7 Alternatives to Box Springs (Our Best & Cheapest Picks)

While box spring beds may seem like the norm, especially if you live in the United States, there are other ways to get a comfortable night’s rest without resting your mattress on box springs. In fact, you do not need a box spring, and if you currently have one, it may be doing you more harm than good.

It’s not uncommon for people to experience back pains as a result of their mattress and box spring combo. However, you can prevent soreness and get better sleep by opting for an alternative.

Alternatives to box springs include memory foam, slats, platform, innerspring, and hybrid mattresses. Box springs are used to add a base of comfort and structure to the mattress, so any alternative is a matter of personal choice. You can also use old milk crates, wooden pallets, or cardboard as a base for your mattress.

With that said, let’s take a look at these options so that you can save your back and possibly some money along the way!

Before we begin, it’s important to understand what exactly a box spring is and its’ purpose in your bedroom. Put simply, a box spring is just a wooden frame with a cloth covering and springs inside. It provides a foundation for your mattress and is essentially a shock absorber.

Its’ main purpose is to create a barrier between the mattress and the floor, keeping it away from dirt. They are very efficient and keep your mattress free of dust, food crumbs, human hair, and even pet dander. Since box springs are also used as a shock absorber, they will prevent your mattress from sagging and also evenly distribute your weight across the mattress while you’re getting in or out of bed.

By placing a mattress on top of a box spring, you also create a much higher bed. As a result, many choose to use a box spring if they prefer to simply have a taller bed.

As the name suggests, memory foam mattresses are made up of a foam material that perfectly forms to your body shape. With this alternative, your body is given the support it needs, in all the places that it needs it. Memory foam mattresses are known for being very comfortable and are often the best choice for those that suffer from chronic pain or just pain in general.

While they tend to be on the softer side, memory foam mattresses will give you an amazing sleeping experience, without the need for a box spring. In fact, they tend to be one of the mattress types where pairing with a box spring is discouraged.

Although memory foam mattresses are a bit pricey, they last longer than many other options due to their durability. Therefore, while you may have to pay more upfront, the expense will be made up over its long lifespan. As an added bonus, memory foam mattresses also repel allergens.

Pros of Memory Foam Mattresses:

With an innerspring mattress, you remove the need for a box spring due to the structured nature of this alternative. Innerspring mattresses have, as you might expect, a spring coil system inside of the mattress. They serve as an excellent alternative to box springs, due to the fact that they provide the same function without needing to purchase an additional bed foundation.

Put simply, an innerspring mattress is essentially a mattress and box spring all-in-one. Although they may feel similar to traditional mattresses, they offer much more support. Not to mention, the pricing is reasonable and they are readily available from many manufacturers.

As opposed to memory foam mattresses, innerspring mattresses do not repel allergens. They are susceptible to both allergens and dust mites and must be cleaned regularly. Also, while they are comfortable, many report that extended time on an innerspring mattress results in uncomfortable pressure and joint pain.

Pros of Innerspring Mattresses:

A hybrid mattress is basically a combination of an innerspring mattress and a memory foam mattress. They are the best of both worlds with the top-most layer being made of memory foam, or gel, for optimal support and comfort, and the inside containing springs, usually pocket coils.

Since hybrid mattresses are a combination of the two aforementioned alternatives, they possess a combination of their pros and cons.

Pros of Hybrid Mattresses:

Adjustable beds provide maximum comfort for virtually any situation – whether it’s sleeping, watching TV, working from your bed, reading, or lounging, you’ll be able to achieve the perfect position. These types of beds consist of multiple hinges, allowing you to adjust them to fit your needs.

You’ve likely encountered adjustable beds in a hospital or nursing home setting, however, they can be used in your own home. They offer excellent health benefits, especially for those who suffer from chronic pain, are bedridden, have circulatory problems, or simply for achieving the most comfortable position possible.

As an alternative to box spring, the options are endless. You can use an adjustable bed to achieve the position you desire or need, all at your convenience.

Pros of Adjustable Beds:

If your primary reason for wanting a box spring has to do with requiring a taller bed, a platform bed is the perfect alternative. They come in a variety of heights to fit your particular preference. In most cases, they tend to look much nicer than a conventional box spring bed.

Platform beds come in a number of variations, while some appear like a “floating” bed, others are simply a solid unit that is raised off the ground. You have a wide range of options to choose from when it comes to platform beds, making it easy to find one that fits your design aesthetic.

Pros of Platform Beds:

Yes, you read that right. Nothing at all. Contrary to what you may have been taught before, an excellent mattress shouldn’t need more than a firm, flat base to rest on. This can be a great option for those on a tight budget. Simply putting your mattress on the floor provides you with somewhere to sleep, without having to spend any more money than you need to.

For those who don’t need a bed frame, don’t want one, or like a very simple look, the combination of your floor and a quality mattress can be a great alternative to a box spring. In fact, the Japanese have slept in this manner for centuries, with the futon trend becoming more and more popular in western culture as well.

If you still want to put something between your mattress and the floor, you can look into something like a Tamati mat or just a basic piece of plywood.

Pros of Nothing:

Although the aforementioned alternatives can be effective, some can be relatively pricey. Believe it or not, there are plenty of ways that you can DIY a base for your bed. One way to do this is to recycle old milk crates and use them to fashion an effective box spring alternative. Ask your local market for their old milk crates and use them to form a base for your mattress. However, avoid doing more than two stacks high, as they’ll be too high and won’t form a very sturdy foundation.

Another DIY option is to simply use cardboard. While this may not sound like the ideal material to put between your mattress and the floor, it can work in a pinch. Finally, if you can get access to concrete cinder blocks or old wooden pallets, both can be used to craft excellent DIY box spring alternatives.

To avoid placing cinder blocks directly on your floor, use a piece of plywood as a barrier. As an added bonus, both cinder blocks and wooden pallets can also be painted to match the color of your room.