Do you know that sleep accounts for one-third of everyone’s life? A sound sleep at night is really important.

Sleep helps you rest and recover after a tiring day. However, in order to get a good night’s sleep, you will need suitable bed frames. Not every expensive bed is the best. 

In this article, I will compare the advantages and disadvantages of the two most popular bed frames today: Box Spring vs Slats. So you can have an overview to make a wise decision. Let’s find out now!

In order to know the better one of Box Spring vs Slats, we should firstly know what are they and their pros, cons.

What Are Slats?

Explanation

Simply put, slats are a kind of bed bases made from wood. These wood bars lie across the bed frame in order to prevent the mattress from sliding. Besides, slats also distribute the weight and help to prevent the sleepers from sinking down while sleeping.

There are two common types of slats which are:

Solid Slats

These solid slats are made from pine wood. They usually lie straight across the bed frame in order to increase the bed’s firmness.

If you need some slats that can combine with a firm mattress, the solid slats will be an ideal option.

Sprung Slats

The material to make sprung slats is often flexible beech wood. Instead of running straight from side to side on the bed frame like solid slats, these sprung slats are slightly curved. Therefore, it can help to reduce pressure on the mattress and bring a soft feel.

If you are looking for some slats that make the bed surface cushioned, you should choose this sprung type.

Pros and Cons

Pros

A great thing that slats bring you is durability. The slats are a key tool to support and ensure the stability of the mattress. Besides, these slats are easy to buy, easy to find and simple in use. When using wooden slats, you save a lot of money compared to purchasing a wood box foundation.

Slats are also suitable for people with weak health who cannot carry heavy things like the elderly or people who live alone. By installing small wooden bars, they can arrange slats in their room themselves without the assistance of anyone.

Unlike many current bed frames, slats allow for air circulation because they have spaces under the mattress. This gives users a pleasant feeling.

Cons

The hot and humid summer days are the enemy of slats. If you do not know how to protect them in the right way, they can be damaged by termites and fail over time.

Slats are easy to find, but finding one that fits your bed frame is not easy. Depending on the bed frame, slats can be thick, thin, light or heavy. If you can not find suitable wooden slats, your bed will not be strong enough to prevent the slats from moving around.

Slats can sag if subjected to an overload mattress. It can even be broken if the support of the slats is not strong enough. However, high-quality slats can be better. Therefore, remember that you get what you pay for.

What Is A Box Spring?

Explanation

A box spring is simply defined as a platform for mattresses. There is a layer of cushion that covers all the outside of the box. Inside the box, there are metal springs that help to make it bounce and elevate mattresses.

Box springs always have a modern style design. But if you are kind of person who likes everything to be simple, you can still choose the common style, which  resembles a traditional bed.

Pros and Cons

Everything has two sides. A Box Spring is no exception.

Pros:

A box spring is special because it is really high. With its special height, you can use it as a bench to sit, or you can lie on it without slacking your legs. 

The springs in the box are so sturdy that it can hold heavy mattresses.

Once a box spring is placed, it will stay in one place without moving. You will not have to worry that it would slip or shift.

When you combine box springs with firm mattresses, they will help you avoid terrible neck pain. Box spring is suitable for those who often use the computer to work and have neck and shoulder problems.

Cons:

The box spring is heavy, which means you will have difficulties in moving it. 

A box spring is made of many materials. So it is more expensive than other bed types as well.  

Box Spring vs Slats – Which is Better?

Depending on what you want from a bed frame, you will know which type is suitable. If you want to know which criteria that you can base on to compare Box Springs vs Slats, here is a list of them.

Kind Of Mattress That You Use

When you want to choose between box spring and slats, you need to think about the mattress that you will use.  Each type of bed frames will support different types of mattresses. 

For example, slats will support the soft mattress. On the other hand, box springs can support mattresses with a high level of firmness.

Height Of The Bed

Each person requires different bed height. 

For example, when you have a problem with your back, you will need a higher bed. In this case, you should choose a box spring. On the other hand, if you are finding a bed frame for your children, a low or normal bed frame like slats is fine.

Decoration In Room

Choosing a suitable bed frame type is important. But do not forget to consider whether the box spring or slats suits other pieces of furniture in your room.

Always remember, a beautiful bedroom helps you to enjoy the good night’s sleep as well.

Durability

Do you want a product that can last long right? Of course, the durability of the bed frame is also one criterion that you must consider before buying.

Both slats and box springs are durable because they can hold and support heavy mattresses. Besides, the materials used to make box springs and slats are from wood or metal, which are very sturdy. So you can be assured about how long these products last.

Cost

We cannot buy anything that our budget does not allow. Each type of bed frames has its own price depending on the materials, the features,, the shape, the style, etc.

If you do not have much money, you can think about buying slats. Slats are much cheaper than a box spring. In case you want a box spring, you can try some old-fashioned or traditional ones. They always have a good price. But remember that you will get what you pay for. 

Conclusion

Now, you have known the differences between slats and box springs as well as the pros and cons of them. Have you found a suitable one for yourself?

