Eachnight may earn commissions for products you purchase through our links. Our articles and reviews include affiliate links and advertisements, including amerisleep advertising. Learn more Updated December 31, 2024Key TakeawaysLow Profile Box Springs for Height Reduction: Low profile box springs are thinner and sit closer to the ground compared to standard box springs. They are ideal for individuals who prefer lower bed heights, especially when using thicker mattresses to maintain a comfortable overall height. The dimensions of low profile box springs vary depending on the mattress size, with typical heights ranging from 4 to 6 inches.Benefits of Low Profile Box Springs: Low profile box springs are lightweight and easier to move and transport compared to traditional box springs. They offer robust support while reducing the overall bed height, making it more accessible for individuals with mobility concerns. These box springs are a great choice for those who want to lower their bed’s height without sacrificing durability.Choosing the Right Box Spring for Your Mattress: Box springs, whether low profile or standard, are generally best suited for innerspring mattresses. They may not be compatible with modern mattress types like memory foam, hybrids, or latex beds. Explore alternative options, such as bunkie boards, mattress foundations, or platform beds, if your mattress type requires more solid support.Although often overlooked, the box spring or mattress foundation bed frame beneath your mattress is just as important as the mattress itself. Using the wrong box spring, bed frame or platform can cause your mattress to degrade faster, lead to poor sleep, or throw off a room’s aesthetic.Low profile box springs or bed frame are a common choice for those with an innerspring mattress. In this article, you will find everything you need to know about low profile box springs, the bed frame, and when to use them.SEE ALSO: Best Mattress for Tall PeopleDimensions of a Low Profile Box SpringLow profile box springs sit low to the ground, allowing more space for thicker mattresses. They are 2-6 inches thinner and more snug than a traditional box spring. Low profile box springs are best for those who are currently using regular box springs and are looking to lower their bed’s overall height.To understand why the dimensions of a low profile box spring matter, we have to first understand the regular box spring dimensions. The average innerspring mattress is between ten and fourteen inches. Below the mattress, you will have a five to nine-inch box spring. Then, below the box spring, a traditional bed frame varies between 16 and 24 inches.In total, beds with normal box springs are around 44 inches tall. For some, three and a half feet is too tall for a bed. Using a low profile box spring is an easy way to decrease the bed’s total height without getting a thinner mattress.A low profile box spring or bed frame mattress foundation is about four inches thick. The length and width vary depending on whether you’re buying a twin XL, standard twin size mattress, queen, or California king.Twin low profile box spring: 38 inches wide, 75 inches long, 4 inches tallQueen low profile box spring: 60 inches wide, 80 inches long, 4 inches tallKing low profile box spring: 76 inches wide, 80 inches long, 4-5 inches tallCalifornia king low profile box spring: 72 inches wide, 84 inches long, 4-5 inches tall.Low profile box springs offer the same strong support as a regular box spring, but with half the height. While a standard box spring is about nine inches thick, low profile box springs are between four and six inches thick.SEE ALSO: Best Mattress for KidsBenefits of a Low Profile Box SpringLow profile box springs are lighter and easier to move and carry than traditional box springs. Tightly wound coils support the bulk of the low profile box spring without adding too much weight. The coils absorb any shock and movement from the mattress, maintaining stability.Overall, there are two main benefits to using a low profile box spring: it weighs less than a traditional box spring (and is therefore easier to move), and it reduces the overall height of your bed. The latter is a nice benefit for people with limited mobility who can’t climb up onto a tall bed.Disadvantages of Low Profile Box SpringsLow profile box springs are not the best option for everyone. First of all, box springs, in general, aren’t compatible with most modern mattress types, so low profile box springs aren’t very versatile. It’s best to only use box springs (of any thickness) with innerspring mattresses.Memory foam mattresses, hybrids, and latex beds require more solid support than what a box spring can provide. They’re best suited on sturdy platform beds and other solid or slatted wooden mattress foundations.All in all, the main disadvantages of having a low profile box spring are that they don’t work with every mattress and they are too low for traditional bed skirts.SEE ALSO: Bed Slats vs. Box Spring: Which Should You Use?How to Know if a Low Profile Box Spring Is Right for YouHere are some instances where a low profile box spring would be the best option for your bed:You struggle to get in and out of bed.Your current nightstand is too low for your bed.You want to upgrade your mattress to a thicker, premium mattress.You have shelving or decorations above the bed.Your mattress covers your headboard.For most people, choosing a low profile box spring changes the room’s look and helps the room appear more open. A low profile box spring is a perfect fit for you if you want to lower your bed’s height without compromising its durability.Types of Box SpringsThis section defines several other box spring types that you may come across during your search to find the right box spring for your bed. Knowing what options are available will help you make a better decision about whether you need a low profile box spring.Ultra-low profile box springUltra-low box springs are the lowest type of box spring available. They are less than four inches in height and are similar to a bunkie board. This type of box spring is best for those looking for the lowest-possible box spring (without placing the mattress directly on the floor).Low Profile Box SpringAs we’ve discussed throughout this article, low profile box springs are between four and six inches in height. They’re best for those looking to decrease the bed’s overall height for those who prefer to be lower to the ground. Low profile box springs are also an ideal option for kids since the low height makes the bed more accessible if the kid has a thicker mattress.Standard Box SpringA standard box spring is nine inches tall. Standard box springs have coiled springs spaced evenly throughout the base. They’re supported by a combination of wood and metal slats to create support for the mattress.The typical standard box spring has the traditional coil construction. Traditional coil box springs