Best Mattresses That Don't Need a Box Spring
Last Updated: November, 2024
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A box spring is a type of mattress support that's made of springs/coils that are housed by a wooden frame, covered with fabric. Box springs were popular decades ago. However, many sleepers no longer want to use them. Reason being, box springs don't offer maximum support for these most modern mattresses with various technologies. However, some sleepers still prefer box springs, hence you'll find several brands featuring them in their catalog.
If you're searching for a mattress that doesn't require a box spring, you're in luck. We conducted a 2 stage review process and tested several mattresses while using different types of foundations and bed frames. The best bed without a box spring is the PlushBeds Natural Bliss. Let's take a look at these mattresses we noted with best performance.
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A Glimpse of Our 7 Best Beds Without a Box Spring
PlushBeds Natural Bliss Mattress
The PlushBeds Natural Bliss features organic Talalay and Dunlop latex and organic cotton covers, making it the best vegan alternative for eco-conscious sleepers.
Amerisleep AS3 Mattress
In addition to giving sleepers a slow-moving memory foam feel, the Amerisleep AS3 offers plenty of sinkage for pressure relief while preventing heat retention.
Molecule 2 AirTEC Mattress
The Molecule 2 AirTEC Mattress is a solid pick for couples in need of a versatile bed that caters to different sleeper types. Its excellent temperature regulation and sturdy edge support should keep many co-sleepers cool and comfortable.
Nolah Signature 12 Mattress
Nolah Signature's thick foam layers offer great pressure relief around the hips and shoulders while a sturdy coil system maintains support, making this mattress an ideal alternative for most side sleepers.
Zoma Start Mattress
The Zoma Start is among the only beds on the market specially geared toward athletes and physically active individuals. Its cooling comfort system is designed to promote muscle recovery throughout the night, while its medium-firm feel makes it accessible to various types of sleepers.
SleepOvation Mattress
The SleepOvation Mattress boasts a combination of 700 tiny adaptive foams and individually wrapped coils to offer a perfect balance of body support and pressure relief for back pain sufferers.
Vaya Hybrid Mattress
The Vaya Hybrid Mattress boasts the right amount of body cushioning to feel comfortable and supportive for different types of sleepers. Its layers offer gentle cradling without making the sleeper feel like they're sinking right into the surface.
What We Like
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Overall Thoughts:
If you're looking for an organic mattress that doesn't need a box spring and has durable and supportive materials, we highly recommend the PlushBeds Natural Bliss Mattress. While this mattress is compatible with a wide range of bed frames and bed foundations, you want to opt for a model that PlushBeds offers for the best overall support and longevity of your mattress. This includes the Orthopedic Foundation, which is made of strong wooden slats, and the Quiet Balance Bed Frame, which is the cheapest and quietest model.
The PlushBeds Natural Bliss comes in four firmness levels and three thickness options, making it a great pick for virtually every sleeper, irrespective of their body weight or sleep position. Across all firmness levels, we felt like we were sleeping on the surface rather than in it. While the softer models cradled our bodies more closely, none delivered the hug feel often linked to memory foam mattresses.
Like other latex mattresses, this bed sleeps fairly cool for most individuals. Aside from being naturally cooler than other materials, its latex layers boast an open-cell design that allows for more airflow so you won't overheat. These layers also offer good pressure relief as they contour and cradle to the body to relieve painful pressure points around the shoulders and hips.
The price of the PlushBeds Natural Latex varies depending on the mattress size, thickness option, and firmness level. While it is more expensive compared to other latex mattresses, its durability and high-quality design make it a good investment for eco-conscious shoppers. Plus, shipping is free throughout the contiguous U.S. Each Natural Bliss Mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 25-year warranty.
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We've picked the Amerisleep AS3 as our 1st runner-up for the best mattress you can buy without a box spring, as its quality materials and average feel mean that it's suitable for nearly every body type. Moreover, it can work with various bed frames, including solid or slatted mattress foundations, platform bed frames, and adjustable bases. These options are all available to buy from the Amerisleep official website, with some models, such as the Amerisleep Foundation and the Adjustable Bed+, having offers when you include them in your mattress purchase.
One thing that makes the Amerisleep AS3 stand out from the crowd is its ability to convert heat into far infrared energy. This helps increase blood circulation, speeding up muscle recovery and improving overall sleep quality. The mattress also features a plant-based Bio-Pur foam layer, which, unlike traditional memory foam, wicks away warm air to keep sleepers cool at night. What's more, it contours to the body and relieves pressure, while the HIVE transition layer delivers targeted support for proper spinal alignment.
