7 Best Low Profile Box Springs and Foundations for Better Sleep

This article will explain how low profile box springs are beneficial for your health - from understanding the construction to looking closer at main features and answering the most popular questions
By
Romeo Vitelli
Romeo Vitelli
Expert Writer
Received his doctorate in Psychology in 1987, spent fifteen years as a staff psychologist in Millbrook Correctional Centre. In 2003 went into full-time private practice. read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Medical Advisory Team
Medical Advisory Team
Includes well-known professionals, who together provide decades of sleep medicine experience that enables Talk About Sleep to fulfill its mission of creating access to high- read more
Last updated: August 14, 2023
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A box spring offers a stable foundation for a mattress, and the best low-profile box springs are advantageous in several more ways. Lower height won’t allow the mattress to cover the headboard. Besides that, it is easier to get off your bed. This makes them an ideal choice for kids, the elderly and individuals with physical issues or limited mobility.

We’ve looked at box springs that have a height ranging from 4 to 5.5 inches, unlike a standard box spring which measures about 9 inches.  It mostly constitutes a wooden or metal frame with a similar shape and size to your mattress. Besides materials, we’ve look at provided weight support, affordability and stability of construction. Read on to find the option that fits your needs.

Quick Summary

  • Editor’s Choice: Sleepez Natural Wood Foundation
    "This natural wood low profile foundation makes perfect bedding for all types of sleepers. 14 slats. 5.5 in profile. Tool-less assembly."
  • "Low profile orthopedic foundation to handle all the back problems with care. 1200 lbs weight support. 5 in profile. Organic cotton cover."
  • "Low profile box spring with foldable design for compact storing. 700 lbs weight support. 4 in profile. Poly jacquard cover."
  • "Fairly priced low profile foundation that is ready to use out of the box. 4 in profile. 1200 lbs weight support. Polyester cover."
  • "Low profile mattress foundation with tool-less assembly and steel construction. 5 in profile. 500 lbs weight support. Foldable design."
  • Durable Construction: NaturalForm Natural Foundation
    "High-quality low profile foundation made of durable materials. 5 in profile. Reinforced corners. Free shipment within US."
  • Best for Children: Spinal Solution Box Spring
    "Compact and comfortable low profile box spring perfect for kids. 4.25 in profile. Wooden base. Non-skid filler cloth."

Top 7 Low Profile Box Springs Review 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3637 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.7
9.8
1
Features
  • Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal. King
  • Thickness: 5.5 in
  • Weight support: 1500 lbs
  • Material: kiln-dried northwest spruce
  • Warranty: 1-year limited

More features: 14 slats, no glue in construction, organic cover, tool-less assembly

This slatted wood foundation is made from kiln-dried and untreated North West spruce and 14 slats spaced 2.75 inches apart to provide support and improve air flow, especially when using memory foam and latex mattresses. It comes with a matching organic cotton cover with a quilted border. Sleepez Natural Wood Foundation is a safe option that does not use glues, chemicals and adhesives in construction. It has a low profile of 5.5 inches, supports up to 1500 pounds, and is compatible with all standard bed frames.

This is the best low profile box spring that is specially designed for latex and memory foam mattresses.

    What do we love it for?
  • We like the tool-less assembly that takes only 15 minutes, the maximum support offered by several side-to-side slats, and the high weight capacity to accommodate heavy individuals. The price is competitive and you can get this box spring in all mattress sizes; Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and California King. The cover fits around the foundation’s panels at the top and sides and it is then secured to the side rails.
    What were we disappointed with?
  • The main complaint regards vague instructions. Most buyers had an easy time setting up this box spring. However, a few assembled it the wrong way the first time. This could be avoided if the parts could be marked in the instructions to differentiate between the top and bottom pieces. Other than that, the other thing that could make this box spring better is if the cover also encased the foundation’s underside to prevent dirt and dust.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3429 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.7
Features
  • Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal. King, Split King
  • Thickness: 5 in
  • Weight support: 1200 lbs
  • Material: heat-treated spruce
  • Warranty: 1-year limited

More features: Rainforest Alliance Certified, organic cotton cover

Low Profile Orthopedic Foundation is available in all mattress sizes. It is 5-inches thick and supports maximum weight of 1200 pounds. The frame is made of heat-treated spruce and the included cover fabric is organic cotton. Heat-treated wood is sustainable and safe because it does not use chemicals. This is one of the reasons that this foundation has been certified by Rainforest Alliance.

