Is It Necessary To Replace Box Springs When Replacing Mattress

Putting The Mattress Directly On The Floor

A flat floor can be a great and supportive foundation for your mattress. You dont have to stress yourself about doing it all it takes is to put the mattress on a flat floor surface literally. The flatness of the floor is ideal for offering firm support.

You need to consider this alternative to box spring because of its many health benefits. Other than increased blood circulation throughout the body, this DIY box spring idea effectively improves posture. By putting your mattress directly on the floor, you are effectively waving goodbye to backache problems.

Some of the benefits that come with putting your mattress directly on the floor include

• Its cost-effective
• Its an effective solution to hot sleeping due to the natural coldness of the floor
• Its healthy because it puts the spine in its natural position when you are sleeping.

Despite many benefits, putting your mattress directly on the floor comes with the disadvantage of risking your health due to microorganisms exposure. It also puts you at risk of having a mattress with poor air circulation, and if youre a side sleeper, it puts you at risk of backaches.

Can You Mix And Match Mattresses And Box Springs

The short answer is yes. However, mixing an old box spring with a new mattress will ultimately leave you with less support and a higher risk of the box spring deteriorating faster. This combination is also outside of mattress warranties, meaning you would be unable to return the mattress.

Using a box spring meant for a thinner mattress with a thicker mattress would cause similar results. The box springs job is to absorb the shock for the mattress, meaning it would be wise to use a box spring to fully support and absorb the shock from the mattress itself and the weight expected to be on top of the mattress as well.

This is why consumers are typically urged to upgrade their box spring, along with their mattress. However, using an older mattress with a newer box spring could aid in keeping the shape of the mattress. Keep in mind it is recommended to change your mattress every eight years.

Best Bed Foundations For Latex Mattresses

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.

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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.

Box Spring Replacement: When To Do It What To Replace With

Box Spring Replacement: having a solid support is so important for your sleep. If youve got an old, tired box spring, it will be affecting the performance of your mattress, no matter how new or how fancy it is. Theres no way around it: saggy box spring = saggy mattress!

Luckily there are a ton box spring replacement options including lots of box spring alternatives. Thats right, you dont NEED to use a box spring!

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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 Is A Boxspring

A boxspring is a support for your mattress and is typically constructed from a wooden frame, covered in cloth with springs in the middle. It is usually built the same size as the mattress it will support and thats why you often are able to buy a mattress and box spring as a set when you buy a new mattress.

The boxspring fulfills three needs:

These days, the word boxspring is somewhat of a misnomer, because most dont use springs. The term foundation is a more apt description. This has changed in the past decade or two. Up until the early 2000s, most boxsprings used actual springs in them and acted as a shock absorber for the mattress. Now, most mattresses use foundations that are just sturdy, inflexible boxes that support the mattress. These can be made of wood or metal.

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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.

When Is It Okay To Keep My Old Box Spring Or Foundation

Now you understand why the mattress industry automatically assumes new mattress shoppers need a new foundation or box spring. Are they being 100% truthful and accurate? Nope, not quite. But still, chances are pretty good that youll be better off replacing your old box spring or foundation.

If your old box spring or foundation meets the criteria below, it might be okay to keep it for a bit longer:

• No damage or excessive wear
• Not more than 3 to 5 years old
• Is a newer foundation design without springs or coils
• No exposure to extreme temperatures, humidity, excessive dust, etc.
• Supports/slats are close enough together to support modern mattress designs

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Why Do You Need A Box Spring

Although most modern mattresses don’t need a box spring to be comfortable some mattress warranties still require a box spring. In some cases adding a box spring to your mattress enhances the comfort and support you get from your bed. The information below should answer the question, ‘Do I Need a Boxspring?’

A box spring is necessary if:

• Your mattress warranty requires one, helps to prevent your mattress from breaking down

• You’re using a bed frame

• Your mattress is a traditional double-sided innerspring

• You need or want the extra height, to make it easier to get into and out of bed

• You want the added bounce and support a box spring offers

Sometimes a different type of foundation works better, depending on the type of mattress and your personal preferences. Learn more about that in our Foundation Guide.

Do Box Springs Wear Out And Interfere With Your Sleep

Is your mattress suddenly sagging? Perhaps youre not sleeping as well as you used to. Have you considered whether the cause of your problems is the support system your mattress is on? Because the answer to the question Do box springs wear out? is a big yes, but its not always something we think of when were trying to solve our sleep problems or make our beds more comfortable. Heres everything you need to know about box springs.

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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.

Do I Need A Box Spring For My Mattress Your Top Alternatives Revealed

If youre in the market for a mattress and wondering if you need a box spring, then this article is for you

The short answer is no, you dont need a box spring for your mattress! What you need is a foundation, which doesnt necessarily have to be a box spring. In fact, youll be happier if you choose a box spring alternative instead.

