You might be drawn to the sleek, modern look of a platform bed frame. However, not every mattress is a good fit for a platform bed. You don’t necessarily need a “special” mattress. However, you should get a model that has the right support and height to make sure the bed not only looks great, but feels great, too. The best platform bed mattresses include the Sleepy’s By Sealy Memory Foam Medium Mattress for a budget-friendly option, the Serta Perfect Sleeper Charlotte 2.0 Medium Euro Top Mattress for those shopping for a hybrid model, and the Serta iSeries 2.0 Hybrid 2000 12.5” Firm Mattress for a premium option.

What is the best mattress for a platform bed? Continue reading below as we cover what to look for in a platform bed mattress and the top options available here at Mattress Firm.

Why Platform Beds Need the Right Mattress

Platform beds differ from traditional bed frames in that they have a solid surface or slats at the base, providing a built-in foundation for mattresses. Platform beds offer an alternative to box springs, which are not required to create a supportive sleep surface.

Because of this, platform beds often have a lower profile with sleepers lower to the ground, while traditional bed frames have a higher sleep surface.

Finding a compatible mattress for a platform bed ensures proper airflow, support and comfort, helping you get a restful sleep.

Top Mattress Types for Platform Beds

Not sure what is the best mattress type for platform beds? Let’s take a look at how different types of mattresses work with platform bed frames:

Memory Foam

Memory foam mattresses are highly popular today. Sleepers might be drawn to memory foam mattresses due to their contouring support and motion isolation.

These types of mattresses can work well with platform bed frames. However, the bed must have a solid support surface or slats that are located no further than three inches apart.

This prevents the mattress from sagging or drooping in between the slats, which would create an uneven and uncomfortable sleep surface.

Hybrid 

Hybrid mattresses offer a balance of comfort and support. They are highly versatile and suitable for all sleep positions, offering cushioning foam layers at the surface and consistent support throughout with a coil system.

In general, hybrid mattresses work well with platform bed frames. Similar to memory foam mattresses, hybrid models require a solid base or closely-spaced slats to ensure a steady and supportive sleep surface and ample airflow.

Latex 

Latex mattresses are popular for their responsive support and comfort, as well as their eco-friendliness and hypoallergenic properties. They tend to be on the more expensive side, though they’re a good alternative to memory foam mattresses.

You can use a latex mattress with a platform bed as long as the slats are located close together or the bed has a solid base. This ensures the mattress maintains its shape, supporting its overall comfort and durability.

Innerspring

Traditional innerspring mattresses are budget-friendly options for sleepers who prefer a more sturdy and supportive feel. The innerspring construction is known to effectively draw heat away from the body, offering a cooler, more breathable feel.

These mattresses can work with certain platform bed frames. Those with a solid base can provide the innerspring mattress with the even support it needs. If the bed has slats, they must be spaced closely together to ensure the mattress does not sag between them and create an uneven sleep surface.

Best Overall Mattresses for Platform Beds

No matter your budget or preferred sleeping position, you can find the best mattress for platform beds right here at Mattress Firm. Continue reading below to see our top picks for platform bed mattresses.

Sleepy’s By Sealy Memory Foam Medium Mattress

What We Like

The Sleepy’s By Sealy Memory Foam Medium Mattress is the best affordable mattress for a platform bed. With budget-friendly prices and created by trusted brands Sealy and Sleepy’s, there’s a lot to love about this model.

Even as a budget-friendly mattress, this bed offers excellent pressure relief and comfort with its gel memory foam layer that contours to your body. Not to mention, the mattress features additional layers of airflow foam and firm support foam, making it both breathable and supportive.

To top this off, the bed is conveniently delivered in a box, making it easy for you to handle and set up with your platform bed.

Price

Starting at $249.99

Key Features

• Medium comfort
• 10” mattress height
• 2.5” gel visco memory foam
• 2.5” convoluted foam
• 5” support foam
• Stretch knit zipper cover

What Customers Have to Say

“Awesome mattress — one of the cheapest ones with no bells or whistles and it’s just perfect for me!” – Caty C.

“I love my new mattress. Comfortable and soft, it’s wonderful.” – K.W.

“Great mattress for our daughter and better than the other “bed in a box” products that are out there, and even costs less.” – Todd S.

Beautyrest PressureSmart 2.0 Firm 11” Mattress

What We Like

The Beautyrest PressureSmart 2.0 Firm 11” Mattress offers top-of-the-line cooling, targeted support and comfort. In fact, sleepers have even noted that it has up to 35% more pressure relief in the hip area against Firm PressureSmart™ models that don’t have carbon fiber technology.

