Updated Nov 10, 2025
Using a bed frame is strongly recommended for better mattress durability, sleep hygiene, and everyday comfort.
Your bed can be thought of like a three-piece suit: you have your mattress, your box spring or foundation, and your traditional bed frame. But, much like that suit, there are many ways to change this classic set-up. Some adjustable bed frames can support your mattress type without a bed foundation or box spring, and many mattresses seem so sturdy that you may begin to wonder:
Do you need a bed frame?
The short answer is yes. The long answer is more complicated and comes down to your own sleep preferences. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of bed frames to see why they’re a crucial part of your mattress foundation set-up.
What is a Bed Frame?
So, what is a bed frame exactly? It’s the sturdy base that lifts your mattress off the floor, keeps it supported, and helps air circulate so things stay fresh. Frames come in all shapes and styles—from sleek metal to cozy upholstered designs—so you can match your bedroom vibe while protecting your mattress. They also add height, making it easier to get in and out of bed and even sneak in some extra storage. In short, a bed frame is the quiet foundation for better, longer-lasting comfort.
What’s the Point of a Bed Frame?
So, why is a traditional bed frame necessary? To put it simply, your bed frame offers support to your mattress, and a better-supported mattress means a better-supported you. When you’re properly supported in a bed foundation during sleep, you’re less likely to wake up with uncomfortable aches and pains.
To choose the bed base style that’s right for you, you have to consider what mattress type you’re sleeping on. Regardless of your choice in foam mattress options, all of Casper bed frames provide the support needed for your foam or hybrid mattress’s longevity and your best night’s sleep.
6 Reasons to Use a Bed Frame
Support isn’t the only reason to use a bed frame. They offer a number of other practical benefits, such as:1
1. Temperature Control
Elevating your mattress off the floor increases airflow around and beneath the bed, supporting a cooler sleeping environment. A bed frame with a slatted base promotes even more airflow compared to a solid platform base, preventing heat from getting trapped and allowing body heat to dissipate more easily throughout the night.
Learn more about slats vs a solid bed base in our blog.
2. Protection
When there isn’t space between your mattress base and the floor, air can’t flow properly, making moisture more likely to build-up and mold more likely to grow. It’s also easier for pests like dust mites to access your mattress if it’s on the floor. Proper mattress protection is key—in fact, many mattress warranties will require you to have some support structure beneath your mattress, such as a frame or box spring.
3. Storage
Elevating your mattress with a bed frame also provides you with an additional storage space. This can be especially beneficial for those living in smaller spaces, where storage space is hard to come by. Plus, you won’t have to worry about monsters living under your beds if you fill the space with shoes, books, tubs of clothes, your sewing supplies—whatever is currently overflowing from your closet.
4. Looks
Part of what makes our bedroom comforting is its aesthetic appeal. Many bed frames are designed with this in mind. For instance, Casper upholstered bed frames like the Haven provide a cozy, fabric-wrapped look that will invite you into bed every night.
5. Accessibility
A bed frame raises your mattress to a comfortable height, making it easier to get in and out of bed. This can be especially helpful for anyone with mobility issues, sore joints, or simply a preference for a higher sleep surface. A little lift can go a long way toward making bedtime feel effortless.
6. Proper Support
A quality bed frame does more than hold your mattress—it distributes weight evenly and keeps your mattress from sagging. Proper support helps extend the life of your mattress and maintain its comfort night after night. In addition, placing a mattress directly on the floor makes it more likely that the mattress will slide during the night, creating a poor night’s sleep.
Is Having No Bed Frame Bad?
At Casper, our goal is to help you get the best night’s sleep possible, no matter your sleep preferences. That’s why we recommend using a bed frame and benefiting from everything it has to offer. While having no bed frame isn’t necessarily bad, foregoing this piece of your suit will mean compromising on your sleep quality mattress health.
Still, you may prefer to not have a bed frame due to:
- Pets – You may love your fur babies so much that you regularly have them in bed with you. For some pets, the added height of a bed frame may make it difficult for them to join you up there. Lower height bed frames are an option in this case, but some people still decide to choose no frame at all.
- Noise – If you have a squeaky innerspring mattress and older bed frame, every toss and turn during the night might be accompanied by a symphony of squeaks and creaks. While this may make you want to ditch frames altogether, there are high-quality options that are sturdy enough to combat this problem.
Note for Casper Customers: To keep your Casper warranty in effect, your mattress must be continuously supported by a foundation or an adjustable bed base on a proper bed frame that can support the combined weight of the mattress and foundation. While we cover visible indentations greater than 1", any indentation caused by an improper or unsupportive foundation or base isn’t considered a warranty defect.
