Memory Foam Latex And Hybrid Mattresses
Mattresses without coils like memory foam, latex, and some hybrids dont need the extra support and shock absorption provided by a box spring. Adding a box spring to one of these mattresses will alter the feel which can disrupt the benefits and comfort of the mattress. Unlike coil mattresses, which frequently require box springs, certain foam mattress warranties are voided for using a box spring.
Common Reasons To Use A Box Spring
The main reason for using a box spring is to keep your mattress off of the floor. In doing so, your mattress does not collect dust, dirt, pet dander, or crumbs, among other things, that may be on the floor of your bedroom. There are many other reasons, however, to utilize a box spring, not only for lifting your mattress off of the floor, but also to:
What Is The Difference Between A Foundation And A Box Spring
A foundation, also known as a platform bed, is great for supporting most modern mattresses, such as memory foam, whereas a box spring is only recommended to use with older, traditional innerspring mattresses. A foundation comes in many different styles, and even has options with storage containing capabilities.
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Why Slat Foundations Can Be Better
Modern mattresses use a sophisticated combination of natural latex foam, polyurethane foam, pocketed coils and other materials to create an integrated sleep system. Together, they offer you the specific type of support and comfort you might be looking for in a mattress.
Slat foundations are lighter than a box spring and frame and easier to move around and put together. In the old days, youd have to pull out the toolbox to put the frame together and then lug around the rigid box spring. I cant tell you how many times Ive scraped the walls and doors trying to squeeze a box spring from one room to the next.
Slat foundations can reduce the amount of wear and tear on your modern mattress. As we already mentioned, the slats encourage airflow, and this not only helps you stay at a comfortable temperature, it discourages mold and mildew growth. The right kind of slats absorb impact and provide pressure relief. They will also keep your mattress from sagging in the middle.
Nothings worse than when a brand new mattress develops a dip in the middle. Some people like the mattress height a little higher than a low platform bed. A slat foundation can add a few inches to raise the level of the bed, so its more comfortable to get in and out of the bed. The good old days of working your quads while getting out of a Japanese futon sitting on a tatami are thankfully over.
Does A Memory Foam Mattress Need A Box Spring
Box springs are designed to add support, airflow and shock absorption to a mattress qualities already built into most memory foam beds. As such, a box spring becomes redundant if you have a memory foam mattress.
But there is an exception: if you have a metal frame with a foam mattress, then you’ll need to add a box spring. As-is, a metal frame only supports itself so it will need a separate apparatus to support a foam mattress .
Barring that, a platform, foundation or adjustable base will suit a full-foam mattress fine. You can even forego a bed frame altogether and just place your memory foam bed on the floor, although we believe a separate foundational piece will yield a more comfortable sleep experience overall. You also risk mold issues when placing your mattress on the floor for sleeping.
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For A Springless Box: Amazon Basics Smart Box Spring Bed Base
Dont let the name fool youthe is a simple box without the springs thats suitable for supporting any type of mattress. It comes in three heights5-inch, 7-inch, or 9-inchas well as with or without a metal frame, so you can decide for yourself how tall you want your bed. Online, the base has an average rating of 4.5 stars, with reviewers praising easy assembly, durability, and quality.
Do Memory Foam Mattresses Need Box Springs
By Sarah Anderson, Certified Sleep Science Coach
If youre buying a new memory foam mattress and have a box spring youve been using for the past few years, you might be considering combining the two. And why not? Isnt it a great way to give your new bed some bounce and height?
Actually, its not. Placing your new memory foam mattress on top of a box spring will likely cause it to sag within a few short years. Plus, most companies void a mattress warranty if you pair your memory foam mattress with a box spring. If your mattress loses support or falls apart because of a box spring, you wont be able to file for a warranty claim.
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Platform Bed Frame Slats
Some platform beds are a slight variation of the traditional platform bed. These use slats for support instead of the solid foundation. As long as the slats are close enough together to satisfy the mattress warranty, this frame would not need a boxspring either.
