Do You Need a Box Spring?

You might be wondering if you should sleep with a box spring or not. It can be confusing with all the noise out there on the internet. You’re probably aware that some bed frames don’t even need a box spring - you might be wondering if yours needs one if it doesn’t. In today’s article we’ll be covering:

• What box springs do
• Whether they’re necessary or not
• If you need a box spring for your bed

Keep reading to learn more!

What do box springs do?

Box springs act as a support for your mattress. They’re usually made of a wooden frame, filled with metal springs or coils, and wrapped up in fabric.

Box springs can help in many ways:

• They improve airflow which can help make the mattress cooler
• They provide support for the mattress
• They protect the mattress by absorbing impact
• They can raise the mattress up to your desired and/or comfortable height

Are box springs necessary?

Box springs are only necessary in some cases. Some mattresses don't even need any extra support when it comes to shock absorption - they’re already able to absorb shock without them. This means you don’t need a box spring for memory foam mattresses or others that are like it, including latex and hybrid mattresses.

Plus a lot of bed frames designed today have support already and don’t actually need box springs. For instance, you might be wondering, do platform beds need box springs? You don’t necessarily need a box spring with a platform bed as they have support already built-in.

However, sometimes people might use a platform bed and box spring if they’re not happy with the height of the bed. This can especially help those who have a hard time getting up and out of a low mattress.

Box springs are necessary for people who:

• Have an older innerspring mattress
• Use a standard metal rail bed frame
• Have a mattress that the manufacturers recommend using a box spring
• Want to elevate their bed to make it easier to get out of bed, and into it

Do you need a box spring?

So, do you need a box spring with any bed frame? Typically box springs are mainly used for innerspring mattresses. Although, if preferred, people can use them under other conditions. You should only do so if it’s safe and recommended or approved by the manufacturer.

With all this said, most mattresses do need some support between the floor and the mattress. You can use other support systems such as foundations in some cases. Foundations usually use wooden bed slats, and they’re firmer compared to a box spring. This makes them ideal for memory foam mattresses and others that are like it.

Another type of foundation used in place of the box spring is the adjustable bed. However, they’re usually only used with certain mattresses and they tend to be more expensive compared to the other options.

Whatever you’re sleeping situation looks like, it’s important to understand if a box spring is necessary for you. They provide support, elevation, help absorb impact, and can even help with the airflow.

You might have your sleeping setup in tip-top condition but you’re still having trouble sleeping due to other factors. These factors might include stress, overthinking, and more. With BetterSleep you can help yourself doze off with a selection of techniques including bedtime stories and even sleep hypnosis!