by Box springs are one of the essential parts of any bed foundation. They support your mattress and keep it sturdy (also check the top rated durable mattresses), but they appeal to only some. Box springs can sometimes be quite expensive and may need to be a better base for your mattress.
Read through some of the best alternatives to box springs below, thoroughly reviewed for you. Find out how you can replace or not buy a box spring and still be happy.
What is compatible with your mattress and a night of comfortable sleep?
What’s the Best Alternative to a Box Spring?
Top 3 Similar option to a Box Springs Reviewed
Plushbeds Adjustable Bed Base Elevate
- Adjustable Comfort
- Protects Mattress
Best adjustable beds for seniors
The Adjustable Bed Base, Elevate by PlushBeds, is a high-quality bed base. It is reliable and sturdy and eliminates the requirement for a box spring.
This user-friendly adjustable bed provides the utmost comfort. It can elevate your head and your feet to any height. The Head side can elevate up to 60 degrees and the opposite side to 45 degrees. The various elevation angles make it easy to watch TV, read, or work as an anti-snore when sleeping with a partner.
The adjustable bed can be a stand-alone base with detachable feet. It can be used on another foundation with its zero clearance feature. The bed is highly versatile, adjusting to any foundation, or can place on a platform base or a slat bed.
PlushBeds itself is a bedding brand that provides almost all types of accessories. They produce the finest bed bases like PlushBeds S755 or M555. You can even look into the Eastman Platform bed base for box spring alternatives. Even Orthopedic Foundation by PlushBeds is an excellent alternative to box springs.
The headboard elevates up to 11 inches from the highest setting. With its simple controls, you can easily adjust the height for comfort. Its base has a mechanism for quick and easy elevation with dual motors.
Emma Upholstered Platform
- Sleek and sturdy
- Easily-assembled
An upholstered platform bed is excellent for under-the-bed storage.
An upholstered platform is an excellent alternative to box springs. It is a robust foundation on its own, adjusting any mattress laid on it. Platform beds are good with space-saving, allowing you to store under the bed. But even besides that, the platform is very comfortable, especially for back issues. It provides high-end relief with even non-orthopedic mattresses.
The easy-to-assemble Emma Upholstered Platform makes it a breeze to buy and set it up. This may make you wonder if the structure will be potent and sturdy enough. Yes, it is! The platform is of natural wood products giving it strength. The base is strong and is challenging to squeak or shake once set up.
It is a perfect piece of furniture in terms of style. The upholstered bed frame is the ideal combination of luxury and functionality. The premium foam and fabric create a comfortable and stylish piece that will become the focal point of any bedroom.
As far as mattresses are concerned, any mattress is compatible. However, you can go for Emma Original or Emma CliMax Hybrid. Both these mattresses are a great buy with enhanced features and quality material.
PlushBeds Low Profile Orthopedic Foundation
- Heat treated
- Easily assembled in minutes
One of the most robust foundations for any mattress.
Box springs or mattress foundations might cause you a sore and aching back. Indeed, there are better choices than a box spring as a foundation for your mattress. The Orthopedic Foundation by Plush Beds is a solid wood foundation and the best choice for people with orthopedic issues.
The foundation has a soft organic cotton cloth, presenting a unique design and look. The wooden structure is strong, reliable, and long-lasting.
The foundation can adjust to either 8 inches or 6 inches in height. This gives you options with standard bed settings and low bed profiles. The slatted design is aligned ideally to provide proper support.
The mattress used on this foundation retains its firmness and durability and does not sag easily. The bed supports 1200 lbs of weight, making it a durable and solid base for any sleeper (also check 10 amazing mattresses for overweight people).
It is perfect if paired with Organic Latex or Hybrid Latex mattress (check the best selling organic mattresses). However, if you are not interested in latex, even the Memory Foam Mattress – the Cool Bliss is a great choice. The orthopedic foundation adjusts brilliantly to any mattress.
The PlushBeds’ Orthopedic foundation is the perfect box spring alternative. It is wrapped in attractive organic cotton fabric for a safe and healthy environment. This foundation supports up to 1,200 lbs of weight. Evenly distributing weight across the surface helps prevent any potential for sinking or unevenness.
What Can Be Used Instead of A Boxspring?
Foundation
You can have various types of foundations instead of a box spring. Orthopedic foundations are a very convenient option but a little expensive. Simple foundations work fine as long as you sleep well and the mattress fits.
Under-Mattress Slats
Under-mattress slats are a popular choice for DIY followers. They are usually available as ready-to-assemble, inquiring about fewer tools or none at all.
Slats that go under a mattress are typically made of either metal or wood that is bent so it can be springy. These materials make them highly ventilated and can reduce the firmness of mattresses. Unlike hard platform beds, they provide more bounce and make your bed softer. They make an effective and cheaper alternative to box springs.
Mattress on The Floor
Placing your mattress directly on the floor without a base or a foundation may not be suitable for the long term. Mattresses tend to generate heat because of their multiple foams or latex layers. Moreover, they even absorb the body heat of the sleeper. This subjects the mattress to a hot spot; hence, ventilation is needed.
Without a base or keeping the mattress on the floor will not allow any ventilation to take place. It may be an alternative to an expensive box spring for the time being, but not in the long run.
Diy Box Spring Alternative
Use cardboard if you are not into metal and wood and need a better option for a typical box spring. Cardboard might not sound sturdy enough to hold you and your mattress, but the arrangement can make a difference.
