This describes a product treated to inhibit the growth of micro-organisms such as bacteria, dust mites and mould, and therefore offers relief to asthma and allergy sufferers. Also see ‘Hypoallergenic’ and ‘Self cleaning’.
The most widely used option, from budget through to mid-price range beds; also known as the Bonnell spring. Rows of hourglass shaped springs are connected top and bottom by a spiral wire, known as a helical wire. The edge of round rod edge. Most units are heat-treated or tempered for improved tensile strength and durability. There are at least 288 open springs in a 135cm/4ft 6in mattress; and 325 in a 150cm/5ft one – but variations may have more springs.
This is the number of spring ‘coils’ in a mattress. There are at least 288 open springs in a 135cm/4ft 6in mattress; and 325 in a 150cm/5ft one – but variations may have more springs. If a divan or mattress has a number (anything from 800 – 2000) in its name, this is generally an advertisement of a superior coil count and usually refers to the number of springs in the 150cm/5ft version of the mattress. As a general rule, the more springs it contains, the more faithfully a mattress can follow the contours of your body and, therefore, the more comfortable and supportive it will be.
Continental sizes are slightly larger than standard UK sizes. A Continental size bed will require a Continental size mattress and in turn larger bedding. All our Continental size products are clearly marked.
Instead of using individual, linked springs, the continuous spring unit is made from a single length of wire ‘knitted’ into a series of interwoven springs which usually run up and down the bed and are linked vertically rather than horizontally. Generally speaking, the gauge of wires used is softer and the size of the ‘coils’ smaller, giving a higher spring count and a more responsive feel. Many continuous spring constructions are marketed under specific brand names – generally in the mid-to-upper price bands.
Used on the top and bottom of a mattress to create a smooth, firm, flat finish. As the cover and layers of fillings are stitched together before being attached around the spring unit, the amount of fillings used is limited. Nowadays, more imaginative designs can emulate the higher loft of micro quilting, but do not go right to the edge of the mattress top.
This type of bed consists of a mattress on top of a supportive base. The base is made of a wooden or metal frame upholstered to match the mattress cover. The top of the base unit can be a solid ‘platform’ or ‘sprung edge’, which alters the feel of the bed. (Please see these terms individually for further explanation.) Divans are available in a range of sizes and most have the option of drawers, which are built into the base. These drawers do not affect the stability or comfort of the base and provide convenient under bed storage.
Foam mattresses are often frowned upon for being cheap, but modern versions are made from layers of different densities of material that impart the required degree of comfort and support. The revolutionary “memory” type foams or “visco elastic” foams are a far cry from the old types. These days, all foams used in beds must be combustion modified to meet stringent fire safety regulations. Polyurethane foams are the most common and versatile, with performance and price varying according to density, quality and type.
This describes the feel of a mattress when you are laid on it. If you want a softer feel try a medium firmness or a soft mattress or use a sprung base to give more give to a firm mattress. If you want a harder feel try an orthopaedic mattress.
The spring system on a firm edge base is contained within a surrounding timber frame, which gives the base a firmer feel. Firm edge bases are usually supplied with legs and castors.
A Japanese invention consisting of a firm unsprung sleeping surface made from layers of cotton wadding, which moulds itself to the shape of the sleeper. All our futons come as sofa beds with convertible frames of wood or metal. Futons need good ventilation and lots of turning if they are to remain effective. Their life expectancy is generally shorter than a conventional bed and they are ideal for occasional use.
This refers to the thickness of wire used to make the springs in a mattress. Changing this, the number of coils and the density of springs will all alter the feel and firmness of the support. For reference, the lower the number, the firmer the mattress. 13.5 gauge is a thinner wire and gives you a medium firm feel, but is softer than 12 gauge which is used in firmer or so-called orthopaedic mattresses.
This refers to the way the side of a mattress is finished and there are two techniques. Traditional, hand stitching is a lengthy, highly skilled process, involving passing a needle and thread right through the fillings to the horizontal surfaces of the mattress for additional strength and stability. It is most commonly used on top quality pocket spring mattresses. Non hand side stitching provides a similar visual effect and benefits, but the side panels have only been attached to the spring, not right through the filling. Some quilted panels are designed to look like side stitching.
This is a process used to secure the fillings of a mattress and there are two ways of doing it. Hand tufting is commonly associated with pocket spring beds and involves passing a series of tapes right through the mattress at regular intervals. These are secured on each side by tags or washers made of plastic, felt or wool, depending on the quality. Tufting puts the mattress under tension but prevents the loose fillings usually used in pocket spring mattresses from being dislodged. Hand tufting has become associated with a quality product but the surface effect is uneven. Choose a ‘micro-quilted’ option if you prefer a smoother surface. A modern alternative is spiral tufting, where the mattress core, fabric and fillings are machine sewn together, to create the effect of a hand tufted bed.
