The coil spring mattress traditionally came with its boxspring mate. The two pieces together made up the bed. Now there are other alternatives of foundations for one to place their mattress upon. Depending on the type of mattress, preference of sleeping and type of décor one prefers, the once necessary boxspring may no longer be considered one’s best and only option. Exactly how it sounds, the boxspring is an actual box filled with springs designed as a mate for its mattress to sit on top of. The original design of the boxspring is a wooden box crafted to contain coiled springs that are tied down and covered with cloth to act as a supportive spring bed for the mattress. Spring coil mattresses are designed in coordination with their matching boxsprings so it is typically advised to not mix a spring mattress with a boxspring that was not made to be mated with it. The boxspring and mattress are usually placed on a bed frame. As a companion to the mattress the boxspring serves three purposes.
An important issue to remember when considering the boxspring is that it arrives as a solid piece of furniture the size of the mattress, although King beds often have two split boxsprings. Unlike the mattress it cannot bend at all. This is important to understand when moving a boxspring up a flight of stairs or around tight corners. If purchasing a box spring make sure to measure and verify that you will be able to get it into the bedroom. For those choosing a mattress, other than a coil spring there is no need for a boxspring at all. Even those who still have a spring mattress can opt for a different type of foundation. Although the old box of springs type foundation is no longer the only choice, one will want to still use a foundation for their mattress in order to lift it off the floor and away from dust and allergens and make it a decent height to effortlessly get in to and out of bed. A foundation can be crafted from a solid wood platform or using a frame with wood slats.
With no need to have a box to hold springs for a mattress, there are multiple foundation choices for you to use for a mattress. A boxspring is a foundation although not every foundation is a boxspring. The foundations crafted with spring coils are the only authentic boxsprings. Only spring mattresses will have a need for an actual boxspring, while foundations of choice can be used for just about any type of mattress. Along with choosing the mattress that is the best option for your needs you will also want to put into consideration what your needs and wants are for its foundation. How to Select a Box Spring Many people ask, "Do I need a box spring?" The answer is yes. As the foundation of any bed, the box spring is almost as important as choosing the right mattress. The box spring was built for durability and designed to absorb and distribute the weight of your mattress for added comfort and a more sound sleep. In addition to the extra comfort, your box spring will help prolong the life of your mattress.
Box springs are generally made from wood and contain a steel reinforcement to provide strength. A thick fabric called ticking is applied to the sides, a skid-resistant fabric is added to the top, and the bottom is covered with a fabric dust barrier. There are a few things to consider when choosing a box spring, such as the size, type, and material. The right box spring can make or break a mattress purchase, so shop wisely and take the time to select the box spring that's right for your bed. Plan for Your Desired Bed Height A benefit of a box spring is the added height to your bed. However, this means you need to take into account the total height of both the box spring and mattress. The two most common box spring heights are a standard 9-inch box spring and a low profile 5-inch box spring. With the popularity of memory foam toppers and high-profile deluxe mattresses, the addition of an average 9-inch box spring can make a rather tall bed. If your mattress is already at the desired height, look for a low-profile box spring.
Although the low-profile box spring is much smaller in size, it still provides the same support and durability as a 9-inch box spring. Split Box Spring vs. Standard Box Spring Whereas a standard box spring comes as one whole piece, a split box spring comes in two sections to make up the size of your mattress. Unlike a mattress, a box spring can't be squished into submission to fit through narrow halls and doorways. If you have a queen size bed or larger, and narrow halls in your home, you may need to purchase a split queen box spring. A split box spring does cost slightly more than a one-piece model; however, the ease of moving them makes up for the extra expense. A split box spring will require support in the center of the bed frame, so ensure your bed frame will accommodate this type of box spring. Select Materials That Suit Your Lifestyle Box springs come with many options, including ones with densely packed coils as well as boxes with hypoallergenic fabrics, organic fabrics, and natural fillers.
