Back to U.S. Website, APO/FPO FurnitureExtra 15% offSelect Furniture by Christopher Knight*RugsUp to 70% offSelect Area Rugs by Safavieh*DécorUp to 50% offSelect Curtains by Exclusive Fabrics*Bed & BathSave onSelect Bedding & Bath by Laura Ashley & MoreHome ImprovementExtra 15% offHome Improvement*KitchenShop AppliancesOutdoorUp to 50% offSelect Outdoor Furniture by Portfolio*JewelryUp to 50% offSelect Auriya Jewelry*WatchesUp to 50% off Featured Branded Watches*Shop WatchesWomenUp to Extra 15% offClothing, Shoes & Accessories*MenUp to Extra 15% offClothing, Shoes & Accessories*Kids & BabyExtra 10% offKids Furniture*MoreExtra 10% offPet Supplies* FAQs about Box Spring Mattresses Box spring mattresses have been used for decades and are both extremely comfortable and very durable. While new advances in bedding, such as memory foam and adjustable models, require no box spring, the durability of a box spring mattress is beyond compare. Box spring mattresses can last for years and are among the least expensive bedding options around.
Look below to learn answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about box spring mattresses. Questions about Box Springs: Why do I need a box spring?Box springs provide both height and rigidity to your mattress. With larger mattresses, where partners typically sleep in the same position, a box spring is essential to keep a mattress level year after year. The height gained by using a box spring mattress makes it much easier to get in and out of bed, and box springs themselves are designed so that the mattresses won't wear out after just a few years of use. Box springs absorb the impact transmitted through mattresses from rough handling and use. What is a box spring?A box spring is a set of strong, coiled springs that are shrouded in cloth or synthetic fabric. Box springs are typically lightweight, but they are very sturdy. Box springs provide an extra layer of cushioning between the mattress and floor, leading to less damage to both the bed and the underlying flooring.
Is there a difference between a box spring and a bed base?No. A box spring and a bed base are the same thing. Although most box springs are made using metal springs, some are constructed using rigid foam or other supports. Both box springs and bed bases work the same way, and the terms are interchangeable. How big should a box spring be?While a box spring should be the same width and length of your mattress, the actual thickness of the box spring matters very little. The thickness of a box spring can be determined by your preference. The amount of support provided is the same, regardless of the thickness of the box spring. A thicker box spring may be more desirable for aesthetic reasons, but thinner box springs are easier to maneuver and can be more easily moved for cleaning.Ready for some Q&A? We’re here to help dispel some myths about mattress shopping and make the process easier and more transparent for you. A: All of these are good questions, and the answer may vary.
Most boxes these days are just fabric covered height. They have wooden slats across the top; oftentimes there will be cardboard over the slats. The few companies that still use coils or metal in their boxes use a rigid structure with little to no give. Therefore, a box is merely height to hold a mattress on a frame. This is one of the reasons platform beds have become more popular over the years. As boxes have become an unnecessary part of a bed’s support system, people have chosen to save money by selecting frames that no longer require a box. You might not need a box under your mattressThe right bed frame eliminates the need for a box underneath your mattress. If you don’t require the height & your mattress is in good shape, a platform bed with slats is all you need! CHECK OUT STURDY PLATFORM BEDS It used to be that boxes were an integral part of a bed’s support system. If you go back far enough in the history of mattresses, you’ll find that batting materials like hay, wool, and cotton were the sleep surfaces of choice for most people (nowadays, we would liken these beds to futon mattresses).
Back then, coil boxes would provide responsiveness to a sleep surface that was generally quite firm. As mattress companies evolved, coil systems were inserted into beds to increase their comfort life. These heat-tempered coils were able to maintain their shape for up to 2 million compressions, whereas batting materials compressed fairly quickly. With coils now being part of the mattress, the coil boxes became a liability for mattress companies. The number of coils used in boxsprings were not numerous enough to handle the weight of a mattress plus people combined, and mattress companies were more likely to have warrant-able sags to mattress sets they sold. Often times, people needed to insert plywood between the mattress and box to firm up their sleep surface. When people didn’t firm up the bed themselves, sags in low coil count boxes led to problems for mattress manufacturers and consumers alike. So mattress companies changed. Boxes are now manufactured with little to no give so that sags are less likely to be a result of the box, and are sometimes an unnecessary purchase.
A: Unfortunately, you may. Mattress warranties require that you put the mattress on a good support system. Platform beds are almost always okay, but old boxsprings generally aren’t. As I said before, these old support systems can develop sags, and that will telegraph through, and potentially even damage a new mattress. If your old box has a slatted wood top and no give, then you should never need to replace it. These platform boxes are a permanent solution, and essentially all mattresses are okay on these. A: It may be that the salesperson doesn’t have enough education, or it could be that a rare mattress company has a unique policy. A platform box is equivalent to a platform bed. If there is center support under the middle of the box or mattress, you will meet the warranty requirements for nearly all mattress companies. If you are using a box, anything over a twin or full size mattress should have center support. If you’re using a platform bed, even a full needs that support.