Box springs for a king size mattress

If you’re shopping for a new mattress, you might also be wondering whether you need a box spring. The answer is, you likely won’t. As mattress composition has changed to include memory foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses, and platform beds now come in a range of sizes and styles, a box spring is no longer the only solution to supporting a mattress.

The typical box spring is made of metal spring coils or a metal grid in a fabric-covered wood frame that’s almost identical to the size of your mattress. Its purpose is to support your mattress by providing a flat surface that helps absorb shock thanks to its springs. In the long run, this can help lengthen the lifespan of the mattress and increase airflow.

Since box springs were designed for innerspring mattresses, your new mattress might not be the best fit for the support that a box spring can offer. A new memory foam mattress, for example, could be better suited to a platform bed that uses wooden slats for support.

The question of if you’ll need a box spring depends on the type of mattress you have and what type of bed frame you’re using. Your mattress manufacturer is the best reference for deciding if your mattress requires a box spring or if you should use a different type of frame or support. In some cases, sleeping on a mattress with the wrong foundation could damage the mattress and void the warranty.

What Does a Box Spring Do?

Made in all the most common mattress sizes from twin to king, the primary function of a box spring is to provide support for a mattress. Some bed frames, like a metal rail bed frame, require using a box spring to keep the mattress from sagging between rails. A box spring also helps with air circulation.

Another way a box spring helps is that it absorbs impact, which can lengthen the mattress’s lifespan. Placing a box spring between the bed frame and the mattress also raises the height of the mattress which could be beneficial to those who struggle with getting in and out of a low-profile bed.

Okay, But Is a Box Spring Needed?

For many mattresses today, it’s not necessary to use a box spring for support. Some mattresses, like memory foam and latex, could be best suited to a platform bed that uses wood slats to create a stable, flat surface. Part of a box spring’s purpose is to help absorb shock and movement but many mattresses today are made of materials that inherently excel in doing this, negating a need for a box spring. However, you should always check with your mattress manufacturer’s guidelines for how to best support the bed.

Do You Need a Box Spring with a Platform Bed?

If you have a platform bed, it’s unlikely that you need to use a box spring. A platform bed is designed to support the mattress with wood slats that are spaced close enough together that no mattress sagging can occur. It’s not only a support system but also a frame itself. Platform beds tend to be a good option for those sleeping on a memory foam, latex, or any other all-foam mattress.

Platform beds typically sit lower to the ground which could be problematic for sleepers with knee, hip or back pain. If you’re not interested in sleeping on a low platform base, it’s possible to add in a box spring to raise the mattress. Be sure to check with the platform bed manufacturer to ensure the frame can bear the additional weight.

Since platform bed frames are a popular choice these days, many mattress manufacturers sell their own which can make for a simplified experience of buying a new bed. Brands that make all-foam mattresses like Tuft & Needle, Saatva, Zinus, and Casper also make platform bases suitable for their mattresses. Even the Saatva Classic, an innerspring mattress that ranks No. 1 on our list of the Best Spring Mattresses, can be used with a Saatva platform base.

What’s the Difference Between a Foundation and a Box Spring?

A foundation is another type of mattress support that’s often made of wood slats or a solid, flat frame. Its design is similar to a box spring but replaces the use of springs with slats or a solid surface.

Some mattress brands make their own foundations either as a free-standing foundation to be used with a frame or a combo foundation and frame. Casper manufacturers its own foundation as an alternative to a box spring that works with all of its mattresses, including their all-foam beds.

Do You Need a Foundation or a Box Spring?

The best way to decide if you need a foundation or a box spring is to check with your mattress manufacturer. Oftentimes this information is listed on the product’s webpage, in the FAQ section, or explained in the warranty. Many mattress brands also have a chat window on the web page for quickly talking with a customer service representative who can help you find the best support for your mattress.

Both a foundation and a box spring are ideal ways to support a mattress and ensure it has the longest lifespan possible while resisting wear and tear. Both will also assist with air circulation under the mattress. Which one is best suited to your bedroom will depend on the type of mattress and what the manufacturer recommends.

Our 360 Methodology for Mattresses

We make recommendations based on an assessment of what matters to consumers, experts, and the community of professional reviewers. We convey what’s most important about a mattress based on an unbiased evaluation of products commonly in the consideration set. Our overarching goal is to empower consumers with the information and tools needed to make their own informed decisions. You can find more information about our 360 Reviews model for evaluating mattresses in our Best Mattresses methodology.

What size box springs does a king mattress need?

Is it 2 twin box springs for a king?

What box springs go under a king mattress?

Why do people not use box springs anymore?