Part 4: Choosing the Correct Base for a Cloud Nine Mattress

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A Cloud Nine mattress Must be Used in Conjunction with a Base that Allows Good Air Ventilation

Since a Cloud Nine mattress is all foam and completely dense it requires more ventilation than a typical spring mattress. A spring mattress draws in air from the sides and top which circulates throughout the interior. A foam mattress also draws air in from the top and sides but does not circulate it through the interior. The foam mattress needs to draw in additional air from the underside to enable more even ventilation.
The correct base will allow ventilation from the underside ensuring that the mattress can breathe. If the mattress cannot breathe an accumulation of moisture could build up in the mattress leading to mould. Moisture is also not good for the foam and will cause it to degenerate leading to premature failure and a shortening of the usable lifespan of the mattress.

Cloud Nine Mattresses must be used on a Slatted Base or Matching Cloud Nine Base

A typical slatted base consists of wooden planks with gaps between them. These are often found on bunk beds or wooden furniture bases. A Cloud Nine matching base may look like a solid base, but it's not. The foundation is made up of a frame with wooden slats that is upholstered in fabric. The slats are covered with a layer of a breathable board that allows the mattress to breathe and and is pholstered in fabric to suite or match the mattress.

When buying a new mattress it's advisable to inspect your base and ensure that it's of a suitable type for the new mattress and that it's in tip-top condition. The base or foundation as it's known is a vital part of the bed and if it's damaged or worn out it will negatively affect the performance of the new mattress. Also, make sure that whatever base you decide to use in the end, that it will allow good ventilation of the underside of the mattress.

Can I Use an Old Base that I Purchased with my Previous Mattress?

The question above is a frequently asked question, and the answer is: "That depends". You may be considering using your old base that was purchased with your previous mattress instead of buying a new one. It's especially easy to be tempted in this way when the old base appears to still be in excellent condition. It may even look just like a Cloud Nine base, but even so, it could end up being a very bad idea.

Consider this example: A spring mattress manufacturer makes a base for their mattresses in much the same way Cloud Nine make theirs. A spring mattress, however, is much lighter than a foam mattress and can slide around or "slip" on the base with relative ease. To prevent this they add anti-slip material to the top surface of the base. This layer of ant-slip is not noticeable and just blends in with the upholstery. The problem is that it seals the upholstery and prevents the flow of air through the base. Is using an old base worth running the risk of damaging your mattress and voiding the warranty?

Your old base should only be used with a Cloud Nine mattress under the following circumstances...

1 - Your base is a Cloud Nine base and it's in good condition.
2 - Your base is a furniture type base with slats and it's in good condition.
3 - Your base that looks like a Cloud Nine base, but is not a Cloud Nine base is in good condition AND
4 - It has been constructed in such a way so as to not impede airflow under the mattress.

Cloud Nine mattresses are often sold with an upholstered base made by another manufacturer instead of the Cloud Nine base. A few reasons for this is that the non-branded base may be more affordable or it's the preferred option for someone who wants something different.
Beds Direct range of Universal Suede Bases represent excellent value, savings and greater choice. Beds Direct universal bases are fully Cloud Nine compliant meaning that they will not impede airflow under the mattres, and they provide the same level of quality as found in a standard matching base from Cloud Nine.

How to check the Condition of your Current Base.

Furniture Type Bases or Slatted Divans.

Inspect every slat - They should be straight and have no bow in them. Apply downwards pressure on each slat with your hand and listen for noises. There should be no creaking. Check that every slat is properly secured and cannot slide out of position.

If you have a double bed, queen size bed or king size bed make sure that the slats are properly supported across the width. Lay on the slats in the centre of the bed to check that they do not dip. Usually, there is at least one slats support rail that prevents them from bowing in the centre. Larger beds may even have two of these supports. It's absolutely vital that the slats support rail is properly attached and functioning as it should. Any movement in the slats will impact on the mattress. If the slats dip in the middle, you'll feel like you're falling to the centre of the mattress while sleeping.

If your base does not pass all of these checks or if you're unsure then rather get your base repaired or replaced before placing your new mattress on it.

Matching or Upholstered Bases.

1 - Place the base (with its feet attached) on an area of ground that is level and allows space to walk around it. Starting at one corner, press on the upholstery on the top outmost edge of the base, until you can feel the internal wooden frame. Now work your way around the base pressing on the frame at regular intervals. You don't need to apply a lot of force, but you do need to apply enough so that if any of the rails are cracked or broken you'll be able to feel them give way or hear them squeak.

2 - Press on the top of the base being careful to apply pressure to only the slats until at least the centre of the base. On an old base, you will be able to see the slats by indentations in the upholstery or if not then you should at least be able to feel for them. If any slats are broken then the base should be replaced.

3 - Measure the height to the top the base from the ground, starting at a corner and measure again every 500mm all the way around. The height should be the same at every point.

4 - Using a long enough length of string or fishing line, ask a friend to help you tension the string across the top centre of the base from corner to corner. If there is a gap between the string and the top of the base that gets deeper towards the centre, it means the base has given way and should be replaced. Check again using the opposite corners as well.

In summary we've gone over the reasons why a Cloud Nine mattress is good for your back and how to choose the model best suited to your individual requirements. We've also seen that a Cloud Nine base or similar constructed base is an important part of the sleep set and should be considered at the same time when buying your new Cloud Nine mattress.

In addition to Cloud Nine, at Beds Direct we also have beds for sale by other top trusted mattress brands.
Thanks for reading and please don't hesitate to Contact Us if you have any questions at all. Happy Shopping!