They Elevate Your Bed
The first benefit is that it raises your bed. Something is pleasing to the eye about a bed that is elevated high off of the ground. Additionally, it can be cleaner. Having a high bed helps to prevent small pets from jumping up as well as preventing small insects from making their way up your bed and into the covers with you.
Wood Slats A High Or Low
Its true, wood foundations are amongst the best bangs for your buck in the bed foundation world!
Not convinced? When compared to a boxspring, add some extra storage space into the mix
When you add 7 inch bed legs to a KD foundation, youll instantly create additional space between the wood slats and floor. This means extra bedroom storage for odds and ends that otherwise would have cluttered up your living space. Check it out:
Because of the storage benefits, foundations made with sustainable wood are a winner for families looking to maximize available living space without splurging on a more costly platform bed. But keep in mind, for the extra space to really become a factor youll need to choose from a higher-profile bed leg like out 7 inch option.
On a structural note, take note of the gap space between each wood slat on the foundation. If youre shopping around, then this is very important. If spaces between the slate of wood are more than three inches apart, itll cause gaps that make your mattress sink. And as we discussed earlier, sinkage is bad! Make sure your wood foundation has slats that are at most three inches apart because this spacing will provide a sturdy, long-lasting infrastructure for your mattress.
Is It Necessary To Replace A Box Spring When Purchasing A New Mattress
While it may not be required, its highly recommended to purchase a new box spring with the purchase of a new mattress. Your old box spring may have experienced wear and tear that you cannot see. This wear on your old box spring will not allow for the right amount of support for your new mattress, and may lead to premature sagging and wear.
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Are Box Springs Outdated
Mattresses have come a long way since the days of the traditional innerspring and theres now more choice than ever with memory foam, latex and hybrids leading the way. However, because modern types are not always compatible with box springs, it means this type of support is being used less and less.
Box springs are still an excellent choice when paired with innerspring mattresses though, and many people prefer the feel of them. In short, as long as you have some sort of foundation and its compatible with your bed, thats what matters.
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What Is A Innerspring Mattress
Innerspring mattresses are the oldest, most commonly used mattress design out of thethree most common mattress types. Innerspring mattresses use a metal wire system combined with springs to create a support frame covered in fabric with cushioning material used on top of the mattress for extra support.
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Comfort Platform Is Winner
The design dynamics of a platform bed are made to provide optimum comfort and support without considering the type of mattress. The wooden or metal bases in a platform bed are placed so that a continuous flow of breathability is always active, keeping you dry and cool throughout the night.
The slats inside the frame come in different sizes, so keep in mind the slat distance before buying a mattress because usually, the closer the slats higher the comfort.
On the contrary, box springs are also designed for comfort and support however, it is limited to specific mattresses. If you have or want a box spring base, the ideal option for you is any hybrid mattress or innerspring mattress. You will get additional support, precise weight distribution, edge support, and reduced muscular pressure from people who suffer from it.
From a comfort point of view, platform beds are more dynamic than box springs limited usage, so the winning point is for platform beds.
Choose Between Split And Standard Box Springs:
When buying a large mattress, such as a king-size, the box spring will also be large. As they’re much less flexible, they can be difficult to maneuver through the hallways and doors in your home. A solution to this problem is a split box spring. It’ll come in two halves, making it much easier to move it around tight corners and small spaces.
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Can You Put A Mattress On The Floor
You certainly can. In many situations, there will be no significant negative effects. However, placing a mattress directly on the floor can result in the following:
- Reduced airflow Since the mattress sits directly on the floor, it will not be able to expel air and breathe as easily as it could on a boxspring or platform bed.
- Less hygienic Everything that gets on the floor can now more easily get on your mattress. This includes dirt, dust, allergens, or even bed bugs or mites.
- More difficult to get back up If youre older or otherwise have trouble getting in and out of bed, having a bed on the floor can make getting in and out of bed more difficult.
- Void your warranty Some mattress warranties dictate that the mattress must be on a boxspring or platform bed. If you want to stay protected, be sure to double check the warranty terms.
The biggest risk to placing the mattress on the floor is mold. If you live in a moist or humid environment, mold can be a serious issue and one that can ruin a mattress. To reduce the risk of mold, consider adding a mattress encasement to protect your investment.
