Can You Put A New Mattress On An Old Foundation
We recommend replacing your foundation when you get a new mattress. Most mattress foundations wear down faster than mattresses, so if your mattress is showing signs of wear and needing to be replaced, then its safe to say your foundation also needs to be swapped with a new one. If youre working on a tighter budget and dont want to buy both a foundation and a mattress, look for bundle deals or brands offering freebies with a mattress purchase. Sometimes, you can score a free foundation with your new mattress. Alternatively, you can give an old foundation new life by pairing it with a bunkie board.
Who Can Sleep On An Innerspring Mattress
Innerspring mattresses offer firmer pushback making them a good option for some sleepers, such as stomach sleepers and plus size sleepers. They benefit from the firmer feel of an innerspring mattress because it promotes spinal alignment, reducing chances of body ache.
Plus Size Sleepers
Plus size sleepers need a firmer sleeping surface to feel on top, and not sink into the mattress. The firmer support of innerspring beds offers a comfortable sleeping surface to plus size sleepers.
Stomach Sleepers
When stomach sleeping, the heavier part of the body may sink into softer mattresses, causing spinal misalignmentleading to back and neck pain. A firmer pushback from an innerspring mattress helps in maintaining healthy spinal alignment.
Hot Sleepers
Innersprings are a good option for hot sleepers because coils promote airflow within the mattress making the bed cooler. In all foam mattresses, body heat may get trapped in the bed, making you feel hotbut coils promote ventilation leading to a cooler sleeping surface.
Using A Box Spring Voids Your Warranty
Mattress warranties are mainly to cover mattress defects from manufacturing or shipping. Or if your mattress breaks down. You have to prove significant indents for almost any warranty. Companies dont want to take back a used mattress. So we HIGHLY recommend that you use a mattress protector.
Heres a quote from the warranty:
Mattresses are covered by warranty only if they are used on a firm, flat, non-spring foundation sufficiently strong to remain flat and firm under the weight of the mattress and its users, from the date of delivery onward to the date of the warranty claim without interruption otherwise the warranty is void. Other placement of the mattress, including but not limited to foundations of other description, a storage facility in any orientation, or use of a non-sufficient frame beneath the foundation, voids this warranty.
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The Difference Between A Box Spring And Foundation
While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, the primary difference between a boxspring and a foundation is the use of springs. A boxspring actually contains springs, whereas a foundation does not.
The springs in a boxspring can give a mattress a bit more bounce than it has on its own. Moreover, some people feel that they do a better job of accommodating the mattress because they are slightly responsive to pressure because of the springs. A foundation is a solid surface and lacks springs, so it does not contribute to the bounce of a mattress, nor does it do a very good job of responding to pressure from above. If youre purchasing a high-quality mattress like the ones we review on this site, then you wont need to worry about the lack of response from a foundation, as a good mattress will provide enough support to prevent you interacting with the foundation level.
Construction Of A Box Spring
As the name implies, a traditional box spring has a wooden box-like frame filled with steel springs. When used with a traditional mattress, it absorbs the shock from movements, deters sagging by holding up the mattress, and increases the beds height.
The coils or slats inside a box spring are traditionally more than 3 inches apart. When used with a foam mattress, the bed is liable to dip between the coils or slats, causing the mattresss materials to lose support and wear down prematurely.
The box spring can also flex under the memory foam mattress, leaving your bed with an indentation in the middle. If your mattress develops this indentation, youre likely to find yourself rolling into the middle of the mattress against your will.
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Why A Good Foundation Matters
A supportive bed base is just as important as the mattress itself. Like weve mentioned, an appropriate base can make the difference in keeping a mattress warranty valid. Foundations ensure that mattresses are properly supported and increase their longevity. They also allow for the customization the height of the mattress and provide air circulation benefits for cooler sleep. Lastly, they act as a protectant by raising mattresses away from dust, dirt, and mold.
Construction Of A Memory Foam Mattress
A memory foam mattress is not made up of just memory foam. Typically, only the top layer is memory foam, while the bottom layer or layers are stiffer, more supportive foams.
Since memory foam mattresses are made entirely out of foam, they can be heavy. Innerspring and hybrid mattresses can feel lighter because of the empty space in their coil bases.
