Once upon a time you couldn't purchase a mattress without a box spring. Today, box springs are all but obsolete, reserved only for a small niche of users. But if you’re of a certain age you might be wondering if mattresses still need box springs today. The short answer: not really.
A box spring is an upholstered wooden or metal frame with coils, although modern interpretations may feature a metal grid. During the last century, box springs were essential because most people slept on innerspring mattresses that sagged and wore out without extra support. Today, the best mattresses on the market are dominated by all-foam and hybrid models, which are taller and more durable — and don’t need a box spring.