extend a mattress’s use by absorbing impact. However, there are zero deflection box springs of a standard height that may have inflexible wooden slats or sturdy steel support.Split Box SpringThe main downside of using box springs is that they’re difficult to transport. Box springs are heavy and dense, and nearly impossible to maneuver around tight hallways without scraping the paint off the walls. For more convenience, some opt to use a split box spring.A split box spring is two separate box springs that fit together to create a standard box spring, making it easier to maneuver king queen size box springs through tight interior spaces.Bifold Box SpringA bifold box spring is the most convenient choice. To set up a bifold box spring, all you have to do is unfold it. There are no tools, screws, or bolts needed to set up the box spring. Bifold box springs can easily be shipped to your front door in compact packing materials. Buyers can find low profile or standard bifold box springs.Smart Box SpringA smart box spring is made from steel and is meant to last significantly longer than a traditional box spring. The compact packaging of a smart box spring also makes it easier to transport when moving the metal box spring from one location to another. The easy assembly of a smart box spring is best for those who struggle following complicated instructions.Semi Flex Box SpringWe usually recommend only using innerspring mattresses with box springs. The exception to the rule is semi flex box springs, designed for compatibility with all types of mattresses. These box springs have wooden slats as the base, with metal wires above the slats providing more flexibility than what a standard slatted surface would.The close support of the slats in a semi flex box spring means it can support foam mattresses. However, semi flex box springs are far more expensive than other types of box springs.Alternatives to Box SpringsMaybe one of the best box springs just isn’t for you. You might have a memory foam or latex mattress that needs more support than what a traditional coil box spring offers. Perhaps you have a thick enough mattress and a tall enough frame, or a bunk bed mattress with a guard rail, and you want to avoid the height that even a low-profile box spring offers. There are other sleep accessories you can use, then.Bunkie boards are one possibility, establishing a solid surface for mattresses. Originally, bunkie boards were meant as box spring alternatives for bunk beds, but they can be used with just about any type of bed frame.Many mattress foundations have a similar wood box structure to box springs, only their interior has wood slats instead of steel coils. You can often slip the wooden frame of a mattress foundation inside a panel bed, just as you would with a box spring. Some mattress foundations even have attachable legs, serving as low profile platform bed on their own.If you want to save further, you can look for a slat pack at a home goods store and pair with your current bed frame.FAQsDo I need a box spring?Buyers don’t specifically need a box spring unless their mattress warranty calls for it. Many modern mattresses wear better on platform beds instead of box springs because the slats on the metal frame of a box spring are too far apart to support the mattress’s weight.For this reason, some beds, such as memory foam mattresses, are incompatible with box springs. Check that you’re only using box springs with innerspring mattresses.How big does my box spring need to be?Your box spring needs to be the same length and width as your mattress size so that the bed sits perfectly on the box spring, with all edges securely on the bed frame. The height of the box spring depends solely on your comfort preferences.It might sound overly simple, but higher box springs are better for those who want to be elevated, while lower box springs are better for those who prefer feeling low to the ground. Changing the height of your box spring can change the height of your bed. However, be careful when you shop, as low-profile box springs may have a reduced weight capacity compared to thicker ones.How much do box springs cost?Box springs can be a big investment. Some cost as little as $100, while others cost up to $500, depending on the box spring’s quality. High-quality box springs fall on the more expensive side of the spectrum but do a better job of preserving a good bed. Oness with expensive materials, such as metal box springs, and innovative designs like semi flex box springs are more likely to cost more than a standard wooden box spring.Can I put my mattress directly on the floor?Technically, yes, you can place your mattress directly on the floor, but in doing so, you risk voiding your mattress warranty. Using your mattress on the floor does give your mattress even, solid support.However, putting the mattress on the floor without a platform bed or box spring makes it difficult to get in and out of bed and compromises your bed’s cleanliness. Dust mites, bed bugs, and allergens live on the floor, so putting your bed there gives them easy access.Most mattress warranties require you to have a box spring or platform beneath your mattress, so placing the bed on the floor would void the warranty. Always thoroughly read the warranty to ensure the best care for the bed.When do I need a new box spring?Box springs last between eight and ten years, but the lifespan largely depends on the box spring’s type and quality. If your box spring shows any signs of wear (such as sagging, rips in the fabric, or damage), you may need to get a new one. You should also replace your old box spring if you’re planning to get a new mattress since placing a new mattress on an old box spring could void the mattress warranty.Does it matter if I have a memory foam mattress?Memory foam mattresses work well with solid or slatted bed frames. However, the distance between the wood slats on slatted bed frames shouldn’t be greater than 2.75 inches. This mattress foundation for memory foam provides solid support to fend off sagging and shield against damage.ConclusionBox springs are still about the most common mattress foundation around, and low profile box springs are best for those who want lower beds with the same support as a traditional box spring. Manufacturers create a variety of different box springs to provide options for every buyer, so you’re sure to find the right one for you.Just make sure you choose a mattress foundation that suits your mattress type. If you’re unsure which is best, check the warranty or contact the mattress company.About the author Jasmin LeeJasmin Lee is dedicated to helping others get better sleep—when she’s not napping, you can often find her researching the latest in bedding and mattress technology. Her fascination with sleep fuels her drive to connect readers with the resources they need to improve their night’s rest. 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