Did We Answer Your Question
So, does your memory foam mattress need a need box springs? No. However, they do need a foundation a solid structure with a flat surface or slats less than 2.75 inches apart.
You have infinite styles of foundations to choose from, but for the most cooling sleep experience, youll want a base with slats. If you want to save money or prefer the simplicity, placing your mattress on the floor is another viable option, just double-check with the retailer to ensure setting your mattress on the floor wont void your warranty.
Is It Okay To Put Memory Foam On The Floor
I get this question a lot: Is it ok to put a memory foam mattress directly on the floor? The simple answer is yes. Why? Because these mattresses need a solid, uniform bottom, and a floor provides that. The floor functions like a foundation.
Now, this will be a very low-profile bed because you don’t have the elevation that a foundation and frame would give you. This means getting out of bed will be a bit difficult. However, many people do this, particularly folks who are just starting out and trying to save some money.
Before Foregoing a Mattress Foundation . . .
Be sure to check your mattress’ warranty to determine whether it is affected or voided by not using a traditional foundation. If this is the case, you should consider using a base covered by your warranty.
Traditional Memory Foam Mattress
A traditional memory foam mattress adjusts to the shape and weight of your body. This will help cradle your pressure points, as well as improve circulation throughout the body.
These mattresses work well for those who are restless sleepersor if youre sleeping with a restless partner. They can also provide relief for those with chronic pain or aching muscles.
Don’t Miss: How Long Does It Take Casper Mattress To Inflate
Traditional Foundation Vs Box Spring
Traditional box springs are built with wooden frames, steel springs, and widely spaced slats. The slats absorb movements by reacting to weight and evenly distributing pressure, preventing sagging and wear in the mattress.
When a memory foam mattress is placed on a box spring, the box spring flexes, causing the bed to sag in the middle, rolling sleepers toward one another.
Box springs coils are spaced more than 2.75 inches apart, which can cause the memory foam mattress to dip below the coilsthis leads to unevenly distributed weight and premature disintegration.
Foundations are sturdy structures with evenly spaced slats or a solid platform. Unlike box springs, foundations dont flex under weightthis prevents the mattress from bending in the middle. Bed slats and box springs have advantages and disadvantages.
The Most Trending Findings
Browse our collection of the most thorough Mattress related articles, guides & tutorials. Always be in the know & make informed decisions!
Scientific References
1. Jay Portnoy, MD, Jeffrey D. Miller, MD, P. Brock Williams, PhD, et al.: ‘Environmental assessment and exposure control of dust mites: a practice parameter’
2. Joseph Pizzorno: ‘Is Mold Toxicity Really a Problem for Our Patients? Part IRespiratory Conditions’
Leave your honest feedback
Leave your genuine opinion & help thousands of people to choose the best mattress. All feedback, either positive or negative, are accepted as long astheyre honest. We do not publish biased feedback or spam. So if you want toshare your experience, opinion or give advice – the scene is yours!
Read Also: Best Base For Casper Mattress
What Is An Airbed
Airbeds utilize adjustable air chambers as their support system. Residential air beds have air chambers that are covered by upholstery and padding materials. These materials include fiber and foams.
As the firmness of airbeds can be adjusted this allows each side of the bed to be used separately to suit the individual needs of each sleeper. Airbeds have similar physical appearances as conventional beds.
However, they cant be used with regular bed frames due to the incompatibility of standard, wooden frames that come with 3 to 5 slats for support. However, there are other options that could help you if you want it to be elevated off the floor. Here are some solutions:
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.
Also Check: Price Of My Pillow Mattress Topper
Improves Lifespan Of Your Mattress
Placing your mattress on the right foundation will allow it to support you correctly, but it will also ensure that it does so throughout many years of use.
The average person spends about 33 years of their life in bedwhen we are not sleeping, we are either trying to get to sleep or sitting up in bed.
Mattresses need a sturdy support base to accommodate this constant use. The right foundation will save you the inconvenience and expense of having to replace your mattress after only a few years of use.