All Amerisleep AS3 mattresses come with a risk-free, 100-night sleep trial period, with free shipping and returns. If you keep your memory foam mattress after this period, you'll also receive a 20-year warranty against structural defects.
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The Molecule 2 AirTEC can be used with any metal or wooden frame or foundation that offers sturdy and even support for your mattress. This includes adjustable bases, platform beds, and even slatted bases, with slats 3 inches apart or less. You can also use your molecule mattress with the company's adjustable bed frame, engineered to work optimally with your mattress.
There's quite a lot to love with the Molecule 2 AirTEC Mattress. For starters, it features an advanced cooling cover that maximizes airflow, helping you sleep cooler at night. Its AirTEC technology also contributes to temperature regulation, providing a cool sleep surface for hot sleepers. What's more, it contours to the body to relieve pressure around heavier body parts, including the head, shoulders, and hips. According to the manufacturers, the RecoveryFLO layer boasts 5 targeted and self-adjusting zones that support different body parts. Other features you'll like with the Molecule 2 AirTEC include ease of movement and above-average motion isolation.
Generally, this mattress is relatively expensive for a memory foam mattress. However, its advanced features and lifetime warranty make it a worthwhile investment. Plus, you receive your choice of a sateen or percale sheet set with the purchase of the Molecule 2 AirTEC at no extra charge. Each mattress also comes with a 100-day sleep trial period and a stress-free return policy.
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The Nolah Signature 12 is another perfect all-foam mattress without box springs. It's compatible with a wide variety of bed foundations, such as solid platforms, metal bed frames, adjustable bases, and slatted platforms (with slats 5 inches apart or less). For proper body support and longevity of your mattress, we recommend using a platform base or an adjustable bed frame. All the options mentioned above are available to buy via the Nolah website at pocket-friendly prices.
Specially designed with side sleepers in mind, the Nolah Signature 12 is plush enough to conform to the shape of the body while still delivering sufficient support and cushioning to keep your spine in alignment. However, we think side sleepers over 230 pounds might prefer a firmer mattress that provides more comfort and support to prevent excessive sinkage.
The Signature 12 outshines many all-foam mattresses in its ability to minimize motion transfer and offer excellent pressure relief. With its moderate body contouring, it can adapt to your body and support painful pressure points like the hips and shoulders. We also found that this mattress regulates temperature pretty well, thanks to its AirFoam technology.
The Nolah Signature 12 Mattress ships free to shoppers in the 48 states within the contiguous U.S. It is backed by a 120-day sleep trial and a limited lifetime warranty.
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The Zoma Start is one of the most affordable picks when it comes to choosing a mattress for athletes that doesn't need a box spring. It is designed to be versatile, meaning you can use it with the bed frame or foundation of your liking. However, Zoma recommends pairing your mattress with a platform bed or an adjustable base for lasting comfort and durability. Feel free to opt for the Zoma Adjustable Bed Frame and save up to $450 when you include it in your mattress purchase.
Physically active individuals need a mattress that alleviates painful pressure points, offers sturdy support, and maintains a cool sleep temperature throughout the night. The Zoma Start checks all these boxes and much more. Its memory foam layer cushions the shoulders to prevent painful pressure points from forming. This layer is firmer around the midsection for proper spinal alignment.
All foam mattress lovers will like how this mattress keeps them sweat-free throughout the night. In fact, according to the manufacturers, Zoma’s gel-infused foam layer is 6x more breathable than traditional memory foam, so you can rest assured of a consistently cooler sleep. Its Support+ base offers stable and sturdy support while cushioning the hips and shoulders to help maintain the spine's natural alignment.
Zoma offers free ground shipping to customers in the contiguous U.S. The company's sleep trial period runs for 100 nights. Those who decide to keep their Zoma Start Mattress receive a 10-year warranty against structural defects.
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Currently known as the Kiwi Sleep Mattress, the SleepOvation bed features a supportive and durable design that allows sleepers to use it without a box spring. Alternatively, pair it with a solid bed frame or an adjustable base for optimal comfort and support.
