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Do You Have To Use A Boxspring With A Mattress

Best Bed Foundations For Latex Mattresses

Do I Need a Box Spring for my Memory Foam Mattress?
Type of Mattress Foundation
Low Free

Even though companies still manufacture box springs, dramatically improved mattress technology has almost nullified their value. The latest beds are designed with inclusive features that render the traditional box spring a need of the past.

Latex mattresses are a great example theyre thicker, more resilient to applied pressures, and anatomically superior to the innerspring mattresses of the past. If youre looking to buy a new bed, then its important you know these details! Box springs are no longer enough if you want reliable support!

The bed foundation comparison table Ive included above will help you get a clearer picture about the differences between box springs and newer, more reliable foundation types. As you consider which foundation is right for you, remember this

Below, Im going to outline important facts about each of the bed foundations listed in the table. So if youre on the fence about which foundation to order with your new mattress, then keep reading. This information will help you choose which foundation best fits your needs.

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.

Where Can You Buy A Platform Bed

Platform beds are widely available for purchase online. Customers have an extensive selection of brands and models to choose from that reflect the diversity of materials and styles used to build platform beds.

One place to buy a platform bed is directly from a manufacturer. Many mattress manufacturers offer their own bed frames that can be purchased from them without an intermediary. Direct sales can mean lower prices, especially if a platform bed is part of a bundle with a new mattress and/or other bedding.

Mattress Manufacturer/Brand
Leesa Legend

All of these options are available for purchase online. In addition, platform beds are sold online by third-party retailers, including Amazon, which offers a range of models with different styles and price points.

For people who want to shop in a brick-and-mortar store, mattress showrooms, furniture stores, and department stores are all likely to carry bed frames including one or more options for a platform bed.

Recommended Reading: Are Natural Latex Mattresses Safe

What Happens If You Use A Bed Base That Is Incompatible With Your Mattress

Pairing your new mattress with the right bed base can extend both its comfortability and lifespan. If you invest in a hybrid, latex foam, or memory foam mattress, which are designed to contour to your body specifically, a mismatched bed base can greatly diminish the value you get from your mattress.

Box springs, for instance, are typically not designed to withstand a mattress as heavy as memory foam, and using them together can cause sagging in the mattress, then back pain for you.

To be completely sure your bed base and mattress are compatible, check with your mattress manufacturer.

Which Mattresses Pair Well With Bed Slats

Courtyard Foam Mattress &  Box Spring Set

Several different mattress types pair well with bed slats. The only exceptions to this rule are innerspring mattresses and memory foam mattresses. Innerspring mattresses must be paired with a box spring for adequate support.

You can use bed slats with a memory foam mattress, but you need to avoid the use of wide slats. If the bed slat gaps are larger than 3 inches, youll have issues with mattress sagging and durability. Latex mattresses and hybrid mattresses also pair well with a slatted foundation.

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More Box Spring Alternatives

When youre shopping for the best foundation for a memory foam mattress, youll have a range of options. There are platform beds, panel beds, and adjustable bases, to name a few.

Just remember to check that your choice has the support a memory foam mattress needs. You might also want to check the height of the under-bed area, to calculate the amount of storage space the bed provides.

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”

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Plastics And Composite Materials

Though less common, plastics and composite materials can be used to make platform beds. While lightweight, these materials may not offer the same robust support as wood or metal. In most cases, they also have less aesthetic appeal. That said, repurposed plastics or composites may be useful in creating a low-cost, DIY platform bed.

Go Without For A Minimalist Look

Do You Need A Box Spring?

Going for a minimalist look? Placing your mattress directly on the floor can give off that vibe, but you may want to think twice about it.

Sleeping on a mattress thats placed directly on the floor isnt recommended for a few reasons:

  • Its less hygienic. With your face so close to the floor, youre also that much closer to dirt, dust, allergens and bed bugs. It also makes foam mattresses more susceptible to mold, as they dont have room to breathe.
  • It may be difficult to get in and out of bed. With more distance to cover, you may have trouble getting in and out of bed, which can lead to aches and pains.
  • It may void your warranty. Some mattress warranties specifically say that you need to use a box spring or foundation for support, so be sure to check the fine print.