This low foundation box spring would suit buyers who have a high bed frame or a tall mattress, and people who prefer a minimal look for their bedrooms. It also suits platform beds and other lower beds.

    Why are we impressed?
  • We like that it is silent and features a Euro-slatted design that increases breathability and provides stable support for your mattress. According to this low profile box spring reviews, it is effective at eliminating back pain and alleviating discomfort in people with arthritis. The low height also makes it comfortable for elderly users to climb into and out of the bed. Buyers also praise the timely delivery and pleasant customer support.
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • It takes approximately 20 minutes to set up this box spring although there are buyers who struggle to put on the cover. Others received their purchase with wood debris which creates a mess, though minor, when you unpack. Otherwise, most users report that the foundation is sturdy and comfortable. It relieves aching joints and has minimal motion transfer that allows for uninterrupted sleep when sharing a bed with a partner.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3535 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.5
9.6
Features
  • Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, Split King, King, Split Cal. King
  • Thickness: 4 in
  • Weight support: 700 lbs
  • Material: steel
  • Warranty: 5-year limited

More features: foldable, poly jacquard cover, tool-less assembly

This folding box spring is the thinnest among the low profile box spring we reviewed. It is 4 inches. Consequently, Zinus Jayanna Metal BiFold® Box Spring has a relatively low weight capacity of 700 pounds. This is decent for most individuals but may be insufficient for heavy couples. Support is provided by a steel frame that is durable. The box spring is available in several sizes.

This is a great low rise box spring for most individuals. It would also be an excellent option if you have a small room, a tight L-shaped stairway or a narrow hallway because the foundation has a foldable design that reduces its size for transport and storage.

    Why did it make our list?
  • This box spring can support a fair amount of body weight, and you don’t require any tools to assemble it. It comes with a poly jacquard cover with a zipper, and an impressive limited warranty of 5 years which is 5 times as long as the warranty provided for most of the featured products. Users equate its sturdiness and support to that of a traditional box spring. It is firm and quiet.
    What is not ideal about it?
  • We appreciate the foldable design because of compactness. But while it is easy to unfold the foundation to assemble it, it is difficult to fold it up again in case you need to move it. There is an initial chemical smell that dissipates over time. If you are a back sleeper, you may find the foundation too firm in the beginning. If that’s the case, you can soften the sleeping surface by adding a memory foam topper.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4289 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.0
9.5
Features
  • Sizes: Twin, Full, King, Queen, Cal. King
  • Thickness: 4 in
  • Weight support: 1200 lbs
  • Material: steel
  • Warranty: 5-year limited

More features: polyester cover, foldable, tool-less assembly

This foundation has thickness of 4 inches. Despite the low profile, Best Price Heavy Duty Box Spring can accommodate up to 1200 pounds owing to its heavy-duty steel construction. It is covered by a 5-year limited warranty. The foundation is foldable to compress its size for convenient transport and storage, the tool-less assembly makes installation quicker, and a zippered polyester cover is included for protection against dirt.

A foundation that sits that low is suitable for thick mattresses. It prevents such mattresses from being much higher than the headboard. Majority of buyers prefer this foundation for their kids and guests.