ExampleZinus Modern Studio slat frame and the Forever Foundation
As a general rule of thumb, slats should not exceed 4 apart from each other. The slats can come flexed or straight and are available in wood, metal, plastics, or even composite materials. Steel slats are going to be the strongest in these types of frames since they create a more rigid support. Lastly, the slat gap is commonly indicated on mattress warranties. Ensure your slat gaps are appropriate to your mattress warranty.
Want the Sleepopolis bed? I use a platform frame from Copenhagen Imports. Its simple, but very sturdy and well made.
Note: Take our mattress quiz if youre starting your search for a new bed!
If A Mattress Does Not Need A Boxspring Can I Put It On The Floor
For many mattresses, it is completely fine to put the mattress on the floor. There are some things to consider when doing this though such as decreased airflow for your mattress, hygiene issues such as mold and dust, difficulty in getting in and out of bed, and it could void the warranty on the mattress as well.
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How Can I Tell If My New Innerspring Mattress Needs A Box Spring
Innerspring mattresses offer an impressive mix of opportunities. Since some are marketed for use on adjustable beds, its obvious that not all innerspring mattresses require a box spring. Ultimately, the best way to discover if you should purchase a box spring for your new innerspring mattress is to check the specifics for your particular mattress. You can check online or ask the retailer or manufacturer.
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What Is Box Spring
As the name suggests, it is a huge box with many springs inside it and with some type of fabric on top. Box springs have been bought and used since the beginning of the 20th century when innerspring mattresses were on the rise . The strong base made of a wooden or a metal box with springs in it and wrapped in fabric, placed between the mattress and the frame, could slow down sagging significantly, prolonging the life of mattresses.
People choose box springs not only as a preventive measure for sagging: they are often used to add some height to the mattress/bed or to absorb shock if sleepers tend to move a lot in the sleep.
A box spring is usually placed on a wooden/metal bed frame connected to a headboard and footboard. The term box spring is often mistakenly used to describe a mattress foundation it is somewhat a misnomer in the modern world but it is widely used and people have got used to it.
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Just About Any Type Of Bed With A Slat Foundation
One of the best parts of shopping for a new bed is the wide variety of styles and configurations available. The slat support system works with just about everything out there.
Do I Need A Boxspring
So, back to the main question, do you need a boxspring? Well, you need to put the mattress on something. Lets look at the options.
- You can put the mattress on the floor. This actually gives the mattress proper support, but it doesnt look as nice, is more difficult to get in and out of bed, and isnt as sanitary since youre right on the floor.
- You can put the mattress on a boxspring. This raises the mattress up off the ground and provides the solid support that a mattress needs. This is usually used in conjunction with a bed frame to keep everything off the floor and provide a little storage space under the bed if necessary.
- You can use a platform bed. These are very popular in Europe. They consist of a platform surface, either solid or with slats. The mattress goes directly on the bed with no box spring. has a good selection of traditional platform beds if you want to buy online. A company called as well that I like.
- If you want to really go all-out, you can get an adjustable power base for your mattress. This is a base with a motor in it that can have such features as raising up the head, raising the legs, or even a massage feature. Believe it or not, you can get those delivered by for pretty low prices, as well as any other mattress retailer, including online retailers. Read more about adjustable bases here.
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What Is A Foundation
Mattress foundations take the concept of the box spring and remove the springs. These are great to add height to your mattress if your frame needs it, as well as providing the smooth and firm surface your bed needs to be comfortable. Most mattresses today have their own bounce and give, so springs arent required to get the pressure relief you need.
Most bed foundations are wooden pieces that fit together to create a frame with both horizontal and vertical support to provide an even surface. They usually come with a cover that slips over the wood to give it a more aesthetic appeal.
Chances are good that you could easily use a bed foundation instead of a box spring if you were looking for an alternative. Thats especially true considering how most mattresses either have springs built into them or have their own internal support system making additional box spring springs no longer necessary.
