A bed user can choose to make their bed on the floor or on a frame. However, before doing this, the user needs to consider several factors in order to determine the better option between the two.
Floor or bed-frame: Criteria for choosing a place for your mattress
- Poor bed frame
A person may choose to have their bed on a floor rather than on a bed frame because the bed frame they have is weak and squeaky. A squeaky bed frame disrupts sleep due to the noise it causes when turning or moving around the bed.
This results in grogginess and irritability arising from inadequate sleep, and prolonged use of the same brings about health challenges related to sleep deprivation.
- Support and silence of bed on floor
A wobbly bed frame is a complete no, and where this is the case, making your bed on the floor will always be a far better option. Bed on floor will give your mattress maximum support and will additionally give you a greater sense of security.
You can make your bed on the floor until such a time when you are in a position to purchase a new bed-frame. Bed on frame will also help maintain the needed silence for quality sleep.
- Money-saving
Making your bed on the floor will help you save money because the floor acts as a sufficient and firm bed base. All you need is to place your mattress on a completely clean floor for hygiene purposes, then spread the desired bedding on it. Bed on floor also helps to save on bed accessories such as bedside tables, headboard, and bed skirt.
- Reduces body pains and discomfort
A bed base made on the floor reduces muscle pains, back pains and neck pains caused by a stiff neck.
Harvard health Publishing, the media and health education division of Harvard Medical School of Harvard University recommends the use of mattress on the floor for people who suffer from low back pain because it creates a much firmer sleeping surface that supports proper spine alignment.
This helps to reduce pain while allowing ease of movement around the bed during sleep. A sagging mattress on a poor bed-frame will definitely cause you discomfort and all manner of body pains, making a bed on floor a better choice any day.
- Cooler air
Bed on floor allows you the benefit of cooler air as cold air tends to move downwards, while hot air moves upwards. The reason for this is that cold air is denser and therefore heavier than hot air.
Placing bed on floor is therefore more advantageous for people living in hot climates and for those people who experience hot seasons. It is also a better option for people who get hot at night.
Disadvantages of bed on floor
While bed on floor has a number of benefits, this choice comes with its own challenges. We look at some of these challenges below.
- Joint pain for side sleepers
Side sleepers and people with sensitive joints are likely to suffer joint pains because the floor tends to be extra firm, particularly where the mattress is thin. The extra firmness does not allow for adequate relief from pressure around the shoulders, hips, neck and back, making the user uncomfortable.
- Voiding mattress warranty
Mattresses come with warranties. Some of these warranties stipulate that the mattress must be placed on specified bed bases for the warranty to remain in effect, and they are clear that the mattress must not be used on a floor. Doing so voids the mattress warranty.
- Challenges getting in and out of bed
A bed on the floor poses great challenge in getting in and out of bed for any adult due to their height. It is a more challenging and uncomfortable exercise for the elderly and for people with physical disabilities. It is equally bad for people suffering from chronic pain. Additionally, the user risks loosing balance and falling when getting out of bed.
- Not ideal for cold climates
Sleeping on the floor makes the bed too cold during cold seasons and in cold climatic regions for the reasons noted earlier, that air gets cooler moving downwards and warmer moving upwards. You may not want to make your bed on the floor if faced by these circumstances.
- Blocking of airflow
The body secretes moisture during the night, and this moisture sinks into the mattress, therefore if the mattress is on the floor, it will hinder the circulation of air underneath, causing mould and mildew to form over time due to continual accumulation of moisture.
Moisture may also accumulate in the mattress from a cold cement floor in humid regions, creating an environment for formation of mould or mildew. Allow the mattress to air out often by propping it up to lean against the wall.
- Allergies and respiratory problems
Sleeping very close to the floor exposes the user to dust and other allergens which then results in allergies and respiratory health challenges. Anyone using bed on floor must therefore be diligent in cleaning their bedroom floor often to keep away dust and dirt. This will ensure that the user breathes clean and fresh air during sleep.
- Bed bugs and creeping insects
A bed on the floor can very easily get infested by bed bugs and creeping insects such as cockroaches and ants due to its close proximity to the floor. But this can be counted by getting a mattress cover that is bug-proof.
In very hot climatic regions of Africa, having beds on floors is greatly discouraged as snakes easily crawl into them unnoticed, endangering the lives of users.
Helpful tips on having bed on floor
- Use a mattress protector. It adds a barrier between the mattress and the floor, helping to absorb moisture and protect any carpet that may be on the floor from the same.
- Air out your mattress often, preferably once a week under sunlight.
- Clean the floor often to keep away dirt, dust and other allergens.
- Where possible, avoid placing a memory foam mattress on the floor because it traps moisture and heat, leading to formation of mildew.
