Full Answer
Do I need a boxspring for my mattress?
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?'.
Why should you use a box spring?
There are three main reasons why you should use a box spring. First of all, it raises your mattress, making it easier for you to get out of bed. It also minimizes the motion transfer and increases your mattress lifespan .
How tall should a box spring be?
Traditional box springs usually are about 8 inches tall, depending on the manufacturer. They’re great when you buy a slim mattress and want to add additional height to your bed set. It allows you not to worry about the mattress elevation and apply the box spring of your preference.
Do you need a box spring Under Your Warranty?
If your warranty makes no mention of its need, you can do what you wish. For those of you who are interested in reaping the benefits of a box spring, there are a few things to consider. Do you want a product that contains springs, or are you just interested in the options that are aesthetically pleasing?
Do kids beds need a boxspring?
Box springs are not necessary for a bunk bed because they are far too bulky, and using one in a bunk bed could even prove to be dangerous. Instead, you should use a bunkie board, bunk bed support slats, or even a DIY mattress foundation made out of plywood. In most cases, you should not use a box spring in a bunk bed.
Is it OK to use a mattress without a box spring?
They may seem outdated given some of the other types of mattress support out there, but box springs are still useful in some cases. It isn't bad to have a mattress without a box spring as long as there is another form of support below. This support can come from a platform bed, foundation, or, if you prefer, the floor.
What happens if you don't use a box spring?
With a collapsible metal frame, you would need a boxspring. Because there is no support for the mattress beyond the perimeter frame, without a boxspring, your mattress would receive insufficient support, not to mention most likely void the warranty.
Do you need a box spring for baby crib?
But does a crib need a box spring? No, a crib does not need a box spring. Cribs have their own mattress foundation which will keep a mattress in place and provide support.
Can you use a piece of plywood instead of a box spring?
There are many viable solutions to support your mattress. Box springs just happen to be a very popular one. Plywood is an excellent solution for those looking to save money and get crafty. Plywood is cheap and works great. It comes with some caveats, such as making your mattress harder.
What mattress does not need a boxspring?
Both foam and latex mattresses don't need a box spring base; you can use them with foundation or platform beds.
What can you use in place of a box spring?
What to Use Instead of Box Springs? (Top 9 Alternatives)Platform Bed.Under Mattress Slats.Wood Slat Foundation.Hybrid Mattress.Innerspring Mattress.Memory Foam.Adjustable Bed.
What to put under mattress to raise it?
6 Best Ways to Make Your Bed HigherUse Bed Risers. Using bed risers is the most common way to make your bed taller. ... Use a Bed Wedge. Bed wedges are adjusters that fit under the head of your bed. ... Use a Mattress Topper. ... Add Wheels to Your Bed Frame. ... Switch to an Adjustable Bed Frame. ... Use a Mattress Foundation.
Do you need a box spring if you have slats?
If you purchase a bed frame with a slatted foundation where the slats are no more than 2.75 inches apart, there is typically no need to purchase a separate box spring. Most mattress types can rest directly on the slats.
When should we switch to a toddler bed?
When Is the Right Time to Switch to a Toddler Bed? Approximately one-third of toddlers transition to a bed between the ages of 18 months and 2 years old, and another third transition between ages 2 and 2.5. In general, most toddlers make the move from a crib to a bed between the age of 18 months and 3 years old.
How do I convert my toddler to a full bed?
0:462:06Toddler bed to full bed - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSome do not and I've already put the bed partway. Together and then you're gonna take the footboard.MoreSome do not and I've already put the bed partway. Together and then you're gonna take the footboard. It's a little easier if you have a second set of hands but if not one person can do this.
Is a toddler rail necessary?
This is typically the time most kiddos switch to a bed, and those low rails are easy to scale in comparison to the taller ones on a crib. The main reason rails are necessary is because toddlers are such wild sleepers, as What To Expect's website pointed out.
What can you use in place of a box spring?
