What is the difference between box springs, foundations and platforms for mattresses?

What is the difference between box springs, foundations and platforms for mattresses?

Customer Question

Are box spring beds good for the back? Or are bed platforms better?

The primary function of box springs, foundations and bed platforms is to raise the height of the mattress to a level that is comfortable for most people.

Most mattresses currently have foundations which are simply fabric-covered wooden boxes with minimal padding on the top. When used with a low quality worn-out or inexpensive mattress it can make the bed feel “extra-firm” to an extent that most people do not find comfortable. 

  • On the other hand modern extra-thick mattresses, whether they are made with foam or innerspring construction, have so much padding that most people will not even feel the foundation at all.

Platforms are simply raised wood supports which sit beneath a mattress instead of a foundation. With a low quality or worn-out mattress this will not be comfortable for most people over the age of 25. (Under that age it doesn’t seem to make much difference what they sleep on.)

  • However with the extra-thick high quality mattresses that are widely available, there should not be any problems and the hard platform will not be felt.
  • Some bedding industry salespeople may say that a platform base will break down a mattress’s resilience more quickly and reduce its lifespan. Although this may be true, it is probably minimal. I have never seen an actual study supporting this theory.

The third type of mattress support is the box spring. Although this type of support is typically more expensive to manufacture than a foundation and may be marginally more comfortable when used with a lower quality mattress, the advantage is lost when paired with a high quality thick mattress.

  • Once again, salespeople may tell you that a box spring will increase the lifespan of the mattress. If so, the amount of increase is negligible with a high quality mattress.

It is not possible to say which of these three mattress support options is better for your back. The mattress’s quality, firmness, and many other characteristics are far more important than whatever is underneath holding it up.

  • Comfort, including “back” comfort, is also a highly individual preference. Some people find that their backs feel better with “soft” mattresses, others with “firm” and others somewhere in the middle. As time goes by that preference will probably change (even before the mattress actually wears out.)

 

Disclosure — Long ago, I spent several years as a buyer for a major retail furniture chain. During that time I purchased many millions of dollars worth of mattresses (and box springs, foundations and platforms.)

Return

Ask the Furniture Expert

Topics Covered