The mattress’s GelTouch® Foam helps with support and breathability, and the InfiniCool™ Plus Surface boasts 13% more cooling power compared to standard PressureSmart™ models.

Price

Starting at $780.99 (Limited time offer)

Key Features

• Firm comfort
• 11” mattress height
• 0.5” plush comfort foam
• 1” CarbonBoost™ foam
• 0.25” GelTouch™ foam
• Gel memory foam lumbar support
• 1000 Series Firm Pocketed Coil™ 
• 1” energy foam
• BeautyEdge®
• InfiniCool™ Plus Surface

What Customers Have to Say

“Excellent mattress. I suffer from arthritis in my SI joints. I would wake up every morning with low back pain. I have not had low back pain since I bought this mattress. Best decision I ever made.” – Cindy D.

“Great value for the money — very comfortable.” – Bruce C.

“Perfect for me, a side sleeper, very comfortable even for my husband, who’s a back sleeper.” – Sherry W.

Beautyrest Silver BRS900 11.75” Extra Firm Mattress

What We Like

The Beautyrest Silver BRS900 11.75” Extra Firm Mattress is a great option for larger individuals or those who share their bed with a sleep partner. The extra firm comfort level means the bed is highly durable and designed to keep its shape over the mattress’s lifetime.

Made with the 900 Series Beautyrest® Pocketed Coil® Technology, this bed offers precise support for each sleeper and motion isolation for undisturbed rest. Plus, the mattress’s antimicrobial performance layer keeps the bed feeling fresh and inviting night after night.

Price

Starting at $489.99 (Limited time offer)

Key Features

• Extra firm comfort
• 11.75” mattress height
• 1” AirCool® foam
• 1.5” firm comfort foam
• 900 Series Firm Pocketed Coil®
• Gel memory foam lumbar support
• DualCool technology 

What Customers Have to Say

“Fim and sturdy, exactly what we were looking for.” – Kumari

“We’re so happy with this bed! It matches our expectations perfectly.” – Azizul

“Excellent firm mattress for the money.” – Gary D.

Sleepy’s By Sealy Medium Euro Top Mattress

What We Like

Get exceptional value and award-winning comfort with the Sleepy’s By Sealy Medium Euro Top Mattress. Made from trusted brands Sealy and Sleepy’s, this bed is for everyone. It can accommodate all sleeping positions, whether you prefer to sleep on your back, side or stomach.

The mattress helps to relieve pain and discomfort with its adaptive five-zone support and a durable euro top that cradles your joints. Even as you shift and readjust your position throughout the night, the coil system moves with you to offer continuous pressure relief.

Price

Starting at $399.99

Key Features

• Medium comfort
• 10.5” mattress height
• 1” soft response gel foam
• 1.25” medium comfort foam
• 8” 5-Zoned 770 coil density
• Sleepy’s firm edge foam encasement
• 1” extra firm base foam
• Super soft stretch knit rayon cover

What Customers Have to Say

“Perfect mattress for me. Not too soft and not too firm. Very comfortable, wise purchase on my behalf. R.C.W.

“I just bought this mattress after having this memory foam one for 12+ years, and I can just say that it’s the best thing ever. It’s so much more comfortable than I thought, and I can now, for once, sleep on my back. I don’t wake up with back aches. I would totally recommend.” – Julissa C.

Serta Perfect Sleeper Charlotte 2.0 Medium Euro Top Mattress

What We Like

The Serta Perfect Sleeper Charlotte 2.0 Medium Euro Top Mattress is a highly versatile model that’s perfect for all sleep positions. One of our most popular models, it’s designed and assembled in the United States by Serta and is exclusively available at Mattress Firm.

This mattress offers the best of both worlds. It provides sturdy support with its 825-coil density system. At the same time, you get the extra cushion and comfort right where you need it with the mattress’s three comfort zones.

With a height of 10.5 inches, it has a slimmer profile than some of the other models on this list. This might be just what you need for the aesthetic of your platform bed frame.

Price

Starting at $399.99 (Limited-time offer)

Key Features

• Medium comfort
• 10.5” mattress height
• 1” PillowSoft® Aire
• 0.5” Serta® support foam
• 0.375” gel band
• 8” 825 edition custom support individually wrapped coils
• Best EdgeTM foam encasement
• 1” Serta® base support
• Antimicrobial mattress protection

What Customers Have to Say

“Great quality mattress with great support. I don’t wake up with aches and pains. Definitely recommend.” – Kayah S.

“This is a very good mattress. It has provided the right support for my finicky back with just the right top softness to ease joint aches from sleeping too long in one position.” – K.L.H.

“It’s very comfortable and I sleep better than I have in years.” – Jessica T.

