How to Choose Your Mattress Foundation: Box Springs, Bases & More

Last Updated on March 11, 2024

by Marc Werner, Founder - GhostBed

Box springs and bed frames and slatted foundations, oh my! If you’re feeling confused, you’re not alone.

Here’s what you need to know: your mattress needs some sort of support underneath it to keep it from sagging, as well as to increase its longevity. The extra support also makes it much more comfortable to sleep on!

In the past, this meant a box spring paired with a traditional innerspring mattress. But nowadays, with so many other options for mattresses, do you really need a box spring? In most cases, the answer is no.

Choosing between the alternatives doesn’t have to be tricky, though. Keep reading as we explore what a mattress foundation is, what your options are and how to choose between them.

Comparison: Box Spring vs. Foundation vs. Adjustable Base

What Is It?

Traditional Box Spring: Box springs are wooden boxes filled with coiled springs that are tied down and covered with cloth

Traditional Foundation: A foundation refers to a slatted or solid base for your mattress to lay on

Adjustable Base: Adjustable bases provide a hinged surface for your mattress, allowing you to elevate your head and/or legs using a remote control

Benefits

Traditional Box Spring: Extends the life of innerspring mattresses

Traditional Foundation: - Provides great support for all mattress types
- Increases airflow around your mattress

Adjustable Base: Fantastic health benefits; Customized comfort settings

Drawbacks

Traditional Box Spring: Typically sits on a bed frame, so there’s an additional item to purchase

Traditional Foundation: Can vary in durability and strength, depending on materials used

Adjustable Base: Some models can be pricey

Works Best With...

Traditional Box Spring: Innerspring mattresses

Traditional Foundation: All types: foam, hybrid and innerspring mattresses

Adjustable Base: Foam, hybrid and some innerspring mattresses

Notes

Traditional Box Spring: Not recommended for use with memory foam mattresses

Traditional Foundation: Can be slatted or solid

Adjustable Base: No need for anything else (e.g. foundation, box spring, frame)

What to Know About Box Springs

The terms "box spring" and "foundation" are sometimes used interchangeably, but it’s important to understand the difference. Namely, a box spring is a foundation, but not every foundation is a box spring. But what do we mean by that?

The distinction is easy: a "box spring" has… springs! When paired with an innerspring mattress, the coils inside the box spring act as a continuation of the coils in your mattress, which absorbs some of the shock.

A box spring is also typically placed on top of a wooden or metal bed frame to complete the set.

What to Know About Mattress Foundations

A mattress foundation might refer to anything that your mattress lays on; with box springs going out of style, though, the modern foundation is typically a reinforced base that’s made with either wood or metal, and can be either slatted or solid. It usually comes with a cloth cover so that it matches your mattress.

Depending on the construction, you may or may not need a separate bed frame to go with it.

Solid foundations, which are sometimes called “platform beds,” may include storage options underneath. Slatted foundations, on the other hand, have planks of wood or metal that span the frame horizontally. This provides great support while also allowing for air circulation below and around your mattress. Keep in mind that wood can warp over time, so most industry experts recommend going with metal.

GhostBed mattress foundation

GhostBed All-in-One Foundation™

Foundation, frame and box spring alternative in one, made with 100% metal.

Shop Now

What to Know About Adjustable Base

Finally, there’s the adjustable base, known for its customizable comfort. An adjustable base features a solid surface with hinges connected to a power source, so you can elevate your head, your feet or both for a zero-gravity position. Adjustable bases provide a ton of health benefits, especially for those with acid reflux, arthritis, and chronic back pain.

Plus, many adjustable bases — like the GhostBed Adjustable Base — include extra features, such as massage settings, USB ports and under-bed LED lighting.

GhostBed Adjustable Bed Base

GhostBed Adjustable Base

Relax and put your feet up (literally) with the luxury GhostBed Adjustable Base. Enjoy independent head and foot adjustability, massage settings & more.

Shop Now

How to Choose Your Mattress Foundation

Ultimately, choosing between a box spring, foundation and adjustable base will come down to your comfort preferences and the type of mattress you have. Be sure to check with your mattress manufacturer for any warranty limitations.

Mattress Type Foundation Recommendation
Innerspring Box spring
Latex Slatted foundation, solid foundation, adjustable base
Memory Foam Slatted foundation, solid foundation, adjustable base
Hybrid Slatted foundation, solid foundation, adjustable base
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Marc Werner - Founder, GhostBed

Marc Werner

Founder - GhostBed

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Marc has spent the last two decades designing & manufacturing mattresses and other sleep products, drawing on a lifetime of experience working with the material sciences. With several patents to his name, he works closely with the GhostBed team to create products with the perfect balance of comfort & support. Learn More

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