How many different bed setups or bed frames have you tried?
Have you ever slept on just a mattress on the floor or a twin-sized bed on just a bed frame? Do you remember how it felt when you got your first “grown-up” bed that even came with a box spring? Or maybe you have one of those cool small-space living Murphy beds that pop out of the wall to reveal your mattress when it’s time to sleep.
With so many options, you can run wild with your sleep setup. But choosing what goes underneath your mattress is like brushing your teeth: There are many ways to do it, but the experts will tell you that there is actually a right way to do things (it’s making small, gentle circles at a 45-degree angle, for the record).
This article is for those wondering, “What is a bed foundation anyway?” and “Do you always need a bed frame with a foundation?" We’ll give you the inside scoop on why a bed foundation is automatically included with your purchase, why we recommend the Big Fig Bed Frame over any other option, and how the right setup can help improve your quality of sleep.
What is a Bed Frame?
A bed frame elevates your mattress and bed foundation combo off the ground, providing a look some people prefer and extra under-bed storage space. We like to keep that space open for extra blankets, out-of-season clothes, and fancy shoes — the kind of things that fit nicely under a bed.
What is a Bed Foundation?
Much like the traditional foundation for a building, a bed foundation supports and protects the overall sleep setup. Also called a base, the bed foundation sits under a mattress to uphold the mattress and prevent wear over time.
Some sites suggest that a foundation is unnecessary. However, it can provide much-needed support that improves sleep, especially for plus-sized sleepers. The support it provides WILL also extend the lifespan of the mattress.
About the Big Fig Foundation
Like our Mattress, our Foundation was designed from the ground up with the needs of plus-sized sleepers in mind. In this case, support was the biggest thing we wanted the bed foundation to deliver. It is simply built stronger and better than any other model available.
The Big Fig Foundation has 18 wooden slats, each 2.5 inches wide, making it ideal for maximum support of the mattress while allowing channels for breathability.
These slats, combined with 32 side support blocks, means the Big Fig Foundation will fully support the weight of a Big Fig Mattress along with the specified weight of 1 or 2 sleepers (up to 1,100 lbs. for two people on a Queen, King or California King or 550 lbs. for one person on any mattress size).
The foundation is easily assembled in your home with tool-free assembly, so you can set it up regardless of the room size or stairs leading to it. It is made exclusively for Big Fig Mattress by Amish Craftsmen located south of our production facility in Cleveland, Ohio.
Q: Do I need a foundation for my mattress?
You probably need the Big Fig Foundation, but it depends. You can place your Big Fig Mattress on top of any surface, boxspring or otherwise, that you choose. But in order to maintain the comfort and integrity of your mattress, especially for bigger figure sleepers, it must be able to evenly and properly support the weight of the mattress. You do NOT need a foundation if you:
- Have a platform bed
- Have a bed frame with a built-in base or wood slats
- Already have a sturdy foundation that supports at least 1,240 lbs.
- Have a sturdy adjustable bed frame
- Plan to place your mattress directly on the floor
Q: Can I use a box spring instead of the foundation?
You can place your Big Fig Mattress on top of any bed, box spring, or other surface that you choose. But in order to maintain the comfort and integrity of your mattress and avoid impacting the warranty, it must be able to evenly and properlysupport at least 1,240 lbs. (the weight of a Big Fig Mattress +two sleepersweighing a total of 1,100 lbs.).
Unfortunately, we don’t know of any boxspring on the market that can make this claim. If you can find a boxspring or foundation that is guaranteed to support 1,240 lbs., it could be a viable option to use under a Big Fig Mattress. (If you find one, DM us so we can see it ourselves. Show us a strong and supportive foundation, and we’ll run out the same day and place our bets on pigs flying and h-e-double hockey sticks freezing over.)
Q: How does my bed foundation affect my warranty?
Unlike most mattress retailers, we offer an expansive,20-year warrantyon the Big Fig. But, like most mattress retailers, our warranty requires that the mattress be supported by an appropriate foundation. Simply put, the best way to ensure the Big Fig Mattress lasts for years to come is to utilize the supportive foundation designed specifically for plus-sized sleepers.