The foams in the mattress are flexible, designed to conform to your body, and able to move with an adjustable base. However, this flexibility means the mattress requires consistent, uniform support to maintain its shape.
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May Increase Body Pains
This issue goes both ways. Some individuals may feel better while sleeping on the floor, while others may develop these pains instead.
This is because the floor is stiff, and depending on the comfort and support your body needs, sleeping on the floor might be good or bad for you. Additionally, the quality of your mattress also matters – thinner mattresses may feel too uncomfortable while on the floor.
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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Platform Bed Vs Box Spring
Box springs are designed to provide firm support to the mattresses. Box springs are composed of wood and coils. The wood is of similar shape and size to the bed and provides support, while the coils placed in the center of the wooden frame absorb shock. On the other hand, The platform beds consist of a solid surface, and hence they do not require box springs. They provide the necessary firmness to the mattress.
Box springs are mainly used for innerspring mattresses. Platform beds offer an all-in-one solution but are most costlier than other options. The height of platform beds is slightly lower than the beds with box springs.
Check out our blog on platform bed vs. box spring to know which one is better.
Platform Bed Frame Solid
Platform beds utilize a solid surface, so you would not need a boxspring. This solid surface accomplishes the same goal of the boxspring by providing a stable platform.
Generally, platform beds are lower than a traditional mattress would be with a boxspring, which can be a desirable and modern aesthetic you may want to achieve for your bedroom. However, for older sleepers or those who suffer from back, hip, or joint pain, a low platform bed may be more difficult to get in and out of.
US Box Spring offers natural wood foundations that will ship directly to your door. Click the link to head over to their site and learn more!
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Do I Need A Bunkie Board
Foam and hybrid mattresses must be placed on a solid surface or on slats no more than 3 inches apart. If your bed frame doesnt have a solid base or the slats are further apart, you will need a flat base to place your mattress on. Thats where a bunkie board can help.
A bunkie board can be used on top of any bed frame or foundation to create a stable surface for your mattress. If you already have a solid foundation, you can use a bunkie board to add a bit more height if needed.
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.
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Caspers Nova Hybrid Mattress
For sleepers who love softness, the Casper Nova Hybrid might be the right choice. The ultra-soft top layer makes it our most plush mattress yet.
- 1 open-cell foam: A breathable top layer of premium AirScape foam that contains tiny pores to allow hot air to escape.
- 1.5 memory foam: A second AirScape layer with three ergonomic zones that helps to relieve pressure points in the body.
- 2 Zoned SupportPro layer: A foam layer with seven support zones and contoured cuts to support hips and shoulders and align the spinal cord.
- 7 Foundation: A duo-layer of resilient coil springs and base foam provides airflow and end-to-end edge support.
After a long day, the Nova Hybrid can give your back muscles a well-deserved break. Even better, its AirScape 2 technology includes two layers of perforated foam designed for airflow overnight. Who wouldnt want to enjoy the cool, soft luxury of the Nova Hybrid?
Additionally, the Casper Nova Hybrid comes with Zoned Support Pro that divides the mattress into seven ergonomic zones engineered to keep your spine aligned. Plus, hundreds of resilient springs provide the perfect cushion and bounce.
What Is The Best Wood To Use For Wood Foundations
Premium white pine thats finished on all four sides is the preferred wood for RTA wood foundations for a few reasons:
- No knots
- Doesnt split, snap or break like cheaper types of wood
- Its smooth, so you dont have to worry about splinters
- Naturally resistant to rot
- Major sustainability benefits
Important:
On the other hand, wood foundations made from premium white pine are more sustainable because free-to-grow white pine grows up to four feet per year. When fully mature, these trees climb to heights of 200 feet or more. Very strong! Think about how well this wood will support your mattress, which is not 200 feet in height
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Can You Put A Mattress Directly On Slats
Yes, you can. Before you do, though, make sure the slats are at least 0.5 inches thick and no more than 3 inches apart. These measurements will ensure that your base can support a memory foam mattress. Otherwise, the slats might break or bend under the mattress or leave room for parts of the bed to sink beneath the slats.
