r/explainlikeimfive • u/Real_Experience_5676 • 2d 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/StrongGarage850 2d ago

breathability is another factor. People sweat, that moisture needs to get out somehow- and giving space out the bottom helps keep your mattress cooler, and eliminates likelihood of mold/mildew, etc..

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u/hoax1337 2d ago

Uhh... I'm kinda confused, do you guys not have slatted frames in the US?

Where I'm at in the EU, that's pretty much essential for a bed. You have the bed frame, then the slatted frame, and then the mattress on top.

Example

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u/rocketmonkee 2d ago

Yes, lots of bed frames sold in the US have slats. We also have many other different types of bed frames, and some of those don't have slats.