Mattresses

How to choose a mattress?

There are three most prevalent types of mattresses – spring mattress, memory foam mattress, and inflatable mattress (also called air mattress).

Spring Mattress is made of tempered steel springs covered with layers of upholstery.  Comfort level of a spring mattress depends on the spring count and the quality of the upholstery. Higher number of springs per square feet generally means more even support for the body, hence more comfort. The upholstery insulates the springs so that you don’t feel them. It also cushions the mattress for extra comfort. Premium spring mattress comes with a pillow-top for extra comfort. Since the pillow top covers only one side of the mattress, such mattresses cannot be flipped over periodically to prevent sagging.

Spring mattresses are available with box springs and it is important to purchase them as a set.  New spring mattress with an old box spring will not be as comfortable.  Spring mattresses come in various levels of firmness.  Firmness you choose depends on your personal liking.

Memory foam mattress is made of viscoelastic memory foam. Memory foam conforms to the shape of the body when you lay down, evenly distributing your weight. Some users have reported that switching to memory foam mattress eliminates pressure points that can develop with spring mattress thus improving quality of sleep.  Memory foam mattresses are also considered hypoallergenic, and may reduce allergies. Memory foam’s density ascertains the firmness of the mattress.  Also it does not need to be placed on box springs and just needs a flat foundation. If you don’t want to invest in a memory foam mattress then you may just enhance your sleep experience by placing a memory foam mattress topper on your current mattress.

Inflatable mattress provides support with air instead of springs or foam. Some may even have pillow top covers for added comfort.   The advantage of having an inflatable mattress is that it can be easily deflated and stored away when not in use.  Firmness of the mattress can be adjusted by adjusting the air pressure. Quality of an inflatable mattress depends on the quality of vinyl and the air pump.  Heavy duty vinyl is important if you want the mattress to last.

Standard mattress dimensions vary by region. Following is a region wise listing of most common sizes.

North America

• California king  mattress: 72 x 84 inches (183 x 213 cm)
•  King mattress: 76 inches wide x 80 inches long (193 x 203 cm)
• Queen mattress: 60 x 80 inches (152 x 203 cm)
• Full mattress: 54 x 75 inches (137 x 191 cm)
• Full extra long: 54 x 80 inches (137 x 203 cm)
• Twin mattress: 39 x 75 inches ( 99 x 191 cm)
• Twin extra long: 39 x 80 inches (99 x 203 cm)

United Kingdom

• Super King: 72 x 78 inches (182 x 198 cm)
• King: 60 x 78 inches (152 x 198 cm)
• Double: 54 x 75 in (137 x 191 cm)
• Small Double: 48 x 75 inches (122 x 191 cm)
• Twin/Single extra long: 42 x 75 inches (106 x 191 cm)
• Twin/Single: 36 x 75 inches (91 x 191 cm)
• Mini Single: 30 x 75 inches (76.2 x 191 cm)

Continental Europe

• King: 70.9 x 78.7 in (180 x 200 cm)
• Queen: 63.0 78.7 in (160 x 200 cm)
• Double/Full: 55.1 x 78.7 (140 x 200 cm)
• Twin/Single: 35.4 x 78.7 (90 x 200 cm)

Asia

• King: 72.0 x 78.0 x 22.0 (183 x 198 x 56 cm)
• Double/Full: 48.0 x 78.0 x 22.0 in (122 x 198 x 56 cm)
• Twin/Single: 42.1 x 78.0 x 22.0 in (107 x 198 x 56 cm) 

How much does a mattress cost?

Price varies by size and quality. It is best to contact a few vendors before making a decision. Compare mattress prices from multiple vendors to make an informed decision.