    Why did it make our list?
  • The box spring has a low pricing point that is convenient for users on a budget, and its collapsible design makes it easier to carry the bed foundation upstairs. The slats are positioned about 5 inches apart. This provides great support for mattresses. However, you should confirm whether it is compatible with your mattress since most foam mattress warranties require that the slats should not be spaced more than 3 inches apart.
    What is not ideal about it?
  • You can purchase the thin box spring in Twin, Full, King, Queen, or California King size. Some users bought two Twins box springs to create a foundation for a bed that is King size, but found the dimensions too small to properly support their bed. Instead of buying two Twins for a King bed, just choose the King foundation as it will eliminate guesswork in measurements, and it’s specifically designed to support King size mattresses.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2133 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.1
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.1
9.5
Features
  • Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal. King
  • Thickness: 5 in
  • Weight support: 500 lbs
  • Material: steel
  • Warranty: 1-year limited

More features: tool-less assembly, foldable, 2-piece fabric cover

AmazonBasics Mattress Foundation is among the low profile box springs with thousands of reviews and high ratings by verified buyers. It features 5-inch thickness and steel construction that supports up to 500 pounds. There are horizontal slats to support memory foam, spring or hybrid mattresses and a removable 2-piece fabric cover that zips the top and bottom piece to fully encase the foundation.

It is easy to assemble and no tools are needed since the parts snap in place, and the steel frame is foldable for compact storage and transport. We would recommend this low foundation box spring for single sleepers in guest rooms, studios and other limited spaces.

    What are its best features?
  • This box spring is one of the easiest to assemble and it comes with a limited warranty of one year. It is available in a variety of size options, features a durable steel frame that can be folded to compress the overall size, and includes a cover that provides full coverage. You can remove the cover for cleaning. Metal frames are less likely to develop a musty smell like wooden frames do.
    What could be improved?
  • Assembly is straightforward, with the exception of putting on the cover properly and then zipping it; this takes some effort to fit and zip the cover around the corners, and may require two people to do it. To ease the process, you have to stretch the cover down one corner and tuck it under the frame before doing the same for the next corner. A number of buyers report that their box springs started squeaking after a few months.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6623 people in the past 30 days
9.3
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.2
9.3
6
Durable Construction

NaturalForm Natural Foundation

Features
  • Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Queen, King, Split King, Cal. King, Split Cal. King
  • Thickness: 5 in
  • Weight support: not specified
  • Material: wood
  • Warranty: 1-year limited

More features: free shipping and returns within US, corners reinforcement

NaturalForm Natural Foundation features high grade pine frame, wooden slats, corner reinforcements to prevent damage, and grey upholstery made of high quality fabric. You can get in almost all mattress sizes; Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Queen, King, Split King, California King, and Split California King. It comes with a 1-year limited warranty, and shipping and returns are free within US. The low foundation stands at a height of 5 inches.

It is a great option for foam mattresses because a slatted foundation provides more even support for such mattresses, compared to a low rise box spring which has coils.

    Why is it special?
  • Although not compatible with adjustable bases, this low foundation works with any mattress. You will need a platform, slatted frame or a metal bed frame. We appreciate the protective corner guards, the low profile and grey upholstery that blend well with a minimalistic style, and the variety of size options to accommodate a wide range of budgets, space and bed needs. The foundation is easily available and shipping is free.
    What are the flaws?
  • There are few online reviews of NaturalForm Natural Foundation. This makes it difficult for potential buyers to compare the quality, performance and durability of this mattress foundation based on feedback from diverse users. Apart from that, the manufacturer has not specified the weight capacity. Weight limit is one of the key features that we should consider before buying a low foundation. So, it’s a pity that it’s been overlooked here.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2275 people in the past 30 days
9.2
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.9
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.0
9.2
7
Best for Children

Spinal Solution Box Spring

Features
  • Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Queen, King, Cal. King
  • Thickness: 4.25 in
  • Weight support: not specified
  • Material: wood
  • Warranty: 1-year limited

More features: tool-less assembly, non-skid filler cloth

This product is also available as a 4-inch split foundation which is like two half box springs that can fit through a narrow stairway for installation. It is 4.25 inches high and requires no tools to be assembled. You can purchase Spinal Solution Box Spring in these sizes; Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Queen, King, and California King. The coils are encased in 3 x 3/8 inch poly foam, 1-inch pad on one side, 2-inch pad on the other side, non-skid heavy-duty filler cloth, and Damask fabric. Damask fabric has several layers of threads woven very tightly to create a thick and heavy textile that is durable.

We recommend this thin box spring for children to easily climb and get from the bed. It also suits users with small rooms and thicker mattresses.

