Which Bed Frames Dont Need A Box Spring
There are also a variety of bed frames that do not require a traditional box spring, regardless of the mattress type. Weve already confirmed that slat bed frames dont need a box spring as long as the slats are appropriately distanced. The other options include:
- Solid platform bed frame
- Adjustable bed frame
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.
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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 Bed Frame
If you have the proper support base for your mattress, you dont necessarily need a bed frame. Headboards and footboards are mostly decorativethey dont support the bed.
If your mattress is resting on the correct foundation, that is all you need however, if you have a slatted foundation attached to your bed frame, you will not be able to separate the base from the framethe two must stay together.
For the most part, the frame is optional, but the base the mattress rests on, is not. You will need to have the right base for support and to preserve the life of your mattress.
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Zinus 5 Inch Metal Smart Box Spring
ZINUS 5 is another popular box spring choice for buyers in the US. It is durable and comes with the assurance of not needing another box spring for years to come.
It is the 5 inch variant of the ZINUS design and can support up to 350 lbs in the twin design. Whereas, other designs offer support for up to 700 lbs. Customers also get a 5-year warranty with this box spring.
Steel Grid Platform Foundation
Zinus 14 Inch SmartBase Deluxe Platform Bed Frame
A steel grid platform foundation is just what it sounds like a solid metal grid, often mounted on legs that sits underneath a mattress and provides solid, but lighter weight support. They have well-placed slats positioned in a grid style that provide the solid support that is needed for a memory foam mattress without the complication of extra springs.
Steel grid mattresses are extremely popular with those looking to replace an old box spring without spending a great deal of money. The fact that they are also easy to move and quite easy to set up are also big pluses for some.
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What Can I Substitute For A Box Spring
If you sleep on an innerspring bed, there is no adequate replacement for a box spring. Innerspring beds already have the shortest usable lives of all mattress types. Youll want to get as much use out of your bed as possible by placing it on a box spring.
Memory foam mattresses, however, should never be placed on top of box springs. If you sleep on a memory foam mattress, you should substitute your box spring with a platform bed or a firm foundation.
It May Make Your Bed Uncomfortably High
For generations, traditional beds have been mainly composed of a couple of essential components the foundation and the mattress itself.
A foundation is the mechanism or support base that sits beneath a mattress. To make your memory foam mattress work properly, you need a solid and sturdy foundation.
The foundation has three major purposes:
- It creates a flat and hard foundation, allowing the mattress to lie in a horizontal position.
- The foundation helps reduce mattress wear as well as absorbs some of the impact caused by body weight.
- The foundation raises the whole mattress to a pretty convenient height, so people can, with greater ease, get in and out of bed.
So, when you add a new memory foam mattress on top of an old one, youre adding more elevation to your bed. A 4-inch foam mattress may make your bed so high that you might need to use a stool to get up on it.
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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 the warranty on your mattress 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.
Can You Put A Memory Foam Mattress On A Platform Bed
Yes. Most people choose to place their memory foam mattresses on platform beds for a few simple reasons:
A variety of platform beds are available online, and in most cases, you can assemble your new platform bed yourself. Then, you can simply place your memory foam mattress on your platform bed with no need to mess around with any box springs or foundations.
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Using A Box Spring For A Foam Mattress
So why exactly can’t you use your old box spring? According to Casper, the slats on older box springs are too far apart to support the weight of a foam mattress, and that lack of support can cause it to sag. Instead, you need a platform with slats that are much closer together.
Casper’s redesigned box spring, “The Foundation.”
Casper sells The Foundation, a redesigned box spring that’s made to sit on a normal bed frame. It has slats that are closer together to support the Casper mattress.
Some other mattress companies, like Nectar, suggest that you actually can use your existing box spring to support a foam mattress, as long as it is supported by a metal bed frame, like this.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that most companies will encourage you to buy their brand-specific product to support the mattress, which of course, is advantageous for their bottom line.
Even if you’d rather skip buying another product, it may be worth considering getting a new platform because of the warranty issue. To be safe, check the warranty on your new mattress and verify with the company that the platform you decide to use will not void the manufacturer’s warranty.
Buying a new foundation from your mattress company isn’t the only way to support your new mattress. You can also create a flat surface with a bunkie board or a piece of plywood. Nectar has step-by-step instructions on how to do that.
Are Box Springs Obsolete
Box springs arent entirely obsolete, but theyre getting there. Box springs are only compatible with innerspring mattresses, and innerspring mattresses are not nearly as popular as they once were. Plus, mattress foundations and other mattress supports are the go-to options for shoppers, and these options can also be paired with innersprings.
