What is the purpose of a bed (rather than just a mattress)?

Question

Besides looking nice and adding storage space under the mattress, is there any benefit to having an official bed rather just plopping the box spring and mattress on the floor?

Answer 1

What they said, and also, you can store stuff under it, or if you're small, hide there.

Answer 2

It's perfectly OK to plop the box spring and mattress on the floor.  

Most people would say it doesn't look as nice, of course, but it's not in any way harmful, either to the sleeper or to the mattress.

The issue is really support.  As long as you've got the box spring, or the mattress is sitting directly on a hard floor or other surface that evenly distributes weight (such as a slatted, rather than sides-only frame), it won't damage the mattress.

Elevating the mattress/box spring also keeps them cleaner, though ... if they're directly on the floor, they'll get dustier.  If the person suffers from allergies, it might not be a good idea!

Answer 3

In addition to the other excellent answers above, raising the bed off the floor helps to keep the sleeper out of draughts that typically go across the floor.

Answer 4

For sanitary reasons. To keep pests out of your bed. To prevent spills on the floor from seeping onto your mattress. To protect the mattress in case of flood.  

Answer 5

It puts it at a more comfortable height, making it easier to get in and out of.