What purpose does box springs serve?

NeoPTLD

Platinum Member
Nov 23, 2001
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The box springs on my bed broke some time ago. I ordered a new one under warranty about a month ago and I just got it yesterday. From the time it was broken to yesterday, I slept with the matress on the floor. Matress needs a rigid flat surface and it can't rest directly on the frame. What purpose does box springs serve beside elevating the overall height and allowing you to use the matress on frame?

In other words, what are the differences between using the matress on the floor and using it on the box springs beside the height?

I rephrased it a bit. Happy now grammar nazis?
 

NogginBoink

Diamond Member
Feb 17, 2002
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Ya know, that's a really good question.

Especially when the manufacturers say the box springs are 'tuned' to the mattress.

If you find the answer, let me know.
 

Mday

Lifer
Oct 14, 1999
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the box spring serves to support the middle of the mattress, and sometimes to elevate the mattress itself.

some bed frames have a full bottom, so no box spring is necessary. some bed frames allow for planks of wood to support the mattress. some bed frames have no such support, so a box spring is necessary.

if the mattress middle is not supported, it will break.
 

NeoPTLD

Platinum Member
Nov 23, 2001
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Originally posted by: Mday
the box spring serves to support the middle of the mattress, and sometimes to elevate the mattress itself.

some bed frames have a full bottom, so no box spring is necessary. some bed frames allow for planks of wood to support the mattress. some bed frames have no such support, so a box spring is necessary.

if the mattress middle is not supported, it will break.

I wouldn't argue that box springs gives a flat structural support for matress to sit on sides of the frame. The question is what does the box springs gives you that you can't achieve by putting the matress on the floor beside the height?
 

WinkOsmosis

Banned
Sep 18, 2002
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Originally posted by: NeoPTLD
Originally posted by: Mday
the box spring serves to support the middle of the mattress, and sometimes to elevate the mattress itself.

some bed frames have a full bottom, so no box spring is necessary. some bed frames allow for planks of wood to support the mattress. some bed frames have no such support, so a box spring is necessary.

if the mattress middle is not supported, it will break.

I wouldn't argue that box springs gives a flat structural support for matress to sit on sides of the frame. The question is what does the box springs gives you that you can't achieve by putting the matress on the floor beside the height?

A matress on the floor doesn't look cool?