Remember one thing: Always base on those criteria above and follow the buying guide before making a purchase. If you still have something to ask, just contact us.

The topic ends here, thank you for reading!

Have you ever hit a bed right after eating because you feel so sleepy? It seems to be comfortable for us to do so during our busy days. However, you may sometimes feel something not right in your stomach when doing this. Moreover, many medical experts have warned us about the potential danger of this action.

That’s why we are going to find the awaited answer to the question “Is It Bad To Sleep After Eating?” in this article. In addition to unveiling the reasons, we will give you some tips on having a healthy pre-sleep meal!  

Is It Bad To Sleep After Eating? And Why?

The answer is YES. Hitting the bed after eating is really bad for you, regardless of lunch or dinner. Even you eat a full course meal or just a snack, resting after eating is totally unhealthy. It is true that you may feel sleepy after eating. But when you go to sleep, your body is not in the right position to digest food. Therefore, many risks are likely to appear. Here are a few consequences of sleeping after eating:

Digestive Diseases

The most apparent consequence is digestive problems. As we mentioned beforehand, food should be digested in an upright position, and lying is definitely not. When you lie down after eating, the acid level in your stomach increases. This condition is called acid reflux. And remember, if you encounter it more than twice a week, you may have GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease). 

Heartburn And Belching

Heartburn is a usual symptom of acid reflux. It happens as the excessively produced acids flow towards the chest. The flow can even move up to your throat, causing a burning sensation. Further consequences for your throat are likely to appear if you don’t treat this problem appropriately. 

Additionally, you may experience excessive burping, or known as belching – a condition when you release air from the stomach through the mouth. You surely don’t want to get into this annoying circumstance, do you?

Stroke

Another disease caused by sleeping after eating is stroke. As we said before, resting is not an appropriate position to digest food. Therefore, your digestive system is forced to function extra hard. That’s why the risk of blood sugar levels and blood pressure are likely to increase, leading to a heart stroke.

Another finding between stroke and digestion is the correlation between acid reflux and sleep apnea. According to a study, people who go to bed four to five hours after eating are less likely to have a stroke. The result implies that acid reflux is somehow associated with sleep apnea. And as National Stroke Foundation stated, sleep apnea can be the origin of a first-time or regular stroke.

Restless Night

If you encounter heartburn or burping at night, you will hardly have a restful night’s sleep, won’t you? Besides, pieces of evidence are showing that eating too close to bedtime actually makes it harder to sleep. The timing of food consumption affects your sleep patterns, especially during the nighttime. 

According to the National Sleep Foundation, sleeping after eating is also associated with nightmares. A pre-bedtime meal can increase your metabolism, thus making your brain more active. Therefore, if you usually experience bad dreams, take a look at your after-dinner snacks. If not, avoid eating a heavy meal before hitting the bed. 

Weight Gain

Almost everyone assumes that eating before bed can lead to weight gain. In fact, it is not exactly right. Obesity depends on caloric intake. In other words, what and how much you eat is more important than when you eat. However, if you sleep right after you eat, the possibility of weight gain is high due to higher caloric consumption. During the days, you have to do exercises to burn off the calories. And of course, you cannot do it when sleeping. 

How Long You Should Wait Between A Night Meal And Bedtime

So, the new question is how long you should eat before bedtime. The answer largely depends on the amount and types of food that you consume. Normally, the recommended length of time is 2 – 4 hours before sleeping. But if you still feel full in the stomach, don’t lie down yet. Some food is super hard to be completely digested, like fried or processed food.

What You Should And Should Not Eat Before Bed

In some circumstances, when you still want some food after dinner, you can take a light snack to ease your hunger. The best option is to choose food that is digestible and low-calorie, especially in just a small portion. The recommended list of pre-sleep snacks includes:

• A glass of milk
• Whole-grain crackers
• Low-fat yogurt
• Almonds
• Blueberry
• Kiwis
• Cherries
• High-fiber cereal
• Avocado
• Raw carrots

In addition, you need to stay away from certain kinds of food that harm your deep sleep. Acidic food, like tomatoes, oranges, lemons, citrus, grapefruit, might be a real nuisance to your stomach. Reflux and heartburn are easily triggered by a variety of food, such as deep-fried food, fast food, chocolate, alcohol. 

Even coffee is not something you should often drink as caffeine is an acid stimulating factor. Sometimes you may have a cup of coffee to stay focused. If you do not want to have a restless night, or known as insomnia, it is better not to consume coffee too close to bedtime.

Last Words

So far, we have found a satisfactory answer to the question “Is It Bad To Sleep After Eating?”. In the busy lives today, you may sometimes forget the adequate period between meals and sleep. However, you should never underestimate it as it is the cause of various health risks. Besides the time, what to eat matters to your health and sleep quality as well. 

We hope that through our post, you can understand how to build a healthy habit for your meal and sleep. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us!

