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Lots of cultures around the world (think Asia) sleep on the floor with no issues whatsoever which then makes us think: do we really need the creature comforts that we’ve become so accustomed to in the western world that come with bed frames and foundations? In this article, we delve deeper into the pros and cons of sleeping on a mattress on the floor.
Benefits of putting a mattress on the floor
The benefits of putting a mattress on the floor are:
- Firm support
- Saving space
- Saving money
- Relieving back and joint pain
- Cooler temperature
It may seem counterintuitive but there are benefits to sleeping on a mattress on the floor.
Floor sleeping has been practiced for centuries, most commonly in Japan where people sleep on a mattress (a Japanese floor mattress) directly on the floor (atop either a tatami mat or tatami flooring).
And let’s face it – the Japanese people are some of the healthiest people in the world and sleeping on a mattress directly on the floor may have a little something to do with it.
Firm support
Studies have shown that sleeping on a firmer surface – especially if you are primarily a back sleeper – helps with proper spinal alignment. Spinal misalignment – caused by conditions like spinal stenosis – when you sleep, can be an avenue for a whole host of health issues some of which can become chronic and even life threatening.
Floor mattresses such as futons are firm mattresses that can help back and stomach sleepers sleep more comfortably.
Another boon to sleeping on a mattress on the floor: better blood circulation. Sleeping on a firm surface helps distribute body weight evenly throughout which in turn can boost blood circulation as you sleep.
Saves space
More often than not, bed frames are much larger and wider than mattresses. If you do not have a lot of space in your room or home, sleeping on a mattress directly on the floor – sans bed frame – may help you save some space.
Saving money
Another bonus: if you’re just starting out and can’t afford a bed frame just yet, sleeping on a mattress on the floor can also save you some money until you are ready and able to buy yourself a bed frame you deserve.
Not just that but most mattresses that are best to use as a floor mattress (such as air mattresses) are fairly inexpensive too.
Relieves back and neck pain
Just like with proper spinal alignment, chronic pain resulting from improper sleep posture can be relieved by sleeping on a firmer surface such as a mattress on the floor. Studies have shown that back and stomach sleepers have experienced pain relief, especially from back and neck pain. This, however, may not be applicable to strict side sleepers who suffer from chronic pain from fibromyalgia or shoulder pain.
Cooler temperature
Science has proven that warm air rises while cooler air stay lower on the ground hence why the air is always cooler closer to the floor. If you’re an extremely hot sleeper or live in a warmer climate, it could be a good idea for you to sleep on a mattress directly on the floor or on a low profile mattress.
Downsides of putting a mattress on the floor
The drawbacks of putting a mattress on the floor are:
- Less airflow
- More allergens
- Exposure to bed bugs and other pests
- Added pressure on joints
- Not warm enough
- It may void your warranty
- It’s harder to get out of bed
As with everything in life, there are also downsides to putting a mattress on the bedroom floor. Before you go rearranging your sleep setup, you might want to go through the list of cons to find out whether sleeping on a mattress on the floor is for you.
Less airflow
Technically speaking, you can place any mattress on the floor but not all mattresses are built to last without a proper foundation to support it especially mattresses that are made from all-foam. There are many reasons why an all-foam mattress should not be placed directly on the floor but the main one would be restricted air flow.
Foam mattresses are notorious for retaining heat and putting them on the floor – no matter how cold the floor may be – will cause the mattress to trap heat no matter what due to not enough air flow, which is what keeps mattresses stay cool.
With innersprings and hybrid mattresses, this is not going to be too much of a problem because spring coils allow air to flow throughout the mattress continuously. Therefore, hot sleepers may not be able to sleep comfortably on a mattress on the floor, especially if they have an all-foam mattress.
Don’t sleep on the floor if you have a springless mattress. If you have a mattress without memory foam then sleeping on the floor should be OK.
On another more unpleasant note, lesser air flow can also encourage mold and mildew growth and nobody wants that.
More allergens
Sleeping too close to the floor may expose you to more allergens due to, well, being too close to the floor. We’re not saying that your floors are dirty but dead skin cells, dust and dust mites accumulate on the floor every single day and those who are not too diligent about cleaning their floors on the daily might want to think twice about sleeping on a mattress on the floor – especially if they are prone to allergic reactions.
