Deciding on a new bed or mattress can be a confusing task, with many terms being thrown around it’s difficult to make out exactly what is what. That’s why Click 4 Beds has put together an interesting bed terms glossary to help you choose your new bed or mattress.
Open coil Designed with individual coils joined together with wire in horizontal or vertical rows, the larger the mattress the more coils there are. If you press down on one spring the surrounding springs will also move, and where your body is heaviest the springs will push down the most.
Pocket sprung Made of individually pocketed springs within the wadding of the mattress encased in soft fabric pockets that move independently for targeted support. Ideal for different body weights sharing a bed where individual support is required.
Memory foam Hypo allergenic foam made from visco elastic polyurethane foam, it contours to body shapes with heat and pressure for targeted support. Presses down only as much as body weight needs and has pressure relief for the lower back.
Latex foam Similar benefits as memory foam but is natural and doesn’t hold moisture for a cooler feeling and is hypo allergenic. Designed with holes in that help to soften the latex, the larger the holes, the softer it will feel. Some have small and large holes for varying support levels across the body.
Orthopaedic Provides pressure relief and high levels of support for key areas of the body, in particular the lower back. Has a firm effect.
Spring gauge Explains the thickness and number of coils in the springs that creates the firmness of the mattress.
Bounce The firmness of a mattress with soft, medium and firm, depending on the support required.
Platform base The most common base with a flat finish and wooden sided frame and rigid unsprung panel.
Sprung base Used in more expensive divan beds and has an extra layer of springs on top of the base for more comfort and creates a softer feeling.
Slatted base Common support system on bed frames with wooden slats fixed within the frame to allow the mattress to breathe and increase stability. Larger beds will also have a support bar down the middle.
Sprung slatted base Has curved wooden slats within the frame with a natural bounce to adjust to where most pressure is exerted.
No turn Mattresses that have one sleep surface and don’t need turning.
Ottoman A type of bed storage that uses a gas lift mechanism to lift up the top of the bed to reveal under bed storage.
Divan bed A style of bed that comes with a mattress and base in a single unit, usually with storage integrated into the base.
Sleigh bed A style of bed that features equally tall head and foot ends with a flared design.
Bed frame Describes the frame that makes up the main structure of a bed and does not include a mattress.
Midi sleeper A design of bunk bed that features one single bed that is slightly elevated above the floor, providing limited space underneath.
High sleeper A design of bed that is similar to a midi sleeper but is raised much higher and has more space under the bed for storage or a futon.
Hypo allergenic Fillings within mattresses that are less likely to hold dust, mould and bacteria to keep it fresh and clean. Useful for reducing symptoms of asthma and allergies.
Air vents On the mattress side that allow air to circulate to keep the mattress fresh and clean.
Mattress handles On the side of mattress that allow the mattress to be easily moved.
Bycast/bicast leather A combination of natural leather that is bonded to a man-made surface and coated with a layer of polyurethane for a shine that also prevents scratching and fading.
Damask Used as any cotton with a woven design, it was originally referred to as Belgian cotton import and has a glossy patterned finish.
Side stitching The finishing of the side of the mattresses for strength and stability.
Hand tufting Secures the fillings of the mattress and stops the loose fillings from becoming dislodged.
Micro quilting A technique of stitching used to attach the mattress cover to the layers of filling underneath. Creates a raised pattern effect and can be altered to form a high loft design.
Diamond quilting – A style of stitching that is used to attach the mattress cover to the layers of filling underneath. Creates a diamond design that has a smooth and firm finish.