For many years, medical experts have been trying to find a perfect answer to the question “Sleeping on the Floor: Bad or Good?”. While many people highly recommend this way of sleep, some even criticize it. That’s why it is viewed as a controversial issue. As Doctor Mark Queralt stated, there has not been any firm evidence against or for sleeping on the floor.

Is Sleeping On The Floor Good or Bad?

In this article, let’s find out the pros and cons of sleeping on the ground. In addition, we will discover who should avoid this way of sleep and how we can get the most of the floor sleeping option. 

Sleeping On The Floor Truly Does Good For Us?

Have you ever wondered why Japanese sleep on the floors? There must be some reasons for this habit. Especially in Asian countries, it is common to rest on the floor with or without a mattress. So, let’s discover the benefits of ground sleeping. This option has many surprising advantages that we hardly know before.

Positive Health Effects

Sleeping on the floor brings you many great health benefits

It is undeniable that sleeping on the ground brings about a variety of health benefits. The most apparent effect is pain relief. Though there is not any scientific proof for this claim yet, many people have witnessed the positive outcomes, especially for back pain. In addition, sleeping on the floor helps to prevent certain medical conditions. It is shown that floor-sleepers stand a lower risk of scoliosis – an abnormal curve of the spines. 

Blood Circulation

Researchers have found out that sleeping on the floor significantly contributes to better blood circulation. As your back comes into contact with the floor, your spine will be kept aligned. Thus, it supports the blood flow throughout the body. That’s why people sleeping on the floor are less likely to suffer from back, neck, or even joint pain. For people who try floor sleeping for the first time, they also report that their back pain has unexpectedly disappeared.

Natural Posture

When lying on our soft bed, we easily get used to misaligned positions. Bad posture is way more serious than you may think. In the long-run, it develops into bad sleeping habits, leading to further adverse health effects.  

Sleeping on the floor can help our body adapt to neutral posture, thus supporting the better function of joints, muscles, and especially the nervous system. Though the hard surface may make you feel uncomfortable at first, your body is lined up much better. 

Sleep Quality

Many people said that they had better rest and tended to get up easier when lying on the floor. In other words, sleeping on the floor gives us a decent amount of sleep. Probably because sleeping on the bed is too comfortable for us to wake up. For an extended period, we become familiar with the habit of oversleeping. While sleeping on the ground seems a little uncomfortable, it does good for the better sleep quality. 

Sleeping on the floor also provides us cooler air, which does good for our sleep quality and benefits our respiratory system. When sleeping on a memory foam mattress, we sometimes experience “hot sleep.” Besides, the rise in our body temperature is the cause of sweating while sleeping. If you ever wake up in the middle of the night due to this incident, then you should give a try to sleeping on the ground.   

Positive Motivational Change

Despite seeming unrelated, floor sleeping does have a connection with motivation. We are so familiar with lying in our comfy bed, thus sleeping on the hard floor is a real challenge. Once you make it, you will feel a profound sense of change. Such motivational change does wonders for your behaviours, your habits, and even your life. 

If you want to find out more about this result, there is a popular Reddit thread about sleeping on the floor. You will be surprised at how this change of sleep positively affects the original poster’s life (OP).

The Drawbacks Of Sleeping On The Floor

While floor sleeping does offer many outstanding advantages, it has some drawbacks as well. Here are some apparent cons of sleeping on the floor:

Hygiene

We know that the floor is not always perfectly clean. Thus, sleeping on the ground can make us easily exposed to the accumulated dust and dirt particles. Needless to say, such things do considerable harm to our respiratory system. Additionally, bed bugs are also a concern for ground-sleepers. That’s why it is essential to do the routine cleaning for your room. 

Allergic Reactions

If you sleep with a mattress placed on the floor, you may have unwanted allergic reactions. The lack of airflow leads to the heat buildup, which forms a layer of mold beneath the mattress. Some people have reported having serious allergic reactions due to floor sleeping. Runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, coughing are some common symptoms. 

Weather Conditions

Sleeping on the floor seems to be unsuitable for winter or cold days at all. Lying on the cool surface with low outdoor temperature is clearly not a good choice for your health. It even worsens your health conditions with far-reaching consequences. For example, the cold floor quickly reduces your body heat, making hypothermia likelier to happen.

Unwanted Health Effects

Doctors stated that not everyone could benefit from sleeping on the floor. In some circumstances, it even makes things worse. They claim that ground sleeping can hit some pressure points, like heels, tailbone, and shoulder blades, resulting in muscle loss. Besides, one theory stated that sleeping on the ground eventually does harm to your joints over time. It is not a big deal for short-time floor sleeping experience, yet the risk increases gradually. 

Who Should Not Sleep On The Floor?

As we said previously, floor sleeping is not for everybody. If you are under one of these circumstances, you should think carefully about the cons. Asking for the doctor’s advice is necessary as well:

• Side-sleepers: If you tend to sleep on your sides, then sleeping on the floor may not be a good choice for you. It can cause you serious aches and pains, especially in the shoulders and hips.

