To help you with your mattress "lingo", we have compiled this handy list of definitions for some of the mattress industry's most common terms.
The degree to which a mattress can be bent and elevated into upright or other positions for use with an adjustable base. See our Adjustable Bed Guide for more information on the various features and benefits of adjustable beds.
Type of foundation distinguished by its ability to bend and elevate into upright or other positions. More accurately known as an adjustable base, but also referred to as an electric bed or hospital bed. See our Adjustable Base Guide for more information on the various features and benefits of adjustable beds.
Type of bed distinguished by its use of an air-filled Core, rather than Coils, for Support. Depending on its purpose and price point, may be upholstered with Cushioning, Quilting and/or Ticking. Also known as an air mattress. See our Air Mattress Guide for more information on high-end upholstered air beds, and our Portable Air Mattress Guide for additional information on portable air beds.
Fiber or Foam that has been treated to prevent the growth of bacteria, dust mites, mold, and fungi.
Term that refers to the bending of an Adjustable Bed. An adjustable bed with "two-point articulation" folds in two separate places, dividing the bed into 3 sections — head, foot and middle — each of which can be elevated and/or angled to achieve the desired position.
A metal or wood frame used to support the mattress and/or Foundation. Usually comes with legs and wheels (known as castors) with a conventional height of 7 1/4 inches. All Queen and King frames must have a center support bar and center leg for proper support (and in some cases so as not to void the Warranty).
In the mattress context, this term typically refers to a mattress component that is made (in whole or in part) from biological products, renewable agricultural materials (plant, animal or marine materials), or forest materials. The USDA has established a minimum bio-based content standard for many product categories - including bedding and bed linens, but NOT mattresses - which must be comprised of at least 12% bio-based products.
Term meant to imply that an entire product will decompose back into nature after its disposal, breaking down into water, carbon dioxide and/or organic matter. The time period for biodegrading varies widely depending on the material: from 2-5 months for paper, to virtually never for plastic bottles. Note that there is no legal definition for the term "biodegradable" and when the term is used it doesn’t necessarily mean that it biodegrades into benign elements - some products can break down into harmful environmental toxins. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) does issue some useful guidelines on what kinds of products or packaging can/should be categorized as "biodegradable," "degradable," or "photodegradable.".
Type of Latex produced from a blend of natural and synthetic latex. Often claimed to combine the Elasticity of Natural Latex with the consistent quality and Durability of Synthetic Latex.
Indentations on the surface of the mattress resulting from the normal compression of mattress Quilting and Cushioning layers over time. Should not exceed 1 1/2 inches in depth. Often mistakenly characterized as Sagging.
The original and standard Innerspring Mattress Coil design, characterized by hourglass shaped springs. Today, used primarily in lower-priced beds. See our Coil Guide to learn more about the various types of mattress coils and how to compare them.
The heavy wire that surrounds the perimeter of an Innerspring Unit or Box Spring, maintaining its shape by connecting the outer layer of coils to the ends of the Helicals. Also known as border wire.
The degree to which a mattress quickly responds to pressure or force. Bounce is a purely preference-based characteristic for which there is no universal better or worse. Mattress bounce can exist in varying degrees at each level of the mattress. Deep bounce would be noticed when you jump or sit down on the bed, whereas mid-level or surface bounce is more noticeable when moving and repositioning on the bed.
A type of Foundation, usually consisting of heavy Coils mounted on a wood frame with no padding, designed to support an Innerspring Mattress. Often referred to as a Set when offered with a mattress.
Mattress size that measures 72"W by 84"L. Slightly narrower and longer than a standard King, which measures 76"W by 80"L.
Mattress size that measures 60"W by 84"L. Slightly longer than a standard Queen, which measures 60"W by 80"L.
Many third-party organizations oversee this certification. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) handles organic certification for food and certain other agricultural raw materials, and the Global Organic Textiles Standards (GOTS) does so for fiber and textile handing/production.
Labeling a mattress (or any finished product) "USDA Organic" is strictly forbidden by USDA regulations. But mattresses can contain organic ingredients and be certified by GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standards) for fiber and textile handling and production.
Term used by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with regards to certain chemicals that raise "serious environmental or health concerns" or may present an "unreasonable risk of injury to health and the environment." Many such chemicals are environmentally persistent, bio-accumulative (meaning they can build up in your body over time), and toxic. Chemicals flagged by the EPA include: phthalates and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). See also: Phthalates and PBDEs.
