What are the dimensions of Mattresses?
- Twin: 39 inches wide by 75 inches long
- Twin Extra Long: 39 inches wide by 80 inches long
- Three Quarter Size: Antique size 48 inches wide by 75 inches long
- Full: 54 inches wide by 75 inches long
- Full Extra long: 54 inches wide by 80 inches long
- Queen: 60 inches wide by 80 inches long
- King: 76 inches wide by 80 inches long
- California King: 72 inches wide by 84 inches long
Do I need a new bed frame?
Next to your new mattress set, the most important item is your bed frame support. Mattresses conform to what they are placed on, so indentations in mattresses are often caused by improper frame support. Check all wheels or glides to make sure they are not broken. Queen and king mattress warranties require a rigid center support with at minimum one leg touching the ground in the center. If in doubt, please error on the side of caution and purchase a new support for your new mattress set.
Should I buy the mattress foundation?
The short answer is yes, especially if the foundation you currently own is not the same type of support required under the new mattress. Foundations do wear out, although, they do not show the wear like the mattresses. All new mattresses as of July 1, 2007 have to meet federal fire safety guidelines. You may still purchase a mattress only, but it may not meet the fire safety standards on your old box spring. Generally, about 80% of the set cost is in the mattress, so why not get the proper matching foundation. It is not only a cost issue, but also a safety issue, so we recommend buying the matching set.
How often should I replace my mattress?
Most mattresses come with a 10-year warranty. The warranty is designed to protect you in case of a defect, but it does not cover comfort. You should consider a new bed every eight to 10 years. Back in the 1970s and 80s, mattresses were approximately 8" thick, on average. The springs would not matt down and there was very little padding so people tended to keep them longer. Over the years, inner springs have not change thickness much; they are about still about 6". Today's mattresses, however, are much thicker, on average between 10" and 18" thick. They are much more comfortable and offer a wider variety of comfort levels. They are also now one-sided, and the upholstery life is about eight to 10 years.
How do I know what bed is right for me?
The best way to shop is to determine a budget, but keep an open mind; you might like a better product. First off, find a sales person that you can trust. The best case would be one that is non-commission, like the staff at The Mattress Factory.
Wear comfortable clothing and be prepared to spend 10 to 15 minutes on your favorite models. Never wander around pressing beds with your hands because this will tell you nothing about the true feel of the mattress. Allow the salesperson to guide you. A good salesperson asks many questions and should have all the answers to your bedding questions. You must spend quality time on the different models; there is no need to be shy or embarrassed.
What are mattresses made of?
There are many different components that go into a mattress, and most mattresses today are made with coil springs and various layers of foam above them. A growing number of mattresses are now made with latex or visco-elastic memory foam. Some use both of these materials combined. Non-spring mattresses represent the fast growing segment of the mattress business.
Mattress Terms
You will hear so many buzzwords when shopping for a new mattress. It might be hard to keep them all straight. Here are a few terms to help you out:
- Innerspring Unit: A coil and wire unit that makes up the supportive heart of most mattresses.
- Coil Count: The number of innerspring coils in a mattress.
- Coil Gauge: The thickness of the wire used in innerspring mattresses and border wires. A lower gauge number denotes a thicker wire and a firmer mattress feel. A higher gauge results in a plusher, more conforming feel.
- Comfort Layers: Foam, padding and fiber blended layers added above an innerspring system to provide cushioning; also called upholstery layers.
- Latex Foam: Natural body-conforming material often used to increase softness and relieve pressure points.
- Visco Memory Foam: Synthetic man made material that responds to your body using temperature and weight.