Last updated on 5 Dec, 2022

Can You Put An Air Mattress On A Bed Frame?

– By Casper

One of the most controversial topics about air mattresses is can you put them on a bed frame? Raising an air mattress off the floor by 5-10 inches definitely gives you a more comfortable sleeping environment, such as it becomes easy to get in and out of bed, keeps the bed from getting dirty, and helps it maintain warmth. Still, some people suggest not putting it on the frame, but why?

A regular mattress and an air mattress are two different things but are used for the same purpose, sleeping. Putting a regular latex or memory foam mattress on a bed frame makes more sense because they are compatible with each other, but things get slightly changed when it comes to an air mattress.

With this said, let’s explore whether you can put an air mattress on a bed frame and, if you want to do so, what steps you should take to avoid mishaps.

Can You Put Air Mattress On Bed Frame?

Usually, air mattresses are not designed to be used on a bed frame, i.e., due to their construction type and lightweight build, they are typically used on the floor or ground, whether indoors or outdoors.

Air mattresses are extremely lightweight and usually have a slippery bottom, because of which they tend to slide easily when someone turns around while sleeping.

Now, let’s imagine you are sleeping on your airbed by putting it on a metal or wooden bed frame. The bed slides by an inch or two when you change your sleeping position.

What will happen next? In most cases, the sleeper falls on the floor or ground, especially when sleeping on the sides. Furthermore, there’s also a risk of getting the air mattress torn down.

Do you Really Need a Frame for Your Air Mattress?

Most people convert their airbed into a real bed, or for added safety(such as on camping), they prefer to raise it off the floor by some inches before lying on it.

By the way, raising the airbed off the floor benefits you in many ways, such as keeping it clean and away from getting any damage, mainly when used on outings. Furthermore, the most important benefit is that a raised inflatable bed can offer you a much more snug sleep throughout the night.

But the question here is, do you really need a bed frame for your air mattress? Honestly, you don’t really need a bed frame in case of a double-height air mattress whose height lies between 20-24 inches. Plus, it’s not even convenient to do so with a high-profile bed. You can simply finish it off by placing a topper with a nice-looking bed sheet.

On the flip side, If you’re someone whose ultimate goal is to keep the bed clean, away from uneven and cold ground in order to maintain the temperature and protect it from dust and debris, then that can be achieved by other means such as by placing a carpet, rug, foam, bunkie board or plywood under the bed.

Type of Bed Frames for an Air Mattress

A Bed frame doesn’t always mean those typical heavy frames we regularly use in our houses. In 2022 we have five types of bed frames based on the materials used in their manufacturing.

These are metal, wooden, Ottoman, Fabric, or leather frames and divan frames or divan bases.

Some bed frames allow you to put your single-height air mattress on it, as they are designed in such a way as to hold and grip any mattress. But some frames don’t allow you to do so. Because the majority of people use wooden and metal frames for regular and air mattresses, let’s cover these two frame types in this guide.

#1. Wooden Frames:

We usually buy wooden frames for foam, hybrid, spring, or latex mattresses. Because of the mattresses’ heavy weight, they are much more stable on wooden frames and fit flawlessly.

When it comes to air mattresses, they are lightweight and don’t fit well on wooden frames; that’s why stability is always an issue. So, you can put the inflatable mattress on the wooden bed frame but can’t expect that stability and, of course, that sleeping experience you get on the traditional bed.

However, if you want to customize a wooden frame, especially for an air mattress, that would be a great idea to gain stability and prevent unnecessary sliding.

#2. Metal Frames:

Metal frames are versatile frames that are designed with different patterns and rails to hold the mattress better and can be used for any mattress. Whether it’s a foam mattress or an air mattress, you can put any of them.

Even some metal frames are specifically designed for air mattresses that you can use at your home and on outings. Also, if you ever want to purchase a frame for your air mattress, a good quality foldable metal frame with side rails should be your priority.

Note: Don’t put your air mattress with a built-in headboard on metal frames with no safety rails. It can slip any time you support your back on the headboard.

What Can You Use Instead of a Regular Frame:

Box Spring:

Putting the air mattress on the box spring is not a bad idea. The Box spring works as a shock absorber and prevents the air mattress from sinking down.

Moreover, it guards the airbed against the frame’s sharp edges and protects it from tearing up. In short, a Box spring can give you a more comfortable sleeping experience by elevating the bed without causing any trouble.