If the cupboards are arranged in a spade formation, they become more robust. Another option for keeping your mattress off the floor is to use concrete cinder blocks. Arrange them in a way that works for your space, and cover them with plywood. This way, the blocks are hidden from view, and your mattress is elevated. Plus, you can finish the project by giving the wood a coat of paint that matches your room’s color scheme!
Milk Crate Bed Base
A sturdier option for your DIY bed foundation is using milk crates. They’re made from high-density polyethylene, so they’re durable enough to provide a solid base for your bed.
These colors, stackable heights, and sizes give you the versatility you need to create the perfect look for your bedroom. They can even be assembled to provide space under the bed for storage. Finally, place a sheet of plywood below the mattress and above the crates. This will make the base stronger.
Platform Bed
A platform bed is a low-lying foundation usually made of sturdy wood. It is simple yet known for its functionality. The slats on platform beds act as a support system for your mattress while allowing it to breathe. Narrow slab gaps protect your mattress from external damage.
However, because of their low height, they are not appreciated by senior individuals or those with knee issues.
Adjustable Bed
Residential adjustable beds are becoming increasingly popular as alternatives to box springs. They provide lumbar support and can elevate any bed section with a button. They are available in very stable and sturdy structures.
However, one downside to these motorized bed frames is that they require special mattresses, which can make them a bit more expensive. Nevertheless, they are a worthy investment for seniors or those who suffer from sleepless nights due to body aches.
A Coconut Coir Rug
The Coconut Coir Bed Rug is an alternative to box springs. It is a natural way to improve airflow under your mattress. Coconut coir rugs are used with bed frames that have minimal air circulation. These organic coconut fibers are safe and inhibit old growth. Moreover, they are good at resisting mildew, especially in humid areas.
The coconut coir bed rug is great for people who suffer from allergies. It is excellent at keeping dust mites and other allergens away.
Can I Use Two Mattresses Instead Of A Box Spring?
You can, but statistically and rationally, it is not recommended. A mattress needs a strong and well-ventilated base to keep up its firmness. A mattress on top of the other does not fulfill any purpose. There is no ventilation for either of the mattresses.
This will result in excess heating and accumulation of dust. Without a solid foundation, the mattress you are sleeping on will easily sag, and you will ultimately face back issues.
A box spring provides a good base for the mattress and keeps the air flowing.
How Can I Support My Mattress Without A Box Spring?
If you don’t want to use a box spring, there are still plenty of ways to support your mattress so it doesn’t sag. One way is by using a bed frame with slats. Another option is to use a platform bed. Both these foundations have good ventilation and excellent support. Finally, you could use a futon bed frame as a more economical and compact choice. All these bases give support to your mattress and stop it from sagging.
How Do You Make A Bed Sturdy Without A Box Spring?
There are several ways to make a bed sturdy without a box spring. The idea should be good material that is strong and long-lasting. Secondly, it should be easy to assemble and remove.
Lastly, it should be compatible with your mattress, so it does not sag easily. Usually, all sorts of foundations and bed frames support all mattresses. You can go for a platform base, an adjustable bed frame, or a wooden foundation.
How Can I Raise My Mattress Without A Box Spring?
You can go for a different base if you need an alternative for a box spring. A wooden foundation, metallic bed frame, or a platform bed. All these bases will raise your mattress off the ground.
Some even have adjustable legs to vary the height of the bed. So, you can use cheaper options like crates, slats, or cardboard to raise the mattress.
Will A Mattress Sag Without A Box Spring?
A mattress sags easily without a solid base (also check the best selling mattress toppers for sagging mattress). Therefore, if you are not using a box spring, you should place a better alternative under the mattress.
Sometimes, some foundations are more excellent in keeping the mattress longer than a box spring. Hence, if you are not placing a box spring, a substitute is necessary.
What Type Of Mattress Is Best Without A Box Spring?
A hybrid mattress composed of latex and memory foam can provide comfort without a box spring (check 10 amazing mattresses without box spring). They have a layer of coils or springs embedded in the mattress; hence box spring is unnecessary.
Is It OK To Not Have A Box Spring?
Yes, it is acceptable not to have a box spring. There are dozens of alternative box springs that are better. They are more convenient to place and cheaper than box springs as well. A box spring can be eliminated if your mattress is compatible with any other base or foundation.
What Factors Should Be Considered When Choosing a Box Spring Alternative?
When selecting a box spring alternative, consider the following factors:
- Support and Durability: The foundation should offer robust and even support to prevent mattress sagging.
- Ventilation: Proper airflow is vital for temperature regulation and preventing moisture buildup.
- Height: The base should elevate the mattress to a comfortable height for easy access and aesthetics.
- Compatibility: Ensure the alternative is compatible with your mattress type to maximize comfort and lifespan.
- Price: Opt for a foundation that offers value for money without compromising on quality and functionality.
Our Recommendation
Choosing the right bed for your frame is a great way to get a good night’s sleep. A box spring can be an excellent way to ensure your bed is as comfortable as possible. Only some have the space for a box spring, and some don’t prefer one.
We recommend a foundation that should be affordable, compatible, sturdy, and, above all, comfortable. If a base does not provide the relief expected, it is useless. Moreover, a mismatch between the base and the mattress can reduce bed life.