Low-Profile Vs. Standard Profile Box Spring – Which One to Choose

A box spring is a type of bed foundation that is placed under a mattress to provide support and stability. It is typically made of a wooden frame covered in fabric and contains springs or coils to absorb shock and provide extra cushioning. Box springs come in two main types: low profile and standard profile.

Low-profile box springs are shorter in height and are ideal for use with higher mattresses or for people who prefer a lower bed height. Standard profile box springs, on the other hand, are taller and offer more support for heavier mattresses or for people who need more stability.

In this article, we will compare low-profile and standard-profile box springs and discuss the pros and cons of each type.

What is a Low-Profile Box Spring?

A low-profile box spring is a type of bed foundation that is shorter in height than a standard profile box spring. It is typically about 4-6 inches tall and is designed to be used with higher mattresses, such as pillow tops or memory foam mattresses.

Low-profile box springs are ideal for people who prefer a lower bed height or who have limited space in their bedroom. They are also a good choice for people who have trouble getting in and out of bed due to age or physical limitations.

One of the main advantages of low-profile box springs is that they provide a stable and supportive base for the mattress while taking up less space in the bedroom. This can be particularly useful for people who live in smaller homes or apartments, or who have limited storage space.

Low-profile box springs are also more aesthetically pleasing than standard profile box springs, as they blend seamlessly with the mattress and give the bed a streamlined and modern look.

However, they may not offer as much support as standard profile box springs, particularly for heavier mattresses or for people who need extra stability due to physical limitations.

Major Difference Between A Low Profile and Standard Box Spring 

The main difference between a low profile and a standard box spring is the height of the foundation. A low-profile box spring is shorter in height, typically about 4-6 inches, while a standard profile box spring is taller, usually about 9-10 inches.

Another difference between the two types of box springs is the amount of support they provide. Standard profile box springs are generally more supportive than low profile box springs, as they contain more springs or coils and offer more stability. This makes them a good choice for people who need extra support due to their weight or physical limitations, or for people who sleep on heavier mattresses.

Low-profile box springs, on the other hand, are better suited for people who prefer a lower bed height or who have limited space in their bedroom.

Pros of Low-Profile Box Spring

There are several pros to using a low-profile box spring:

1. Lower bed height: Low-profile box springs are shorter in height, typically about 4-6 inches, which means that the overall height of the bed is lower. This can be beneficial for people who have trouble getting in and out of bed due to age or physical limitations, as it makes it easier to get in and out of bed.
2. Aesthetically pleasing: Low-profile box springs blend seamlessly with the mattress, giving the bed a streamlined and modern look. This can be especially appealing for people who prefer a more contemporary aesthetic in their bedroom.
3. Space-saving: Low-profile box springs take up less space in the bedroom than standard profile box springs, which can be useful for people who live in smaller homes or apartments or who have limited storage space.
4. Suitable for higher mattresses: Low-profile box springs are designed to be used with higher mattresses, such as pillow tops or memory foam mattresses. If you have a higher mattress and want to maintain a lower bed height, a low-profile box spring is a good choice.
5. Affordable: Low-profile box springs are generally less expensive than standard profile box springs, as they contain fewer springs or coils and are simpler in design. This can be beneficial for people who are working with a limited budget.

Cons of Low-Profile Box Spring

There are also several cons to using a low-profile box spring:

1. Limited support: Low-profile box springs may not offer as much support as standard profile box springs, particularly for heavier mattresses or for people who need extra stability due to physical limitations.
2. Reduced durability: Low-profile box springs may not be as durable as standard profile box springs, as they contain fewer springs or coils and may not be able to withstand as much weight or wear and tear.
3. Less protection for the mattress: Low-profile box springs may not provide as much protection for the mattress as standard profile box springs, as they have less cushioning and shock-absorbing ability. This can lead to the mattress wearing out more quickly over time.
4. Lack of compatibility with certain types of bed frames: Low-profile box springs may not be compatible with certain types of bed frames, especially older or more traditional styles. This can limit your options when it comes to choosing a bed frame.
5. Limited availability: Low-profile box springs may be harder to find than standard-profile box springs, as they are not as popular. This can make it more difficult to find the right size or style for your needs.

