You’ve done your research, you’ve found your perfect new mattress to give you years of comfortable sleep. Awesome! But hang on: do you need to replace box springs when buying new mattress too??
Luckily for you, the short answer is that you don’t necessarily need to replace one when you replace the other, but there are times when it’s a good idea. Read on and I’ll tell you exactly when you need to replace your box spring. And you don’t even need to replace your box spring with another box spring: a platform base or another bed type could actually be a better choice.
Read on for more info on how to best support that new mattress you’re buying, including some beautiful box spring alternatives.
First, You Need To Check:
Before you go replacing anything on your bed, be it the mattress OR the box spring, you need to check which part of it is actually worn out and in need of replacing. Here are two articles that will help you figure out exactly when you need to replace your mattress and when you need to replace your box spring:
It is absolutely critical you do this because
- If your box spring is worn out, buying a new mattress will not make your bed feel comfortable. I’ve seen countless reports of people buying new mattresses only to find them sagging in the middle. THE PROBLEM HERE IS NOT THE MATTRESS: the problem is that the box spring is no longer able to support the mattress.
Once you have determined whether your mattress or your box spring is worn out, or perhaps it’s both, you now have the answer to whether you need to replace the box spring when you replace your mattress.
Keep in mind that a box spring has a life span of around ten years and a mattress will have a life span of around 8 years. Think about how long you’ve owned each. If it’s been more than ten years for both, replace both at the same time.
What’s The Best Box Spring To Get?
So you’ve decided that you want to buy a new box spring. Great! This means that you fit one of the following scenarios:
- You’ve checked the box spring and it’s worn out, so you’ll replace it
- You like the idea of upgrading your whole bed so you’re gonna get a new box spring at the same time as you buy your new mattress anyway
The good news about newly made box springs is that they don’t contain springs any more (so is it even a box spring??). They are now made with a wooden internal framework and a cloth cover.
This is great because the spring component of a box spring, which was originally there to provide flexible support for a mattress, is pretty much always the box spring part that wears out first. When springs lose their coil – which they gradually do over time – they lose their ability to support weight. This leads to the dreaded mattress sag.
My favorite pick for a good quality, made in the USA box spring that won’t break the bank is US Box Spring. They’ve been in the business of specializing in box springs for decades, and have updated their product to offer a sturdy, covered platform “box spring”.
Want more info on US Box Spring? Read my detailed review and rundown of their product here.
Better Alternatives To Box Springs
We kind of assume that our bed needs to sit on a box spring because that’s all we’ve ever known. In fact, all our mattresses really need is a flat and stable surface (please not the floor).
This opens up a range of other, more aesthetically pleasing options to you, such as beautifully crafted wooden beds, sleek looking metal frames, and frames that give you the option for storage underneath the bed (no way can you do this with a box spring).
So if you’re in the market to update the overall look of your bed as you buy your new mattress, here are some great options for you to use instead of a box spring (these are links to articles of items I’ve researched so I’m happy to recommend them to you)
- A beautiful, sturdy, and rustic looking bed frame made from reclaimed California wood
- Three top selling bed frames that are popular for those on a budget
Do you need help deciding if you need to buy a new mattress AND a new box spring? Leave me a comment and I’ll be more than happy to help you figure it out.