Some folks, who are particular about bedroom furniture, insist that an inner spring mattress with a box spring is the only way to sleep comfortably while others vehemently prefer a platform bed. In fact, the debate over whether platform beds are better or worse than a mattress and box spring combination has plagued generations of sleepers since 1865 when the first patent was issued for the precursor to the modern mattress set. If you want to determine which is better for you and your new furniture purchase, you need to know what the key components are.

The Metal Bed Frame

For modern day Americans, the most common bed on the market and in their homes is the one that uses a metal bed frame in conjunction with a supporting box spring and inner spring mattress. The manufacturers of this sleep system purport that they provide superior support and an increased quality of sleep. Introduced with a patent application in 1865, the mattress-box spring combo became popular in the 1920’s and 30’s and continues to remain the bed of choice today.

Most metal bed frames only work with this type of mattress, which
does limit its use. They do not have slats, so need the box spring to perform this chore. Price can also be a consideration, partly because you are buying two pieces, the mattress and the box spring. In fact, some companies offer finely made mattress sets that have been hand-made and hand-sewn using silk, cashmere, mohair and fine lambswool.

The Platform Bed

A great way to keep costs down is to purchase a platform bed instead. At first glance the sleek, modern lines of a platform bed give it the appearance of being a newcomer to the
bedroom furniture game, but the truth of the matter is that platform beds have been around for centuries. In fact, ancient Romans, in their quest for comfort, created a system of woven metal slats within a metal bed frame to raise their mattresses off the ground while offering support. They just placed a mattress filled with feathers or straw on top and were quite happy to be away from the bugs, dirt and rodents.

The Vikings had a similar idea with wooden slats and the Egyptians used woven reeds and grasses. Some cultures even created an elaborate system of ropes as their support system. The same concept is used today; slats, usually wood, are used to support just a mattress. The box spring is not needed with this system. The slats are placed close enough together to prevent the mattress from sagging under the occupant's weight. And, of course, eliminating the need to buy a box spring can save a bit of money on the purchase.

The Mattress

Platform beds have no favorites; they are equal opportunity beds. Their low side-rails and lack of a metal bed frame allow them to accommodate virtually any mattress imaginable. If you prefer an inner spring mattress, the slats are built to support one but what if you want something different? People have produced mattresses made of various types of foam, including memory foam, air, feathers and even water, which was thankfully short-lived.

So…. Which is Better?

The choice is really personal; after all, it is your bed. If you have a bad back, you may want to invest in an inner spring mattress system. If you like feather beds, by all means, use one with your platform bed. Try them out when you go to the store and see which you prefer. The decision is personal; purchase whichever style suits you and your budget, except for a water bed – nobody needs to go there again.