What Are The Drawbacks Of Putting A Mattress On The Floor
Many may think that placing a mattress directly on the floor is no big deal, however, it is actually quite unsanitary. Placing a mattress directly on the floor allows for things such as dirt, dust, dander, or even pet hair to accumulate on the mattress.
It also causes an accumulation of moisture beneath the mattress, potentially leading to hazardous mold growing. In addition to these hazards, a mattress placed directly on the floor is not able to breathe as well as one with a base, which will cause the mattress to hold excess heat.
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Which Foundation Is Best For You
So, now that youve read about all the different foundations available, you probably know which one will work best with your new mattress. If you have an innerspring mattress, a traditional box spring will work well with your setup. Keep in mind that box springs can be susceptible to bed bugs or dust mites, so use a mattress protector or encasement and keep your sleeping area clean.
Dont use an old box spring with your new mattress if the box spring is more than 10 years oldit may have accumulated dust mites or other allergens at this point.
When youve decided which foundation is best, simply choose the corresponding size to match your mattress. Practically every foundation type we discussed in this article comes in every available mattress sizefrom twin XL to California King. Selecting the proper support to go with your mattress is the key to maintaining the mattresss quality and getting better sleep.
About the author
Stacy Liman is a journalism graduate student and a freelance writer with a focus on mindfulness and content marketing. Stacy enjoys discovering new mattresses and connecting people with their perfect bed, but she more so enjoys understanding and writing about the science of sleep to help people get deeper, healthier rest.
The Bottom Line: Do You Need A Box Spring
The quick answer to this question is maybe. Depending on the type of mattress you have, you might be required to use a box spring to help reduce the chances of sagginess and pain from sleeping on the wrong bed base. While your mattress should provide you with enough comfort, your bed base also plays a significant role in your comfort.
If you prefer to sleep on something firm, consider getting a box spring or platform that can improve airflow around your bed and offer your mattress the support it needs to support your body. Remember, all mattresses have a mattress adjustment period, so if your mattress doesnt feel comfortable immediately, you might not need to purchase a box spring yet.
At Layla Sleep, we have a great selection of bed frames and foundations to choose from to ensure you get a good nights rest night after night.
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Zinus 9 Inch High Profile Bifold Box Spring
Zinus box spring
Zinus pros
- Mobility Zinus is a great box spring to have if you live in a house where moving things around is a challenge. The box spring is packaged to ensure that even hauling it up a steep and narrow stair wont pose a problem.
- Classic Design The Zinus is designed to have the look of a traditional box spring. This classic design will complement whatever mattress you prefer, whether you favor a soft foam mattress or a medium-firm memory foam mattress.
- Generous Warranty When you purchase the Zinus, you are also getting a 5-year warranty. The length of the warranty is also a testament to the durability of the product you are buying.
- Non-slip Frame The steel frame comes with a fabric cover. This non-skid fabric works with your mattress encasement to keep it in place once youve positioned it in your box spring.
Zinus cons
Our experience with Zinus
The Zinus BiFold Box Spring is an excellent choice if you want a product that doesnt require assembling.
We loved that the Zinus is shipped in a box and all that you have to do is open the box and slide out the folded box spring. Unfold it, and you can immediately place your mattress on top of it.
The bi-fold box spring is also well protected inside a bubble wrap to assure you that the product is safe during transit. The instructions that come with the box spring were easy for us to follow. There are also pictures that you can use as a reference.
Buying Tip: Check for a Warranty
Classic Brands box spring
Does A Mattress Topper Go On Top Of A Box Spring
Because a box spring is too hard to sleep on and can only be used as a stand-alone mattress, it is not a good option for a mattress topper.
Get A Mattress Topper For Extra Comfort
If you want to improve the comfort of your bed quickly, a mattress topper is an excellent choice. However, you should consider all of the factors in order to make a good purchasing decision. The topper is a great short-term solution for certain situations. In contrast to that, if you use two mattresses, you must place them on the floor.
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Memory Foam Mattress Pros And Cons
Memory foam is one of the most popular products for mattresses today. Its easy to understand why: it provides great support, complies with your body and provides pressure relief.
Memory foam can be especially good for side sleepers who require additional cushioning to prevent their hips from sinking in.
Memory foam likewise works well if you have a partner who moves a lot in her sleep because it does a fantastic task of avoiding motion transfer.
