What Are the Different Types of Mattress Bases?

Shopping for a new mattress? Don't forget about the base! No mattress can reach its full comfort potential without the right foundation, and we want to make sure you know about the best option for each type of mattress. Here are details on the three most common types of mattress bases.

Box Spring

A box spring is the most traditional type of base. It consists of a wooden frame covered in a layer of fabric with springs inside, and most are between five and nine inches thick. Box springs are pliable and are made to bend under pressure, making them a perfect match for innerspring or hybrid mattresses. Pairing a box spring with a coil or hybrid mattress means getting the best combination of support and comfort.

Bunkie Board

The flexibility of a box spring is great for coil mattresses, but a foam mattress requires something more solid. If you need a mattress base for a memory foam or bed-in-a-box mattress, a bunkie board is the best choice. This type of foundation is simply a large, flat surface which provides foam mattresses with the even and firm support they need. They also tend to be thin - usually around 2 inches thick - meaning they don't add nearly as much height to your bed as a box spring. Using a bunkie board means getting the stable support you need to experience your foam mattress at its most comfortable.

Adjustable Bases

If you're working with a more flexible budget, why not look into a more flexible mattress base? An adjustable base can move into an array of positions to bring you the most comfortable night's sleep. Elevating your body with an adjustable mattress can help relieve sinus pressure, indigestion, back pain, or circulation issues. Even better: If your partner snores, elevating their head angle can help turn down the volume! Adjustable bed frames are available with head and leg lift, or with head lift only.

Ready to find the perfect foundation for your new mattress? Get started now!