The right box spring is a great way to improve the support and bounce of your mattress, as well as adding height. The wrong box spring can cause your mattress damage after long-term use. If you think you might need a box spring for your bed, keep reading to learn about the pros and cons of using a box spring and whether or not you need one for your bed.
Support and Protection
A box spring is used to protect your mattress and sits in between the bed frame and the mattress. It is usually made of wood or metal in a box with metal coils inside similar to a mattress, all protected in a breathable fabric. A box spring is the same size as your mattress to protect it the best it can, and because of this, mattresses and box springs are often bought as a set. Generally, mattresses are more compatible with traditional platforms these days, but older beds and more traditional mattresses may still require a box spring for optimum care.
In the same way that the mattress is designed to offer support to your body, the box spring is designed to provide the same kind of support to the mattress. It is a stable surface for the mattress to rest and is designed to absorb any shock, maintaining the quality of your mattress and ensuring you get good quality sleep the whole time you have your mattress. Box springs are also made to raise the height of your bed, usually placed on top of a bed frame with a mattress on top. This makes it easier to get in and out of bed than on a shorter bed. Having a complete bed set isn’t essential, though, if you are less concerned with the look of your bed, many people will place a cheap mattress and a box spring on the floor directly, which can serve just as well.
Do you need a box spring?
Generally speaking, most modern mattresses don’t need a box spring in terms of comfort, although sometimes a mattress warranty will require one to be valid. This is because it helps to stop your mattress from breaking and helps it to last longer. Other reasons you may need a box spring could include increasing the support and comfort of your mattress if you’re using a bed frame, if you have a traditional mattress with a double-sided innerspring, or if you want to increase the height of your bed.
Overall, there are several pros and cons to a box spring, and it should be pretty easy to work out whether you need one for your mattress or not.
Pros:
- Lightweight and so easy to move around
- Is a supportive surface
- Absorbs shock from your mattress
- Provides good airflow
- Ideal for an innerspring mattress
- Increases the bounce of your bed
Cons:
- Not designed for use with memory foam or latex mattresses
- Over time, just like a mattress, the coils can break or wear down
- Can sag after prolonged use
- Can make your bed more expensive as a whole
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