What is a Low Profile Box Spring? Do You Need One?
By James Nguyen, Sleep Expert 
Key Takeaways
- Functionality and Aesthetics: Low-profile box springs offer similar benefits as standard box springs, such as absorbing motion and shocks, but they are thinner, typically measuring between 4 to 6 inches in height. They are suitable for those who prefer a bed that is easier to access, and they can also contribute to making bedrooms appear less crowded and ensure that decorative headboards are visible.
- Considerations for Usage: Low-profile box springs are ideal for individuals with limited mobility, shorter adults, and those with small bedrooms or shorter ceilings. They are particularly useful when combined with innerspring mattresses, as they provide the necessary support and height for these mattresses.
- Potential Drawbacks: While low-profile box springs offer benefits such as ease of transportation and the illusion of increased space, they may not absorb as much motion as standard box springs and can feel too low to the ground for some users. Additionally, they do not provide under-bed storage space and may not be suitable for those who prefer a higher bed height.
Box springs are a supportive foundation for coil mattresses. In addition to this, box springs make your bed taller, which can be beneficial for aesthetic or accessibility reasons.
Low profile box springs are a thin and modern take on the standard box spring. A thinner box spring has the functionality of a traditional box spring, only it’s less thick. You may prefer a thinner box spring to make getting out of bed easier.
Here, we break down the details of low profile box springs and help you decide if they’re right for you.
Low Profile Box Spring
Low profile box springs are a thinner version of the traditional box springs with all of the same benefits. They’re usually between 4 to 6 inches tall, while standard box springs are 9 inches tall. Box springs are often made from wood, particleboard, or solid spruce with optional coils and a fabric casing.
With a thicker mattress, the combined height of your mattress, the box spring, and the bed frame can get very tall—30 to 35 inches.
Overly tall beds can be challenging to get in and out of if you have limited mobility, you’re a shorter adult, or the bed is for a child. For those with limited mobility, your bed should be just tall enough so that when you’re sitting on the edge, your feet are flat on the ground and your knees are aligned with your hips.
While aesthetic purposes won’t make or break your comfort, tall beds can cover your decorative headboard, which isn’t ideal. Also, if your bedroom is small or has short ceilings, a tall bed can give the illusion of an even smaller room.
Benefits of a Low Profile Box Spring
- Absorbs motion and shocks, like standard box springs
- Allows for easier access
- Makes bedrooms appear less crowded
- Ensures decorative headboards are visible
- Weighs less than standard box springs
- Easy to transport through tight spaces such as hallways, stairs, and doors
Drawbacks of a Low Profile Box Spring
- May not absorb as much motion and shock as standard box springs
- Potentially offers less support compared to standard box springs
- Can feel as though you’re sleeping too low to the ground
- Overly short beds can also be difficult to access for some
- Not ideal for people who prefer sleeping higher off the ground
- Provides little to no under-bed storage space
Who Should Use a Low Profile Box Spring?
Low profile box springs are a good option for people with small bedrooms, sleepers with limited mobility, and shorter individuals. And of course, you should only ever use a low-profile box spring if you own an innerspring mattress.
Innerspring Mattress Owners
Box springs—low profile or not—are only usable with innerspring mattresses. Innerspring mattresses need box springs to absorb motion, provide strong support, and raise the beds higher.
If you use a box spring with any other type of bed—memory foam, latex, or hybrid—you risk damaging your mattress and voiding its warranty. There are countless other types of mattress foundations, so this shouldn’t be a big issue.
Sleepers With Small Bedrooms
If your bedroom is compact or has short ceilings, you may prefer using a low-profile box spring over a standard height box spring. Having a shorter overall bed height gives the illusion of more space in tight interior spaces, so a low-profile box spring might be a good solution.
People With Limited Mobility or Short Sleepers
People with limited mobility include the elderly or people with specific medical conditions. If you have limited mobility, you may get a low-profile box spring because they are generally easier to get in and out of compared to higher-profile mattresses and box springs.
Similarly, being short or a child makes taller beds difficult to access. Tall beds are also a potential safety risk for rambunctious kids who occasionally play in their beds. For this reason, low-profile beds are also a good choice for short adults and children.
Conclusion
Low profile box springs are half of the size of traditional box springs. A thin box spring is perfect for innerspring mattress owners who need a shorter bed for whatever reason. Shorter beds work well in small bedrooms and for short adults or children.
This article is for informational purposes and should not replace advice from your doctor or other medical professional.
James Nguyen, Sleep Expert 
James Nguyen is Zoma's resident sleep expert and staff writer. James enjoys learning about the newest technologies in the mattress industry and doing deep dives into the science of sleep. He's tried nearly every gadget and gizmo in an effort to determine which sleep-promoting accessories can truly enhance your shut-eye. Outside of work, James takes his dedication to get healthy sleep seriously, and has even declared himself an "expert napper." James' research has been featured on Thrive Global and other media.
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