Should you put the mattress directly on the floor?

The mattress does not have to go on a bed, and many people sleep well on the floor. But it is not the best solution for everyone. The floor is flat and steady, but air does not circulate under the mattress and moisture gathers, so it needs more attention than a mattress on a bed.

The pros

• A flat, steady base. The floor does not flex, and some people with lower-back discomfort feel that the even surface suits them. That is not true for everyone, and if the pain persists, talk to a doctor.
• You do not need a bed frame. A mattress is enough to get started, without buying a bed as well.
• Saves space. A bed is often bigger than the mattress. In a small room a mattress on the floor leaves more space, and you can easily put it away during the day.

The cons

• Dust and mites. Dust gathers mostly on the floor, and mites prefer warmth and humidity. On the floor they have easy access to the mattress and to your bedding.
• Moisture and mould. Without air underneath, sweat and body moisture do not leave the mattress. This can lead to mould, and the mattress may feel warmer at night.
• Hard to get up. If you have joint or mobility problems, a bed this low is tiring every day.
• The manufacturer’s rules. Many mattresses are made for a bed with a frame. Read the instructions of your mattress before you put it down.

Who it suits

The floor suits those with a small room, those using it for a short time or as a second sleeping place, and those who like a very firm feel. It does not suit those who find it hard to get up, those who live in a damp home or those with a dust allergy. If you are somewhere in the middle, a low bed frame with slats keeps the mattress a little higher and lets air pass.

Which mattress suits

The base matters. In pocket mattresses each spring works on its own, and the mattress is anatomical. It does need a bed frame with dense slats, which is why it is not the first choice for the floor. A Bonnell, with its springs tied into one grid, is orthopedic and steady and does not need a bed frame with dense slats. Mattresses with foams may hold moisture if there is no air underneath at all. Each mattress page gives its materials and description. If you do not know what to choose, Sleep Match asks how you sleep and what you like and suggests mattresses.

On every mattress page, firmness is shown on a 1–10 scale: up to 3.5 is soft, 4 medium-soft, 4.5–5 medium, 5.5–6 medium-firm and 6.5 and above firm. On the floor the feel becomes firmer, so consider whether a firm mattress would feel too hard.

If you put it on the floor: how to look after it

1. Air it often. Stand the mattress upright near an open window as often as you can, so it dries, and let the room air every day.
2. Turn it. A double-sided mattress is turned over every six months. A mattress with a pillowtop, or with layers on its top side only, is turned head to foot every six months. This way it airs from the other side too.
3. Keep the floor clean and dry. Sweep and clean the area under the mattress and make sure the floor is completely dry before you put it back.
4. Choose the right surface. Best on hardwood, tile or a synthetic rug. Avoid rugs of natural fibres, which hold moisture.
5. Put something between. A base of slats, a wooden pallet or a ventilation base between the mattress and the floor lets air pass.
6. Use a mattress protector. A protector (επίστρωμα) shields the mattress from sweat and stains and is easy to wash.

In short

A mattress on the floor can work, if you air it, turn it and keep the floor clean and dry. If you want a more comfortable and drier solution, a bed frame with slats is usually better. Browse the mattresses and try them in person in one of the more than 200 stores where ORION mattresses are available.