Hi all, glad I found this place as I’ve been getting all sorts of different information about what I actually need. So recently my girlfriend and I just bought a pillow top serta mattress. We already had a Bedder Base bed frame so we didn’t think we would need a foundation/box spring. But when the delivery guys came with the mattress they said we’d need some kind of base board (plywood or something like) to make sure the bed wasn’t damaged.
The first night we slept on it with just the bed frame as support and we both agreed it was a great night’s rest. I got some plywood boards to lay down since (until I could get something more long-lasting) and for the past two nights neither of us have been able to sleep solidly through the night.
My question is: Do I really need the added support of a bed board/slats with my current frame?
While I’m sure the delivery men were well intentioned, the Bedder Base you have is actually similar in surface design to the semi-flex (Stabl-Base) base used by Serta (see photos). Both units use a metal grid network to provide a firm flat surface to support the mattress. I would have no concerns about having to add any additional pieces of plywood on top of your current base, provided that your current base is firm and flat and not sagging or giving in any areas. Generally speaking, the more support bars and the higher number of wires, the better support for your mattress.
Without actually seeing and comparing your two setups, I wouldn’t be able to provide any meaningful comments on what might have been the result in the difference in feel, but if you’re concerned that your existing base might be sagging too much, I would place the mattress directly upon the floor and see how it compares in comfort to using your base (without the plywood).
The key thing is to have a firm and flat surface upon which the mattress is to be placed.
If you have any other questions or concerns, please let me know.
First off thank you very much for your informative reply. Over the next two nights we’re going to try to sleep without the boards and then just putting the mattress on the floor so we can fully gauge the differences, but I personally think the base alone will be fine as well, just wanted the opinions of those who would be more informed.
