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Understanding the different Mattress features
Mattress manufacturers are constantly seeking ways to improve their mattresses and therefore your sleeping experience, striving to out do each other along the way. Whether these are innovative systems to improve support, or new materials to control temperature and give you greater comfort, it can all get a little bit confusing! That's why we've put together this guide which will cut through the sometimes puzzling and perplexing terminology and explain just what the manufacturers mean and how these advances can help you get a better night's sleep.
Hypo-allergenic
What is a Hypo-allergenic mattress?
A hypo-allergenic mattress is one in which bed bugs and dust mites cannot live and breed.
Why choose a Hypo-allergenic mattress?
Hypo-allergenic mattresses are great for those who suffer from allergies or have asthma as well as being great if you are shopping for your child and want them to be as safe as possible.
Most memory foam and latex mattresses will be hypo-allergenic. Memory foam mattresses which are hypo-allergenic will have been treated with a chemical to make whereas latex is naturally hypo-allergenic so is a much healthier choice. Sprung mattresses can also be hypo-allergenic, just check the features of the mattress you are considering to make sure it states it is hypo-allergenic.
Use a mattress with a removable cover or with a top layer that can be easily removed and washed at a high temperature to kill any allergens or dust mites.
No-turn
What is a no-turn mattress?
As the name suggests a no-turn mattress is one which you don't have to flip regularly. Most traditional mattresses require you to flip them periodically to prolong their lifespan.
Why choose a no-turn mattress?
Some mattresses are heavier than others and this can prove to be a pain when it comes to turning them - literally! If you do have a heavier mattress and find it difficult to lift heavy objects you might want to try a no-turn mattress.
Whereas some mattress with sprung systems or layers of high density filling need to be flipped to prolong their life, no turn mattress simply need rotating from head to toe. This means no more back breaking flipping of mattresses and an equally comfortable nights sleep.
Double-sided & Summer/Winter reversible mattresses
What is a double sided mattress?
A double-sided or summer/winter reversible mattress has one side which will have a fleece-like covering, or a foam layer and the other side will generally have a cooling fabric which disperses heat.
Why choose a double sided mattress?
These mattresses are great if you are susceptible to fluctuations in temperature when sleeping. The fleece-lined or foam side is designed to absorb your body heat and keep you warmer where as the other side, with the cooling fabric, will disperse body heat and ensure that you don't overheat during the night. Being too hot or too cold can have an adverse effect on your sleep so these mattresses are a great way to ensure you can maintain the perfect body temperature during the night all year round. You just need to remember to flip you mattress!
Removable cover
What is a removable cover?
A removable cover is a mattress cover which can simply be unzipped and stripped off the mattress.
Why choose a removable mattress cover?
There are many reasons that it is important to be able to clean your mattress properly, from bed wetting children, profuse sweating and spilling cups of tea when having breakfast in bed! But it's pretty much impossible to get your whole mattress in the washing maching so what you really need is a removable mattress cover. These allow you to simply slip the mattress cover off, pop it in the wash, dry it and replace it on the mattress.
This is also great for those who suffer allergies as washing the cover on a high heat can kill off all the dust mites which might be lurking beneath your sheets on your mattress.
Cool feel fabric
What is a cool feel fabric?
Whether it is an innovative layer of fillings, a new mattress cover fabric or an exclusive foundation base system, mattress manufacturers develop and include more and more technology in their mattresses to offer you top quality products.
Cool Feel and Blu Cool memory foam are innovative materials developed by Vogue Beds. These technologies are designed to disperse excess body heat, leaving you with a cool and refreshing sleeping environment.
Healthbeds have developed Coolmax fabric which is an innovative fibre structure that helps the body to stay cooler, dryer and more comfortable, helping to maintain a consistent temperature while asleep. Healthbeds mattresses also use a unique Healthi-flo ventilated air circulation system that helps to dissipate moisture and heat, ensuring a fresher night’s sleep.
The Sleeping Zone have developed the unique Air Flow technology which also helps regulate your temperature while sleeping on the mattress.
Why choose a mattress with cooling effect technology?
CoolMax and Cool Feel Memory Foams are a new alternative to traditional memory foam. Memory foam absorbs body heat and becomes quite warm during the night. Great for those who like to be warm and cozy in the night, but for those who prefer to sleep in a cooler bed, Coolmax or other brands of cooling fabrics could be the answer.
Hand-tufted
What is hand tufted mattress?
Tufting is the process of passing lengths of cord through the mattress from bottom to top and has the aesthetic effect of leaving divets in the mattress surface.
Why choose a hand tufted mattress?
Hand tufting ensures the filling is held in place and extends the life of the mattress, the layers of filling won't move around so the mattress keeps it shape. In addition, this traditional tufting compresses the filling more tightly and serves to bind the various layers of the mattress together.
Micro-quilting
What is micro-quilting?
If you mattress is not hand tufted it will be micro-quilted. This process is a way of adding a quilted layer to the outside of the mattress which is then stitched into the various layers of the mattress.
Why go for a micro-quilted mattress?
It is really a matter of personal preference, however micro quilting does offer a smoother sleeping surface and an extra layer of comfort.
Vents
What is a mattress vent?
Mattress vents are usually made from brass and are simple holes in the sides of the mattress which allow air to flow freely through the mattress.
Why choose a mattress with vents?
Vents help to negate the build up of moisture inside the mattress which, if allowed to build up, can lead to unpleasant odours. Keeping your mattress odour free has obvious benefits but it also helps to prolong the life of your mattress, saving you money in the long run as well.
