Full Answer
How to support a mattress without a box spring?
Now carefully read our listed alternatives option in below:
- Adjustable Foundation: It is known as the best substitute for box spring that you can use with your mattress. ...
- Mattress Foundation: It is designed for today’s luxurious mattresses like space-age polymer mattresses, high-tech memory foam, latex, etc. ...
- Bed Slats: You can use bed slats with a mattress over box spring because it has lots of advantages. ...
How much does a box spring mattress cost?
How much does a box spring cost? On average, the cost of a box spring will depend on the manufacturer, the type, the size of the bed and where you purchase it from. On average, be prepared to spend $100 to $250 or about 10 to 20 percent more than this if you were to purchase a split box spring.
What is a box spring and do you need one?
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]
Does Tempurpedic need box spring?
While some people do not even consider a spring to be necessary for their Tempur Pedic mattress, the fact of the matter is that many people use a box spring daily. This spring will provide you with the additional comfort and security that your Tempur Pedic mattress provides while adding an additional level of security for your bed.
Can you use a bed in a box without a box spring?
Most modern mattresses including mattresses in a box do not require a box spring. In fact, traditional box springs don't provide the rigid support needed for many newer foam and latex beds. Box springs are primarily designed for use with coil-based mattresses.
What goes between a mattress and a box spring?
Bunkie Boards These foundations fit between your mattress and the surface it sits on, to create a stable, even surface. You can use a bunkie board with most bed frames—metal bed frames, platform beds, box springs, or a slatted foundation.
How do you know if you need a box spring or not?
A box spring is necessary if: Your mattress warranty requires one (helps to prevent your mattress from breaking down) You're using a bed frame (mattresses can't rest on those alone) Your mattress is a traditional double-sided innerspring. You need or want the extra height, to make it easier to get into and out of bed.
What do you put mattress in a box on?
Mattress Type If you have a traditional innerspring mattress, you can pair it with an old-fashioned box spring. However, foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses are designed with more complex comfort layers, so they need stronger support. For these mattresses, opt for a strong foundation or a platform bed instead.
Can I just put my mattress on a box spring?
Your mattress will typically sit on a bed frame (a metal or wood structure) and a bed base (a mattress-shaped support layer). The bed base depends on the mattress type: –If it's an innerspring mattress, you can use a box spring. –If it's a memory foam or latex mattress, a foundation is a great choice.
What can you put under a mattress instead of a box spring?
Using metal or wooden slats under the mattress is a cheap alternative to a box spring. The under-mattress slats are a frame consisting of wooden slats that offer support for mattresses without a box spring.
What happens if you don't get a box spring?
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.
Are box springs outdated?
So even though box springs used to be considered a practical and functional part of your bed's setup, they have become largely outdated.
What's the point of a box spring?
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.
How long is a mattress in a box good for?
about 7 to 10 yearsThe average life of a mattress-in-a-box and not-in-a-box is mostly the same— is around eight years. The longevity of a mattress in a box largely depends on the quality and materials chosen; however, like many other mattresses, these are just as durable as traditional mattresses, which last about 7 to 10 years.
How long to sleep on a mattress in a box?
Sometimes it only takes a few hours, but other times it can take up to 48 hours to fully expand. The safe and easy rule we follow is to just eye-ball it. Once your mattress looks fluffy and comfortable, it's safe to sleep on and that's usually on the first night.
Is a mattress in a box better?
Mattresses in a box are just as durable as traditional mattresses. They're made of the same materials, like memory foam, gel foam, and latex. Even innerspring mattresses can be rolled up and shipped in a box. They're a good choice for anyone who wants to save on a mattress and get convenient delivery.
What do I need under my mattress?
Mattress bases — also known as mattress foundations — are supports that you place directly underneath your mattress. Mattress bases are what hold your mattress up, whether you have a bare-bones metal bed frame or a fancy bedstead with a wooden headboard, footboard and slats.
What holds a mattress?
A bed frame is what holds your mattress in place. A bed frame isn't necessary for platform bed bases and adjustable bed bases, as these types of bed bases act as a bed frame as well. However, bed frames are needed if you have a box spring and mattress or a foundation and mattress.
What to put under mattress to raise it?
