OKay, so DH and I have to order a new mattress for our new bedroom set. We're getting a queen. Doesn anyone know if you need to purchase a box spring with the mattress? I dont really know what a box spring does or if its actually necessary
Summer07Bride
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Re: I have a question about mattresses
A box-spring is a hard sturdy wooden frame, covered in cloth, containing springs or some other form of torsion. 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 not uncommon to find a box-spring and mattress being used together without the support of a frame underneath (with the box spring placed directly on the floor).
Stolen for wikipedia.
laural2979
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Re: I have a question about mattresses
The only beds that I've seen without a box spring are the ones that Ikea sells that are really low to the floor. The box spring adds height to the bed and gives you a little more support. You're definitely going to want to get one.
Summer07Bride
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Re: I have a question about mattresses
The box-spring serves three main purposes: To help raise the mattress's height, making it easier to get in and out of bed; to help absorb shock and reduce wear to the mattress; and to help create a perfectly flat and firm structure for the mattress to lay upon.
Some beds do not need a box-spring, but most traditional frame or four poster beds require one.
portjeffbride
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Re: I have a question about mattresses
platform beds (usually modern, low, ex. IKEA) have no box springs...... the box spring is supposed to extend the wear of your mattress.... however, I'm not completely sold on them, since they almost double the cost.... why not get a new mattress sooner?
We've had no box spring for years, and are doing fine. the mattress is holding up reasonably well (despite it being less expensive... from grad school days, need I say more )
If it were me, I'd get a box spring if I wanted a more traditional look, with a high bed, and I'd ditch the box spring if I wanted a modern low look. If you already picked-out your bedframe (platform, vs hollow frame with headboard), you already made that decision, whether you knew it or not, since platforms do not accommodate box springs well, and headboards w/o a platform require a box spring for support....