    What are its best features?
  • This is like a traditional box spring. It comes in various options, including sizes, thickness and design. You can purchase it in all mattress sizes, choose a split design, or go for a thicker 8-inch foundation. Although the manufacturer has not specified the weight capacity, this low profile box spring reviews indicate that it is equipped to fit and support the designated mattresses, including memory foam. It is also lightweight to move around.
    What could be improved?
  • The low foundation box spring is squeaky, which is unsurprising considering it consists of 357 innerspring coil unit, a 6-gauge border and 13 SH gauge unit. Some of the users who bought the split foundation option noticed that one of the two pieces was a bit taller than the other by approximately ½ inch and they couldn’t get the pieces to be even despite trying our different configurations.

Things to Consider

As well as affordability, there are several advantages that a short foundation provides. It complements thick mattresses to increase comfort, save space and lends a small room a clean, uncluttered style. Such foundations also allow you to easily get into and out of bed, making them the perfect choice for kids, aging users and people with physical limitations. In this comprehensive buying guide, we will discuss the most important features to consider when choosing the best low profile box spring.

Advantages of Purchasing Thin Box Spring

7 Best Low Profile Box Springs and Foundations for Better Sleep
Low-profile foundations are perfect for kids and elderly

WebMD Trusted Source How to Know When It’s Time to Change a Mattress You spend almost one-third of your time sleeping, so you want to make sure your hours in bed are restful. www.webmd.com recommends that you also replace an old box spring when replacing your mattress for peak performance and to adhere to the mattress warranty which requires proper support. So, what are the pros of a low profile box spring?

  • This is a shorter version of the traditional box spring mattress. Thin box springs work best with thick mattresses because they allow the mattress and the bed frame to stand out.
  • Their compact, low profile reduces the bed to a comfortable height and makes these box springs suitable for small spaces and a conservative style.
  • They are mostly lightweight and easy to carry around, and sometimes foldable to compress their storage size.
  • Low foundation box springs cost much less than a standard box spring.
  • They improve air flow to avoid mold, moisture buildup and a musty smell.
  • You can purchase flat box springs, including split foundations, in all mattress sizes.
  • They are the better option for kids, short individuals and people with mobility issues that make them strain to get in and out of tall or standard beds. It is also safer because there will be less of a drop if you fall.
  • Lastly, low profile box springs arrive mostly assembled for quick set up.

How to Pick the Best Low Profile Box Spring

Half box springs which have a lower height scale than a traditional box spring have been increasing in demand as they lower the bed’s overall height when using thicker mattresses. Below are the factors to look for in order to choose the right one for your individual needs.

Type

7 Best Low Profile Box Springs and Foundations for Better Sleep
Metal foundations can hold more weight while wooden ones are perfect for memory foam mattresses

Thin box springs are available in various types based on their construction and the materials used.  There are wooden box springs, metal box springs, flexible split foundations, and box springs with a foldable frame for convenient transport and storage.

The traditional box spring was made of metal or wood with spring coils inside that supported innerspring mattresses, improved edge support and reduced sagging. It is about 9 inches in thickness.

With the popularity of memory foam mattresses which could be damaged by the coils in a standard box spring, the construction changed to include low foundation box springs which feature wooden or metal frames with slats that are compatible with latex, hybrid and foam mattresses. Modern box springs may be filled with densely-packed coils, or fabrics that are organic or hypoallergenic.

The slats should be evenly spaced to provide firm, adequate and even support and to improve air circulation. Slats are ideal for spinal alignment and deep compression support to avoid excessive sinkage. Coils are great for bounce, responsiveness and air flow. They are very supportive but likely to sag over time. Look for the features you want most in a box spring so you can choose the product with the right materials for optimal sleep. That could be shock-absorbent materials for motion isolation.

Weight capacity

Manufacturers of the best low profile box springs always indicated the maximum weight capacity so you can choose the product that will support extra weight without excessive sinkage, and one that is effective at impact absorption. Our in-depth review features thin box springs with weight limit ranging from 500 to 1500 pounds.

