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Mattress Industry Glossary
A Mattress Industry Glossary To Assist You
There is a lot to know in the world of mattresses. Terminology can be confusing. MattressSource wants to equip our customer with a firm understanding on our industry language so we constructed this extensive mattress industry glossary to assist with your knowledge. From Adjustable Bed to Working Turn and everything in between, you’ll be well equipped. If there is anything you do not understand – contact us as we are here to help you!
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Adjustable Bed:
Often referred to as an ‘Electric Bed’, the Adjustable Bed’s point of difference lies in its ability to elevate and bend.
Air Bed:
An air bed differs from a traditional mattress because rather than utilising coils for support and structure, the Air Bed relies on an air-filled core. A key benefit of the air bed is that it de-flates for easy storage when not in use.
Air Chamber:
Refers to the air compartment of the air bed.
Air Mattress
An inflatable mattress filled with air injected via an electrical or manual pump, designed for quick installation for overnight guests, camping trips, caravans and holiday homes.
Allergens:
Allergens are particles that cause an allergic reactions in certain individuals. Regarding mattress choice, foam that is mildew and dust-resistant is the optimal choice.
Anti-Microbial Fibre and Foam:
Treated fibre or foam with the aim of preventing bacteria, dust mites and certain types of fungi.
Articulation:
Refers to the contortion of an Adjustable Bed. An adjustable bed may have one or two-point articulation folds.
B (top)
Batting
Several layers of Cotton Felt.
Bed Frame
The entire supporting framework of the bed. The bed frame secures the headboard and footboard in place while supporting the mattress and/or bed-base.
Bed Rails
The “L” shaped metal or wood sides of a Bed Frame that hold the mattress in place.
Bed Support
The bed rails and frame that help prevent the set from warping, twisting and sagging.
Bladder
Refers to the inner core of a waterbed mattress where the water is contained.
Blended Latex
A specific type of latex produced by combining natural and synthetic latex.
Body Alignment
The structural positioning of the spine, muscles and joints.
Body Impressions
Often confused with ‘Sagging’, Body Impressions are indentations remaining on the surface of a mattress following natural compression of the quilting and cushioning of multiple layers over time.
Bonnell Coil
The original Innerspring mattress coil design, symbolised by hourglass-shaped springs.
Border Rod
Also known as ‘Border Wire’, the Border Rod is the wire supporting the exterior of the mattress or bed-base, maintaining its shape by connecting the coils to the ends of the Helicals.
Border Wire
See ‘Border Rod’ (above)
Box Spring
Designed to support the mattress and often referred to as the ‘Bed Base’, the Box Spring is the cloth covered, sturdy wooden frame upon which the softer mattress sits.
Built-Up Foundation
Also known as a ‘Slatted Base’, the Built-Up Foundation is a support system for the mattress consisting of a wooden base and slats.
C (top)
California King
The California King mattress is a mattress only slightly narrower and longer than a standard King size mattress.
California Queen
The California Queen a mattress measuring only slightly longer than a standard Queen size mattress.
Chintz
A fabric cover for a mattress typically featuring a printed-on design.
Chiropractic Mattress System
A chiropractic mattress system is a system of endorsement and acknowledgement of genuinely supportive mattresses.
Coil Configuration
The arrangement of coils in a specific pattern.
Coil Count
Refers to the total number of Coils in an Innerspring Mattress.
Coil Springs
See ‘Coils’ (below)
Coils
Spirals of wires within an innerspring mattress combining to form the supportive core.
Corner Guard
Protective, plastic corners for foundations.
Comfort
Refers to the way the surface of the mattress feels against your body. Comfort is objective; certain people find ‘hard’ mattresses comfortable, while others prefer ‘soft’ mattresses.
Comfort Layers
Refers to supplementary layers of upholstery surrounding the core of a mattress.
Comfort Zone
The layers of upholstery between the support system and the ticking of the mattress.
Continuous Coil
Refers to an innerspring mattress design promoting strenght and stability by attaching each coil to its adjacent parntner coil. Each row of coils is manufactured from a single wire, shaped into a series of ringlets
Continuous Quilting
Also referred to an ‘Multi-Needle Quilting’, Continuous Quilting uses multiple needles to form a continuous, tight pattern and a firmer mattress.
Convoluted Foam
Refers to foam resembling the shape of an egg carton designed to create a greater surface area. Can also be referred to as “Egg-Crate Foam”.
Core
Typically refers to the support layer of a mattress, regardless of the material.
Cotton
A soft, breathable, natural fibre used in the manufacturing of pillows and mattresses.
Cotton Felt
A treated cotton fabric utilised in the manufacturing of mattresses that weaves thick cotton fibres together to form a compressed layer.
Cover
Also referred to as ‘Ticking’, the Cover refers to any fabric encasing the mattress.
