What Are People Using Instead of Boxsprings?

Instead of using boxsprings with springs that "sprung," more and more people are using modern mattress foundations, platform beds, slatted bed frames, adjustable beds, and bunkie boards. Which of these choices works best depends on your mattress and the recommendations of its manufacturer.

Traditional or "old school" style boxsprings have real metal springs inside, which give some flexibility to protect the padding layers of double-sided mattresses. Today, people still call them "boxsprings," but they're actually rigid mattress foundations that deliver stable support without the need for springs.

That difference in support matters because newer style mattresses do not need the same type of base. Memory foam, hybrid, innerspring, and others usually have different and specific needs to achieve the correct support. If you're curious whether you need one at all, our guide, Do I Need a Boxspring For My Mattress?, explains the difference between an original boxspring and a modern mattress foundation.

Mattress Foundation

A mattress foundation is probably the closest item to replace what most people commonly think of as a boxspring. Physically, a mattress foundation has a similar size and shape and sits beneath the mattress, but the way it provides support will vary.

Original boxsprings contain springs and are made to be slightly flexible, while a modern mattress foundation provides firmer, more rigid structural support without springs. A solid, rigid surface is ideal for many of today's mattresses, like memory foam, hybrid, and many innerspring versions, depending on the manufacturer's recommendations.

Adding a foundation is a good choice if you want to add overall height to your bed. Usually, foundations come in two or three height profiles, allowing you to increase the bed height while still giving the support the mattress needs. For anyone who prefers the mattress-and-boxspring setup but doesn't need the flexibility or give of springs for a double-sided mattress, a foundation is often the most straightforward replacement.

Platform Bed

A platform bed is another savvy alternative to a traditional boxspring and Hollywood frame. When set up cohesively, the platform can support the mattress directly, bypassing the need for another piece like a separate boxspring or mattress foundation underneath to complete the bed.

Platform beds usually have either a solid surface or a system of supportive slats to form a stable or solid base for the mattress. This makes them an appealing option for those who want a modern, simple bed without the need to add an additional piece like a foundation or bunkie board.

It's also wise to keep in mind that not every platform bed works with every mattress. Slat spacing, center support (leg or legs touching the floor near the middle), the overall quality and construction of the materials, and the amount of weight atop the bed will influence whether the bed can give the support necessary. Always check the brand's requirements before you decide to skip the foundation entirely. When your specific mattress brand's expectations are met, a platform bed can certainly give you and the mattress support in one simplistic setup.

Adjustable Bed

Because it has its own legs and solid support structure, an adjustable bed takes the place of a boxspring within the mattress's support system. The mattress sits right on the adjustable base, so there is no boxspring or separate foundation between the mattress and the base.

Not only does an adjustable bed give you better support for your mattress over a traditional foundation, but it allows you to customize your position and raise or lower the head and foot of the mattress. This gives people more control over their position for reading, watching TV, relaxing, or sleeping.

Most mattresses these days will work well with adjustable beds, but compatibility still matters. Before choosing one, check that your mattress is compatible with an adjustable bed — also referred to as an "adjustable bed friendly" mattress. If a mattress is compatible, an adjustable bed can take the place of the boxspring while adding customization features that a flat foundation could never deliver.

Slatted Bed Frame

A bed frame with slats can also take the place of a boxspring by giving you a stable and supportive surface for your mattress. With this setup, the mattress rests on a series of wood or metal slats that horizontally extend across the width of the frame.

The most important thing is whether or not the frame gives enough support for your specific mattress and the weight of the sleeper(s) on top. Slat spacing, center support, and the overall construction of the frame need to meet the mattress manufacturer's requirements. And keep in mind, there isn't a universal rule for things like space between slats or center support that applies to every mattress. To care for and maintain your mattress, you'll want to make sure it's properly supported and regularly rotated according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

A slatted bed frame can be a really good way to gain ample support while eliminating the need for a separate boxspring or foundation under your mattress. Still, always check your mattress guidelines before choosing this type of furniture.

Bunkie Board

A bunkie board is a thin, rigid support surface, usually about 1.5 inches thick, that goes atop a bed frame, underneath a mattress. Bunkie boards are worthwhile when you need extra support but don't want the added height that a boxspring or foundation brings to the bed.

Bunkie boards are commonly used with platform-style beds, bunk beds (hence the name "bunkie board"), daybeds, or bed frames where the components that come with the frame may be insufficient or too widely spaced to properly support the mattress. Because they have a much lower profile than a standard foundation, they can also help keep the mattress and bed height lower profile and closer to the floor.

As with other boxspring alternatives, make sure the bunkie board and the framework beneath it meet the support needs of your mattress brand or manufacturer.

So, What Should You Use Under Your Mattress?

Your mattress supports you. Next, let's figure out what will be supporting your mattress. Do you need a replacement for your boxspring? Check the support and warranty requirements of your mattress first. Different mattresses have different specifics, so this isn't always as cut and dry as swapping out the boxspring for a foundation. Perhaps these common bed base questions can help you decide:

Need traditional height + support? Mattress foundations have replaced the boxspring in many cases and provide adequate support and height.

Want a simple bed/frame combination? Certain mattresses can rest directly on a platform bed without the need for a foundation.

Want personalized head and foot positioning? Adjustable beds give you the ability to customize the resting positions of the head and feet while supporting the mattress.

Already have a supportive frame? If you have an existing bed frame with slats that provides adequate support and follows the slat requirements of your mattress, slats may be sufficient. Check the spacing and type of slats required.

Need support without much extra height? A bunkie board is a thin and rigid board wrapped in fabric. This can support the mattress but does not significantly raise it to the height of a standard foundation.

Figuring out the best bed frame or foundation option for your home or bedroom comes down to the mattress, frame, and any other considerations to your unique sleep scenario. Height, adjustable positions, and more all play a role. Choosing an insufficient foundation option could result in unwanted dissatisfaction and needing to replace your mattress sooner rather than later. Things like mattress dipping or sagging, which are signs you may need a new mattress, are often caused by what the mattress sits on. The wrong frame or foundation may even void your mattress warranty through the manufacturer.

What Goes Under Your Mattress? It's Not Always an Easy Question to Answer.

The best choice of bed base will often change from mattress to mattress, so it's a good idea to think about your specific mattress, your bed frame, any brand recommendations, and your ideal mattress height.

If you're specifically looking to buy a mattress in Syracuse, NY, the Mattress Express team will be happy to help with any of your bed setup needs. If you have time, snap a picture of your bed frame, then stop into Mattress Express to show one of our mattress and sleep specialists. We can check out your pictures and try to give you an idea of whether the support under your mattress is sufficient or if it's time to look for a foundation, platform bed, bunkie board, or adjustable base. Refreshing your bed base is a savvy thing to do, especially if you're also shopping for a new mattress. Before you shop, it can also help to know what to avoid when buying a mattress.

We can help you compare mattresses and find the correct type of support system at the same time. Stop into Mattress Express in Upstate New York, and we'll be happy to help you figure out the best-case scenario for your mattress setup, including an adjustable base, platform, or foundation for your bed.

The bottom line: The right support system starts with the mattress you own and the bed frame underneath it — not a one-size-fits-all answer.