Thursday, March 28

The Truth About Beds: Do You Actually Need a Box Spring?

Did you know that the first mattresses were manufactured around the 37th century BC in Persia, making the mattress industry the longest continuous industry in the world? Even though the first mattresses were made of goatskin filled with water, nowadays mattresses are made of diverse materials like foam, latex, coils, and even recycled materials.

If you are in the market to purchase a new mattress and are on a budget, you might be wondering if you need to buy a box spring as well. Read our article below to learn about the uses and necessities (or lack thereof) of box springs in the modern mattress market.

What Is a Box Spring?

To begin with, let’s try to understand what exactly is a box spring. Usually made out of wood and coils, a box spring provides a solid support system for your mattress. The box spring is usually the same size as the mattress and has coils and springs in the center, which allows for it to absorb shock and provide some give.

There are many different types of beds available nowadays, but historically, a mattress couldn’t be used without a box spring. Many modern mattresses do not need a box spring and can do with a different means of support (discussed further below).

Is a Box Spring Necessary?

There are some advantages to using a box spring as a mattress support. Let’s look at them in detail below:

Improved Airflow

Since box springs are relatively hollow (besides the wood and coils inside), this allows for increased airflow through and around your mattress. If you live in a relatively humid city (or in a humid basement), you can use this increased airflow to reduce the chances of mold or other bacteria developing in your mattress.

The increased airflow can also help you sleep better at night, as it keeps you cool, especially during hot summer days. If you are having trouble sleeping because your bedroom is too hot, consider getting a box spring to help you out.

Increased Height

Even though some people are fine with having their bed close to the ground, many others, especially if they are taller or suffer from joint pain, prefer having their mattress high off the ground. The increased height can also help you get off your bed easier in the morning, especially if you are having trouble doing so normally.

Shock Absorption

Are you the kind of person who tosses or turns a lot at night, due to anxiety or restlessness? Does your dog jump on your bed or do your children use your bed as a sort of trampoline during the day when you are not around (or even when you are)?

A box spring can absorb all these shocks and prolong the life of your mattress. Without a box spring, there’s nothing to absorb all this impact and you will end up tossing your mattress in the landfill sooner rather than later.

Mattress Support

If your mattress doesn’t have a proper bed frame, it can lead to sagging over time. By using a box spring, you can prevent this and increase the longevity of your mattress. Also, some mattresses’ warranties are void if you don’t use a box spring with them, so make sure to check this for your mattress.

Collapsible Bed Frame

Do you use a collapsible bed frame? If you do, then you need a box spring to ensure that your mattress doesn’t sag in the middle and become uncomfortable to sleep on. Don’t harm your back or your loved one’s back – use a box spring with mattresses that need the extra support.

Different Mattress Support Ideas

Of course, there are times when you don’t need a box spring at all. Let’s look at some of those instances below.

The Mattress Is on the Floor

When you have your mattress laying directly on the floor, you might not need a box spring to absorb the shock and/or impact. You might want a box spring to increase your mattress height, but it depends entirely on your preference.

Memory Foam, Latex, or Hybrid Mattresses

If your mattress doesn’t have a coil in it, then it doesn’t need the additional shock-absorbing capabilities of a box spring. For instance, memory foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses are all inherently shock absorbing.

Just make sure to check the warranty of the mattress you purchase. Sometimes it might require you to use a box spring with it, to validate its warranty.

Platform Beds

A platform bed is a solid surface for the mattress to sit on. Thus, it already functions as a shock absorber and negates the use of a box spring with it. If you like to have a bed that’s higher from the ground, then a box spring can be used, but it is entirely unnecessary. Also, if you are taller or have joint or back pain, you might want to use a box spring to raise your platform bed.

If you are thinking about purchasing a Murphy bed, find more Murphy Bed mattress information by clicking the link.

A Mattress Is an Important Purchase for Your Health

Even though most people don’t think of it that way, a mattress is one of the most important purchases you can make because it directly affects your sleep quality and good quality sleep is essential for optimal health.

No matter if you use your bed with a box spring or without it, either way, you need to ensure that your comfort levels are placed at the top of the pyramid. Don’t worry about the rules too much and do what feels right for your body.

Did you find this article useful? Don’t forget that we have dozens of other interesting articles on related subject matters on our website.