Do mattresses need box springs?

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Once upon a time you couldn’t purchase a mattress without a box spring.

Today, box springs are all but obsolete, reserved only for a small niche of users.

Image shows a white innerspring mattress on a grey box spring placed on a pink and blue ombre style background

But if youre of a certain age you might be wondering if mattresses still need box springs today.

The short answer: not really.

Do all mattresses need a box spring?

Saatva Classic Mattress - Twin

Even innerspring mattresses can do without one if theyre thick and sturdy enough.

The best way to know if your mattress needs a box spring is to read the warranty.

Using the wrong pop in of foundation or a box spring where its not recommended could void yourmattress warrantyaltogether.

HELIX MIDNIGHT - Twin

On the other hand, box springs arent as essential as they once were.

Thebest mattresses in a boxare built to be sturdy and shock-absorbent so a box spring is redundant.

For thicker innerspring mattresses which will resemble thebest hybrid mattresses a box spring is optional.

Emma Mattress Inc.

Meanwhile, hotel mattresses like theWestin Heavenly Bedinclude a box spring for a more luxurious appearance.

These mattress types are generally thicker and sturdier than the innerspring models of yesteryear.

Some platform beds blend form with function by adding shelves or drawers.

Image shows the corner of a white innerspring mattress on a grey traditional box spring

Prices range from budget-friendly to high-end, so its easy to find something within your desired budget.

This customizable comfort is helpful for pain relief, increased circulation, and reduced snoring.

Higher-end models add features such as massage, under-bed lighting, and built-in USB ports.

Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress

Foundation

A foundation is a wooden frame with slats or a solid board in the center.

A foundation works with most mattress types and provides many of the same benefits as a box spring.

Box spring FAQs

How much do box springs cost?

The Nectar Mattress placed on a light wooden bed frame with an orange metal suitcase at the end

How often should you replace a box spring?

A box spring will usually last as long as your mattress, about 8 to 10 years.

(Relative to other types of bed frames, box springs have the lowest lifespan.)

Tuft & Needle Essential Platform Bed Frame, Zinus 4" box spring

Can I recycle my box spring?

Which mattress brands remove old box springs?

Brands like Saatva, Stearns & Foster, and GhostBed offer box spring removal with their white glove delivery.

Saatva Mattress Foundation with the Saatva Classic Mattress on top, and a Saatva Universal Bed Frame on the bottom

If youd like your box spring removed, youll need to indicate that ahead of time.

Some brands may charge an additional fee for removal, and others may not offer removal at all.

A woman with brown hair lies on her stomach on a grey colour Japanese floor mattress

A woman sits on the foot of the Saatva Classic mattress on a bed frame in a bedroom

A woman unboxes a mattress in a box, the rolled mattress is placed on a bed frame in its packaging (left), two women set up a traditional mattress delivered flat on a bed frame.

The Siena Memory Foam Mattress in a box on the floor in front of a bed frame, ready to be unboxed

A split image featuring the Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress on the left and the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid on the right, leading into the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid vs Nectar Classic showdown

The Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt mattress on a bed frame in a bedroom, a man and his young sun sitting on top of it, smiling. A Tom�s Guide price drop deals graphic (right)