Box spring beds are the new ‘must have’ in the bedroom. Trendsetters already have such a bed system, the rest are talking about it or planning to buy one. Like most trends, this one originated in the USA. The ‘first class’ cabins on the Titanic were already equipped with box-spring beds. We have put together a guide to help you choose the perfect box spring bed.
What does box spring actually mean?
It is a sleeping system based on a sprung base with a solid wood frame.
A - usually very high - mattress lies on the box spring (‘box with springs’) and, depending on the type, an additional topper. The slatted frame is omitted.
The topper
The icing on the cake on box spring beds is the topper. The selection of these toppers is enormous: from camel hair to latex to cold foam - in versions for summer or winter - there is something to suit every taste.
Separately adjustable head and foot sections
Another comfort option is offered by systems with separately height-adjustable head and foot sections for double beds. Together with the choice of thick or thin, warm or cooling topper, everyone can make themselves comfortable on their own side.
A cross-section of a box spring bed
The cross-section in our article photo illustrates the typical structure of a box spring bed: it consists of a sprung base frame, the spring mattress on top and a final topper. The photo shows the Philrouge EOS programme from the manufacturer DOC, who kindly provided us with the image material.
Advantages of box spring systems
Apart from the fact that you feel almost like royalty in a box spring bed, there are of course other advantages to this system:
Firstly, there is the comfort height, which makes getting in and out of bed easier and can be individually adjusted for each side. These systems also offer consistent support across the entire lying surface.
Box spring beds also score highly in terms of hygiene:
Thanks to the easily removable topper, the bed can be aired out very easily. Depending on the washability of the topper, allergens can also be sufficiently destroyed in the machine.
And, of course, the unimagined design possibilities must also be mentioned:
Whether the frame is made of natural or precious wood, covered with leather, velvet or fabric in countless colour variations or contains soft upholstered elements and is decorated with bling bling at the end - there really are no limits to the imagination here! Due to the different options and the variety of different box spring systems, finding the right sheets is often a challenge.
Advice: Tips when buying
- Test the bed (without shoes and jacket) for at least 15 minutes in all main sleeping positions. Pay particular attention to the sinking behaviour in the shoulder area, the support factors in the lumbar/waist area and sufficient length and width of the bed.
- If you have back or vertebral problems, pay attention to the often very different swinging behaviour of the beds when turning and getting in and out of bed.
- In addition to the visual criteria, the materials and their replacement and care options are also very important. When buying, be sure to check the space available in your bedroom.
- In the case of double beds, each sleeper should be advised individually. Box spring beds can be optimally and individually adjusted on both sides.
- Do not go to the test bed later than 5.30 pm or when you are tired and exhausted, otherwise you will find everything great.
- Many bed shops offer trial sleeping on mattress systems over several nights. Let them advise you!
Box spring bed guide - Another little tip:
Almost all available toppers can of course be removed and washed. However, this is often not enough for allergy sufferers, which is why there are special toppers with boilable covers.