How to Choose Your Mattress Foundation: Box Springs, Bases & More
Last Updated on November 20, 2024
by Marc Werner, Founder - GhostBed
Box springs and bed frames and slatted foundations, oh my! If you’re feeling confused, you’re not alone.
Here’s what you need to know: your mattress needs some sort of support underneath it to keep it from sagging, as well as to increase its longevity. The extra support also makes it much more comfortable to sleep on!
In the past, this meant a box spring paired with a traditional innerspring mattress. But nowadays, with so many other options for mattresses, do you really need a box spring? In most cases, the answer is no.
Choosing between the alternatives doesn’t have to be tricky, though. Keep reading as we explore what a mattress foundation is, what your options are and how to choose between them.
Comparison: Box Spring vs. Foundation vs. Adjustable Base
| Traditional Box Spring | Traditional Foundation | Adjustable Base | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What Is It? | Box springs are wooden boxes filled with coiled springs that are tied down and covered with cloth | A foundation refers to a slatted or solid base for your mattress to lie on | Adjustable bases provide a hinged surface for your mattress, allowing you to elevate your head and/or legs using a remote control |
| Benefits | - Extends the life of innerspring mattresses |
|
|
| Drawbacks | Typically sits on a bed frame, so there’s an additional item to purchase | Can vary in durability and strength, depending on the materials used | Some models can be pricey |
| Works Best With... | Innerspring mattresses | All types: foam, hybrid and innerspring mattresses | Foam, hybrid and some innerspring mattresses |
| Notes | Not recommended for use with memory foam mattresses | Can be slatted or solid | No need for anything else (e.g. foundation, box spring, frame) |
What Is It?
Traditional Box Spring: Box springs are wooden boxes filled with coiled springs that are tied down and covered with cloth
Traditional Foundation: A foundation refers to a slatted or solid base for your mattress to lay on
Adjustable Base: Adjustable bases provide a hinged surface for your mattress, allowing you to elevate your head and/or legs using a remote control
Benefits
Traditional Box Spring: Extends the life of innerspring mattresses
Traditional Foundation: - Provides great support for all mattress types
- Increases airflow around your mattress
Adjustable Base: Fantastic health benefits; Customized comfort settings
Drawbacks
Traditional Box Spring: Typically sits on a bed frame, so there’s an additional item to purchase
Traditional Foundation: Can vary in durability and strength, depending on materials used
Adjustable Base: Some models can be pricey
Works Best With...
Traditional Box Spring: Innerspring mattresses
Traditional Foundation: All types: foam, hybrid and innerspring mattresses
Adjustable Base: Foam, hybrid and some innerspring mattresses
Notes
Traditional Box Spring: Not recommended for use with memory foam mattresses
Traditional Foundation: Can be slatted or solid
Adjustable Base: No need for anything else (e.g. foundation, box spring, frame)
What to Know About Box Springs
The terms "box spring" and "foundation" are sometimes used interchangeably, but it’s important to understand the difference. Namely, a box spring is a foundation, but not every foundation is a box spring. But what do we mean by that?
The distinction is easy: a "box spring" has… springs! When paired with an innerspring mattress, the coils inside the box spring act as a continuation of the coils in your mattress, which absorbs some of the shock.
A box spring is also typically placed on top of a wooden or metal bed frame to complete the set.
What to Know About Mattress Foundations
A mattress foundation might refer to anything that your mattress lays on; with box springs going out of style, though, the modern foundation is typically a reinforced base that’s made with either wood or metal, and can be either slatted or solid. It usually comes with a cloth cover so that it matches your mattress.
Depending on the construction, you may or may not need a separate bed frame to go with it.
Solid foundations, which are sometimes called “platform beds,” may include storage options underneath. Slatted foundations, on the other hand, have planks of wood or metal that span the frame horizontally. This provides great support while also allowing for air circulation below and around your mattress. Keep in mind that wood can warp over time, so most industry experts recommend going with metal.
GhostBed All-in-One Foundation™
Foundation, frame and box spring alternative in one, made with 100% metal.
Shop NowWhat to Know About Adjustable Base
Finally, there’s the adjustable base, known for its customizable comfort. An adjustable base features a solid surface with hinges connected to a power source, so you can elevate your head, your feet or both for a zero-gravity position. Adjustable bases provide a ton of health benefits, especially for those with acid reflux, arthritis, and chronic back pain.
Plus, many adjustable bases — like the GhostBed Adjustable Base — include extra features, such as massage settings, USB ports and under-bed LED lighting.
Relax and put your feet up (literally) with the luxury GhostBed Adjustable Base. Enjoy independent head and foot adjustability, massage settings & more.
Shop NowHow to Choose Your Mattress Foundation
Ultimately, choosing between a box spring, foundation and adjustable base will come down to your comfort preferences and the type of mattress you have. Be sure to check with your mattress manufacturer for any warranty limitations.
| Mattress Type | Foundation Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Innerspring | Box spring |
| Latex | Slatted foundation, solid foundation, adjustable base |
| Memory Foam | Slatted foundation, solid foundation, adjustable base |
| Hybrid | Slatted foundation, solid foundation, adjustable base |
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Marc Werner
Founder - GhostBed
Marc has spent the last two decades designing & manufacturing mattresses and other sleep products, drawing on a lifetime of experience working with the material sciences. With several patents to his name, he works closely with the GhostBed team to create products with the perfect balance of comfort & support. Learn More
