Does a Latex Mattress Need a Box Spring?

September 20, 2021

Are you wondering if you need a box spring for your new latex mattress? When you’re shopping for a new mattress, it's wise to research your mattress foundation options. In order for a mattress to provide proper support, it must have a strong foundation underneath it.

Does a Mattress Need a Box Spring?

While a box spring was once considered to be the norm for all mattresses, there are many more foundation options, including a platform bed, available today that you might not need a box spring base. Ready to learn more about mattress foundations?

Why a Good Mattress Foundation is Essential

A box spring is only one of the many foundation choices available today. It's important that you look at all of your options, and make sure you select one that works well with your mattress type, because you may not need a box spring.

For example, latex mattresses are heavier than coil and memory foam mattresses, so a stronger foundation is needed.

The mattress foundation has quite an impact on how the mattress will feel while you are sleeping on it. Also, it will affect how long the mattress lasts.

Why is it important to buy the right mattress foundation?

●      The right foundation provides a mattress with the support it needs, so sleepers can experience all the benefits that come with the mattress.

●      The right foundation helps with airflow, allowing for better mattress breathability and ventilation, which makes for a cooler sleeping surface and allows body moisture to escape, preventing mildew.

●      The right foundation, including a platform bed, keeps a bed and bed frame securely in its place.

●      The right foundation, such as a platform bed, can add height to a mattress, so sleepers can choose the overall height of their bed.

●      The right foundation helps to extend the overall life of a mattress.

What to Consider When Selecting a Foundation

So what are some of the important things one should consider when shopping for a new foundation? The most important thing to consider is the type of mattress for which the foundation will be used. Certain mattresses simply work better with certain foundations. Other things to consider include material choice (quality materials are very important for longevity), how easy it is to set up and take down the foundation, and the overall style of the foundation.

Popular Mattress Foundation Choices

Here are some of the most popular mattress foundation choices available today, that can work for most mattress choices:

Box Spring

A sturdy and lightweight box spring foundation choice that can be placed on a metal platform base if you are in need of a box spring base.

Adjustable Bed Frame

Adjustable bed frames allow sleepers to adjust their bed into a number of positions. It is a popular foundation choice for people who experience certain health issues as well.

Platform Bed

A platform bed is a durable, stylish choice, and modern bed frame, which can be a slatted or solid support.

Slatted Bed

A simple slotted foundation platform that uses long slats across the bottom of the frame, to hold a mattress in its place.

Metal Platform Base

 A metal foundation is a solid way to support and raise a mattress.

Best Foundations for a Latex Mattress

So what are the best foundations for a high-quality latex mattress?

This is one of the most popular questions when buying a new latex mattress. A new latex mattress needs a strong and supportive foundation to provide proper support for the heavier latex mattress and body weight. However, since there are several options for foundation mattresses to choose from, you may have to explore the most ideal for your new latex mattress.

Do Latex Mattresses Need Box Springs?

Latex mattresses do not go well with box springs because they are heavier, firmer, and generally designed to rest on solid foundations.

The weight of the body and that of latex can cause the metallic coils of the box spring base to bend, break, or lose their elasticity. As a result, the bed frame base will be uneven, and can cause both damages to the mattress and discomforts to the sleeper.

A latex mattress has all the qualities that a box spring adds to a mattress. The natural firmness and elasticity of latex provide maximum support and comfort to the mattress.

In addition, latex is known for its thermoregulation properties. Therefore, it’s not advisable to use a box spring foundation for a mattress with these kinds of qualities, because it may not make any significant differences to how your mattress feels. Therefore, you may find you don’t need a box spring, and instead prefer another type of base.

Box Springs Alternatives

Latex mattresses are compatible with different types of foundations, including platform beds, as a box spring alternative. The same applies to other types of mattresses, such as memory foam mattresses and hybrid mattresses.

These alternatives when you don’t want or need a box spring base include:

Adjustable Bed Frame

Most latex mattresses are a perfect fit with standard adjustable beds, because the beds are highly supportive, and will not cause any tears on the mattresses. Additionally, latex mattresses are flexible, and can easily conform to the shape of the adjustable bed frame. If you don’t need a box spring, and prefer the convenience of a different position, an adjustable bed frame may be the way to go.

Platform Bed

This foundation is also suitable for supporting the weight of a latex mattress, and it does raise the mattress. However, it may limit the flow of air beneath the mattress that creates an extra cooling effect.