Also Check: Which Mattress Is Best For Overweight

No You Do Not Need A Box Spring With A Memory Foam Mattress

Does A Memory Foam Mattress Need A Box Spring? Nectar mattresses employ memory foam, a technological breakthrough that until recently was only available at high price points. Thanks to Nectars dedication to keep their price point down, everyone can now afford the most comfortable mattress at a reasonable cost. Memory foam mattress provides lumbar support better than any previous mattress material, but what else do you need to make the most comfortable mattress into the most comfortable bed? The short answer is no. The long answer is a bit more fun. Heres a breakdown.

What Does A Boxspring Do

A boxspring has two primary functions, acting as a foundation for a mattress and increasing the height of the mattress. A stable foundation helps you get the best performance out of your mattress, and helps make sure the surface is level so that you can get a restful nights sleep.

Having the mattress at a higher elevation can help you get into or out of bed. It also assists with many of the other activities that you use a bed for, like sitting down while putting on socks, keeping your clothes in easy reach when youre getting dressed in the morning, and adult playtime.

Its also worth noting that many mattress companies require you to use a boxspring as part of the conditions for their warranty. Thats why its especially important to understand all of the terms of your warranty before going through with a mattress purchase or making a decision about your need for a boxspring.

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Best Way To Get Support For Mattress Without Box Spring

Box spring works as additional support of a mattress. The direct placing of a mattress on the floor doesnt look good. It also not hygienic for you. You can easily be affected by many diseases like fever, cough, etc. But using a box spring with the mattress you can avoid some of the problems.

Box spring provides you a comfortable height to place the mattress. Based on your choice, you can use a high box spring or low box spring. It saves your mattress from the direct stretch of the floor. As a result, you remain free from the dust and wet of the floor. Box spring also brings some disturbance for you. In modern time box spring become unnecessary for mattresses because the user already started to avoid it.

In our todays article, we will give you some explanation about mattress using. Read our article from beginning to end for knowing how to support a mattress without box spring and also many things about it.

Breathable Natural Dunlop Latex

Do You Need a Box Spring? What are the Benefits of Using One?

Latex is a somewhat common material in the modern mattress, but 4 inches of Rainforest Alliance certified natural Dunlop latex isnt. By going the extra mile, Awara hands you the proven features of this special latex: durability, bounciness, and heat dissipation using the added benefit of being fully green. It contours to your curves and supports pressure points and joints.

Also Check: When Is The Best Mattress Sale

Box Spring Vs Foundation Vs Platform

With its coil and wood design, the greatest strength of a box spring is absorbing shock. Foundations are similar to box springs and are sometimes confused for them. The difference is that a foundation is made of wood or metal around the edges and sometimes with slats across the top solely to provide support. But typically, your bed frame can serve as a foundation.

Box springs and foundations are, in essence, an extra layer below your mattress to provide more support and absorb shock. A platform is a bed frame with a solid bottom that supports your mattress. They are usually lower to the ground and dont require a box spring or foundation.

Setting yourself up for a successful night of sleep can be difficult if youre unsure how to create a comfortable environment or if you keep asking, do you need a box spring? and never finding a sufficient answer. Keep in mind that unless youre using a foam, latex, or hybrid mattress, its okay to use a box spring if you dont already have a solid foundation with your bed frame or the floor.

While box springs are still occasionally relevant, many people are reverting to foam or hybrid mattresses that dont need one, and the rise of platform bed frames isnt slowing down. If youve decided to make the switch from using a box spring and coil mattress, look through our collection of award-winning foam mattresses to find the right fit for you.

How Do Adjustable Beds Improve Aches And Pains

Its no secret that raising your head up as you sleep has big benefits for both snoring and sleep apnea. So if you have these problems, keep an eye on adjustable beds because they may just solve your nightly annoyances.

People with lower back pain are typically advised by doctors to invest in an adjustable bed because of the superior support these foundations provide the spinal column. More support for your spine can lead to fewer body aches.

