When your parents or grandparents bought a mattress, it likely came as a set with a box spring. But box springs have become far less common in the last two decades. With the innovations in mattresses in recent years, do you need a box spring?
While box springs might seem like a thing of the past, there are some instances where you might need ... [+]
If you’re buying a brand new mattress, the answer is probably no—but that depends on the kind of mattress you’re buying. While some manufacturers specifically recommend the use of a box spring, it’s not necessary for many mattress types (and can add unnecessary height that makes it hard to climb in and out of bed). Here’s how to know whether you need a box spring, or if your mattress is better supported by a different kind of base.
What Is A Box Spring?
A box spring is a semi-flexible, fabric-covered wood frame that contains a layer of steel coils or a metal grid. Box springs were originally designed for use with innerspring mattresses to deliver a touch of adjustability that helped support spinal alignment. As mattress technology improved, however, the need for a box spring decreased.
A look at a mattress box spring being built.
A box spring’s primary job is to offer support to the mattress, which is critical to a good night’s sleep. “Mattress support helps maintain proper spinal alignment and distribute body weight evenly,” says sleep scientist Wendy Troxel, PhD. “A supportive mattress can help reduce pressure points, alleviate pain and promote better sleep quality.”
This support is boosted by a box spring’s ability to provide shock absorption for your mattress, which comes in handy in the event your partner rolls over or the dog jumps onto the bed. The support of a box spring also helps prolong the life of your mattress. In addition, box springs may improve airflow because they’re nearly hollow, which could mean cooler sleep. Box springs also elevate your bed so it’s easier to get in and out. That’s a helpful feature if you’re tall or have mobility issues.
Do You Need a Box Spring?
Whether or not you need a box spring depends on several factors, including your mattress type, bed frame and to some extent, your personal preference. While most modern mattresses do not require a box spring, there are times when you can benefit from using one.
You Need A Box Spring If:
- Your mattress is a traditional innerspring (though many modern innerspring beds don’t require one) or is specifically designed for use with a box spring
- The mattress manufacturer recommends it or the warranty requires it
- You want to raise the mattress to a height that’s comfortable for getting in and out of bed
You Don’t Need a Box Spring If
- You have a memory foam, latex or hybrid mattress and the manufacturer doesn’t require it
- You have a platform bed
Box Spring Alternatives
If your mattress manufacturer doesn’t recommend the use of a box spring, there are other options you can use to raise your mattress.
Foundation
A foundation is a fabric-covered wooden box with wooden slats extending across it to provide solid support. It provides a firm, non-bouncy surface for mattress types such as memory foam and latex. It’s designed for support, not give, so it offers a firm sleep surface.
Platform Bed
A platform bed doesn’t require the use of either a box spring or foundation because it has a slatted surface on which the mattress sits. It has a low, sleek profile and provides a firm sleep surface. The downside is that some people may find the bed too short to climb in and out of comfortably. However, there are taller platform bed frames on the market—like the Purple Bed Frame, which is 17 inches tall (not including headboard) with 8 inches of underbed storage space.
Bunkie Board
A bunkie board is a fabric-covered piece of wood but unlike a foundation, it’s only one to three inches thick. It was originally used to provide support for bunk beds. Bunkie boards can be used instead of a foundation or box spring or on top of a platform bed for extra firmness.
Adjustable Base
An adjustable base allows you to raise the head or foot of the bed, which can offer benefits like relieving back pain or improving symptoms of gastric reflux. These bases don’t work with every mattress type, so it’s important to double check that yours is compatible before buying an adjustable base. If you are in the market for one, our top pick is the Tempur-Ergo Power Base.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted team of writers, editors and contributors has published dozens of expertly researched mattress stories as part of our sleep library.
- Forbes Vetted contributor Arricca SanSone, the author of this story, has been testing and writing about home and garden products for more than a decade. Her recent work includes a review of the Saatva Loom and Leaf Mattress and a roundup of the best organic pillows.
- Senior mattress and sleep editor Bridget Chapman and mattress and sleep editor McKenzie Dillon, who assigned and oversaw this article, are certified sleep science coaches with years of professional mattress and product testing experience—making them eminently qualified to offer recommendations in the sleep space.
- For insight into the function and value of box springs, we consulted sleep scientist Dr. Wendy Troxel, PhD. We also researched the latest recommendations regarding the use of box springs from manufacturers such as Avocado, Casper, Nectar, Purple, Saatva and others.
Is It Okay To Not Have A Box Spring?
It’s fine not to use a box spring under your mattress, as long as you’re using something else to support it, such as a platform bed or foundation. The exception is if your mattress manufacturer recommends its use, as is the case with many innerspring mattresses. “You should follow your manufacturer’s recommendations for its use to ensure optimal support and durability of the mattress because it’s designed to work in conjunction with the specific mattress model,” says Troxel. Not using it also may void the warranty if a box spring is recommended by the manufacturer.
Do I Need A Box Spring If I Have A Bed Frame?
Not necessarily. If the bed frame is a platform type or there are slats cross-wise to support the mattress, you can place the mattress directly on the frame. But if it’s just an outer frame, a box spring or foundation is recommended.
What Is The Point Of A Box Spring?
Box springs offer give and additional support to a mattress. They’re most commonly used with an innerspring mattress and some hybrid mattresses. They also help absorb shock from movement to prolong mattress life, improve airflow around your mattress to keep you cooler and add height to make it easier to get in and out of bed.
Is It Bad For Your Back To Not Use A Box Spring?
The question of whether or not to use a box spring to ward off back pain hinges on your specific mattress type. But whether you have an innerspring, hybrid or foam mattress, using an appropriate base is important to ensure that it’s properly supported. Otherwise, you run the risk of the mattress sagging in places, which could lead to back pain and poor sleep quality.
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