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Do you know How Long Does A Box Spring Last? Interestingly probably one half of the people shopping for just a new mattress do it because they believe that their existing box spring is fine. They assume this without having inspected it and they assume this even if their mattress is sagging and worn. Some go so far to say that they’re in my store shopping because the bed is terribly uncomfortable. To many people are missing the signs do you know what they are?

So How Long Does A Box Spring Last?

It depends on its original construction and depending on which of the following questions applies to yourbase. The fact is a box spring could last just a couple of years or up to and in excess of 20 years. There are high quality box springs and poor quality box springs some are wooden foundations that can be built mearly to hit a cheap retail price point, while others are built to the highest quality standards available. We tell people if you are unsure the rule of thumb these days is 8-10 years.

What do I need to know about my old foundation?

First and formost was it built well using solid construction? Did the manufacturer cut corners by using cheap softer weaker lumber or use  hardwood . Does the foundation have plenty of wood slats? Is there more than one support beam running head to toe especially of queen size bases? Is it constructed using any steel? Were coil springs or torsion bars added to absorb energy and extend box spring life?

How can I tell if my box spring is bad?

Does the box spring squeak? Squeeking is a sign of weak joints that are beginning to loosen up.

Are there broken slat? Sometimes this is obvious other times the dust cover on the bottom must be be taken off most are only held in with staples that must be removed.

Is the box spring sagging or bowed? Remove the mattress and lay a straight edge across the surface. If their is a sway throw it away. Set it on a level floor if there is a bow it must go.

Are the coils over 10 years old? If it has steel coil springs these support bases are typically worn by 10 years of age or have begun to fatique and loose there ability to properly spring back properly or give adequate support to the mattress.

Look for broken or loose springs. This is a sure sign or a boxspring that will not last under another mattress.

Is the steel grid bent or broken? The grid surface used on some box springs is the level support a mattress rests upon without a level sturdy support suftace the mattress will wear prematurely.

Which is Better Split box spring vs regular box spring?

The purchase of a boxspring is something most people overlook and as we go through our rundown of these two great mattress support systems the fact is even in the mattress business this is boring stuff. A boxspring or sometimes called a foundation just sits there and does 2 jobs. Its job is to be support system for the mattress while at the very same time elevating the mattress to a comfy height and keeping it from falling through the steel bed. So what’s the big deal Split Box Spring vs Regular Box Spring? Actually there are a few things you will definitely want to consider.

Click Photo to price Split Box Spring vs Regular Box Spring

Purchasing a new mattress set or perhaps just a boxspring only?

 Which base should you buy?

1. You need to consider where you will be putting this mattress set. If you plan to place it in your current home and you have a one piece then of course the best route may be staying with a one piece foundation. You may want to consider your future homes. For those of you who move frequently or know the mattress set may have to go upstairs or downstairs you may want to give some extra thought to the 2 piece split variety. It is importatnt to remember that tight turns, stairways, low over hangs over stairs often create real problems when moving and they may not allow access in solid one piece configurations. In such a case you may end up back out buying yourself a new mattress base at the cost of an entire foundation.
2. A second reason to consider a two piece split foundation vs. regular foundation is that there is more wood and or steel in the overall construction of the foundation.  This is one of the primary reason king size boxsprings nearly always come in a split design. The added strength from the extra steel and wood make them ideal for people who are heavy, slightly overweight, or just prefer high quality support under their mattress.
3. 2 piece varieties are very light weight utilizing 2 smaller pieces making them easier to carry and maneuver through the cramped quarters of an apartment our house. Many times one person can handle them by themselves.

What size beds offer split boxsprings”

• Split Full 27 X 75 Each Piece
• Split Queen 30 X 80 Each Piece
• Split King = 2 Twin extra longs measuring 38 X 80 Each Piece

What is the cost of split box spring vs. regular box spring?

Remember these costs are just a little bit more at the time of your purchase.

Split Full size foundations or boxsprings usually cost $50.00 more than there one piece counterparts.

Split Queen box springs typically average an extra $50.00 due to the extra building materials and labor.

Split King or 2 Twin extra longs are the industry standard there is no addition cost.

Problems split box spring vs. regular box spring

Many believe that a hump or ridge develops in the center of the mattress from head to toe due to split foundation. They also believe that inevitably body impressions or depressions takes place on either side of the hump. Not true we actually dedicated an entire article on the subject HERE.

In summation we don’t believe the only time to buy a split box spring is if you cannot get it into the room.  Superior strength, extra solid support for the mattress and it sleeper, and yes tge added convenience of the split box spring vs. a regular one piece box spring for light weight easy mobility.

Is the foundation the basis for every mattress built and do I really need one?

Do I Need to Buy a New Foundation when Buying a New Mattress?