Cover material

7 Best Low Profile Box Springs and Foundations for Better Sleep
Low=profile foundations always have easily removed machine-washable covers

All the featured half box springs come with a protective cover made of different materials. For example, Zinus Jayanna Metal BiFold® Box Spring features a cover made of poly jacquard which is often used in upholstery because of its texture and thickness which makes the fabric resilient and gives it more stretch. Other common materials include polyester which is easy to clean and organic cotton which promotes heat dispersion to keep you cool.

Sizes variety

All the products we have featured in our low profile box spring reviews are available in various sizes to accommodate most sleeping needs. NaturalForm Natural Foundation which offers free shipping and returns within the US comes in 9 sizes; Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Queen, King, Split King, California King, and Split California King.

Assembly

7 Best Low Profile Box Springs and Foundations for Better Sleep
If you’re space-limited – you can opt for a foldable low-profile box spring

One advantage of flat box springs is that they typically come fully assembled to eliminate guesswork. All the models included in this guide can be set up within 30 minutes. Some feature a foldable frame that you simply unfold for quick installation and fold back for storage and portability.

Prices

The price of a low rise box spring will depend on its durability and the quality of materials used in construction. Size will also play a role in cost. Among the products we have recommended in this review, you will find premium flat box springs with high quality materials at an affordable cost.

Durability and warranty

There are several factors that affect the lifespan of a low foundation box spring. These include the type and quality of materials used, frequency of usage and maintenance. It is important to adhere to the recommended weight capacity and to use the right mattress.

Warranty will differ from one product to another; they usually range from 1 to 5 years. Box springs with steel frames typically have a longer warranty than the ones made from wood. The warranty for most mattresses also requires proper support in form of a compatible foundation or box spring. These warranties also specify the recommended distance between slats for their products.

Certifications

Low Profile Orthopedic Foundation is Rainforest Alliance Certified. This means that the product adheres to the standards set by the Sustainable Agriculture Network. They include conserving the ecosystem, protecting wildlife and fair and good treatment of workers.

FAQ

Can I hurt my back using a low-rise box spring?

Box springs can cause health problems such as back pain if they are broken or too old to absorb your body weight and to provide adequate support for your body and the mattress. This is why you should choose a low foundation box spring that is designed for your mattress and one that has a high weight capacity. A flat box spring will prevent sagging and sinkage which causes back pain.

Which type of mattress should I use with low foundation box spring?

Besides providing greater comfort and support, the right foundation will increase the lifespan of your mattress. The best type of mattress to use with a low foundation box spring which offers support through wood slats and coils is an innerspring mattress. Air mattresses, water beds and foam mattresses are best paired up with a slatted or solid foundation that offers more even support. They are also compatible with platform beds.

Our verdict

Sleepez Natural Wood Foundation has high weight capacity and is available at a reasonable cost. The slats are suitably spaced for latex and memory foam mattresses, the cover is made of breathable organic cotton, and the foundation uses kiln-dried spruce with no glue, chemicals or preservatives.

According to the NIH Trusted Source Good Sleep for Good Health Sometimes, the pace of modern life barely gives you time to stop and rest. It can make getting a good night’s sleep on a regular basis seem like a dream. newsinhealth.nih.gov , an inadequate sleep surface that does not provide sufficient support for the spine can affect the quality of sleep and cause pain and health deterioration. Most reviewers recommend Low Profile Orthopedic Foundation for relieving discomfort and pain. It is stable, quiet and has a high weight limit. It is also Rainforest Alliance Certified.

Our third pick is a thin box spring that is 4-inch thick and foldable to maneuver and fit in small spaces. Best Price Heavy Duty Box Spring comes at an attractive price for a steel-framed item, making it one of the best low profile box springs on the market.

References

1.
How to Know When It’s Time to Change a Mattress
You spend almost one-third of your time sleeping, so you want to make sure your hours in bed are restful.
2.
Good Sleep for Good Health
Sometimes, the pace of modern life barely gives you time to stop and rest. It can make getting a good night’s sleep on a regular basis seem like a dream.
9,8
Total Score
Sleepez Natural Wood Foundation - Editor’s Choice
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