Consider Your Mattress Type:
If you have a memory foam mattress, you may need something different than if you have an innerspring or hybrid mattress. Box springs were designed for innersprings, and you may have a faster breakdown of your memory foam if you place it on a box spring rather than a platform bed, foundation, or adjustable bed. Foundations can be helpful for adding edge support to a memory foam mattress.
Mattresses with coil systems are ideal for box spring use, although some will do okay on other types of foundations. Your best bet is to consult your mattress warranty.
What’s Special About Latex Mattresses
Latex is far more bouncy than memory foam . It is also much firmer. There are two different types of latex used for mattressesânatural and synthetic. Synthetic latex mattresses have a bit less bounce and may feel more similar to memory foam.
Pros of latex mattresses:
- Natural latex is all-natural and easy on the environment, making it a great choice for environmentally conscious people.
- Latex mattresses have lots of little holes punched in them, helping to promote air flow and keep the bed cool while you’re sleeping.
- This increased air circulation means latex mattresses are less prone to developing mold and bacteria.
If you’re considering latex, the Pure Green Natural Latex Mattress is an excellent choice. It’s a bit pricey, but the quality is very high and the components are all naturalâ100% natural latex foam, organic wool, and organic cotton.
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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Keeps Your Mattress Clean
The floor is typically the dirtiness spot in the housethis is where dirt, hair, dead skin cells, bugs, dust mites, pet hair and dander, and other allergens collect. Moisture and humidity also tend to gather near the floor, which can encourage mold and mildew to form in the mattress.
To ensure these things stay on the floor and not in your bed, you will need to keep your mattress lifted off the ground.
Innerspring mattresses tend to have open space between spring coils where bacteria and dirt can collect. So these beds should remain lifted off the floor.
Because latex foam and memory foam mattresses are so dense, they are more resistant to dust mites and bacteria. However, moisture can cause foam to deteriorate, so these beds should also rest on a raised platform.
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.
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What Is Box Spring
As the name suggests, it is a huge box with many springs inside it and with some type of fabric on top. Box springs have been bought and used since the beginning of the 20th century when innerspring mattresses were on the rise . The strong base made of a wooden or a metal box with springs in it and wrapped in fabric, placed between the mattress and the frame, could slow down sagging significantly, prolonging the life of mattresses.
People choose box springs not only as a preventive measure for sagging: they are often used to add some height to the mattress/bed or to absorb shock if sleepers tend to move a lot in the sleep.
A box spring is usually placed on a wooden/metal bed frame connected to a headboard and footboard. The term box spring is often mistakenly used to describe a mattress foundation it is somewhat a misnomer in the modern world but it is widely used and people have got used to it.
How To Make A Soft Memory Foam Mattress Firmer
Not sure what to do to make your mattress firmer? In most cases, you wont really have a miracle solution. We advise our readers before buying a mattress to know their sleep positions and look back on models from major brands that offer sleep trial periods.
If this is not your case, you have other options, including buying and adding a firmer mattress topper. Regardless, the best topper for firming a mattress is the Plushbeds topper, as its made of latex, the best material for firm toppers and mattresses. But asides from the choice of a topper, there are a few other options you can look at.
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Why Are Bed Bases Losing Their Popularity
Box springs were once indispensable to every household. If your home had a bed, it was sure to have a bed base as well. However, off late, people have been shying away from buying box springs. Box springs come with several drawbacks that have caused people to question their necessity and usefulness.
They take up a lot of space: Almost all homes have platform beds or some form of solid horizontal bed frame with a significant height. Adding a box spring to the bed frame not only raises the height of the bed but it makes it difficult for the user to get out of bed every morning. Also, a lot of space is used up.
They do not help with extra storage space: Box beds and even good old platform beds have storage space underneath. Bed bases are lower due to height constraints and do not provide storage space under the bed.
Replacement and rotation: Box springs lose their supporting quality over years of regular use. It can be tiring to rotate them from time to time to even out the stress. Bed bases usually require replacement after 8 to 10 years.
They are costly: Foundations or box springs can cost you above $200 which is a significant amount to pay immediately after mattress shopping.
People love staying trendy: When it comes to decorating their house, they prefer more stylish and compact designs that provide them with more storage space and design options. The traditional box springs are too passé for the DIY interior designer.
Option #: Use Firm Support
Your mattress can feel tender if it doesnt have enough support. If your mattress is on a box spring structure or other sprung surfaces, it may not have enough support to promote firmness. If you put a sheet of 3/20 cm or plywood or chipboard between the box spring and the mattress, your mattress will have more support and feel firmer.
