Can a Bad Box Spring Ruin a Mattress?

Can a bad box spring ruin a mattress? Yes — over time, a bad box spring can turn even the most high-quality mattress into an uncomfortable sleeping surface. While most people are aware that they need a supportive mattress to get a good night’s sleep, they don’t always know that their mattress also needs support: the support of a good box spring. 

Discover why box springs are important for keeping your mattress in good shape and how to check whether your box spring is ruining your mattress. 

Already certain you need a new box spring and/or a new mattress? Check out our box spring buying guide and our page dedicated to How to Choose a Mattress.

How Can a Bad Box Spring Ruin a Mattress? 

A box spring serves multiple purposes: 

• To help your mattress absorb the shock of you getting in and out of bed
• To support your mattress with a solid, flat surface  
• To protect your mattress from dirt and debris on the ground
• To ventilate your mattress
• To provide your mattress with extra height, allowing you to get in and out of bed with more ease 

If your box spring is bowed, cracked, warped, has uneven slats, or isn’t placed properly within a bed frame, it will lose its ability to fulfill the first two of these purposes: absorbing wear and tear and providing support. 

Can a Box Spring Make a Mattress Uncomfortable? 

Now we know the answer to the question, “Can a bad box spring ruin a mattress?” But can a bad box spring make your mattress uncomfortable, too? Unfortunately, yes — a ruined mattress and an uncomfortable mattress tend to be one in the same. 

A broken, bowed, or worn box spring is no longer serving its original purpose of supporting your mattress and absorbing shock. Over time, this lack of support and shock absorption can create dips and lumps in your mattress that lead to a less-than-ideal night’s sleep.

Is it OK to Put a New Mattress on an Old Box Spring? 

It’s generally considered best to replace your box spring along with your mattress, as doing so will likely increase the lifespan of your mattress. However, “old” is a relative term, here. For example, if you purchased a quality box spring a year ago to put under an old mattress, your box spring might still be OK to use under your new mattress. 

Just make sure to double check that your box spring is still in good shape before using it to support a new mattress.  

How to Check that Your Box Spring is Still OK to Use

Remove your old mattress from your box spring and take the box spring out of the frame. Do a visual check for bows, cracks or warping the support material. If your box spring is covered, check for tears in the covering, as tears in the fabric can help accumulate dust mites and other debris. If you notice any damage, consider investing in a new box spring. 

Durable Box Springs that Preserve Your Mattress

When most people are shopping for box springs, they are looking for a box spring of a certain height. If you like or need height to help you get out of bed in the morning, you’ll want a standard box spring; if you like the aesthetics of a lower bed, a low profile box spring may be ideal; bunkie boards are great for lofts and bunk beds, and our acid reflux box spring helps reduce the symptoms of GERD. 

• Our Standard Box Spring has a height of 8.5’’ and is available in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, and King sizes
• Our Low Profile Box Spring has a height of 4.5’’ and is available in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, and King sizes
• Our Bunkie Board has a height of 2’’ and is available in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, and King sizes
• Our Acid Reflux Box Spring is 9’’ at the head and 2’’ at the foot and  Twin, Full, Queen, and King sizes

If you are looking for a bed frame for your box spring and mattress, Texas Mattress Makers has a selection of bed frames that can be adjusted to fit the size of your bed: our 190 Bed Frame (twin-full), our 114 Bed Frame (twin-queen), and our 470 Bed Frame (queen-California king).

Struggling with Your Mattress or Box Spring? Texas Mattress Makers Can Help

Can a bad box spring ruin a mattress? Yes. That’s why Texas Mattress Makers works hard to supply our mattress customers with quality box springs at affordable prices.You can explore our full selection box springs and bed frames online, as well as our handmade mattresses. 

For mattresses, shop by either comfort level, mattress type, mattress size, or budget.

Your good night’s sleep is our passion. Come and visit any of our convenient Houston locations today!

More Beducation by Texas Mattress Makers:

• Box Springs 101
• How to Extend the Life of Your Mattress
• Mattress Impressions vs. A Sagging Mattress
• Do You Really Need to Replace Your Mattress Every 8 Years?
• How to Measure Mattress Sag