If you read until the end of this post, youll have all the information you need to make an educated decision on what bed foundation will best protect your mattress investment.

Why do you need a mattress foundation?

Without a proper foundation, your mattress will sink and become uncomfortable. But whats even worse than the lack of comfort this sinkage causes is the lack of support. If your mattress doesnt evenly support your body as you sleep, then youll likely wake up in the morning with aches and pains. When it comes to lack of support, boxsprings are a primary offender.

There are several box spring alternatives that will provide a better foundation for your mattress to rest on. Alternatives like platform beds, wood foundations, and adjustable beds are longer-lasting than boxsprings. Using one of these alternatives means youll have appropriate support and firmness for your back throughout the night.

So even though box springs used to be considered a practical and functional part of your beds setup, they have become largely outdated. Theres better options to choose from now! But you may be wondering

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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

Boxspring Vs Foundation: Whats The Difference

Sometimes, people use the term boxspring and other times its a foundation. So whats the difference? Basically, in todays market a boxspring and foundation are the same thing. Originally, boxsprings were constructed with actual springs contained inside of a wood frame .

Modern manufacturers have found more efficient ways to create lightweight, supportive boxsprings without the springs say hello to foundations.

The words boxspring and foundation can usually be used interchangeably, assuming no springs are actually used. In the case where you skip the boxspring, your bed frame actually becomes your foundation since it offers the same support.

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When Should I Replace My Box Spring And Mattress

bedshouldthemattressesit’sa new

. In this manner, do I need to replace box spring with mattress?

It’s not always necessary to replace your box spring every time you replace your mattress, but it’s probably a good idea to do so. Box springs usually last around 10 years, which is a slightly longer lifespan than a mattress. Worn-out box springs can cause your new mattress to sag sooner and create discomfort.

how do I know if my box spring is worn out? Four Signs Your Box Spring Is Worn Out

Also, when should I replace my box spring?

A good rule of thumb is to replace your box spring when you replace your mattress. Your old foundation may be fine, but it’s not always easy to spot signs of a worn out box spring. Plus, it may only last a few more years if it’s on the older end. Replacing them together helps you maximize the life of your new mattress.

Can a bad box spring ruin a mattress?

Bend or Fold your mattress.All of these things can be damaged or even ruined if bent or folded. Use your mattress and boxspring without a proper supporting bed frame is probably one of the most often don’t do’s that people do. Without a frame the boxspring will bow, sag, or even worse break.

Whats The Best Box Spring To Get

So youve decided that you want to buy a new box spring. Great! This means that you fit one of the following scenarios:

The good news about newly made box springs is that they dont contain springs any more . They are now made with a wooden internal framework and a cloth cover.

This is great because the spring component of a box spring, which was originally there to provide flexible support for a mattress, is pretty much always the box spring part that wears out first. When springs lose their coil which they gradually do over time they lose their ability to support weight. This leads to the dreaded mattress sag.

My favorite pick for a good quality, made in the USA box spring that wont break the bank is US Box Spring. Theyve been in the business of specializing in box springs for decades, and have updated their product to offer a sturdy, covered platform box spring.

Want more info on US Box Spring? Read my detailed review and rundown of their product here.

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What You Dont Know Could Void Your Warranty

The point about voiding your warranty is no small consideration. Many newly designed options, especially among the memory foam and latex varieties, require you to use something beneath the actual mattress and even list the types of bases and frames that comply with or void the warranty.

Why? Because bases that do not support your mattress will cause it to deteriorate prematurely. And that would be your fault. And the fact that you caused the wear and tear beyond normal use, you yourself will have voided your own warranty.

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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How Can I Make My Box Spring Last Longer

Its important for your box spring to remain clean, healthy, and comfortable for as long as possible. With just a little care and maintenance you can increase the lifespan of your box spring.

Consider the following tips:

• Use an organic mattress protector to ensure a healthy sleep environment. This simple cover protects your bed from sweat, spills, dust, and allergens. You can find organic mattress protectors like this one, on Amazon.
• Wash and change your bed sheets regularly .
• Vacuum the felt cover on your box spring regularly. If the cover is easily removable, wash it!
• Avoid eating in bed. Crumbs can accumulate in the mattress and the box spring which produces a favorable environment for bacteria to breed.
• Rotate your box spring 180 degrees from head to foot every two to six months to minimize body impressions and to promote even wear.
• Dont jump on your bed. The springs will collapse and deteriorate quicker.
• Air out your box spring in the sun every few months . This will disinfect the box spring and diminish humidity.

Following these simple precautions will help you drive dust, dirt, and bacteria away. They will also help promote a clean and healthy sleeping environment, and most importantly they will extend the lifespan of your box spring.

An old and dusty box spring with all sorts of damage.