DIY Mattress Support

Donna Varner
by Donna Varner
I was wondering if it was safe to use a home made support for lowering a mattress height. I need to lower this mattress for my mother for about 6 weeks, then reinstall the box spring. I read about using 3/4 inch plyboard, but am concerned with it damaging the mattress. Any ideas?
  4 answers
  • Gail Salminen Gail Salminen on Jan 24, 2015
    @Donna Varner damage would be possible if there are splinters in the plywood. You can sand it before putting on the mattress, or cover the board in thick material so that the splinters don't damage the mattress or consider applying a mattress cover on the bottom of the bed. As for thickness 3/4" seems appropriate for average weights, but would also depend upon your mother's weight - the heavier the more support required. You could check at a mattress store to see what they recommend for the support. Good luck and hope your mother heals quickly.
    • Donna Varner Donna Varner on Jan 24, 2015
      Thanks Gail! Mom is a bit heavy, so maybe extra slats or a thicker board would be best. I failed to include that this mattress is a full size too.
  • Lee Schafer Lee Schafer on Jan 24, 2015
    What about putting the box springs and mattress in the floor lowering the total hight by storing the frame? Guess it depends on the type of fame. Easy to store and remove a basic metal frame. Not so easy if wood.
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    • Donna Varner Donna Varner on Jan 25, 2015
      @Lee Schafer She measured the heights and it would be a little less, but only by a couple of inches. We will be trying out this option prior to her surgery to make sure she is able to get up. We talked about the fact there is no headboard to reach to for help, so this will be a concern. That shoulder is the one that will be disabled anyway.
  • Michelle Michelle on Jan 24, 2015
    My box springs broke so I bought the 3/4 ply wood and used it as support. It worked really well. I'm not "light', and it held up really well. I just made sure to have it cut right to the size of my frame. If it's a bigger frame, like mine was (king) I used two pieces and hinged it together in the middle for moving it.
    • Donna Varner Donna Varner on Jan 24, 2015
      @Michelle Thanks for the confirmation. If the floor idea is not high enough, I will probably go with this idea. Padding the ply wood would be the next job.
  • Maria DiTondo Maria DiTondo on Jan 24, 2015
    some cinderblocks and a piece of board, attach a dust ruffle to the edge and you have some storage underneath. Very sturdy and they come in all sizes and heights, and a 4 foot wide plywood is perfect for a full size, thats what i have
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    • Lee Schafer Lee Schafer on Jan 25, 2015
      A cane or walker near the bed might help her get up and can use any arm. If only one arm I am guessing a cane is safer but I'm not an expert. I have an older mother (83) and always looking foe ideas to keep her safe and stable.