The SleepOvation Mattress is a unique hybrid bed with up to 700 tiny foam mattresses and a sturdy support system. Its medium firm mattress feel ensures plenty of body cushioning around the hips, lower back, and shoulders, but we also found the strong pocketed coil system maintains an even sleep surface and minimizes sinkage around the midsection. This helps prevent lower back pain. Temperature regulation was another top point for the SleepOvation Mattress during testing. The above-average cooling majorly comes from the steady airflow through the coil system and cushion pockets. Its stretch knit cover also feels breathable to keep the surface cool.
Shipping is free for those residing in the contiguous United States. Each purchase comes with a 100-night sleep trial, giving you enough time to try out your mattress and decide whether it suits you. Should you opt to keep it, the company also offers a 10-year warranty against structural defects.
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If you're shopping for a new hybrid mattress on a budget, then we recommend going for the Vaya Hybrid, as it's the cheapest model that we could find that doesn't need a box spring. Plus, it works perfectly well with any bed frame and can suit various sleeping preferences. For uncompromised support and durability, you may want to pair your Vaya Mattress with the Vaya Platform Bed, a versatile model that is budget-friendly and designed to last.
Overall, the Vaya Hybrid boasts strong cushioning and a balanced feel, making it a comfortable mattress for many sleepers. Its medium firm feel should appeal to most back sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds and side sleepers who weigh at least 130 pounds. Stomach sleepers weighing less than 130 should also find the Vaya Hybrid comfortable. If you frequently experience joint pain, you'll love how the Vaya Comfort Foam cushions the body to alleviate pressure around sensitive parts of the body and ease pain. Hot sleepers who enjoy memory foam’s body-hugging feel but find it retains excess heat may also like the Vaya Hybrid.
Along with an approachable price point for the Vaya Hybrid Mattress, Vaya offers free shipping to all 48 states in the contiguous U.S. A generous 100-night sleep trial period and a 10-year warranty sweeten the deal even further for budget shoppers.
Which bed support is right for your mattress?
Our expert opinion is to avoid placing your mattress directly on the floor. This can bring about respiratory issues caused by cold or dusty floor and make your bed easily accessible by bugs. Luckily, the mattresses discussed above will often work with any type of foundation and bed frame. If you have an existing one at home while buying the mattress, you can use it. However, make sure it's in good condition - bed frames can easily damage or affect durability of a mattress.
Box spring alternatives include:
- Bed foundation
- Adjustable bed base
- Metal bed frame
- Wood frame
- Platform bed, etc.
One reason sleepers prefer the above, is because they offer a firm surface, are noise free and are great at absorbing impact. In case you'd like to buy a new mattress and a new bed frame, highly consider getting the bed frame/foundation from the same mattress brand (especially a suggested frame) for two reasons:
It's cheaper - all the companies above offer discounts when you purchase a mattress together with a bed frame. You'll save so much money.
It's a safer bet - the company makes bed frames and tests them with their mattresses ensuring they work best, hence it won't be a game of trial and error. You'll be sure that the suggested bed frame is 100% perfect for your mattress.
What to consider before using or buying a bed frame
Whether you want to use your existing bed base or you'd like to buy a new one, there are two main things to consider.
Weight limit
Both your mattress and your bed frame will have weight limits. For example if you and your partner weigh a total of 500 lbs, ensure the mattress and the bed frame each supports more than 500lbs. This way, none of them will cause you back issues due to the inability to support you.
Slats
If you're getting a bed frame with slats, make sure the slats aren't too far apart from each other. The ideal spacing is 3 inches between each slat. This is to prevent mattress dipping that can eventually affect it's durability and damage it's structure or affect performance. Additionally, ensure the slats are wooden and not metal. They should also run from one end of the bed to the other without leaving spaces on the edges.
Conclusion
At The Sleep Shop Inc, we aim to help enhance your sleep experience by providing reviews and guides to different beddings and their accessories. We want you to wake up each morning feeling refreshed and energetic. I hope that our guide helps you settle for a quality mattress and bed base that doesn't compromise your comfort. Ensure to get bases that are easy to assemble and that are sturdy enough to protect your mattress from wear and tear.
Have you ever used a traditional box spring? Share your experience in comparison to other bed bases, and let us know which one you prefer in the comment section below.
Gabe is the newest member of The Sleep Shop team. If you like the design of The Sleep Shop, give Gabe a thumbs up. He’s a digital marketing and design guru and the brains behind the design and SEO of The Sleep Shop. He also won’t say no to testing a ton of mattresses either, and helps on almost every mattress review.
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