Lauren Kendrick: September 6, 2021 · 5 min readThe type of support you own will matter a lot when it comes to buying a mattress.
Different mattresses have different bed requirements, but in general there are three types of supports that are most commonly used: box spring, platform and foundation.
People often wonder which of these provides the best support.
The answer is that all of them are good options, depending on the mattress and the desired effect.
Know the differences between each kind, and make sure that when you purchase a new bed, you keep in mind the kind of mattress that will be going on it.
This research will help you get the most satisfying sleep for a longer time.
Box Spring
A box spring usually has a wooden frame (the box) designed to distribute and absorb weight on the mattress, sometimes with added steel reinforcements for strength.
A system of a large number of heavy gauge wire coils or a grid is attached to the frame as the mattress support system.
A fabric with skid-resistance usually covers the top and the bottom has a fabric that acts as a dust barrier. The box spring also raises the mattress to a suitable height, escaping dust and the coldest air.
When buying a box spring, you may have a few options such as coil spring beds with cone-shaped wire coils for good support and flexibility of stiff mattresses, or high quality modular grids with square coils for greater durability of the mattress.
Semi-flex grid box springs consist of a wooden frame with a stiff, firm metal grid above slats for support and minimal flexing.
Double-sided Innerspring mattresses are best for use with coil spring and modular grid box springs.
The coils of the box spring move along with the coils of the mattress, and a stiffer mattress can feel softer as the coils flex and move and absorb a lot of the sleeper’s body weight.
Some experts advise that single sided, no-flip coil mattresses don’t last as long as they should when used with box springs.
A few manufacturers say that you can place your latex mattress directly on a box spring, but the weight could make the springs bend and the mattress sag.
Also, those kind of mattresses are designed to provide comfort on their own, so an uneven surface (like a box spring) can disrupt they way they should work.
If that’s the case and you really want to keep your box spring for aesthetic reasons, a neat trick is to put a cheap plywood board between box and mattress, making it much more even and rigid.
Platform Beds
One-sided, no-flip innerspring mattresses (like our favourite, the Saatva Mattress), latex, memory foam, gel memory foam and other modern non-coil mattresses should be used only on firm, flat surfaces like suitable platform beds or foundations (see below).
A platform bed is usually a low bed frame, often with a head and foot board, and a solid panel or wooden slats (usually not more than 3 inches apart) which support a mattress.
Unlike a traditional bed, the platform bed doesn’t need a foundation or box spring to be placed on it before you can place a mattress.
There are many sizes of platform beds available, and since they don’t need a box spring they can be economical to buy.
When buying a mattress, make sure slat widths and materials match with the mattress manufacturer’s recommended usage to avoid voiding warranty.
Inexpensive compress cardboard or particle board platform beds are available, but if you can afford it, always choose solid frames for durability and comfort. You don’t want to end up with a lower-back pain caused by an inappropriate underlying support.
You can choose Asian styles or modern, European styles with clean lines. Many have storage areas underneath.
Classic, traditional platform beds are also available.
You should keep in mind that platform beds have lower profiles. If you are spending a lot of money on a high quality, solid platform bed to last you a long time, you can consider getting an adjustable bed to factor in changes in the body’s demands in the future.
Foundations
A foundation is also a wooden frame with slats, but it is covered in fabric and similar in appearance to box springs. Foundations also act very differently from box springs.
Whereas box springs are designed more for shock absorption and less for support, foundations are designed to simply support mattresses.
Foundations are a popular choice for modern shoppers since coil mattresses are slowly being replaced by foam and memory foam, which require support rather than weight absorption.
This type of bed structure provide a lot of support to mattresses, so if you think your platform bed is not enough for your heavy mattress, you could consider getting a foundation.
Foundations are usually recommended for use with latex mattresses or dense, flexible mattresses like memory foam (like one of our favorites, the Loom & Leaf) than need a sturdy surface.
Standard heights of foundations range from 7 to 9 inches, but you can find lower profiles as well.
In Conclusion
If you have a box spring, it is best used with innerspring mattresses.
The platform bed is the most versatile, since you can place any type of mattress directly on it without a box spring or foundation.
For traditional bed frames (which usually have fewer number of slats than platform beds and therefore poor weight distribution) you will need a box spring or foundation below the mattress for weight absorption.
