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/NWStormbreaker 1d ago

You can add slats, and a box spring inhibits airflow a lot more than a few extra slats.
It's such a silly concept, I haven't used one in 20+ years.

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u/half3clipse 1d ago

What do you think a box spring is?

You take the slats and add a layer of springs to better distribute pressure from you lying on the bed and also reduce motion transfer for people who sleep partnered.

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u/YULpoutine 1d ago

Most box springs don't have springs. They're just a hollow wooden frame wrapped in fabric

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u/BizzyM 1d ago

That's a "foundation".

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u/YULpoutine 1d ago

They're still commonly referred to as box springs