This refers to mattresses that may help to reduce the symptoms of asthma and allergies. Some use fillings that are less likely to harbour bacteria, dust mites and mould, whilst others have a treated cover which is impermeable to them. Also see ‘Anti-Microbial’ and ‘Self cleaning’.
Most foam mattresses are made from layers of different densities of material that impart the required degree of comfort and support. These days, all foams used in beds must be combustion modified to meet stringent fire safety regulations. Latex is a premium quality material known for its distinctive resilient feel and durability and is available in range of comfort options. These mattresses are often anti-microbial and offer benefits to many allergy sufferers.
In the early 1970’s NASA’s Ames Research Centre funded a development project designed to create a substance that could help protect Astronauts from the incredible g-forces experienced during space mission take offs and re-entry. They believed that one of the key secrets to reducing g-forces on the body was to use a foam material that could conform to the shape of each astronaut and, more importantly, hold this conformity. While a foam mould of the Astronaut’s body shape could accomplish this, any movement would take the Astronaut out of this position and create incorrect pressure points against the body. Instead, they created a new foam material that was visco-elastic and therefore able to conform to the shape of the Astronaut, but return to its normal shape once pressure was removed from the foam. This could allow an even distribution of pressure or body weight over the entire surface of the memory foam, but, at the same time, quickly adapt to any movements of the body.
This is a mattress support system sometimes used on bedframes. It features a mesh grid made from metal, which may be flexible or rigid, and has the benefit of allowing your mattress to breathe. Beds bigger than a single may also have an additional support bar across the middle of the bed. This gives extra stability to the bedstead and your mattress.
You don’t have to turn the mattress although is is a good idea to turn end for end from time to time.
The most widely used option, from budget through to mid-price range beds; also known as the Bonnell spring. Rows of hourglass shaped springs are connected top and bottom by a spiral wire, known as a helical wire. The edge of round rod edge. Most units are heat-treated or tempered for improved tensile strength and durability. There are at least 288 open springs in a 135cm/4ft 6in mattress; and 325 in a 150cm/5ft one – but variations may have more springs.
A mattress described as ‘Orthopaedic’ is usually the firmest mattress in a manufacturer’s range. This may be of benefit to some people by improving posture, although it does not mean a back specialist has recommended it. Personal preference is just as important as is comfortable support, and if you suffer from a bad back, an ultra firm mattress may not actually be advisable.
These are the same as the Platform top divans with a wooden sided frame combined with a rigid, unsprung panel at the top. They also have a layer of padding on the top of the base, which slightly softens the feel. If you prefer a softer base a ‘sprung edge’ option may be more suitable.
This refers to an extra layer of cushioning on the sleeping surface of a mattress. This is the softest mattress that still provides support. These mattresses are quite often deeper than the norm so they might need deeper base sheets.
Platform or solid top divans consist of a wooden sided frame combined with a rigid, unsprung panel at the top. Often used with firmer mattresses on so-called ‘orthopaedic’ beds, it is also a cheaper option, using fewer materials and less labour. A platform top divan provides a firm foundation for your mattress, if you prefer something slightly softer a ‘sprung edge’ option may be more suitable.
Pocket springs are rows of smaller diameter, lightweight (15-18g) springs of varying shapes and sizes, each housed separately in a fabric pocket, which slightly compresses the spring and imparts springiness. The rows of springs are clipped, tied or bonded together. Pocket springs allow for more flexible response to compression, giving a higher degree of individual body support both in terms of contouring to body shape and for couples sharing a bed. As with all spring units, there are varying support options and many qualities. Although they are now much more widely available, pocket springs are generally to be found only in mid to upper price bands. The most expensive and luxurious are often hand-finished products employing the most exclusive materials.
One definition for ’pressure points’ describes it as “any of several points on the body where the pulse can be felt and where pressure on an underlying artery will control bleeding from that artery at a more distal point”. What this means in bed terms is that when we relax in bed extra weight is placed on the pressure points and this can effect blood flow round the body, which in turn can cause discomfort and exacerbate existing ailments such as back pain. The main pressure points of the human body are located in the neck, shoulder, abdomen, low back, knee, middle leg and ankle. A comfortable and properly supportive bed will spread weight across the whole surface area, rather than being concentrated under your body, and therefore relieve pressure on these sensitive areas.
This is the technique of stitching used to attach the mattress ticking (its outside cover) to the layers of fillings underneath. Please see ‘Diamond stitching/Deep quilting’ and ‘Micro/Multi quilting’ for more information in these popular quilting methods.
This is a high-density foam used in some mattresses. It has a high elasticity level that offers superb cushioning, it has now been superceded by memory foam but is still used extensively as a upholstery filler.
