Mattress Buying Guide
Sizes;
Mattresses are available in a vast variety of sizes, however the standard sizes are;
| Mattress name | Mattress size (imperial) | Mattress size (cm) |
| Small single (bunk*) | 2’6” x 6’3” (30" x 75") | 75 x 190cm |
| Single | 3 x 6’3” (36" x 75") | 90 x 190cm |
| Small double | 4’ x 6’3” (48" x 75") | 120 x 190cm |
| Double | 4’6” x 6’3” (54" x 75") | 135 x 190cm |
| King size | 5’ x 6’6” (60" x 78") | 150 x 200cm |
| Super king size | 6’ x 6’6” (72" x 78") | 180 x 200cm |
It is important to note, as well as being wider, king size and super king are also 3 inches longer than a standard double.
Whilst most small single mattresses will fit a bunk bed, it is worth bearing in mind that for top bunks, a thinner mattresses(less than 12cm high) is recommended to ensure the safety of the occupants.
At Mattressman, we also supply a range of special sized mattresses, click here to view our sizes grid.
Build;
The characteristics of a mattress are mostly dictated by the build, the main types are:
Cage Sprung
Cage sprung or open coil mattresses are build with a system of connected springs, arranged in rows and connected to each other at the top and bottom by a spiral helical wire. An outer rod is sometimes added around the outside to strengthen the perimeter of the mattress. Cage sprung mattresses come in large variety of tensions, from very firm down to softer options.
Pocket Sprung
In contrast, pocket sprung mattresses contain many individual springs, housed in fabric pockets, all working independantly of each other. This arrangement means that support is offered from the edge to the very centre of the mattress and means significantly less-roll together when two people are on it. Amounts of individual springs vary, as a rough guide, the more pocket springs a mattress has, the more supportive it will be. Pocket sprung mattresses can be a great investment, as they provide a supportive sleeping environment. Due to this characteristic, the vast majority of Orthopaedic mattresses feature pocket springs.
Memory Foam
Famously developed by NASA in the 1960’s memory foam offers great support, as it moulds to the sleeper’s body shape. Sometimes when new, memory foam mattresses have a faint odour caused by the fire retarded used in the manufacture, but this normally only lasts for a day or so.
Some customers have found memory foam to be too warm to sleep on, this is why there is an increase in popularity of our CoolMax memory cool zone mattress, featuring the natural cooling properties of bamboo charcoal to regulate the temperature.
Other Features
Pillow Top
Pillow top mattresses feature an extra layer of soft, pillow-like material on top of the standard mattress construction. These mattresses are one-sided, meaning it is not necessary to turn the mattress over, only to turn it end-to-end every so often.
No Turn Mattresses
Standard mattresses require turning regularly to maximise its lifespan, especially on pocket sprung mattresses, as it ensure all the springs receive even amounts of pressure. However, if turning a heavy mattress would prove difficult, then we would recommend a single-sided, no-turn mattress, as this only needs to be rotated periodically, and not flipped over.
Finishes
Quilting
The majority of mattresses are finished with either quilting or tufting. A Quilted mattresses will tend to have a smoother finish, where the quilting material has been attached to the surface fillings.
Tufting
Tufting is where tapes are passed all the way through the mattress at regular intervals and secured at each end, this prevents loose fillings from being dislodged.
For a fuller explanation of tufting, please see this video.
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Fillings
Cotton
Has a soft feel and the ability to absorb moisture, this natural material also has the ability to breathe.
Wool
Warm and natural, gives a luxurious feel whilst also giving good fire retardantcy. Breathable and naturally resilient.
Polyester
This synthetic material has good recovery properties.
Mattress Care
How to Turn a Mattress
Every mattress needs to be turned in order to prelong its active life, this video explains the easiest and best way to perform this.
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