Slatted Bed

A slatted bed, as an alternative to a box spring, allows for adequate flow of air. But, if the slats are more than 2.5 inches apart, the bed may not have sufficient support to carry the weight of a latex mattress.

Metal Platform Base

A quality metal platform base can provide the flat and sturdy support necessary for a latex mattress. They also allow for adequate airflow necessary for the breathability of the mattress.

What is a Box Spring?

A box spring is a type of mattress base made of a wooden or metal frame. Its inner part consists of evenly distributed metal springs covered with fabric.

Box springs are the traditional types of mattress foundations used to provide support. Newer types of foundations include platform beds and slatted bed frames. Unlike the new, improved mattresses available in the market today, traditional mattresses were thinner, and not so well designed for support. Therefore, box springs provided the much-needed solution to this problem.

Some box springs are designed to rest directly on a bed frame, while others can stand alone. The traditional box spring bases were commonly used with innerspring mattresses that also incorporate metallic coils in their structures. Today, however, there are alternatives, including platform beds, so you may not need a box spring.

Today, mattresses are denser and well designed to provide both support and comfort. Besides, most mattresses work perfectly even without box springs. However, box spring bases remain relevant as they still have some advantages.

Why Should You Use a Box Spring?

Box springs serve the following purposes:

Provides Support to a Mattress

The structure of the box spring is purposefully designed to provide all-around support to the mattress. Its base is made of strong metal coils covered in fabric to allow the mattress to rest on a bouncier surface, without losing shape. Its sides comprise a metallic or wooden frame that provides edge support, and prevents the mattress from falling apart.

Raises the Mattress From the Ground

Sometimes, placing your mattress directly on the ground can make sleeping uncomfortable, and cause back pains. For example, if your mattress is thin, you may feel the stiffness of the base through it, so it won’t offer the back support you might need.

The stiffness increases pressure on your joints and back, causing discomfort while sleeping. A box spring not only elevates the mattress off the ground, but also provides a bouncier and medium-firm surface for your comfort.

Absorbs Impact on the Mattress

Boxsprings reduce the general wear and tear of a mattress by absorbing the impact of your weight on your mattress. The springs allow the mattress to distribute weight evenly while the frames keep the mattress from falling apart while sleeping.

Improves Breathability of Your Mattress

A box spring allows adequate airflow beneath the mattress, because it elevates it off the ground. Additionally, the springs enable air to pass through your mattress to create a cooling effect while sleeping. This is especially important for hot sleepers, stomach sleepers, and people with breathing difficulties.

What are the Height Options for a Box Spring?

The standard height of a box spring base, also called the high profile option, is 9 inches high. The medium profile ranges between 6 and 8 inches high, while the low profile can be 5.5 inches or lower.

These height differences do not change anything about the support the boxsprings provide. In most cases, the choice purely depends on a buyer’s preference, such as the aesthetic appeal of their bed.

What are the Types of Boxsprings?

The types of boxsprings available in the market today have evolved over the years. In fact, the word “boxsprings” is now a suffix that accompanies the names of the newer designs. They include:

Ultra-Low Profile Boxsprings

Ultra-low profile boxsprings are the thinnest designs of boxsprings with a height measuring between 1 and 3 inches. They are sometimes referred to as bunkie boards, and are usually made of plywood or particleboard. Despite their size, bunkies are stronger, and can effectively support the weight of any mattress

Ultra-low profile box springs are designed to go with any type of bed frame, and are placed as the base on which the mattress directly rests.

Standard Boxsprings

A standard box spring design is usually 9 inches high. It can be used on several bedframes, metallic rails, or independently without any additional support.

Standard box springs are equally strong and provide adequate support, impact absorption, sufficient airflow.

Coil Boxsprings

Coil boxsprings are the traditional boxsprings designed with steel coils and wooden or metal frames. The bouncy coils make a mattress feel softer, and more comfortable. However, they may not offer adequate support, especially to mattresses designed for firmer bases. These traditional boxsprings are best used with innerspring mattresses.

Semi-Flex Boxsprings

As the name suggests, the semi-flex boxsprings are designed to give support, but also have some flexibility. These are arguably the most expensive types of boxsprings in the market today because of their features and performance.

A semi-flex grid box spring is made of a wooden frame, and a stiff metal grade placed above the slats to provide maximum support with a little bit of flexibility. As a result, your mattress will feel softer as the coils flex, allowing the box spring to also absorb your weight and that of the mattress.