Bed bugs and other pests
Aside from allergens, you might also want to consider critters and other creepy crawlies, especially if you live in an area that’s known to have infestations now and again or if you live in the tropics (which in that case, please stay away as far away from the floor as possible because, you know, snakes).
Sleeping too close to the floor may just give the creepy crawlies an all-access pass to your mattress.
Added pressure on sensitive joints
As much as a firmer sleep surface would be great for those who sleep on their stomachs and backs, side sleepers and those who suffer from chronic/joint pain might just experience even more pain and pressure if they sleep on a mattress on the floor. Adding a mattress topper or a foam mat may help but we suggest sleeping on a soft mattress on a low profile bed if you really want something close to the floor.
Not warm enough
As mentioned previously, cold air stays close to the floor as warmer air rises and those who get cold easily might find it difficult to stay warm if they sleep on a mattress on the floor.
May void your warranty
Placing your mattress directly on the floor without any support from a bed frame or a mattress foundation such as a box spring may void your mattress’s warranty.
Many mattress companies offer a similar mattress warranty that requires the use of a bed frame or a bed base that can offer sturdy support, especially if the mattress is thick and heavy.
Placing such a mattress on the floor may void the warranty (like in the case of Saatva’s warranty), causing you to lose out should you need to have it replaced or returned within the warranty period.
Harder to get out of bed
A mattress on the floor may be too low for some people to get in and out of bed of. For those who are elderly, it may even be dangerous.
How to sleep with your mattress on the ground
If you really want to sleep on a mattress on floor, the following are a few things you can do to sleep more comfortably and safely, while also extending the lifespan of your mattress.
Air out the mattress regularly
When not in use during the day, prop your mattress up perpendicularly on a wall to allow it to air out on all sides. Doing so ensures that your mattress is completely dry before using it again at night, especially if you are someone who experiences night sweats.
Make sure it doesn’t void your warranty
Always check your mattress tag before using it without a bed frame or box springs. Try to avoid voiding your warranty, if and when you can.
Keep your floor clean
Sweep and vacuum your floors daily if you plan to use your floor as your sleeping surface. Clean floors means zero critters that may cuddle up in bed with you. It also means less dust, less allergens and a cleaner mattress.
Use a mattress protector to prevent mold
Floor or not, a mattress protector is a non-negotiable. Using one not only means that you keep yourself more comfortable but it also means ensuring the longevity of your mattress by keeping it clean and free from mold and mildew growth. Regularly cleaning your mattress also helps.
Can you put a memory foam mattress on the floor?
A memory foam mattress is a mattress type that we don’t think you should place directly on the floor since it will retain heat and be prone to mold and mildew growth from poor air circulation.
If you have a memory foam mattress and you would like to sleep close to the floor, we suggest using a low bed like a a low profile platform bed.
FAQs
Casper mattresses are all-foam memory foam mattresses and generally, it is not recommended to place all-foam mattresses on the floor because they lack the air circulation system that innerspring and hybrid mattresses have. Foam is pretty susceptible to mold growth without proper airflow. Avoid foam mattresses like Casper mattresses if you plan on sleeping on mattress on the floor
Mattresses made from all-foam are the types of mattresses that would benefit from using a bed frame since they tend to trap both heat and moisture – both of which can be detrimental to the lifespan of your mattress as well as your sleep health.
You can definitely put both a box spring and a mattress on the floor since a box spring works as a mattress foundation.
Conclusion
There are pros and cons to sleeping on a mattress on the floor even though technically, you can use a mattress without the need of any bed frame or foundation.
Should the benefits outweigh the risks, then by all means, prepare your sleep space however you want it. But if you’ve got health issues or are elderly, we suggest using a low profile bed frame if you really must sleep closer to the floor.
Next step: Read our Airweave futon review. If you’re planning on sleeping directly on the floor, then a Japanese futon is the perfect choice. Airweave’s Japanese futon is designed specifically to be placed on the floor without a bed frame. We go over the benefits and drawbacks so you can decide for yourself if it’s right for you.
Psst… the sleep review industry is full of liars, sharks, and thieves. It’s a modern-day version of getting ripped off at your local mattress store. So, why should you trust us?