Some of these supporting bases are flexible and some are not. In most cases I would say yes to a new foundation in conjunction with your new mattress, but there are exceptions. If you are putting your mattress on a solid platform, no foundation is necessary unless you need more height. Another example where a person would not use a foundation is when they are putting a mattress on an adjustable base because they do not flex. The adjustable base will replace the need for a foundation. However make sure your mattress is one that can be used on an adjustable base.

Different mattresses may have different foundation requirements.

This is an important factor because they will keep your mattress within its warranty guidelines.When buying most latex mattresses it is important to make sure that the foundation is built with slats that are spaced about 2” apart. Refer to the mattress warranty card to be sure. This allows the mattress to breathe and still give it a rigid foundation to set the mattress upon. The use of an old fully flexible box spring is not recommended because it gives too much. A rigid  platform or even a drawer pedestal will do fine.

Most manufacturers of memory foam mattresses recommend a rigid foundation, platform or semi flexible boxspring that basically doesn’t have any give. We frequently get asked if a softside waterbed can be used on a foundation or a boxspring designed for a conventional spring mattress and the answer to that is NO! A queen 7” deep softside waterbed can weigh 1400-1500lbs. Use it with a regular foundation and you may find your self sleeping on the floor. If you want to use it on a platform or drawer pedestal make sure the system has the proper support needed to support the weight of a waterbed.

Will not using a boxspring foundation void my warranty?

Finally I must say I am a bit puzzled by the warranties on mattresses these days. Years ago when most were two-sided mattresses the manufacturers said to use them on a Full-flexed boxspring. The story was that the boxspring did a large portion of the work making the mattress last longer and kept your mattress within the warranty requirements. Now with the new fire code #1633 most mattresses are one-sided and put on a semi-flex spring or rigid wood foundations. We are now told they will last just as long. It kind of makes you wonder if someone is pulling our leg.

If you wanted to know exactly what the thickness is for a coil spring mattress, I am afraid your are going to get a unclear answer. We are going to give you some idea of thickness you can anticipate when buying a new mattress.

Common Normal Mattress sizes and the measurement of thickness:
Twin Mattress thickness often ranges anywhere from 5 inches to over 20 inches thick
Full Mattress thickness can vary between 5 inches to over 20 inches in thickness
Queen Mattress thickness can go anywhere from 5 inches to over 20 inches thick
King Mattress thickness is often between 5 inches to over 20 inches thick

As you can see there is a wide variety of mattress heights. The reason that mattress thickness varies from brand to brand and mattress model to mattress model is primarily do to support levels, quality, and comfort. Mattress manufacturers look to hit popular consumer price points and comfort levels. This is America and in America, free market businesses are going to be competitive and offer lots of choices.

Mattress models ranging in thickness from 10 to 14 inches thick are the most acceptable to mattress buyers. As shown above traditional coil spring mattresses can range from about 5 inches to well over 20 inches in thickness. Yes, I said 20 inches. However do not fear, bedding manufacturers looking to make a buck are on the ball and are making special sheets, mattress pads, and bed spreads to fit these new thick mattresses. If you have problems finding the correct mattress thickness be sure to contact a mattress store.

Mattress shoppers often complain that today’s beds are way too tall, it is a problem all across the country. So what can you do to lower a mattress and boxspring that is sitting so far off the floor? Lower it of course. How can you lower a mattress and foundation enough that your feet won’t dangle or you don’t have to climb up a ladder to get into it?

Here are a couple straightforward solutions

• Use a Low Profile Boxspring
• Change out your regular steel bed frame for a Low Profile Steel Bed Frame
• Buy thinner mattress (May not be the best solution)

If you are using an old time bed that will not accommodate today’s thicker mattress sets, a combination of the low profile steel bed frame, low profile boxspring and a thinner mattress may be your only solution. This combination could lower the mattress set 12 inches or more putting the bed at a more reasonable height off of the floor.

With today’s thicker beds your mattress set could be sitting 27,30, or even 34 inches or more off the floor you are probably wondering what you can do with such ridiculously tall beds.

One quick and easy fix is a low profile boxspring, which is available in heights usually ranging from 4inches to 6 inches; where as traditional boxsprings usually measure 7 inches to 9 inches.

Another option is a steel bed frame, which can be purchased in a low profile version and are usually the cheapest and most simple way to lower your existing bed. The height of your bed with this type of bed frame drops both the mattress and boxspring about 3 to 4 inches depending on the steel bed frame manufacturer.

One last solution is to buy a thinner mattress. You can find thinner mattress models ranging in thickness between 7 to 12 inches. However be careful when purchasing thinner mattresses, although they are often cheaper, they are usually less padded, less comfortable, and less durable. This is a very bad combination for a mattress that will be used everyday.

Not sure what to do, how to do it, or will it work? Contact a mattress store that specializes in lowering mattresses and boxsprings.