A pocket-sprung mattress on a slatted bed base?

[spanglechick]

I'm about twice the weight of my husband, so we need a pocket-sprung mattress when we replace the current one, which is knackered.

However, I have discovered that the received wisdom is that you shouldn't use a pocket sprung mattress with a slatted bed base, as it forces the springs into the gaps between the slats, and they get mangled. Which, if it's true, is probably why out mattress is knackered. It's apparently ok if your slats are less than an inch apart - but ours have a two inch gap.

we can't add more slats as the current ones fit into plastic mouldings which peg into a limited number of holes in the steel bedframe, rather like the picture below:

we could get a piece of pegboard cut to fit, and have it delivered, and lay it on the bedframe instead of the slats, but i don't know how we'd fix it to the frame.

Anyone have a solution - or preferably, can anyone tell me it's just nonsense and that i can have a pocket-sprung mattress on my bed base*.












*with some experience and authority. Not just a bit of a fib.

 

[Looby]

We were advised the same thing and ended up buying a divan base when we got our mattress because it was really expensive and we didn't want to bugger it up.

This could be because he wanted to sell me a base too though.

 

[quimcunx]

You can also get memory foam.

There are those that say they retain heat, mind. Also there are combination mattresses with memory foam tops. Perhaps one of those would be suitable.

 

[Looby]

I think that's what we've got. Pocket sprung with a memory foam topper but I'm not sure.

 

[feyr]

we've got a slant base and a pocket spring matress, and it has done ok so far. however, both the bed and mattress were cheap,and we were told it would reduce the lifespan of the matress. but we decided to risk it as a) it was the cheapest option and b) we dont plan on taking this bed with us when we next move so it doesnt really need to last years and years

if you are investing in a decent mattress, might be better off buying a new base too

 

[Geri]

I've got a pocket sprung memory foam mattress and a slatted base. Nobody has ever told me they don't go together, and we've had them for a few years without any problems. Neither of us are on the small side either.

 

[trashpony]

My mattress is pocket sprung and base is slatted - I bought them together from the same shop and I've had them for about 10 years with no problems. Surely any good pocket sprung mattress has a thick layer of something (in mine it's wool) between the spring and the cover anyway? Sounds like a bit of an old wives' tale to me

 

[Looby]

My mattress is pocket sprung and base is slatted - I bought them together from the same shop and I've had them for about 10 years with no problems. Surely any good pocket sprung mattress has a thick layer of something (in mine it's wool) between the spring and the cover anyway? Sounds like a bit of an old wives' tale to me

Or a salesmans tale.

 

[spanglechick]

You can also get memory foam.

There are those that say they retain heat, mind. Also there are combination mattresses with memory foam tops. Perhaps one of those would be suitable.

do not want.


so does anyone think it might help if i got some thick canvas with no 'give' - like coutil or similar, and stretched that taut over the slats with a staple gun?

I'm rather attached to my beautiful brass bed - not getting another come hell or high water, tbh.

 

[Looby]

It's a gorgeous bed spangles, I wouldn't want to get rid either.

The canvas might work.

 

[Ceej]

Rectangle of hardboard over the slats? It would rest on the slats, no need to fix it on (in case the mattress thing turns out to be salespeak) any weight on top would be evenly distributed over a large area and it would be firmer and more long-lasting than canvas. I think. Maybe.

 

[moose]

How about a polyester-filled mattress topper underneath. One of the cheap IKEA ones or something.

 

[Jackobi]

Rectangle of hardboard over the slats?

Not a good idea, the matress will go mouldy, hence why wooden bases are slats, to allow air circulation under the matress.

 

[Geri]

That's like my bed. Mattress is fine.

 

[spanglechick]

mattress came today - is just a completely different experience from our old one. worth every penny. i think the springs will be fine - it's pretty well upholstered. i loves it.

 

[bi0boy]

Any problems yet? I'm looking to do the same. I notice John Lewis say their pocket sprung mattresses are suitable for their slatted frames, but I'm not sure whether the bed I'm buying online from somewhere else has too big a gap between the slats or not, or whether it just doesn't matter.

 

[tarannau]

I'm afraid that it will cause your springs to be much noticeable in their pinging on a slatted base, and decrease the lifespan of the mattress quite a bit.

I can only testify to the truth of the former tbh, but logic and the experience of our slatted bed/mattress combo suggests the cynics may have a point. I can't help but feel that a divan bed may be a more suitable suggestion for a situation like this, as much as I prefer our big, gorgeous wooden number

 

[janeb]

Not a good idea, the matress will go mouldy, hence why wooden bases are slats, to allow air circulation under the matress.

I have a pocket sprung mattress over a hardboard base ( old bed with irons, should have had springs, long story) and never had a problem, but I do turn the mattress every time I change the bed

 

[bi0boy]

Not a good idea, the matress will go mouldy, hence why wooden bases are slats, to allow air circulation under the matress.

Surely a hardboard rectangle on slats would be no different than a divan in terms of air circulation.

 

[bi0boy]

OK I've found out that some pocket sprung mattresses are able to be used on slatted beds, but it's not easy to find out which is the manufacturer doesn't say.

 

[girasol]

no point, mattress has been bought!

 

[LilMissHissyFit]

I think that's what we've got. Pocket sprung with a memory foam topper but I'm not sure.

Thats what I have on a slatted base and its fine so far

 

[xes]

You could lay some 2" slats in the gaps, and maybe drill some holes in them if you're worried about ventelation.

 

[moonsi til]

I need a new mattress again..I thought I had bought a fairly decent one but 2 years on and my sleep is affected as it's just not that comfy. I have a Ikea bed but not Ikea mattress so next mattress will be from there...'operation mattress' is on..I'm working a extra shift at work on Monday to help pay for it.

 

[mack]

So after having spent the last two weeks sleeping on a firm springy mattress and having the best sleeps in years - waking up refreshed and without any aches or pains it's made me realise that memory foam beds are not for us.

We have an Ikea metal frame bed with flat wooden slats and 2" gaps (one slat missing actually at the foot end on one side).

So if we purchased a pocket sprung mattress from Ikea would it be a problem laying that over the slats?

 

[Virtual Blue]

Pocket-sprung mattress on a slatted bed kills the purpose of the pocket sprung.
Buy some chip board and lay it on the slats - increases the comfort immensely.

 

[mack]

Cool B&Q and Ikea are next door to each other here

 

[bi0boy]

So after having spent the last two weeks sleeping on a firm springy mattress and having the best sleeps in years - waking up refreshed and without any aches or pains it's made me realise that memory foam beds are not for us.

We have an Ikea metal frame bed with flat wooden slats and 2" gaps (one slat missing actually at the foot end on one side).

So if we purchased a pocket sprung mattress from Ikea would it be a problem laying that over the slats?

Ikea sprung mattresses are designed to be used with their slatted beds, as stated on their website. This is why they are not flip-overable as the underside incorporates material suitable for placing on slats.

 

[bi0boy]

Whatever you do don't put chipboard underneath - stops air getting to the underside of the mattress. Use perforated hardboard if your slats are too far apart, which they won't be at 2 inches.

 

[mack]

Cheers - i did browse through all the mattress threads and all the wisdom is conflicting sometimes - looking at the Ikea site the mattresses all seem to be associated with the slat style - so maybe I'll try it without first and see how it goes.