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.
Many Retailers Dont Even Carry The Once
HEIGHT ANXIETY Carol Burnett in 1960, in Once Upon a Mattress. A box spring in a contemporary frame can make a bed too tall.
I HAVE ONE of the worlds tiniest guest bedrooms. This was not a problem during the pandemic. But with the impending return of houseguestsremember them?I realized recently that I need to transform the 85-square-foot space into a comfortable room.
The other day I was standing there, with my arms folded. Actually I was standing in the rooms doorway because there wasnt really enough room to stand in the room with my arms folded. If I put my arms straight down at my sides, I could stand in the room. But that was uncomfortable for deep thinking. And I was pondering: What would make this sad space more inviting?
Mattresses are much better than in the old days, when a box spring was necessary for comfort and support, Mr. Jelinek said.
My gaze naturally settled on the bed itself, which for a full-size double bed seemed huge. Hulking, even. And theneureka!I would have slapped my forehead if there were room: The biggest problem was the puffy, princess-and-the-pea box spring and mattress set.
My guest bed really, really dominates the room, I said to LeeAnn Baker, an interior designer in Seattle whom I phoned for advice. How do I fix this problem?
My bed is currently several inches higher than that, I said.
In a bedroom by Seattle designer LeeAnn Baker, the mattress is supported by the bed frames platformno boxspring needed.
Does My Bed Need A Box Spring
Most mattresses particularly newer ones do not require a box spring in order to be comfortable. That said, box springs or foundations serve some important purposes:
- They provide a stable base for the mattress which minimizes sagging, reduces wear and tear, and increases the life of the mattress.
- They keep the mattress off the floor. Low-profile beds are attractive, but a mattress sitting directly on the floor is not a good idea without taking certain precautions.
- They meet the requirements of many mattress warrantieswhich become void if you fail to use the mattress on one of the recommended bases.
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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.
Are Box Springs Necessary
A box spring will complement your coil spring mattress very well. However, you can place your coil spring mattress on most bed foundations. Memory foam, latex, coil spring, hybrid, and AirFoam mattresses will be comfortable on a:
- Foundation
- Platform
- Adjustable Base
You could put your mattress directly on the floor but this would impede air circulation, therefore, limiting your mattress lifespan. If you enjoy having your mattress on the floor, put the mattress on its side now and then to air out. A good time to do this is when youre changing the bedclothes.
The important thing to remember is that your mattress is on a sturdy flat surface. An inadequate mattress foundation could have a serious impact on your sleep health and physical health, if there is any sagging in your mattress it could put your spine out of alignment, exacerbating aches, pains, and limiting your quality of sleep.
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Collapsible Bed Frame Users
Box springs used to be so popular because they were often paired with collapsible metal bed frames. These frames create an outline for your mattress, but are not reinforced with slats to provide support all along the surface of the mattress.
Thats why box springs were key. They added that extra support to help extend the lifespan of your mattress and keep you comfortably supported while you slept. If you still have a frame like this, you will need a box spring.
If you use a metal bed frame with slats, a platform bed frame, or an adjustable bed frame, you probably will not need a box spring.
Characteristics Of A Memory Foam Mattress
Memory foam mattresses are quite popular these days. They offer something new and improved for the consumer to consider. The idea that a mattress can mold to ones body and cradle them as they sleep is revolutionary. This is a far cry from the traditional mattress that contains springs that may wear out or break with extended use.
There are characteristics of a memory foam mattress that consumers should consider when deciding to make the switch from traditional to memory foam. The first characteristic to consider is the weight of a memory foam mattress. They tend to be heavy and need a solid foundation. The ideal setup would include a solid with a flat surface to lay the mattress on. You will then need a bed foundation to rest the mattress and support on.
Secondly, memory foam mattresses have the ability to aid in the treatment of chronic back problems and poor circulation. While sleeping, memory foam can relieve pressure points and spinal pressure. The average individual spends one-third of their life in bed. So, it seems sensible to have a mattress that would aid in the treatment of chronic ailments.
Lastly, memory foam is a material labeled hypoallergenic. This means that while you sleep, the threat of needing an antihistamine in the morning is low. Because of the material used, consumers are less likely to have an allergic reaction during their sleep.
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So Does A Memory Foam Mattress Need A Box Spring
Memory foam is a unique material that enables us to sleep with ease as we are cradled into the mattress, unlike a traditional bed with an innerspring mattress. These unique mattresses are designed to treat chronic ailments and keep our bodies at an optimum temperature for a good nights sleep.
Box springs are the go-to choice for most types of mattresses. Traditionally, this choice would serve its purpose well. Memory foam mattresses are not traditional and thus need a little more than a box spring can give. They are heavy and need a firm foundation to allow them to breathe and not begin sagging.
Our takeaway from this knowledge is that a box spring is not the ideal choice, rather, a more firm foundation is. A firm foundation will allow the memory foam to do what it is designed for and help extend the life of the mattress. It will provide enough support without losing the incredible benefits of a memory foam bed.
The short answer is a proper foundation is key to the life of a memory foam mattress. Foundations are usually solid. A thick piece of plywood, a bunkie board, or even the floor can serve as a solid foundation. Another good choice is a metal or wood slat foundation with evenly spaced horizontal slats.
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Box Spring Vs Foundation Vs Platform Bed
Most mattresses require something between the mattress and the floor. While many beds actually function just fine when placed directly on the floor, this restricts airflow and can lead to unsanitary conditions. So, most people will want to use some sort of foundation whether thats a box spring, a foundation, or a platform bed depends on the type of mattress you choose, as well as personal preference.
