The floor can make sense for some, depending on the type of mattress, the type of flooring, the environment in your bedroom and the part of the country you live, there can be many reasons why it is not the best place to put your mattress.
- If you have a foam mattress, putting it on the floor can lead to mold beneath the mattress, and that can ultimately cause severe health issues. Even coil mattresses can provide mold with a great place to grow. Basically, mattresses need to breathe, or, air out. We all sweat in our sleep, some more than others. That moisture needs to go somewhere, and gravity pulls it to the bottom of your mattress. When your mattress is on the floor, that moisture is retained, and combined with a lack of light, provides the perfect breeding ground for mold.
- A spring mattress with the springs encased in foam is another example of a type of mattress that needs to be on a surface that is breathable. A regular spring mattress can allow airflow through the fabric sides.
- If you live near the water or a very humid environment, placing the mattress on the floor could allow for mold growth.
- If you have old hardwood floors, mold spores can be dormant in the flooring and lead to mold growth.
Benefit of Mattress Base:
Base or platform is used to provide the proper support for your mattress. Depending on the type of mattress you have, it may require varying degrees of support. Mattresses should be able to breathe, through a slatted platform or a box spring.
Problems with placing mattress on floor:
- Dust particles, dust mites, and allergens all rest upon the floor. Resting your mattress alongside them puts you in closer contact to this, so you should make sure to keep your floor area well vacuumed and dusted.
- As mentioned, raising up your bed allows for increased airflow, and when you sleep your body heat and moisture can become trapped within the materials. This is especially true in humid climates. With no place to dissipate, it can cause mildews and molds to form. Make sure to raise up your mattress regularly (at least once a week) to allow moisture buildup to escape.
- Insects are also more likely to be upon the ground and can more easily make their way into your bed. Snakes also look for areas to hide under or next to (such as between a mattress and a wall). By keeping your area well cleaned and clutter free, you can avoid the worst of the creepy-crawlies, but just take precautions against anything you may not want to be sharing your bed with.
- You should try to avoid placing your mattress directly on the carpet, or flooring surface, and lay down a buffer of cardboard or even inexpensive foam. This will help insulate against cold and heat during extreme temperatures through the year.