Box springs are an essential component of a bed frame, providing support underneath the mattress to prevent it from sagging over time and keeping it ventilated while also helping absorb shock to prolong its lifespan.
As mattress technology has advanced, many beds no longer need box springs. Below you will learn when it is best to include one and when to opt out.
Bed Frames
Box springs provide your mattress with a stable base, prolonging its longevity by absorbing shocks, wear, and tear. Furthermore, they help evenly distribute weight across its surface for improved support for you back while helping ensure longer material lifespan and improved support for back health. Historically necessary but no longer necessary with advances in mattress technology, choosing the ideal bed frame and box spring can make all the difference when it comes to how comfortable your sleep experience will be.
Traditional box springs are metal or wooden bed bases designed to support mattresses with coils or slats, though more modern options have slimmed down and been made sleeker and stylish; some even without coils to reduce shipping weight and cost.
Many people opt to forgo box springs altogether and place their mattress directly onto a foundation or the floor, saving both money and space while eliminating wasteful box spring storage costs. Unfortunately, however, this approach brings with it some undesirable health concerns: by placing it directly onto the ground you risk coming in contact with dirt, dust, animal hair and debris that can exacerbate allergies or even lead to mold growth in some instances.
Bunkie boards provide an alternative option by acting like a thin piece of plywood that sits between your mattress and bed frame, offering similar support without taking up as much room.
Mattresses
Box springs are typically constructed of wooden or metal frames filled with coils or grids encased in fabric and used to prevent innerspring mattresses from sagging and provide a stable platform for bed frames. Box springs also elevate beds so it is easier for individuals to get in and out of them at nighttime.
However, as mattress technology has advanced, many modern mattresses no longer require a box spring for support; indeed, some brands advise against it altogether. Casper, for instance, notes that standard box springs have too wide of slats to adequately support foam mattresses – leading to sinkage over time – while foundations with closer-spaced slats or solid surfaces would provide greater support.
Box springs should also be used when recommended by the manufacturer or your bed’s warranty requires them. Therefore, it’s wise to investigate these recommendations prior to purchasing any bed or mattress so as to avoid invalidating its warranty and invalidate any warranties which might apply.
Bunkie boards, similar to box springs but without springs, provide a sturdy foundation without breaking the bank. Made up of wood slats connected by thin frames that offer firm support to mattresses while improving airflow around them, some mattress-in-a-box brands sell bunkie boards that look just like regular box springs but without springs; which may be both cost-effective and stylish options.
Alternatives
Box springs can take up much-needed room. Luckily, there are alternatives that can serve as suitable replacements; these range from platform beds and slatted bed foundations to eco-friendly mattresses that reduce noise transfer or motion transfer. Your choice will ultimately depend on what frame and mattress type are available to you.
Alternative options to box springs include metal bi-fold bed foundations. These can be put together quickly and are easier to move around tight spaces or up stairs than traditional box springs; moreover, they support up to 350 pounds!
Wood or metal platform beds are another viable choice. Popular in Europe, these can either be slatted or solid; adding little height to the bed, they work with both firm and soft mattresses without adding much height at all. For an extra luxurious touch, consider investing in an adjustable power base. These can remotely control flexing, bending, and lifting of mattresses allowing a customized sleep experience.
Keep in mind that some mattress warranties will void their coverage if the mattress is not placed on an appropriate foundation, so read your warranty terms thoroughly before attempting to forgo using a box spring.
Final Words
At the core, whether or not a box spring is necessary depends on a number of factors, including your mattress size and composition. Box springs remain an effective means for keeping mattresses off the floor, though alternative foundation options such as platform foundations can provide just as much support and may help improve sleep quality and prolong lifespan. When shopping for new or updated mattresses, make sure they feature bed frames with no more than 2.75 inch apart slats that support high-quality mattress foundations; who knows? Maybe never needing another box spring again!
