Can You Put A Memory Foam Mattress On Top Of Another Memory Foam Mattress
You technically can place a memory foam mattress on top of another memory foam mattress, but its not recommended, and doing so will probably void your mattress warranty. Memory foam mattresses need solid, sturdy support, and since memory foam mattresses are contouring and cushioning, they dont necessarily provide solid support, meaning its not a great idea to place a foam bed on top of another foam bed.
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 .
Do Box Springs Make A Difference To Your Mattress
Box springs are mainly used because they keep the mattress ventilated, providing an excellent solution for people who sleep hot . They are also effective at helping reduce motion transfer on your innerspring mattress. If you have a metal bed frame, a box spring should provide even support for your mattress, preventing it from sagging in the middle.
Box springs can also be used to make innerspring models last longer, providing a durable and stable surface for them to rest on. You can use them directly beneath your mattress either on a bed frame or on the floor.
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Best For Memory Foam: Mainstays 5 White Jacquard Smart Box Spring
Constructed out of ultra-sturdy steel, the Mainstays Smart Box Spring can support a memory foam mattress and any combination mattress with gel, latex, or intersprings. It comes with a white jacquard cover, which is removable and machine-washable.
This versatile 5-inch box spring can be set up in secondsno tools needed. Plus, if you need to move it or store it, it folds back up into a conveniently compact configuration.
Unlike most others in its category, the Spinal Solution Mattress Foundation is constructed out of wood. The support slats are designed to evenly distribute the weight of the mattress, which can help minimize tossing and turning. Though it weighs only 40 pounds, it supports up to 800 pounds of weight.
This box spring can be set up within seconds and is easy to store and transport. It comes in two profile heights, 4.5 inches and 7.75 inches.
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.
About the author
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What Type Of Foundation Is Best For Memory Foam And Latex Mattresses
With over a decade of experience in the mattress industry, I’m here to help you decide which mattress foundation is best for you.
Should you use a foundation or a box spring under your memory foam or latex mattress?
I’ve been in the mattress industry over a decade, and the #1 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.
What Is A Box Spring
Box springs are a combination of wood and steel springs. They serve as a foundation for traditional mattresses. They help to absorb shock from unnatural movements like jumping on the bed or natural movements like rolling over.
A box spring is usually purchased either as a set with a new mattress or individually. Sometimes a box spring can outlive a mattress. This brings up the question of can I use a box spring with a memory foam mattress?
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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.
Box Springs: The Squeaky Truth
Box springs are typically used for older mattresses, including innerspring mattresses. The coils or springs of innerspring mattresses pair with box springs to offer stability and support while you sleep. Most warranties for newer types of mattresses today will be voided if you use a box spring. Memory foam, latex, hybrid, and Purple mattresses should not use box springs.
Box springs are ideal for: Innerspring mattresses. The springs in each help to support you as you sleep. Check with your mattress manufacturer to be sure if a box spring will work for you.
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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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Gel Memory Foam Mattress
A gel memory foam mattress is made out of the same material that you might find in inserts made for your shoes. This type of memory foam is great for those require a little bit of extra support.
Its also perfect for those who find themselves feeling overheated when sleeping on a typical memory foam mattress. Gel memory foam doesnt have the same heating effect of traditional memory foam and can keep those sleeping on it cool and comfortable.
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What Is The Correct Way To Use A Box Spring
A box spring usually goes between the metal or wooden bed frame and the mattress. Experts generally recommend the use of a bed base with a stiffer mattress. The firmest of all mattresses can feel a little softer with the use of a box spring.
Since the box spring acts as a direct support to the mattress, you should use it immediately underneath it. You can choose to omit a bed frame altogether. However, adding a bed frame to your bed gives it the extra couple of inches and keeps it way above the floor dust.
It is very crucial for you to buy your foundation or box spring from a reputed retailer or the mattress manufacturer of your choice. Since the primary task of the bed base is to provide support that conserves the integrity of the mattress, it is of utmost importance that it has a good design.
So Do You Need A Box Spring For A Memory Foam Mattress
No, you dont. Box springs dont work well for super-modern mattresses, in particular, for foam mattresses. However, it doesnt mean that you dont need a foundation at all memory foam mattresses are quite heavy, so they need more support than other types of mattresses. If you have a memory foam mattress, it is recommended choosing a quality slatted foundation as the base.
