Box Spring
When you’re shopping for a new mattress, you’ll also need to decide about what type of foundation you’d like underneath it. The right box spring or foundation provides support for your mattress so it has a longer life, and it will also ensure that your mattress warranty still applies because you took proper care of it. There are a few things to know before making a box spring purchase, though — including the definitions of the three most common type of mattress supports.
Whether you’re looking for a box spring or would rather have a standard foundation to raise your mattress height to a more comfortable level, we have a great selection to choose from. We’ve got foundations for all sizes of mattresses, from Twins through Kings — and everything in between.
A Box Spring vs. a Mattress Foundation
Unless you’re dealing with an older mattress, these days there’s no difference between a foundation and a box spring. Box springs used to be made with coiled wire so that they provided a springy, shock-absorbing base for mattresses — but it turned out that this design led to premature sagging of mattresses because it didn’t offer sufficient support. That’s why today’s "box springs" don’t actually contain springs. Instead, they’re fabric-covered platforms with wooden or metal slats that offer solid support for your mattress — and keep the warranty intact. Though the more proper term for this piece equipment is a "mattress foundation," the term is now interchangeable with a box spring. Both belong under your mattress to add height and provide support, especially in the middle.
Do You Need a Box Spring?
Unless you have a bed frame with a slatted bottom that only has a few inches between slats, you need a box spring to support and protect your mattress. The most important thing is that your box spring is the same size as your mattress. If you’re not sure what size bed or mattress you have, check the measurements and compare with the standard dimensions listed below:
- Twin: 39 inches wide x 75 inches long
- Twin XL: 39 inches wide x 80 inches long
- Full: 54 inches wide x 75 inches long
- Queen: 60 inches wide by 80 inches long
- King: 76 inches wide by 80 inches long
- California King: 72 inches wide by 84 inches long
Pro Tip: When buying a box spring, remember that it isn’t flexible like a mattress. This means you’ll need to be able to maneuver it into your bedroom without bending it. To ensure large box springs fit into your space, consider buying a split foundation for larger mattresses for easier installation.