If you come across a cheap box spring that looks very similar to a higher priced one, read the fine print; there could be major differences in spring type, fibers, or other parts of the box spring. Don't Overlook the Included Box Spring Always take a good look at the mattress and box spring set. Often, manufacturers sell these combinations according to consumer popularity or as a promotional offer. With these packaged deals, it's possible to get a box spring for significantly less than the retail price. Plus, the set may be under the same warranty terms, making maintenance easy and affordable. Elise is a firm believer in beauty sleep and considers herself an expert in this area. She truly believes in the saying "comfort is key," not only in her home, but in her fashion as well. In her spare time, Elise enjoys getting outdoors and decorating her home with quick DIY projects. Read More Bedding Guides Learn More About Mattresses Shop All Bedroom FurnitureThe earliest evidence of bedding was discovered in Sibudu Cave, South Africa.
It consisted of a variety of leaves and flowers that created a very primitive form of padding. This padding was laid directly onto the ground in big piles. The first known use of what one might consider comparable to the bed setups of today, with a base, padding, and a blanket, dates back to roughly 3000 B.C. from a neolithic village that was found in Orkney, Scotland. The village consisted of eight dwellings, each of which contained a large stone slab that would have been used as a bed. It is believed these slabs were covered with a mix of soft ferns to create some form of padding, and the sleeper used animal skins as a blanket. Sometime between 3000 and 1000 B.C., the Egyptians started building elaborate beds for Pharaohs. There is also evidence of the Persians using sewn-up goat skins filled with water as far back as 1580 B.C. in what could be considered the first waterbeds. As early as the Medieval times, it was the norm for common folk to sleep on rudimentary mattresses made from boards of wood covered with animal skins.
The majority of these early beds were set directly on the ground and subject to infestation from rodents, bugs, and other pests. This led to people in the 14th century raising their mattress off the ground via a serious or ropes. Over time, these ropes would loosen and need to be retightened, which is where the term "sleep tight" comes from. The earliest use of springs in a mattress came about in 1865 when Samuel Kettle patented the first ever open spring mattress. This style of bed, which was a combination of a coil-sprung mattress and a metal bed frame became the new norm and led to the kind of bedding we use today with box springs and spring support mattresses. A box spring is used as a bed base to not only elevate the bed, but also provide more support to the sleeper and reduce wear on the mattress by absorbing shock. They contain metal coil springs, which are covered in some kind of fabric and then enclosed in a sturdy wooden frame, making the entire unit more durable and easier to move.
There are a number of benefits to using a box spring and mattress combination instead of a platform bed. Box spring beds are higher than other bedding types. This makes it easier to get in and out of bed, especially for the elderly or infirm. It also allows box spring beds to be used as seats when needed, such as for watching T.V. or entertaining friends in the bedroom. Box springs also do a better job of absorbing body weight and impacts. The more pressure that is transferred from your mattress to your box spring, the longer your mattress will last. Since box springs are considerably cheaper than mattresses, it makes sense to preserve your mattress for as long as possible and wear out the box spring instead. A mattress needs support to prevent sagging. If one were to lay a mattress down directly onto a metal or wooden bed frame, it would sag heavily in any unsupported areas. A box spring provides this much needed support, preventing sagging and helping to disperse the body weight evenly across the mattress.
A few factors must be taken into account before purchasing a box spring. As mentioned previously, a box spring will elevate a bed, so one must consider what bed height is comfortable for them. If you have a very thick pillowtop mattress, you might consider going for a low-profile box spring. Otherwise your bed may be too high and difficult to climb into. A low-profile box spring can be as small as 5 inches, yet will still provide the same amount of support as a standard box spring, which is generally 9 inches tall. Box springs are available as one large unit that is perfectly matched to the size of your bed, or as a split model. A split model makes use of two smaller box springs to make up one large support foundation for your bed. If you don't plan on ever moving your bed after its initial placement, then a traditional box spring will be suitable for your needs. For those who move often, a split box spring can make life much easier. Unlike mattress, box springs cannot be squished and folded to fit through doorways or into an SUV.