Can I Use Two Mattresses Instead Of A Box Spring
You can, but it is not recommended. Mattresses are designed to be used with box springs. The box spring provides support for the mattress and helps to extend its life. Using two mattresses instead of a box spring can cause the mattresses to wear out prematurely and may cause them to be uncomfortable.
Box springs are frequently used in mattresses to protect the beds from damaging impacts, as well as to increase their height. Bed foams can be enhanced by including these metal frames as a base to reduce wear and tear. This box keeps its structure stable and cool by distributing air throughout the space. When you pour foam on another, your base will become unstable, making whining an increasingly common occurrence. When the bed is too heavy on the bottom, the foam can become too heavy and is difficult to use in a short period of time. The increased pressure on the lower end of the foam reduces the foams longevity. The beds and slats in your room will give you an added touch of style.
Tips When Buying A Box Spring
- What bed height is most comfortable for you? If you like to sit on the bed with your feet flat on the floor and your back straight, consider a foundation, platform, or adjustable base.
- Do you have limited storage space in your bedroom? If so, a box spring may not be ideal as it contains springs in the base, therefore, no under bed storage is an option.
- How will you get the box spring into your bedroom? A box spring is very light and easy to move, however, it can not be taken apart. Take care to consider how you will get it up a long flight of stairs or around any sharp corners in your home.
- What type of mattress will you use? A box spring is best used with a coil spring mattress and will not be strong enough to hold a memory foam, latex, hybrid, or AirFoam mattress for very long.
What If Your Mattress Warranty Requires A Box Spring Bed
You may be surprised to hear this, but, many modern mattress companies still require that you use a box spring if you would like for your warranty to stay valid. If you ignore this to spare some money and set your bed on an uneven which doesnt have an adequate support, its likely that wear and tear on the mattress is going to happen faster than it would if your bed were on box spring bed.Box spring provides assurance in terms of support and equal ground.
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Wooden Slat Bed Supports
These are sets of wooden slats arranged for optimal ventilation on a platform. They’re usually supportive for heavy mattresses, noise-free and offer a remarkable amount of space underneath for storage. They aren’t too pricey and work as a great budget option for those who find full frames too expensive.
Important Considerations When Selecting A Mattress Box Spring:
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What Are The Drawbacks Of Putting A Mattress On The Floor
Many may think that placing a mattress directly on the floor is no big deal, however, it is actually quite unsanitary. Placing a mattress directly on the floor allows for things such as dirt, dust, dander, or even pet hair to accumulate on the mattress.
It also causes an accumulation of moisture beneath the mattress, potentially leading to hazardous mold growing. In addition to these hazards, a mattress placed directly on the floor is not able to breathe as well as one with a base, which will cause the mattress to hold excess heat.
Reasons To Use A Box Spring
At present, there are four primary reasons for use of a box spring.
1. To extend the life of your mattress
The mattress is the more important, and more expensive, part of the equation. Box springs support the mattress by absorbing physical shock, preventing sagging, and reducing wear and tear.
2. To add comfort
The box spring works together with the mattress to provide a softer more comfortable bed. It cushions and absorbs the shock of body impact and supports different sleeping positions, giving you night after night of better sleep.
3. Ease of getting in and out
With both high profile and low profile boxspring options, a bed higher off the floor requires less bending and is less stressful on the body. Especially as we age, a bed higher up is easier on the joints.
4. Keeping it clean
Dust, dirt, animal hair, allergens, and bugs all congregate at floor level. If the mattress is at floor level, it comes in direct contact with these elements. Raising the bed with a box spring allows air to circulate and keeps the mattress far cleaner.
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What If I Dont Want A Box Spring
Rather than a box spring, invest in a solid, premium wood bed or platform bed as a way of protecting your mattress investment. You want to buy a bed that will last you a long time, such as a natural latex mattress, so make sure its completed in this manner.
Storing Your Mattress
Its a good idea to store your mattress in a cloth or paper bag if you intend to use it for an extended period of time. You can keep the mattress dry and dust-free by doing so.
