Box-spring

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 not uncommon to find a box-spring and mattress being used together without the support of a frame underneath (with the box spring placed directly 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 lay 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 UPS.

See also

• Box Spring
• Box Springs Mountain

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