In order to keep your mattress in good condition for years to come, it needs adequate support. You don’t necessarily need a box spring, but you need some sort of mattress support. In fact, many manufacturers require the use of a foundation in order for customers to take full advantage of their warranties. Keep your warranty valid; support your mattress!
Does My Mattress Need Support?
Laying your mattress directly on the floor is not good for your mattress or your back! Having good support can help your mattress last longer, help you sleep better, and decrease back pain. If your mattress doesn’t have good support, it can result in sagging and foam deterioration. When sagging or foam deterioration happens due to inadequate support or everyday wear and tear, the manufacturer is not obligated to allow a reselect or replacement, even if you bought the warranty. If you don’t take all the necessary and required precautions to provide proper support, you generally can’t get a new mattress if yours gets stained or ripped, even if the accident wasn’t support-related.
Box Spring
Box springs are the most common mattress support foundations. Box springs are the same size as your mattress. Inside the box spring, there are coils and wood beams that help disperse the weight of the mattress. They are covered in fabric and are generally 8 inches tall. They can be used with a bed frame or put directly on the ground if you are going for a more minimalist look.
Adjustable Base
Most adjustable bases allow you to control the head and footrests. Some even have massaging abilities! The only downside to adjustable bases is that only certain mattresses can work properly with an adjustable base. Mattresses that can use an adjustable base include all-foam mattresses, premium mattresses, pocketed/wrapped coil, wire-tied coil mattresses, foam encased, and steel coil. Mattresses that will not work correctly with an adjustable base are any mattress with a border wire, verti-coil, helical wire, and almost every mattress priced under $300.00.
The best part of an adjustable base is that they provide incredible mattress support! You will sleep like a baby knowing your mattress is being properly taken care of.
Bunky Board
If you don’t want to use a boxspring, you must use a bed frame. The slats under your mattress shouldn’t be farther than 3 inches apart. If you don’t have enough slats to accomplish this, then you can put a bunky board under your mattress. A bunky board is a piece of wood that is cut to the same size as your mattress. They are covered in fabric to protect your mattress. You simply slip them under your mattress to prevent sagging. They offer good support and don’t add a lot of height to your bed like a box spring would. Bunky boards are very inexpensive and easy to install.