Box Spring vs Flat Mattress Foundation: What’s the Difference?

Getting a deep, restful sleep every night is vitally important to your health and wellbeing. As is the case in many other aspects of life, it all starts with a solid foundation! Of course the right mattress and the right bedding are also key players in restful nights, but unfortunately it's too easy to overlook the importance of your mattress base. We're here to answer some questions you may have about laying down the right foundation:

• What Does a Box Spring Do?
• What Does a Flat Mattress Foundation Do?
• Which Mattress Foundation Do I Need for Each Mattress Type?
• Do Box Springs Wear Out?

What Does a Box Spring Do?

It's a good idea to start with the basics: What is the purpose of a box spring? Simply put, the main goal of a box spring is to keep a mattress elevated off the floor; this not only gives you a more comfortable night's sleep, but it also makes it easier to get in and out of bed. Most box springs fit into bed frames to give your bed a polished look to fit in with your bedroom décor. Another major point of a box spring is ventilation. Box springs are typically made with a wooden frame and rows of springs. This airy construction allows air to flow freely in the space beneath the mattress to dissipate any lingering moisture.

What Does a Flat Mattress Foundation Do?

Instead of the airy and pliable build of a box spring, flat mattress foundations are a solid layer that offers firm and uniform support. These foundations don't yield to pressure; they are flat and even for consistent firmness. This makes them perfect for motion isolation if you share a bed with a partner. This category includes low profile mattress foundation options like bunkie boards, or more elevated options like adjustable mattress bases.

Which Mattress Foundation Do I Need for Each Mattress Type?

A flat mattress foundation is typically used for memory foam mattresses, since they offer the even support that is necessary to support the cushiness of a memory foam mattress. For a coil spring mattress or a hybrid model, a box spring is the better way to go.

Do Box Springs Wear Out?

Just like the springs in a mattress, the springs in a box spring will indeed lose their tension over time. If your mattress type requires a box spring mattress foundation, it's a good idea to replace it as often as you replace your mattress, which should be roughly every seven to ten years. Flat mattress foundations can be subject to warping or uneven compression over time, so they should be replaced on the same schedule.

Having the right bed base is important to your health, as well as the health of your mattress. It's worth taking the time to examine your options and ensure you bring home the right kind of sleep support you need. Whether you're looking for a queen box spring for your bedroom or just a twin bunkie board for a guest room, see for yourself the difference that the right mattress foundation can make in getting a good night's rest!