Side sleepers can have the shoulder and hip pains

• Older adults: Aging makes our bones weaker and causes muscle and fat loss. Therefore, the joints are exposed to much more strain when lying on the floor, making it extremely uneasy to sleep.
• Cold sleepers: If your body is prone to getting cold, you should avoid sleeping on the floor. For people having type 2 diabetes, anemia, and hypothyroidism, floor sleeping even makes them feel colder. However, it is still possible to sleep on the floor if you prepare a good-quality heat-preserving bedding and warm sleeping clothes.
• Who have limited mobility: If you need help when sitting down or standing up, then floor sleeping is not suitable at all. Falling on the hard surface of the floor can cause severe injuries. So, it is best to sleep on the bed instead if you are of this type.

How To Sleep On The Floor In The Right Way?

Switching to floor sleeping is not easy at all, as we have been used to our comfy bed for years. This  change requires a great deal of time and patience day by day. Here we have some basic tips for starter floor-sleepers.

• Be mentally prepared: In the first few nights, you will certainly feel uneasy about sleeping on the floor. It is common to feel some aches as well. However, as long as you are healthy enough, it will not be a long-time concern. You just need some time for your body to be familiar with this change of habit.
• Choose the right surface: Sleeping on the floor does not necessarily mean that you lie directly on the floor. For more comfort, you can try a variety of mattress choices, such as yoga mat, futon, Japanese tatami, a sleeping bag. You can rest assured that the benefits will not be lost, while you can have better night’s sleep.

A Japanese tatami is a great starter pack for floor sleeping

• Pillows: It is best to use only a single pad when you sleep on the floor. Though some people say that no pillow is better, it can be inconvenient for those who are used to sleeping with pillows. As you want to achieve better alignment, a bunch of pillows certainly does nothing good. Therefore, using just a thin pad to support your head and neck is enough.

Conclusion

So far, we have found out many aspects of sleeping on the floor: pros and cons, types of person to avoid it, and proper ways for the ideal floor-sleeping. It is hard to give specific advice or find a perfect answer to the question “Sleeping on the Floor: Bad or Good?”. After all, it all depends on your health conditions and experiences. But if you can, why not try this new way of sleeping once? Who knows it may give you a change for the better or some unexpected benefits.

We would love to hear your thoughts. If you have any questions or anything to share with us about floor sleeping, do not hesitate to leave us a comment!

When it comes to the matter of how to clean Tempur Pedic Pillow, many people are unsure of what to do. This pillow is made from delicate memory foam after all, so only one mistake and you might even find yourself in the store looking for a new one.

But not to worry, Tempur Pedic Pillow CAN be washed! Well, with extra care, of course, and there are, like, literally million rules that you must abide by. For examples:

• Do not wash Tempur Pedic Pillow in a washing machine (the memory foam will be broken and weaken)
• Treat the pillow gently (Don’t scrub or rub it with force)
• Avoid using industrial detergent or cleaner
• Too much water can damage the memory foam 
• Hot and warm water is a no-go (Memory foam cannot stand heat)

Those are all the ground rules, make sure not to break any and you will be fine. Plus, they only apply for the pillow, you can throw the pillowcase inside the washing machine, it will be less time-intensive that way.

Well, now that you have gone through the basics of the cleaning method, let’s get right on to the main topic of today: How to Clean Tempur Pedic Pillow. So, stay tuned and do not go anywhere!

How to Clean Tempur Pedic Pillow? 

Clean The Covers

First thing first, before going for the inside, you must treat the outside properly. And as I have mentioned earlier, almost every Tempur Pedic Pillow available on the market comes with a nice cover that can be washed using washing machines. To clean your pillow, in the first stage, remove this very cover.

Then, read the instruction tag sewed somewhere on it beforehand. It will inform you about what must be done in order to bring your pillow cover back to the white-as-new state. Remember to stick to it.

Furthermore, when it comes to drying the cover, I strongly advise you to go for the traditional way: Clothesline and sunlight. Try not to get the dryer involved unless it is the last resort, and make sure to keep the temperature low.

Note: If you find the idea of using the whole machine just for some pieces of cloth is a waste of water and detergent, try washing the covers using cold water and mild soap. Again, do not use hot water under any circumstance. Heat and Tempur material do not get on well.

Cleaning Spills

Unwanted spills will soon be gone with this simple method

No matter how careful you are, there will come a time when you accidentally spill something on your bed, or on your beloved Tempur Pedic Pillow. If this ever occurs, do not panic. Follow this simple guide and those annoying spills will vanish for good.

• Things to prepare: Clean towels
• What to do:
  • Take one towel and press it against the spill, the fabric will absorb the liquid
  • If once does not work, repeat the process with several towels until the spill is no longer visible
  • Take the pillow somewhere sunny with good air circulation and airdry it. This is how you prevent any moisture remained from sinking further into the memory foam

Note: Clean the spill right when it is still wet. Do not let it set into your pillow. By then, it would be too late for cleaning spill.

