Why Do You Need a Slatted Frame?

By Deluxe Sleep · Published on 28 July 2026

Why Do You Need a Slatted Frame?

A good night's rest lets us recharge and replenish our reserves. But that only happens if our body is properly supported and relieved by a suitable bed system. According to the national sleep study conducted in 2021, people in Switzerland prefer to sleep on a slatted frame and mattress – a full 85% of them, to be precise. Is it traditional thinking, or rather the high flexibility that a slatted frame offers? The fact is, the market offers a great variety of slatted frame models, designs and quality levels. But not all slatted frames are the same. Why that is, and what you need to look out for when buying one, we'll reveal here.

What is a slatted frame, and why do you need one?

Together, the bed frame, slatted frame and mattress form a sleep system. The slatted frame forms the surface on which a mattress rests in a bed. On the one hand, it ensures good ventilation of the bed; on the other, it also provides ergonomic support for the body, which prevents tension, circulation problems and pain. Flexible sprung slats yield under load, reinforcing the relieving and supporting effect of the mattress, which adapts to the body and its movements. On many models, individual zones are already tuned to human physiognomy and can often be further adjusted using sliding elements. The combination of mattress and slatted frame can thus be adapted very well to individual needs – a real advantage over a box spring bed, which manages without a slatted frame.

The slatted frame adapts to the needs of the sleeper as they lie on it.

Construction, quality and materials – these are the differences

If you're looking for a new slatted frame, at first glance you'll hardly notice any differences between the many models available. So how can you find a slatted frame that exactly matches your needs? The quality of the materials is decisive for the frame's long-term supporting strength and stability. Its functionality, on the other hand, is determined by the construction and technology of the product. Here's an overview:

The frame

This is usually made of wood or metal. What matters is that it's stable and sits firmly in the bed frame without slipping or squeaking. Metal is considered more durable. If you prefer to sleep metal-free, you can opt for a wooden frame. Alternatively, there are also roll-up slatted frames without a frame structure. These are simple, less functional models that merely carry the mattress and ensure good ventilation.

The slats

Also called "Lättli", these are usually made of flexible laminated wood. Different thicknesses and widths are used here. Generally speaking: the more slats there are – 28 is a good benchmark – the more yielding and responsive the sleeping surface can be. Another mark of quality is the flexibility of the slats. Only if they are curved and made of elastic material does a "springy" sleeping surface emerge. This adapts to the body and returns to its original shape again, without wearing out over the years. Softer or thinner, tapered slats in the shoulder zone provide better shoulder relief. Reinforced slats in the hip area carry the pelvis, which is the heaviest part of the human body.

The spring elements

These are the plastic elements at the sides that carry the slats. Differences here mainly come down to the "travel" – the distance the elements can be pressed down – and their flexibility. This is determined by the type of plastic and the construction of the element itself. Rigid elements made of hard, stiff plastic offer hardly any relief. Elements made of soft plastic with good resilience ensure that the element yields under load yet springs back into its original shape, thereby actively supporting the body. If they can also rotate, this creates even better point-load relief for the sleeping surface. If you value particular comfort and a high degree of adaptability, you should pay special attention to the height of the spring elements, their material and their construction.

The pivot-joint suspension of the bico-flex from BICO adapts to the body and responds dynamically to movement.

What should you look out for when buying?

As with a mattress, a slatted frame should be replaced roughly every 10 years. Over time, even with high-quality products, the slats can give way permanently, reducing their supporting strength. This can limit the mattress's functionality and lead to sagging – and thus harm your lying comfort and, with it, your sleep quality.

Try to understand your needs before buying. How satisfied were you with your previous slatted frame? Does your body need special relief and adjustment? Do you have complaints or pain? Would you like to be able to adjust the frame? The more demanding your requirements, the more advisable it is to try lying on it in our showroom and get expert advice.

Mattresses and insert frames work as a system. Not every mattress combines equally well with every slatted frame. Manufacturers usually coordinate their product ranges with one another. If you want to combine models from different manufacturers, be sure to test how they work together by lying on them before buying.

Adjusting your slatted frame – here's how

Congratulations! Your new slatted frame has finally arrived at your home. But how do you adjust it correctly? Fundamentally, the slatted frame needs to adapt to your body shape, your preferred sleeping position and your preferences – even though, depending on the manufacturer and model, the technologies and elements vary, just as with many mattresses (usually 5 zones can be mapped). The enclosed instruction manual can be useful here. Set the shoulder zone and hip area a little softer and more yielding, so the shoulders can sink in and the hips are relieved. The lumbar spine tends to need a bit more support, which can be achieved with a firmer setting. This noticeably optimizes the lying comfort and ergonomics of the bed system. So take the time to adjust the frame, and also to fine-tune these settings again after a few nights if needed – it's worth it.

Our tip

The bico-flex from BICO offers exceptional shoulder relief thanks to its Silhouette technology. Thanks to highly flexible spring elements across the entire sleeping surface, it also adapts to every body shape and sleeping position – individually and dynamically, all night long. We carry this slatted frame in our range and are happy to show it to you in our showroom.

A customer question that once reached the manufacturer BICO: "I have a Swing-Flex Model A insert frame. I'm a back sleeper. How do I need to adjust the insert frame, or rather the sliders, accordingly (for good support in the pelvic area)? Unfortunately, the instructions don't cover this. A video would be helpful, for example."

BICO replied: "Feel free to check the following instructions to see how the firmness adjustment is done: /images/2023/03/Swing-flex-Einstellung.pdf"

Source: This article is based on an article from the BICO sleep blog (bico.ch). The research findings, product developments and test results mentioned in it come from BICO or from the third parties named in each case.