Also remember that latex or memory foam mattresses should ideally be used with platform beds or foundations, but if your box spring is in good form some manufacturers promise you can still use that.
Written by
Lauren Kendrick
Updated at September 6, 2021
I enjoy a rather firm and bouncy bed to assist to turning over through the night, etc. I just purchased the Sattva Firm (pending delivery) and am flip flopping between box springs vs foundation on suitability.
Would you consider there to be a significant difference in the bounce of a mattress if it’s on a box spring vs a foundation? How much bounce should I expect to lose from a mattress if it’s on a foundation rather than a box spring? I am driving myself crazy.
The difference is significant. A flat foundation doesn’t give any bounce at all, while a box spring can be very bouncy!
Why do the bed slats go horizontally across the bed, and not vertically along?
Hi Niamh,
that’s because wood is naturally flexible and the slats would bend in the middle, creating an amok-like shape. Plus, it would be impossible to define different support for the various body sections, like some premium slat brands do.
I have a low profile platform bed built into a corner- includes two side tables and table that creates a headboard. I’m looking to replace an 11” deep tempurpedic with a hybrid mattress. Most are 14 1/2 “ but I found a saatva brand ( my second choice) that also comes 11 1/2”. Any suggestions?
Hi! I just bought a one-sided queen mattress from Ikea (HAUGSVÄR Hybrid mattress, medium-firm) and added a Serta StabL-Base box spring. The box spring is a wooden frame with a steel grid. Both are sitting on a standard metal frame.
I really don’t care much for platform beds. At my age, I find them to be too low to the floor. Since the mattress is one-sided, should I use something else to support it? Am I ruining my mattress by sitting it on a box spring? Thanks!
Hi Barb,
we are not familiar with that model, so it’s best if you check with IKEA directly.
Hello! I have been reading and am still rather confused. I have never bought a new mattress myself. What I currently have is more than two decades old (closer to three!) – spring coil mattress and box spring on a metal bed frame that has an attached brass headboard and footboard. This was bought for me in college by my parents. I am looking to buy a new mattress and support for it but to still go in that bed frame and I am unclear on whether or not a foundation could be used in the bed frame or if I am limited to using a box spring only. I understand many of the newer, better mattresses need a stronger support system than a box spring can offer and that it would void many warranties. Thank you most kindly for your assistance and your time!!! P.S. I know that my mattress and box spring are ancient! It just has never been in my budget to replace vs. taking care of other have-to’s. Still a stretch but I am looking to see what I can do 🙂
Hi Jessica,
what you have right now was designed to be used in combination to provide comfort. Part of the shape adjustment is done by the mattress and part by the box spring.
The newer mattresses are designed to provide the same functionality in just one piece, thanks to the better materials and technologies available today.
If you want to retain the frame and maintain the mattress height, the are plenty of box springs with slats instead of springs, which can provide the right support.
Hi, I recently purchased a Casper original hybrid queen mattress . And separately purchased a platform frame (headboard and footboard). The mattress sits too low. I was thinking of adding a foundation to increase the height while maintaining the support. What do you recommend?
As Amy had asked, I want to purchase a bed high enough to store winter clothes, what kind of mattress/platform bed should I get?
We recently purchased a Dreamcloud mattress and foundation. The foundation was delayed, so I purchased a Mattress Giant box spring. The box spring has rigid metal wires/thin bars alternately spaced 5 or 6.5 inches apart horizontally. The rows that are 5 inches apart have vertical wires also about 5 inches apart, but the 6.5 inch rows have no vertical wires (I hope that’s not too confusing). There are no wooden slats that I can feel. Dreamcloud has no special requirements for a box spring, but I’m wondering if this will be enough support for the mattress. I can return the Dreamcloud foundation (composed of wooden slats 5.5 inches apart) at no cost, or keep that and return the Mattress Giant one but I lose about $90 from the delivery and pickup fees. What do you recommend?
Hi Alicia,
I’d go with the Dreamcloud foundation, simply because their mattress should perform better on slats rather than a box spring. also, the foundation is more durable!
Recently purchased new mattress and bed frame with slats; have had backache ever since; how do I know which is causing it?
Thanks, Robin
Hi Robin,
unless the slats are really soft, I suspect it’s not the right mattress for you. Try placing a plywood panel between slats and mattress (the central part is enough), or put the mattress on the floor for a couple of nights. If the back pain persists, it’s the mattress’ fault (too soft).
