Welcome to our Bedding & Mattress guide. Here you will find information to help you make the best bed buying decisions. Our industry is full of manufacturers who love advertising their latest sleep technology, but often lose their customers in confusing terminology and concepts. Below we will review bed types, sizes, maintnence, and various tips to assist you in your purchase. Use the quicklinks below to skip to the information you need.
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Types of Beds
Innerspring:
Innerspring mattresses come in many variations manufactured by countless suppliers. These mattresses contain a matrix of metal coils which support the sleep surface.
Without getting too advanced, there are a few different coil designs utilized in today's mattresses. The most common design is an open-coil. Manufacturer's vary their beds from extra-firm to extra-plush by increasing the coil gauge or increasing coil count. Another design growing in popularity is the pocketed coil. This design encases cylindrical coils in their own fabric/foam pockets. In doing so, the motion of each coil is isolated from that of the coils surrounding it. Overall, the pocketed coil design decreases motion transfer... allowing both partners to get an excellent night's sleep.
Some innerspring mattresses come topped with pillowtops, memory foam, and latex toppers. High-end innerspring pillowtop mattresses are often some of the most plush mattresses available.
Memory Foam & Latex Mattresses:
As often advertised, memory foam was developed in the 1960's for use in Nasa space missions. Over 40 years ago, scientists and engineers succeeded in developing a material which conforms to a user's natural curves.
Memory foam & latex mattresses both offer unique sleep experiences. Each material supports your body, conforms to your curves, and eliminates motion transfer. However, traditional memory foam relaxes into your contours while latex presses back ever so slightly against your weight. This springy feel is due to the increased resilience of most latex foams (compared to memory foam).
Memory foam "density" is not a measure of firmness. Foam firmness is actually determined via an Indentation Force Deflection (IFD) measurement. The density, as with all materials, simply tells you the weight per volume of the foam. Many users feel that a more dense memory foam has the traditional "memory" feel. Memory foam in the 3-6lb range is typically used.
For a more natural product, a latex mattress (like Sensa's Eden model) may be right for you. Sensa's latex is naturally and sustainably derived from rubber trees and uses ticking derived from natural fibers in wood pulp.
Most foam mattresses in today's market feature combinations of memory foam, latex, and various density foams. Combinations of various 2-3" layers have been engineered to maximize conformity while maintaining ergonomic support.
Chiropractic:
Chiropractic mattresses are designed with back support and proper sleep posture in mind. Companies like Eclipse and Lemoyne Sleeper develop mattresses specifically to reduce back pain and help those suffering from back stiffness and soreness.
Chiropractic beds are typically very firm mattresses. Many of our Chiropractic mattresses carry seals of approval from organizations such as the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations. Designs such as Eclipse's Spinal Zone technology have been clinically tested to reduce back pain and increase overall sleep quality.
Don't forget, if you're suffering from sleep-related back stiffness and soreness, in addition to looking into Chiropractic mattresses, one should consider trying new pillows to compliment their bed selection.
Waterbeds:
Though waterbed popularity is on the decline, many users stand-by this sleep platform. Like memory foam mattresses, waterbeds tend to decrease pressure points.
There are two main categories of waterbeds available today. Soft-sided waterbeds feature a water filled bladder surrounded by foam and upholstery. The more traditional hard-sided waterbeds feature an unstructured bladder supported by a frame and platform. Today, both soft and hard-sided waterbeds come with a variety of bladders ranging from free-flow to waveless designs.
It is important to remember that waterbeds require unique maintenance procedures. Users should add conditioner regularly and must be careful (especially with pets) to avoid leaks & punctures.
Mattress Sizes
| Width | Length | |
| Twin | 39" | 75" |
| Twin XL | 39" | 80" |
| Full | 54" | 75" |
| Full XL | 54" | 80" |
| Queen | 60" | 80" |
| King | 76" | 80" |
| California King | 72" | 84" |
Twin - 39" wide x 75" long
These mattresses are sometimes referred to as "single" beds. Twin size mattresses are commonly used for small children, young teens, and guest rooms. Due to their narrow width and small footprint, twin mattresses are perfect for smaller rooms. Add a "trundle" (a rollout bed stowed underneath) in order to accomodate an extra guest.
Pros: Easy to find (and affordable) sheets. Perfect for children & small enough to fit in any bedroom.
Cons: Not large enough for more than one individual. Too short for most adults.
Twin Extra Long (XL) - 39" wide x 80" long
This size extends the uses of the standard twin mattress. An extra 5" in length makes this size perfect for young adults, dorm rooms, and adult guest rooms. Like the twin, the Twin XL's narrow footprint makes this an excellent choice for smaller bedrooms. Combine two Extra Long Twin mattresses to form a King size bed.
Pros: Sized just right for young adults in small bedrooms (dorm rooms). Excellent motion isolation when pushed together & combined into a King set.
Cons: Many mattress toppers are only available in Twin size. Twin XL sheets can be difficult to find.
