Product FAQs » Mattresses » Mattress Components

Mattress Components

What are the mattress set components?

A mattress set typically includes the following components:

  1. Mattress: The primary component, designed to provide support and comfort.
  2. Box Spring/Foundation: A base that supports the mattress and absorbs shock.
  3. Bed Frame: The structure that holds the mattress and box spring/foundation in place.

Mattress

The mattress is the primary component of the set and is designed to provide support and comfort. Mattresses come in various types and materials, each offering different benefits:

  • Innerspring: Contains coils or springs for support, often topped with a comfort layer of foam or padding. These are known for their durability and bounce.
  • Memory Foam: Made from viscoelastic foam that contours to the body, providing pressure relief and support. These mattresses are good for reducing motion transfer.
  • Latex: Made from natural or synthetic rubber, offering a responsive and supportive feel. Latex mattresses are durable, hypoallergenic, and offer good airflow.
  • Hybrid: Combines innerspring coils with layers of foam or latex, aiming to provide the benefits of both types.

Box Spring/Foundation

The box spring or foundation is a base that supports the mattress. It serves several purposes:

  • Box Spring: Traditional box springs contain a wooden frame with a layer of springs inside, which helps absorb shock and reduce wear on the mattress. They also add height to the bed.
  • Foundation: Modern foundations are usually made from a solid wooden or metal frame with a flat, firm surface, providing stable support for the mattress without the springiness of a traditional box spring. They are often preferred for foam and hybrid mattresses.

3. Bed Frame

The bed frame is the structure that holds the mattress and box spring/foundation in place. It can be made from various materials, including wood, metal, or upholstered fabric. Bed frames come in different styles and designs to match bedroom decor and provide varying levels of support:

  • Platform Beds: Feature a solid or slatted surface that can support a mattress without a box spring. They often have a lower profile and can include storage options.
  • Traditional Bed Frames: Designed to hold both a mattress and a box spring, these frames usually consist of a headboard, footboard, and side rails.
  • Adjustable Bed Frames: Allow for the elevation of the head and/or foot of the mattress, providing customizable comfort and support, particularly beneficial for individuals with certain health conditions.

Why do I need a box spring?

A box spring, also known as a foundation, is designed to work in conjunction with a mattress as a complete set. Together, they provide optimal comfort and support for your bed. The box spring absorbs much of the nightly wear and tear, contributing to the overall durability and longevity of your mattress.

It is recommended to purchase a matching box spring for each conventional mattress you have. Most manufacturers offer universal foundations that are compatible with their mattresses. Additionally, some mattress collections come with specially designed box springs. It’s important to note that box springs may vary in size and shape, so using the wrong foundation can impede comfort and reduce the lifespan of your mattress.

By investing in a proper box spring, you can enhance the performance and longevity of your mattress, ensuring a comfortable and supportive sleep experience.

What is a “split box spring”?

A split box spring is a type of mattress foundation that consists of two separate pieces that are placed side-by-side to form a complete foundation. Split box springs are primarily designed for ease of delivery and installation. They are particularly useful when navigating tight doorways, staircases, or narrow corners where a one-piece box spring may not fit through easily.

If you anticipate challenges with delivering and installing a standard one-piece box spring due to space constraints, opting for a split box spring can be a practical solution. Most queen-size box springs are available in both whole and split configurations, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your needs. It’s important to note that all king-size mattresses require split foundations.

However, it’s worth considering that split box springs generally cost more than one-piece box springs. Therefore, it is recommended to opt for a split box spring only if necessary based on your specific delivery requirements.

What is a bunkie board?

A bunkie board is a thin, flat support typically made of wood, plywood, or particleboard, designed to provide a stable and solid foundation for a mattress. It is often used in situations where a traditional box spring or foundation is not practical or necessary. Here are some key points about bunkie boards:

Purpose and Use

  • Support: Provides firm support to a mattress, helping to maintain its shape and extend its lifespan by preventing sagging.
  • Height Reduction: Reduces the overall height of the bed compared to using a traditional box spring, which is beneficial for bunk beds, platform beds, daybeds, and trundle beds.
  • Stability: Offers a stable surface for foam and memory foam mattresses, which require solid support for optimal performance.

Construction

  • Materials: Typically made from sturdy materials such as wood, plywood, particleboard, or metal. Some may have a fabric cover for added aesthetics and to prevent slipping.
  • Thickness: Usually around 1 to 3 inches thick, providing low-profile support.

Benefits

  • Cost-Effective: Generally less expensive than traditional box springs or foundations.
  • Versatile: Can be used with various types of bed frames and mattress types.
  • Space Efficiency: Ideal for lower-profile bed setups, such as bunk beds, where space between beds is limited.

Common Applications

  • Bunk Beds: Provides necessary support without adding too much height, making it safer and more comfortable for the upper bunk.
  • Platform Beds: Used to enhance support when the platform slats are too far apart or insufficiently supportive.
  • Daybeds and Trundle Beds: Helps in maintaining a sleek, low-profile look while ensuring proper mattress support.

Overall, a bunkie board is a practical and efficient solution for providing additional support to a mattress, particularly in setups where height and space are considerations.

What are the benefits of one-sided mattresses?

One-sided mattresses, or no-flip mattresses start with the supportive layer on the bottom and stack the comfort layers on top. They are built from the ground up and aren’t reversible. Whereas flippable mattresses have a supportive core with comfort materials on both sides, these mattresses don’t need to be flipped and only have one sleeping surface.

Years ago, most mattresses had two sides and you had to flip and rotate them. But since Simmons introduced the one-sided mattress in 2000, two-sided mattresses have been phasing out. Traditional innerspring mattresses were built around a central coil system with comfort layers on both sides of the coil system. No-flip mattresses feature a coil system base with layers of comfort materials stacked on top. This allows for twice as many comfort layers stacked on top of the coil system base and more potential to create a more comfortable mattress.

There are many benefits to no-flip mattresses. A great benefit is not having to flip a heavy mattress to ensure uniform wear. Even better, you’ll have twice as many comfort layers working to relieve pressure on your body and reduce motion transfer. This is especially valuable for those who share a bed with an active sleeper. For those concerned that a no-flip mattress won’t last as long as a double-sided mattress, you need only look at the warranty. You’ll see that one-sided mattresses are guaranteed to last just as long (if not longer). In fact, one-sided mattresses are historically less likely to have warranty claims filed against them than two-sided mattresses.

Read on