Crown
A mattress that is slightly higher in the middle than on the sides.
Cushioning
Layers of material including latex, foam, felt, cotton, polyester and more, situated between the insulation and quilting layers of an Innerspring Mattress.
D (top)
Damask
A thick, interwover fabric sewn into the cover of a mattress.
Daybed
Generally the size of a twin or single bed and including sides, a back and, at times, storage space underneath, Daybeds are a practical alternative which can be situated both inside and outside the home.
Deck
The deck can be either a link spring deck, poly deck or slatted deck and is designed to support the mattress of the Daybed.
Density
Refers to a measurement used to establish the durability and firmness of a foam mattress by establishing weight over volume.
Double Bed
Also known as a Full Bed. A 53″ x 75″ Mattress fits this Bed. The Double Bed is not necessarily suitable for tall people, as the length remains standard.
Double Ended Frame
Bed frame that supports both a Headboard and Footboard.
Double Extra Long
A double extra long mattress is the same width as a traditional double mattress with an additional 16cm of length.
Double Heat Tempering
A tempering process where coils are heated and cooled twice to create a more durable spring.
Dual-Purpose Bed
Futons and daybeds are dual purpose beds because their original function is not their only function.
Dunlop
Process of creating firmer, heavier latex by whipping liquid latex into wet foam before it is hardened and vulcanized.
Durability
Refers to the length of time a mattress will retain comfort and support at adequate levels.
E (top)
Edge Break-Down
Refers to the softening of the outer edges of a mattress where the structural integrity begins to fail.
Edge Coils
Refers to additional coils along the edges of a mattress providing superior seating posture and structural integrity across the entirety of the mattress’ surface.
Edge Guard
Plastic piece attached to the outer edges of the mattress to provide superior seating posture and structural intergrity across the entirety of the mattress’ surface.
Egg-Crate Foam
Refers to foam resembling the shape of an egg carton designed to create a greater surface area. Can also be referred to as “Convoluted Foam”.
Elasticity
Term that describes the flexibility and resiliency of a mattress or material.
Electric Bed
Often referred to as an ‘Adjustable Bed’, the Electric Bed’s point of difference lies in its ability to elevate and bend.
Euro-Top
Also known as ‘Pillow-Top’, Euro-Top is a layer of additional padding at the top of a mattress.
F (top)
Fatigue
Refers to the softening and compressing of a mattress over time.
Fibre
Refers to a natural or synthetic material used throughout the design of a mattress.
Fibre Filling
Placed within the bladder of a semi-waveless or ultra-waveless waterbed, Fibre Fillers attempt to subdue to free flow of water and increase the firmness of the sleeping surface.
Fill Level
A measurement of the depth of the Bladder in a Waterbed.
Filler
In mattress upholstery, refers to padding used underneath the mattress Cover to create its Quilted appearance.
Firmness
Refers to the compression resistance of a mattress, ultimately determining mattress support and comfort.
Flipping
The act of systematically and periodically turning over and/or rotating a mattress to prevent Recommended to prevent sagging of the mattress.
Foam
Supplementary padding used in mattresses for additional comfort. Common foam types include polyurethane, latex and memory foam.
Foam Core
Refers to the foam directly beneatch the surface layer of a mattress, integral to the support and structure of the mattress.
Foam Encasing
Similar to an ‘Edge Guard’, Foam Encasing consists of foam rails placed along the interior perimeter of a mattress to protect against Edge Break-Down.
Foundation
Though traditionally used to describe a bed-base, the Foundation can consist of any base or support placed beneath a mattress, including slatted base or platform foundation.
Frame
Using self locking devices at each corner, the frame connects the headboard, footboard and bedposts together to serve as the structural support of the entire bed mattress system.
Free Flow
Refers to a conventional waterbed contain only one chamber, allowing the water to “flow freely” within the mattress.
Full
Also known as a ‘Double Bed’. A 53″ x 75″ Mattress fits this Bed. The Full Bed is not necessarily suitable for tall people, as the length remains standard.
Full Extra Long
A full extra long mattress, as with the double extra long, is the same width as a traditional full mattress with an additional 5″ of length.
Futon
Comprising the futon base and mattress, the Futon is a sturdy, low-lying piece of furniture functioning as both couch and bed, where required. Futons are crafted from a host of materials and available in most sizes.
G (top)
Gauge
A measurement of the thickness of the wire used in a Coil. The lower the gauge, the thicker/heavier the wire.
Grid
Also referred to as a ‘Grid Top’, the Grid is a steel lattice surface connecting the coils in a bed base.
H (top)
Hard-Sided Waterbed
The traditional waterbed bladder enclosed in a wooden foundation to maintain structural intergrity of the mattress.
Helicals
A derivative of the word Helix for its shape, Helicals are spirals of wire used to secure adjacent coils in Innerspring Mattresses.