I’m 63, need a supportive mattress but need a single mattress. Atter there good single mattresses? Send like they are Just for kids..
And which is better a platform or box spring?
Hi Donna,
have a look at our top mattress picks here. They are all available in Twin size (single) as well.
Hello I have a king-size sleep number bed one solid piece I want to take it off the box spring, with the piece of wood. What type of platform bed would be better one with slats 3 inches or less a part or a solid platform surface. Do you recommend a certain one for the sleep number bed. Thank you very much
ALso currently have a bedframe that my wife would like to keep. How would we configure a set up? Thanks again, David
It depends on the frame. If it has slats, you are good to go with pretty much all the modern mattresses.
We’re sleeping on a 15 year old Stearns and Foster and I’m waking my wife up frequently when I shift in the night. So… we’re looking for a new mattress with motion transfer being a prime consideration. Considering the Avacado Green, or Charles Rogers powercore nano or powercore estate. I also understand a topper will help but I’m concerned because in a previous bed the topper did not last and had valleys well before the mattress wore out. Are they durable and will they hold up? Thanks, David
Hi David,
toppers are thin and can’t provide much motion isolation. You mentioned the Avocado, which is a great mattress, so I’d go with that. Here is our Avocado mattress review.
I don’t know about mattresses, but in terms of toppers, I had Memory Foam FAIL twice. Now I have LATEX and it is lasting better; no valleys.
This article was so helpful! Now if only the place i bought my serta memory foam mattress from didn’t sell me a new box spring to go with it…. i have a few collapsing springs and already need a new foundation for my mattress!
I like the height of my current bed, but my mattress desperately needs to be replaced. I’m considering a Beautyrest Black Calista but it is not as tall as my current bed. It’s short about 5 inches. Can 2 box springs be used together? I have a 9″ and was thinking if I can get the 5″ on top of it, then the mattress it will be the height of my current bed.
Hi Kathy,
I’m not sure if it’s possible (or looking good) in your setting, but I’d place 5 inches of plywood below the box spring. As easy as that.
Toppers come in many thicknesses. I have 4 inch LATEX. It’s wonderful. Much better than Memory foam. Memory foam took 24-48 hrs to expand when new, was hot, and broke down (valleys) LATEX is Natural. Not as HOT, popped up immediately on opening, and no valleys.
I have a iron full size iron bed with 2 iron cross supports. I just purchased a hybrid mattress with matching low profile box spring. The height of the combined is 31” and I have to climb to into the bed. I have the option of exchanging the 5’5” box spring for a Bunkie board measuring 2”. Is the support the same as box spring and do you think it would be worth it for the 3” difference?
HiCheri,
it really depends on the mattress, but nowadays, most new models can stay directly on the floor or any flat surface. Provided your new mattress allows for it, the bunkie board would be a nice substitute of the box spring.
I have a Stearns and Foster Glen Terrace Luxury Firm Mattress. We are currently using an adjustable platform but keep it flat (effectively not using it). The mattress feels too firm for us. Would changing to a box spring below make it softer/provide more give? Thanks for your help!
Hi Brian,
you could try with a soft box spring, but first I would give a mattress pad a try.
Hi Stacey 🙂 My 72 year old mother has a Kingsdown coil mattress with a pillowtop. Sorry I’m not sure of the model (but I can certainly respond with the info later if it’ll change the answer 🙂 She currently has a standard sized box spring (I believe it’s standard size) underneath. The problem is that she is very short at 4’10” and elderly and it is becoming increasing more difficult to get into bed. She has to step onto a step stool to do so now. We joke that she’ll have to get a running start soon. So I’d like to look into getting her a low profile box spring or slats or just a piece of plywood if that would help; I guess whatever would give the best support with the least amount of height. What would you suggest please? The mattress is on a traditional queen sized bed frame with the metal rails/wooden headboard/footboard. Thank you so much!
Hi Sara,
you could try removing the box spring? In many cases, the support level won’t be affected too much.
Hello,
I am thinking of buying a twin bed frame that does not require a box spring. I have the twin mattress and box spring that are currently on the floor. I really don’t want to give up the box spring in case of anything. So would it be ok to just put the box spring on so that I can keep it and add height? Would it affect anything? Thank you!