Removing Stains

With the right treatment, stubborn stains will no longer bother you

After a considerable time of supporting your head and neck, the odds are that your Tempur Pedic Pillow will accumulate body fluids and dead skin cells and become stained. This is a normal thing. Every pillow user encounters it. Do not worry. Just follow these steps to bid farewell to those disgusting stains:

• Mix mild soap, or gentle detergent, with cold water (Again, avoid using both in excessive amount) 
• Damp a cotton cleaning cloth with the mixture
• Rub the cloth onto the stained area. Take it slow and gentle. Do not scrub too hard as that will have negative impacts on the memory foam material.
• Air dry your pillow in areas with decent air circulation

Remove Unpleasant Smell

Remove unwanted odor on Tempur Pedic Pillows can help you sleep better at nights

Let me tell you this, there is no greater foe to a good night’s sleep than unpleasant odor. Can you have a nice and comfortable rest if the terrible smell keeps hitting your nose repeatedly? That would be all but torment. So, it goes without saying that keeping your pillow fresh and washing your pillow on a daily basis is a must. That is the quickest and easiest way to stop it from giving off bad smell.

Still, on the off chance that unwanted accidents happen, and your Tempur Pedic Pillow is somehow scented with reek, here is how you can get rid of the odor:

• Make a special solvent from vinegar and water (the mixing ratio should be 50:50)
• Put it in a sprayer, and spray it onto your Tempur Pedic Pillow
• Let the liquid soak into the memory foam, you might have to wait about 5 minutes 
• Press a cleaning cloth onto the pillow until its surface no longer feels wet
• Sprinkle baking soda onto the Tempur Pedic Pillow and leave it there overnight in a well-ventilated area
• Take out your vacuum cleaner and clean the baking soda

This cleaning solution might be a bit time-intensive than the previous ones. But trust me, the long wait will pay off in the end!

Notice:

Aside from the aforementioned tips, here are a few other things you should n to prolong the lifespan of your Tempur Pedic Pillow, and at the same time, keep your health in check.

• Memory foam can last pretty long – approximately 10 years, or even longer if you preserve it well. So, for the sake of your foam pillow (and your pockets, these things are nowhere near cheap), make it your habit to clean it regularly.
• Stains and odors make a perfect environment for dust mites to breed (and eat, and sleep, and, yeah, defecate). Gross! So, don’t forget to wash your pillow and get rid of these nasty things.
• Opt for mild detergent, this helps maintain the quality of your Tempur Pedic Pillow
• Keep your room bright well air-ventilated, this will allow the pillow to keep a fresh smell (and kill dust mites too)

Can You Put Your Tempur Pedic Pillow Into a Dryer?

Yes, and No, but mostly No.

People replied differently upon being asked this question. It is indisputable that Tempur material, memory foam in particular, is exceedingly delicate. So, when being exposed to extreme heat, certain parts of it will be ruined, and all the effects of the pillow will vanish.

Even the expert in the bedding field state that drying foam of all kinds using dryers is extremely unwise whether or not you have washed it using washing machine. In the case of memory foam pillow, the heat can damage the material, melting it and renders it unusable. So, a lot of experienced users claim that dryers are not a good fit for Tempur Pedic Pillow. Instead, entrusting your pillow to airdry seems to be the best option.

However, some still insist that it is safe to use dryers on this type of pillow, provided that the appliance comes with a no-heat setting (cool setting). If there is no high temperature, your pillow will be fine.

But honestly speaking, this is kind of risky, and I would not really recommend it. Unless you are in a situation where you have just finished washing your memory foam pillows, yet have no way to airdry it (a sudden rain or something like that), don’t put your Tempur Pedic Pillow inside the dryer. 

Remember, say no to heat, say no to strong agitation, clean with extra care, and your pillow will always be in good shape!

Conclusion

That is all there is to it. See, it is not that difficult to clean and dry your Tempur Pedic Pillow, right?

Picking the habit of washing pillows regularly is not what most people these days are used to. Still, frankly speaking, you should. Getting your pillows clean is not only a good way to ensure that you can fall asleep easily, but also a way to keep your health in check and keep the doctor away. 

Plus, in the case of Tempur Pedic Pillow and memory foam, if you do not tend to it on a regular basis, its quality will soon deteriorate. And then, all of its signature features will go awry. Hey, you paid a fortune just to get these, certainly, you wouldn’t want your money to be wasted like that, right?

Then gather all the essential things, and start cleaning your pillow.

Lastly, thank you for reading my instructions on How to clean Tempur Pedic Pillow. Goodbye!

Many people have a bold claim that you can’t have a properly set-up bed without a box spring. Is it true? Do I need a box spring?

The answer may surprise you!

But before we get down to it, you need to understand the role of box springs and when they are necessary. With that knowledge, you will know fully well whether you will benefit from a box spring.

What Is A Box Spring?

In the simplest terms, box springs are a type of bed foundation.

Construction of a typical box spring.

They usually come in the form of a rectangular or square box, consisting of springs (metal coils) in a specific pattern. Then this box is put under cover of a plastic, metal, or wood frame and another layer of fabric like cotton.

