Is It Okay to Put Your Mattress Directly on the Floor?
- By Jessica
- Last Update: Apr 26, 2023
Putting your mattress directly on the floor is okay if you use safe ways. Some of them include:Â keeping the floor beneath the mattress clean, not using a foam mattress, using a mattress protector, and placing a barrier between your mattress and the floor.
Some people are not used to the idea of using the mattress on a floor, but others prefer it for various reasons, like using less space and economic reasons. If your floor is even, flat, and firm, it can be a great support system for the mattress.
In this post we explain why people sleep on mattresses on the floor and the pros and cons of sleeping on the floor. Read on to discover more.
Table of Contents
Why Do People Sleep on Mattress on the Floor?
People sleep on mattresses on the floor for various reasons. Some want to sleep on the floor because it allows them to live a more minimalist lifestyle. For others it is because they don’t have enough space for a full-sized bed at a particular season, so the only option is to sleep on the floor.
For others, sleeping on a mattress on the floor relieves their back pain and enhances their sleeping posture. So, it all depends on how it works for you and the benefits you get from sleeping on the floor.
Advantage of Sleeping on the Floor
There are several benefits of sleeping on the floor, which are as follows. Have a look.
Reduces Back Pain
The most common benefit of putting your mattress on the floor is reducing back pain. It helps your spine and neck to become neutral and healthily align your posture. It is also said that if you sleep on the floor, you will notice improvements to your sciatica and have a minimal chance of getting scoliosis.
Since your floor is firm and even, you should sleep on your back for adequate comfort and pain relief.
Enhances Blood Circulation
Since the mattress is firmer while on the floor and you are sleeping on a firmer mattress, your body weight is evenly distributed, meaning there will be less pressure on any part of your body. It, in turn, gives your tissues and muscles excellent circulation during the night.
If you get proper blood circulation, your body’s vital organs will perform efficiently and adequately to improve muscle recovery and fight disease.
- Economical
Sleeping on the floor saves you from getting a bed frame or any mattress foundation. The foundation and bed frame are expensive, primarily if you work under budget. Alternatively, you can get a supportive mattress and use it on the floor to reduce other costs.
Uses Less Space
Bed frames come in a larger form than the actual mattress size. They also consume more space, which can be challenging, especially if you stay in a smaller house. Extra space is helpful for many other reasons you want to do with it.
Meanwhile, sleeping on the floor makes your room appear larger and has higher ceilings. You can also transfer your mattress anywhere because carrying it is easier.
Disadvantage of Sleeping on the Floor
Even if sleeping on the floor has several benefits, it also attracts various drawbacks you must consider before deciding to sleep on the floor. Below are the drawbacks or cons of sleeping on the floor.
Prone to Dust Mites and Dust
As you know, dust accumulates from the ground, and if you have not vacuumed the ground, you can be vulnerable to allergic reactions every time you inhale the dust particles. It might also cause respiratory problems, which may affect your health needs.
Additionally, dust mites and bed bugs thrive well in heat and moisture areas, and because you have placed your mattress on the floor, the chances of them accessing your bedding and bed are very high. Some harmful creatures like snakes, ants, and spiders may access your bed depending on where and how you live.
- Potential Mildew and Mold Growth
Slated platforms and box springs are essential as they help your mattress have enough dry air and be dry. This is not the case when your mattress is on the floor since the ventilation is minimal, which can make you hot sleep and sweat as you sleep.
Eventually, excess moisture build-up will result from sweat and oils extracted from the body, leading to mold and mildew formation.
Besides mold being dangerous in your living spaces, it can produce some foul odor and make you have allergic reactions like itchy skin and trouble breathing.
Also see: Why Is My Mattress Wet Underneath?
Challenge Getting Out of Bed
Getting out of bed can be difficult, especially if you suffer from mobility problems like arthritis or chronic pain. And it can be even worse if you are elderly and use the mattress on the floor to sleep.
You will end up bending so much to access the bed, which can be painful. A bed foundation can only be a solution so that you get extra height and get to bed quickly.
Uncomfortable for Side Sleepers
Putting your mattress on the floor makes them much firmer but more supportive. However, this cannot be the case for side sleepers since the mattress won’t give them contour to their body adequately. It will also exert more pressure on the shoulder and hips, impairing their sleep and comfort.
May Void Your Manufacturer Warranty
Did you know your bed setup can void your mattress warranty? Yes. Most mattresses are explicitly designed to be fitted on a box spring or slated platform and not on the floor. Most mattress manufacturers advise individuals against placing the mattress on the floor since your ground hosts most dust, mold, and bugs, which will void your warranty.
How to Safely Sleep with Your Mattress on the Floor?
Here is some good news! By applying these straightforward tips, you can safely sleep with your mattress on the floor. Take a look:
Frequently Air Out Your Mattress
We recommend it should be once a week, you can remove your mattress to air it out. If you are using a flappable mattress, you can flip it occasionally to stop mold formation. Moreover, if you reside in humid areas, please air out the mattress after a few days.
Practice Cleanliness Beneath Your Mattress
Since the floor is prone to dirt, you can frequently vacuum, disinfect, or dust the floor around and beneath your mattress to prevent dust and bags from entering and infecting your sleep area.
Remember to ensure that your floor is dry before placing the mattress. Avoid a wet or dump surface since it can make your mattress grow mold.
- Avoid Foam Mattress
Foam mattress is not ideal if you are sleeping on the ground. It efficiently traps heat and moisture, making you hot. Also, memory foam promotes mildew and mold build-up. This type of mattress also only serves you shortly if you use it on the ground. It wears faster.
Check the Mattress Warranty
Placing your mattress on the ground may void your warranty in specific scenarios. Many manufacturers usually offer you a specific bed setup manual that you must adhere to preserve the warranty. Ensure you go through your mattress warranty before considering sleeping on the ground.
