Bedroom

Published January 22, 2022

10 min

Do You Need a Box Spring?

Nectar Editorial Team

Table of contents

What Is a Box Spring?Why Do You Need a Box Spring?When a Box Spring Is not Necessary?Box Spring vs Foundation vs Platform BedBox Spring AlternativesFrequently Asked Questions

When you go shopping for your new mattress , one question can torment you. Do you need a box spring? Don’t worry. You are at the right place. We will walk you through everything about box springs to know if you need them for your bed or not.Whether or not you need a box spring depends on your mattress and the type of bed frame you are using. Some mattresses need that extra support. At the same time, some are good to go without a box spring.You will be able to make an informed decision by the end of this guide.

What Is a Box Spring?

A box spring is a wooden frame filled with springs or a metal grid to support and lift your mattress. It comes encased in fabric and lies between your mattress and the floor. It provides a solid foundation that's made to be the same size as your mattress .They could appear obsolete given a few of the other sorts of supports for your mattress, but box springs are still valuable in a few cases.It isn't terrible to use a mattress without a box spring as long as you have other types of mattress support like platform bed, foundation, or if you prefer putting your mattress on the floor.

Why Do You Need a Box Spring?

Almost a decade ago, where most of the mattresses were made with coils, box springs were essential for innerspring mattress sets. Spring mattresses offer a lot of bounce. So, they required additional support to absorb the shock when sitting, lying, or bouncing on them.Due to recent innovations in mattresses, most mattresses like foam and latex do not require a box spring, and in fact, it can damage them if you use them.These days, however, innerspring mattresses have become outdated. But, having a box spring might still be necessary, and they can offer a lot of benefits as well. Let’s take a look to understand when do you need a box spring.

Adding Support to Your Mattress

Using a box spring will provide added support to your mattress to increase its longevity. Some mattresses need extra support to prevent them from sagging. It would be best to consider having a box spring, especially when buying an innerspring or hybrid mattress . It will absorb shock and help reduce wear and tear.If you have kids who jump a lot in bed or pets who hop in for cuddles, a box spring might be a savior. It will absorb the shock and protect your mattress from damage.

Increased Height

Many people struggle to get in or out of their beds due to joint pain. A box spring will lift your bed off the floor, making it comfortable to get in and out. If your bed is a bit elevated from the ground, you will find it easier to hop in or out of bed due to the comfortable bed height .

Better Airflow

Box springs are hollow from inside. So, it lets a lot of air flow around your mattress. That helps in keeping you cool throughout the night. So, you can consider buying a box spring if you tend to sleep hot. But, make sure it is suitable for your mattress.

When You Have a Collapsible Bed Frame

Some bed frames require a box spring and a collapsible bed frame is one of them. A collapsible bed frame has no support at the center. So, your mattress might sag quickly and damage too. A box spring will provide much-needed support to your mattress and prolong the lifespan of your mattress .

When a Box Spring Is not Necessary?

Now that you know every benefit of having a box spring, you should also know when to skip the box spring.

When You Have a Foam or Latex Mattress

These days, most bedrooms have memory foam or latex mattresses. Both are quite heavy, and the box spring is not enough to support them, and the lack of support can cause your mattress to sag. Foam and latex mattresses require a firm and solid base to support them. Thus, a platform bed would be an excellent alternative to a box spring.The materials used to manufacture them are already shock absorbent and provide the needed support.

When You Have a Platform Bed

A platform bed provides a solid base to rest your mattress on. Thus, it will give adequate support, and you can use your mattress without a box spring.However, platform beds are lower to the ground, making it difficult to get out of your bed. So, you can go for a box spring only if you want to raise the height of your bed . Otherwise, platform beds are good to go without box springs.

You Keep Mattress on the Floor

If you love to keep your mattress on the floor, there is no need for a box spring. Sleeping on the floor can be exciting. However, it will be a bit difficult if you have joint pain. Moreover, your mattress won’t last long as there wouldn’t be any support to absorb shocks.

Box Spring vs Foundation vs Platform Bed

Are box springs vs foundations the same? What about a platform bed? Let's make a quick comparison to understand which one suits your mattress the best.A box spring is a support for your mattress. It consists of a wooden frame made with springs or a metal grid encased in fabric and placed under the mattress.The difference between a box spring and a foundation is that a foundation is also another type of support that consists of wood or metal and can either be solid or made of slats to support your bed. So, even though we use the terms interchangeably, box spring and foundation aren’t the same, but both function similarly. Foundations provide a solid and firm surface for mattresses to sit on, making them the best choice for foam and latex mattresses.A platform bed is a bed frame with a solid base for your mattress, which means it provides a foundation to support your mattress and a bed frame to keep it off the ground. Some include storage drawers and other storage spaces, making them an all-in-one solution. They often tend to be expensive compared to other mattress support options. If you want to know more platform beds, you may want to consider platform bed vs box spring comparison in our guide.But, if you have decided to switch to platform beds, then take a look at our platform beds collection available at the most affordable prices.So, you don’t need a foundation or a box spring when you have a platform bed.

Box Spring Alternatives

If you don’t want to buy a box spring, there are many other alternatives. You can get support for mattress without box spring. Here are the options you have:

Bunkie Board

A bunkie board is a thin wooden or ply board that sits between your mattress and bed frame. It provides a solid base for your mattress that needs firmness and support.

Adjustable Beds

An adjustable bed is a bed frame that can adjust to any position according to your comfort and preferences. You must have seen adjustable beds in hospitals. Now, you can get one for your home too. These are the best options for those who have problems like pain, acid, or poor blood circulation.Moreover, some of them come with remote controls to customize the height and comfort as per your preference. However, they can only be used with certain types of mattresses and are more expensive than other options.Now that you know what a box spring is used for, you can answer the question - "do you need a box spring?" In the end, it all depends on your mattress whether you are using the foam, latex, or hybrid mattress; you don't need to use the box spring, but if you are using a mattress other than these, then you need a box spring to support your mattress and prolong its life.This article is for informational purposes and should not replace advice from your doctor or other medical professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do box springs last? A good quality box spring can last up to 10 years. On the other hand, the low-quality option cannot even last up to 5 years. Therefore, It is always advisable to check the quality of your mattress foundation before buying it. How much does a box spring cost? The average price of a box spring ranges from $100 to $250, depending on the manufacturer and its quality. Do you need a box spring with a hybrid mattress? No. A hybrid mattress contains foam and other materials that are already shock absorbent and can support the mattress. So, a hybrid mattress doesn’t need to have a box spring. Can you put a mattress directly on slats? Yes. You can put your mattress directly on the slats. They can provide enough support and won’t let your mattress sink or slide, but make sure that they are sturdy enough to bear the weight of your mattress. How can I raise my bed without a box spring? There are many easy-to-use options for you to raise your bed off the ground. One of the most common methods is to use bed risers. Moreover, you can increase your bed height by attaching wheels to your bed frame, using a wedge, or by using a mattress topper to your bed.