Who Should Get A Hybrid Mattress
Hybrid mattresses are great options for just about everyone. Since they combine the coziness of all-foam with the resilience of traditional spring mattresses, many different types of sleepers can find their perfect fit.
For example, side sleepers can enjoy the right balance of softness and support in their favorite sleeping position. If you have a hard time getting out of bed, the firm border is designed to give you a boost. And for those who tend to have night sweats, the cooling technology built into hybrid mattresses may help regulate your temperature.
To really maximize comfort for every sleeper, make sure youre also choosing the right pillow sizes and height for your sleeping position.
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Let’s Be Bed Buddies:
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Ive had this mattress for a year, and I wake up every morning so happy that I bought this mattress! I tell everyone I know who is looking for a new mattress to give Purple a serious look. I think Ive sold at least 3. I couldnt be happier with this bed!Katie S.
Do I Need A Box Spring
If you have a foam or hybrid mattress, you should not use a box spring. Because box springs dont have a solid surface, they do not provide a good foundation for the mattress to rest onsome warranties actually prohibit the use of a box spring. For mattresses containing foam, we recommend a solid foundation or a bunkie board, which we will discuss further down.
If you prefer an innerspring mattress, these are still typically sold with a box spring. But an innerspring mattress is sturdy enough on its own that it doesnt require a box spring. However, box springs do provide additional height.
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Do You Need A Box Spring
For most mattresses, having something between the mattress itself and the floor is helpful. Whether this should be a box spring, a foundation, or a platform bed depends on several factors.
All mattresses will benefit from having a firm, solid foundation to rest on. Box springs were created to help absorb impact, reducing the wear and tear on the mattress. However, box springs were more prevalent when mattresses had much thinner profiles overall, and were primarily innerspring designs. Today, most modern mattresses do not necessarily require a box spring.
Whether or not you should use a box spring depends on a few factors. The main people that should use a box spring include:
- Those using a traditional metal rail bed frame, which is designed to cradle box springs
- Those with an older innerspring mattress designed for use with a box spring
- Those with a mattress whose manufacturer specifically recommends box springs
- Those who want to elevate their bed to make it easier to get in and out of
The main people who should not use a box spring include:
- Those with newer memory foam, latex, or hybrid mattresses
- Those who prefer the style or functionality of a platform bed, wood foundation, or other kind of bed base
- Those who prefer to sleep with a mattress directly on the floor
Do You Need A Box Spring When To Skip It Box Spring Alternatives And More
Depending on what type of bed you have, a box spring can either help or hurt your mattress. Use this guide to make your decision.
Designed to support a mattress, a box spring consists of a wood frame filled with either springs or a metal grid. The box spring is encased in fabric and placed beneath the mattress on a bed frame. Some also have supportive slats on the bottom. They’re made to match the sizes of most traditional mattresses, from twin to king.
Once commonly sold as an integral part of traditional innerspring mattress sets, box springs served several purposes until recent innovations began limiting their usefulness. Such purposes include:
- Adding support to the mattress
- Extending the mattress’s longevity
- Lifting the mattress higher so sleepers can more easily get in and out of bed
- Absorbing impact in order to protect the mattress and reduce wear and tear
- Improving breathability and airflow to help sleepers feel cool
- Helping to prevent mold and mildew growth outside the mattress
While many new mattresses do not require or work well with box springs, some still do. Other brands recommend them, but only if a metal frame is used. Still more suggest the use of a different type of bed frame or foundation altogether with their mattresses. We’ll go over who does and doesn’t need a box spring, and how to make sure you’re not using the wrong base for your mattress.
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Do You Need A Box Spring With A Hybrid Mattress What You Need To Know
Hybrid mattresses combine coil springs and foam-based materials to supply the pressure point relief and relaxation homes of a foam mattress, together with the durability of coils. Do You Need A Box Spring With A Hybrid Mattress
Hybrid mattresses are created to offer many of the exact same benefits as other kinds of memory foam mattresses, but also consist of coil springs to provide support. These coils are enclosed in a layer of foam, which indicates that hybrid mattresses will be more durable and firmer than pure memory foam models.
The concept is that by integrating these two materials, you can get the very best parts of both worlds: pressure-relieving convenience and durability.
