Do You Really Need a Box Spring? | Pros & Cons Simplified

Many people ask themselves if they need a box spring for their bed or not, which depends on so many elements, such as if you want your mattress to be higher, if you want to add more support to your bed, and if your mattress and bed frame are compatible with a box spring.

What are box springs?

A box spring is a box that serves as a foundation for mattresses. It’s constructed from a wooden or metal frame and covered in fabric, and it enhances the overall support of the bed by adding a layer between the mattress and the bed frame, which in turn increases the lifespan of your mattress.

Pros of box springs

Additional Support

Box springs add more support to your bed and decrease the amount of wear and tear that occurs as time goes by. They prevent the mattress from sagging in the middle and enhance its overall durability.

Raise the mattress up

Box springs increase the height of your mattress; this is especially helpful for tall people, as it elevates the mattress and makes it closer to their hip level, which makes getting in and out of bed much easier.

Protect the mattress

Having a box spring lengthens the lifespan of your bed frame and mattress, as it adds an extra layer between them, which protects your mattress and bed frame.

Regulate the temperature

Box springs aid with mattress ventilation as they promote airflow and prevent heat buildup while you’re sleeping. This is especially helpful if you’re a hot sleeper, as it will ensure that you won’t overheat or sweat during your sleep, and you’ll have a better sleeping experience. Don't forget to get a cooling mattress for your box spring to make it better.

Shock absorption

One of the key features of the box spring is that it absorbs any movement or shock, which not only prolongs the lifespan of your mattress but is also very beneficial in the case of bed-sharing, as it won’t disrupt the sleep of your partner when you move around while you’re sleeping or vice versa.

Cons of box springs

Compatibility limitations

If you decide to use box springs, you might face some sort of compatibility issue, as box springs aren’t compatible with many mattresses, such as memory foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses. They're also not compatible with multiple bed frames.

Increase the cost of the bed

Suppose you bought a bed that includes a box spring. In that case, it will dramatically increase its price, which might be an issue if you’re on a tight budget, so you have to be sure that the benefits that the box spring offers are important for you, and then you can decide whether it’s worth paying the extra cost or not.

Not suitable for adjustable beds

Adjustable bases are designed to hold and provide sufficient support for the mattress, making box springs incompatible.

Weight and bulk

Box springs are usually pretty heavy and hard to move around. They can’t be disassembled either, so you can move the box spring into multiple separate parts.

Types of Box Springs

Ultra-Low Profile Box Springs

If you don’t want any extra height but you still want a box spring that separates the mattress from the bed frame, then an ultra-low profile box spring is your best choice, as it’s only 2 inches high and comes in all mattress sizes.

Low-profile Box Springs

Low-profile box springs are perfect for people who want to add a bit of height to their bed while still getting all the features that a box spring provides. They're a great option if you have a thicker mattress, as they're only 4.5 to 5.5 inches tall.

Standard Box Springs

The traditional box spring is the most popular choice, and it supports the mattress and adds about 9 inches of height to it.

Coil Box Springs

While it doesn’t accommodate mattresses such as memory foam and latex, coil box springs provide a sufficient bounce and are better at absorbing shocks than traditional box springs. That’s because they include innerspring coils in their construction.

Zero-Deflection Box Springs

Mattress compatibility limitation is one of the biggest drawbacks of box springs; however, zero-deflection box springs solve that issue as they're compatible with almost every mattress material because they include wooden slats.

Semi-Flex Box Springs

If you don’t mind paying a bit extra for your box spring, then you should go with semi-flex box springs, which are considered the most expensive box springs, and that’s because they're constructed from both wooden slats and metal wire, in addition to being compatible with all mattress types.

Split Box Springs

Split box springs are especially beneficial if you have a big bed, such as a queen or king bed, or better, a split mattress, as they come in two individual parts that can be placed together. It addresses another drawback of box springs, which is that they can’t be disabled, but split box springs consist of two parts that can be easily moved around your room.

Box Spring Features

Extra storage

Some box springs come with extra storage, which you can use to store your bedding, sheets, and blankets. It’s especially helpful if you’re living in a small apartment.

Cover Included

Box springs that come with a cover tend to have a longer lifespan, as it takes more time than usual for box springs to show any signs of wear and tear.