What to Use Instead of Box Springs? (Top 9 Alternatives)Platform Bed.Under Mattress Slats.Wood Slat Foundation.Hybrid Mattress.Innerspring Mattress.Memory Foam.Adjustable Bed.
What is the point of a box spring?
They're made to match the sizes of most traditional mattresses, from twin to king. Once commonly sold as an integral part of traditional innerspring mattress sets, box springs served several purposes until recent innovations began limiting their usefulness. Such purposes include: Adding support to the mattress.
Can I use slats instead of a box spring?
Benefits of Using Bed Slats Using slats instead of a traditional box spring may ensure your mattress won't sag. Additionally, wooden slats are lightweight and easy to assemble. You can place most slatted foundations on any bed frame for firm support. Slatted foundations also provide better airflow.
Can I put plywood under my mattress?
Plywood can help with a sagging mattress. If the issue is lack of support, use plywood to give the mattress a firmer base. Lay a sheet of plywood down on the slats of your bed frame, and place the mattress on top of it. It will support the mattress from beneath, stopping it from sagging.
What is the purpose of a box spring?
There are three main reasons why you should use a box spring. First of all, it raises your mattress , making it easier for you to get out of bed....
When should you should get a new box spring?
It's completely unnecessary to get a new box spring every time you're replacing a mattress . You should change your box spring when noticeable d...
What is a memory foam mattress?
Memory foam mattresses are created mostly from polyurethane and have additional chemicals added that increase its viscosity and density. It’s also...
Do top rated mattresses offer a money-back guarantee? Is there a catch?
All of the top mattress brands offer a money-back guarantee. The free trial usually starts from 90 to 100 nights, and if you don’t like the mattr...
What is off-gassing? Is it poisonous?
Off-gassing refers to the odor which comes from a new mattress. It’s the process that happens when volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) leak out of th...
How long do top rated mattresses serve?
The durability of a mattress depends on the provider and the quality of the materials used. Usually, you get a 10-year warranty, which will be va...
What is a Box Spring?
A box spring is a support for your mattress that’s manufactured to be the same size as the bed. It consists of a wooden frame filled with springs (or a metal grid) and wrapped in fabric. It sits directly under the mattress, providing support.
How to tell if you need a box spring?
To determine whether or not you need a box spring, it’s helpful to read the recommendations of your bed’s manufacturer. You can find this information on the manufacturer or retailer’s website , and often on the tag attached to the mattress itself. Different styles of mattresses can benefit from different types of foundations, so it’s helpful to go directly to the source to see what the manufacturer recommends. Not only that, but also some mattress warranties will stipulate that you use a recommended type of bed base or render them void.
Why do mattresses have box springs?
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 ...
Why do box springs work?
It sits directly under the mattress, providing support. The box spring is intended to serve a few purposes: To provide underlying support for the mattress. To raise the mattress up to a more comfortable height. To protect the mattress by absorbing impact. To improve airflow, which helps to keep the mattress cooler.
Do you need a box spring for a mattress?
Most modern mattresses including mattresses in a box do not require a box spring. In fact, many newer foam and latex beds can actually be damaged by using a traditional box spring. Box springs are designed for use with innerspring beds, and some models do not provide the same type of rigid support needed for a foam bed.
What is a Box Spring?
The term “ box spring ” doesn’t say a lot about its initial meaning. Basically, a box spring is a foundation that lifts your mattress up. It usually has a wooden frame and springs or metal rods that aimed to support and lift your bed. Box springs are recommended for everyone who wants to decrease exposure to mite allergens. [1]
Why do mattresses need box springs?
That's why it's not the most comfortable alternative. Therefore, one of the main purposes of the box spring is to lift your mattress from the ground.
How tall are box springs?
Traditional Box Springs. Traditional box springs usually are about 8 inches tall, depending on the manufacturer. They’re great when you buy a slim mattress and want to add additional height to your bed set. It allows you not to worry about the mattress elevation and apply the box spring of your preference.
What is a low profile box spring?
Low-profile box springs are thinner and lighter than the traditional box springs. They’re perfect if you already have a tall mattress and don’t want to add additional height to it.