Spirals of wires that form the supportive Core of an Innerspring Mattress or Foundation. Specific coil designs include Bonnell, Offset, Marshall and Continuous, each of which comes in various sizes and Gauges. Also known as coil springs. See our Coil Guide to learn why coils are important and how to evaluate coils across different mattress models.
Term that refers to the way the surface of the mattress feels against your body. On an objective level, can be thought of as the "hardness" or "softness" you feel when you press the mattress surface with your fingertips. Can also encompass other features such as Motion Separation and breathability. See our Comfort Guide to ascertain the right comfort attributes for you.
Layers of Upholstery on top of the Core that give the mattress surface a comfortable feel.
An Innerspring Mattress coil design wherein each row of Coils is constructed from a single wire shaped into a series of S-shaped ringlets. The concept behind this design is that by attaching each coil to its neighbors, the Innerspring Unit will have improved strength, stability, and Durability. See our Coil Guide to learn more about the various types of mattress coils and how to compare them.
Process for making latex foam with a blend of Dunlop and Talalay properties. Liquid Latex is "whipped" with air until it becomes wet Foam, and then a poured onto a slow-moving conveyor belt (rather than into a mold). The conveyor is then moved through a vulcanization process, resulting in one long continuous sheet of latex foam. The Continuous Pour process can be used for both natural and synthetic latex, and because the resulting foam slabs are thinner than with Dunlop, the difference in density between top and bottom is not as great, and a broader range of softness levels and densities can be produced. Relative to Talalay, it lacks the uniform density and softness range, but produces larger sheets that can cover a king or queen mattress without any glued seams.
Foam shaped similar to an egg carton, giving it the more common name "egg-crate foam," used to provide additional surface cushioning. Creates softer feel than a flat slab of similar Foam, and can improve circulation by reducing Pressure Points.
Term that generally refers to the underlying Support layer of a mattress, whether the Innerspring Unit, Foam Core or otherwise.
A soft, breathable, natural Fiber used to make numerous items. In certain mattresses, can have a tendency to absorb moisture and compress over time.
A treated Cotton fabric that weaves thick cotton Fibers together, forming a compressed layer that is used in mattress Upholstery.
The fabric encasing the mattress. Also referred to as Ticking. See our Upholstery Guide to learn more about the key elements of mattress upholstery and how they differ across mattresses.
A mattress designed for use in a baby crib or toddler bed. Typically made with special vents, high firmness, and water-resistant covers. See our Baby-Crib Mattress Guide for more information on what to look for in a crib mattress.
Condition wherein a mattress is slightly higher in the middle than on the sides, creating a convex surface.
Layers of material that lie between the Insulation and the Quilting of an Innerspring Mattress. Cushioning materials include Latex, visco-elastic foam (better known as Memory Foam), Convoluted Foam (also known as egg-crate foam), Felt, Cotton, polyester, non-woven fiber pads, wool, goose down, or even silk and cashmere. See our Upholstery Guide to learn more about the key elements of mattress upholstery and how they differ across mattresses.
A measure of how far you sink into a mattress, and how closely the surface of the mattress conforms to your body's curves. Can be thought of as the difference between sleeping "in" your mattress and being "cradled" by it vs sleeping "on" your mattress and "floating on top" of it. While cushioning depth can play a role in spinal alignment, it is primarily a preference-based characteristic for which there is no universal better or worse.
A thick fabric used for mattress Covers whose design is typically woven into the fabric rather than printed onto it. Certain types of damasks are considered particularly high quality, such as Belgian (softer, high thread count), matelasse (raised design), jacquard (made with special loom), and tapestry (extra heavy).
Type of Dual-Purpose Bed consisting of a Twin mattress configured in such a way as to allow for easy use as either a seating or sleeping area. Typically enclosed by a Bed Frame on 3 sides, creating a sofa-like feeling when combined with pillows.
Refers to the top surface of a specially-designed Platform Foundation that supports the Frame of a Hard-Sided Waterbed. Together with the Pedestal below, evenly distributes the weight of the mattress, so as to minimize strain on the Bladder seams as well as the floor.
Store policy that explains the circumstances under which product delivery is offered, the timing and methods of such delivery service, any other services available with delivery, and the cost of these services to the consumer. Delivery policies are set by the retailer, so will vary depending on where you purchase. At GoodBed, we summarize delivery policies in plain English to make them easy to understand and compare.
