What is a Mattress Foundation
Understand the Different Foundations?
The best mattress foundation will depend on the user’s preference. There are different mattress foundations. Each has a unique style. The different types are adjustable beds, box springs, low profile box springs, metal bed frame, trundle bed, platform, and Bunkie board mattress foundation.
Adjustable Bed
With an adjustable bed, you can do away with a box spring. The mattress will just sit on the adjustable bed frame. The adjustable bed is good because of its different features. These features are the massage, lumbar support, pillow-tilt, head and foot movement. Different brands of adjustable beds can have different features. It all depends on the style of adjustable bed.
Box Spring Foundation
The box spring foundation is the more traditional kind. As the name suggests, the box spring has springs inside the foundation. Ironically, the newer style of box spring is just a foundation with no spring. Box springs were made to provide support to the mattress. They help absorb impact, reducing the wear and tear on the mattress. Thanks to modern designs, mattresses today no longer need support from springs. A box foundation is more common than a box spring foundation.
Low profile Foundation
A low-profile box spring is a box spring that is lower than the usual kind. The standard box spring is around 7 inches, and low-profile box springs can go lower. Just like regular box springs, modern, the low-profile box springs may not have springs. Common types of low-profile box springs are metal, wood, and metal with legs.
Metal Frame
The metal frame foundation pairs with the traditional box spring. The metal bed frame is put together by connecting the middle of the frame with the center support. After putting it together, the box spring is laid on the metal bed frame and then the mattress.
Trundle Bed
A trundle bed is a foundation that has two beds in one. This trundle bed is great for small rooms. The second bed is underneath the main bed. You can pull the second bed out like a drawer when you want to use it. This foundation is common for guest and children’s rooms.
Platform Frame
The platform frame is a platform that the mattress sits on. The platform frame can have slats or a solid piece of board. The mattress sits on the slats or a solid board to. These types of foundations are low-profile and there is no need for a box spring.
Bunkie Board
A Bunkie board is a board that sits on a metal bed frame instead of a box spring. In this way, the height is reduced. Bunkie boards were initially made for bunk beds, hence the name. Regular box springs were too thick for bunk beds. If box springs were used, the people sleeping on the top bunk would hit the ceiling when they sit up. Likewise, those sleeping in the bottom bunk would hit the top bunk when they sit up. Thus, the Bunkie board was made with a height that is only 1 to 3 inches. Bunkie boards come in all the standard mattress sizes. These sizes include the king, California king, queen, full, and twin.
Questions and Answers
Do you need a box spring for a mattress?
It will depend on the style bed you are looking for. If you have an adjustable bed, a Bunkie board, platform bed, or trundle bed, then there is no need for a box spring. If you want a traditional metal bed frame, a box spring is needed.
Is a mattress foundation necessary?
A mattress foundation is not necessary but it is advised. A mattress can sit on the floor without a foundation, but a foundation is the better way to take care of a mattress. The foundation allows the mattress to be off the floor. It supports the mattress when weight is put on it. It also allows the mattress to be at knee height to make it easier to get in and out of bed.
