General Questions About Mattresses - Education


General Questions About Mattresses   by Kermit Bauer

in Education    (submitted 2010-07-09)

When it comes to purchasing a new mattress, consumers have a lot of questions on their minds. This article contains some of the more popular questions and answers regarding the purchase of new bedding.

What are the best bed dimensions for me?

Be sure you get a bed that is large enough to accommodate the space you need, especially if you share your bed. A king really does the trick if you like a bed with lots of room to spread out.

What does a mattress set consist of?

Three basic elements make up the composition of a mattress: The foundation acts as a giant shock absorber, taking the normal wear and tear of nightly use. Foundations also lend added support, durability and, in the case of adjustable beds, flexibility. The mattress core construction varies with the type of mattress. Whether the mattress is made of springs, air, foam, or water, this middle "core" provides support for the sleeper. The upholstery layers wrapped around the core provide surface comfort. A variety of foams and fibers are used to improve cushioning properties and enhance the support of the mattress core.

What is the difference between firm, plush and pillowtop?

Every mattress is different. Basically, "plush" refers to how soft the surface comfort is. A pillowtop mattress has a layer of materials loosely attached over the entire surface of the mattress resembling a large pillow. In most cases, pillowtops have a softer feel however some manufacturers produce firm pillowtops as well. A firm mattress doesn't have as much "give" as a plush or a pillowtop. There is still padding in a firm mattress but a lower gauge coil is used that creates a heavier stiffer wire.

What is a boxtop or eurotop?

These are different versions of the pillowtop style. The boxtop pillow consists of high quality foam as opposed to fiber and is generally thicker than the standard pillowtops and eurotops. Eurotops have an additional layer of padding sewn on the top of the mattress but unlike the pillowtop the edges are stitched down along the tape edge of the mattress.

What are the significance of coils?

Coils provide the essence of the support you feel in a mattress. Coils can also be found in box springs as well. Remember that coil count isn't necessarily the most important aspect in a coil unit. Coil concentration and construction play even bigger roles.

What are comfort layers?

The material on top of the mattress that provides extra cushioning is commonly referred to as padding. Latex provides extra resiliency and comfort and lasts as long as the mattress itself.

What are the differences between a foundation and a boxspring?

A foundation is basically a hard platform that rests beneath the mattress. A boxspring is a coil unit that provides more resiliency and works with the mattress. Whichever way, you should always buy a new boxspring when purchasing a new mattress.

Do I need a regular foundation or a split foundation for my queen sized mattress?

If you have a narrow hallway or stairway leading to your room, you will most likely need split foundations. Split queen foundations are half the size of standard queen foundations. They measure 30"w x 80" and fit much easier through tight spaces.

How tall are low-profile boxsprings?

Each manufacturer is slightly different. Low-profile boxsprings range in height from 4.5" to 6".

How tall are standard boxsprings?

Most standard boxsprings are 9" high.

Can I purchase just the mattress?

You can purchase a mattress only. However we do not recommend using an old or existing boxspring with your new mattress. Using a mismatch boxspring could affect the performance of you mattress and cause the mattress to wear faster than normal. In addition, the warranty may be invalidated. Please see your warranty guidelines for further details.

Are all mattresses one sided and why?

Most of the mattresses manufactured today are one-sided. In 2000, Simmons manufactured the first no-flip mattress and then others in the industry followed the trend soon after. The one-sided mattress is made of high quality and foams and fibers for durability. The no flip mattress is convenient and hassle free.