Top 7 Reasons You Shouldn't Invest in a Box Spring

What is a box spring?

Let's start off with the basics: What is a box spring?

A box spring is exactly what it sounds like: a box with springs inside. It's a type of bed base typically consisting of a sturdy wooden (or metal) frame covered in cloth and containing springs or coils. It sits either between the mattress and the floor or a bed frame. You can use a box spring on its own on the floor with the mattress placed on top, or you can place it on top of really any type of bed frame.

Why a box spring is unnecessary

Here are 7 reasons why a box spring is an unnecessary purchase:

1. A high mattress is not necessarily a better bed

One reason why people buy box springs is to raise their mattress so it's easier for them to get in and out of bed, but this really just depends on your preference. For example, a bed that is higher might look more cohesive in a room that has high ceilings, while lower beds look more modern and contemporary.

Aside from the aesthetics of your bed, your own height is another thing to take into consideration. For example, if you are a short person, you won't want to strain yourself getting in and out of bed if it is too high. If you want to know the best height for you personally, you will want to sit on your bed with your feet flat on the floor. See if your legs are at a 90 degree angle, with your knees straight in line with your hips and if they are, then congrats your bed is at the perfect height!

2. A reliable bed frame will already help your mattress from wearing down over time

Another big reason why people buy box springs is to prevent their mattress from wearing down over time. However, if you already own a quality bed frame that distributes your weight evenly when you sleep, you won't have to worry about your mattress sagging or wearing down. Why invest in a box spring when a bed frame already does the job for you?

If you're concerned about your mattress slipping and causing damage, once again, there are a number of quality bed frames that will prevent this from happening.

Quagga Designs bed frames, such as the Tic Tac Toe and No Fuss Plus, have slats that are sideways which prevents the mattress from sliding while you sleep.

As you can see, the slats are sideways which prevents your mattress from sliding and from wearing down over time. Make sure the slats are solid and are not broken, because the last thing you will want is your mattress to sag and get damaged due to that. This will also unevenly distribute your weight on your mattress which could damage your back.

3. They are outdated and don't last as long as other alternatives

Box springs used to be considered a practical and functional part of your bed's setup, but nowadays there are other options that are longer-lasting.

Back in the day, mattresses were very thin and needed additional support (like a box spring) to absorb the shock of tossing and turning at night. Mattresses have improved over time making box springs extremely unnecessary.

4. They can be squeaky!

Since box springs have coils inside of them, it's often the case that they can be squeaky which is the last thing you will want after a long day when you just want to sleep. If you're a light sleeper, you should definitely stay away from them.

5. Not very stylish

Again, this is just a personal preference thing and ties in with the first point, but most modern and minimalistic bedrooms don't tend to have bulky box springs. So if style in your bedroom is important to you, a box spring may not be the best choice.

6. Additional cost

Box springs add an additional cost to your bed set up that is pretty unnecessary. Box springs range in price depending on the size, usually starting from $100-$500. If you're on a budget, investing in a box spring might not be totally worth it.

7. A quality bed frame will you give you the adequate support that you need for when you sleep

If you already have a reliable bed frame that will distribute your weight evenly across the mattress, why invest in a box spring that will do the same?

As Dr. David Koivuranta, Doctor of Chiropractic and owner of the Toronto Neck and Back Pain Clinic, points out,

"As I share with patients, the most valuable component of this decision (between a box spring or a bed frame) is how one feels after sleeping on the set-up after a few weeks. As long as the mattress and what it is being placed on is of good quality, then it should comfortably support the human frame. In other words, if the mattress and box spring or platform are not of good quality, then it is less likely to accommodate what a person needs for a good night's sleep with appropriate support for their body, especially the spine."

So really, the battle between buying a box spring vs. a bed frame comes down to quality. If the bed frame is already good quality, there is no need for a box spring.

Conclusion: Do you need a box spring?

Based on the research, a box spring is an unnecessary addition to the bedroom. They're generally perceived as clunky and unattractive, they can be squeaky, and they are an unnecessary added cost to your bed setup. Rather than investing in a box spring, the better alternative would be a high quality bed frame that is solid and distributes your weight evenly. However, if you are someone who enjoys having a higher bed and don't mind the extra cost, then the choice is up to you! The quality of both, whether you choose to buy a bed frame, a box spring, or one of each, should be the main factor to base your decision on.

Thank you for reading this blog! We put a lot of effort into each and every one. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at hello@quaggadesigns.com. I would be happy to chat :)