Most mattresses are intended to work best when combined with a bed frame and foundation; however, some people enjoy sleeping on the floor instead. While it can reduce back pain for some people, others report it feels more natural.
However, certain mattresses were never intended to be placed directly on the floor and doing so may void their warranty.
Benefits
Most mattress brands advise against sleeping on the floor as this can quickly damage your mattress. Furthermore, sleeping on an air or foldup mattress could void its warranty.
An exposed mattress placed directly on the floor poses an increased risk for mildew and mold growth than beds with frames or foundations, due to lack of air flow between it and the floor, leading to moisture build-up that results in damp mattresses with foul odors.
Mattresses on the floor do not offer enough give for side sleepers who require sufficient pressure relief in the hips and shoulders; this can lead to sore backs and necks, while making getting in and out of bed difficult, especially for those living with pain or mobility issues.
Difficulty
An elevated bed can be particularly challenging for people with back or joint pain, arthritis or mobility issues. Entering or exiting bed requires either squatting down or hoisting yourself up, which may be painfully awkward when limited mobility or chronic pain are in play.
Sleeping on the floor may also be unsatisfying for side sleepers who require plenty of cushion and support for their hips and shoulders. An overly firm mattress on the floor could place extra pressure on these sensitive areas, increasing pain sensation for these sleepers.
Sleeping on the floor can be unhygienic as dust and dirt are more likely to collect on the mattress, leading to potential hygiene concerns. By investing in a bed frame you can prevent this and ensure your mattress remains clean and dry.
Allergies
Sleeping on the floor may make it harder for allergy sufferers to sleep soundly. Placing their mattress directly on the ground allows bugs, dust mites, mold and mildew as well as other allergens easy access into their beds – giving rise to more discomfort during restful nights of restful slumber.
Cleaning bedding regularly can help alleviate allergies. Try washing sheets, blankets and pillowcases every week in hot water. Tightly woven covers with zippered enclosures on pillows, mattresses and box springs may also keep dust mites at bay.
Sleeping on the floor may aggravate back pain in individuals suffering from spinal conditions and arthritis, so it is advisable that these individuals seek medical advice prior to making this change in sleeping surface. In addition, climbing into and out of a mattress on the floor may prove challenging for people with mobility impairments.
Mold
Many mattress warranties place restrictions on how the bed should be set up, making sleeping directly on the floor likely to invalidate its coverage and increase mold/mildew build-up – an allergenic substance which may trigger health issues including itchy eyes, nose and throat.
Mold thrives in warm, damp environments. As a type of fungus that releases spores into the environment, mold spreads easily on porous surfaces like mattresses. Mold usually appears dark-colored with fuzzy textures; mildew has powdery growths usually lighter in hue. Both must be regularly removed with special cleaning solutions and may emit unpleasant odors; dehumidifiers may help lower humidity in bedrooms to keep these critters at bay.
Accessibility
Mattresses on the floor have grown increasingly popular over time due to their minimalist appeal and cost savings, not to mention unique aesthetics that add charm to a room.
Sleeping on the floor does have its downsides; it may make getting in and out of bed more difficult and worsen mobility issues.
Under your bed is an area with zero air flow that is the ideal habitat for mildew, mold, bugs and allergens to flourish. Finally, hardwood flooring requires special attention when it comes to cleaning and vacuuming.
There are various solutions to make the transition easier from your current bed frame to mattress on the floor, including using a low-slung foundation that only elevates 71mm from the ground.