Whether you’re looking for the best bed for your bedroom, your guest room, hotel, motel, or kid’s room, platform beds are an excellent choice. But what exactly distinguishes a cabin bed from the rest? Well, a platform bed is a type of bed frame (also referred to as a European or cabin bed) that features sturdy built-in mattress support and does not need a box spring. Platform beds have a raised base with carefully set latticed structures or slats to support just the top mattress.

This kind of bed can also be lofted to create a roomy space below it, a popular option among college students and those living in small or tiny homes. Platforms beds make excellent alternatives to traditional bed frames – not only are they more affordable, but they also provide firmer support because the mattress rests directly on the base.

Adjustable bed frames are unique in that they can be raised or lowered to be customized to your comfort. This means you can change the position of your head and feet to ease aches and pains and even soothe symptoms of certain chronic illnesses. Traditionally, these are the types of beds you would see in a hospital – and for good reason. Elevating parts of the body while sleeping can help with:

• Sleep apnea– Snoring is one of the most common sleep disorders, and 20 to 40% of people who snore have sleep apnea. This sleep disorder causes people to stop breathing periodically throughout the night, making it difficult to get deep, continuous sleep. An adjustable bed allows the sleeper to elevate their head and neck to increase airflow through the nose and take pressure off the throat. This reduces heavy snoring and broken breathing.
• Edema– This condition causes swelling due to excess fluids in the feet, ankles, or legs. It can be painful, and people often feel desperate for relief from the pressure. Elevating your legs can help the extra fluid drain away more effectively. With the swelling alleviated, people can then sleep comfortably and peacefully.
• Acid reflux– Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid travels up to the esophagus, causing an uncomfortable burning sensation. Acid reflux is common and normal when it happens occasionally, but constant reflux can lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD). GERD can be worse at night because lying down makes it easier for the acid to travel up to your throat. Raising your head about six inches can keep the acid from rising, so you can get a full night’s rest. An adjustable bed frame makes it quick and easy to make such a precise sleep position change.

In addition to relieving the pain and discomfort that comes with sleeping with chronic conditions, adjustable beds are convenient for older sleepers looking to maintain some independence. The ability to raise and lower the mattress makes it easy to safely get in and out of bed, especially for those with mobility challenges.

Absolutely! An adjustable base in conjunction with a high-quality mattress can be the peak of sleep comfort. It’s like adding extra cheese on a pizza – sure, it tastes great, as is, but the extra gooey goodness really puts it over the top.

There are a few important things to remember when shopping for an adjustable base:

Make sure it will raise both your head and feet. There are some models that only raise the top, so if you’re looking to upgrade to ease chronic pain associated with illnesses like edema, the lower movement capability is important.
When you’re exhausted and ready to climb in bed, the last thing you want to do is readjust your bed and try to find your sweet spot again. Make sure to look for a model that saves your sleep position. Similar to a car’s driver seat position, you should be able to save your preferences and simply click a button to adjust your bed back to your liking.
Convenience is (almost) always key. Purchase a model with a wireless remote (or work with your smartphone), so you can adjust as needed throughout the night without getting tangled up in wires. See about getting an adjustable base that includes a massage feature. Combined with an optimal spine position, a gentle massage can help you sleep comfortably and wake up without the aches and pains you may experience with a traditional innerspring mattress.
An adjustable base can come with a lot of different bells and whistles. Depending on your needs and budget, ask about models with advanced features like phone applications where you can control your settings or even models that auto-adjust to your sleep position throughout the night.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your bed to help soothe pain from chronic conditions or you’re simply wanting a more luxurious sleep experience, an adjustable base can be worth the spend. BoxDrop can help you find a quality option while helping you stick to your budget. Need a new memory foam or latex mattress to go with your new adjustable base? We have affordable options made from premium materials, so your bed and base will serve you for years to come. Talking with an expert about your specific needs will help you build the perfect customized solution for you.

If you’re in the market for a platform bed, then you’ve probably bumped into cabin beds with solid surfaces and others with bed slats. So, which type of base is the best for your bed?

Slats are a series of connected bars – usually made of wood – that lie across the width of the bed frame. These slats work in conjunction with your mattress to provide support. Typically, there are two types of slats:

– Solid Slats: These are often made of wood (pine), with each slat running across the width of the frame to create a firmer bed. Solid slats are ideal for those who prefer a firmer bed.

– Sprung Slats: These are made of flexible wood with an upward-facing arch. Sprung slats help create a more cushioned bed, which means they also help reduce the strain on your mattress. Cabin beds with sprung slats will often feature two rows of slats that are connected by a support rail at the center. These upward-facing curved slats respond to your weight to offer more flexible support. Sprung slats are ideal for those who don’t like a really firm bed.

Solid base platform beds have just that: a solid support surface for your mattress without slats. Below is an overview of what both slatted and solid base cabin beds beds have to offer

Can I use any mattress for my European bed? This is a question that many shoppers find themselves asking when buying platform beds. Well, yes, you can use any type of mattress for your cabin bed from hybrid mattresses to memory foam mattresses to classic coil mattresses. Often, people complain of poor mattress comfort, only to learn later that it was the mattress-bed combination that caused the issue. Make sure that you’re getting the right mattress for your cabin bed.

Do you prefer a firmer bed for a good night’s sleep? If so, then we recommend you choose a solid slatted bed or a flat base European bed. If you like a soft and gentle surface, a sprung slatted could be an excellent pick. Choosing a platform bed or a mattress for your platform bed is the last thing you want to experience buyer’s remorse from. When shopping for a cabin bed or mattress, it’s important to know and understand the qualities of each. Depending on your needs, you will find one type perfect for you.

If you have any questions regarding cabin beds, or maybe you want to know how to go about choosing a mattress for your king size platform bed, we can help.