The shape and size of a box spring are dependent on the mattress it supports.

A box spring often has the same size as the mattress you place on it. That’s why mattress and box spring are often sold and bought in pairs.

And as the mattresses on the market get thicker or thinner, manufacturers also offer box springs with different heights in order to maintain the desired height of customers.

Purposes And Benefits of A Box Spring

Prevent The Mattress From Sagging

A box spring, if used correctly, can spread out and absorb your weight when you get off and on your mattress. As a result, this prevents your mattress from losing its original shape and sagging.

All kinds of mattresses require a form of support. When you fail to do that, they may become deformed prematurely.

Provide An Extra Height

While in many cultures like Japan and Korea, people actually like to sleep on the floor, most of us prefer to have a bed with a proper distance to the floor.

And we have a good reason for that.

A low-profile bed may make it harder for you to get on or off it. Old people and those with joint, hip, or back pain suffer from that inconvenience the most.

And what to do when you need an extra height between your bed frame and your mattress? Just add a box spring.

Keep Your Mattress Clean

Using a box spring will prevent food crumbs, dirt, dust, clumps of human or pet hair, and other kinds of debris from building up in your mattress.

Also, it can fight off the biggest enemy of the mattress put near the floor – mold. If your room is in a humid or moist environment, mold can become a serious problem, even ruining your mattress.

All in all, box springs keep your mattress clean, especially for bulky and dense models, which are hard to clean completely.

Maintain The Airflow

Though you may not expect this, box springs can actually promote ventilation in your bed.

They allow air to freely move below, above, and through your mattress. An uninterrupted airflow prevents it from retaining the warmth, which is the main cause of the “sleep hot” phenomenon. If you often find yourself waking up in your sleep feeling hot, we believe you’re not unfamiliar with this.

Getting a box spring, in this case, can fix this up!

On top of that, increased ventilation can reduce the likelihood that mildew or mold will grow since any moisture (such as spilled liquids, ambient humidity, and sweat) will dry out faster.

Warranty Protection

The last benefit of using a box spring we want to talk about here is not directly related to the experience when you use it. Instead, it is about the customer service you may receive.

Even though most modern mattresses don’t need to be placed on top of a box spring, many models on the market still require it as a condition for their warranty.

If you forget to do so, your warranty can be voided.

Downsides of Using A Box Spring

Harmful Chemicals

When breaking down the materials used to make a typical box spring, the number of dangerous chemicals may surprise you.

Though hardwood is a sturdier and safer material, box springs with frames made from it have become rarer. Instead, many companies choose lower-quality and cheaper particle boards or plywood.

Since they generally have a shorter lifespan and are less durable, manufacturers enhance them with chemicals in order to improve their quality, at least in the short term. And many of them can leave serious effects on your health.

For instance, pentachlorophenol and formaldehyde – both known cancer-causers – are two of the chemicals used in that treatment process.

Provide A Dirty Environment For Bacteria

This is really confusing, isn’t it?

“Haven’t you just told us that box springs could make mattress cleaner?” Indeed we have. But if used incorrectly, box springs, in fact, can become a perfect home for bacteria and insects.

When they haven’t been gone through the treatment process above, wooden frames in box springs are an attractive environment for rot, bedbugs, mildew, and dust mites.

Not Compatible With Everything

Though having numerous benefits, box springs are not always a great choice for a foundation between your mattress and the bed frames.

They work best with comfort and soft mattresses. But we can’t say the same thing for memory foam and latex models. These firmer, denser and thicker mattresses are not fitting to be used with a box spring.

Do I Need A Box Spring?

Get A Box Spring If…

Manufacturers require it as a warranty condition

As we have mentioned, unless you want your warranty to be voided, consider getting a box spring.

You need to raise the profile of your bed

Manufacturers only produce mattresses using the most common heights for most customers. If it isn’t convenient for you and when some extra height would be nice, a box spring is an obvious choice.

You have traditional double-sided mattresses

The double-sided innerspring type is designed to be used with a box spring. Without one, you won’t have the comfort as it should do.

Your bed frame need one

The general rule is the distance between the slats in your bed frames should be under 4 inches.

If it’s not the case, especially for metal bed frames, getting a box spring to support your mattress and distribute the weight on the frames evenly.

Another example is collapsible metal bed frames, which have nothing to support the mattress except the perimeter frame.

A Box Spring Is Unnecessary When…

You have a latex or memory foam mattress

In the past box, springs were invented to support and protect mattresses, which were much thinner compared to modern models nowadays.

Latex and memory foam mattresses now already have a firm layer at the bottom, which only needs a solid surface below it. No coils, grid, or springs needed.

They don’t get any benefit from box springs anymore. The only exceptions are when you need extra height, or you have a metal bed frame.

You have a one-sided mattress

A mattress with a one-sided, no-flip design already has all the necessary components to do its job. All you need to do is put it on a flat, solid surface.

You have a platform bed

You should just forget about a box spring and put your mattress directly on top of your platform bed.

