The Causes of a Mattress Foundation Breaking

Foundation

• A mattress foundation, or box spring, is a standard part of traditional mattress sets. A traditional mattress consists of an inner core of metal springs, surrounded by layers of cotton or wool padding. The mattress needs to be supported from beneath to provide a comfortable night's sleep. A foundation is constructed from planks of wood to form the outline of cube, with supportive slats running across the top and bottom. Covered in thin fabric to keep out dust, it rests directly on your bed frame with the mattress on top of it. Its open construction allows for airflow around the underside of the mattress, which helps prevent mildew growth.

Damage

• A mattress foundation can be broken if it receives a hard blow. It is hollow, designed to provide steady support, not withstand sudden applications of force in one area. A child jumping on a bed won't break a box spring, but a large adult jumping on it could. Box springs are built to be rigid and do not bend. If you are trying to fit a large foundation around a tight corner while moving into a new home, you could crack one of the boards.

Wear

• Because you cannot see the wooden parts of a foundation, it is difficult to know if they are becoming worn. Foundations come in standard sizes, so when you purchase a new mattress, as long as it's the same size as your old one you can continue to use your current foundation. Over time, the pressure of the weight of the mattress as well as your sleeping weight can stress the foundation. If the wood in the box spring gets wet, mold could sprout and eat away at it where you can't see. This erodes the strength of the wood and increases the chances it will wear out.

Considerations

• You can protect your mattress foundation from breaking by treating it with care. Don't jump on the bed or drop heavy items onto the mattress. Don't let the box spring get wet. When you move, wrap it in protective padding and don't try to force it through narrow spaces. When you replace your mattress, consider replacing it with a new foundation as well.