Box spring bed guide
Frequently asked questions
What is the best mattress for a box spring bed?
When it comes to choosing the right mattress, there are three things to consider: your weight, your height and - something that's often forgotten - your sleeping habits. The third point is less about whether you snore or talk in your sleep.
If you sleep on your side, you will need a slightly softer mattress so that your shoulders can sink deeper into the mattress and your body can lie straight. However, the mattress should not be too soft as this will not provide enough support for the lumbar region. If you sleep on your back or stomach, you also have a choice. A firmer mattress is generally better because you won't sink in as deeply and you won't have to fight your way out of the mattress every time you move around in bed.
Your height and weight are also important. If you are heavier, you need a firmer mattress.
Not only so that you don't sink in too far, but also so that the spring cores don't give way permanently and form uncomfortable hollows. If you are lighter, you can choose a softer mattress. Body size is about the general distribution of your body on the mattress. If you are shorter, your body will naturally be distributed over fewer springs, which will have to support more weight. If you are taller, more springs will support less weight.
Ultimately, you need to decide whether you want a mattress with Bonell springs or pocket springs. Bonell spring cores provide optimal pressure distribution, are more suitable for people weighing up to about 100 kilos and give a soft, springy feel. This is exactly what you may be used to in hotels, where box spring beds with a Bonell spring core are the most common. Pocket springs, on the other hand, provide a stable, point-elastic base. What does this mean? It means that pocket springs are the better choice for people weighing over 100 kilos and can help with back problems in particular, thanks to their precise pressure release. Of course, you could do without inner springs and choose mattress with a visco-foam or cold foam core - but then you would be missing out on one of the best features of your fantastic box spring bed.
You've probably already realised that this topic is a science in itself. That's why we highly recommend our IKEA mattress buying guide (PDF) and a personal consultation! You'll be happy to get this in one of our IKEA stores!