How to Compare Mattresses

A bed is a piece of furniture designed for sleeping and resting. Its frame supports a mattress, which may be covered with sheets and blankets (collectively called bedding). Beds are available in many sizes and styles, such as platform, sleigh and adjustable. Beds can also include a headboard, footboard, and side rails. A headboard or footboard is usually upholstered and may be attached to the bed frame with brackets or bolts. Beds can be made in any material, but wood is a common choice. Metal frames can be coated with paint or rust-resistant coatings to improve their durability and appearance. A bed can be topped with a pillow, which may be stuffed with feathers, wool, or hair, and a sheet set, blanket, duvet, or quilt that covers the pillows and mattress. This bedding is usually washed regularly and replaced after a few years.

The most important parts of a mattress are the comfort layer and the support core. The comfort layer consists of layers of cushioning material that determine the overall feel of the mattress, and the higher-density materials used in support core layers provide durability and prevent excessive sinkage. The thickness and density of the comfort layer and support core also affect how long a mattress will last before it needs to be replaced.

In innerspring mattresses, the type of coils and their configuration determine how well a mattress performs and feels. Coil gauge, which measures the thickness of each coil, varies by manufacturer. A lower gauge indicates thinner coils, which are typically less responsive than thicker coils.

Other factors to consider when comparing mattresses include:

A mattress’s durability depends on its materials and construction quality. The type of fabric used in a cover, which can affect breathability and temperature regulation, is also important. A mattress’s foam or latex density, which is a measure of its mass per volume, also affects durability and performance. The type and quality of foam or latex, as well as the density of other components such as cotton, will also determine how long a mattress will last before it begins to sag.

Mattresses are often tested and certified to meet federal safety standards. This testing is done to ensure that the mattress will protect the sleeper from fire and other hazards such as sagging or compression. The most commonly used fire retardants in mattresses are polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs).

A bed can be made more comfortable by using a memory foam mattress, which conforms to the shape of the body. Using a memory foam mattress can relieve pressure points and help keep the spine aligned, while also reducing the need for turning and tossing during sleep. In addition to traditional memory foam mattresses, there are also gel memory foam mattresses and polyurethane foam mattresses with phase-changing materials that help balance the body’s temperature.