Box-spring
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A box-spring is a hard sturdy wooden frame, covered in cloth, containing springs or some other form of torsion. Usually the box-spring is placed on top of a metal frame which sits on the floor and acts as a brace. The box-spring is usually the same size as the much softer mattress which is placed above the box-spring. Working together, the metal frame, box-spring, and mattress make up a bed. It is not uncommon to find a box-spring and mattress being used together without the support of a metal frame underneath.
The box-spring serves three main purposes: To help raise the mattress's height, making it easier to get in and out of bed; to help absorb shock and reduce wear to the mattress; and to help create a perfectly flat and firm structure for the mattress to lay upon.
Some beds do not need a box-spring, but most traditional metal-frame or four-post beds require one.