Choose The Right Mattress Foundation For Your New Mattress
When shopping for a new mattress, make sure you consider the type of foundation that will best suit your mattress. Box springs are popular with innerspring mattresses, but latex and memory foam mattresses should not be used. If you want maximum support, opt for a platform bed or solid wood foundation.
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How Long Will An Innerspring Mattress Last
The coils in an innerspring mattress can wear down over time, losing their ability to maintain or spring back to their full, original height. When this happens, the mattress begins to sag and falter in supporting your body.
With traditional innersprings, an average lifespan was around five years, but with most modern innersprings, including our top picks, we expect a lifespan of 6-8 years and perhaps more.
Several factors can influence the longevity of an innerspring:
- Amount of stress placed on the bed: When there is more body weight applied or more force , it can wear out springs more quickly.
- Thickness of the coils: Lower gauge coils are thicker and tend to last longer. Quality of steel: tempered steel is stronger than non-tempered steel. Some innersprings use steel that is tempered twice to further reinforce the coils.
- Style of coils: When coils cant move as independently, such as in bonnell coil systems, the impact of weakened coils can be felt across a larger section of the mattress.
- Design of the comfort layer: The number, thickness, type, and durability of the layers placed above the coils can influence how much stress is placed upon the support core. In addition, if the comfort layer is made with low-quality materials, it may start to wear out even before the springs.
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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.
Do Latex Mattresses Need Box Springs
Both latex mattresses and memory foam mattresses are heavier than traditional mattresses. For this reason, they both require a strong, rigid base that will support the weight of the mattress, your body, and varying indentations over long periods of time. Its important to know that latex mattresses will conform to whatever surface they are on. Box springs have an innate give that will lead to dipping and sagging in your mattress due to inadequate support. So if youre looking for a foundation for your latex or foam mattress, I advise you select one of our recommended box spring alternatives below.
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What If I Already Have A Boxspring
If you already have a boxspring, it likely needs to be replaced. If you put a new mattress on an old boxspring, you run the risk of the boxspring wearing down or breaking, causing the mattress to start sagging. If this happens, it can void the mattress warranty. Additionally, if your boxspring is very old, it might be the old springy type and not the newer foundation type of boxspring. This will change how the mattress feels.
Can You Use A Mattress Without A Box Spring On A Frame
It is simple, you can sleep on a mattress without a box spring comfortably and there are a few different ways to do it. … Some have a little flexibility and these we call semi-flex boxsprings. The truth is most bases do not flex or give so they essentially add nothing to the comfort or support of a mattress.
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Do Hybrid Mattresses Need A Box Spring
A hybrid mattress contains a mix of foam and innersprings. Despite the springs within it, a hybrid does not require a box spring. In fact, adding a box spring could actually lessen the stability a hybrid already provides through its individually-wrapped coils and foam layers.
Instead, place your hybrid mattress atop a platform, foundation or an adjustable base. You can even go the minimalist route and use your bedroom floor as a base. But again, we stress that using a proper bed frame that’s suitable for your hybrid will do wonders for your overall sleep quality and the long-term health of your mattress.
What Is A Box Spring
A box spring is a support for your mattress thats manufactured to be the same size as the bed. It consists of a wooden frame filled with springs and wrapped in fabric. It sits directly under the mattress, providing support.
The box spring is intended to serve a few purposes:
- To provide underlying support for the mattress
- To raise the mattress up to a more comfortable height
- To protect the mattress by absorbing impact
- To improve airflow, which helps to keep the mattress cooler
Box springs provide support, but are also able to absorb some shock from the mattress itself. This is a good feature for innerspring beds, but can be damaging for foam mattresses. A foam bed, which lacks the rigid structure of an innerspring mattress, should be used with a very solid support base, such as a platform bed.
The term box spring refers to the traditional design that uses actual springs surrounded by a wooden or metal frame. Youll have to replace your box spring when it begins to show signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, warping, or audible sounds when the box spring is compressed. The average box spring performs for 10 years before it needs to be replaced. Additionally, you should think about replacing the box spring if you purchase a new mattress.