Do you need a box spring for a mattress?
Just like you need a mattress to support your body, the mattress needs a box spring to ensure its longevity . In most cases, the height of the box spring is similar to the bed itself. People who like minimal design do not use any additional bed frame, only box spring and the mattress.
Can you move a box spring?
It allows you not to worry about the mattress elevation and apply the box spring of your preference. On the other hand, regular box springs are way more difficult to move. So, if you want to add height to your bed set, have a more sturdy and bouncy option, prepare to deal with additional weight.
Is a box spring good for back pain?
The analysis of the sleepers’ reviews’ showed that box spring is a perfect choice for those who suffer from back pain. Different from sleeping on the ground, box spring will provide you with perfect support and adapt to your body curves while maintaining the healthy position of your spine.
What is a box spring?
Designed to support a mattress, a box spring consists of a wood frame filled with either springs or a metal grid. The box spring is encased in fabric and placed beneath the mattress on a bed frame. Some also have supportive slats on the bottom. They're made to match the sizes of most traditional mattresses, from twin to king.
How far apart should box springs be on a mattress?
On the other hand, there are some exceptions. Modern mattress brand Saatva suggests that box springs may be used with its mattresses if the box spring is less than 7 years old and has proper center support and the slats are less than 4 inches apart. Helix also approves box springs with its mattresses, but only if slats are less than 5 inches apart and a piece of plywood or other proper center support is added.
Do new mattresses need box springs?
While many new mattresses do not require or work well with box springs, some still do. Other brands recommend them, but only if a metal frame is used. Still more suggest the use of a different type of bed frame or foundation altogether with their mattresses. We'll go over who does and doesn't need a box spring, and how to make sure you're not using the wrong base for your mattress.
What Is a Box Spring?
Made out of wood and coils, a box spring provides a solid foundation for most mattresses. The wood provides a frame similar to the size and shape of your mattress, while coils are placed in the center to provide some give and absorb shock. They may seem outdated given some of the other types of mattress support out there, but box springs are still useful in some cases.
Why do box springs help?
Shock Absorption. Another benefit of having a box spring is that it helps absorb shock. When you plop down on your mattress, toss and turn at night from sleep anxiety, or your dog jumps up for cuddles, a box spring absorbs some of the force. Because of this, the box spring helps prolong the life of your mattress.
What happens if a mattress doesn't have a box spring?
If it doesn’t provide enough support in the center, the mattress will sag and be uncomfortable. Any bed frame that isn’t entirely solid or has a support system in the center will more often than not require a box spring.
Why were box springs important?
During the era where most mattresses were made with coils, box springs were almost essential. They needed extra support and something to absorb the shock from sitting, lying, and bouncing on them.
What is the difference between a box spring and a foundation?
The difference is that a foundation is made of wood or metal around the edges and sometimes with slats across the top solely to provide support.
Do box springs help with airflow?
Aside from the coils and wood support within, box springs are relatively hollow. When you use a box spring, more air flows around your mattress — and if it’s well-designed, air will travel through as well. Airflow is a significant factor in keeping you cool at night and helping you sleep better, so it’s not something to take too lightly.
Is it bad to have a mattress without a box spring?
They may seem outdated given some of the other types of mattress support out there, but box springs are still useful in some cases. It isn’t bad to have a mattress without a box spring as long as there is another form of support below. This support can come from a platform bed, foundation, or, if you prefer, the floor.
Why do we need box springs?
There have been massive leaps in mattress construction and comfort since then, and the only reason out of the three traditional roles for a box spring is that it can provide a flat and firm structure for a mattress to lie on.
What is a box spring made of?
It can be made from wood or steel. They come in loads of different styles, meaning you’ll be able to find one to match whatever look you’re aiming for. Even better, you can choose one that will allow you to store stuff under your bed, which you can’t do with a box spring.
Can you put a mattress on the floor with a box spring?
