Which slatted frame is suitable?
Which slatted frame is the right one?
Not only the mattress, but also the slatted frame contributes significantly to your lying comfort. But which slatted frame is suitable for which mattress? Here you will find all the important information - simply explained.
Suitable slatted frames for pocket spring mattresses:
Pocket spring mattresses are already very point-elastic and do not require a highly flexible substructure. Pay attention to the following properties:
Rigid slatted frame (not adjustable)
- Ideal, as the mattress itself ensures optimal adaptation
- A stable, level support surface allows the mattress to „work“
Slatted frame with narrow slat spacing
- Distance between the slats: no more than 3.5 cm
- Too large a gap can damage the mattress or cause it to sink in
Sprung wooden frame (with slightly flexible slats)
- Also suitable as long as the slats are not too soft
- Offers a little more flexibility in the shoulder and pelvic area
✘ No sprung bed bases or motorized frames required
- These provide little additional benefit with pocket springs
- Motorized frames only if the mattress is explicitly marked as „suited for adjustability”
Suitable slatted frames for cold foam mattresses:
Cold foam mattresses are particularly sensitive to the bed frame – the right slatted frame noticeably improves comfort, ventilation and durability.
Sprung wood frame with multi-glued slats
- Good elasticity and point-by-point support – perfect for cold foam
- Ideal: at least 28 slats
Adjustable slatted frames (manual or electric)
- Cold foam is flexible – ideal for adjustable head and foot sections
- Particularly pleasant for back problems or for relaxation
Slatted frame with zoned support (e.g. 7-zone frame)
- Adapts optimally to the body regions (e.g. softer shoulder zone).
- Usefully complements the zoning of the cold foam mattress.
Slatted frame with adjustable firmness in the pelvic area
- Individual adjustment possible – ideal for side sleepers
Technical recommendations:
- Slat spacing: max. 5 cm (the larger = the greater the risk of indentation)
- Number of slats: ideally 28–42 slats
- Frame height: a higher frame often offers better suspension
What does load capacity mean for a slatted frame?
The load capacity refers to the maximum total load that a slatted frame can permanently bear – including mattress, body weight and additional loads.
What counts towards the load capacity?
The load weight is composed of:
- Weight of the mattress
- Body weight of the person(s)
- Any additional weight (e.g., blankets, pets, load from sitting, etc.)
Example:
- Mattress: 20 kg
- Person: 90 kg
- Blanket etc.: 5 kg
→ Total: 115 kg load
If the bed frame is designed for a load weight of 120 kg, for example, you are on the safe side.
Important:
- Do not confuse this with body weight alone! The load weight is the total load on the frame.
- For two people on a double bed, it is important to note whether the frame is separated or continuous – each frame counts for itself.
- If the maximum load weight is exceeded, the slats can sag, break or lose their supporting effect.
How can you recognize a tiring slatted frame?
- Slats are sagging, even without load
- Spring effect diminishes – the slatted frame feels “soft” or “worn out”
- Creaking or squeaking when moving
- Sleep problems or back pain, even though the mattress is still relatively new
Why do slatted frames wear out?
- Material fatigue due to years of daily stress
- Cheap quality: inferior woods or plastic bearings wear out faster
- High load: e.g. for heavier people or an unsuitable mattress
- Moisture/temperature changes: Wood can warp or become brittle
- Material fatigue due to years of daily stress
If the slatted frame is worn out and the slats are no longer evenly pretensioned, an uneven lying surface is created. The mattress follows this uneven surface and forms a hollow.
If a topper is used on top of that, it cannot compensate for the unevenness, especially if the topper is only a few centimeters high. Instead, the topper maps the surface almost exactly.
Often, an existing sag in the mattress is only noticed when a topper is added. The thinner the topper, the more noticeable the condition of the mattress and slatted frame underneath.