There are other types of supports that you can use under a mattress, including platform beds and foundations. Determining what can be used instead of a box spring depends largely on the type of mattress you have.
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Are There Alternatives To A Box Spring
All mattresses – memory foam, spring, latex or otherwise – require a foundation of some kind that will serve as an even support layer. Thus, you have a couple of options:
- A box spring on top of a standard metal frame or a standing box spring
- A platform bed with slats or a SmartBase foundation
- An adjustable base which allows you to customize your sleeping posture
The principle is the same – all of these solutions offer a continuous support layer that will hold up you and your mattress. Today, there are plenty of options to bypass the box spring, if you’re not particularly attached to yours.
Like many of our platform beds, the Lottie Upholstered Platform Bed features closely spaced wooden slats that can support your mattress without a box spring.
Does A Spring Mattress Need A Box Spring
Almost all mattresses have something placed between the mattress itself and the floor for added height, support, and comfort. A mattress with a thinner profile benefits more highly by having a foundation beneath it than that of a high-profile mattress. Most modern mattresses today do not require a box spring as the older, innerspring mattresses do.
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Box Spring Vs Platform Bed
Theres also the option of using a mattress and box spring combo or a platform bed in place of a box spring. Weve already discussed the cons of a box spring, like that they may need to be replaced often and can attract bugs and feisty kitties. But lets consider some of the cons of platform beds:
- They can be difficult to move around, as theyre large and bulky. You cant as easily transport them as you can with a box spring.
- Theyre lower to the floor, which can make it harder for people to get in and out of bed.
Differences Between Box Springs Foundations And Platform Beds
A box spring is a simple support consisting of a wooden or metal frame, filled with metal coils- springs or a metal grid, and wrapped in fabric. They are used for inner spring mattresses. Typically box springs are designed to sit on top of a bed frame.
A foundation is another type of support system that usually consists of wooden slats or flat solid frames. They function similarly to box springs, but they dont actually contain metal springs.
A platform bed combines both a foundation for your bed as well as a frame to keep it off the ground. Most have wooden legs to elevate the frame, while some include storage drawers reaching down to the ground level.
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What Mattresses Work Well With A Box Spring
Most of them!
A sturdy foundation is an absolute must-have for any and all mattresses, and a box spring is the perfect option. In fact, many mattress warrantees require you to use one as a universal standard to prevent unnecessary wear on the mattress.
Double-sided mattresses that can be flipped over do especially well on box springs. Though this type of mattress has largely fallen out of style, if you happen to own or buy one, youll want to invest in a good box spring. With most single-sided mattresses, having a box spring is not as important, as they typically come built-in with all the support a mattress needs on the underside. But providing a little extra cushion and support can be a big help.
Heavy foam mattresses especially tend to need the extra support a box spring provides. While a spring or hybrid mattress may do just fine on a slatted platform bed or even the floor, foam will tend to sag through the slats or squash against the ground. So do your Beautyrest mattress a favour and get a box spring!
What Are The Height Options For A Box Spring
The standard height of a box spring base, also called the high profile option, is 9 inches high. The medium profile ranges between 6 and 8 inches high, while the low profile can be 5.5 inches or lower.
These height differences do not change anything about the support the boxsprings provide. In most cases, the choice purely depends on a buyers preference, such as the aesthetic appeal of their bed.
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Do You Require A Box Spring When You Buy A New Mattress
Its not mandatory to get a new box spring when you buy a new mattress. In fact, most new mattresses are designed for a firmer base, like those offered by platform beds, compared to the traditional bouncy coil boxsprings.
However, you can consider getting a box spring if:
- Your new mattress can only work a box spring foundation.
- You are looking for extra support or the bouncy mattress feel of a box spring.
- You have a bed frame that requires a box spring for the mattress to rest on.
- You want to increase the height of your bed without replacing it, and dont want to purchase a platform bed foundation.
- You are using a traditional innerspring mattress .
- Your new mattress is double-sided.
