Mattress Buying

I have a sagging queen mattress that needs replacement.

The thing I have never understood is if and why the box springs have to be replaced with the mattress. Is it just a sales ploy? How does one evaulate if the box springs need replacement?

Downstairs I bought a used full thick mattress that rests on a platform and has no box springs. It was used on a child’s bed by a family whose house was very clean. It is really firm- don’t know if it is from the lack of box springs or not.

Once thing I want is a mattress that can be reversed. Many of them can’t these days.

Would appreciate any suggestions.