Excellent information. Thank you for clarifying the difference.
We are thinking of purchasing a queen Beautyrest Black Desiree mattress. My husband is tall and since we also want to store luggage under the bed, what type of frame/platform would you suggest and should we use a foundation also?
we bought a new mattress for our plywood bottom platform bed. in the store the mattress was softer because it was on a standard box spring. I knew it would feel firmer on our platform bed. problem is now it is too firm for me and have trouble sleeping on it. any suggestions on what I can do to make it more give? by adding anything under mattress or on top?? help or suggestions very appreciated.
Hi Amy,
usually the best idea is to use a topper. Check this article out.
Maybe add a topper that is less-firm. I like Latex better than memory foam.
Hey…..I have a question….I recently went to Bob’s discount furniture….purchased their best king size hybrid mattress on a storage bed platform with drawers on 3 sides. The pain I get in my lower back is immense and very painful……any suggestions? I think if I put a box spring under the mattress…..I’m going to need a ladder to get into my bed! Help!
Hi Shawn,
sorry to hear that. Is it too late to bring the mattress back? Maybe you can exchange it with something firmer? My bet is that it’s too soft/bouncy for you.
That’s the thing…..the hybrid bed is pretty damn firm already!
I bought one of those latex mattress pads (3″ thick) and just layed it out just a few moments ago! A family member suggested this cause he had the same situation as myself prior to getting his latex mattress pad…..so…..to be continued this conversation in a few days….thanks Stacey!
Hi Shawn,
how is it going with the pad?
I’ve bought an Eve hybrid mattress for my bed. As my bed has flat slats too far apart I’ve bought some flexible slats (24 I think) from IKEA. Is there any reason I shouldn’t just put those on top of my existing slats?
Hi Doug,
I can’t think of a real problem, but I’m not sure if you’ll get the desired effect, as the old slats will provide support only to some of the new slats, leaving the others sort of hanging. So at the end it’s like you only have the old slats. But I might wrong…
I am thinking of purchasing a king sized tuft and needle memory foam mattress would you recommend using a box spring or foundation or platform bed?
Hi Amak,
a platform bed would be ideal.
Six months ago, I purchased a Simmons Beautyrest Hotel Diamond 3.0 Tight-Top Firm Queen Mattress (pillow top) with a low profile foundation. The delivery men weren’t able to carry the full foundation up the stairs due to the low ceiling at the bottom of the stairs. I had the full foundation returned and purchased the split low profile foundation. About two months after laying on the mattress, I started waking up stiff and sore. As a nurse, I thought that the soreness was from the work (lifting and twisting my body) I do on my unit. By the third month, I was in severe pain (nerve pain in the hips and legs) From looking at the mattress, there doesn’t seem to be any sagging, dips or anything else. It looks just as it looked when I purchased it. But laying on it, you can feel the shape has altered. I spent a lot of money on this set. I would like to know if I switched out the box spring and put the mattress on strong metal slats not wooden as the mattress is quite heavy, if this would be more beneficial and save the mattress from further declining. I know the bed would be lower, but using the slats with some kind of material put on the slats that prevent the mattress from moving, if this would prevent the mattress from declining further. I believe I am going to try this. I thought of using the metal slats and then putting the foundation on top of the slats and then the mattress. Any suggestions? I can’t afford a new mattress and I did shop around for a while before deciding on the mattress I purchased. I did lay on the mattress for 1/2 hour in the store before making my decision.
Hi Patricia,
that’s a premium mattress and shouldn’t give you any sort of trouble. I’d ask for an exchange as most probably there is something wrong with it.
I have a queen sleep number bed that we bought with their foundation that eventually broke. Our bed has a headboard and foot board that attaches to metal side rails and has one metal rail across the middle of the bed. I know I need a firm surface for the mattress. Would it be better to use a bunkie board, a foundation or a box spring? We also want it to be low profile as the bed was way too high before.
Hi Melanie,
a foundation is probably the most flexible option.
Can I use a semi-flex foundation with the Alexander Signature Hybrid mattress? They say foundation should be rigid with no flex and slats no more than 4 inches apart, I’m not sure this would work? Foundation is one year old made by Sealy, hybrid wood and metal construction.
