Approximately twenty years ago, flat foundations replaced box springs as the preferred support system for mattresses. And while they may look similar to each other and both provide a platform that allows for proper airflow, the two are quite different when it comes to how well they support your mattress. Why are flat foundations safe to use with your Sealy®, while traditional box springs may damage your mattress and void your warranty? The answer is the amount of “give” in a box spring’s surface – as well as the sturdiness of a foundation’s frame and construction.

Traditional box springs were made with coils and widely spaced wooden slats (or no supportive slats at all). They were designed with springs so the mattress on top had a bouncier feel. This flex factor was also considered when older innerspring mattress models were manufactured, but a new and improved design became necessary as sleep technology advanced and memory foam and hybrid mattresses gained popularity.

Enter, flat foundations: The new industry standard.

Modern mattresses require a stable platform to maintain their shape, which means the surface shouldn't yield when weight is applied. Non-spring flat foundations are typically constructed with closely spaced wooden slats, wire grids, steel framing, or similarly sturdy materials that don’t give or bounce with your body’s pressure. Some platforms, like our Stablesupport® Foundation, feature an entirely flat surface made of high-density fiberboard and other durable components. A well-constructed foundation will promote airflow and protect your mattress from early sagging.

Selecting the proper platform for your mattress is essential to care for your bed and keep your warranty intact. The task is important for the longevity of your sleep system, but how do you tell the difference between similar types of support? It can be tricky, especially considering that some retailers describe flat foundations as “box springs” to use familiar naming conventions for their customers. Thankfully, there are a few ways you can differentiate them. A thorough examination of the law tag usually gives you the answer, but sometimes the tags fall off, are removed, become illegible due to age, or don’t have the product type listed. If that’s the case, you can look for other clues. A box spring’s coils are often visible through the fabric covering, and a quick “press test” can confirm. To conduct the test, put your hand over an area you think is a coil. If it gives when pressure is applied, you have a box spring.

If you’re interested in an upgrade from a standard platform, adjustable bases take your sleep to the next level. Stable and sturdy, they’re the newest development in mattress support and still give you a ventilated platform that won’t damage your bed. Bases are also the easiest to identify; they’re motorized, while flat foundations aren’t. The Ease® Base allows you to raise your head and feet to your unique preferences, and the “Zero Gravity” preset automatically positions you to simulate weightlessness and reduce pressure on your back. Providing the ultimate sleep experience, a power base is the perfect way to enhance your comfort and get more out of your sleep space.

Mattress shopping can be intimidating, but we’re here to help. Hopefully, your search will be more straightforward now that you understand why the correct platform is essential for your bed – and you have the tools you need to identify the foundations and bases that are best to prolong the life of your mattress.