Most mattresses, unless otherwise noted by the manufacturer, can be used as a floor mattress without any frame or box spring. The reasons for doing this vary: a desire for minimalism, interior design choice, saving money on frames, or even accommodating children or adults prone to rolling out of bed. Whether using a mattress on the floor is your preference or a temporary setup, we have some tips to keep in mind for proper mattress floor use.

Functional Floors

The surface you set your floor mattress on is important.

We recommend finished surfaces, such as hardwood floor, tile, tatami flooring, or synthetic carpeting (or rugs). Synthetic carpeting makes up a large part of the carpet market—it’s often more affordable, durable, and stain-resistant than natural carpeting on your floor. Nylon, polyester, trifecta, and olefin are examples of commonly used synthetic fibres.

Avoid unfinished or natural surfaces like plywood and natural carpet fibres. Plywood is a wood composite that can retain moisture, which can lead to mold growth. Natural fibre carpets may retain moisture and be less durable than their synthetic counterparts. Wool is commonly used as a natural carpet. Other examples—often seen in area rugs—include cotton, jute, coir, seagrass, and sisal.

Some carpets are blends of natural and synthetic fibres. This mixing of fibres reduces some of the concerns seen in 100 percent natural or 100 percent synthetic carpeting. Still, if you want to use the mattress on a rug or in a carpeted room, consider using a thin barrier like a tatami mat, bunky board or other floor mats.

Bunky boards are low-profile foundations that offer the same level of support as a standard box spring but are generally only 2-3 inches thick. Tatami mats are traditional Japanese flooring. They can provide a clean and breathable base for mattresses used on the floor.

The Do's and Don’ts

DO read the fine print of your mattress warranty—scan your warranty for any combination of the terms "floor bed mattress" as floor use may void coverage. Even if floor use doesn’t affect the warranty, we recommend consulting the mattress manufacturer for the best floor use guidelines for your mattress.

DO NOT set up your mattress without cleaning the area where it will be placed. If there is carpet or a rug, vacuum and steam clean to remove buildup in the fibres. On hard surfaces, vacuum, mop, and use a disinfectant cleaning product to sanitize. Make sure the surface is completely dry before setting up the mattress.

DO check out our tips for cleaning a mattress, and if you want to keep critters out, consider using a protective cover. When a mattress is closer to the ground, it’s more accessible to dust mites, bed bugs, dirt, ants, and spiders.

DO NOT take a risk with mold and mildew. Putting a mattress directly on any surface can limit circulation and trap moisture, especially in humid areas.

DO securely prop your mattress against a wall every week for a few hours (at the minimum). This allows the bottom of the mattress to breathe and reduces moisture buildup. In extremely humid regions, you may need to do this more often. Every time you prop the mattress up, we suggest doing a quick clean up of the area where it sits.

DO NOT forget to bundle up. Floor use could impact your sleeping temperature. For instance, during the winter or in cold environments, you may feel a chill because of the low position of the mattress. (Remember what you learned in grade school—hot air rises.)

DO remember the floor may have an effect on the feel of the bed, especially for all-foam mattresses. This change may be too subtle for most to notice, but for sleepers who are particular: a plush carpet can make a mattress feel softer, while the same mattress can feel firmer on a hardwood floor. Every mattress is different so it will take some trial and error to figure out the best and most comfortable set up for you.

There are plenty of other options out there as well besides floor mattresses such as futons, sofa mattresses, folding mattresses, and milliard mattresses to help you find the most comfortable and best situation for you and your needs.