They might buy bed risers to put under each leg of the bed frame, and there are several types to choose from: wooden risers, plastic risers, and metal bed risers. Others may purchase box springs and must contend with its steel coils, or a Bunkie board to raise their mattress height.
What is the base of a bed called?
foundationA bed base, sometimes called a foundation, is the part of a bed that supports the mattress. The bed base can itself be held in place and framed by the bedstead (bed frame).
Can I put a memory foam mattress on top of a box spring?
If you already have a box spring in good condition, you can put your memory foam mattress on top of it. But since a box spring isn't necessary to s...
What type of mattress does not need a box spring?
Very few modern mattresses require a box spring. Even innerspring mattresses, which traditionally required one, are now perfectly fine on wooden sl...
What is the difference between a box spring and a bed frame?
A box spring is a separate platform made of wood and metal that's wrapped in fabric. It's usually around the same shape and size as a mattress. A b...
What Type of Mattress Doesn't Need a Box Spring?
To decide whether you need a box spring, figure out what type of bed frame you have. If you have a traditional bed frame with no slats or support b...
What is a Box Spring?
A box spring is a wooden frame wrapped in fabric that's the same size as your mattress. The frame can be filled with springs or a metal grid.
Do You Need a Box Spring?
Box springs aren't as popular as they once were. In fact, many modern mattresses are designed not to need a box spring.
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 ...
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.
What is a platform bed?
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.
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.
Why elevate a bed?
Those who want to elevate their bed to make it easier to get in and out of (although other box spring alternatives can serve this same purpose)
What is a foundation bed?
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 don’t actually contain metal springs. Foundations offer a very firm surface for mattresses to rest on, making them a good choice for foam beds.
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.
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.
Why lift a mattress higher?
Lifting the mattress higher so sleepers can more easily get in and out of bed
What to do if you have trouble getting into or out of bed?
If you have trouble getting into or out of bed, and raising the mattress height helps.
Can you use adjustable bed frames?
These mattresses can be highly customizable, and some even come with remote controls to customize each side of the bed. They can only be used with mattresses made specifically for adjustable beds, or those that are flexible enough to work with them. Expect these to be pricier than most other options.
Is there variation between mattress brands?
Since there's some variation across brands here, it's best to check with customer support to find out your own mattress brand's advice.
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 Does a Box Spring Do?
Made in all the most common mattress sizes from twin to king, the primary function of a box spring is to provide support for a mattress. Some bed frames, like a metal rail bed frame, require using a box spring to keep the mattress from sagging between rails. A box spring also helps with air circulation.
Do You Need a Foundation or a Box Spring?
The best way to decide if you need a foundation or a box spring is to check with your mattress manufacturer. Oftentimes this information is listed on the product’s webpage, in the FAQ section, or explained in the warranty. Many mattress brands also have a chat window on the web page for quickly talking with a customer service representative who can help you find the best support for your mattress.
Do You Need a Box Spring with a Platform Bed?
If you have a platform bed, it’s unlikely that you need to use a box spring. A platform bed is designed to support the mattress with wood slats that are spaced close enough together that no mattress sagging can occur. It’s not only a support system but also a frame itself. Platform beds tend to be a good option for those sleeping on a memory foam, latex, or any other all-foam mattress.
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.
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]
What is off gassing a mattress?
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 the mattress foam into the air. Those chemicals include both human-made and natural components, including formaldehyde, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), benzene, trichloroethane, and perfluorocarbons. Top rated mattresses will have zero or very minimal off-gassing. Many of them are sent to the customer already after the off-gassing. Is it dangerous, though? Even though the smell can be unpleasant, there’s usually only a very small amount of chemicals that can do no harm to your health.
How long is a free trial of a mattress?
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 mattress, you can simply give it back. The majority of best mattress providers will not only give your money back but will also come to get it for free.
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.
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.
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 is a platform bed?
Platform beds are constructed with a solid surface for the mattress to sit on. Unless you prefer a taller bed, box springs aren’t needed as the bed frame provides a solid support framework. Platform beds are typically lower to the ground, making it difficult for those with joint or back pain to get out of in the morning.
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 you need a box spring for a coil spring mattress?
Occasionally, coil spring mattress warranties will require you to use a box spring to prolong its life. Be sure to check on your mattress warranty — if you don’t use a box spring and it’s required, you could lose out on those benefits.
