The Basic Bed Base Guide

With so many options out there, buying a bed base can, understandably, become an overwhelming task to take on. With some help, however, you’ll see that it’s quite an easy feat. Pairing your new or current mattress can ensure maximum benefits of comfort and longevity in your sleeper, for years to come!

Firstly, realise the importance of buying a quality bed base. You need to know why a proper bed base is such a good investment.

Next, familiarise yourself with the different types of bed bases. Then you can consider the best qualities to look for in a proper bed base. This ensures that your new base fits in with your bedroom aesthetic, function and budget.

Why do I Need a Bed Base?

Like everything else in life, your mattress needs a sound support system. Poor support will leave you with a saggy mattress in just a few years – no matter the quality of your sleeper. Consequently, you’ll experience all the drawbacks associated with an unsupportive mattress.
A few of these could include:

• Back Pain
• Neck Pain
• Stiff Joints
• Headaches

Furthermore, if you don’t have any bed base at all, you might be sleeping on the floor. However, this practice is to be avoided at all costs, as it can be detrimental to both you and your mattress’ health.

Placing you mattress on the floor hosts the following side effects:

1. Inadequate Airflow
2. Accumulating dust
3. Cold Temperatures

1. Inadequate Airflow

A good bed base will be raised high enough from the ground to ensure adequate airflow through and under your mattress. This will leave your mattress fresh and free from any mould and insects.

The same, however, cannot be said for a mattress that is placed on the ground. Especially in humid climates, this is a very bad idea. Inadequate airflow will result in mould growing in and on your mattress.

Additionally, insects like bed bugs and dust mites thrive in this environment. Consequently, you’ll find yourself owning a bug- and mould-infested mattress. Mould and bed bugs can cause severe allergic reactions, which will hinder your sleep quality significantly.

In the end, the only solution to such a poor mattress is, unfortunately, throwing it out.

2. Accumulating Dust

As we all know, dust accumulates on the ground. When you sleep with your head close to the ground, on a mattress close to the floor, you’ll most likely inhale a fair amount of the dust that settled there.

Inhaling dust can leave permanent bad impacts on your health. Common symptoms include:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Hay-fever
• Asthma Attacks

3. Cold Temperatures

Sleeping close to the floor can be very cold. Yes, temperatures that drop one degree (Celcius) lower than our usual body temperatures are ideal in reaching quality sleep. However, sleeping on the floor can have temperatures dropping much lower than just one degree.

Especially in winter times, you’ll experience frequent sleep disruptions due to shivering awake. Furthermore, breathing in cold air night after night can cause severe damage to your lungs. This places you at risk for hypothermia.

Understanding bed base types: box spring vs bed frame

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Before looking into the purchase of a bed base, it’s important to first understand the difference between the types of bed bases. These bases each have many advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important to keep those in mind when considering your possible purchase. There are two main types of bed bases. Upholstered, or box spring bases, and bed frames.

Box Spring / Upholstered Bases

A box spring, or upholstered base is the cheaper, yet still durable option when you don’t have all the money to spend. Furthermore, these bed bases usually match your new mattress; for example, the Kooi Beds mattress and base match in colour and fabric.

Additionally, manufacturers recommend using the corresponding bed base with their mattress to ensure maximum mattress lifetime. Sometimes, this will help your case for a warranty replacement, should it be needed.

However, these bases aren’t the most aesthetically pleasing furniture pieces. These bases come without a headboard. Therefore, you have to buy your own headboard should you choose to do so. Furthermore, if you own a house with sensitive flooring, you might want to rethink choosing an upholstered base, as the feet can easily scratch floors.

Bed Frame

When considering a bed frame, be prepared to shell out a few extra bucks. These bed bases are around the same price range as a bed.

However, bed frames, if looked after well, last much longer than box spring bases. Should you buy one of high quality, it’ll last you a lifetime! Additionally, you’ll get the beautiful aesthetic of a wooden frame livening up your bedroom.

What you need to know when buying a Bed Base

So, you’ve realised the importance of owning a bed base. Perhaps you do own one, but it’s old and unsturdy. Whichever the case, there are a few things to consider when choosing a bed base.

Take the following into consideration beforehand:

1. Budget
2. Room Size
3. Appearance
   

1. Budget

When choosing the right bed base for your needs, the best place to probably start would be your budget. Looking at top of the range products is pointless when you don’t have the money to spend.

Rather spend your money on a cheaper base that is still durable and highly functional. Purchasing a poor quality base will be much more expensive in the long run when you’ll eventually have to buy a new mattress due to improper support.

3. Function

Next, keep the functionality of your bed in mind. This factors in bedroom size, ventilation and age of the sleeper.

If you have a smaller room, you might want to purchase a bed frame. The space between the floor and your mattress creates an illusion of a larger space. You can also use the additional open floor space for storage.

A larger room will leave you with more base types to choose from. Choosing an upholstered base will leave you with an intimate atmosphere. Contrarily, when choosing a bed frame, you’ll create a clean and open atmosphere in your bedroom.

Next, a room with little ventilation will call for a bed frame. With this type of bed base, no air is trapped in or under your mattress. Also, if you live in a climate with high humidity, a bed frame would be your best buy.

Lastly, keep the sleeper’s age in mind. A bed frame will be your best bet for a young child since any accidents can easily drain through the mattress. This will also ensure proper ventilation, preventing a mouldy mattress.

2. Appearance

Lastly, consider the aesthetic of your bedroom.

If you’re looking for a more cosy bedroom, opt for an upholstered bed base. You can also change the colour scheme of your bed base with a fitted base sheet.

In a more open and spacious bedroom, a bed frame with an open space under the bed would work best. At The Mattress Warehouse, you are spoilt for choice with a wide range of available bed frames, to suit your aesthetic needs.

Bed Bases at The Mattress Warehouse

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Purchasing a bed base with The Mattress Warehouse will be a breeze. We are proud to guarantee the lowest prices on our products.

There are three main types of bed bases available a The Mattress Warehouse; Upholstered bases, Wooden Bed frames and Steel Bed Frames.

Upholstered Bases

Our Upholstered Bases for sale, are ranging from entry level to top of the range. Additionally, you can choose your own bed base, just the bed base, from any brand we sell.

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These bases range from R999 – R3 699. There is room for everyone’s budget here!

Wooden Bed Frames

Should you opt for a Wooden Bed Frame, you’ll be surprised in the availability of choice. A definite investment, these bed bases will serve you for years to come!

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As mentioned previously, these bed bases are on the pricier side, ranging from R2 199 – R16 899.

Steel Bed Frames

For a more industrial look, you can also opt for our steel bed frame. The Mattress Warehouse stocks only one single steel bed frame – The Steel Bed, for R1 899.

There are, however, also steel bunk beds for sale, ranging from R2 999 – R4 899. These beds are perfect for children sharing a bedroom!

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So, what are you waiting for? With so many options to choose from, you can get the perfect bed base to suit all your needs! Have a look at our selection of Upholstered Bases, Wooden bed frames and Steel bed frames today!