What Kind Of Foundation Does Your Mattress Need
There are some people who disregard the importance of a bed foundation. A mattress without a foundation is like a home without a foundation. You really cant have one without the other.
You cant put mattress directly on the ground, because this will decrease its useful life, and it will fail to provide the support it would otherwise provide. Therefore, a bed foundation is necessary. It will not only prolong the life of your mattress, but it will also allow it to provide you with better support.
There are various types of foundations available on the market these days and choosing the best one can be a real challenge. Purchasing the wrong one can cause discomfort and decrease the stability of your mattress, so you should know what kind of foundation your mattress really need.
In this guide, we will outline the best foundations that could go well with your mattress depending on its type and we will discuss various types of foundations that can be found on the market today.
Read Also: Wyoming King Bed Vs Alaskan King Bed
Adds Height To Your Bed
Allowing your mattress to rest on the ground is never a good idea. When sleeping on the floor, we are more open to cold air, dust, dirt, and humidity. It is also challenging to get out of bed when your bed is resting on the ground.
A mattress foundation can add anywhere from 16 to 23 inches of heightmany also come with the ability to adjust the height to your preference. However, it is best not to raise your bed too high, either.
The ADA recommends beds between 20 to 23 inches high from the floor to the top of the mattressthis will make it easier to climb into bed each night and also allow you to safely get out of bed in the morning.
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.
Don’t Miss: Can You Steam Clean A Purple Mattress
What Mattress Is Best For A Slatted Bed
Most mattresses can rest on a slatted foundationincluding memory or latex foam, hybrid, or innerspring beds. If you have an innerspring mattress and prefer to use a box spring for height, just be sure the foundation can support the weight of the box spring and the mattress.
Because slatted foundations dont add height, only support, if you have a memory or latex foam mattress, or a hybrid, it is best to pair a slatted bed with a bunkie board. Bunkie boards provide both support and height without the use of a box spring.
Box Spring Replacement Foundations
If you like the height that your box spring provides but it’s too old to use with your new foam mattress, a box spring replacement foundation is the way to go. That way, you still have the height you’re used to without sacrificing any support.
This Classic Brands Instant Foundation comes in all sizes and is very easy to assemble. It’s perfect for memory foam and latex mattresses. I’ve tested it myself.
Don’t Miss: Casper Mattress Murphy Bed
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.
Do You Need A Special Bed Frame For A Memory Foam Mattress
You dont need a special bed frame, so to speak, but memory foam mattresses do require a certain level of support. Most memory foam mattress warranties will specify that the mattress should be kept on a solid or slatted surface with slats no more than 3 inches apart. Most mattress foundations and platform beds meet this requirement, so its not terribly difficult to find a compatible bed frame for your foam mattress.
Don’t Miss: My Pillow Mattress Topper Prices
Is There A Way To Use A Box Spring With A Memory Foam Mattress
While you shouldnt directly use a memory foam mattress with a box spring, you can still use it to make your bed taller by slipping a bunkie board between your mattress and box spring. Bunkie boards are pieces of plywood or particleboard that are two or three inches thick, which provides a flat surface with enough support to prevent your mattress from sagging.
If you choose to shop for a bunkie board, double-check that its moisture resistant. Since a bunkie board is a solid base, its difficult for air to flow through and remove the moisture that collects at the bottom of your mattress. This is how stinky mold and mildew can grow underneath your mattress.
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.
Also Check: Wyoming King Memory Foam Mattress
Does A New Mattress Really Require A New Box Spring
by Sleep Boutique | Jul 18, 2014
So you go into a Mattress Shop to purchase a new mattress, and the salesperson tells you that you need the same brand engineered Box Spring, so you dont void the mattress warranty. Do you go ahead with it? Do you really need a new Box Spring? Is it really engineered for that mattress?
The simple answer is NO, you dont. However, there are some things to look at to ensure that you dont cause premature wearing to your new purchase. The large retailers and manufacturers may void your warranty, but if you find the right company it shouldnt void any warranty. The right company will stand behind their product as long as you have a strong and supportive foundation.