This refers to the way the side of a mattress is finished and there are two techniques. Traditional, hand stitching is a lengthy, highly skilled process, involving passing a needle and thread right through the fillings to the horizontal surfaces of the mattress for additional strength and stability. It is most commonly used on top quality pocket spring mattresses. Non hand side stitching provides a similar visual effect and benefits, but the side panels have only been attached to the spring, not right through the filling. Some quilted panels are designed to look like side stitching.
This is the most common mattress support system used on bedframes. It features wooden slats, usually made of pine, which are fixed within the frame. This system has the benefit of allowing air to move below your mattress and therefore lets it breathe. A bed bigger than a single will also have a support bar down the middle of the bed. This gives extra stability to the bedstead and your mattress. If the slats on your bed are more than 6cm apart most manufacturers advise that you place a layer of cardboard or thin wood on top of the slats to prolong the life of the mattress. Slats provide a very solid base for your mattress. If you would prefer something slightly softer there are many bedsteads available with ‘sprung slats’.
The name ‘sprung edge’ can be misleading is these divans actually feature a complete spring unit mounted across the whole base on a wooden or metal frame. It is better to think that the springs come right to the edge, or that they give edge to edge support. The spring units can vary from being quite pliable to virtually rigid. Considered the most luxurious option, they provide even support across the whole mattress, with no hard edges. The spring unit acts as a giant shock absorber and increases the mattress durability. A sprung edge divan provides a softer foundation for your mattress, if you prefer something slightly firmer a ‘platform top’ option may be more suitable.
Slats are the most common type of mattress support system used on bedsteads, and sprung slats are the next step. A base with sprung slats features curved wooden slats, usually made of beech, which sit within the frame. The natural bounce in the slats means they will adjust to your profile where you exert the most pressure. A bed bigger than a single will have a double spring unit, one on each side, supported by a central rail. This eliminates roll together and ensures you will not be disturbed if your partner gets out of bed in the middle of the night! In some more expensive models it is also possible to adjust the tension of the slats to get the ‘feel’ that works best for you. If you prefer a firmer base, a bedstead with a traditional, fixed ‘slatted base’ may be more suitable.
Ticking is the old name for the tightly woven fabric used to contain the feathers, straw, heather and other natural fillings which once comprised a mattress. The term has stuck although the mattress construction has changed dramatically. Nevertheless the ticking is not just there for the aesthetic appeal of its colour and design: it also needs to be tough and tear resistant; and in some cases water-resistant. The best quality ticking is made from woven cloth, which may be quite plain or have complex designs. Various fibres could be used – from soft, glossy viscose or matt cottons to the cheaper, man-made polypropylenes and polyesters. There are also some high quality, cotton-rich double knitted tickings around with a distinctly European contemporary feel to them. At the budget end of the market are stitchbonds, a series of compact fibres (usually rayon) stitched together; and thermal bonds, where fibres are joined by a combination of heat and pressure – generally only used on divan base tops. Cheaper knits – usually stretchy and featuring more vibrant colours and patterns, are also available.
This is a process used to secure the fillings of a mattress and there are two ways of doing it. Hand tufting is commonly associated with pocket spring beds and involves passing a series of tapes right through the mattress at regular intervals. These are secured on each side by tags or washers made of plastic, felt or wool, depending on the quality. Tufting puts the mattress under tension but prevents the loose fillings usually used in pocket spring mattresses from being dislodged. Hand tufting has become associated with a quality product but the surface effect is uneven. Choose a ‘micro-quilted’ option if you prefer a smoother surface. A modern alternative is spiral tufting, where the mattress core, fabric and fillings are machine sewn together, to create the effect of a hand tufted bed.
In the early 1970’s NASA’s Ames Research Centre funded a development project designed to create a substance that could help protect Astronauts from the incredible g-forces experienced during space mission take offs and re-entry. They believed that one of the key secrets to reducing g-forces on the body was to use a foam material that could conform to the shape of each astronaut and, more importantly, hold this conformity. While a foam mould of the Astronaut’s body shape could accomplish this, any movement would take the Astronaut out of this position and create incorrect pressure points against the body. Instead, they created a new foam material that was visco-elastic and therefore able to conform to the shape of the Astronaut, but return to its normal shape once pressure was removed from the foam. This could allow an even distribution of pressure or body weight over the entire surface of the memory foam, but, at the same time, quickly adapt to any movements of the body.
Zip and link can provide the ideal solution for two people sharing a bed that have different requirements ,Where manufacturers offer different firmness ratings in their mattresses, the levels of support and comfort can be matched to your individual requirements in order to provide the different levels of support.
Another benefit of zip & link beds is that they can be separated and used as single beds – an ideal solution for Guest Houses and Hotels which will allow optimum flexibility from their accommodation.