Slatted frame manufacturers often try to impress with a wide array of features, using the fear of back pain to justify high prices. But what’s the actual function of a slatted frame?

The main purpose of a slatted frame is to allow the mattress to breathe. The fluid we lose as sweat — up to 0.5 liters a night—is mostly absorbed by the mattress. Without proper airflow, moisture would cause the mattress to mold over time. The slatted frame, with its gaps, facilitates moisture escape, keeping the mattress dry.

That said, slatted frames don’t do much for improving sleep quality. In fact, an incompatible slatted frame can even harm the comfort and support of the mattress. Stiftung Warentest tested 10 different slatted frames, spanning various price ranges, alongside simple chipboard and a DIY rigid frame (issue 09|2022). They examined the effect of mattress and slatted frame combinations on sleep quality.

The verdict:  

"No base performs better than chipboard. Some even worsen mattress support, especially for back sleepers. If you don’t need an adjustable head or foot section, go for a basic, rigid frame."

ROOM IN A BOX cardboard beds work perfectly without the need for a slatted frame.

The Bed 2.0 eliminates the need for an additional slatted frame. It acts as a bed frame with an integrated rigid slatted frame, ensuring it doesn’t compromise the mattress's comfort. The diamond-shaped design with side slots of the Bed 2.0 promotes optimal airflow. In this way, our cardboard beds serve the original purpose of a slatted frame without any extra cost.

Together with a mattress suited to your needs, our beds offer a sustainable, all-in-one alternative to traditional sleep solutions.