Lay Your Mattress on a Finished Floor
You can place your mattress on a floor made of tatami, hardwood, tile, carpet, or synthetic rugs. Do not use unfinished flooring, rugs made of cotton, wool, or jute, and natural fiber carpets. Most natural and unfinished flooring contains moisture that can cause mold build-up.
In addition, older flooring comes with mold spores that would soil your mattress, disrupting sleep.
Put a Barrier Between the Mattress and Your Floor
You can use a barrier such as a blanket, piece of cardboard, or a foam mat to place them between the ground and your mattress. A barrier helps with preserving the quality of the mattress and securing it from premature wear and tear.
It also keeps your mattress clean, simplifying maintenance and increasing its insulating capabilities.
Use a Mattress Protector
A mattress protector helps shield your mattress from dirt stains, sweat build-up, and harmful bacteria. You can use it whether you have a bed frame or not.
Types of Mattresses You Can Use Directly on the Floor
It is vital to note that not all mattresses can be placed on the floor. There are specific types of mattresses you can use directly on the floor, and they include:
Folding Mattress
Folding mattress is mainly designed to save space and to fit in your vehicle when traveling. It comes in dual-fold, tri-fold, and quad-fold forms. You can also use folding mattresses as mats for children. Although this mattress type is not thick compared to traditional mattresses, it is comfortable and functional if you have guests or are camping.
Also, since folding mattresses don’t contain thickness, they give less comfort and support.
- Rolling Mattress
Rolling mattresses are also referred to as Japanese beds or tatami floor mats. This mattress type is lightweight and created explicitly for convenience. You can roll it up and fix it into a bag if you are not using it.
You can use a rolling mattress when traveling or hosting some guests. You only need to unroll it; as simple as that, it is ready for use.
The only downside of a rolling mattress is that it does not give enough support as a regular mattress does. Also, it can exert pressure on your joints.
FAQs
Can I put mattress directly on slats?
Yes, you can put your mattress directly on slats. Slats are a common support system for mattresses as they allow for proper air circulation, which can help prevent mold and mildew from forming.
It is important to make sure that the slats are evenly spaced and strong enough to support the weight of the mattress and any sleepers.
Additionally, some mattress manufacturers may have specific requirements or recommendations for the type of support system used, so it is always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s guidelines before setting up your bed.
Can I use my mattress without a foundation?
A mattress can benefit from being elevated for several reasons. Firstly, elevating a mattress can improve your sleep quality by reducing the risk of acid reflux symptoms. When tilted at an angle, gravity can help prevent acidic contents from coming up into the throat, reducing the chance of symptoms such as heartburn and coughing.
Elevating the mattress can also help with airflow and temperature regulation, helping to reduce the accumulation of heat and sweat. Additionally, raising the mattress can create useful storage space underneath, freeing up room in a cluttered bedroom.
Finally, elevating the mattress can aid in getting in and out of bed, particularly for those with mobility issues, as it can reduce the distance between the bed and the floor.
Is it better to sleep on a mattress on the floor or with a bed frame?
It ultimately depends on personal preference and comfort. Sleeping on a mattress on the floor can provide a more minimalist and simplistic sleeping arrangement, but it may not be suitable for those who require a higher bed height or have mobility issues.
In contrast, a bed frame can offer more support and stability for the mattress, as well as provide additional storage underneath. However, bed frames can also be bulky and require assembly. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide which sleeping arrangement works best for their needs and preferences.
What age can you put a mattress on the floor?
There is no specific age at which you can put a mattress on the floor. However, it is generally recommended that infants and young children should not sleep on a mattress on the floor due to potential safety hazards such as suffocation, falls, and lack of ventilation.
Infants should sleep in a crib with a firm, flat mattress and toddlers should transition to a low platform bed or a bed with a safety rail to prevent falls. As children get older and more responsible, they may be able to safely sleep on a mattress on the floor, but it is important to consider all safety factors before making this decision.
Can you put a memory foam mattress on the floor?
Yes, you can put a memory foam mattress on the floor. In fact, many people choose to do so for various reasons, such as not having a bed frame, space limitations, or simply preferring a low bed.
However, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks of placing a mattress directly on the floor, such as limited airflow leading to mold or mildew growth, discomfort from the hardness of the floor, and difficulty getting in and out of bed.
To combat these issues, it may be helpful to elevate the mattress slightly with a platform or slats, regularly clean and air out the area around the mattress, and use additional support, such as pillows or cushions, to make the sleeping surface more comfortable.
Is sleeping on a mattress on the floor bad for your back?
Sleeping on a mattress on the floor is not necessarily bad for your back. In fact, some experts argue that sleeping on a firm surface can be helpful for people with back pain. However, it does depend on the individual’s body and how they are accustomed to sleeping.
People who are used to sleeping on a raised bed may experience discomfort or pain from sleeping on a lower surface. Additionally, sleeping on the floor can expose one to cooler temperatures and dust, which may cause health issues.
Overall, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice on sleeping position and mattress firmness.
Summary
Putting your mattress on the floor is okay if you do it properly using the tips provided in this article. Some of the tips include You can place your mattress on finished floors, use a mattress protector and avoid foam mattresses.
Remember, before you consider sleeping on the floor, there are benefits and drawbacks you will experience, which are highlighted above. Finally, folding and rolling mattresses are the most common types of mattresses you can use directly on the floor.
Jessica is a lover of both life and gardening. She loves to share his passion for both on social media. He often posts about his latest gardening projects, as well as tips and tricks for others who might be interested in starting their own gardens. She also frequently posts about the different aspects of his life that he enjoys, from spending time with friends and family to exploring new places.
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