The mattress industry tends to use terminology and language that can be pretty confusing. Hence, “boxspring” and “foundation” are two words used interchangeably, but are actually two very different ways to support your mattress.
Below is information on how you can tell the difference, and make a more informed decision on your next mattress purchase.
The Boxspring
- Likely made from metal springs and wood
- Designed to float and work in tandem with the mattress
- Most commonly used with mattresses designed in early 1900s - early 2000s
A traditional, older-style spring mattress (think of a mattress like your grandparents had as kids) was made more tolerable because the boxspring was working with the mattress springs to help provide pressure relief and to make the mattress more comfortable. Without the “give” in the boxspring, the mattress could feel way too firm.
The Foundation
-
Most often made from wood and occasionally includes steel structure - Designed to provide stable, rigid support for an individual coil mattress
- Became popular in early 2000s and are the most common form of support today
There are 2 reasons why the industry made the
move to an all-wood foundation.
- It was cheaper to produce
- If built correctly, does provide a more stable type of support for a modern, individual coil mattress.
Why Foundations Can Be A Better Option Today:
If you take a modern mattress with individual coils and use it with an older style box spring, the mattress can feel mushy and significantly less supportive. The individual coils require resistance and firm support underneath to perform best.
Wood Foundations: The Wild West Of Quality
From our experience, the vast majority of foundations produced today do not provide enough support to help maintain the support and life of the mattress.
What should you be watching for?
- A modern foundation should be rigid and even support across its entire surface.
- The gaps between the cross supports in the top of the foundation should be roughly 6 inches a part or less. If there are wide spaces between the cross supports, your mattress is missing the necessary support to help it support you.
Modern foundation from Mattress Works competitor.
There is a 9" gap and 3/4" dip between supports in the top of the foundation.
Most Commonly Asked Question…
Does using an old foundation or boxspring void the warranty of a new mattress?
At Mattress Works, no, it does not. We ask that you check to make sure your foundation or boxspring provides a rigid, stable surface. On delivery we check to make sure you have the proper type of support under your mattress as well. We want to make sure your complete bed system is working correctly from top to bottom.