Hog Ring
A metal ring utilised to secure the edge of the cover to the mattress itself.
Hospital Bed
See Adjustable Bed.
Hybrid
Commonly referred to as a ‘Soft-Sided Waterbed’, the Hybrid contains a water-filled core while retaining traditional mattress upholstery.
Hydraulic Waterbed
Contrary to traditional waterbeds, the Hydraulic Waterbed design allows for greater support by controlling the flow of water between several compartments.
Hypoallergenic
A term to describe objects that have a decreased likelihood of provoking an allergic reaction.
I (top)
Independent Coil
Also known as ‘Pocket Coil’, an Independent Coil design allows independent coil movement by individually wrapping each coil in its own pocket.
Indentation Force Deflection (IFD)
A measurement of the firmness of foam.
Innerspring:
The most common design in mattress construction, the Innerspring Mattress is created using tempered coiled springs and layered insulation for maximum comfort and durability.
Inner Quilt
Refers to the layer of quilting beneath the pillow-top in a mattress.
Inner Tufting
The combining of layers of padding beneath the quilted cover of a mattres to prevent movement of the padding.
Innerspring Mattress
See Innerspring.
Innerspring Unit
The coils, helicals and border rods comprising the entire spring and wire section of an Innerspring Mattress.
Insulation
Materials such as Fibre or Foam placed on both the top and bottom of a traditional innerspring unit to prevent the merger of the upholstery and the coils.
K (top)
King Mattress
Also known as an Eastern King. A 76″ x 80″ Mattress fits this Bed.
King Split
Refers to a bed consisting of Twin Extra Long mattresses.
Knit
Refers to a more fluid, stretchable knitted fabric used in mattresses.
L (top)
Latex Mattress
A premium, spongy material produced from either natural or synthetic rubber, Latex is durable, environmentally friendly and, when used in mattresses, instantly responds to the natural contours of the body.
Liner
See Safety Liner.
Loft
Term that describes the height of a material or padding.
Low-Profile Foundation
A thinner foundation designed to accompany an extra-thick mattress.
M (top)
Marshall Coil
See Pocketed Coil.
Mattress Handles
Positioning handles created from fabric or cord, sewn into the exterior of the mattress’ upholstery.
Memory Foam
A slow-recovering, high-density polyurethane foam developed to contour the shape of the body. Depending on the level of density, memory foam can create a firm or soft mattress surface.
Migration
The gradual displacement of fibres throughout a mattress.
Modular Coil/Modular Grid
Often referred to as a ‘Torsion Grid’, a Modular Grid is a square wire coil applied to mattress foundations to reduce lateral movement.
Modules
See Torsion Bars.
Motion Separation
The degree of partner disturbance in any particular mattress; how greatly movements on one side of the bed are felt on the other.
Mounting
The attachment of a bed-base to a wooden or metal bed frame.
Multi-Needle Quilting
Also referred to an ‘Continuous Quilting’, Multi-Needle Quilting uses multiple needles to form a continous, tight pattern and a firmer mattress.
N (top)
Natural Latex
Softer, more elastic latex produced from serum of the rubber tree.
No-Flip Mattress
A mattress designed with a sleeping surface on only one side.
O (top)
Offset Coil
Hourglass-shaped Innerspring Mattress Coil with flattened edges at the top and the bottom for a more efficient hinging action.
Olympic Queen
A slightly wider bed than a standard Queen Mattress, measuring 66″W by 80″L.
Open Coil
Hourglass-shaped wire coil.
P (top)
Pedestal
The sturdy base for the platform foundation of a Hard-Sided Waterbed designed to distribute weight evenly.
Pillow-Top
The top, pocketed section of the mattress adding extra support and comfort.
Pincore Holes
Refers to cylindrical holes within a latex mattress designed to soften the surface of a mattress.
Platform Bed
Consisting of a hard, flat, wooden base in place of a traditional bed-base, Platform beds provide a modern, firm-cushioning alternative in mattress support.
Platform Foundation
Also known as a Poly-Box, the Platform Foundation is generally a wooden construction containing no coils or torsion bars.
Plush
A level of comfort, typically used when referring to supreme softness.
Pocketed Coils
Also known as ‘Independent Coils’, a Pocketed Coil design allows independent coil movement by individually wrapping each coil in its own pocket.
Poly-Box
See Platform Foundation.
Posture Box
A spring-free, wooden-framed foundation that has no wire coil support system and is covered with ticking.
Posture Zone
Refers to the critical centre third of the innerspring mattress where added support is paramount.
Posturized
Refers to various types of support in the critical center third of an innerspring mattress.
Pressure Points
Specific points in the body where blood flow can be restricted. Memory foam and pressure-relieving mattress technology work together to absorb pressure from these critical points during sleep.
Prorated Warranty
A specific type of warranty that does not cover the full purchase price or replacement value after a certain period of time.
