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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Do mattress retailers stock split box springs? Most mattress retailers will need to order one of these for you. They can take anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks to special order.

Tell us any creative solutions you might have, that could substituted in place of a queen split boxspring.

Did we miss anything? How do you do to keep your mattress clean and comfy? Leave your comment below or email us.

Is a boxspring worth the extra money and does it help the mattress last?

Well for many years the answer was yes. However you might be surprised at the answer;in this article we’ll take a closer look at what a boxspring is, and what it really can do.

What is a Boxspring and What Does it Really Do?

What is a Boxspring and What Does it Really Do?

Many years ago a mattress would lie on a simple platform others were suspended by ropes, and then along came the mattresses mate, the box spring. It was the theoretical shock absorber for your sleep system.  The idea that a box spring lengthens mattress life and gives the mattress and body additional support has been the salesman’s pitch, but does it really?  It seems that box springs and our thinking have changed quite a bit since early mattress sets and we’ll show you how, but first you must understand the old way of thinking.

According to the Better Sleep Council “the mattress and the boxspring is designed to work together as an integral set and were engineered as such”. The council goes on to say that “the boxspring or today the more commonly called foundation receives most of the wear & tear throughout the mattress life. The boxspring is the key component and is by and large the contributing factor to mattress comfort and overall support. Placing a new mattress upon an old box spring, or pairing it with a mismatched foundation that it was not originally designed to work with, may shorten the beds functional life significantly. Putting a board between the boxspring and mattress will reduce comfort and shorten overall mattress life along with possibly voiding the manufacturers warranty.

The above paragraph is true. Unfortunately the most common of today’s box springs are designs like the Leggett & Platt SEMI-FLEX™ or the Hickory Springs’ zero deflection PowerStackTM. Both of these designs have virtually no give or absorption ability when compared to the traditional coil box spring and various other torsion bar designs offered just a few years ago. Not only that but these new “box springs” have significantly less steel in them. This lack of steel in the box spring makes itself evident from the moment you pick one up; there is little weight or beefiness to its design.

Other new “boxsprings” actually are what is called a foundation. It is a simple design that consists normally of a lightly framed wood box. They also use horizontal wood slats that span the overall width of the boxspring helping to distribute weight. Often lying across the top of wood slats is a sheet of cardboard that is covered with upholstery.

It is my opinion that “boxsprings” of the non-flexible designs neither flex nor do they extend the useful life of a mattress. I also feel that non and semi flexible “boxsprings” do not contribute to mattress support. It will however transfer less disturbances from one person to another.  Many people believe that anything with steel is going to be stronger overall, but that is untrue, there are very good quality wood foundations on the market that can outperform the so called “boxsprings” so be sure to do your home work. So the question is this, are “boxsprings” really stronger and do they make a bed last longer? Well many people would say no. I think it is easy to see it depends on what the definition of a “boxspring” really is

We have a great selection of box springs – even all natural box springs. Browse our selection today and let us know how we can help you find the perfect fit for your body.