Bunkie Board Thoughts?

[cjay22]

I have a Zinus 16 Inch SmartBase Deluxe Mattress Foundation (full size) from Amazon.

We like it - it’s solid and the 16” inch height gives us needed storage underneath.

However, the thicker slats that run top to bottom are 11” inches apart. The thinner wire slats that run side to side are 3” apart. I’m worried I’ve read that might not be enough to properly support a good mattress.

Do you think we need a bunkie board and, of so, can you recommend any?

[Maverick]

@cjay22

Zinus 16 Inch SmartBase Deluxe Mattress Foundation

This is not a great choice for a foundation, particularly with a foam mattress, or even a hybrid. You can use it, but you really need a bunkie board, plywood deck on top of the foundation, or a thicker solid pegboard that will not flex along with that metal grid of the foundation. Unless, yours is not that metal grid looking foundation that seems to come up with the description of your base when searching Amazon.

A solid piece of plywood with sanded edges, cover it with a matching sheet or something, and you should be fine. You could get a something like this, but it is likely more than your foundation, but if you like the height and storage underneath, it is a solution.

All the best,

Maverick

[cjay22]

Thank you, Maverick!

I now understand I am going to have to make an investment to protect the investment I am making in a mattress.

Thank you for your suggestion. $250 does seem a little expensive, but not out of the question. Might something like this be suitable? Amazon.com

[Maverick]

I would say that it looks acceptable in combination with your Zinus. You should be fine.

[cjay22]

Thank you, Maverick! This is a very helpful website!

[Maverick]

Glad you found it helpful. Your situation, motivated me to get my fingers working.

Mattress Support Is a System, Not a Single Product: Why problems blamed on mattresses often start underneath them!

One thing I’ve noticed in mattress discussions is how often “support” gets reduced to the mattress alone: foam quality, coil count, firmness level, brand reputation. Those things matter, but in practice a mattress never works by itself. A mattress is only one component in a larger support system that includes the sleeper, the base or frame, and ultimately the floor. If any part of that system flexes, fatigues, or shifts over time, comfort, alignment, and durability can all suffer, even when the…

If you decide on that bunkie, once it’s fully set up, have either you or a helper take a video of the area under the bed while someone gets on it, or switch roles so one person gets on the bed while the you observe underneath. Watch for any flexing, even if it’s slight. The extra bunkie should solve the issue, but making this check will help ensure there’s no flexing and give you peace of mind.

Maverick

[cjay22]

Thanks, Maverick! Very helpful advice.

I’m in the process of purchasing a new mattress and I’ve learned so much on your site, that it goes beyond just the mattress itself. I’m on a limited budget, but I realize I do still need to invest in the foundation and also a waterproof mattress encasement. I’m intimidated by that post on pillows, but I’ll get there eventually, too.

Thanks again and keep up the great work!