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The Best Box Springs For Great Sleep

  1. Casper Sleep Woven Exterior Upholstery Box Spring
  2. Continental Sleep Fully Assembled Split Wood Box Spring
  3. Mainstay Half-Fold Metal Box Spring
  4. Buyer's Guide

A bedding necessity, the box spring is the lowest portion of the bed that bridges the gap between the floor and mattress. It not only provides back support and shock absorption, but it can also extend the longevity of your mattress, elevate your bed, and prevent it from premature wear and sagging. Although a box spring isn’t a necessity, some mattress manufacturers make it a condition to use a box spring for a warranty. The old box springs came with internal springs; however, the modern ones use metal rods.

Even though a box spring is concealed beneath your bedding and mattress, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be picky about it. It can be the difference between good or bad sleep. When you’re out in the market for box springs, you'll find them in various tiers, types, and features. But we've done all the research for you to make things easy. Read on to find out which of the top box springs on the market are perfect for you.

Our 4 Favorite Box Springs On The Market In 2022

Casper Sleep Woven Exterior Upholstery Box Spring - Best Overall

Built with solid wood, the Casper Sleep box spring provides sturdy support under the Casper mattress, but it can be used with other mattresses as well. The box spring has been tested extensively for durability against impact and weight distribution. Its strong foundation has allowed it to be near the top of its class for over a decade, with hundreds of positive reviews emphasizing how good the sleep box is. It includes slats for support that are placed 4-inches apart, leaving no room for a mattress to sag. The box spring shouldn't be directly on the floor; instead, put it on a simple platform (for extra height) or slatted bed frame.

  • Includes a woven exterior upholstery
  • Has undergone extensive testing
  • Assembly required

Continental Sleep Fully Assembled Split Wood Box Spring - Runner Up

The Continental Sleep Boxspring consists of light, dense wood that prevents the box spring from loosening and retains the shape of the mattress. It works well with all types of mattresses, especially lower profiles ones. This 8-inch box spring helps, especially if you have a thin mattress; at almost a foot thick, this will add some height to your bed. The good news is that it is shipped fully assembled, so you are safe from the hassle of manually building it. Right out of the box, you'll be able to get a better night's sleep immediately! It is available in all standard mattress sizes.

  • Can be easily carried through narrow hallways by splitting into two
  • Available in multiple sizes
  • Not the highest quality box spring

Mainstay Half-Fold Metal Box Spring - Honorable Mention

Enhance your sleep quality with the Mainstay Half-Fold Metal Box Spring that provides a solid platform for any Queen-size mattress. Its structure is powder-coated, heavy-gauge steel, resistant to mold and bed bugs, and provides superior strength. In addition, the box spring is easy to use and clean. Once you purchase it, bring it to your bedroom and unfold it by simply pushing it down and zipping up the coverlet. The coverlet is made of a non-slip fabric that helps prevent the mattress from sliding on the box spring. Plus, it can easily be removed for cleaning purposes.

  • Coverlet increases the mattress’s breathability
  • No assembly required
  • Convenient to store and transport
  • Dimensions may be off by a few inches in height

Buyer's Guide

A comfortable bed can guarantee a good night’s sleep, so putting some thought into what box spring you sleep on could make a break your comfort. Here are some tips on how you can ensure you pick the right box spring to get maximum comfort and support.

Know Your Mattress

The sizes of box springs are identical to regular mattress and are available in double, twin, king, queen and California king. If you’re uncertain about your mattress’s size, measure it or check out its specifications on the internet. The table below will guide you regarding which box spring is suitable according to your mattress:

- Twin: 39 inches x 75 inches
- Full: 52 inches x 75 inches
- Queen: 60 inches x 80 inches
- King: 78 inches x 80 inches

Ideally, your mattress should be flush with your box spring, so select accordingly.

Check Compatibility with the Bed Frame

It’s a no-brainer but worth reiterating - a box spring should fit the bed frame. Make sure that your bed frame is robust enough to provide a tight fit with the box spring. If you have a rigid, old frame, check the size by sliding in the box spring or resting it on top of the frame.

Pick the Right Material

Generally, wood is the core building block in box springs, in addition to having a steel reinforcement that provides strength. It also has a skid-resistant fabric on the top, thick fabric ‘ticking’ on the sides and the bottom is protected via a fabric dust barrier.

You have plenty of choices when it comes to selecting a box spring. You can pick one that has densely packed coils, uses organic or hypoallergenic fabrics, or even natural fillers.

- For people suffering from allergies, allergen-blocking covers reduce the probability of an allergy attack, as box springs and mattresses are the breeding ground for allergens and dust mites.
- People with back problems can benefit from box springs designed for their specific needs.

If you come across a box spring with similar features to a high-priced one but is available at a lower cost, go through the fine print. It will tell you differences in fibers, springs, or other elements.

Split Box or Standard Box Spring – Which is Better?

A split box spring includes two sections that combine to complement your mattress’s size, whereas a standard box spring comes in one piece.

For queen size or large beds, split queen box springs are ideal. It does cost slightly more; however, they are easy to move around, so they can be a blessing if you have narrow hallways in your home. The portability makes up for the cost. Make sure that your box spring can accommodate this type of box spring, as it will require support in the middle of the bed frame.

Price Points

The best part about box springs is that they are available in a range of price points. The cost varies with respect to the materials used. For instance, a wooden framed box spring may be cost-effective, but it has a shorter life expectancy. On the contrary, a steel frame is durable, but it might be a bit more expensive.

Some Customers Also Ask

Still confused about whether you should get a box spring? We've picked out a few common questions and answered them below; hopefully we can answer yours!

Q: Is a box spring necessary for me?

A: The necessity of a box spring is directly dependent on the type of bed you own. Bed frames that have 3 to 5 slats require a box spring. However, bed frames that have over 10 slats can not last without one. To check how many slats are present under your bed, lift your mattress and count.

Q: Do I need to replace my box spring frequently?

A: Box springs are your bed’s support system and should be replaced every 8 or 10 years. They can outlast mattresses, which have a recommended lifespan of 8 years. However, if it undergoes significant defects like broken or sagging slats, then it’s time to replace your box spring.

Q: Can I place a new mattress on an old box spring?

A: Yes, you can do that. However, pairing a new mattress and an old box spring leaves the box spring susceptible to deterioration and reduces support. Plus, if you use this combination, you will not be able to return the mattress as it would be outside of the mattress warranty.

Q: Can I elevate my bed without a box spring?

A: You can use a mattress topper to add supplemental height to your mattress without using a box spring. However, elevating it with a box spring provides proper support that can lead to a calm and peaceful sleep.

Q: Can a box spring wreck a mattress?

A: Yes, a bad-quality box spring can turn a high-quality mattress into an uncomfortable sleeping pack. Your box spring will lose the ability to provide support or absorb wear and tear if it is cracked, bowed, warped, includes uneven slats, or isn’t correctly placed within a bed frame.

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