Mattress Support Systems: Re-framing Foundations
Bed Times Magazine – 01/15
With advances in construction and style, bed frames and foundations take on a stronger supporting role. Traditional bed frames and foundations—historically, an overlooked or undersold element in a typical sleep system—are gaining more attention lately due to enhancements in construction, styling and functionality.At the same time, however, a surge in the popularity of step-up, adjustable foundations has taken away a sizable portion of the market that used to buy traditional frames and foundations along with their new mattresses.
Seeing an emerging market among Millennials, Boyd Specialty Sleep introduced a new metal platform bed package last summer that includes headboard, footboard and side rails shipped as one flat-packed unit. Priced at $199 to $299 retail, the program features five contemporary designs with new models under development.
“Millennials today don’t need or want a box spring,” says Denny Boyd, president of the Maryland Heights-Missouri-based company. “Most of the box springs today are just bulky wooden boxes with fabric and they don’t add any significant value to the purchase. Younger consumers want something that is mobile so that they can move it easily. We’re offering a complete bed solution in a box that assembles in five to 10 minutes with no tools, and it doesn’t cost much more than a box spring and a basic metal frame.”
Another successful Boyd product that can be shipped is its EuroBase platform bed frame, introduced in 2013, which also takes the place of a box spring or foundation. Constructed with a European-style slat system, the EuroBase provides a spring-like feel. Adjustable “sleeves” allow users to customize the level of support from firm to plush to respond to different sleeping styles. Optional rollaway storage drawers are available.
“This system provides the response that traditional box springs used to provide,” Boyd says. “When you sit or lie down, the frame absorbs the movement and flexes, giving the mattress additional life.”
To make it easier for its retailers to sell its products, Boyd has introduced a new direct-ship service, which fulfills orders directly from its warehouses in Los Angeles and St. Louis to consumers in three to four days. The program includes all its bases and mattresses.
“The retailer doesn’t have to stock any of our products, which saves them money on both warehousing and delivery,” Boyd says.