What Is A Boxspring
A boxspring is a support for your mattress and is typically constructed from a wooden frame, covered in cloth with springs in the middle. It is usually built the same size as the mattress it will support and thats why you often are able to buy a mattress and box spring as a set when you buy a new mattress.
The boxspring fulfills three needs:
These days, the word boxspring is somewhat of a misnomer, because most dont use springs. The term foundation is a more apt description. This has changed in the past decade or two. Up until the early 2000s, most boxsprings used actual springs in them and acted as a shock absorber for the mattress. Now, most mattresses use foundations that are just sturdy, inflexible boxes that support the mattress. These can be made of wood or metal.
What Are Box Springs And Foundations
Box springs and foundations support mattresses by providing a buffer between the bottom of the mattress and a bed frame made of metal or wood. In some cases, a box spring or foundation may be placed between the mattress and the floor, as well. The terms box spring and foundation are often used interchangeably, though both terms are associated with different types of overall construction.
A traditional box spring consists of a wooden frame, steel support springs, and a cloth cover. Some newer models feature frames made of metal, rather than wood. In addition to supporting the mattress, box springs absorb shock from sleepers bodies and distribute weight to help prevent wear.
In recent years, foundations have overtaken box springs as the standard mattress base. Rather than springs, foundations feature evenly spaced wooden slats designed to reinforce the mattress and prevent it from crashing through the base the closer the slats are spaced, the more supportive the platform bed will be. As a result, foundations do not absorb as much shock as box springs. However, they tend to be more suitable for mattresses that require higher levels of support and less weight distribution, such as memory foam and latex models. Foundations, like box springs, are usually encased in cloth.
Box springs and foundations are generally available in three sizes:
| Size |
| 14 cm. or lower |
Common Mattress Sizes
| Size | Typical Dimensions |
| Twin | |
| California King | 72W” x 84L” |
Should You Pick Stiff Or Soft
This is along the same lines, as when we talk about comfort and support. Exactly like a mattress should never be too hard, it should never be too soft.A mattress should be as neutral as it can be, to make sure both your body and spine remain in a neutral position. Too much rigidity in a mattress will irritate the stress factors, creating pinched nerves, in addition to the blood to stop flowing. If you find that a good deal of the times you awake, with the sensation of having pins and needles in your body, this is an indicator of a mattress thats too rigid. And if your mattress is too soft, this can create a sagging effect, similar to a hammock. When this occurs, you can find yourself with back pain, because of your spine not being properly aligned. This is why its crucial to find a mattress that is close to neutral. You want your mattress soft in the right places, without being too soft. But you also need your mattress to be supportive, without being overly rigid.
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What Are The Different Kinds Of Casper Mattresses
When I purchased my bed in a box three years ago, the company only offered one model, available in all the usual sizes. Since then, the line has expanded to include additional mattresses, as well as pillows, bedding, bed frames even a dog bed.
The Casper Original mattress, priced $1,095 for a queen, is, as you might have guessed, its original mattress. It’s the most popular model. You have the option for all-foam or a hybrid mattress , though it bumps the price up a couple hundred, to $1,295 for a queen.
The is Casper’s mid-tier model. It starts at $1,095 for a twin size, and $1,995 for a queen, and offers multiple layers for additional support, as well as cooling.
The Wave Hybrid is the upgrade model. Starting at $1,495 $2,595 for a queen, it costs significantly more but promises more layers, “advanced support,” and an even cooler night’s rest for hot sleepers.
The Essential is Casper’s starter model. Its slightly thinner than its other mattresses and has the fewest layers.
Can You Use A Mattress On A Bed Frame Without A Foundation
No, you cannot place a mattress directly on a bed frame because bed frames are mostly decorative. While they may have one or two slats, the slats are there to support a foundation, not your mattress. Placing your mattress straight onto a bed frame causes your mattress to sag and voids your mattresss warranty. The only exception to this rule are platform beds but even those will sometimes require a bunkie board for extra support.
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Zinus Smart Adjustable Bed Frame
If you want to have the best bed frame on the market, look no further than this adjustable bed frame. Compared to its competitors the value and utility that this frame gives you is unmatched. We found that the remote is extremely simple to use. We had no trouble adjusting the bed frame with ease.
The Casper mattress did really well when it was being flexed and bent on this frame. We were quite surprised because we know that theyre firmer than average. This frame easily qualified to be one of the best, most comfortable Casper bed frames.
| 80.5″ x 76″ x 11.85″ | 104 lbs |
*If you are planning on spending over $250 on Zinus products make sure you use a coupon to get 10% off if you buy directly from their site. If it is less than $250 you should still use Amazon.