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Do Memory Foam Mattresses Need Box Springs
By Sarah Anderson, Certified Sleep Science Coach
If youre buying a new memory foam mattress and have a box spring youve been using for the past few years, you might be considering combining the two. And why not? Isnt it a great way to give your new bed some bounce and height?
Actually, its not. Placing your new memory foam mattress on top of a box spring will likely cause it to sag within a few short years. Plus, most companies void a mattress warranty if you pair your memory foam mattress with a box spring. If your mattress loses support or falls apart because of a box spring, you wont be able to file for a warranty claim.
Why Do I Need Support For A Memory Foam Mattress
Without the proper foundation, a memory foam mattress can lose its shape over time. As a result, the qualities that make it strong and supportive the qualities designed to help keep your spine aligned and in good posture throughout the night will diminish, making for a bed that can cause stress, discomfort and even pain.
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King Size Bed Foundation
76 inches by 80 inches
A king size mattress is excellent for couples who are looking for more space. Kings offer enough room to accommodate both you and your partners needs, but they do require a larger bedroom to comfortably fit. Since the standard US bedroom is 11 by 12 feet, a king bed leaves little room around the bed for movement or additional furniture. A master bedroom may be more suited for this size mattress.
How A Box Spring Can Support You And Your Mattress
At the end of the day, your mattress needs to be able to support you as you sleep. Memory foam mattresses typically need some type of support beneath the mattress to ensure that they can support your body long-term. Without a box spring, this can be hard to achieve.
Providing a solid foundation for your mattress
If your bed frame is constructed with slats , getting a box spring will provide a solid surface for your mattress to sit on top of. If you dont, the bottom of your mattress will develop wave-like indentations, that will eventually compromise the support layer of your mattress, and make it harder for your mattress to give you the full support you deserve.
Similar to bed frames with slats, metal bed frames warrant a box spring because of their perimeter frames that lack internal support. Foam no matter what the density will not support you long-term on a metal bed frame. Electing to use your foam mattresses without a box spring will lead to major drooping in the center of your mattress! In these scenarios, a low profile or standard size box spring will help to support the mattress as you sleep.
If you are purchasing a bed with a solid foundation at the bottom, like a platform bed, a box spring isnt necessary, although a thinner box spring like our 2 Bunkie Board would be a good option for extra stability.
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Do You Think You Need A New Foundation
Box springs often do not exhibit the same levels of wear and tear as the mattresses do. Therefore, it is difficult for a user to understand when it is time to replace their old bed bases.
We often see several customers using their brand-new mattresses with their old box springs. It makes us wonder if they know how much stress they are about to expose their mattress to. The average lifespan of a box spring is usually between 8 and 10 years.
The exact level of wear at the end of a decade will depend upon the level of use, the weight of the sleeper and the quality of the mattress. Ideally, you should use your old foundation as long as your old mattress lasts.
That can be lesser than 8 years, but as soon as you get a new mattress, you should look for a new bed base as per the specifications of your new mattress and the manufacturers requirements. In many cases, people suffer from sore necks, stiffened backs and numbing shoulder pains in the mornings even after changing their old mattresses.
It might be a sign of an old sagging box spring that is crying for change. Therefore, you should consider changing your bed base if its recommended lifespan has expired to get better sleep each night.
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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Do You Need A Box Spring If You Have Slats
In most cases, you do not need a box spring if youre using a bed with built-in wood slats, like those commonly used in a platform bed. Adding box springs to this setup only increases the height and weight of your bed, not the support. Platform bed slats are designed to support your mattress without the use of box springs.
However, some metal slat kits are designed to act as a bed frame and support for a box spring and mattress set. If the slats are spaced too far apart a heavy mattress by itself would sag and cause you discomfort as you sleep. In this case, you would need slats to support your box springs and box springs to support your mattress.
Using A Traditional Box Spring
Furniture and bedding experts tend to agree that a box spring is not necessarily needed for a memory foam mattress.
The primary benefit of a box spring is that it absorbs the movement from the sleeper. However, memory foam is already designed to absorb the shock of a sleepers movementand minimizes any disturbance this may cause.
As far as memory foam support, any type of bed frame that keeps the mattress supported will help keep its shape over time. You dont necessarily need a box spring in order to do this. However, you can use a box spring as the foundation for your mattress in order to ensure that it lasts as long as possible.
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