Your guide to a better future

Here's the lowdown on what could happen if you don't use a bed frame to support your mattress.

McKenzie, a Certified Sleep Science Coach and proclaimed mattress expert, has been writing sleep content in the wellness space for over three years. After earning her certification from the Spencer Institute and dedicating hundreds of hours to sleep research, she has extensive knowledge on the topic and how to improve your quality of rest. Having more experience with lying on mattresses than most, McKenzie has reviewed over 150 beds and a variety of different sleep products including pillows, mattress toppers and sheets. McKenzie has been a guest on multiple radio shows including WGN Chicago as a sleep expert and contributed sleep advice to over 50 different websites. Before she was writing about sleep, she graduated as an English major from the University of Nevada, Reno and was covering music news for an online entertainment magazine.

The average person looks to cut costs where they can when buying furniture -- I know I do. If you're buying a new mattress or accessories, you don't need to splurge for the high thread count sheets, nor do you need a fancy, fluffy duvet cover. However, it's strongly encouraged that you get a bed frame. 

There are plenty of reasons why a bed frame is a key part of your bedding setup. A bed frame's purpose is to protect you and your mattress from the downsides of sleeping on the floor. Not only that, but mattresses are expensive. Storing yours on the floor is like leaving your watch or phone on the floor. You could, but you can't be surprised when something inevitably goes wrong. 

Below, I explain what can happen if you leave your mattress on the ground and offer affordable bed frame options you won't have to spend an arm and a leg on.  

See more: Best mattress of 2022

A bed frame is the main support structure for your mattress and your box spring (if you have one). It keeps your mattress up off the floor, and protects from moist, dust and general floor gunk. There are a variety of different bed frames, from basic to decorative and functional. Some even come with a head or footboard. 

Here are some of the most popular bed frame types:

Now that we've explained what a bed frame is, here are all the reasons you'll need one for your mattress.

Most mattresses will come with a warranty backing manufacturer issues and other defects while you own your bed. The average is around 10 years, while some brands Like DreamCloud and Nectar will offer protection for your mattress for its entire lifetime. 

There are some stipulations to keeping your mattress' warranty, including – you guessed it – the need for a bed frame that properly supports your mattress. Leaving your mattress on the floor means that if anything goes wrong with it, you're responsible for paying for a replacement. 

A mattress should last around six to eight years -- depending on the type and how well you take care of it. Leaving it on the ground can lead to a shorter lifespan and open the floodgates to all sorts of problems, including:

Keeping your mattress on the ground restricts the airflow that would be present if it was raised above ground. As a result, it can retain heat and make you wake up feeling hot and sweaty. 

On the flip side, if your bedroom floor is hardwood or tile, your mattress will be more vulnerable to low temperatures during cooler months of the year. 

Getting out of bed is also physically much easier when you're 3 feet off the ground. 

See more: Best cooling mattress

A metal or wooden-slatted bed frame with slats 3 inches or less apart, an adjustable bed frame floating frame are all great and affordable options. Here are some of the best low-cost and value bed frames I've owned, tested or researched. They all have my stamp of approval. 

The costs below reflect queen-size pricing. 

If your circumstances limit you from getting a proper bed frame, you'll have to take extra precautions to make sure you don't ruin your mattress and stay comfortable. 

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.