We wouldnt suggest investing in a box spring in todays mattress world. That said, if you still have a box spring and dont want to part ways with it just yet, you can throw a bunky board or piece of plywood on top of it to enhance its support and prolong its lifespan.
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Do You Need A Box Spring Or A Solid Foundation With A Foam Mattress
All you need for your foam mattress is a solid base. Closely laid wooden slats, a metal base, a bunkie board, or even the floor will all do just fine in place of a box spring. That said, if your box spring is rigid and firm , it should be okay to use with a memory foam or latex mattress.
Typical foundations on the market today are either steel frame and steel frame/wood slat combinations or come with a nice zippered cover, and a solid wood top or even tacked cardboard. They are ideal for memory foam or latex mattresses because they provide a solid, uniform bottom for the foam cores. The less give you have, the better.
A Common Question About Mattresses
I’ve been in the mattress industry over a decade, and the number one question I hear from people is, “What type of foundation or support base should I use with my memory foam or latex mattress?”
As most of you know, a foundation is the support base or mechanism that sits underneath a mattress. Both memory foam and latex mattresses require a solid, uniform foundation to work properly.
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Do Memory Foam Mattresses Need A Box Spring
Not all memory foam mattresses need a box spring heres why
To get the most out of your mattress, its important that you place it on a suitable foundation. That’s because even the best mattress for your sleep needs a proper base to help it perform at its most comfortable and supportive, but not all foundations are suitable, especially if you have a memory foam bed.
Before the best memory foam mattresses came along, the most popular bed choice was innerspring mattresses. Most of these need a box spring a fabric-covered wooden frame containing springs, providing extra support, minimizing motion transfer and stopping the mattress from sagging.
So do memory foam mattresses need a box spring? Not always. All-foam models are made differently to innersprings and as they are usually constructed in layers with a firm base, you might not need the extra features provided by a box spring. Some all-foam models also sag when placed on a box spring that has slats spaced too far apart.
Here we explain what you need to know about memory foam mattresses and box springs, including the alternative foundations worth considering.
Foldable Metal Platform Foundations
I recently tested the Pragma bed platform with both a memory foam and a latex mattress. The platform worked beautifully with both types. It unfolds easily and folds right back up in seconds to store. The metal support stands are close enough together to provide that much-needed congruous support.
This foundation is great for guest beds that need to be put away after use but would also work well for a main mattress with longterm use. I highly recommend this platform foundation. It comes in a surprisingly small box because it is collapsible. It is also lightweight, which makes it easy to move , so it is great for storage.
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Can You Use A Piece Of Plywood Instead Of A Box Spring
If you have a bed frame or foundation that needs extra support to hold a mattress , you can use a piece of plywood to create a more sturdy surface for your mattress. Be sure to choose moisture-resistant plywood and check to see that its at least .75 inches thick. Plywood that is too thin will sag and eventually crack and break under the weight of a mattress and sleeper.
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 or other mattresses without springs to dip below the box springs 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.
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The Bifold Box Spring
If you enjoy the convenience of shopping online but question your handy-man skills, the Jayanna Metal BiFold® Box Spring is your cup of tea. Similar to opening a really large book, this metal foundation comes pre-assembled and only requires unfolding to become bedtime ready. Plus, this folding mechanism comes in especially handy when you need to maneuver around tight corners or up stairways.
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.
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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.
Box Springs Vs Foundations
A traditional box spring consists of a frame with steel springs or widely spaced wooden slats and a cloth cover. Most of these bases are made with a wooden frame however, some modern models have metal components.
Box spring bases absorb shock from the sleepers movements. The coils or slats react to the sleepers weight and evenly distribute pressure to prevent wear or sagging.
When paired with a foam bed, the box spring flexes, causing the mattresses to sag in the middle, which rolls the sleepers towards each other. Box springs typically have wooden slats more than 2.75 inches apart. This is another issue for memory foam mattresses, as the foam can sometimes dip below the slats and unevenly distribute weight, leading to premature material disintegration.
Foundations are a completely different product from box springs. They create a solid surface with evenly spaced slats or whole pieces of hard material to reinforce the mattress. Foundations do not flex with weight. The closer spaced slats are more supportive, resulting in less shock absorption.
Because foundations are sturdy, they can pair well with memory foam mattresses. While there are many different styles of foundations, some are built into bed furniture while others come separately.
Box springs and foundations come in three different height profiles: standard , medium , and low .
All box springs and their accompanying foundations come in twin twin XL , full , queen , king , and California king sizes .
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