Considerations
Unknown to many new owners is that their choice of the mattress support is an important decision and weighs heavily on the support and comfort they receive. With the many types of mattresses you can now consider; hybrids, innersprings, and foam layered designs, it is easy to forget that each needs specific support for you to get the best of it. After all, you don’t want to haul a new mattress home from the store and discover it feels nothing like the demo.
Almost all mattresses used to come standard with a box spring for proper support and bed height, but the use of foams has dictated a new approach to what you lay your mattress on. Of course, box springs still exist but are limited in use. Take a look at our quick breakdown between a box spring vs slat bed style to determine which is best for you.
Box Spring
Box springs are made from a wooden frame and a series of supportive coiled springs which are then covered with a durable cloth. They are made to support an innerspring-style mattress properly and work to help provide proper weight distribution and overall support. They are considered the best option to help enhance your sleep comfort.
They generally are sold with innerspring mattresses as part of the overall design, and most bed frames are created to accommodate this combination. Most foam mattresses, however, are not to be used with them as there is not enough support for the softer, more giving foam layers, Because of this more and more platform-style bed frames have been made available since they also support an innerspring mattress without issue (although may firm up the overall feel).
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— Construction
The overall construction couldn’t be more simple. In short, it is a simple wooden frame that offers spaced support slats across the top that is usually 16 to 24 inches apart from one another. It is filled with a coiled innerspring system and then covered with a durable cloth. It is specifically designed to accentuate mattress support and comfort.
— Benefits
Since it is designed specifically for innerspring-style mattresses, the overall feel enhances the support of the coils in your bed for the incredible support. It also helps isolate motion and can keep you from disturbing, or being disturbed by, a partner at night. Plus, they leave a ton of open space beneath your mattress which allows excellent air circulation to occur- allowing for a cooler night. That little detail also inhibits mold and bacteria growth from moisture buildup.
The height of a box spring helps lift your mattress as well, providing you a more comfortable height from which to lay down and get back up. That perk also provides you the means to more comfortably sit on the side of your bed.
— Concerns
As mentioned, a box spring isn’t the best choice for a foam mattress since the mattress isn’t sturdy enough to support itself on the frame. Some hybrid mattresses might not work as well due to the foam layers that are sometimes used. Many mattress companies will void the warranty if you are not supposed to use a box spring as well.
Bed Frame Slats
Slats are part of a bed frame design that can be found in various widths and comfort support. They come standard in various foundations, and can always be added to to provide more support when needed. They are a simple option that works well with all mattress types, including foam.
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— Construction
As mentioned, they are part of a bed frame design and run the width of the bed. Slats are usually between 2 and 4 inches in width and are spaced from 2 to 6 inches apart. More closely spaced slats are supposed to be used for foam mattress designs, while wide spacers can be used with innerspring mattresses. Larger beds, such as queen and king will also often have an additional brace down the middle.
— Benefits
Easy to use, easy to space, and easy to add to, slats allow for durable support that will not void mattress warranties. It can help provide a bit of giving to help enhance mattress comfort as well, plus it is easy to firm up for more support when needed with the removal or addition of slats. The open design allows for excellent airflow as well which helps reduce mold and mildew growth and enhances a cooler night’s rest.
— Concerns
Slats can shift if not secured down, resulting in a loss of support and usually broken slats that you will need to replace. They also might sit into the frame and allow your mattress to shift upon them if there is no grip or lip to help hold the mattress in place.
Slats are usually made from an inexpensive pine, and can therefore flex due to the sifter wood type. With time, this can create sagging. The style frame they are in also may sit lower to the floor, making getting in and out of bed more difficult.
Your Best Choice Explained
Both supports are effective for what they are built for. The slats can accommodate all mattress types, while the box spring is limited, but you need to first consider your type of mattress since one might not even be an option for you.
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