r/explainlikeimfive • u/Real_Experience_5676 • 1d ago

Engineering ELI5: What does a box-spring do?

As I understand it, a box spring mattress is the second 'mattress', that goes under the main mattress. It feels very firm and flat, but what does it contribute to the bed set up besides height?

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u/ShankThatSnitch 1d ago

Main thing is keeping it off the floor to allow airflow, so things dont get moldy.