Do You Need A Boxspring? – So, what exactly is a box spring anyway? A box spring is a kind of mattress base. Box springs include a wooden frame with springs inside that is covered in cloth. Box springs work as shock absorbers, making it easier to get in and out of bed. A box spring is usually placed on a metal frame or a frame with wooden slats which is the same size as the mattress being placed on top of it. For decades, box springs were the go-to choice when purchasing a mattress. However, times are changing and many are ditching this design for mattress foundations.
Do You Need A Boxspring? If So, What Is The Purpose Of A Box Spring?
Box springs provide a bit of “flex” for firm mattresses. They also:
Provide height –
One of the most distinguishing characteristics of a box spring is its height. Most people prefer to have beds that are a bit higher off the floor as it makes it easier to get in and out of bed.
Prevent sagging –
Box springs are designed to protect mattresses from sagging by dispersing weight evenly. They help stabilize mattresses and protect them from wear and tear.
Aesthetically pleasing –
A box spring coupled with a mattress looks better than a mattress that’s stuck on the floor.
Advantages Of Choosing A Foundation Over A Box Spring
For years, a mattress box spring was considered the natural choice to provide support for innerspring mattresses. But modern mattress technology no longer requires box springs for support — making sleek mattress foundations the obvious choice when it comes your bedroom setup.
Like box springs, foundations are also rectangular. They are often made of wood with slats running from side to side. Foundations often include a zippered cover. These covers are used for latex mattresses, memory foam mattresses and two-sided mattress because they provide a stable, uniform base for flexible foam cores.
Another advantage of using a foundation over a box spring is that you don’t necessarily need to use a bed frame — great for those with limited space in the bedroom.
However, you will need to choose a foundation that fits the size of your mattress perfectly so that there won’t be any gaps at the edges. Foundations provide the same additional support and comfort as box springs and prevent the premature sagging of mattresses.
Here are a few other things you should consider:
- The size of your bedroom
- Will you be purchasing an adjustable base?
- What kind of mattress will you be using: a foam mattress, innerspring, air, water, gel-foam, or pillow top mattress? The type of mattress may determine whether you’ll want to choose a bed frame, foundation or box spring.
Other Things To Consider When Choosing A Base
Here are a few other things you should consider:
- The size of your bedroom
- Will you be purchasing an adjustable base?
- What kind of mattress will you be using: a foam mattress, innerspring, air, water, gel-foam, or pillow top mattress? The type of mattress may determine whether you’ll want to choose a bed frame, foundation or box spring.
Do You Need A Boxspring, Bed Bases Or Frames?
If you’re planning to use a bed base or foundation, make sure to select one that is appropriate to use with your mattress preference.
Slatted Base –
A slatted bed base is the most common design and is preferred today over other types of frames because they adapt to various amounts of weight placed upon them. The slats also allow air to flow through the mattress. It is essential that you consider the spacing of the slats depending on the type of mattress that you are going to get.
Adjustable Base –
Adjustable bases can be used with memory foam, latex or innerspring mattresses. Another word on adjustable bases: some provide independent customizable settings for each sleeper, while other adjustable bases can only adjust the entire bed.
Platform Base –
If you want a more solid feel to your mattress when you sleep, a platform bed may be a better choice. This flat solid surface can accommodate almost any type of mattress. There are platform bases on the market that come with drawer space and double as a piece of furniture. However, the storage variations tend to take up a lot of space, can be extremely heavy and are not easy to move.
Metal Frame –
This type of frame works well with box springs, hybrid mattresses and memory foam mattresses.
Bunkie Board (Bunky Board) –
If you already have an older bed, plywood bases or bunkie boards will reinforce your existing setup and provide additional comfort and support. However, bunkie board foundations are not recommended for heavier mattresses such as latex mattresses.
Do You Need A Boxspring – The Last Word
Do you need a box spring? Well, that depends on your personal preferences. You’ll need to consider the size of your room, the type of mattress you want, and your foundation choice.
For those who prefer a sleek design, a platform bed may be the best option. These simple foundations provide wooden slats for the mattress to sit on. The price is affordable and the set-up is easy. For those that want a little bit of pampering after a long day, the best solution may be the Tomorrow Adjustable Bed. It not only includes customizable sleep settings like ‘Zero Gravity’ and ‘Anti-Snore’ but it also has a built-in USB port for all your charging needs.
Do You Need A Boxspring Resources;
[1] Tomorrow Sleep; Tomorrow Platform Bed.