Should You Buy a Boxspring When You Buy a Mattress?
Do you absolutely need to buy a new boxspring along with your new mattress? No. But your new mattress will need some kind of support—it could be a boxspring or another style of mattress support system. Take for instance, a platform bed, a solid mattress foundation or an adjustable bed (if your mattress is adjustable bed friendly).
So should you buy a boxspring when you buy a mattress? It depends on the condition and brand of your current boxspring, the type of bed frame that you have and what the mattress maker recommends for sturdy support.
Mattress Express is available to help Syracuse and Upstate New York area shoppers figure out their options so that they don’t waste their hard-earned money on an item that they don’t need to begin with.
When Should You Buy a New Boxspring With Your Mattress?
You can rest assured that there’s no need to buy a new boxspring every time you get a new mattress. Still, you should make sure that whatever type of support system you’re using to stabilize your mattress and keep it off of the ground, that it’s also going to thoroughly support your new mattress (and you).
There are three instances when it’s a good idea to buy a new mattress foundation when you get a new mattress:
Your Existing Boxspring Is Worn Out
If your boxspring is sagging, creaking, squeaking, making any noise at all, or if any of the components are broken or damaged, it’s probably time to replace it. Even the nicest new mattress won’t perform up to par on a saggy, broken, or uneven foundation.
Your Bed Frame Needs Additional Support
If your bed frame is a metal frame or panel bed with just a few (3 or 4) support slats that leave a big gap between each one, you’ll likely want to purchase a fairly sturdy mattress foundation to support the mattress and keep your mattress warranty valid.
You Want to Change Your Bed Height
Some people want or even need their beds closer to the ground and others want their mattress taller by that few extra inches. Depending on the thickness of your mattress, the type of bed frame that you’re using and your personal preference of bed height, you may need a standard boxspring, low profile boxspring, or bunkie board.
Can You Reuse Your Old Boxspring With a New Mattress?
If your boxspring is in good shape and it’s the right type of boxspring support system that the mattress maker recommends with that brand of mattress, there’s no reason why you can’t keep using it. But, before you set up your new mattress on top of your old boxspring, take a good look and thoroughly inspect it to be sure that there are no signs of sagging, broken wood, squeaking, instability or unevenness. These are all signs that the boxspring might not be good anymore and not delivering the sturdy kind of mattress support you need.
It’s notable that not all types of mattresses should be used on all types of boxsprings—some boxsprings even have springs in them! It’s important to familiarize yourself with the support system requirements for innerspring, latex, hybrid and memory foam mattresses (mainly the one you’ll be using) before you decide to reuse your old boxspring or buy another.
Wondering if the type of boxspring or bed frame that you have will work with your new mattress? Stop by Mattress Express with a set of measurements (height particularly) along with a few photos and one of our mattress and sleep specialists will help you figure out if you need to purchase a new mattress support system like a boxspring, adjustable bed, or platform bed.
When Can You Skip Buying a Boxspring?
The good news is that you have plenty of options for setting up your bed without buying a boxspring or another mattress support system. That’s as long as your bed frame gives your mattress (and you) enough support.
Here are three situations when you usually don’t need a new mattress foundation:
Platform Beds With Proper Support
Many platform beds have either a solid surface or slats that are spaced closely together. Both these bed styles can give adequate mattress support on their own. Just make sure that the slat spacing and center support on your platform bed comply with your mattress manufacturer’s recommendations.
Adjustable Bed Bases
Mattresses that are compatible with adjustable bed frames don’t require boxsprings because the adjustable bed frame supports the mattress. In fact, an adjustable bed is an ideal support system for any compatible mattress. And of course, with an adjustable bed frame you have the choice to lift or lower the head and/or foot to customize the position of your mattress.
Existing Foundations That Meet Warranty Requirements
If you already have a mattress support system that’s sturdy and in good condition and also complies with your new mattress maker’s recommendations, you most likely won’t need to buy anything new.
For instance, you can read about whether Avocado mattresses require a box spring, explaining how support requirements can differ from brand to brand.
Check out this cheat sheet for figuring out if you need a new boxspring or other type of mattress support system:
| Existing Bed Setup | Is a New Boxspring Needed? |
|---|---|
| Traditional metal frame w/out a mattress-support deck (slats or solid platform) | Usually needs a compatible foundation |
| Panel bed with slats spaced widely apart | May need additional approved support |
| Platform bed with enough support | Usually no |
| Compatible adjustable bed base | No separate boxspring necessary |
| Existing foundation in good condition | May be usable after checking a few details |
| Damaged or sagging foundation | Only option: replace with a manufacturer approved mattress support system |
Buying a Mattress & Foundation in Syracuse, NY & Upstate New York
Thinking about buying a new mattress but still wondering if you need a new boxspring foundation too? Are you still asking yourself what foundation to use with that fancy headboard frame or techy new adjustable bed frame? Our team of sleep experts can help! We’ll discuss your options and manufacturer requirements and make sure you walk out of our Ithaca, Syracuse, Cicero, Watertown, and other Upstate New York locations with just what you need – nothing more, nothing less!
Still have questions? Come in and bring us some photos or measurements of your current bed setup and we can offer personalized suggestions for your bedroom and lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Boxspring
Do You Need to Buy a New Boxspring Every Time You Buy a Mattress?
No, you don’t need to buy a new boxspring every time you buy a mattress. This is true as long as your current foundation is in sturdy shape, provides adequate support, and meets your mattress manufacturer’s requirements.
Can you put a new mattress on an old boxspring?
As long as it’s in good shape, and provides the type of support called for by the mattress manufacturer, you definitely can.
Will my warranty be void if I don’t use a boxspring?
Not necessarily. Approved foundations can vary from mattress brand to mattress brand. Though these “rules” are somewhat standard from brand to brand, some details do vary. There are a variety of firm, rigid support options for mattresses. Check with the individual mattress brand’s warranty to make sure you’re using the type of foundation(s) specifically called for.
Do memory foam/hybrid mattresses need to be on boxsprings?
Not always. Many memory foam and hybrid mattresses can be set up on top of a solid platform bed, slatted platform bed, an approved adjustable base or other foundation (instead of the traditional boxspring foundation).
Can I purchase my mattress and boxspring separately?
As long as any foundation requirements presented by the mattress’ manufacturer are being met, then usually, yes.
Still have unanswered questions? Call in or visit a Mattress Express store near you in Syracuse/Upstate New York for real-world mattress & foundation advice.
Visit a Mattress Express Store Near You in Syracuse & Upstate NY
Not sure what will work best for your bedroom setup? Our knowledgeable team of sleep experts will help you figure out exactly what will (and won’t) work with your new or current mattress or bed frame.
Remember, buying a new mattress doesn’t automatically mean you need a new boxspring. The right decision depends on the type of support your mattress requires, as well as the condition and compatibility of your existing boxspring. If your current boxspring is still in good shape and offers proper support, you may not need to replace it. But, if it’s worn out or isn’t approved to go along with your new mattress, investing in a new one can help extend the life and comfort of your mattress and preserve the mattress warranty.
Still unsure? Visit one of our Mattress Express stores—our knowledgeable team of sleep experts will help you determine the best setup for your needs so you can get the most out of your new mattress and bed setup.