Like I said above, a box spring can still do the job of providing a flat and firm structure for your mattress to lie on. I advise against putting your mattress directly on the floor so a box spring can provide a platform for it. Here’s why: Air can’t circulate underneath the mattress. This is particularly a problem for foam mattresses ...
Do box springs wear out?
Their springs are notorious for wearing out, leading to bad sleep no matter what your mattress. They don’t have a nice modern look either.
Is A Box Spring Still Useful?
Like I said above, a box spring can still do the job of providing a flat and firm structure for your mattress to lie on.
What is a Box Spring?
Essentially, a box spring is a supportive square that lifts up your mattress (mattress foundation). What’s interesting about the name of this piece is that often these product’s manufacturers have recently gone away from putting actual springs within their products.
Do mattresses have springs?
Some do still have springs inside that aim the assist the bed with absorbing the weight of your body, which will ultimately assist with keeping your bed sturdy and supportive over time. For firmer mattresses, springs inside the foundation of the bed make it feel like you’re sleeping on a softer bed than you really are.
Is it good to use a box spring?
Benefits to Using a Box Spring. We’ve addressed whether or not a box spring is an essential piece needing for your mattress . Now, it’s a good idea to discuss just how you can benefit from its use, aside from the fact that it helps to maintain your warranty and the longevity of your mattress.
Can a mattress absorb shock?
When your mattress is laying on the ground, there is nothing to help it absorb shock. If you decide to jump on it or if you are a sleeper that tosses and turns, without utilizing a box spring, your mattress is going to succumb to repeated use over time much faster than it would with a box spring.
Do you need a box spring for memory foam mattresses?
Surprisingly, many modern day mattresses that aren’t sold by memory foam companies still require that you use a box spring if you would like for your warranty to remain valid.
What is a box spring?
July 26, 2021. A box spring is a bed base with a wooden frame and either springs or metal rods that provide support to a mattress. It is a type of foundation for mattresses. The box spring is usually the same size as the mattress that sits on it.
Why do box springs work?
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.
What is the difference between box springs and innersprings?
However, box springs have steel springs that add support and shock absorption. They work very well with innerspring mattresses, as that's what they were designed for. They're not ideal for mattresses that don't have a coil system, so latex or foam mattresses.
What is a semi flex box spring?
Semi-flex box springs give more support with a bit of flex. They're made up of a wooden frame with a metal grid above the slats and are usually the most expensive type of box spring. If you have a heavier mattress ( latex and memory foam style mattresses often are) then this may be a good option.
How to contact a mattress expert about box springs?
So, if you have any questions about choosing the right box spring, you can call 1-800-455-1052 to speak to a friendly mattress expert who can help you make the right decision.
What is the best box spring for a mattress?
Zero-deflection box springs are the most commonly used because they offer good support for your mattress. They consist of wooden slats and sometimes use wire for more support. They’re much more durable than coil box springs and don’t have as much flexibility. They’re compatible with nearly all modern mattresses. It could be considered a wood box spring.
Where are box springs placed?
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.
What is a box spring?
Box springs are not the only foundation out there, but they are still one of the most popular bed bases because they go with innersprings, which are in turn one of the most popular mattress types. In fact, you cannot even use an innerspring coil mattress without a box spring.
How old should a box spring be for a new mattress?
Don’t use an old box spring with your new mattress if the box spring is more than 10 years old—it may have accumulated dust mites or other allergens at this point.
Can you use an innerspring mattress without a box spring?
In fact, you cannot even use an innerspring coil mattress without a box spring. Box springs sit on top of a metal frame. They’re usually made of wood and covered in fabric. This solid base is meant to absorb the bounce of innerspring coils; essentially, it acts as a shock absorber.
Do box springs help with pressure relief?
Despite the extra support from box springs, innerspring beds still have the least amount of pressure relief compared to other mattress types.
Do you need a box spring for an innerspring mattress?
Like we mentioned before, innerspring mattresses typically require a box spring. However, modern innerspring models can potentially be used with other foundations—check the mattress warranty on the company’s website for further specifications. As you can see, most other mattress types do not require a box spring.
