Is a mattress such as a shikibuton required/important for the use of this mattress? Or could this be an acceptable long term bed on it's own?
1134870
I wouldn't use it long term on it's own. As far as I understand, this is shikibuton, missing the the other accoutrements such as the comforter, etc. I place a thick comforter folded in two on top, and lie on top of that.
1134871
I've been using it as a bed for the past few months and it has been quite comfortable.
1134872
I have slept on the same standard twin futon for 25 years, and for me, it's comfortable. However, I placed a thick "Cuddle Ewe" under-quilt on top of it quite a long time ago, and I'm sure that makes all the difference.
1134873
When placed on a couch, it's plenty good as a bed. On a hard floor...? I would say temporary at best.
1134874
I've slept on these exclusively for 18 months. As long as you make a point to roll them up every day, the material will continue to be comfortable yet resistant to body weight so that it doesn't simply flatten out and become paper thin over time. Combined, my wife and I weight about 345 pounds, so that gives you an idea of what it holds up to in my experience. Definitely I have enjoyed these beds more than any mattress. Sometimes when I backcountry camp on hard earth, I come back with sciatica. I sleep on these beds and it is a huge relieve to my back. People talk about problems with mattresses all of the time; there are commercials about how bad they are and that is supposed to be a selling point for "improved" and more costly varieties. Yet these roll up mattresses are an investment that is cheaper, more convenient, more mobile, and smaller than a mattress. Sometimes, just for the hell of it, we sleep wherever we want. Office, in front of the fire place (romantic!), in our loft. You can't do that in a bed! Plus, I use my bedroom for all kinds of things, not just for sleeping. I enjoy the wide open space when I'm not sleeping. There is no huge bed in the floor! I will sleep on one of these (or, eventually, on successive replacements) for the rest of my life.
586849
This mattress is very sturdy and heavy, so I purchased a metal pedestal for it and it's perfect for this this mattress. If you asking, do you need a box spring my answer is no... Bear in mind that this mattress is very firm. My wife is not enjoying it as much as I am. If you are looking for a firm mattress then this one is great...
970937
You need something because the mattress will sink between the slats. A box spring will set the mattress way to high for the bed design though. I just flattened the box after I unpacked the bed pieces, and laid it over the slats. Worked perfect!
275816
It's not necessary, but you could ... just make sure the box spring has a structure of supports that are pretty close together so you don't end up with sagging sections. Remember, the foam mattress doesn't have as strong a "frame" to keep it from drooping in between slats. It works best on a platform frame -- try searching Amazon.com for "platform bed frame" to see a good idea of the support it should have. I have a queen-size Sleep Master metal bed frame foundation that works great (I just bought 12 risers to raise it up another few inches). Hope that helps!
2098004
I would say it's optional. To some, the bed might seem too low without a box spring, but if you have a good mattress you won't need a box spring.
1729236
We did buy a mattress for this, only because the 1 year old was going to use it to sleep in. We had piked up a portable crib along with the play pen for my nieces 2 youngest after she had a fire that took everything. If the baby is just going to use it as intended it shouldn't need an extra mattress.
357954
Mine is used temporarily when I have guests; they find it to be pretty comfortable but I would not use it to replace a permanent bed. I do not think it is suitable as a back support for an extended period.
1313325
The mattress is very tall which makes it even taller on a box spring. As I remember it comes with 10 years warranty, therefore a box should be sufficient.
1003995
I went with the thicker mattress for my TT. The down side of that is it makes getting into bed a little difficult due to the increased highth from the floor. TTs have a storage area under the bed. Great sleep!
1025323
That's what my husband and I have used this for all along. The mattress is the right kind for a newborn - you don't want something too cushy. I do have to agree with a previous commenter who said that you would need a lot of space next to your bed - you do need a fair amount. But so easy to set up!
1878713
Regular twin mattress works fine. A pillow top might make the bed too high and if you have a very young child the side rails might not be high enough. I do think the mattress will need some extra support though. I would have a board cut to use as a support if your child is over 60 pounds or you are planning on getting in the bed too. It's a sturdy bed but since you don't use a box spring I felt like it needed extra support underneath.
1155789
I've had this wonderful mattress for about 6 months so far and I just placed it on top of my old box spring with no issues at all. I believe you can buy a special base for these mattresses but I couldn't afford it at the time and now don't see a need for it.
1433126
No not a problem. But I wouldn't recommend a memory foam mattress, Because when U sit on the edge it gives to much and will make U slide off the bed. Just make sure you get and XL mattress also. The regular one fit ok as long as it lays flat, But when you raise the bed up is when you have a problem with the fit.
1633833
I purchased another mattress for the bed--- and it is very comfortable. The mattress that comes with it is really lame. The rest of the bed is nice.
321446
No need for an extra mattress, in fact it's unsafe to use an additional mattress. I ordered the organic cotton sheet recommended as an add on and it's fabulous!
1677515
no, i really think you need the box springs for support. a great mattress, but it needs a foundation.
95074
Yes, the twin mattress will also need to be bough separately. I already had one and didn't think to clarify that.