Box-spring

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article is about the frame used to support a mattress. For the spring in Yellowstone Park, see Box Spring.

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 wooden or metal bedframe 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 frame, box-spring, and mattress make up a bed. It is also common to find a box-spring and mattress being used together without the support of a frame underneath, the box spring being mounted directly on casters standing on the floor.

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 lie upon. In much of the world, beds do not need a box-spring, but most traditional western frame or four poster beds require one. In Japan for example, a Futon mattress might be placed directly on the floor or on a frame but never on a box spring.

Currently more and more box-springs are being made out of wood, then covered in fabrics. Wood makes a better support system for the newer memory foam and latex mattresses. The newest design in box-springs is the folding box spring made of wood and springs, then covered in fabric which can fold in half and can be sent by shipping and courier companies.

With the increasing height of mattresses, manufacturers now make box springs in different heights. Standard "high profile" box springs are 9" in height, whereas "low profile" box springs are between 5" and 5 1/2". The difference between the two heights is purely aesthetic and makes no difference in the support provided for the mattress.