Purpose of a Box Spring

The majority of beds in the United States come in three distinct parts: mattress, box spring and frame. The support of the box spring is actually very important to prolonging the life of the mattress. Although box springs are not used throughout the world, they are a common in the United States.

Definition

A box spring, also known as a bed base, is a wooden frame, covered in cloth, that usually contains springs. The box spring is placed on top of a bed frame and then a softer mattress is placed on top of the box spring. A box spring is generally used as part of a western frame style or four poster bed. A box spring may be used without a frame or with only a minimal frame supporting it.

Purpose

A box spring has three main purposes. First, it helps to raise the height of the mattress to make it easier to get into and out of the bed. Second, it helps to create a flat and firm support system for the mattress rather than just a frame supporting it. Most importantly, a box spring helps to reduce shock to the mattress by absorbing it as movements occur and helps to prolong the life of the mattress by reducing wear upon it.

Features

The solid, wooden frame of a box spring is used to support and brace the mattress above it. The cloth covering keeps it from being damaged and gives it a pleasant appearance. The springs, or other devices to absorb shock, that are within the box spring are integral to the main purpose of a box spring. By using a box spring, the life of a mattress can be prolonged as much as 50% more than without a box spring.

Types

There are four main types of box springs that are generally used in the US. Foundation, semi-flex, coil and torsion bar box springs are the basic types. A foundation box spring is only a wooden frame covered with fabric and it has no special shock absorbency features. The semi-flex box spring has a wooden base and a metal top frame covered with fabric. It has no shock absorbency features but is stronger and does not squeak like the all wood foundation. The coil box spring has a wooden base and a metal upper frame but also has metal coil springs for shock absorbency and is covered by a fabric cover. This box spring has softer edges and more give to it than the previous versions. The torsion bar box spring is the top of the line model with both shock absorbing qualities and firm edges to make for comfortable and supported sleep. The torsion bar version has a wooden bottom with attached metal modules that turn and twist to absorb shock and provide support.

Options

In much of the world, beds do not use box springs and only consist of a mattress and a frame. In addition, futons may be placed directly onto a floor. Manufacturers of box springs are now making different heights and styles of box springs to accommodate the changes in mattresses. Bedding styles change as comfort and appearance desires change, and now there are box springs available to suit most styles.

References

• Bedding Basics

Resources

• About the Purpose of Box Springs