Is It Bad to Put a Mattress Directly on the Floor?
These days, mattresses are better than ever. In fact, many mattresses are so well-made, they may feel as though they don’t need any additional support. And if people in Japan can sleep without a bed frame, why not plop your own mattress on the floor?2
It’s important to note that Japanese flooring and the preference toward lightweight futon mattresses make it easier to air out the bedroom space each day. So, if you don’t have Japanese flooring and a lightweight futon, putting your mattress on the floor won’t have the same results.
Other reasons to forego the floor?
- Sliding & stability: directly on the floor, mattresses can shift during the night, disrupting sleep—especially on smooth surfaces.
- Closer to dirt & dust: being on the floor exposes your mattress to dust, pet hair, and grime; spills can wick in faster—use a waterproof mattress protector if you must floor-sleep.
- Elements & moisture: limited airflow plus floor-level humidity (or condensation on concrete) can trap moisture, encouraging mildew and musty odors; the air near the floor also feels cooler.
- Pests: floor and baseboard “highways” make it easier for ants, spiders, or even bed bugs to reach your bed.
- Warranty requirements: many brands—including Casper—require a proper base with continuous support; placing a mattress directly on the floor can jeopardize coverage for sagging/indentations.
- Access & ergonomics: the extra-low height can strain knees and backs when getting in and out; it’s also harder to clean around and offers no under-bed storage.
- Support & wear: floors can be uneven; without a supportive foundation, pressure can concentrate and lead to uneven wear or a firmer, less comfortable feel.
So, while we wouldn’t say it’s bad to put your mattress directly on the floor, there are plenty of good reasons not to, especially if you have a Casper mattress.
Shopping for the Right Bed Frame
Once you’ve determined that a bed frame is worth the buy, you'll want to make sure you choose the right bed frame size for your space. At Casper, we offer a range of supportive mattress base options from twin to California king sizes including:
- The Foundation box spring alternative
- Fabric bed frames like the Haven and Upholstered frame
- Wood bed frames like the Repose
- Adjustable bed frames
Find Your Ideal Bed Frame with Casper
At Casper, we want your bed to be like that three-piece suit: stylish, comfortable, and tailored perfectly to you. That’s why we offer numerous bed frame options so you’re sure to find a frame that fits your aesthetic and your budget, while also offering that nighttime support your body (and your mattress) craves. If you prefer a space-saving sleek look, you can opt for a platform bed frame. But if you have unique sleep preferences, an adjustable bed frame might be the perfect bed for you.
Whether you have a memory foam mattress, spring mattress, or hybrid mattress, our bed base options have you covered. For any bed size or type of bed, a Casper bed frame can support your journey to a better night’s sleep.
Bed Frame FAQS
Do I really need a bed frame?
Yes, it’s highly recommended. A frame lifts your mattress for airflow, adds stability, provides sleep health benefits, makes getting in and out easier, and helps your mattress wear evenly for longer-lasting comfort.
Can I put my mattress directly on the floor?
You can, but it increases exposure to dust, moisture, and pests, reduces ventilation, and may affect warranty coverage. If you must, use a protector and air the mattress regularly.
Do Casper mattresses require a box spring?
No. Pair your mattress with a supportive foundation, a sturdy platform with closely spaced slats, or an adjustable base that provides continuous support.
What bases are compatible with Casper?
Casper foundations, platform frames with supportive slats, and adjustable bases all work—just ensure continuous, even support and strong center support.
Will my warranty be affected by my base?
To keep your Casper warranty in effect, your mattress needs continuous support from a proper foundation, platform, or adjustable base on a sturdy frame. Indentations caused by improper support aren’t considered warranty defects. If you don’t have a Casper, check with your manufacturer.
Do slatted frames help with cooling?
Yes. Elevating the bed improves ventilation, and slatted platforms allow more air to move under the mattress than solid surfaces.
What bed height should I choose?
Pick a height that lets your feet plant flat and knees bend comfortably when you sit on the edge. If your mattress is tall, consider a lower-profile foundation or platform.
Are adjustable bases worth it?
If you want custom head/foot positions, easier breathing, or pressure relief for your back and hips, an adjustable base is a great upgrade. Just make sure it’s compatible with your mattress.
Will a frame prevent mattress sagging?
A quality base distributes weight evenly and can reduce premature sagging compared to the floor. For best results, use continuous support and rotate your mattress periodically.
Sources:
- SFGate. Is It OK to Leave a Box Spring and Bed on the Floor? https://homeguides.sfgate.com/ok-leave-box-spring-bed-floor-102567.html
- Hunker. Why Do You Need a Frame for a Bed? https://www.hunker.com/13413413/why-do-you-need-a-frame-for-a-bed