Can I Use Plywood Under A Box Spring
Yes, plywood can be used under a box spring. You will definitely need a strong support if your mattress is foam or latex. If you do not want to throw out your box spring just yet, adding a few layers of plywood will make your box spring firmer.
Using ¾ inch thick plywood is okay, but ideally, you should use plywood thicker than that to provide adequate support. Any thinner than ¾ of an inch will not have any effect at all and might end up cracking under the pressure of your mattress.
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I What Is A Box Spring And What Does It Do
So, what exactly is a box spring?
Exactly how it sounds, box springs are wooden boxes filled with coiled springs that are tied down and covered with cloth to act as a supportive surface for the mattress. Traditional box springs would often come with your spring mattress, sold as a coordinated and matching set. A box spring usually sits on top of a metal frame, with the mattress acting as the final top layer.
Whats the point of a box spring? It serves a few purposes
- It raises the height of the mattress. This can make it easier to get in and out of bed, compared with placing the mattress directly on the floor.
- It provides a solid surface for your mattress to lay on, for added support. When matched up, the coils inside the box spring act as a continuation of the coils in your spring mattress, which absorbs some of the shock. This makes for a more comfortable sleep and it also helps your mattress last longer.
- It improves airflow and circulation around your mattress, allowing for a cooler sleep.
Unboxing A Casper Mattress Is An Event Unto Itself
If owning a Casper mattress is blessedly unmemorable, getting one delivered sure makes an impression. Unlike traditional mattresses, it comes rolled up like a spring-loaded burrito. At 70 pounds , its about twice as heavy as the mattress we were replacing and proved comically difficult to get up the stairs.
Unboxing it was just plain fun. Casper clearly put a lot of thought into designing the experienceright down to the little letter opener-style knife to slice open the shrink wrap without damaging the mattress. We just had to make sure the mattress was in position on the bed frame before we cracked it open.
The final cutting away proved, thankfully, less explosive than anticipated. Rather, the mattress’ foam layers unfurl and expand as it takes its first deep breath in your new home. Just thinking about it makes me want to go home and crawl into bed for a quick nap.
Sure it looks small, but that box is CRAZY heavy. Still worth it, though.
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Solid Platform Bed Frame
Platform beds use one solid surface that accomplishes the same goal of a box spring foundation, rendering them unnecessary. As a result, platform bed frames are lower to the ground than a traditional mattress, fulfilling a clean, modern aesthetic.
However, older sleepers or sleepers who suffer from joint pain might struggle to get in and out of this lower bed frame. In that case, a box spring can be helpful to raise the mattress.
Good Bases For Your Foam Or Hybrid Mattress
Like we mentioned before, a box spring won’t give your foam or hybrid mattress enough support and over time, your bed will start to sag through the gaps in your box spring. Don’t stresswe’ve broken down the different types of bases and foundations that will work with your Leesa or Sapira mattress so you can rest on.
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Pros And Cons Of The Casper Mattress
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
|
Trial Period: Casper has a 100-night sleep trial so you can get a good feel for the bed. It can take approximately a month to adjust to memory foam, especially if switching from a different type of mattress, so this trial period ensures youre happy with your selection |
Not Fully Made in the US: If you are looking for a Made in the USA label you wont find it on a Casper. They are, however, designed and assembled in the US. |
|
Free Returns: Correct, completely free. If you dont like the mattress, it will cost you nothing to send it back. Other companies may charge a fee. |
Memory Foam Odor: Although this mattress is certified as nontoxic with a CertiPUR-US certification, memory foam can have a smell that is troublesome to some people. It usually dissipates with time. |
|
Responsiveness: If you are looking for a little more bounce back in a memory foam mattress, Casper is very highly rated in responsiveness. |
Price: The Casper price point may be too high for some budgets. You can read about more options for shoppers on a budget in our best mattresses under $1,000 round-up. |
|
Repels Allergens: The Casper mattress repels allergens like dust mites and is an unfriendly environment for bed bugs. Memory foam mattresses are an excellent option for reducing allergens. |
- Mattress Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
- Price: $$
Get up to 20% off
Support For Your Mattress
Some bed frames dont provide the support your mattress needs and can cause it to sag. Occasionally, coil spring mattress warranties will require you to use a box spring to prolong its life. Be sure to check on your mattress warranty if you dont use a box spring and its required, you could lose out on those benefits.