Meet the Big Fig Adjustable Base
If you’re looking for a more ergonomic foundation for your Big Fig Mattress, we’re proud to introduce the Big Fig Adjustable Base.
Adjustable bed frame features:
- Best-in-class Stability that easily supports up to 1,250 pounds.
- Quick & Easy Assembly allows you to go from box to bed in just 10 minutes, with no tools needed.
- More Comfortable Sleep with multiple positions designed to reduce pressure points and ease aches and pains.
- Smooth & Quiet for easy and comfortable adjustments.
- Easy Operation controlled through an intuitive wireless remote control.
- Rugged Construction of aluminum rails and plastic fiber composite platforms built to last.
- 10-Year Warranty against manufacturer defects.
- Pre-set Memory Positions for anti-snore, zero gravity, and more at the touch of a button.
Every part of the Big Fig Adjustable Base was designed to create a dream bed that makes a great night’s sleep easy. It is available in Twin XL, Queen, King, Cal-King, and a Split King (two Twin XLs), which lets you and your partner each do your own thing. While there are several bed frames out there, you can’t go wrong with an adjustable bed frame when it comes to maximizing your comfort.
Meet the Big Fig Bed Frame
We offer the Big Fig Metal Bed Frame as an optional add-on to your Big Fig Mattress order. While many of our customers already have a bed frame, we always suggest grabbing the Big Fig Bed Frame as part of your complete sleep system. That’s because, just like the foundation and mattress, it’s specially designed for bigger-figured sleepers.
About the Big Fig Bed Frame
The defining feature of the Big Fig Bed Frame is its material. The frame is made from recycled railroad steel, making it extra strong, supportive, and virtually indestructible. With the support of two center rails, it can hold up to 2,000 pounds!
The Bed Frame’s six legs become stronger as more weight is applied. This smart leg design provides stable footing on uneven surfaces and eliminates tipping while seated at the foot of the bed. It also comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty that lasts for as long as the original purchaser owns the product.
Q: Can I use my current bed frame or buy one on Amazon?
The Big Fig Bed Frame is exceptionally strong and durable, specifically designed to support the Big Fig Mattress and Foundation. It is made of recycled railroad steel, making it virtually indestructible. We know of no other frame on the market that can compare. We do know our Frame will provide the proper and necessary support for our mattress and foundation to ensure years of comfortable sleep.
That said, you may also choose to use a platform bed, a bed frame with a built-in base or wood slats, or an adjustable bed frame. What’s important is that it can support the weight of a Big Fig Sleep System + the sleeper(s), depending on the size of mattress you choose.
Q: Can you put a mattress directly on a bed frame?
The Big Fig Mattress cannot be placed directly on the bed frame. The Foundation is needed to support the mattress. Using the Frame without the Foundation can cause premature wear and tear and have negative effects on your warranty.
Q: Will my under-bed storage fit under the Big Fig Bed Frame?
Depends on what you’re storing! The Big Fig Bed Frame has 5.75 inches of available space below it.
The Big Fig Sleep System
The Big Fig Sleep System refers to our high-quality, specially constructed mattress for plus-size sleepers and our heavy-duty foundation engineered to support our mattress so it can perform to its full potential. We also recommend purchasing the bed frame as an add-on.
Having a strong foundation to support the mattress and a sturdy bed frame to elevate and protect both the foundation and mattress are critical to the long life of a Big Fig Mattress. There are many ways to set up a mattress, but this special mattress-foundation-frame combination is ideal for plus-sized sleepers.
The bed foundation and bed frame are optional add-ons to make it easier to obtain the complete system. A foundation and A Bed Frame can be added to your purchase through the Add to Cart process.
Life-changing sleepstarts with the right foundation, both metaphorically and literally. Supporting your mattress with the Big Fig Sleep System keeps things comfortable for years to come so you can sleep big and live big every day!
The best sleep of your life starts with a mattress made specifically for you and your needs. Learn more about the Big Fig Mattress Sleep System. The best mattress for heavier people.