Full - 54" wide x 75" long
These mattresses are sometimes referred to as "doubles." However, at only 54", the Full is not "double" the width of a twin. A full size bed is perfect for single sleepers in larger bedrooms (or partners in smaller rooms).
Pros: Easy to find sheets & bedding.
Cons: A very tight squeeze for two individuals. Only 27" of horizontal space per person.
Full Extra Long (XL) - 54" wide x 80" long
The Full XL is not a very common size. However, this size could be considered for adults & taller individuals. Most people look to the Queen size when extra length is needed.
Pros: An extra 5" in length -- great for taller individuals.
Cons: Not a common size. Sheets are very hard to find.
Queen - 60" wide x 80" long
The Queen is a popular choice for partners in smaller master bedrooms. A full 80" in length is adequate for most adults. However, it is important to keep in mind that 60" leaves only 30" width per person -- smaller than sleeping in a twin by yourself.
Pros: A great option for small master bedrooms. Easy to find sheets.
Cons: Large boxsprings can be difficult to get into your home (up stairs, around corners).
King - 76" wide x 80" long
The King size mattress is an excellent choice for partners who need their personal space. The 76"x80" footprint gives each individual plenty of room in both dimensions. However, that same footprint means the King requires a large bedroom and large, open hallways/doorways in order to get it into your home. We often recommend using dual Twin XL mattresses in order to avoid these issues. Note: King sets typically use two side-by-side boxsprings.
Pros: Plenty of space, perfect for large master bedrooms. The widest option available, sleeps two people comfortably.
Cons: Difficult to make the bed. Difficult to move.
California King - 72" wide x 84" long
Contrary to popular belief... the California King is only larger than the King in one dimension -- length. This makes the California King the best option for taller individuals. From corner to corner, the California King measures over 91". The California is sometimes referred to as a "Western King."
Pros: Maximum space for taller individuals, still sleeps two people comfortably.
Cons: Like the King, this size is difficult to maneuver into your home.
Choosing A Bed
Room Size & Usage
Perhaps the most important consideration when shopping for a new bed is the size and intended use of your bedroom. Not all bedroom sets are available in all sizes. Typically a bedroom set will either be available in Twin and Full or Queen and King sizes. The smaller sets are appropriate for kid's and teenager's rooms while larger bedroom sets are intended for master bedrooms.
We always recommend measuring new bedrooms before shopping for a new bed. Using our sizing information above, ask yourself these questions. Will the bed fit within the desired area (factor in headboards & footboards)? Do I have room to access the bed on both sides? Will there be enough room for nightstands, dressers, etc?
Hallway & Entry Space
In some locations, it is simply not possible to maneuver a one-piece King-size mattress into a second or third story bedroom. For master bedrooms with constricted access, you should consider a split king setup. This configuration uses two side-by-side twin mattresses to form the equivalent of a King-size mattress.
In other confined spaces, it is often easier to maneuver memory foam or latex mattresses into place. These mattresses are typically much more flexible than their innerspring counterparts... allowing you to maneuver around corners & up stairs.
On local deliveries, your mattress will be delivered and setup by our very own employees. Our Delivery Associates are well-versed in the techniques required to get a mattress safely into your bedroom.
Terminology
Boxsprings: The bottom piece of a bedding set. Typically designed to compliment the features of your mattress, adding extra support via additional coils inside an upholstered wooden frame.
Euro-Top: An incorporated layer of cushioning on top of the mattress... designed for ultimate comfort.
Foundation: Occasionally used synonymously with boxsprings. Foundations are of a slightly different construction and are typically used with memory foam & latex mattresses.
Latex: A natural, nonallergenic foam bedding material. Latex is fire retardant and long lasting. Before the introduction of memory foam, latex was the only ultra-premium foam product. Latex is often used as a topper on traditional innerspring mattresses.
LifeEdge/Edge Support: Eclipse's LifeEdge system and other manufacturer's technology used to support the edge of your bed. This helps to eliminate sagging edges.
Memory Foam: Visco-elastic foam product designed by NASA in the 1960/70's. Conforms to curves & limits motion-transfer.
Pillow-Top: A Pillow-Top mattress has added padding & cushioning on top of the mattress. This added layer results in an ultra-plush, fluffy sleep surface.
Platform Bed: Platform beds are platforms which support mattresses but do not use a boxspring. These bedroom sets offer a low-profile contemporary style.
Pocketed Coil: An innerspring mattress type in which each coil/spring is encased in its own pocket of foam or fabric. This design isolates the motion of individual springs and helps to eliminate motion transfer while maximizing overall conformity.
Spinal Zone: This is a technology designed by Eclipse International. Spinal Zone enhances lumbar and thigh support and has been clinically proven to improve sleep quality & reduce back stiffness.
Ticking: Fabric which is layered over the outside of a mattress.
If you have any further questions regarding mattress sizing, choosing a bed, or general terminology... please call us at (609)-298-0910.
