Archive for the ‘mattress reviews’ Category

How big is a king size mattress?

king size mattressKing size mattresses are not all the same dimensions. Like other kinds of mattress sizes, a “king” will vary. The standard king size measures 76” x 80”, but a king size mattress in the UK is roughly the same size as an American queen size mattress. Then there is the California King mattress which is 72” x 84”. In the UK there is also a “super king size” mattress, which measures about 72” x 78”.

Twin mattress set or discount mattress set need not be of lower quality than more expensive brands. The truth is that most mattress dealers from national brands to smaller chains buy their mattresses from the same manufacturers, and in fact these mattresses are virtually identical (they’re called “comparables” in the industry) but differ in stitching, fabric, and other superficial ways to distinguish them from competitors. The problem is that this makes it harder to comparison shop.

Shopping for mattress sets can be a terribly confusing business. Different dealers are going to market virtually identical mattresses so that they look as distinct as possible in order to attract customers. Worse, unlike a car dealership, you can’t usually “look under the hood” and see what’s inside your mattress. One sign of a good mattress dealer is a sample “cutaway” mattress where you can see how the springs and padding are integrated. Seeing the kind of padding and quilting will help you determine whether a particular mattress is worth another look.

Get the right mattress size

mattress sizesIf you need to buy a mattress to fit in a particular bed frame or to go in a part of a room where space is limited, don’t be satisfied that by knowing the type, i.e., “queen size mattress”, “full size mattress”, king mattress”, etc. you know the mattress size. Take your tape measure and get the size in inches and make sure it will fit.

If you are buying a mattress in a specific size, don’t assume that if you know it’s a “twin” that you know the mattress size. Mattress sizes can differ even for a particular class of mattress. This is especially true for mattresses from other parts of the world. A “twin” size mattress from Europe will be about three inches narrower than a US twin, and an Asian twin will be about three inches wider and longer.

Getting the mattress size right

mattress depthWhen you are looking for particular mattress sizes, don’t forget the vertical measurements! Mattress thickness can vary dramatically from as little as six inches to 22 inches. If you decide to use a box spring or foundation, that will increase it still further. If you are buying a mattress for an existing bed frame, don’t forget to measure the distance from where the bottom of the place where the mattress will rest up to the bottom of the headboard. Otherwise your headboard will either be a nuisance or invisible.

Mattress Depths Review

mattress depthThere are no standard mattress depths. Some mattresses are 9-10 inches deep, but many pillow top mattresses measure 15-16 inches in depth, or more. Box springs and other bed components can make the mattress even higher.

If you’re making a quilt for yourself it’s much easier to consider all the bed size “what ifs.” If the quilt is a gift, you can’t be sure which bed size it will ultimately be used on, so consider making a quilt that would fit a queen mattress, the most popular bed size.

Standard Mattress Sizes - Standard Bed Sizes

mattress quiltKnowing mattress sizes will help you design and make a quilt that fits the bed perfectly.

Mattress Sizes:

  • Crib Mattress Size: 28″ x 52″
  • Twin Mattress Size (Single): 39″ x 75″
  • Full Mattress Size (Double): 54″ x 75″
  • Long Twin Mattress Size: 36″ x 80″ (Most beds in college dorms have long twin mattresses)
  • Queen Mattress Size: 60″ x 80″
  • King Mattress: 76″ x 80″
  • California King Mattress Size: 72″ x 84″
  • Quilt Design Options

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Tips for taking care of your mattress

mattress care tipsMost Important Things One Should Know:
  • Keep your bedding clean (and protect your warranty) by using a mattress pad.
  • Bolster your new bed’s support by replacing your old box spring.
  • Rotate your mattress from head to toe every two months to equalize wear.
  • Don’t remove the law tag label. Believe it or not, these tags are actually used to identify warranty rights.
  • Don’t use dry-cleaning fluid on your mattress. If you need to clean your mattress, vacuum it instead.
  • Mattresses should never get wet (Just like Gremlins!). Protect your mattress’ upholstery at all costs.

Pros and Cons of different types of mattresses

mattress reviewsAir mattress
An old stand-by, the air mattress is the bed of choice for bachelors and campers alike.

Pros: Lightweight and easy to store, many air mattresses also feature electronically controlled air pockets that maintain firmness for each sleeper.
Cons: In addition to being vulnerable to puncture wounds, air mattresses generally offer a dramatically uneven sleep.

Water bed
The ’70s’ gift to the world, water beds aren’t just for swingers anymore.

Pros: Water beds are perfect for sleepers with bad backs for whom firmer mattresses are problematic.
Cons: Sleepers with inner ear infections, bladder control problems or sea sickness need not apply.

Latex mattress
These mattresses contain dense foam designed to be energy absorbing and are highly heat sensitive.

Pros: Latex is allergy resistant and highly durable. In fact, a typical latex mattress can be expected to last up to 25 years.
Cons: Cost. Latex mattresses are notoriously expensive and require an additional flexible slat base.

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What are your mattress needs?

mattress sizesDuring the middle ages, peasants and royals alike slept on beds of straw and, if they were supremely lucky, clumps of horse hair. Fortunately for you, your options are slightly more varied.

These days, mattresses come in a dizzying assortment of styles, from foam to flotation to even air. All of which presents something of a problem: just how do you choose a mattress?

We’ve come up with everything you need to know to get a good night’s rest.

Before purchasing a mattress, there are a number of questions you must address. For instance:

  • Is the mattress intended for your home or a secondary residence like a cottage or camp?
  • How much support do you require?
  • Do you have allergies or other medical considerations?
  • Will the mattress need to accommodate one person, two people, or your entire harem?
  • How much money are you willing to shell out?

All of these questions will help you determine the size and quality of your new mattress. For instance, if you’re buying a mattress for your guest room, it’s safe to assume you’ll want to spend as little as possible to ensure your freeloading guests leave after only a single sleepless night.

Different types of mattress

different mattress typesOne of the biggest causes of sleepless nights is fluctuations in body temperature, so we offer mattresses with warm wool and a cool cotton side to keep you comfortable all year round.

Mattress design and technology has never been more innovative. We offer a wide range at prices to suit every pocket.


Open spring mattress

  • The most commonly used springing system in the world.
  • Border rod or wire gives the mattress a firm edge and helps retain its shape.
  • Sides are generally machine stitched.

Pocket spring mattress

  • More luxurious, with individual small springs housed in separate fabric pockets.
  • Springs work independently to respond to individual body weight.
  • Ideal if there’s a considerable weight or size variation between you and your partner.
  • Turn regularly to ensure even settlement.
  • Hand stitched sides for strong, stable edges.

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