Zero-Deflection Boxsprings

Unlike the semi-flex box springs, these types of mattress bases are firmer, and purposely meant to provide support rather than flexibility. They are mainly made of wooden slats, but some have wires for extra support.

Split Boxsprings

Split boxsprings are specifically designed to ensure ease of movement, especially for larger beds. They fold into two halves to help you easily navigate corners and narrow spaces while moving the base into your home or while shifting.

Do You Require a Box Spring When You Buy a New Mattress?

It’s not mandatory to get a new box spring when you buy a new mattress. In fact, most new mattresses are designed for a firmer base, like those offered by platform beds, compared to the traditional bouncy coil boxsprings.

However, you can consider getting a box spring if:

• Your new mattress can only work a box spring foundation.
• You are looking for extra support or the bouncy mattress feel of a box spring.
• You have a bed frame that requires a box spring for the mattress to rest on.
• You want to increase the height of your bed without replacing it, and don’t want to purchase a platform bed foundation.
• You are using a traditional innerspring mattress (they perform better on boxsprings).
• Your new mattress is double-sided.

Can You Put a Mattress on the Floor?

Of course! Some sleepers feel comfortable sleeping on the floor as opposed to sleeping on a bed, and sometimes choose to do this with memory foam mattresses. However, sleeping on the floor may not work well for some individuals because of a few challenges, as discussed below.

May Increase Body Pains

This issue goes both ways. Some individuals may feel better while sleeping on the floor, while others may develop these pains instead.

This is because the floor is stiff, and depending on the comfort and support your body needs, sleeping on the floor might be good or bad for you. Additionally, the quality of your mattress also matters - thinner mattresses may feel too uncomfortable while on the floor.

Reduces Mattress Breathability

Air cannot flow freely beneath the mattress while it rests on the floor. As a result, your mattress may feel too hot and uncomfortable. Some mattress types, like memory foam mattresses, may not have great airflow, and placing them on the floor makes them even less breathable. However, this issue may not significantly affect a latex mattress because of its natural thermoregulation properties. But, the same doesn’t apply to a memory foam mattress.

Exposure to Unhygienic Conditions

Your mattress is more exposed to dust, allergens, water, bugs, and other unhygienic conditions while on the floor as compared to a bed. Such conditions can result in health-related problems.

Check Warranty

Some mattress companies have restrictions that can void the warranty. Suppose your mattress warranty recommends using the mattress only on a box spring, a platform bed, or any other base other than the floor. In that case, your warranty will automatically be void if you use the mattress on the floor. As a result, you won’t be able to claim a refund or a replacement for premature aging or damages, because you weren’t using the mattress in the proper manner.

Eco Terra Latex Mattresses

The Eco Terra Latex Mattress is a luxurious natural latex mattress that offers you the ultimate comfortable sleeping experience! The overall design of the mattress is one that is specifically made with your well-being in mind. While this flawless combination of comfort and firmness is one that makes for a perfect night’s sleep, it must be paired with the right strong and supportive foundation.

Three Eco Terra Mattress benefits that customers love include - no motion disturbance, a cool sleeping surface, and edge-to-edge cushioned comfort.

The warranty for an Eco Terra Latex Mattress requires sleepers to use a supportive mattress foundation. It will enhance this luxurious sleeping experience, and allow sleepers to enjoy all of its benefits.

Does an Eco Terra Mattress Need a Box Spring?

The Eco Terra Natural Hybrid mattress works well with any strong supportive base, including a box spring. You don’t need to worry about buying a new foundation for your mattress if you already have a bed frame that’s compatible with a box spring. All you need to ensure is that your new Eco Terra natural Hybrid mattress is well supported during use.

Also, if you have a platform bed, you don’t need additional support from a box spring. Platform beds already have adequate support from the wooden slats, the headboards, and the footboards. Simply position your new mattress correctly on the bed to enjoy a luxurious sleep.

The Eco Terra Mattress is also compatible with most adjustable beds in the market because of its flexibility. The hybrid is made of all-organic latex, cotton, and wool to infuse the best of these qualities into your mattress. The latex is for flexibility, breathability, and support, while the cotton and wool provide the perfect cushioning with a touch of luxury. Thus, most types of mattress foundations are very compatible with the Eco Terra Natural Hybrid mattress.

---

Also in Eco Terra's Healthy Sleep Blog