Serta iSeries 2.0 Hybrid 2000 12.5” Firm Mattress 

What We Like

For those searching for a premium option, the Serta iSeries 2.0 Hybrid 2000 12.5” Firm Mattress is an excellent choice. This model is exclusively made for Mattress Firm shoppers, so you won’t find this perfect blend of pressure relief, cooling comfort and contouring support anywhere else.

This firm mattress is a great option for back and stomach sleepers. The model’s individually-wrapped coils provide personalized support that contours to your body.

What really stands out about this mattress for platform beds is its advanced cooling technology. From its cool-to-the-touch Max ColdTM Cover to its EverCool® Fuze Gel Memory Foam layer, the bed is designed to draw heat away from the body for a cool and refreshing night’s sleep.

Price

Starting at $1,849.99 (Limited-time offer)

 Key Features

• Firm comfort
• 12.5” mattress height
• 1” Carbon fiber memory foam
• 1.5” Gel Active® Max memory foam
• 1” EverCool® Fuze gel memory foam
• Deep ReactionTM Memory Foam
• 8” 1000 Series iSeries® Hybrid SupportTM System
• 1” BSP recycled fiber support base
• Serta’s BestEdge® foam encasement
• Max ColdTM Cover

What Customers Have to Say

“We absolutely love our iSeries 2.0 Hybrid 2000 bed! It’s been a game-changer for our sleep. My husband is a big fan of the cooling feature, while I appreciate how it keeps me warm yet comfortable. We’re both delighted with our purchase and would recommend it to anyone looking for a great night’s rest!” – Daygun S.

“Very comfortable. Firm, but at the same time, the memory foam gives you the right amount of cushion. Love it.” – Sam

Beautyrest BR800 13.5” Plush Pillow Top Mattress

What We Like

If you’re someone who prefers a bit of a softer feel, then you’ll want to check out the Beautyrest BR800 13.5” Plush Pillow Top Mattress for your platform bed. As a plush mattress, this model is ideal for side sleepers who need a bit more cushion around the joints.

It features Beautyrest’s trademarked Pocketed Coil® technology for personalized support and motion isolation for undisturbed sleep. These features make it a great option if you share the bed with a sleep partner.

Additionally, the mattress’s DualCoolTM technology offers a refreshing, cool-to-the-touch feel that keeps you comfortable and dry all night long.

Price

Starting at $499.99 (Limited-time offer)

Key Features

• Plush comfort
• 13.5” mattress height
• 1.25” AirFeel foam
• 0.5” Firm comfort foam
• 2.5” GelTouch
• DualCoolTM technology
• Gel memory foam lumbar support
• 800 Series Beautyrest Pocketed Coil® Technology

What Customers Have to Say

“Very comfy and supportive mattress. Sleeps great!!” – Jeanette F.

“Much needed! Very soft and luxurious. Comfortable, but still offers support. The pillow top is a great option. I’ve been sleeping like a baby since it was delivered.” – Eric F.

“What a perfect mattress! Not too firm and not too soft! Gives the support I need!” – Leah N.

What to Look for in a Platform Bed Mattress

The best mattress for a platform bed may depend on your own personal preferences and sleep needs. Whether you’re looking for a mattress for full-size platform beds or something larger, there are some common characteristics and features that you’ll want to consider, such as:

Mattress Thickness

Given the unique construction of a platform bed, it’s recommended to use a mattress that is at least 10 to 14 inches thick. This ensures that sleepers have the right amount of cushioning and support. Plus, since platform beds sit closer to the ground, a taller mattress makes it easier to get in and out of bed.

At Mattress Firm, we have a wide selection of 12-inch mattresses for platform beds to choose from that fall right in the middle of this recommended range. Heavier individuals or those who have a sleep partner may want to consider a mattress at the higher end of this range to ensure they receive ample support.

Quality Materials

The best platform mattresses are made from durable, high-quality materials that hold up to daily use while providing a comfortable sleep surface. Look for models made with high-density foams to avoid premature sagging.

Even if you’re on a budget, prioritize mattresses with quality materials and good value to keep you from needing to replace the mattress too quickly.

Edge Support

A mattress with solid edge support helps maximize the sleep surface. It keeps you from feeling like you’ll roll off the edge, while also allowing you to comfortably get in and out of bed.

Firmness Levels 

Choose a mattress with the right firmness level for your preferred sleep position and health needs. Platform beds can work well with all firmness levels, so choose the option that best accommodates your needs.

For instance, if you’re an avid side sleeper, a medium or plush mattress might be better for you, offering extra cushion around the joints. Meanwhile, those who sleep on their backs or stomachs can benefit from a medium-firm or firm mattress that offers proper spinal support.

Frequently Asked Questions