First time latex mattress on budget and need some advice on foundation

[phoenix]

Hi Nemix,

I’m about 95% sure I’m gonna go with the Natural Escape but still unsure on firm or plush.

Sounds promising

a) For foam core mattresses what is the idea space between the slats (I’ve read it’s 2-3 inches but I cannot find a definite answer)?

The reason for the slats is to provide some airflow under the mattress which can help reduce the risk of moisture and humidity getting trapped in the mattress and adding to the risk of developing mold, mildew, or dust mites in the mattress.

There isn’t a definitive answer about which specific foundation is “best” for a specific mattress because it depends on the mattress and the materials inside it but there is more information and some general guidelines about support systems (bedframes and foundations or platform beds) that are generally suitable for different types of mattresses and some examples of each of them in post #1 here

A mattress with a polyfoam support core will generally do best with a firm, flat, and evenly supportive support surface underneath it that has minimal to no flex under the mattress and for larger sizes with at least one center support beam that has good support to the floor to prevent any sagging in the middle of the mattress. The components need to be strong and durable enough to support the weight of the mattress and the people sleeping on it without any of the parts or the support system bending, sagging, or breaking over time. The support surface under the mattress should also have enough surface area to prevent the mattress from sagging through any gaps or spaces in the support surface over time but still allow some airflow under the mattress. I would suggest that the gaps between the slats are no more than about 5" (with 1 x 3 slats) although less than 4" would be better yet.

With a mattress that has a latex support core then I would use a maximum guideline of about 3" (and again less would be better) because latex is more flexible and elastic than polyfoam and can sag into any gaps more easily.

b) Is there such thing as too little space between the slats, if so what is it and why?

As long as the gaps are wide enough to provide some airflow under the mattress (and it’s difficult to prevent any airflow unless the support surface is solid) then it would generally be fine. Even a solid surface would be fine in many cases depending on whether there are any additional risk factors involved. There is more about airflow and solid surface support systems in post #10 here.

Phoenix