Can You Put a New Mattress on an Old Box Spring?
It may be tempting to put your new mattress on top of the old box spring you’ve had for years, but that’s not always the best idea. Box springs wear out, and older models are not constructed to accommodate modern mattress technology.
Putting a new mattress on an old box spring can compromise the supportive qualities of your new mattress and leave you disappointed. This is certainly not an ideal feeling after making such a significant investment. A new mattress will not feel as supportive and comfortable as you expected when used on an old box spring.Box Spring for Mattresses
Box springs don’t contain springs at all anymore. They are made with wooden slats or a combination of wood and metal wire. Modern mattress foundations are much more lightweight, rigid, and supportive for your newer and more shock-absorbent mattress. They also promote airflow and lengthen the mattress’s lifespan.
There are many types of mattress foundations, from wooden ones to adjustable bases, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Mattress foundations are available in ultra-low-profile/bunkie board types, low-profile, standard height, split, and semi-flex options.
The type of mattress you buy will largely dictate which foundation is most appropriate, and the sleep specialists at Mattress World Northwest will steer you in the correct direction.A box spring isn’t always the best option, though. More people are actually choosing to spring (no pun intended) for adjustable foundations, and they have become more affordable than you might think!
Box Springs Advantages
When deciding whether to buy a box spring with your new mattress, consider a few advantages. Box springs are:- Supportive for the mattress and absorb shock
- Available in a wide range of heights
- Able to change bed frames without limitation
- Usable without a frame
- Facilitators of greater airflow, aiding the cooling properties of your mattress
Box Springs Disadvantages
There are also many disadvantages to using a box spring with your new mattress. Box springs tend to:- Remain flat, offering no adjustability
- Cause your mattress to sit uncomfortably high, making getting in and out of bed a chore
- Not offer enough support for memory foam mattresses
How Long Do Box Springs Last
Older box springs can wear out because of constant, repetitive pressure that weakens the coils. This pressure causes the springs to lose their resiliency, producing a saggy mattress. A mattress that sits on a worn-out box spring will not properly support your body. Signs that a box spring is past its prime:- It’s eight to 10 years old
- Creaking or squeaking noises
- Broken slats or springs
- Tears in the fabric underneath (often from pets, which leave dander and become a source of allergens)
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Replacing a Box Spring
When upgrading your mattress to something new, it’s important to ensure your box spring is up to the task. A mattress is only as good as its base, and a subpar foundation will cause your mattress to wear faster and not support your body.
Memory foam mattresses perform best on a more rigid foundation because of their weight and characteristics. If you have a traditional box spring that you previously used with an innerspring mattress but are making the switch to memory foam, definitely look for a platform or adjustable foundation.
Side Effects of Placing a New Bed on an Old Bed
People often make the mistake of purchasing a wonderful new mattress that feels great in the store, then place it on their old box spring. They quickly find that the new mattress feels similar to the one they replaced. They wake up with back pain or other aches and continue to suffer from fatigue, then wonder why this is happening. It is undoubtedly frustrating and makes people feel misled about the quality of their new mattress. Regardless of whether you’re spending $900 or $5,000 on a mattress, it’s a significant investment.If the bed foundation is compromised, your new mattress will not be able to function properly, and your sleep will suffer.When taking an important step toward better sleep, don’t take a shortcut. Upgrade your foundation as well.