According to Spinal Health, adjustable beds can help relieve a number of back back conditions, including but not limited to degenerative spondylolisthesis, osteoarthritis, and spinal stenosis. If you have any of these issues, then please consult a doctor before ordering your new bed.

Newer adjustable models now have unique lumbar support features where the adjustable base helps raise the mattress to support the lumbar area of your lower back. This helps tremendously if you have lower back pain. Truly amazing technology!

Because adjustable beds raise your feet with the push of a button, youll love this mattress foundation if you suffer from foot pain, ankle pain, or even restless leg syndrome.

Raising the bottom section of the base provides a slight incline, which takes pressure off your lower body. Then whenever you desire, you can lower it back down to a flat position.

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Will My Mattress Warranty Be Void Without A Box Spring

We understand why it is essential to protect and keep mattresses in a good state so that they can last a long time. They’re expensive!

While poor manufacturing can lead to some damage over time due to missing stitches, spring popping out, tearing edges, and size inconsistencies, the most common problem is mattress sagging.

Generally, the mattress warranty covers physical defects in a product and guarantees that this product will be repaired or replaced at no added cost to the buyer. Users tend to use a warranty early on when they buy their mattress.

However, most manufacturers expect the user to have a proper foundation to support the mattress and prevent mattress sagging. We recommend that you read your mattress warranty closely to determine what pre-requisites the manufacturer has in order to properly guarantee the mattress .

The Low Profile Box Spring

Frequently Asked Questions about Boxsprings

For those who’d prefer a box spring that does its job, but lets other elements like a quilted duvet or half a dozen fluffy throw pillows shine, look no further than our Josie Metal Mattress Foundation. The Josie keeps a low profile in more ways than one, with its one inch legs that give you just enough distance from the floor but lend themselves perfectly to a foundation for taller mattresses.

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Best Bed Frames Of 2021

Bed frames act as the support system for your mattress, lifting it off the ground and making it easier to access. While bed frames may seem fairly utilitarian, the right bed frame can be just as important for a good nights sleep as the mattress itself.

Today, most bed frames contain varying combinations of wood, metal, and/or upholstery. They come in a wide variety of style options to suit virtually any aesthetic preferences.

It may be tempting to select your bed frame based on its appearance alone, but other factors can be even more impactful. The right frame can reduce the likelihood of your bed developing lasting sagging as a result of inadequate support, and its height can affect how easy it is to get into or out of bed. Similarly, a well-built frame can remain silent when you move on the bed, while a lower-quality option may creak or feel less stable.

Well highlight some of the best bed frames on the market and explain what makes them unique. Well also share some of the most critical factors to consider as you shop for a new bed frame.

Shipping Costs Delivery And Set Up

For most online mattresses, shipping is free and is done by compressing the mattress, sealing it in packaging, and then mailing it in a box. Once you take the box to your bedroom and remove the packaging, the mattress quickly takes its full shape. Some innersprings can be heavy, so this process often requires two people, especially for a larger bed.

With some innerspring options, installation may be included or available with your purchase. This involves a team coming to your home and setting up the mattress in your bedroom. Often they will be able to remove an old mattress at the same time if requested. You can check with the mattress seller or with third-party service providers in your area about setup and haul-away services.

Recommended Reading: Can You Put Tempurpedic Mattress On Slats

When Does A Memory Foam Mattress Require A Box Spring

If your bed is of the platform variety , then the bed itself will be strong enough to serve as a foundation and support the mattress on its own. If your bed is a panel bed and/or features only five slats or less, than you will need an additional box spring or other foundation to support the mattress.

Pros And Cons Of A Box Spring

IKEA Box Spring, We Need It or Not? Depends on Your Bed ...

Both box springs and foundations raise your mattress to a comfortable level and can be great mattress support, depending on your mattress type. Here are some pros and cons to keep in mind when making your choice.

Pros of a box spring

Cons of a box spring

Provides support for thinner innerspring mattresses

Can be noisy because of the coils

Reduces motion transfer from innerspring mattresses

Isnt compatible with memory foam or latex mattresses

Promotes better airflow for cooler sleep

Coils may break down over time, leading to sagging

Read Also: What Is The Best Mattress For Lower Back Problems

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