The Standing Box Spring
Maybe you’re not interested in buying multiple pieces to complete the ensemble. And hey, we appreciate your desire for efficiency. Our Justina Metal Mattress Foundation is right up your alley. This clever creation is a box spring and base frame, rolled into one. Featuring a fabric cover available in a variety of colors with an upholstered look, accompanied by solid wood legs, it’s perhaps the fanciest box spring you’ll ever lay eyes on. The fanciest, and the most functional.
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Box Spring Vs Foundation Vs Platform: What’s The Difference
As we mentioned earlier, there are plenty of foundation options on the market for all kinds of sleepers. But when it comes to looking for a box spring alternative, there are really only two others to consider: the foundation and platform bed. Heres how they differ.
- Foundation: As the name suggests, this is a type of foundation that provides a very sturdy surface for beds to lay on. Usually made from wooden slats, this box spring alternative pairs well with hybrid mattresses and other soft bed types.
- Platform: A platform bed frame combines the idea of mattress support with a bed frame and usually comes with little wooden legs for a bit of lift. Some options also include extra storage space, which can be great for small spaces. However, platform beds tend to be a little pricier than other alternatives.
The best practice for your mattress is to have some kind of base between it and the floor. You can lay your mattress directly on the floor, but it can lessen the life of your mattress. Floors dont provide the amount of stability, protection, and shock absorption mattresses need to last their intended lifespan. A mattress left on the floor could quickly lose its structure. This could result in a less comfortable nights rest and a sore body.
Box Springs And Foundations
While a mattress foundation can look similar to a box spring with its supportive frame, its a completely different product. They provide a solid surface with wooden slats or another sturdy material. The material does not flex under the mattresss weight, with closer spaced slats providing more support. Some foundations come with detachable legs, so that you can place them in a bed frame, much like you would with a traditional box spring.
Foundations and box springs come in low, medium, and standard profiles:
- A low profile is 5.5 inches or lower
- A medium profile is 6 to 8.5 inches
- A standard profile is 9 inches or more
If you purchase a split queen or a split king mattress, you may need to buy a split mattress base. Split mattresses are essentially two separate mattresses pushed together so partners can personalize their side with their favorite firmness. Split mattresses can benefit from extra support in the middle, which a standard foundation may not be able to give.
You can read our mattress foundation sizes guide for more information about choosing the correct foundation size and dimensions.
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Why Should I Even Use A Box Spring
You could be saying, Hey, you just told you box spring is outdated. Why am I worrying about it?
Because the foundation or box spring also absorbs impact when its properly installed. Maybe you like to literally jump into bed. Maybe youre clumsy and have been known to literally fall into bed. In that case, the box spring sits between your mattress and its foundation. Without one, its you hitting the mattress and the mattress hitting the floor and nothing else.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Using A Box Spring Or Foundation
Some benefits associated with using a box spring or foundation include:
- Easier on and off: Due to their height, box springs and foundations allow users to get on and off the bed more easily.
- Extended mattress lifespan: Using a box spring or foundation can minimize deterioration and help the mattress last longer.
- Minimal sagging: Sagging and indentation is an issue with many mattresses, but box springs offer a flush surface to help the mattress maintain its shape over time.
- Lower price-point: Compared to other base types, box springs and foundations tend to be less expensive .
There are some notable disadvantages of using a box spring or foundation, as well:
- Regular rotation: Box springs can lose their supportive qualities after too much use, requiring owners to rotate them .
- Occupying space: Unlike platform beds , box springs do not have any space for personal storage underneath the base.
- Extra costs: Although some box springs may be used on flat floors, many are designed for use with an additional frame or foundation.
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Boxsprings Offer Added Height
Boxsprings provide an added platform to your bed without needing to purchase an expensive frame. Raising your bed higher can create easier access in and out. A higher bed is more visually appealing for many, and having that extra height prevents small insects from making their way up to you.
Our boxsprings are available in different heights, as we do realize some people may be looking for the support without too much additional lift on their mattress. Our boxsprings come in the standard eight inch height, as well as a low profile five inch height.
