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The Different Types of Mattresses
So, you're finally ready to toss out that saggy
old mattress and buy a new one. You've even
decided what size you want and are ready
to start shopping. However, do you know
which of the different types of mattresses
is right for you?
There are three
common mattress types: innerspring, foam,
and airbed. Of course, not all mattresses
of a certain type are the same. Some are
made with low quality materials, while others
are top of the line models.
Most people use an
innerspring mattress. This mattress type
has been around since people discovered
that a mattress made of springs covered
in some sort of padding was much more comfortable
to sleep on than a mattress stuffed with
straw or horsehair. When you are shopping
for an innerspring mattress set, you should
look for several important things: the type
of padding in the mattress, the type of
coils being used, and how the box spring
is made.
Mattress padding made
from high density foam is the best type,
since it does not compact like low density
foam or polyester fiber filling. Besides
compacting and becoming uncomfortable to
sleep on, these cheaper padding materials
are prone to mildew since they do not dry
out quickly if they become damp.
Innerspring mattresses
are often advertised as having a certain
number of coils. Buyers mistakenly think
that mattresses that have more coils are
the best. However, the material the coils
are made of is actually more important.
Look for steel springs that have been oven
tempered. Other types of springs simply
don't hold up with extended use and are
not as comfortable to sleep on.
Once you find a good mattress, don't forget
to take a close look at the box spring.
A box spring made from solid steel or wood
will not provide proper support for the
mattress. A good box spring is made with
flexible coils that can shift to take some
of your body's weight instead of leaving
it all up to the mattress.
Foam mattresses, like
innerspring models, should have high density
foam padding. However, these mattresses
have a thick latex solid core instead of
using coils for support. Box springs made
with wood are still a bad choice, but this
mattress type wears well with either tempered
coil or solid steel box springs.
Finally, airbed mattresses
are made with high density foam or high
quality fibers over vulcanized rubber compartments
that hold air. Although you can also find
air mattresses made with vinyl air compartments,
you should avoid them because vinyl can
stretch. You can use one of these mattresses
on a coil or solid steel box spring.
Author: Gray
Rollins
Gray Rollins is a featured writer for MattressesPro.com.
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