Pure Latex
Generally viewed as the highest quality latex for the construction of mattresses.
Q (top)
Queen Mattress
Queen is the most common mattress size, ideal for two people sleeping comfortably. The Queen mattress measures 60″W by 80″L.
Queen Split
A bed consisting of two mattresses, each 30″ wide x 80″ long.
Quilting
The top layer of padding inside the mattress, designed to provide additional comfort and breathability.
R (top)
Recovery Time
A measurement of speed (or lack thereof) referring to foam’s ability to return to it’s natural shape.
Resiliency
The ability of material such as springs or foam to return immediately to their original form.
S (top)
Sagging
Often confused with ‘Body Impressions’, sagging refers to a long-term loss of support in any particular section of a mattress.
Safety Liner
Precautionary lining of waterbed’s bladder preventing leaks and punctures.
Self-Inflating
Refers to a specific style of Portable Air-Bed filled which expands as air is let into the mattress.
Semi-Flex
A foundation utilising a grid of wires for structure within the mattress.
Semi-Fowler Position
A reclining position, often encountered with daybeds or futons, where the mattress reclines at a 45-degree angle.
Semi-Waveless
Unlike a free-flow waterbed where the flow of water is un-inhibited, the Semi-Waveless waterbed is a fibre-filled waterbed designed to stifle the motion of water to a certain degree.
Set
The mattress and bed-base or foundation.
Single Bed
Also known as a Twin Bed. A 38″ x 75″ Mattress fits this Bed.
Single Extra Long
See Twin Extra Long.
Single-Needle Stitching
A stitching style where layers are stitched with one long needle and the final result is a firmer mattress surface.
Slatted Base
Also known as a ‘Built-Up Foundation’, the Slatted Base is a support system for the mattress consisting of a wooden base and slats.
Sleep Set
A general term to describe the combination of foundation, mattress, headboard, footboard and bed frame.
Soft-Sided Waterbed
Commonly referred to as a ‘Hybrid’, the soft-sided waterbed contains a water-filled core while retaining traditional mattress upholstery.
Smooth Top
Non-quilted mattress cover
Spring Mattress
The most common design in mattress construction, the Spring Mattress is created using tempered coiled springs and layered insulation for maximum comfort and durability.
Spring Wire
Refers to the strong, durable wires used to make the Coils in an Innerspring Mattress.
Stress Relief
See Tempering.
Super Single
A wider, longer version of the standard twin (single) mattress measuring 48″W by 84″L.
Support
Refers to the attributes of a mattress that maintain the structural integrity of the spine while sleeping.
Support System
The basic supporting structure of the mattress, including coils, foam or air.
Synthetic Latex
Petroleum-based latex considered slightly stiffer and more resilient than natural latex.
T (top)
Tack and Jump Quilting
Process of quilting utilising multiple needles to create a softer, more comfortable sleeping surface.
Talalay
The process of softening the latex by whipping it with air until it becomes wet Foam.
Tape Edge
The seam running along the edges of the mattress’ surface.
Tempering
Process of heating and cooling mattress coils to ensure that once they compress, they quickly return to their original shape and position.
Ticking
Also referred to as a ‘Cover’, Ticking refers to any fabric encasing the mattress.
Torsion Bars
Heavy, rigid, 90 degree wire bars within the foundation of a bed designed to provide support for an Innerspring Mattress.
Torsion Module Foundation
Type of foundation utilising torsion bars rather than box-springs to relieve pressure placed on the mattress.
Tufting
Stitching designed to secure the padding layers of a mattress.
Twin
Also known as a Single Bed. A 38″ x 75″ Mattress fits this Bed.
Twin Extra Long
Mattress size that measures 39″W by 80″L. Sometimes referred to as single extra long.
U (top)
Ultra-Waveless
Similar to the semi-waveless mattress which stifles the flow of water within a waterbed mattress, the ultra-waveless waterbed contains a greater degree of fibre and further decreases the free flow of water.
Upholstery
See Upholstery Layers.
Upholstery Layers
The padding, foam and fibres between the support system of an innerspring mattress, designed to maximise cushioning and comfort.
V (top)
Ventilator
Refers to metal or plastic eyelets within the sides of a mattress allowing the free-flow of air throughout.
Visco-Elastic Foam
See Memory Foam.
W (top)
Wall-Hugger
Also referred to as a Headboard Hugger, Wall-Huggers are adjustable, electrical beds maintaining a closeness between the head of the bed and the bedside tables, regardless of a reclined of flat position.
Warranty
A statement indicating the terms of protection and mutual obligation following a purchase.
Waterbed
Type of bed distinguished by its use of liquid, rather than Coils, for Support.
Whisper Quiet
Term referring to an the acute degree of noise.
Working Turn
A degree to which a mattress coil is wound.
