Everyone requires, and desires, a goodnight’s sleep. Research has confirmed that regular, quality sleep is a necessary ingredient for good health. Mattresses today focus on the requirements for a comfortable, restful sleep. One must understand the basics, such as standard sizes, dimensions and the structure of a mattress in order to determine an appropriate mattress for their slumber.

Mattresses are manufactured according to standardized sizes. A full size mattress is 54 inches in width and 74 inches in length, only 15 inches wider than that of a twin, or single, size mattress, which is 39 inches by 74 inches. A full size (sometimes referred to as a double) mattress is best for children and young teens; recommendations state sleepers should be under 5 feet 5 inches and space is sufficient for only one. A queen size mattress measures 60 inches by 80 inches and provides ample room for two sleepers. The queen size is the most popular selling mattress size in today’s market. The Olympic Queen is a unique mattress size and is approximately 6 inches wider than a standard queen. For maximum space, the king size mattress is choice. At 78 inches wide and 80 inches long, each sleeper on a king size mattress has as much as 38 inches of personal space, nearly as much as if each had their own twin size mattress. A California King, shipped from the west coast, is longer than the standard king size, at 84 inches in length, 4 inches longer; however, it is 4 inches narrower, at only 72 inches wide. The largest mattress size available, in the United States and Canada, is the Grand King, measuring in at 80 inches wide and 98 inches long. This mattress most definitely lives up to its name.

(See page on bunk beds for more on those.)

The weight of a mattress varies greatly, mostly depending on the mattress’s core. This feature provides support for the sleeper. Usually, the core of a mattress consists of inner springs, containing anywhere between 300 to 1,000 steel coil springs. The most commonly found springs in a mattress are Bonnell springs, the oldest and most frequently used in the market. The core of a mattress may also be made of foam, an increasingly popular alternative to the traditional spring mattress. A memory foam or latex foam is used for the core and the thickness in each varies. The foam mattress has many benefits; the foam provides unique comfort and support by adjusting and conforming to the sleeper’s body, providing not only support but releasing pressure points as well. Latex foam is also hypo-allergenic, resistant to dust mites, bacteria, mold and mildew. Air mattresses are an additionally popular choice in the current market. Providing support through the use of air chambers, air holes are enclosed in the core of the mattress. This distributes a flexible firmness that can be adjusted according to various levels. The air mattress supplies an increasingly improved foundation and produces appropriate positioning for the sleeper’s back and spinal column. The core of a mattress, whether it consists of springs, foam or air, is the most important aspect for the support of the sleeper.

Layered on top of the core of a mattress are the upholstery layers, which consist of the insulator layer, the middle upholstery and the quilt or decorative component. The insulator is positioned directly on the core, or the inner springs in a spring core mattress. Its purpose is to separate the core layer and the above, middle upholstery or cushioning layer, from discomfort or deformations from the coils. The middle, cushioning layer consists of materials designed for advanced comfort. The number and thickness of cushioning layers can vary and comfort, by many, is associated with the thickness of these layers. The top layer of a mattress is the quilt, or decorative feature, offered in a variety of styles and colors. This layer is actually cut into 4 panels of the mattress: top, bottom and 2 side panels. Flanges are then used, which are connecting panels, affixed to the quilt with large, round staples, or hogs rings. Finalizing the completion of this layer, the top, bottom and side panels of the mattress will be stitched together. This layer, protecting the mattress’s core or support layer, delivers surface comfort.

The fundamental elements of a mattress consist of three basics: sufficient size, supportive core and appealing surface comfort. Quality and comfort are key factors when reviewing these essentials. Deciding what fits your needs will ensure your peaceful sleep and contribute to your good health.

See our page on futons.