Hi KL,
it should be fine, as that mattress is also compatible with adjustable bases.
Hello, Thank you for your keen advice. I purchased an incased coil/memory foam mattress, in the store i spent oer 15 to 20 minutes testing random optionsi kept going back to the Plush it felt ike the best fit, extremely comfy cradeling from head to toe,easy in and out noptessure points as i have Fibromyalgia and i feared an ultra plush would be more effort getting in and out as well as moving about. NOW that i hae bern sleeping on it nightly for past days 3 days exactly,i must say i am comfy in the hip- dierre area but my arms and upper back feel resistance,im miserable. Im now wandering , COuld the difference that the store mattress model was on a box spring not the Platform adjustable bed i gotfor the mattress is this causing the difference I’m speaking if thank you Any suggestions?
Hi Darlene,
I don’t think the box spring can make such a difference in the upper surface area. I’m afraid it’s the mattress. Can you exchange it?
I have a queen antique four poster bed with no wood slats but mattress is held up by 6 supporting metal braces on side of wood rail. For 18 years it securely held Simmons Beautyrest mattress and box spring. I felt it was time to buy a new mattress as it was getting too soft. I bought a new Beautyrest mattress and low rise box spring mattress and it is sagging in the middle big time. What is my solution to this problem. Is it possible to have a metal frame rest on the supports, then the box spring and mattress? My bed is too high to put the metal frame on the floor. I need to give it high to be able to make it ( have spinal issues).
Hi Judy,
try putting between box spring and mattress a 1-inch plywood board as wide as the mattress (square is good). It’s cheap and there is a good chance it will do the trick.
Hi – I am looking at 3 different foundations. One is all steel with steel ides/support and steel slates with 3 inch spacing between slats, one has steel sides/support with wood slates with 3 inch spacing between slats, and the last is all wood with wood slates with 3 inch spacing between slates. All 3 foundations are made by Zinus. Is one of these preferable over the other. I was thinking wood would be best but I could be wrong. I just purchased a Nectar memory foam mattress. Thanks for your quick response (I’m hoping it’s quick as my mattress arrived much a week early and now I need to get my foundation!)
Hi Heidi,
just keep in mind that usually steel is more rigid than wood. Personally, I’d go with an all-wood foundation as long as the slats are not too soft.
Is there anywhere that I can find a good ol’fashioned bed. The kind that has side rails to attach it to the headboard and footboard? This is the type of bed I’m looking for…..no platform, no panel bed! I currently have an old bed with such as I mentioned above…..it’s in good shape, but I’m done with the wood scene. I want wrought iron or metal…..H E L P!!!
I have a 4 poster bed with a mattress and box spring. I want to keep the bed but convert to a platform. However I want to keep the same height at the bedding but eliminate the box spring. Was looking at foundations to replace the box spring to give the platform effect without losing height. ( box springs have too much movement). Will a non spring foundation work?
Hi Melissa,
it really depends on the mattress. A platform is pretty rigid, so before buying one put the mattress on the floor and sleep on it for a few nights. If it’s fine, then go for it!
I recently got a Sealy Posturepedic Chase Pointe Cushion Firm Mattress and have been suffering from back pain. I currently have a platform frame with wooden slats and I wasn’t sure if another frame might be helpful.
Hi Ian,
Many times, back pain after sleeping derives from a mattress too soft. I’d try to put it on the floor to see if it helps bypassing the slats.
Need your advice. Just did some condo renovations. Unit is a 1/1. Goal is for cleaner look but still comfort. Gave away Queen-size high end mattress/boxspring (in beautiful condition) to guy on our landscape crew. (A win-win)
I am a single gal and live an active lifestyle but my bedroom is my sanctuary. I like a firm but not brick-type mattress. I have done quite a bit of research but still confused. Prices are all over the place and waaay expensive does not always equal better. I don’t want to spend a gazillion dollars but would like quality w/o breaking the bank. The platform seems to be my first choice but what mattress to lay on top is the conundrum. Can you please offer some suggestions as to what combo might suit my needs? Please name brands and your favs. I’m ready to make the purchase. Also, should you ever buy a mattress/platform you can’t see/feel/tryout in person? I know i’m asking a lot but this next bed needs to be nothing short of a home run. Can you help? Thx very much!