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How The Casper Mattress Supports Different Sleeping Positions
Something that customers really appreciate about the Casper mattress is that it works for all sleep positions. Your partner on their back and you on your side will both get the support you need. Memory foam, in general, is designed to be contouring, which supports you no matter how you choose to sleep. This is a real plus if you are a combination sleeper who changes positions during the night.
Can I Put Casper Mattress On Traditional Box Spring
Casper bed mattress is among the most popular memory foam bed mattress right now. The company has actually won several awards. The Casper bed mattress has included on Business Insider, Fortune, CNN, Tech Insider, Inc. and Forbes to name a few reputed print and electronic media. You can shop for Casper mattress on Amazon, there is the official site and you can now also buy it at Target stores. The business also has its own official brick and mortar shops at San Francisco and Torrance in California, Denver in Colorado, West Palm Beach in Florida, Atlanta in Georgia, Chicago in Illinois, Boston in Massachusetts, Short Hills in New Jersey, White Plains and Huntington Station in New York and one in the city, King of Prussia in Pennsylvania, Austin and Houston in Texas. Can I Put Casper Mattress On Traditional Box Spring
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It’s Tough To Argue With A 100
The extended money-back guaranteea 40-day trial period when I bought mine, and now up to 100 dayswas ultimately the factor that got me to click buy. I figured that takes a fair amount of confidence from a manufacturer. It’s way more than enough time for back sleepers, stomach sleepers and side sleepers to figure out whether the pressure points inherent in their old mattresses have been done in by Caper.
If you pause to think about it, they cant resell a used mattress. Plus they have to spend cash on a delivery team just to pick it up from your housetheres no way youre going to put this thing back in the box yourself. This is some amazing customer service.
In Casper, I saw a company putting its money where its mouth was. I was convinced.
People Who Need Extra Mattress Support
As we stated above, if you have an innerspring mattress, it is very likely that a box spring will be a necessary investment. However, this is not always the case and, to find out if it is worth investing in a box spring, you should first consult with the mattress producer. Looking on a mattress companys website, you will most likely find information about what type of bed the mattress should be paired with, and if a box spring is required.
If the company does recommend a box spring, you should definitely buy a box spring! First off, this will ensure that the mattress is getting the support it needs and that it will last for as long as possible. Whats more, many companies will void the mattress warranty if your mattress is not paired with the proper bed and bed frame.
Box springs are also going to extend the life of your mattress. If youre wondering how to make your mattress last longer, a box spring could be a great idea.
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What Are Bunkie Boards
I have mentioned Bunkie boards several times, and you might be wondering what the heck they are.
Are they a type of foundation?
Well, sort of.
A Bunkie board is a thick piece of plywood that provides sturdy support to a mattress. The difference with other foundations is that you dont use a Bunkie board on its own.
You often place it on a box spring, metal platform or a slatted frame.
Some manufacturers require the use of a Bunkie board with slatted frames and traditional box springs.
Do I Need A Box Spring With My Mattress
When youre investing in a high-quality mattress, youll want to make sure you have everything you need for a great night of sleepand that includes solid support for your mattress to lay on.
While traditionally a mattress would come with a matching box spring to provide that support, times have changed as the industry innovates and grows. In this article, well explore a very common question: what exactly is a box spring, and do I need one?
Overview: Do You Really Need a Box Spring?
While box springs used to be a necessary purchase alongside traditional innerspring mattresses, theyre not as important nowadays. But we do recommend using some sort of support with your mattress. With the many alternatives on the market today, including metal foundations and adjustable bases, youve got options.
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Why You Shouldn’t Use A Box Spring With A Foam Mattress
If you have a new foam mattress you might have to buy a new bed frame to support it.
Decided to try one of the popular online mattress brands in lieu of a traditional spring mattress? Chances are that you now have a foam mattress which, in case you didn’t know, needs a different kind of platform than your typical spring mattress. In fact, most popular online foam mattress brands recommend that if you have a box spring supporting your older innerspring mattress, you shouldn’t use it at all with your new foam mattress.
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In fact, using a box spring or other foundation for your mattress that is not recommended by the manufacturer can often void your warranty, depending on the brand. Either way, choosing the right kind of support for your mattress is important for optimal support, comfort, and durability.
Oftentimes, if you buy a foam mattress from an online brand like Casper or Purple, you can buy a bed foundation from the company that’s made specifically to support your new mattress. But if the mattress company you buy from doesn’t offer one there are a few options for setting up your new bed without having to get rid of your entire old bed setup.
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