Why You Shouldn’t Place Your Mattress on the Floor

Recently, whether for aesthetic preferences or minimalist needs, more and more people have decided to put their mattress on the floor. No bed frame, no foundation, nothing. Just the mattress and the floor. In fact, the idea of a “floor mattress” is becoming a trend among young adults and teenagers who like the simplistic look and don’t want to spend money on mattress accessories that “might not be worth it.” As mattress experts, we shudder at this statement. 

Why shouldn’t you put a mattress on the floor? While having your mattress on the floor might seem simple and inexpensive, we strongly advise against it for many reasons including that it:

• Increases wear and tear
• Prevents proper airflow
• Exposes you to bugs, dirt, and allergens 
• Causes difficulties getting in and out of bed

The mattress experts from Texas Mattress Makers dive deeper into the reasons above to explain the importance of elevating your mattress off of the floor and investing in the proper accessories. If you want your mattress to last, keep reading!

Why is it bad to have your bed on the floor?

Although some mattress owners may assume that placing their bed directly on the floor won’t come with any consequences, they are wrong. We recognize the appeal of the minimalist aesthetic or the desire to save money by forgoing a foundation or bed frame. However, these factors are not worth the decline in your sleep quality.

Let’s discuss why you shouldn’t put a mattress on the floor in greater detail.

Learn more about the differences between a box spring vs foundation

1. It increases wear and tear

Although the materials that make up a quality mattress are durable, the entire mattress itself is still a soft surface. Mattresses are made to rest on a supportive surface, such as a foundation or adjustable foundation, to keep the components intact. Without something underneath it to properly support it, your mattress is at risk of early wear and tear which can lead to the development of dips, dents, or sagging that can render the mattress useless. 

Is sleeping on a mattress on the floor bad for your sleep quality? 

Very much so. Sleeping on a misshapen mattress will only lead to discomfort and bad sleep, which will impact your daily life. The floor cannot support your mattress properly, but a foundation and bed frame can.

The importance of foundations and bed frames

A foundation evenly distributes weight and promotes structural integrity, which means it can prevent the development of soft spots and maintain the mattress’s form over time. A bed frame will help in hoisting your mattress off of the ground and supporting the mattress and your body at the same time. When these two items work in tandem, you will notice a difference in the longevity of your mattress and how well you sleep.

So, do I need a foundation for my mattress? Yes. Do you need a bed frame? It certainly helps! Sleeping with your mattress on the floor will only lead to disfigured components and a less supportive mattress.

A note about our warranty: Please note that if you choose to place your mattress on the floor without a bed frame or foundation, you are choosing to void your warranty at most mattress stores, including Texas Mattress Makers. Visible dips and sinking-related issues with your mattress caused by a defective foundation or bed frame that was supplied by another manufacturer are also not covered in our warranty. Learn more about our warranty.

2. It prevents proper airflow

This is a big one, so read carefully: putting your mattress on a floor can lead to moisture buildup and mildew over time. Ew. 

When a mattress sits directly on the floor, the airflow underneath it is restricted. Mattresses absorb heat and moisture from the air but also from your body as you sleep. If the moisture has nowhere to go, this increases the chances of mold and mildew developing in the mattress. Bed frames and foundations keep your mattress off of the ground, promoting proper airflow and reducing the risk of moisture breaking down your mattress.

Hot sleepers beware

If you sleep hot, this is something you may need to know. The lack of airflow from sleeping on the floor can also cause you to get hotter while you sleep, resulting in a sweaty mess. And believe us, no one needs to be waking up hot in this Texas heat!

Having your mattress hoisted up by a frame or foundation can keep your body cooler as you sleep. We also offer mattress cooling technology that regulates body temperature for those who want to sleep comfortably all night long. 

3. It exposes you to bugs, dirt, and allergens 

If you thought moisture and mildew were gross, what about bed bugs and dirt? That’s right, putting your mattress on the floor exposes you and your mattress to bed bugs, other insects, dirt, dust, allergens, and other hazards.

But my floor is clean! Floors — even ones that appear clean — often collect dust, dirt, and other debris over time. Unless you clean thoroughly under your mattress every single day, it’s hard to prevent these things from getting into your mattress and wearing it down. Not to mention that bugs are drawn to the warm, dark environment that a floor mattress creates. So unless you want to wake up to little critters sharing your bed, it’s best to invest in the proper protective mattress accessories.

Is a mattress protector necessary? Just as a bed frame and foundation keep your mattress safe and supported, a mattress protector will shield your mattress from anything attempting to get trapped inside. Mattress protectors don’t impact the comfort or feel of your mattress.

4. It causes difficulties getting in and out of bed

An elevated mattress makes it easier for a person to get in and out of bed with no problems. If you sleep with your mattress on the ground, not only will you wake up with aches and pains from the lack of support, but you may strain yourself even more trying to stand up. If you have mobility issues or are older, this could cause you to lose balance and fall. 

Starting off your day with an ache in your back and a crick in your neck is enough to make anyone feel cranky. All in all, sleeping on the floor is just not worth it. If you want to get the sleep that you deserve and need every night, you need to:

1. Purchase a high-quality mattress from Texas Mattress Makers
2. Buy the right foundation for your mattress
3. Invest in a quality bed frame
4. Pick up a mattress protector

All of these things can be found at any of our mattress stores in the Houston area or online! We have everything you need to get the best sleep possible. 

The Foundation of Better Sleep

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Invest in Your Sleep Quality with Texas Mattress Makers

In summary, can you put a mattress on the floor? Sure, you can. But should you? Absolutely not. Your precious sleep quality is not worth putting your mattress on the floor for whatever reason.

Simple investments in the right mattress and accessories will help preserve the quality and support of your mattress for years to come, ensuring you get the restful, rejuvenating sleep you deserve. If you’re worried about budget, Texas Mattress Makers has the solution: all of our mattresses and accessories are sold for fair, factory-direct prices. As the manufacturer as well as the retailer, we can offer you discounts that other mattress stores can’t. 

If you’re ready to begin your journey to better sleep (not on the floor), then visit any of our Houston-area mattress stores today or browse our online selection to get an idea of what we can offer you.

More Helpful Articles by Texas Mattress Makers:

• How to Store a Mattress 
• How Long Does it Take to Break in a Mattress?
• Is a Firm Mattress Better for Your Back?
• How Much Does a Good Mattress Cost?
• Signs You Aren’t Getting Enough Sleep