Folding

Folding box springs are beneficial if you move around a lot or tend to change the placement of your bed often because it makes moving the box spring from one place to another easier.

Fully Assembled

Fully assembled box springs come to you without any need for you to assemble them, as they’re ready to use, you just need to install them on the bed, and you’re good to go.

Split

Split box springs come in two boxes, for ease of movement, and they are usually designed for larger beds with customizable features.

Those who should buy a box spring

• If you’re using a traditional metal rail bed frame: Using a box spring in a traditional metal rail bed frame will prevent the mattress from sagging and will increase the lifespan of your mattress.
• If you have a traditional innerspring mattress: While Innerspring mattresses are one of the most common types of mattresses, they’re usually not the best for couples as they have a higher motion transfer rate, a box spring can help with that as it absorbs shocks and decrease the motion transfer levels of the mattress.
• If you want to increase the height of your bed: If it’s difficult for you to get in and out of bed, because your bed is too low, or you suffer from mobility issues, then a box spring can assist you in making the bed higher, which will make it easy to get in and out of bed.
• If your mattress manufacturer recommends box spring: if your mattress manufacturer recommends that you should use box springs, then you should as it could positively impact the performance and longevity of the mattress.

Those who shouldn’t buy a box spring

• If you have memory foam, latex, or hybrid Mattresses: Most box springs are not compatible with these types of modern mattresses. In addition, these mattresses include many of the benefits that box springs provide, such as shock absorption.
• If you have a platform bed: platform mattresses are usually very supportive and constructed to be durable and sturdy, so it doesn’t really need added support from a box spring.
• If your mattress is on the floor: There’s no reason to use a box spring if your mattress is on the floor, unless you’re looking to increase the height of the mattress because you suffer from joint pain and it’s difficult for you to get in and out of bed.

What to consider before buying a box spring?

Mattress size

One of the most important things to keep in mind before buying a box spring is the mattress size. Box springs come in different sizes, so you have to make sure that they fit your mattress.

Height

You have to know what the height level is that you want your mattress to be at, so if your mattress is constructed from dense and thick foam, you’d want a low or ultra-low profile box spring so the mattress won’t be too high. It’s generally recommended that the mattress go up to your hip level so it will be easy for you to get in and out of bed.

Split or standard box springs

Split box spring comes in two separate boxes, which makes it easy for them to be transported from one place to another, but it’s usually only compatible with bigger beds such as queen and king, meanwhile, regular box springs can’t be dissembled but it comes in all mattress sizes.

Material

Box springs are available in a number of materials, while the most common ones are wooden and metal box springs, there are many more options that are available on the market to fit the preferences of anyone.

Compatible Mattress types

Certain types of box springs are not compatible with some mattress types, such as coil box springs, which don’t work with modern mattresses such as memory foam and latex mattresses, so you have to check if your mattress is compatible with the box spring before purchasing one.

Weight capacity

It would be best if you made sure before buying a box spring that it would support the weight of the people who are going to sleep on it, plus the weight of the mattress.

FAQs

Are there alternatives to traditional box springs?

Yes, multiple alternatives provide the same functions as traditional box springs, such as platform beds and slatted bed frames; however, each one has its own set of unique qualities that you need to consider before choosing which one aligns with your preference.

How do I know if I need a box spring for my mattress?

A box spring is usually needed for any bed frame that isn't solid or includes a support system in the middle. It’s also quite beneficial if your mattress is a little bit lower than you prefer, as it would increase the height of it.

Can you put a box spring on the floor?

Technically, you can, but you don’t really need one if you’re putting your mattress on the floor. If you have mobility issues and want to increase the height of the mattress, a box spring might help you with that.

What happens if you sleep on a bed without a box spring?

Nothing is going to happen if you don’t use a box spring; however, using it might delay the appearance of the wear and tear signs on your mattress, and it will increase the overall lifespan of your mattress.

Conclusion

Box springs are very beneficial for anyone who is looking to increase the height of their mattress. They also enhance the overall support of the bed and increase the lifespan of your mattress.

At the same time, it’s not compatible with every single mattress and bed frame, so you need to make sure that your sleeping setup is suitable for a box spring or not before deciding whether you need one or not.