Do you really need a box spring?

When you’re shopping for a new mattress, you might wonder whether you actually need a new box spring to go with it. Maybe you have an old one at home — or maybe you’re wondering if you even need one at all. Does a box spring actually serve a purpose for your mattress?

What does a box spring do?

A box spring acts as a shock absorber for your mattress. It will help improve the comfort and durability of your mattress, while still providing adequate support. At The Original Mattress Factory, our box springs are each specially designed to work with the mattresses in the line with which it’s paired.

When you’re shopping for a mattress set, you’ll want to look for a box spring that is firm but has some give. It should flex a bit when you sit on the mattress.

Not all box springs are created equal

Over the years, many mattress manufacturers and retailers were looking for ways to cut costs, so they simply stopped making real working box springs. Instead, they’ve switched to foundations.

These foundations may look similar to real working box springs from the outside, but when you take a look inside, you’ll see they look quite different. When you compare a real box spring to a foundation, you’ll see that the foundation has less wire and isn’t designed to have any give.

When you sit on the edge of a mattress with a foundation, you’ll notice that the foundation doesn’t flex. That means that it won’t act as a shock absorber for your mattress, which could affect its long-term durability.

Learn more: Box springs vs. foundations

So, do you need a box spring?

We highly recommend that you not only use a box spring, but purchase a new one each time you purchase a new mattress. Just like your mattress, your box spring will age with time. Pairing a brand new mattress with an old box spring could negatively impact your experience with your new mattress. Also, if your box spring is less than 15 years old and from another manufacturer, there’s a good chance it’s actually a foundation.

But not all beds can accommodate a box spring, such as a bunk bed or platform bed. In those cases, you’ll want to have a solid surface for your mattress to rest on. Slats that are spaced too far apart can cause your mattress to sag, negatively impacting the durability and comfort of your mattress.

If your bed doesn’t allow for a box spring, we recommend checking out a bunk board to help support your mattress.

Check out Mattress Shopping 101.

Ready to start your mattress buying journey? Come to The Original Mattress Factory first. No one knows more about what makes a mattress great than our team. Whether you buy from us or not, you’ll be better prepared to make a smart mattress buying decision. Find a store near you.