Box spring why is it necessary

Sleeping on a foundation, or a solid slab of wood no slats , is similar to sleeping on a platform bed. It will support the mattress and absorb extra impact or movement. It will do a better job distributing weight along the length of the mattress. Foundations are flexible, too, in that it can support any type of mattress. Did you just buy a bed for its contouring effects and still wake up sore in the morning?

A mattress warranty protects against physical defects, not against comfort. But it can also be voided if you're not careful. Should you consider?

Home Mattress Guides Do you need a box spring? Learn what a box spring actually is, what is does, and how it can elongate the life of your mattress. By Jack Mitcham June 14, What is a boxspring?

To absorb impact and reduce the wear on the mattress. To give the mattress a strong, flat surface to sit on. Shopping for a mattress? Here are some of our favorite online brands: Best Overall Puffy. Read Review Check Price. Best Quality Saatva. Best Value Nectar.

Best Options Helix. Read Reviews Check Price. Do I need a boxspring? You can put the mattress on the floor. You can put the mattress on a boxspring.

This raises the mattress up off the ground and provides the solid support that a mattress needs. This is usually used in conjunction with a bed frame to keep everything off the floor and provide a little storage space under the bed if necessary. They provide a sturdy, firm surface to place your mattress on, an ideal option for memory foam beds.

They're often made up of wooden slats or solid wood frames. These are bed frames that can be adjusted into numerous different positions, helpful for those who like to change their sleep position frequently or who have trouble with pain, acid reflux, poor circulation or snoring. 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. This is a hearty slab of wood that adds support to bunk beds, pull-out sofas and other sleep options that lack firmness and support, especially in the center.

It can be taken apart between uses and stashed away until next time. These are sets of wooden slats arranged for optimal ventilation on a platform.

They're usually supportive for heavy mattresses, noise-free and offer a remarkable amount of space underneath for storage. They aren't too pricey and work as a great budget option for those who find full frames too expensive. Some swear sleeping on the floor helps alleviate back pain better than any other remedies they've tried -- so why not try a mattress directly on the floor? After all, many of today's mattresses are firm and dense enough to place on the floor without the need for any additional support from a platform or foundation at all.

This idea also works with minimalist decor and a simple budget. The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice.

Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives. CNET editors pick the products and services we write about. This helps ensure your mattress maintains a long comfort life.

Box springs also raise the height of a mattress to make it easier to get in and out of bed. 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. Many sleepers who don't feel the need to have a decorative-looking bed will place their box spring directly on the floor, or on casters that stand on the floor. Depending on what you need, there are different types of box springs. 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? Sometimes a different type of foundation works better, depending on the type of mattress and your personal preferences. Learn more about that in our Foundation Guide. When shopping for a new mattress, you may be considering whether you should buy a new box spring foundation as well. Or, you may wonder if it would help to replace your box spring periodically regardless of a new mattress.

Box springs do wear out at a similar rate as mattresses. Box springs usually last around 10 years , which is a slightly longer lifespan than the typical mattress. If a box spring has any major defects like broken slats or noticeable sagging, it won't provide adequate support and you will need a new one. Worn-out box springs can cause your new mattress to sag sooner and create discomfort. Mattress warranties will often be voided if you use a box spring that's broken or sagging.

Find Your New Box Spring. Typically box springs come fully assembled, so you would just place it where you want it. These are usually metal box springs with a fabric covering that act as a complete foundation. In a complete bed set, box springs are typically placed on a bed frame that connects to the headboard and footboard. It's also common to see mattresses and box springs used together without a complete bed frame.

Those who don't feel the need to have a decorative-looking bed can simply place their box spring on the floor or on casters, with the mattress on top. With large mattresses, like a king-size, the box spring can be difficult to maneuver through tight spaces in your home.

In this case, it may be beneficial to purchase a split box spring , which is split into two halves. What type of box spring should you use with your mattress? Well, it's best to start by figuring out what you want and what will work in your home. Here's how to do that:. You need to choose the right dimensions for your box spring. Make sure it will fit with your bed frame too if you have one. For reference, the chart below shows the standard dimensions of each mattress size.

Box springs add additional height to your bed. Mattresses have gotten taller than they used to be, so one way to offset that is to use a low-profile box spring, usually 5 inches in height.

On the other hand, if you're looking to make your bed taller, a standard box spring is 9 inches in height. 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. If you have allergies, you can find box springs with hypoallergenic materials and covers.

There are also organic options, as well as box springs that add back support. Once you've determined the above, you'll be prepared to decide on the right box spring for your mattress and home.