Box-spring
Encyclopedia
A box-spring is a type of bed base
typically consisting of a sturdy wooden frame covered in cloth, and containing springs
. Usually the box-spring is placed on top of a wooden or metal bedframe which sits on the floor and acts as a brace. The box-spring is usually the same size as the much softer mattress
which is placed above the box-spring. Working together, the frame, box-spring, and mattress make up a bed. It is common to find a box-spring and mattress being used together without the support of a frame underneath, the box spring being mounted directly on caster
s standing on the floor.
The purpose of the box-spring is threefold:
The first rectangular spring-cushioned wire frames to support mattresses did not have wood rims or cloth covers. These were called bedsprings. More and more box-springs are being made out of wood, then covered in fabrics. Wood makes a better support system for the newer memory foam and latex mattresses. The newest design in box-springs is the folding box spring made of wood and springs, then covered in fabric which can fold in half and can be sent by shipping and courier companies.
With the increasing height of mattresses, manufacturers now make box springs in different heights. Standard "high profile" box springs are 9 inches (22.9 cm) in height, whereas "low profile" box springs are between 5 and 5.5 in (12.7 and 14 cm). The difference between the two heights is purely aesthetic and makes no difference in the support provided for the mattress.
and Canada
.
Alternatively, in Japan
futon
mattresses are usually either placed on a bedframe or on the floor, without the use of springs; in Germany
, mattresses are usually placed on a slatted base on the bedframe. This lath floor provides suspension, allows the mattress to ventilate, and can be designed to be vertically adjustable in order to elevate the legs and / or the torso.
Bed base
A bed base is the part of a bed that supports the mattress. The bed base is itself held in place and framed by the bedstead. In the United States, box spring bed bases are very common . In Europe, sprung slats are much more common....
typically consisting of a sturdy wooden frame covered in cloth, and containing springs
Spring (device)
A spring is an elastic object used to store mechanical energy. Springs are usually made out of spring steel. Small springs can be wound from pre-hardened stock, while larger ones are made from annealed steel and hardened after fabrication...
. Usually the box-spring is placed on top of a wooden or metal bedframe which sits on the floor and acts as a brace. The box-spring is usually the same size as the much softer mattress
Mattress
A mattress is a manufactured product to sleep or lie on, consisting of resilient materials and covered with an outer fabric or ticking. In the developed world it is typically part of a bed set and is placed upon a foundation....
which is placed above the box-spring. Working together, the frame, box-spring, and mattress make up a bed. It is common to find a box-spring and mattress being used together without the support of a frame underneath, the box spring being mounted directly on caster
Caster
A caster is an undriven, single, double, or compound wheel that is designed to be mounted to the bottom of a larger object so as to enable that object to be easily moved...
s standing on the floor.
The purpose of the box-spring is threefold:
- to raise the mattress' height, making it easier to get in and out of bed;
- to absorb shock and reduce wear to the mattress; and
- to create a flat and firm structure for the mattress to lie upon.
The first rectangular spring-cushioned wire frames to support mattresses did not have wood rims or cloth covers. These were called bedsprings. More and more box-springs are being made out of wood, then covered in fabrics. Wood makes a better support system for the newer memory foam and latex mattresses. The newest design in box-springs is the folding box spring made of wood and springs, then covered in fabric which can fold in half and can be sent by shipping and courier companies.
With the increasing height of mattresses, manufacturers now make box springs in different heights. Standard "high profile" box springs are 9 inches (22.9 cm) in height, whereas "low profile" box springs are between 5 and 5.5 in (12.7 and 14 cm). The difference between the two heights is purely aesthetic and makes no difference in the support provided for the mattress.
Alternatives
Box-spring beds are popular especially in the United StatesUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
.
Alternatively, in Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
futon
Futon
Futon is an English word derived from Japanese , a term generally referring to the traditional style of Japanese bedding consisting of padded mattresses and quilts pliable enough to be folded and stored away during the day, allowing the room to serve for purposes other than as a bedroom...
mattresses are usually either placed on a bedframe or on the floor, without the use of springs; in Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, mattresses are usually placed on a slatted base on the bedframe. This lath floor provides suspension, allows the mattress to ventilate, and can be designed to be vertically adjustable in order to elevate the legs and / or the torso.