In this case, ensure that the plywood is the same width and length as the mattress. If too short, it will result in an overhang.
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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.
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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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.
What Is The Point Of A Box Spring
A box spring serves two purposes: the first is to elevate the mattress off of the ground and the second is to support the mattress and keep the components intact for the duration of the mattresss lifespan. Box springs help to prevent uneven wear of your mattress and therefore can extend its lifespan so that you can sleep on it longer and more comfortably. Heres how!
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Solid Platform Bed Frame
Platform beds use one solid surface that accomplishes the same goal of a box spring foundation, rendering them unnecessary. As a result, platform bed frames are lower to the ground than a traditional mattress, fulfilling a clean, modern aesthetic.
However, older sleepers or sleepers who suffer from joint pain might struggle to get in and out of this lower bed frame. In that case, a box spring can be helpful to raise the mattress.
Style And Design Preference
Most of us consider the look of a bed foundation in relation to the other furniture in our bedroom. Luckily, there are different options and styles to choose from. Platform beds make great bedroom additions with extra storage, while wooden bed frames, like sleigh or four poster beds add some elegance.
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What Is A Box Spring Anyway
If you’re unfamiliar, a box spring is the fabric covered metal or wood structure that sits beneath your mattress. On the inside, it’s often constructed with bars or slats that span the entire width or length of the frame, providing an even surface for your mattress to rest upon.
A box spring serves a few different functions:
- Provides an even and sturdy foundation for your mattress
- Absorbs impact from movement
- Allows the user to customize the height of the bed
Despite the array of mattress foundation options, if you like the idea of having a box spring, there are a few different types you can consider.
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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Can You Use A Mattress On A Bed Frame Without A Foundation
No, you cannot place a mattress directly on a bed frame because bed frames are mostly decorative. While they may have one or two slats, the slats are there to support a foundation, not your mattress. Placing your mattress straight onto a bed frame causes your mattress to sag and voids your mattresss warranty. The only exception to this rule are platform beds but even those will sometimes require a bunkie board for extra support.
What Is A Bed Frame
The terms bed frame and mattress foundation are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference.
A bed frame is a decorative portion surrounding the mattressthis includes a headboard, footboard, and side panels . Typically, the bed frame will be attached to a foundation that the mattress can rest on. For example, many wooden frames have a slatted foundation that consists of wood planks attached to the two side panels of the frame.
However, some bed frames only provide a rim around the perimeter of the mattressleaving no base for you to place the mattress on.
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Best Cover: West Elm Linen Cotton Box
Most box springs come with covers, but like bedding, they don’t last forever. If yours needs replacing or you just want something that complements the vibe of your sleeping quarters a little better, we suggest this chic cover from West Elm.
The top is 100 percent cotton, and the sides are a linen-cotton blend. With a 200-thread-count weave, the rich, crisp fabric has a high-end appeal. It’s 16 inches deep and can fit effortlessly around most box springs.
Thanks to its structured corners, you’ll have a clean, tailored finish every time. This box spring cover is available in three neutral colors, white, tan, and beige, to complement almost any bedroom decor style.
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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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.
Benefits Of A Firm Mattress
These mattresses are essentially composed of latex or spring. The materials protect your mattress against moisture and fight dust mites. Firm mattresses give you better blood circulation and improve the release of pressure points.
They relieve pain related to poor spine positioning, such as a herniated disc. Also, firm mattresses are durable over time and generally age better.
Firm mattresses are recommended for back, stomach, or heavier sleepers. For back sleepers, a firm mattress keeps your spine aligned and prevents excessive sagging in the contours of a soft mattress.
The ventral sleeper benefits from good support for the spine. It reduces the spaces between your body and the mattress.
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What’s The Purpose Of A Box Spring
So, what does a box spring do? While the mattress provides support to the human body, the box spring ensures that the mattress itself is properly supported. It provides a stable surface for your mattress to rest on and absorbs shock, reducing wear on the mattress. This helps ensure your mattress maintains a long comfort life.
Box springs also raise the height of a mattress to make it easier to get in and out of bed. In a complete bed set, box springs are typically placed on top of a wooden or metal bed frame that’s connected to the headboard and footboard.
It’s also common to see mattresses and box springs used together without a complete bed. Many sleepers who don’t feel the need to have a decorative-looking bed will place their box spring directly on the floor, or on casters that stand on the floor. Depending on what you need, there are different types of box springs.
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.
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