A platform bed like this doesn’t need a box spring.

This kind of bed frame has a large enough area of a solid platform to support a mattress with a stable surface.

You might want to read: Platform Beds vs Box Springs: Which Is The Winner?

Adjustable beds

Adjustable foundations can relieve strain on your back, breathing, and internal organs by allowing your mattress to shift angle and height. It doesn’t require a box spring to work.

Final Words

The landscape of the mattress industry has changed so much that there are now newer models with components doing the same job as a box spring.

But that doesn’t mean box springs are completely irrelevant nowadays. There are still many times it will be a godsend to guarantee you a good night’s sleep.

So, do I need a box spring? In some cases, you should. But in most situations, it’s not really necessary.

We believe this answer should clear up everything you need to know about box springs and their purposes. But if there is still any question left, don’t hesitate to ask us.

Deep sleep is always a great thing for everyone in the world. However, getting a good night’s sleep depends on whether you have a good bed or not. Currently, there are two commonly used beds, which are platform beds and box springs. 

You are wondering what to choose? You do not know the pros and cons of each type? The answer will be right below. Let’s find out!

What is a Platform Bed?

The platform bed is a bed frame that has solid surfaces. The wooden slats of the bed platform are meticulously cut and removable. Normally, the platform bed can be sold separately without the headboard and footboard. This allows you to customize it as you like. It will be an amazing storage bed.

The platform bed is different from a traditional bed. While with the traditional bed,  you have to place a box spring or foundation on the bed frame, and then put the mattress on top, but you will not have to do this with the platform bed. In fact, you can put the mattress directly on it. Another difference is when you use the platform bed, the surface of it will be low to the ground.

Pros

• You do not need any foundation or box spring, which helps you save much  money
• You can use many types of mattress with various materials and numerous colours.
• The surface of the platform bed is hard and solid, which  allows you to use the wonderful memory foam mattresses.
• A platform bed can increase the storage space
• A special feature of the platform bed is that it is made from wooden bars. Therefore, it facilitates air circulation, giving a cool feeling every time you put your back down.
• If you can take advantages of the space underneath the bed, you can make drawers to hold utensils, which is very convenient.

Cons

• For people with back and knee problems, they will have some difficulty getting out of bed. The platform bed is low, which makes it  difficult to move for those who have back pain.
• In order to own a high quality platform bed, you must spend a lot of money.

What is a Box Spring?

Box spring bed is the most commonly used bed since the appearance of memory foam mattresses. Different from a platform bed, box spring bed has a great height. It seems to be twice as tall as a platform bed. Besides, it has a similar design style to a traditional bed, which is suitable for those who love simplicity.

Box spring is a type of metal bed because there are full of metal springs inside. These springs allow some firm mattresses which can help the users avoid neck pain.

Pros

• The height of a traditional box spring bed is one of the most favourite feature of many people because of its convenience. It is like a bench that you can sit, lie without having to slack your legs.
• This bed helps you enjoy a good night’s sleep in any sleep positions because of the warmth and softness.
• The spring box is suitable for some heavy people because it absorbs the body weight. Besides, the support of the spring keeps the mattress from sagging down. 

Cons

• To own a spring bed box, you will have to spend a lot of money on things such as box spring, bed frame, rails, spring mattress, headboard, and footboard.
• Box spring bed does not have storage space because it takes up most of the space underneath the bed.
• If the box spring bed are not used frequently, they may lose elasticity over time. 

Platform Beds vs Box Springs: Which is Better?

To be honest, each type of bed has its own advantages and disadvantages. Depending on your purposes, you will know which one is better for you.

You still do not know which purposes should you base on? Here are some factors that we suggest.

The type of bed must suit the interior design style at your house

Basing on the interior design of your house, you will know which type is better. The bed must match most of the furniture in your room. For example, if you are a minimalist person, with a simple and smart design, the platform bed is a good choice for you. On the other hand, if you like a traditional bed type, of course, the box spring bed was born for you.

The type of bed must support your physical issues

If you have troubles with your knee or back, you will need a low profile bed. In this situation, the platform bed is the most suitable one.

If you are a type of stomach sleepers or simply a heavy person, you will need some soft bed which support a great amount of elasticity. In this case, we recommend the box spring.

You get what you pay for

Of course, you cannot buy anything if your budget does not allow. For example, a stylish platform bed is really more expensive than a stylish box spring. But if you only need a standard platform bed, then the price of it is not too different from a box spring.

And if you can afford it, you can even buy both in order to make a hybrid bed.

Store ability of the bed type is much or less

If you need a place to store things, then the platform bed is a more ideal choice. Most platform beds have space underneath so it can fulfill your wish. On the other hands, if the storage area is not necessary, you can think of buying a box spring instead.

Can you use a box spring with a platform bed?

Many people have the same question as you have. Maybe you are having a mattress foundation, or you just simply want to adjust the bed height, or you even want to give your bed  a modern look. Of course, there is no problem when you use a box spring with a platform bed. The platform bed is designed to provide support to any mattress types that you place on it.