Benefits Of Having A Box Spring On A Platform Bed
Box springs are a common feature on many bed types, including platform beds. They provide extra support and comfort for people who sleep on their sides or stomachs.
The benefits of having a box spring on your platform bed include:
A box spring provides extra support and comfort for your back, neck, and spine.
It makes easier to get in and out of bed because the mattress is higher off the ground.
Moreover, it prevents you from sinking into the mattress, which can cause pain in your back or hips.
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Compatibility Platform Is Winner
This point summarizes all our discussions on defining the difference between platform beds and box springs. It is safe to say that platform beds are the most compatible option for your mattresses. You can use it with latex, memory foam, bamboo, and hybrid mattresses.
On the other hand, box springs are compatible with limited mattresses. So, ideally speaking, this kind of base is perfect for innerspring mattresses.
The platform beds have a leading edge over the box spring mattress base for high compatibility.
What Happens If You Dont Use A Box Spring
You dont need a box spring if you have any other support under your bed. Also, if you have a Latex mattress, you dont need a box spring. If you have a collapsible frame, it is necessary to get a box spring. It will not only cause a tear in your mattress but also not give your back the right amount of support. This could lead to severe back and spine issues
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Are Box Springs Necessary Does A Memory Foam Mattress Need A Box Spring
In short, no. memory foam mattresses might not have their own internal springs but the foam is designed in such a way where it provides itself with its own support. A mattress foundation is probably more than enough support for a memory foam bed, With memory foam, you should be more concerned with creating a flat, even surface than necessarily propping up the mattress with additional springs.
If youre using an all-natural mattress, you may find that a set of box springs helps give your mattress a little extra bounce. If youre using an innerspring or foam bed, you could go either way if your frame needs added height or doesnt have enough support.
If you dont have slats or a platform style frame, youll probably need to add a foundation to make sure your mattress isnt sagging or unevenly supported. For a Tuft & Needle mattress, a bed foundation will certainly help but isnt required if you have support at least every 5 inches built into your bed frame! Always check with the mattress manufacturer if you arent sure, if your mattress is sagging for a prolonged amount of time, you’ll lose support much sooner than you should. If it turns out you need a mattress foundation for your bed frame, here’s an inexpensive one we recommend:
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Shelly Weaver-Cather
Ii Do You Need A Box Spring
While box springs made sense for the traditional innerspring mattresses of yesteryear, mattresses have come a long wayand you also have a few more types of mattresses to choose from now, including memory foam and hybrid.
Whether you need a box spring or not will depend on your mattress and what kind of support you need. Box springs can even be damaging to some types of foam mattresses, so its important to understand what youll need.
Youll need a box spring if
- You have an older innerspring mattress and a traditional metal-rail bed frame, both designed specifically for use with a box spring
- Your manufacturer recommends using a box spring or requires you to do so to keep your warranty valid
On the other hand, you dont need a box spring if
- You have a newer memory foam, latex or hybrid mattress
- You prefer to set your mattress directly on the floor
- You have a box spring alternative, such as an adjustable base or a solid foundation
Lets recap: does a box spring really make a difference, and do you really need one?
With all the alternatives available today, the answer is not always. As long as you have solid support under your mattress, thats whats important.
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Recapping This Box Spring Alternative
In the world of mattress foundations, ready-to-assemble wood foundations provide the best bang for your buck. When compared to a box spring, they provide more ventilation, last longer, and look better. If you decided to buy one, make sure the wood is made from premium white pine instead of cheaper alternatives. Doing so will protect your investment and make you wonder why you ever even considered a boxspring in the first place!
I recommend wood foundations as the best boxspring alternative for most folks, but if a modern-looking bedroom is extremely important to you, then you may want to keep reading. With a little extra money to spend on a high-quality mattress foundation, you may find exactly what youre looking for in a platform or adjustable bed.
What To Consider Before Making A Final Decision
There are several alternatives to using a box spring below your mattress. You can put box springs wherever you want because it ensures the comfort and avoids shock for your posture. It helps you keep your mattress warranty valid and longer product life expectancy. If youre considering buying a box spring, there are a few things to consider. Do you want a product which contains springs, or are you just interested in the aesthetics? Whatever your preferences, deciding if you do really need a box spring is a personal decision youre going to have to make. You can always ask our experts to make a recommendation of the most suitable bed for you and your family.
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