A box spring is a simple support consisting of a wooden/metal frame, filled with metal coils/springs or a metal grid, and wrapped in fabric. They are primarily used for innerspring 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. Foundations offer a very firm surface for mattresses to rest on, making them a good choice for foam beds. Most foundations are designed to be used with a bed frame, although some companies offer free-standing versions.
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. Platform beds offer an all-in-one solution, but they can be pricier than other options.
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How To Choose A Mattress For A Child
Good sleep is vital for children. Kids need more hours of sleep than adults, and sleeping well is important during all stages of childhood development. Outfitting their bed with a quality mattress is a central part of making sure that children get the sleep that they need.
Knowing how to choose a mattress for a child has quite a bit of overlap with choosing a mattress for an adult, but there are meaningful differences to take into account.
One key difference is that safety is a greater concern when shopping for beds for children, especially infants who sleep in cribs. Assuring that the mattress meets safety guidelines is of the utmost importance.
Another difference is the size of the bed. Unlike adults, children can outgrow a bed, so it is necessary to think about the most appropriate size mattress based on a childs age and their expected growth.
Depending on how old a child is, they may be able to use a smaller size of a bed designed for adults. In other cases, parents may prefer a mattress built specifically for children. Choosing from the pool of beds available to adults means a wider selection of mattress types, models, and brands.
The cost of a mattress for kids can be another point of divergence. Many beds for kids are smaller and thinner, and the reduced amount of materials can make them less expensive. However, there are some beds for children that are designed with lots of extra features and can carry a price tag similar to that of an adult mattress.
What Is The Difference Between A Foundation And A Box Spring
A foundation, also known as a platform bed, is great for supporting most modern mattresses, such as memory foam, whereas a box spring is only recommended to use with older, traditional innerspring mattresses. A foundation comes in many different styles, and even has options with storage containing capabilities.
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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.
Why A Good Mattress Foundation Is Essential
A box spring is only one of the many foundation choices available today. It’s important that you look at all of your options, and make sure you select one that works well with your mattress type, because you may not need a box spring.
For example, latex mattresses are heavier than coil and memory foam mattresses, so a stronger foundation is needed.
The mattress foundation has quite an impact on how the mattress will feel while you are sleeping on it. Also, it will affect how long the mattress lasts.
Why is it important to buy the right mattress foundation?
The right foundation provides a mattress with the support it needs, so sleepers can experience all the benefits that come with the mattress.
The right foundation helps with airflow, allowing for better mattress breathability and ventilation, which makes for a cooler sleeping surface and allows body moisture to escape, preventing mildew.
The right foundation, including a platform bed, keeps a bed and bed frame securely in its place.
The right foundation, such as a platform bed, can add height to a mattress, so sleepers can choose the overall height of their bed.
The right foundation helps to extend the overall life of a mattress.
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What Is A Platform Bed
A platform bed is a type of bed frame that is designed to provide a flat foundation that can support a mattress without the use of a box spring. Many platform frames offer an underbed storage space that is especially useful for people who live in small apartments.
Traditionally, the term platform bed was used to describe simple, minimalist bed frames, but today platform beds can include a far-ranging collection of styles, designs, and materials.
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.
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Do Latex Mattresses Need Box Springs
Latex mattresses do not go well with box springs because they are heavier, firmer, and generally designed to rest on solid foundations.
The weight of the body and that of latex can cause the metallic coils of the box spring base to bend, break, or lose their elasticity. As a result, the bed frame base will be uneven, and can cause both damages to the mattress and discomforts to the sleeper.
A latex mattress has all the qualities that a box spring adds to a mattress. The natural firmness and elasticity of latex provide maximum support and comfort to the mattress.
In addition, latex is known for its thermoregulation properties. Therefore, its not advisable to use a box spring foundation for a mattress with these kinds of qualities, because it may not make any significant differences to how your mattress feels. Therefore, you may find you dont need a box spring, and instead prefer another type of base.
Does An Eco Terra Mattress Need A Box Spring
The Eco Terra Natural Hybrid mattress works well with any strong supportive base, including a box spring. You dont need to worry about buying a new foundation for your mattress if you already have a bed frame thats compatible with a box spring. All you need to ensure is that your new Eco Terra natural Hybrid mattress is well supported during use.
Also, if you have a platform bed, you dont need additional support from a box spring. Platform beds already have adequate support from the wooden slats, the headboards, and the footboards. Simply position your new mattress correctly on the bed to enjoy a luxurious sleep.
The Eco Terra Mattress is also compatible with most adjustable beds in the market because of its flexibility. The hybrid is made of all-organic latex, cotton, and wool to infuse the best of these qualities into your mattress. The latex is for flexibility, breathability, and support, while the cotton and wool provide the perfect cushioning with a touch of luxury. Thus, most types of mattress foundations are very compatible with the Eco Terra Natural Hybrid mattress.
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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
The Standing Box Spring
Maybe you’re not interested in buying multiple pieces to complete the ensemble. And hey, we appreciate your desire for efficiency. Our Justina Metal Mattress Foundation is right up your alley. This clever creation is a box spring and base frame, rolled into one. Featuring a fabric cover available in a variety of colors with an upholstered look, accompanied by solid wood legs, it’s perhaps the fanciest box spring you’ll ever lay eyes on. The fanciest, and the most functional.
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