Can You put a Mattress on the Floor and Sleep on it?

Can You Put A Mattress On The Floor And Sleep On It?

 

 

Mattresses are predominantly used alongside a bed frame to lift them off the floor, although it is not essential.

 

Putting a mattress on the floor and sleeping on it may come across as unusual but some people prefer it. The floor is a great support system for your mattress as it is firm and flat.

 

Those with back pains may prefer sleeping on the floor because it prevents the spine from sinking in.

 

There a multiple reasons

There are pros and cons of sleeping on the floor and are explained below.

 

Pros

1. Reduces back pains – Sleeping on the floor helps the alignment of your spine, back and neck and potentially alleviates back pains. Also, people with sciatica may see improvements and less chance of developing scoliosis.

Depending on how firm your floor is, it is best advised that you sleep on your back for better comfort and pain relief.

 

2. Improves Blood Circulation – As the floor is firm and due to this your mattress feels firmer, this allows even distribution of your body weight so less pressure is on certain areas of your body thus allowing adequate blood circulation at night. Blood circulation assists the body to function in good order, fights against illnesses and betters the recovery of muscles.

 

3. Economical – There is no need to buy a bed frame or foundation. If you are on a budget then purchasing a bed frame can be expensive or you can prioritise one thing and cut down cost on the other.

 

4. Uses Less Space – Bed frames are bigger than the actual mattress itself so taking a lot of space up. If your bedroom is small then having that little bit of extra space is useful.

 

Cons

1. Vulnerable to dust & dust mites – Dust tends to accumulate on the ground and if your floors are not regularly vacuumed then this can lead to allergic reactions being triggered and cause respiratory issues. It is harmful to your health as well as disturbs your sleep. Attracted by moisture and heat, bed bugs have easy access to your mattress and bedding.

 

2. Difficulty getting out of bed – If you have mobility issues or are elderly then it isn't convenient to sleep on a mattress as low as the floor. So you may consider utilising a foundation with your mattress to add height or opt-out of sleeping on a mattress of the floor completely.

 

3. Build up of mould and mildew – Mattress ventilation is restricted when sleeping on the floor so this results in hot sleeping, build-up of moisture and sweating at night. Consequently, causing mildew and mould to grow.

 

4. Discomfort – Mattresses are firmer and supportive on the floor which is great for those who need surplus support. However, side sleepers will feel uncomfortable as the mattress will not contour to your body's shape thus applying pressure to some parts of your body.

 

5. Void manufacturer warranty – Mattress is mainly built to sit on a platform and companies discourage sleeping on the floor as the ground is an open invitation to bugs, dust and mould to grow, therefore can void your manufacturer warranty.

 

Tips for keeping your mattress on the floor

Frequent maintenance is essential if you are sleeping on a mattress on the floor to protect against damage. Mattresses are supposed to sit on a platform and without it, they are prone to wear and tear. Being pre-cautious can extend the lifespan of your mattress.

 

Air out your mattress regularly

You should at least air out your mattress once every week but if you live in a humid area then try to air it out every few days to prevent the growth of mould.

 

Ensure a clean floor under your mattress

Constant vacuuming, dusting and disinfecting of the surface of the floor and around your mattress to prevent build-up. Also, ensure your floor is entirely dry before placing your mattress back as a damp surface can risk the formation of mould.

 

Avoid Memory foam mattresses

Foam mattresses should not be used on the floor as they will affect your support and comfort level. It traps in heat and moisture, leaving you feeling hot and permitting the growth of mould and mildew. Nor do they last long on the ground and are inclined to wear faster when compared to being on a foundation.

 

Check your mattress warranty

Your mattress warranty could potentially get voided for using it on the floor. Therefore, companies supply instructions and guidelines to follow for the preservation of the warranty. Ensure you thoroughly read through the warranty and guidelines before deciding to sleep on the floor.

 

Place your mattress on a finished surface

- It's ideal to place your mattress on finished surfaces like hardwood, tiles, carpets, synthetic rugs and tatami flooring. Refrain from setting your mattress on incomplete flooring, rugs made of cotton, jute, wool and natural fibre carpets.

- Moisture can be retained from incomplete and natural flooring leading to a build-up of mildew and mould, causing allergic reactions to trigger. Likewise, old flooring may contain dust and mould spores which will soil your mattress making it uncomfortable to sleep.

 

Utilise a mattress protector

Regardless of whether your mattress is on a platform or bed frame, it is crucial to utilise a mattress protector to prevent

 

Place a barrier between your mattress and the floor

When leaving your mattress on a finished surface, putting a barrier into place is useful to maintain the quality of your mattress and protect it from early wear and tear. This could be a blanket, a piece of cardboard or even a foam mat. Placing a barrier between your mattress and the ground keeps your mattress clean, making it simple to preserve, and can better its insulating properties.

 

Use a mattress protector

- You should always use a mattress protector regardless if whether your mattress is on a bed frame or not. Your mattress can be susceptible to dust and dirt on the ground, thus it is more essential to use a protector. It prevents the build-up of dirt, dust, sweat, stains and any unsafe bacteria.

- Ensure you choose the right mattress protector size according to your mattress with dimensions that give sufficient coverage.

 

Types of mattresses that can be used directly on the floor

Some mattresses are designed to be used directly on the floor and are cheaper than the standard traditional mattresses but are only good on a short-term basis instead of the long-term. In addition, they are normally quite thin between 3 to 6 inches, in comparison to the traditional mattresses which is between 10 to 14 inches.

 

Folding mattress

- A folding mattress is used to save storage space and can fit into your car when travelling. They can be either a dual-fold, trio-fold or even quad-fold mattress.

- Though they are not as thick as usual mattresses, they are still reasonably comfortable and utilisable, for instance when camping or having visitors over.

 

Rolled Mattress

- A roll-up mattress is referred to as a tatami floor mat or Japanese bed.

- It is lightweight and designed for convenience. If not in use, you can roll the mattress up and vacuum-pack it into a bag.

- However, it does not give the exact support as a regular mattress does therefore it can put pressure on your joints.