What are box springs and does your mattress need one?

The white Zinus Jayanna Metal BiFold Box Spring for a mattress placed on a black metal bed frame

(Image credit: Zinus)

Box springs aren't the most exciting bedroom purchase, only they can make a departure to how supportive your mattress is, depending upon which blazon yous ain. As we explain in our best mattress guide, most models tin can be used with pretty much any bed frame, but box springs tin't be used with all mattresses. And then what exactly are box springs and what do they do? But put, they are wooden and coil structures that match the size of your mattress, providing a stable and well-ventilated foundation. They besides absorb shock and add height to your setup.

While all of that is straightforward plenty, there are pros and cons to using box springs. For case, they aren't suitable for use with all mattresses as some, depending on what they're made of, will exist too heavy for a box spring. Hither nosotros run through all the essential data you demand, including what deviation they brand, and how box springs compare to other types of bases and supports.

In this feature we also expect at whether box springs tin be used with memory cream mattresses, traditional innerspring models and the more affordable mattresses in a box.

What are box springs and what are they used for?

Most standard box springs comprise a sturdy wooden (or metal) frame filled with a secure set of wire coils to provide support for your mattress, meliorate airflow effectually it, and to provide stupor absorption too. Box springs are wrapped in fabric, so they can look like to the mattress when placed on a bed frame. They tin be stylish and versatile, like the Zinus Jayanna Steel BiFold Box Spring , or they can exist plainer, like the Amazon Basics Smart Box Jump.

Mattress and box spring — (Image credit: Getty)

Other reasons that you might want to use a box spring include raising your mattress higher – this is a good idea if you're alpine – and to provide a more than stable foundation if y'all're using a collapsible metal bed frame.

Box frames provide back up for more traditional and thinner innerspring mattresses, but because mattress tech has adult and so much in the past few years, box springs are not equally widely used. Sometimes they can actually exist worse for mod mattresses. Let's expect at why that might be…

Are box springs necessary for your mattress?

Before you jump in and buy a box spring for your mattress, cheque that information technology is compatible. If you have a thinner innerspring mattress (which are prone to sagging) and a traditional metal bed frame, so using a box spring should be fine. If you lot have a hybrid, latex or all-foam mattress, then a box spring might not be suitable as the mattress could be too heavy for information technology. These newer models also utilise materials that are natural 'shock absorbers', so yous won't need this feature from a box leap.

Other reasons to use a box leap include considering the mattress manufacturer recommends information technology. If you aren't sure, then cheque the brand's website first or contact them via customer service. In some instances using a box leap tin can actually invalidate a warranty or damage the mattress, so definitely check beforehand.

If you want to add together top to your bed, then a boxspring is a practiced solution. Just if your mattress doesn't fit with a box leap, consider using a good mattress topper to add comfort and a few extra inches (think well-nigh using a mattress protector to go along your bed fresh also). Y'all could also utilise a bed riser (these come in different heights). Alternatively, there are plenty of brands that offer thicker mattresses that volition help boost the height of your bed.

Think, box springs are just actually recommended if you have an innerspring mattress. If you have a bed in a box, then box springs are generally not a skilful fit.

A woman with dark hair lies down while hanging off the edge of a white mattress — (Epitome credit: Getty)

Do box springs make a difference to your mattress?

Box springs are mainly used considering they keep the mattress ventilated, providing an excellent solution for people who slumber hot (also see our guide to the top cooling mattresses). They are also constructive at helping reduce motion transfer on your innerspring mattress. If you lot have a metal bed frame, a box leap should provide even support for your mattress, preventing information technology from sagging in the eye.

Box springs tin likewise be used to make innerspring models last longer, providing a durable and stable surface for them to rest on. You can use them directly beneath your mattress either on a bed frame or on the floor.

How tall are box springs?

Box springs are mostly 9 inches in peak although some tin be around seven or 8 inches too. If you demand the extra height considering you are tall or find information technology easier to make it and out of bed more easily when yous have that extra height, then box springs are a good solution. If you want something other than the standard box-bound elevation, in that location are much taller options (such equally 16-inch box springs) bachelor.

Box springs vs foundation: key differences

Placing your mattress on a foundation is another way to add together back up. Foundations are like to box springs only contain wooden slats instead of metal coils to reduce bounce. Foundations are good for all types of mattresses, and can be used with a bed frame or only by itself. They're especially good for heavier memory foam models.

Foundations provide many of the same benefits as a box jump – such as added height and support – but foundations are generally more than durable. Choose ane with closely spaced slats (roughly 3 inches autonomously) to maintain constructive ventilation, simply too ensure the weight of the mattress is evenly supported.

A Saatva Mattress placed on a foundation on a grey fabric base — Saatva (pictured) makes a range of bed frames and bases, including uncomplicated yet supportive foundations (Image credit: Saatva)

Y'all'll find that many sleep brands volition guide you through which blazon of base to option. Saatva, for example, recommends using a foundation for its Archetype model (read our Saatva Classic Mattress review) if you lot want a base that works with a range of bed frames.

Box springs vs platform: key differences

Platform beds are sturdy, supportive and affordable. They await pretty fashionable besides, combining a foundation with a frame. They also tend to be lower to the footing – with a height of anything from a few inches up to 1ft. So if you struggle to get in or out of bed easily, and then a platform might not be for you.

Platform beds typically have a stable surface with wooden slats, and provide acceptable airflow for most types of mattresses. However, if you are using an innerspring model, you might adopt the feel of a box leap equally a platform bed can be quite firm. Many platform beds also come with added storage drawers congenital in, which is ideal if you're brusk on space in your bedroom.

Sleep innovator Imperial makes a Platform Bed Frame that'southward suitable for use with hybrid and cream models, including its own (read our Regal Mattress review to learn more than).

Are box springs outdated?

Mattresses take come up a long way since the days of the traditional innerspring and there's now more pick than ever with memory foam, latex and hybrids leading the way. However, considering modernistic types are non ever uniform with box springs, it means this type of support is being used less and less.

Box springs are withal an excellent option when paired with innerspring mattresses though, and many people prefer the feel of them. In short, every bit long as you have some sort of foundation and it's uniform with your bed, that'southward what matters.

Do box springs wear out?

One disadvantage of box springs is that they tend to clothing down quicker than other bases. This is simply down to the nature of coils and their tendency to deteriorate quicker, similar to innerspring mattresses, which tend to accept a lifespan of five to seven years. To assist yours last longer, make certain you are regularly cleaning and rotating it co-ordinate to the manufacturer'southward guidelines. Read our feature on how often you should rotate or flip your mattress for more guidance.

Remember that extra weight can crusade a college level of wear and tear on a box spring, and heavy mattresses are non well-suited to box springs. Read the weight guidelines for your chosen box spring earlier purchasing to brand sure it volition work with your bed before you spend whatever coin.

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Davina is an experienced slumber and mattress writer who has previously contributed to our sister site Top 10 Reviews, amid other Future plc brands. Davina's a big fan of organic slumber products and has recently invested in a wool mattress topper that she quite happily describes every bit "life-irresolute." (Hey, we're serious virtually our slumber products). When she isn't snoozing or writing well-nigh sleep, Davina enjoys reading and creative writing, and incorporates meditation and yoga into her wellness routine.