Quick Answer: Box springs suit traditional innerspring mattresses. Foundations (bunky boards) work with any mattress type and add height without bounce. Platform beds with slats eliminate the need for either. Memory foam and hybrid mattresses should never go on a box spring. Check your mattress warranty for base requirements.
One of the most common questions we hear at Mattress Miracle in Brantford is whether a mattress needs a box spring, a foundation, or a platform bed. The answer depends on your mattress type, your bedroom setup, and your budget.
Here is a straightforward comparison to help you pick the right base for your bed.
What Is a Box Spring?
A box spring is a wooden frame filled with metal coils or springs, covered in fabric. It sits on a bed frame and provides a flexible, bouncy base for your mattress. Box springs were originally designed to pair with innerspring mattresses, absorbing impact and extending mattress life.
Best for: Traditional innerspring mattresses, people who want a higher bed profile, and older bed frames designed for box springs.
Not recommended for: Memory foam mattresses, latex mattresses, or most modern hybrid mattresses. The flexible surface can cause foam to sag and may void your warranty.
What Is a Foundation?
A foundation (also called a bunkie board or mattress foundation) looks like a box spring from the outside but has a flat, solid or slatted surface inside instead of springs. It provides rigid, even support without any bounce.
Best for: Memory foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses. A foundation works with virtually any mattress type and is what most manufacturers recommend today.
Not recommended for: There are very few downsides to a foundation. However, if you want the classic bouncy feel of a box spring with an innerspring mattress, a foundation will feel firmer.
What Is a Platform Bed?
A platform bed is a complete bed frame with a built-in flat surface (solid panel or closely spaced slats) that supports your mattress directly. No box spring or foundation needed.
Best for: Any mattress type (when slats are close together), modern bedroom aesthetics, smaller spaces (lower profile), and budget-conscious buyers who want to skip the box spring.
Not recommended for: People who need a very high bed for mobility reasons (platform beds sit lower). Also, cheap platform beds with widely spaced slats (more than 7cm apart) can cause mattress sagging and void warranties.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Box Spring | Foundation | Platform Bed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Support type | Flexible (springs) | Rigid (flat/slats) | Rigid (flat/slats) |
| Works with foam | No | Yes | Yes |
| Works with innerspring | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Works with hybrid | Not recommended | Yes | Yes |
| Bed height | Tallest | Medium | Lowest |
| Price range (CAD) | $150 - $400 | $100 - $350 | $200 - $1,500+ |
| Storage underneath | Yes (with frame) | Yes (with frame) | Some models |
| Needs separate frame | Yes | Yes | No |
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Which One Do You Actually Need?
If You Have a Memory Foam or Latex Mattress
Use a foundation or platform bed. These mattresses need a firm, flat surface. A box spring will allow the foam to sink unevenly, causing premature sagging and voiding most warranties.
If You Have a Hybrid Mattress
A foundation or platform bed is recommended. While hybrids have internal coils, the foam comfort layers still need flat support. Check your mattress warranty for specific base requirements.
If You Have an Innerspring Mattress
A box spring, foundation, or platform bed will all work. A box spring adds bounce and height. A foundation provides firmer support. Choose based on your comfort preference and desired bed height.
If You Have a Flippable Mattress
A foundation or platform bed with a solid surface works best for flippable mattresses, providing consistent support on both sides.
If You Want Under-Bed Storage
Look at platform beds with built-in storage drawers or use a foundation on a bed frame with clearance underneath.
The Slat Spacing Rule
Whether you choose a foundation or platform bed, slat spacing matters. For proper mattress support and warranty compliance:
- Memory foam and latex: Slats no more than 7 cm (3 inches) apart
- Hybrid mattresses: Slats no more than 7 cm (3 inches) apart
- Innerspring: Slats no more than 10 cm (4 inches) apart
If your platform bed has wider slat spacing, add a bunkie board (thin solid platform) on top to create a proper surface.
Get Expert Advice at Mattress Miracle
Still not sure which base is right for your mattress? Bring your questions to Mattress Miracle in Brantford. We carry bed frames, foundations, and can help you match the right base to your mattress for the best sleep and longest lifespan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a box spring with a memory foam mattress?
No. Memory foam mattresses should not be placed on a box spring. The flexible spring surface can cause uneven sagging and void your warranty. Use a solid foundation or platform bed instead.
Can I put a mattress directly on the floor?
While technically possible, placing a mattress on the floor is not recommended long-term. It restricts airflow underneath, which can lead to mould and mildew growth, especially in humid climates. It also voids most mattress warranties.
How do I know if my platform bed slats are close enough together?
Measure the gap between slats. For foam and hybrid mattresses, slats should be no more than 7 cm (3 inches) apart. If the gaps are wider, add a bunkie board or plywood sheet on top for proper support.
Is a foundation the same as a box spring?
No. While they look similar from the outside, a box spring contains internal springs that provide a flexible surface, while a foundation has a flat, rigid surface. Foundations work with all mattress types, while box springs are only suitable for innerspring mattresses.
Visit Mattress Miracle
Find us at 441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario. Rated 4.9 stars on Google. Family-owned since 1987.
Sources
- Radwan A, Fess P, James D, et al. Effect of different mattress designs on promoting sleep quality, pain reduction, and spinal alignment in adults with or without back pain. Sleep Health. 2015;1(4):257-267. DOI: 10.1016/j.sleh.2015.08.001
- Chen Z, Li Y, Liu R. Ergonomic design and evaluation of bedroom furniture systems for improved sleep quality. Appl Ergon. 2020;82:102969. DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2019.102969
- Okamoto-Mizuno K, Mizuno K. Effects of thermal environment on sleep and circadian rhythm. J Physiol Anthropol. 2012;31(1):14. DOI: 10.1186/1880-6805-31-14
- Cary D, Briffa K, McKenna L. Identifying relationships between sleep posture and non-specific spinal symptoms in adults: A scoping review. BMJ Open. 2019;9(6):e027633. DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027633
Sources
- Radwan A, Fess P, James D, et al. Effect of different mattress designs on promoting sleep quality, pain reduction, and spinal alignment in adults with or without back pain. Sleep Health. 2015;1(4):257-267. DOI: 10.1016/j.sleh.2015.08.001
- Chen Z, Li Y, Liu R. Ergonomic design and evaluation of bedroom furniture systems for improved sleep quality. Appl Ergon. 2020;82:102969. DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2019.102969
- Okamoto-Mizuno K, Mizuno K. Effects of thermal environment on sleep and circadian rhythm. J Physiol Anthropol. 2012;31(1):14. DOI: 10.1186/1880-6805-31-14
- Cary D, Briffa K, McKenna L. Identifying relationships between sleep posture and non-specific spinal symptoms in adults: A scoping review. BMJ Open. 2019;9(6):e027633. DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027633
Find Your Perfect Mattress at Mattress Miracle
We are a family-owned mattress store in Brantford, helping our community sleep better since 1987. Come try mattresses in person and get honest, no-pressure advice.
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
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