However, you couldn’t use a box spring for vacations or long trips, still, it is an excellent choice for homes. Putting the box spring on a metal or wooden frame is always recommended to get the best experience.

Wood Pallets:

If you have a budget issue and don’t want to invest in a box spring, try wood pallets as the base of the air mattress. A customized wooden pallet with slightly raised side rails that matches the inflatable bed’s dimensions to thoroughly grip the mattress is really worth it.

Wood Pallets are relatively cost-effective and can serve in any indoor condition. However, they are usually heavy compared to any foldable metal frame and make transportation a little harder still, if you need a safe mattress elevation option for indoors, you can give it a try.

Make sure to avoid direct contact with the air mattress, as it can damage the bottom and seams which may later cause air leaks.

Cot:

A camping cot is another alternative for an air mattress frame that can be used indoors as well as outdoors.

Cots are foldable, easy to carry to the destination, and much much lightweight compared to any wooden or metal frame. Mostly, people find cots a better option for shorter and air mattresses for longer trips.

You can directly place the mattress on the top of the cot, or use it without an air mattress. You want to make sure that they both are compatible with each other.

The cot’s surface is made of soft and comfortable fabric, you don’t have to worry about the mattress’s bottom. But, make sure the air mattress fits properly on the cot, it should not be hanging over the sides as it might cause injury.

Try the Pragma Platform:

If you’re willing to invest in a new bed frame that doesn’t need tips to keep the airbed securely on it, then you can try Pragma Platform.

Pragma Platform is an ideal solution for low-profile air mattresses which need some elevation off the ground. You get enough storage space to keep your stuff under the frame.

The best part of this frame is it’s pretty easy to assemble, dismantle and carry. Plus, the mesh support system grips any mattress nicely and doesn’t let it slide or wobble. You can use it at home for those last minutes guests or carry it to the camping destination. It won’t disappoint you.

How to Keep an Air Mattress Safely on a Bed Frame?

Although placing an inflatable mattress on a bed frame is not recommended until they both are compatible with each other.

However, if everything is fine, and you’re still facing issues in keeping the airbed safely on the frame, the below-mentioned tips can really help you out.

Use Ratchet Strap:

As we know air mattresses tend to slip easily on frames, all thanks to the slippery base and frame’s slatted construction.

Still, you can keep the mattress safe from getting damaged by adding some cushioning on the frame, but the sliding problem is just really hard to get rid of.

By tying an air mattress to the frame with a ratchet strap, you can easily solve those unwanted sliding issues on your bed frame.

It may sound a little weird but I’m sure you’ll get unexpected results. You can either tie the strap from the middle of the mattress or the top and bottom. Make sure you place the buckle under the frame, or it may cause discomfort while sleeping.

Velcro Tape:

Strong velcro tapes are by far the most effective and quickest way to keep the stuff secured in its place.

Whether you want to stop rugs and carpets from sliding or stick something on the wall, they work on all. Simply, cut some pieces and stick them between the blow-up bed and frame.

Moreover, you can use them for your regular mattresses as well or even keep the sheets from falling.

Positioning:

Positioning the frame well with the air mattress on it is always a good idea. It’s one of the best ways to make the bed more stable and cozy to sleep on in any condition.

Try to place the frame at the corner of the room or at least against a wall. It will provide excellent stability and never slide whenever you change your sleeping position.

It would be tough to find something to support the frame on outings, so in this case, you can place it against a tree if that’s an option or put something heavy by the sides.

FAQs

What can I use as a base for an air mattress?

Generally, a metal frame is considered a better option to use as a base for a low-height air mattress. However, if you don’t have a metal frame yet, you can use a box spring, wood pallet, or cot.

But before that, you want to ensure that the air mattress and whatever you use as the base are compatible. The inflatable bed must evenly occupy the space on the base, or it can lead to serious injury.

Although if you don’t have anything to lift the bed, place a rug or carpet under it. It won’t raise the mattress like a bed riser but will undoubtedly eliminate the air mattress sliding and noising issue.

Is it OK to put an air mattress on a platform bed frame?

Putting an air mattress directly on a regular platform bed frame is not advised until it matches the air mattress’s dimensions.

If the frame has slatted construction and doesn’t have side rails to stop your lightweight mattress from sliding, just don’t take the risk.

However, if you still want to use a platform bed frame for your airbed, use something like a ratchet strap or velcro tape to keep the mattress in place.

Can You Put An Air Mattress On A Bed Frame?

Can You Put Air Mattress On Bed Frame?