Pros of Standard Box Spring 

There are several pros to using a standard box spring:

1. Extra support: Standard box springs are generally more supportive than low-profile box springs, as they contain more springs or coils and offer more stability. This makes them a good choice for people who need extra support due to their weight or physical limitations, or for people who sleep on heavier mattresses.
2. Increased durability: Standard box springs are typically more durable than low-profile box springs, as they contain more springs or coils and can withstand more weight and wear and tear.
3. Enhanced protection for the mattress: Standard box springs provide more cushioning and shock-absorbing ability than low-profile box springs, which can help to protect the mattress and extend its lifespan.
4. Compatibility with a wider range of bed frames: Standard box springs are generally compatible with a wider range of bed frames, including older or more traditional styles. This can give you more flexibility when it comes to choosing a bed frame.
5. Greater availability: Standard box springs are more widely available than low-profile box springs, as they are more popular. This makes it easier to find the right size or style for your needs.

Cons of Standard Box Spring

There are also several cons to using a standard box spring:

1. Higher bed height: Standard box springs are taller than low-profile box springs, typically about 9-10 inches in height. This can make the overall bed height higher, which may be difficult for people who have trouble getting in and out of bed due to age or physical limitations.
2. Aesthetically less pleasing: Standard box springs are more visible and may give the bed a more traditional or classic look, which may not be appealing to everyone.
3. Takes up more space: Standard box springs take up more space in the bedroom than low-profile box springs, which can be a problem for people who live in smaller homes or apartments or who have limited storage space.
4. More expensive: Standard box springs are generally more expensive than low-profile box springs, as they contain more springs or coils and are more complex in design.
5. May not be suitable for higher mattresses: Standard box springs may not be the best choice for use with higher mattresses, such as pillow tops or memory foam mattresses, as they can make the overall bed height too high.

How to Choose Between Low-Profile and Standard Profile Box Spring

When choosing between a low-profile and a standard-profile box spring, there are several factors to consider:

Bed height:

If you prefer a lower bed height or have trouble getting in and out of bed due to age or physical limitations, a low-profile box spring may be the better choice. If you don’t mind a higher bed height or need extra support due to your weight or physical limitations, a standard profile box spring may be more suitable.

Mattress type:

If you have a higher mattress, such as a pillow top or memory foam mattress, a low-profile box spring may be the better choice to help maintain a lower bed height. If you have a traditional innerspring mattress, a standard profile box spring may be more suitable.

Support:

Consider your support needs. If you need extra support due to your weight or physical limitations, or if you sleep on a heavier mattress, a standard profile box spring may be a better choice. If you don’t need as much support and prefer a lower bed height, a low-profile box spring may be more suitable.

Space:

If you live in a smaller home or apartment or have limited storage space, a low-profile box spring may be the better choice as it takes up less space. If space is not an issue, a standard profile box spring may be more suitable.

Aesthetics:

Think about the look you want for your bed. If you prefer a more modern and streamlined aesthetic, a low-profile box spring may be the better choice. If you prefer a more traditional or classic look, a standard profile box spring may be more suitable.

Budget:

Consider your budget when choosing between a low-profile and a standard-profile box spring. Low-profile box springs are generally less expensive than standard-profile box springs, but they may not offer as much support

Conclusion

In conclusion, low-profile and standard-profile box springs are two options for bed foundations that provide support and stability for your mattress. Low-profile box springs are shorter in height, typically about 4-6 inches, and are ideal for people who prefer a lower bed height or who have limited space in their bedroom.

They also offer a more modern and streamlined aesthetic. Standard profile box springs, on the other hand, are taller, typically about 9-10 inches, and offer more support for heavier mattresses or for people who need extra stability due to physical limitations. They may also give the bed a more traditional or classic look.

When choosing between a low-profile and a standard-profile box spring, consider your personal preferences and specific needs, such as your preferred bed height, mattress type, support needs, space constraints, and budget. Both types of box springs have their own set of pros and cons, and the right choice for you will depend on your individual circumstances.

FAQs

Does the height of a box spring matter?

The height of the box spring will contribute to the overall height of the bed. If you have trouble getting in and out of bed due to age or physical limitations, a lower bed height may be more suitable. On the other hand, if you don’t mind a higher bed height or need extra support due to your weight or physical limitations, a taller box spring may be more suitable.

The height of the box spring can also be a factor if you have limited space in your bedroom. Low-profile box springs take up less space than standard profile box springs, which can be helpful if you live in a smaller home or apartment or have limited storage space.

Overall, the height of the box spring is a matter of personal preference and should be chosen based on your specific needs and preferences.

Why do people not use box springs anymore?

Modern mattresses are often designed to be used without a box spring and may have enough support on their own. In some cases, using a box spring with a mattress that is designed to be used without one may actually decrease the support and lifespan of the mattress.

Also, box springs take up additional space in the bedroom, which may not be practical for people who live in smaller homes or apartments or who have limited storage space.