Hi PZ,
most modern mattresses work fine on platforms. Therefore it really depends on your budget… since you are talking about sanctuaries, I’d seriously consider the Zenhaven. But if you need something cheaper, maybe the Leesa could be a match. Try them out and return them if you aren’t 100% satisfied!
I have a pillow top mattress and a box spring. Two wheels from the metal bed frame have broken off. Is there anything I can use other than another
metal bed frame??
Hi Frannie,
if you have a box spring, you could simply use that and get rid of the frame (if I get the picture right). Otherwise, if the mattress is soft enough, you could replace frame and box spring with a slats frame or even a platform. It all depends on the mattress. You could place it on the floor and sleep on it a couple of nights, as it will give you a good idea on how it will feel like to have it on a platform.
I have a standard old time mattress that I want to use in a murphy bed. I am hoping you can help me with what foundation would work the best with that style mattress – slats or a low profile platform or if there is such a thing as a low profile box spring. Thank you.
Hi Jean,
it really depends on the mattress’ firmness. Try to put it on the floor and sleep on it a couple of nights: if it’s alright, it means you can easily put it on any flat platform. If it’s too firm, you’ll need to put it on a low profile slats frame, or maybe a good topper will do the trick.
Can I put a regular mattress on top of a memory foam “foundation” instead of a regular box springs? We had an Icomfort mattress from serta where half the bed is unusable so we’d like to go back to a regular mattress, but wondered if we had to buy a box spring, or whether the solid foundation we used for the memory foam Icomfort would work
Hi Mike,
Many foundations sold with memory foam mattresses are basically flat while some others have slats in them. How is yours? Then, it depends on the mattress’ firmness: an hybrid like the Brooklyn Bedding Signature (and many others) can be placed on any surface, so simply adjust your firmness choice to take into consideration how firm is the foundation.
I have a memory foam mattress and it made my box spring sink so bad and breakdown i had it on a regular frame that they said would be fine are the temperpedic boxsprings built better to hold up?
Hi Joe,
most memory foam mattresses are designed to be used on any surface. Do this: put it on the floor and sleep on it a couple of nights: if you’re happy with the firmness, get rid of the box spring and get a simple platform. Otherwise, you could try a slats box like the Helix foundation.
Last month, we bought a new queen mattress (Sealy Posturepedic hybrid) & low-rise foundation.
The old queen non-flippable mattress, a Simmons from 2002 is going in the guest bedroom on converter rails. The guest bedroom has a double bed from 1943. The rails make the 2002 mattress & box spring (or did they make foundations for the non-flippables back then?) toooooo high, so we are purchasing a low-rise foundation.
My question: Will the non-flippable/single-sided mattress get the same support from the new foundation that it had from the old box/foundation?
What is inside a foundation?
Hi Kathleen,
It’s impossible for us to say. You should try to determine how flexible the old foundation is (by sitting on it) and compare it to the new one. Inside a foundation usually you have slats, while inside a boxspring you’ll have coils. But there are so many different makes and models… the only way is to try it out!
I bought a 15 inch Beautyrest mattress, and also purchased box springs at the time because they said I should, and have a platform bed with strong slats that are 6 or so inches apart. Now that I have it, it is all way too high….like 33 inches high. Can I just use the platform bed without the foundation, without ruining the mattress?
Hi Lorraine,
although I can’t give you any guarantee, I would do it without worries.
I just bought a hybrid latex memory foam mattress. What foundation would you recommend?
Hi Jeanine,
I’d go with a platform.
Could I place my memory foam mattress on a foundation alone? Or do I need to buy a platform bed frame?
A foundation is usually fine.
Can 2 box springs, foundations be used to increase bed height?
Well, it’s surely not ideal as each layer adds more flexibility. And unless you secure them strongly, there is a risk of them moving around.
Hi I have a Serta foam mattress that is on non matching low profile box springs my mattress is bowing up in the center there are only 3 slates under the box springs are we better off making a ply board platform straight under the mattress? Thanks
Hi Ivy,
yes, I think it would be a good idea. You can at least try it…
I am purchasing a bedframe and it is not a platform bed. It has a box spring in the photos but I do not want to buy a box spring. I was wondering, can I use slates instead of the box spring?
Hi Liz,
I’m not sure I understand your question. But yes, you can use a slates instead of a box spring for pretty much any mattress, provided the slates aren’t too far apart.
