integrity of the mattress. If you wanted to use a slatted base with less space between slats, you would be fine to do so.
So really, it comes down to preference. Would you prefer a slatted mattress? Do you like a platform instead?
I have no clue how platform bases vs slatted bases are feel wise - I guess I can search around this forum more to get an idea! I’ve only had my 17 year old bed on what I guess you would call a box spring - it’s a day bed with thin metal wires that flex under the mattress, no platform or levels or anything, I can reach under the bed and feel the wires and the mattress coming through. I definitely wouldn’t want this system again as the wires stick into the mattress and cause damage. I was attracted to platform slats because I felt like it wouldn’t rip the mattress like my current set up does. I know I would prefer more softness and less stiffness for the bed.
For anyone who is interested, the Walmart Mainstays 5" easy assembly smart box spring I purchased before doing research arrived today and, at least in the full model, the slats are actually 5.75" apart. I’m waiting to hear back from Brentwood as to whether or not this is an acceptable distance for their hybrid.
The ultimate feel between a platform and slatted base are going to be similar in this case. The main difference is more in the sense of breathability or questions about ease of mobility regarding the structure itself. For example, some people change residence frequently, so they may need a more mobile option (slatteed) vs a solid, rigid platform.
Feel on a slatted base can be altered if you are using a slatted base with moving, flexible slats that sort of mimic zoned coils and “auto adjust” to differents heights and weights. This is meant to help with support and pressure relief.
In some cases, a wire frame may also be appropriate for your mattress, but it sounds like the one you have may be hazardous to the mattress, so its a good call that you are replacing it. There are some stiffer wire frames that are essentially thick metal net with horizontal bars that support them from underneath. This kind of frame can also be adequately supportive, but of course you want one that isn’t going to damage your new mattress.
Jethro, thank you very much for explaining the difference between various types of foundations - it was very helpful! I ended up hearing back from Brentwood, so I thought I would share exactly what they said in case anyone else buying a Brentwood Hybrid comes across this topic.
“All of our mattresses are compatible with a variety of bases: Adjustable Base/Bed, Platform Bed, Boxspring/Foundation, and/or Slatted Base (each slat needs to be a minimum of two and a half (2.5) inches wide and the spaces between the slats (if any) should be no greater than 5’ apart to provide maximum support). However, we highly recommend a slatted base for the best breathability and performance of our mattresses.
​​We also have to mention that we do not recommend placing your mattress directly on the floor as this will not allow your mattress to breathe properly and can cause mold/mildew to form over time. Placing your mattress directly on the floor will also void our Warranty.”
Since Brentwood prefers a slatted base, this is what I went with - I purchased the Zinus Deepak bunkie board on Amazon, and it was within my budget at $93! (If anyone is interested, the queen size is currently $79). The wooden slats on the Deepak measure just short of 3", at 2.75", and are less than 3 inches apart.