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A mattress is a mat or pad, usually placed atop a Bed , upon which to sleep or lie. The word ''mattress'' is derived from Arabic words meaning "to throw" and "place where something is thrown" or "mat, cushion." During the Crusades, Europeans adopted the Arabic method of sleeping on cushions thrown on the floor, and the word ''materas'' eventually descended into Middle English through the Romance Languages . "Mattress: Word History." ''The American Heritage Dictionary.'' Though a mattress may be placed directly on the floor, it is usually placed atop a platform (such as a bed or a metal spring foundation) to be further from the ground. Historically, mattresses have been filled with a variety of natural materials, including straw and feathers. Modern mattresses usually contain either an innerspring core or materials such as Latex , Viscoelastic , or other Polyurethane -type Foam s. Mattresses may also be filled with air or water. HISTORY circular promoting home production of cotton mattresses]]
MATTRESS DIMENSIONS Most mattresses have a thickness from 6 to 18 inches (15 to 46 cm). COMPONENTS OF AN INNERSPRING MATTRESS A common innerspring mattress consists of three components: the spring core, the foundation, and the upholstery layers. Spring mattress core The core of the mattress supports the sleeper’s body. Modern spring mattress cores, often called "innersprings," are made up of steel Coil Springs , or "coils." The quotation below, borrowed from The Mattress & Sleep Company - Myths & Concerns talks about how coil count maybe isn't as important as most people are led to believe. ''Although coil count is a consideration one might have when choosing a new mattress, it certainly should not be the deciding factor. Keep in mind that there are a number of different factors that contribute to the comfort, durability and support offered by a particular innerspring.'' ''Innerspring (coil) design, gauge (thickness) of wire, number of turns, metal composition, tempering, and so on, all contribute to the potential of a particular innerspring.'' ''Also keep in mind that as the coil count increases, the diameter of each individual coil will decrease. You still have to fit all of those springs in the same amount of space!'' ''An interesting fact: Vera Wang by Serta, a highly regarded brand, feature queen size beds with “only” 532 coils. Stearns & Foster, another highly regarded brand, feature queen size beds with “only” 504 coils.'' The Mattress & Sleep Company “Myths & Concerns” January 2007. The Gauge of the coils is another factor which determines firmness and support. Coils are measured in quarter increments. The lower the number, the thicker the spring. In general, higher-quality mattress coils have a 14-gauge (1.63 mm) diameter. Coils of 14 to 15.5-gauge (1.63 to 1.37 mm) give more easily under pressure, while a 12.5-gauge (1.94 mm) coil, the thickest typically available, feels quite firm. Connections between the coils help the mattress retain its shape. Most coils are connected by interconnecting wires; pocketed coils are not connected, but the pockets preserve the mattress shape. Types of coils There are four different types of mattress coils:
Air mattresses Air mattresses use an air chamber instead of springs to provide support. Quality and price can range from very cheap ones that are used for camping and temporary places to sleep all the way up to high-end luxury beds. The price is generally comparable to that of inner-spring mattresses. Recent innovations to air beds include the ability to adjust the firmness of the mattress, and the ability to maintain different settings for each side of a larger mattress. One such company is Select Comfort. They were established in 1987 and sell a patented adjustable, air-chamber designed sleep system. Foam mattresses Foam mattresses use latex foam or viscoelastic Memory Foam instead of springs to provide support. Since foam varies in quality, prices can vary widely. Most name brand mattress manufacturers offer a line of memory foam mattresses. Foundation There are three main types of foundations.
Upholstery layers Upholstery layers cover the mattress and provide cushioning and comfort. Some manufacturers call the mattress core the "support layer" and the upholstery layer the "comfort layer." The upholstery layer consists of three parts: the insulator, the middle upholstery, and the quilt. The insulator separates the mattress core from the middle upholstery. It is usually made of fiber or mesh and is intended to keep the middle upholstery in place. The middle upholstery comprises all the material between the insulator and the quilt. It is usually made from materials which are intended to provide comfort to the sleeper, including regular foam, viscoelastic foam, felt, polyester fibers, cotton fibers, convoluted (“egg-crate”) foam, and non-woven fiber pads. The quilt is the top layer of the mattress. Made of light foam or fibers stitched to the underside of the ticking, it provides a soft surface texture to the mattress and can be found in varying degrees of firmness. The protective fabric cover which encases the mattress is called ticking. It is usually made to match the foundation and comes in a wide variety of colors and styles. Most ticking is made of synthetic fibers like polyester, or acrylic; or of natural materials such as latex, cotton, silk, and wool. MATTRESS QUALITY Many parameters determine mattress quality. Laboratory test methods have been established for some of these parameters, such as pressure distribution, skin microclimate, hygiene, edge support, and long-term stability. Many of these have been developed by Dr. Duncan Bain, working on behalf of the UK's Medicines And Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency .Bain, Duncan. “Pressure Reducing Mattresses.” MHRA. April 2004. Other parameters, such as firmness, are more specific to the sleeper. In general, firm mattresses are recommended for stomach and some back sleepers, soft mattresses are recommended for side sleepers, and medium mattresses are recommended for the majority of back sleepers. Some brands offer mattresses with one softer side and one firmer side, or with adjustable firmness levels, to accommodate sleepers who share a bed. SPECIAL MATTRESSES USED IN HOSPITALS "Not all the anti-decubitus mattresses really succeed in reducing the interface pressure. The foam and gel mattresses have no or limited pressure reducing qualities. The polyether mattress and especially the polyurethane slow foam mattress reduce pressure best and are preferable in the prevention of pressure ulcers on an operating table. None of the mattresses tested reduced the pressure sufficiently in lateral position." {Link without Title} MAINTENANCE AND CARE The Better Sleep Council suggests that a quality mattress should provide 8 to 10 years of good support and comfort. This is an approximation, as many different things may factor into the lifespan one may expect to receive from their mattress. Mattresses should be placed atop a firm base to prevent sagging. Mattresses should be rotated approximately once every three months to ensure even wear; in addition, two sided mattresses should be turned over (flipped) twice per year. Folding and bending of the mattress should be avoided if possible, as should heavy wear in one spot and excessive weight on the handles. Mattresses should not be soaked, lest mildew develop inside the upholstery; instead, they can be cleaned with a vacuum or with mild surface cleanser and a slightly damp cloth. Mattress Protectors help prevent stains and soiling of the ticking. Once a mattress no longer feels supportive and instead seems to contribute to body pain or stiffness, it should be replaced. Some symptoms of a broken or worn out mattress include springs which can be felt poking through the upholstery layer, visible permanent sagging or deformity, lumpiness, and excessive squeaking. NOTES SEE ALSO
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