Mattress Tips
WHAT MAKES A MATTRESS
Most sleep sets sold currently consist of an innerspring mattress and a matching box spring. Innerspring means that the mattress is filled with hundreds of steel wire coils that are tempered with heat or electricity to help them return to their original height after each compression. The mattress is then topped with various types of padding and covered with fabric.
The coils used in innerspring sleep sets are made in several configurations, sizes, heights and gauges. Depending upon the wire height and number of turns, a full size unit can have a wide range of coil counts. Coil count is only one measure of quality.
A sleep set should always be bought as a "set." The boxsprings support the mattress and keep it from prematurely wearing out. Much of the force upon a mattress is absorbed by the boxspring. Without the boxspring, the mattress can wear out a great percentage faster. Boxsprings are also made with a variety of coil types. They also vary in their coil counts.
Foam mattresses
There are mattresses available that are without any springs and are made of foam only. Polyurethane foam and latex (foam rubber) are the two basic types of foam core mattresses. Polyurethane foam mattresses are available at all price points. Virtually any "feel" a consumer may want in bedding can come from polyurethane foam bedding.
The density of the foam is independent of firmness but is considered an important indicator of foam quality. Foam with a density of 1.8 pounds per cubic foot is less likely to "bottom out," "fatigue" - soften or lose a load bearing capacity - or "dish" - the corners rise and bow in response to deep compression in the center. Higher density virgin foam cores tend to have better surface softness along with deep down support.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A QUALITY SLEEP SET
The four major benefits of quality bedding are support, comfort, durability and freedom of movement. Every piece of bedding has design and construction features which supply varying amounts of these four major benefits.
SUPPORT
The most important characteristic of a quality sleep set is that it provides adequate body support. It must also position the body correctly for proper, restful sleep. A mattress should support body weight evenly over the surface of the mattress. It should accommodate the hips and shoulders without letting the lower back sag, and maintain the body in the same position as a person with good upright posture. The firmest mattress will not necessarily give the best support. This is because firmness is provided by the foam in the top section of the mattress while the support is provided by the innerspring section. The two can be of differing qualities.
Quality inner-spring and foam mattresses all have construction features which can ensure proper support. The quality of an innerspring mattress is based partly upon the coil configuration. Coil count is only one measure of quality, but the higher the coil count the better. Other factors include:
Variation in coil design
The type of mattress coils
The gauge of wire
The ways of connecting the coils
The edge and center reinforcements
Differences in the firmness ratio
COMFORT
Comfort is a more subjective measure than support. It is a personal evaluation of how the mattress feels to the customer. Mattresses are designed with varying degrees of firmness and surface softness. Different bedding types, which may all provide adequate support will be perceived as having differing levels of comfort. Professional bedding salespeople should know the construction features of the sleep set shown which contribute to comfort. Customers should also make sure that they take the time to lie down, relax, and really feel the comfort levels of different sleep sets.
DURABILITY
The useful life of a sleep set is a function of component materials, product design and execution. The benefit to the consumer of high quality bedding is a sleep surface that will give greater support and comfort over a longer period of time. Professional salespeople should relate the design and quality features of their products which result in long life and increased product durability.
FREEDOM
Mattresses are available in seven basic sizes; the twin, twin extra long, double (full, regular), double extra long, queen, king and the California king (see chart). The average person moves 40 to 60 times each night and spends one third of his life in bed. A double bed gives two sleepers only 27 inches of width, which is about as much space as in a baby's crib. To achieve adequate freedom of movement, two adult sleepers of average size should purchase a queen size or larger bed. A single adult should sleep on a full size or larger bed. A queen gives about 20% more sleeping space and a king 50% more sleeping space than a full size bed.
ADDITIONAL FACTORS
A purchaser may want to consider fabric protection which will come with a manufacturers guarantee.
Most purchasers of quality bedding will also need a bed frame. Metal bed frames should be matched to the size and type of bedding they support. Queen and King size bedding should be supported by a frame with center support rails.
