How Long Do Box Springs Last?

June 14, 2021 | Casper Editorial Team

The longevity and comfort of your mattress rely heavily on the quality of your mattress’s foundation. If you’re asking how long do box springs last or how long does a mattress last, you probably care about protecting both your sleep quality and your new mattress investment.

One typical mattress foundation is the standard box spring. Depending on the quality of your box spring, it can last up to ten years. Read on to learn the different types of mattress foundations, how to maintain your current box spring, and how to know when it’s time to upgrade to a new box spring.

The Different Types of Mattress Foundations

A high-quality box spring or foundation could last up to 10 years while a low-quality option could give out in less than five years. That’s why it’s important to prioritize craftsmanship when it comes to your mattress foundation. 

While box spring is sometimes used as a catch-all term for mattress foundations, but there are several different kinds of foundations, including:

  • The Box Spring – The classic standard box spring is a wood or metal box filled with metal springs to cushion and support the mattress. Box springs work great with older innerspring mattress types but not newer memory foam mattresses, adjustable beds, or platform beds.
  • The Mattress Foundation – Mattress foundations are a durable box spring alternative that use a slat system to support the mattress. A chic fabric layer covers the foundation to add effortless style. Even better, a proper mattress foundation — like the durable ones we offer at Casper — can support many types of mattresses and elevate the sleeping experience overall. 
  • The Platform Bed – When it comes to a platform bed vs. box spring, platform beds have built-in foundations made of wood, metal, or plastic. They are compatible with almost all mattress types and often come in fashionable styles. These easy-to-use options require no additional accessories, so they’re a perfect low-maintenance mattress foundation.

The Two Factors that Impact Your Box Spring’s Longevity

Understanding the factors that lengthen or reduce your box spring’s lifespan can help you maintain your box spring for as long as possible and confidently decide when it’s time to upgrade to a new bed foundation. 

The name of the mattress game is good hygiene and proper maintenance. 

#1 Good Hygiene 

You may like eating in your bed, but so do creepy crawlers who can slowly destroy your box spring and mattress. 1Keep the snacks in the kitchen, and make sure to wash your sheets at least once a week. When you don’t wash your sheets regularly, your bed becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.2 For the same reason, you may want to invest in a mattress protector to prevent sweat from creating a bacterial playground in your bed.3

To prevent bad bacteria, dust mites, and bed bugs from making a home in your box spring, clean your box spring every three months. Vacuuming is a great start. If you want a thorough cleaning, bring your mattress and box spring outside to sit in the sun. Those golden rays will naturally disinfect your mattress and box spring and get rid of any moisture.4

#2 Proper Maintenance 

You may know that you need to rotate your mattress every three to six months, but what about your box spring? 

Your box spring experiences the same type of pressure and wear that your mattress does. When you rotate your mattress, also rotate your box spring 180 degrees. This will ensure that your box spring remains supportive and that no single part of the box spring constantly experiences more compression.

Additionally, avoid the temptation to jump on your bed. Your box spring supports your mattress by absorbing shock, so if you repeatedly place excess force on it, it will deteriorate much quicker.5 

Last but not least, plan to replace your mattress and box spring together. It’s a team effort between your mattress and box spring. Upgrading them at the same time will lengthen both their life spans.6

Do You Need a New Box Spring?

If you’re new to the mattress game, don’t worry. There are several clear signs that it’s almost time to say goodbye to your box spring. 

To complete a thorough diagnostic exam on your box spring, remove the dust cover to examine the internal components. If you don’t have a removable cover, you can pull out the staples that secure the dust cover and use a staple gun to re-secure it once you’ve had a look around. 

Watch for warning signs like:

  • Persistent Sagging – Sagging can indicate that either or both your box spring and mattress are at the end of their lives.
  • Old Springs – If your box spring includes steel coil springs more than 10 years old, it’s time to consider purchasing a new, more durable bed foundation.
  • Damaged Steel Grid – Check to see if the steel grid within your box spring is bent or broken.
  • Constant Squeaking – Squeaking noises from your box spring are more than just annoying. They suggest the internal joints are loose or weak.6 

If you finish your diagnostic exam and decide that your box spring’s terminal, it’s time to upgrade your sleep experience. 

For that, we can help.

A Solid Night’s Sleep with Casper

When your box spring gives up, a third of your days become significantly less enjoyable. Here at Casper, we understand that your sleep wellness influences your overall well-being. That’s why we’ve dedicated our efforts to providing quality nights’ rest for all types of sleepers.

Whether you’re a side sleeper, stomach sleeper, or back sleeper, a solid snooze starts with a comfortable mattress. From there, your sleep journey is supported by a proper mattress foundation. 

If it’s time to say goodbye to your old box spring or old mattress, then we say welcome. Welcome to healthy, hearty sleep. Welcome to Casper.

Sources: 

  1. The Huffington Post. So Just How Bad Is It To Eat In Your Bed? https://www.huffpost.com/entry/eating-in-bed-truth_n_5864458 
  2. Healthline. How Often Should You Change Your Sheets? https://www.healthline.com/health/how-often-should-you-change-your-sheets 
  3. Business Insider. A microbiologist explains why he hasn’t slept without this on his bed in 25 years. https://www.businessinsider.com/how-often-to-replace-mattress-2017-9 
  4. HowStuffWorks. Can You Disinfect Your Mattress? https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/household-hints-tips/cleaning-organizing/can-you-disinfect-your-mattress.htm 
  5. Sleep Advisor. Do I Need a Box Spring for My Mattress? https://www.sleepadvisor.org/do-you-need-a-box-spring/
  6. Hunker. When To Replace A Box Spring. https://www.hunker.com/12200766/why-replace-box-springs   
  7. Slumber Yard. What Is A Mattress Foundation? (Explained). https://myslumberyard.com/blog/what-is-a-mattress-foundation/ 
  8. Hunker. How to Clean a Box Spring. https://www.hunker.com/13420771/how-to-clean-a-box-spring 
  9. Savvy Sleeper. How Often Should You Flip or Rotate Your Mattress? https://savvysleeper.org/how-often-should-you-flip-or-rotate-your-mattress/