Here is what you get when you use a box spring with the platform bed

As we have known, the platform beds are adjustable beds which usually begin with a low profile. With the uses of box spring and mattress, it will be taller.

The hybrid bed is now more modern. We can say that it is a combination of firmness and softness. It is guaranteed about the level of bounce, which is especially good for those who are stomach sleepers.

What you need to remember while combining the box spring with the platform bed

If you want to upgrade your platform bed, you can check some following notes, which may be useful for you:

• Check if the wood slats of the platform bed can hold the box spring and mattress. There is always a weight limit for each platform bed.
• Follow the mattress guides.
• The mattress size must be fit with the platform bed. 

Conclusion

In short, both the platform beds vs box springs have advantages and disadvantages. All beds have a common function that allows you to rest. However, it is also important to choose the type of bed, style, colour, and size that best suits your needs.

Hopefully, with this article, you will have useful information to make the right decision. Because beds will be something you use for a long time, so consider a  good quality bed.

Thank you for reading!

You want to compare Bunkie Board vs. Plywood to choose one for your mattress, but you are too confused to decide which one?

Both Bunkie Board and Plywood have their pros. Hence, it is quite difficult for people to make a choice.

Don’t worry! We will help you.

This article will give you the answer to your wonder. However, you need to understand about Bunkie board and Plywood beforehand.

What is Bunkie Board?

Bunkie Board also spelled Bunky Board is a flat and thick object which people usually use to support the mattress.

The average thickness of the Bunkie board ranges from 1 to 3 inches, but perhaps there are several Bunkie board with a thinner or thicker size. People design its length and width so that it has the appropriate size for the bed, for example, a single or double one.

Materials to produce Bunkie Board are often Plywood, particleboard, or synthetics materials.

The Bunkie board may have different designs. For instance, some have decoration with motifs; some are dyed, painted, or wrapped with a cloth.

It appears to replace heavy and bulky box spring mattresses. Like box spring mattresses, this product is between the mattress and bedsheets. However, the Bunkie board makes users more convenient than a box spring mattress because it is lighter and easier to move.

You might also like Best Bunkie Boards (Queen, King)

What is Plywood?

Plywood is the creation of the wood industry. This board is made of many layers of sliced ​​lumber arranged perpendicular to each other continuously in the direction of the wood grain of each layer.

The layers are glued together with glue, for example, phenol-formaldehyde under the effect of heat and pressure.

Plywood includes three components. They are the Inside, which consists of many thin layers of wood sliced ​​from a log and then glued together, the Face, which is the veneer layer, and the glue used to fix the wood layers, including water-resistant glue or anti-moisture.

Depending on the needs to use, we can classify Plywood into several types of plywood, such as soft Plywood and hard Plywood.

Plywood used for exterior furniture and Plywood for furniture has some difference in the types of glue used and the price.

Plywood has some characteristics such as durability, brightness, hardness, tensile strength, physical stability against the state of warping, shrinkage, and torsion.

Bunkie Board vs. Plywood: The Differences

Their Thickness and Strength

Compared to Plywood, Bunkie Board is thicker than. The average thickness of the Bunkie board is from 1 to 3 inches, while that of Plywood maybe 3, 5, 8, 15, 25 mm, and so on.

Therefore, depending on the needs of each project or product, you can select the appropriate sheet thickness.

About the strength, the Bunkie board is stronger than the Plywood because of its weight-bearing capacity. However, if people make the Bunkie Board with low-quality materials, it will not be supportive of your bed.

Plywood has many different types and uses, so some are not suitable for heavy-duty installations. However, unlike ordinary wood, Plywood will not shrink or expand. That is one strong point.

The Price

When you consider buying the Bunkie Board or the Plywood, their price will indeed be an essential factor. Think about how much money you can spend on the product and whether it is appropriate for you or not.

A Bunkie Board may cost at least $30, but with this price, the quality is not ensured. A suitable price for an excellent product is about $100. You can even see the cost of several hundred dollars.

For a Plywood used for a bed, you will cost over $150. It must be expensive for many people. If you want to have a touch and durable product, it will be a great choice.

Which Is Better?

Bunkie Board and Plywood are not quite the same. Each of them has its pros. Bunkie Board is best at its thickness and price, while Plywood has high durability and toughness.

If you require the thickness of the product and cannot afford one at a high price, a Bunkie Board is suitable.

In case you want it to be lasting and difficult to be damaged, choose a Plywood. With this choice, you can make a plywood bed yourselves.

Anyways, both of them are excellent and make you confused to make a decision. However, each one suits each person, not all. Hence, you should consider your condition to choose which one. Don’t follow the majority.

In conclusion

So now, Bunkie Board vs. Plywood, have you got to know what to choose yet? We advise you to think carefully about all the factors to make the best decision.

Buying a Bunkie Board helps you save money, and purchasing a Plywood allows you to have your DIY project. Just follow your desire to choose.

We hope this article will be helpful for you when you want to buy a supportive product for your mattress. 

Thank you for reading!