Review Contents
The 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.
C says
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.
Stacey Morgan – STAFF says
The difference is significant. A flat foundation doesn’t give any bounce at all, while a box spring can be very bouncy!
Niamh says
Why do the bed slats go horizontally across the bed, and not vertically along?
Stacey Morgan – STAFF says
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.
Mayda Kale says
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?
Barb says
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!
Stacey Morgan – STAFF says
Hi Barb,
we are not familiar with that model, so it’s best if you check with IKEA directly.
Jessica says
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 🙂
Stacey Morgan – STAFF says
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.
Kimberley says
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?
Cindy says
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?
Alicia says
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?
Stacey Morgan – STAFF says
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!
Robin Antisdel says
Recently purchased new mattress and bed frame with slats; have had backache ever since; how do I know which is causing it?
Thanks, Robin
Stacey Morgan – STAFF says
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).
Donna Diesburg says
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?
Stacey Morgan – STAFF says
Hi Donna,
have a look at our top mattress picks here. They are all available in Twin size (single) as well.
Andrea says
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
David says
ALso currently have a bedframe that my wife would like to keep. How would we configure a set up? Thanks again, David
Stacey Morgan – STAFF says
It depends on the frame. If it has slats, you are good to go with pretty much all the modern mattresses.
David says
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
Stacey Morgan – STAFF says
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.
kaycee says
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.
Becca says
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!
Kathy says
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.
Stacey Morgan – STAFF says
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.
kaycee says
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.
Cheri says
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?
Stacey Morgan – STAFF says
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.