What is a Box Spring? First off, lets go back in history a little bit to a time when there was no foam in mattresses and most mattresses were metal springs, cotton, wool, horse hair ect . These natural fibres last forever but are more of a padding layer. Basically, they compact over time and are firm and not soft and plushy. So, to make your mattress softer along comes the Box Spring.
A Box Spring generally adds more movement to your mattress, since you are on a bouncy surface. Another selling point would be the fact that as you go into and out of bed or do other activities, other than sleeping, the Box Spring below you would take some absorption and thus put less wear and tear on your mattress. This is somewhat true, but is not too big a concern with modern materials.
Allows The Mattress To Work For You
Memory foam, latex foam, and hybrid mattresses contour to the body, so your muscles can recover as you sleep. These beds provide the perfect combination of cushioning and support so your spine remains in a safe, neutral position.
Without the right foundation, the mattress will begin to sag in certain places. As this happens, your body will also sinkforcing your spine out of alignment. When the spine is not straight, our bodies have to overcompensate for the lack of support by sleeping in uncomfortable positions. However, a stable support base will allow you to get the most out of your advanced mattress.
Read Also: Can You Put Casper Mattress On Box Spring
Full Size Bed Foundation
54 inches by 75 inches
Full size mattresses, also referred to as double beds, are ideal for growing teens who are no longer comfortable in their twin bed. These beds offer single sleepers more space to stretch out but may be too confining for couples. Full size beds also fit comfortably in most bedrooms.
Placing A Memory Foam Mattress On A Box Spring
Before you put the mattress on the box spring, make sure that the box spring is in good shape with no slats which are broken. This is because memory foam mattresses are naturally heavy. If you get a good king size memory foam mattress, it will way approximately 120 pounds. So if on top of it, you put the weight of you and your partner combined, around 200 pounds, it makes it a lot for a weak box spring to hold.An ideal set up for your memory foam mattress would be one that has no broken ends and no sagging. Most foundations are sold by memory foam companies and they are mostly made of hardwood slats which are covered with a fabric. The construction of the foundation is such that, it allows the memory foam mattress on top of it to be breathable due to adequate circulation. Putting a sheet of perforated plywood on top of the box spring is good. A plywood on top will also give it more support to allow even distribution to the memory foam on top of it.
Don’t Miss: Wyoming King Bed Mattress For Sale
The Benefits Of Memory Foam
Theres no shortage of reasons why you should consider picking memory foam mattresses over traditional mattress options.
While sleeping preferences will range from person to person, memory foam is unique in its ability to adapt to anyones needs. Here are some reasons why memory foam should be at the top of your priority list:
- Provides pressure point relief
- Supports your natural spinal alignment
- Naturally fights dust mites and other allergens
- Absorbs motion to keep you asleep longer
- It can last 3 to 5 years longer than a typical spring mattress
These combined benefits are perfect for creating the ideal sleeping environment. Whether you prefer a soft surface or a firm surface, memory foam will adjust to fit your preferences.
How Can I Make My Box Spring Look Better
How to Cover a Box Spring to Match Room Decor In-Depth Guide
Read Also: Dreamcloud Mattress Instructions
Best Bed Frame For Memory Foam Mattress
With a memory foam mattress, its best to use a slatted or solid mattress foundation. If you go with a slatted foundation, the slats should be no further than 3 inches apart. Any further apart and youll need to buy extra slats or a bunkie board to create a more stable surface for your memory foam mattress.
Modern platform beds are another good bed frame for memory foam mattresses. Platform beds are essentially just a more decorative mattress foundation, as they often contain features like built-in headboards or under-bed storage drawers. When you opt for a platform bed, you can skip the extra foundation and save money.
Since memory foam beds are so flexible, they also pair great with adjustable bed bases to promote a luxury nights sleep.
Donât Miss: Do I Need A Foundation For My Tempurpedic Mattress
