Hi,
Would a metal bed frame (Amazon) work for a hybrid spring mattress? Based on my research the slat spacing recommendation is under 3", would there be any issues otherwise?
Would a pegboard between the frame and the mattress be a solution? Or a coir bed rug?
Thanks!
Good morning garyg,
Welcome to TMU and thank you for posting your question.
Based on what I can see from the listing, this platform bed frame would be excellent for our hybrid coli spring mattresses. Adding a coir bunkie board or a pegboard would add extra support but it may not be necessary if the frame slats are less than 3" apart an are supported in the centre.
I suggest you check with the manufacturer of the mattress you have, to see what they recommend for a bed frame so that your mattress is covered under warranty.
Did I answer all your questions?
Please let me know if you need any further information.
All the Best!
Mario ~
There are 12 slats and the picture shows 82", so they are 6.8" apart and each slat being approximately 1-1.5" would make them greater than 5" apart. Would a support layer be good here?
Good morning garyg,
If you choose to go with that bed frame and you buy a latex mattress from us you would absolutely need to add a 1" coir bunkie board or a peg board on top of the slats so that the bed frame has enough support for our latex mattresses.
If you are buying a mattress from another manufacturer, then I suggest you get in touch with them to make sure it will cover your mattress under warranty,
Please keep up with us and let us know what you decide to do in the end,
All the best!
Mario~
Thanks for considering DLX! The support under the mattress is crucial in ensuring it meets your comfort needs. Unfortunately, many bed frames skimp on support because it isn’t prioritized, which often leads to issues like sagging that are wrongly attributed to the mattress. The stronger and sturdier the support, the better the mattress will perform.
It’s always a good idea to consult the manufacturer to determine if the support is adequate. There aren’t always hard-and-fast rules, and opinions within the industry—even among experienced professionals—can differ. We recommend slats spaced no more than 3 inches apart, with slats at least 3/4 inch thick, and a sturdy center brace with legs that touch the floor. We’ve found that many metal frames with metal bars or wire grids tend to deform over time due to flimsy materials that aren’t built to last.
The type of base you choose depends on your preferences and how you want the mattress to perform. Wider, more flexible bases provide a softer feel. In Europe, slatted bases are common because thinner mattresses often need additional cushioning, and the slats help with that. IKEA offers such bases—while we wouldn’t recommend their Luroy slats, the Lonset slats are okay. However, they will make the mattress feel softer and might add bounce or motion, which could be either a benefit or drawback depending on your preferences. Ultimately, this isn’t a matter of right or wrong.
From our experience, when slat spacing exceeds 5 inches, options like pegboard or coir bed rugs don’t provide sufficient improvement in support. Both are too flexible to make a significant difference. Plywood or particle board—ideally 3/4 inch thick (and at least 1/2 inch thick)—is best for firming up the base. Be sure to use smooth, sanded wood to avoid splinters or damage to the mattress fabric. However, we understand there are trade-offs with solid surfaces, including the risk of mold or mildew.
Your environment plays a key role in this. If you live in a humid climate or have a poorly ventilated room (like an apartment in NYC), the risk of mold increases. Mattress type also matters—hybrid or spring mattresses are better than all-foam mattresses because they allow for better airflow. Two-sided, quilted mattresses also offer improved airflow, as the stitching on both sides creates channels for ventilation, unlike one-sided mattresses that are typically smooth and flat. Additionally, materials close to the plywood or particle board can affect mold risk; cotton fabric is particularly susceptible. In such cases, a coir bed rug could help mitigate the risk.
Speaking from personal experience, as a big guy (6’4" and 250 pounds), I’ve slept on many mattresses over the years, and they all sagged within a few years regardless of type or materials—all latex, two-sided, or no-flip. The game-changer for me was an extra-strong platform made with plywood with a heavy duty framing supporting the plywood – essentially the floor. I still rotate the mattress regularly, including the insider tip of rotating a king-size mattress halfway. I live in the Northeast, where humidity is a concern, but with air conditioning and good ventilation, I haven’t had issues over the past 10 years.
If your mattress feels saggy and unsupportive, a good test is to place it on the floor to assess the impact of your current support system. The spacing and type of slats will definitely affect the feel.
Apologies for the long explanation, but we find many people read these and appreciate the detailed information. Since mattress support involves a lot of nuance, there isn’t a universal solution that works for everyone.
Thanks for the explanations! They are very helpful. What does it mean to rotate a mattress halfway? This is not flipping it, it’s a horizontal rotation?
Get two 4’ x 8’ sheets of hardboard from Home Depot and have them cut them to the size of your bed frame–roughly 40" x 60" for each sheet but measure the frame to get a more precise fit. Placing these on top will essentially give you a platform bed.
I ended up getting furring strips, sanding them, and spacing them about 1.25" apart. I stapled a polyester webbing that I cut out of luggage straps to hold the slats together. I drilled holes at the ends of the slats and zip tied each slat to the frame to prevent them from sliding. I then placed a cotton canvas drop cloth on the slats to protect the mattress from splinters.
