Mattress Unboxed

Examples and Applications

Comfort is a primary consideration in mattress design, influencing choices from materials to construction techniques.

Benefits and Drawbacks

High comfort levels improve sleep quality, but achieving comfort for all sleepers can be difficult.

Related Concepts

Related to firmness, support, and pressure relief.

Other glossary terms

Adjustable Base

A bed base that can be adjusted to different positions.

Airflow

The ability of a mattress to allow air circulation.

Anti-Microbial

Materials or treatments used to prevent the growth of microbes.

Back Sleeper

A person who prefers to sleep on their back.

Base Layer

The foundational layer that supports the comfort layers.

Body Weight

The weight of the person using the mattress.

Bounce

The responsiveness and elasticity of a mattress.

Box Spring

A base for a mattress that typically includes springs for additional support.

Breathability

The ability of a mattress to allow air circulation.

Breathable Cover

A cover designed to allow air circulation and keep the mattress cool.

California King

A mattress size that is narrower and longer than a standard king.

CertiPUR-US

A certification for foam products made without harmful chemicals.

Certifications

Certifications verifying the quality and safety of materials.

Coil Count

The number of coils in an innerspring mattress.

Coils

Metal components used in innerspring mattresses.

Combination Sleeper

A person who changes sleeping positions throughout the night.

Comfort Layer

The layer of a mattress that provides comfort and cushioning.

Cooling

The capacity of a mattress to stay cool and regulate temperature.

Cooling Gel

A gel infused into foam to help regulate temperature.

Customer Service

Support provided by the company to help customers.

Durability

The longevity and lifespan of a mattress.

Dust Mite Resistant

Materials or treatments used to repel dust mites.

Eco-Friendly

Materials and practices used to minimize environmental impact.

Edge Support

The strength of a mattress's edges to support weight without collapsing.

Euro Top

A mattress with an additional layer of padding sewn into the top.

Firm

A mattress with minimal give or softness.

Firmness

The level of hardness or softness of a mattress.

Flame Retardant

Materials used to reduce flammability.

Foam

A material used in mattresses for comfort and support.

Foam Density

The mass per unit volume of foam used in mattresses.

Foundation

A solid or slatted structure to support a mattress.

Front Sleeper

Another term for a stomach sleeper, referring to a person who sleeps on their stomach.

Gauge

The thickness of the wire used in mattress coils.

Gel Foam

Foam infused with gel to enhance cooling properties.

Handcrafted

Mattresses made by skilled artisans.

Handles

Straps on the side of a mattress for easier handling.

Hybrid

A combination of memory foam, innerspring, and/or latex layers.

Hypoallergenic

Materials or treatments used to prevent allergic reactions.

Imported

Mattresses manufactured in other countries.

Innerspring

A mattress type that uses metal coils to provide support.

King

A large mattress size suitable for two people with extra space.

Latex

A natural or synthetic rubber material used in some mattresses.

Lumbar Support

Support provided to the lower back region.

Luxury

High-end, often more expensive mattresses with premium features.

Made in USA

Mattresses manufactured in the United States.

Manufacturing

The process of producing mattresses.

Materials

The substances used in the construction of mattresses.

Mattress

A large, rectangular pad for supporting the body while sleeping.

Mattress Pad

A thin layer placed on top of a mattress for protection and added comfort.

Mattress Protector

A protective cover to safeguard a mattress from spills and stains.

Medium

A mattress with a balanced level of firmness and softness.

Memory Foam

A type of foam that molds to the shape of the body, providing support and comfort.

Microcoils

Small, individually wrapped coils used in the comfort layers of some mattresses for added support and comfort.

Motion Isolation

The ability of a mattress to absorb motion and prevent it from transferring across the bed.

Natural Fibers

Materials derived from natural sources like cotton or wool.

Neck Support

Support provided to the neck region.

Off-Gassing

The release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from a new mattress.

Open-Cell Foam

Foam with an open-cell structure to enhance airflow.

Organic

Made from materials grown without pesticides and chemicals.

Orthopaedic Mattress

A mattress designed to support the joints, back, and overall body, often recommended for people with back problems.

Phase Change Material

Materials used to absorb and dissipate heat.

Pillow-Top Mattress

A mattress with an additional layer of padding sewn onto the top for extra comfort.

Plush

A mattress with an extra soft and cushioned feel.

Polyurethane

A type of foam used in many mattresses.

Pressure Relief

The ability of a mattress to alleviate pressure points on the body.

Queen

A popular mattress size suitable for two people.

Quilting

The process of sewing layers of fabric and padding together.

Refunds

The money returned to a customer after a return.

Removable Cover

A cover that can be removed for cleaning.

Returns

The process of returning a mattress.

Sagging

The tendency of a mattress to lose its shape and support over time.

Shoulder Support

Support provided to the shoulder region.

Side Sleeper

A person who prefers to sleep on their side.

Sleep Cycle

The progression through various stages of sleep, including light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep.

Sleep Foundation

An organisation or entity that provides research, education, and resources on sleep health and sleep-related products.

Sleep Partner

A person who shares a bed with another sleeper.

Sleep Position

The preferred sleeping position of an individual.

Sleep Trial

A period during which a customer can try a mattress before committing.

Sleeping Hot

The sensation of feeling too warm while sleeping on a mattress.

Soft

A mattress with significant softness.

Spinal Alignment

The alignment of the spine while lying down.

Split King

A mattress size consisting of two twin XL mattresses placed side by side.

Springs

Metal components used in innerspring mattresses.

Stitching

The method of securing layers of fabric with threads or yarns.

Stomach Sleeper

A person who prefers to sleep on their stomach.

Support

The ability of a mattress to provide proper alignment and support to the body.

Support Core

The innermost layer of a mattress that provides foundational support.

Sustainable

Practices used to ensure renewable and eco-friendly resource usage.

Temperature Regulation

The ability of a mattress to maintain a stable temperature.

Thickness

The height or depth of a mattress.

Topper

An additional layer placed on top of a mattress for extra comfort.

Trial Period

A period during which a customer can return the mattress for a refund.

Tufting

The method of securing layers of fabric with threads or yarns.

Twin

A small mattress size suitable for one person.

Twin XL

A mattress size that is larger than a twin but smaller than a queen.

Ventilation

Features in a mattress that allow for air circulation to prevent overheating and promote a cooler sleep environment.

Viscoelastic

A type of foam with memory properties.

Warranty

A guarantee provided by the manufacturer against defects.

Washable Cover

A cover that can be washed to maintain hygiene.

Zoned Support

Specific areas of a mattress designed to provide targeted support.