Bed frames that don't require box springs--safe?

[amz155]

Lately we have been looking around at buying a new bed (frame and headboard only) and bedroom furniture. We are finding that there are some beds out there that don't require, or are specifically made to be used without a box spring. Frankly, for us this would be a good thing because if we plunked our box and pillow top mattress onto most bed frames, we wouldn't be left with much headboard (which is the case now, and IMHO looks silly).

But is this good for the mattress? Does the mattress have enough support without a box? Wouldn't the mattress warranty be void unless we used a box spring with it? (I do realize that the chances of us ever needing to cash in on the mattress warranty are slim).

If such frames certainly are safe for the mattress, are they built a different way than a standard bed frame? Could I take any bed frame and use it without the box spring?

We are wondering what our best option would be to find a stylish, sturdy bed frame and headboard that would look proportional with our pillow top.

I vaguely remember that when we bought the mattress (we didn't buy a new box at the time) the salesguy telling me something about shallow box springs that offset the height of a pillow top matress. But if possible I want to avoid having to also purchase a new box spring.

Thoughts?

[bfr]

I have one of those and it sinks in the center which is quite annoying. Make sure at least you give it a good test first.

[amz155]

I have one of those and it sinks in the center which is quite annoying. Make sure at least you give it a good test first.

Did you notice this right after you purhcased or did it happen over time?

Also, does anybody know of any beds that are made to accommodate a regular box and pillow top mattress.

[jm1]

Frames with wooden slats or boards are absolutely fine with just a mattress, as it supports the mattress just as well as a boxspring. Note, however, that some cheap bed frames might only come with a few basic slats. If you're a bit heavier than average, just go to a hardware store and buy some 1x lumber for more slats and thus more support.

[leonkaz]

of course, it's bloody safe ;-)
half of the world sleeps on mattresses without spring boxes under them
however, some mattresses - latex, require more uniform support, say
plywood instead of slats, larger mattresses require multiple vertical supports in the middle -
extra legs, buy better quality bed or expect to 'improve' it a bit.

[amz155]

of course, it's bloody safe ;-)
half of the world sleeps on mattresses without spring boxes under them
however, some mattresses - latex, require more uniform support, say
plywood instead of slats, larger mattresses require multiple vertical supports in the middle -
extra legs, buy better quality bed or expect to 'improve' it a bit.

right, and half the world probably doesn't sleep on a good mattress to being with. im really wondering if a bed without box will be supportive enough for our mattress.

[t3359]

We bought a platform bed and mattress without a box spring. The mattress rests on a huge board supported down the middle by legs that stand off the floor... seems okay so far.

I do know that the mattress warranty is reduced since we don't have the boxspring... you'll need to look into that.

bjl