I have a pillow top one sided coil mattress with a box springs. I want to ditch the box springs and put mattress on a platform bed. Will that be a right choice with that mattress.
Hi Chris,
it really depends on the mattress. I would try to put it on the floor and sleep on it for a few nights, so that you’ll get a feel of the mattress’ real firmness. A platform bed shouldn’t be much different.
I have an (old) pillow-top coil mattress and want to get a new foundation/box spring that will make the bed move as little as possible, as if it were a platform bed. But with the bed frame I have I can’t use a platform.What do you suggest ?
Hi Gail,
What’s supporting your mattress currently?
Just bought a Hybrid foam/inner spring mattress. Have box springs from current mattress. Question if we should purchase a foundation or can we go with the box spring?
Hi Michael,
it depends a bit on the box spring’s bounce, as a very flexible one can degrade the mattress’s comfort. Most mattresses of the new generation are designed to provide maximum comfort without any additions. Give it a try on the box spring for a few nights and then on the floor (similar feel to a basic foundation), and see which one is better.
When I bought an air mattress (Sleep Number bed) I put it on my old boxspring probably four years ago but now the boxspring (which is probably 17 years old) has worn out. I am inclined to replace it with a new boxspring, but wondered about boxspring vs. foundation. You don’t discuss air mattresses . . . anything to consider?
Hi,
I really depends on the mattress, but I’d say that in your case the safest would be to buy a new box spring of a similar kind of the old one. But if you’d like to have a harder feeling, go with a platform, or a foundation with hard slats.
I had the same issue with an air mattress on an old box springs and did buy a new box spring and it worked great.
Was planning on buying a top rated foam mattress for my solid surface platform bed. The manufacturer told me I couldn’t use it, as the solid surface would cause mattress to develop mold, that it needs air circulation. Now I’m stumped WHAT to get.
Hi Ethel,
that’s really strange, as mold needs moisture and I don’t see why a platform should become wet? Have a look at our best mattress guide and you’ll find our best picks in the memory foam section.
We have a pillow top matress with a “cheap” box spring that has become extremely noisy. Should we replace with a foundation instead of a new box spring?
Hi Leann,
it really depends on the mattress, as it needs to remain soft enough without the flexible support of the boxspring. If you want to make sure, place it on the floor and sleep on it, or at least lie on it for a long while in your usual sleeping positions: if it’s comfortable, then a platform will work just fine!
What is the best matress for a platform bed?
Hi James,
most memory foam mattresses are specifically designed to perform on flat surfaces, so I’d suggest one of those. However, nowadays also the other kinds don’t need a bouncy boxspring anymore.
I just bought a Serta SmartReact Southton mattress and am using a Beautyrest boxspring that appears to be more of the semi flex grid boxspring being there are no coils, more wire grids similar to pic above. Is that suitable for this Serta mattress? The mattress I bought was final sale so no warranty came with it so I wasn’t too concerned about the boxspring at purchase but am now hoping the Beautyrest boxspring I am using is suitable being I don’t want to go back and buy the matching Serta one.
Hi Kristie,
being a foam mattress, I believe it should work fine on a flat surface, but I don’t know about that model specifically. Just try it out… if it’s too soft maybe you can add a panel of plywood on top of the boxspring to reduce the bounce.
Well I think mine is actually a coil mattress with a foam pillow top. Says it’s an 886 DuoCore Individually wrapped coil system with 1″ support foam. It looks a lot like the Serta perfect sleeper mattress.
Just try it on that boxspring. If it’s uncomfortable you can always replace that.
Hi ,
I want to buy a bedinABox mattress ,would a Platform Metal Bed Frame be OK with it ?
thanks
Hi Suzan,
usually those mattresses require a flat, hard surface to perform right. I’d suggest to buy a flat platform or one with slats, avoiding metal grids.
I am considering purchasing a Sleep Innovations Shiloh mattress but do not have a box spring yet. Any recommendations on how best to purchase the box spring?
Thanks,
Karen
Hi Karen,
since the Shiloh works best on a flat surface, the ideal is a simple platform bed or a frame with rigid slats not too far apart.
CAN YOU FIND A NON PLATFORM BEDFRAME ?
Hi Kevin,
yes, you can find plenty.