Measurement of weight over volume, typically referred to in pounds per cubic foot. Considered an important characteristic of Foam mattresses that typically correlates with Durability, and sometimes (though not always) with Firmness.
Type of Tempering process wherein Coils are heated, cooled, and then heated again, for additional Durability and Resiliency.
Reference to any sleeping device that has a secondary function. Examples include sleeper sofas, Futons and daybeds.
Process for making latex foam known for its high density, progressive compression characteristics, and lower cost. Liquid Latex is "whipped" with air until it becomes wet Foam, at which time it is poured into a mold, hardened, and vulcanized. The Dunlop process can be used for both natural and synthetic latex, and tends to result in slightly firmer and heavier (more dense) latex than the Talalay process. Also, because it is not vacuum-sealed, the heaviest particles sink to the bottom prior to hardening, meaning the bottom of a Dunlop latex sheet tends to be firmer and more dense than the top (giving Dunlop an appealing support quality known as "progressive compression"). For these reasons, as well as its lower cost, Dunlop tends to be used more often as a support layer than as a comfort layer.
Term that refers to the length of time a mattress will continue to provide you with adequate Support along with your desired level of Comfort. See our Durability Guide to determine the appropriate durability requirements for you.
Refers to the ease with which a person can change sleeping positions during the night. For example, rolling from sleeping on one's back to sleeping on one's side.
Label that identifies an ecological benefit of a product or service. Eco-labels indicate that a product has met specific environmental criteria or standards and is verified and awarded by a third-party organization.
Term that refers the loss of Support along the outer edges of a mattress, commonly experienced in older beds. Can result in the sensation that one is rolling or sliding off the side of the bed.
Additional or heavier Coils placed along the edges of a mattress to provide extra Support and protection against Edge Break-Down.
Plastic piece mounted onto the edge of the mattress that provides additional support to the mattress sides and protects the Cover from damage.
The degree to which the edge of the mattress holds its shape when sitting or lying along the edge, preventing roll-off and maximizing useful surface area of the mattress.
Term often used to suggest that no harm has been done to the environment in the production or delivery of a given product or service. However, there is no national or international standard for this term, and neither the International Organization for Standardization nor the Federal Trade Commission recognizes this label since it is considered too "vague." Terms that are similarly lacking in quantifiable data or third-party authentication include: "green," "ecologically-safe," "eco-safe," "eco-smart," and "environmentally preferable." Source: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/grnrule/guides980427.htm#260.7
Term defined by the U.S. Department of Energy as: "Acquisition of products or services that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared with competing products or services that serve the same purpose."
Layer of additional padding sewn on top of a mattress. Similar to a Pillow-Top, but attached more firmly to the mattress.
Refers to the state of a mattress when it can no longer adequately Support a sleeper's weight. Typically results from a softening or compressing of the Coils.
Strands of material, made from natural or synthetic elements, which are used extensively in mattresses. Fiber strands have air between them, meaning that fiber tends to compress over time.
Motion dampening materials, such as layers of Fiber batting, placed inside the Bladder of a Waterbed in order to absorb motion in the water as well as increase the Firmness of the bed. In general, more fiber filling results in greater Motion Separation and firmer Support.
In mattress upholstery, refers to padding used underneath the mattress Cover to create its Quilted appearance. In a Latex mattress, refers to tiny particles of clay or other materials that are sometimes mixed into latex Foam, making the resulting latex less costly, but also stiffer and less Durable.
Material applied to a mattress in order to reduce its flammability. In the United States, all mattresses sold to the general public since 2007 have been required to meet certain flame-resistance standards.
The compression resistance of a mattress. Typically used in reference to a mattress' Support (particularly as provided by the Coils of an Innerspring Mattress), though sometimes also used to describe the softness or hardness of a mattress' surface (which relates more to its Comfort).
The act of periodically turning over and/or rotating a mattress. Recommended to prevent Body Impressions.
Padding material used in mattresses as a supplement or alternative to an Innerspring Unit. Some common types used in mattresses include Latex, polyurethane and Memory Foam.
Slab of Foam that sits below the surface layer of a mattress, serving as the main support system. Sometimes known as a Molded Foam Core.
Stiff foam rails along the interior perimeter of a mattress, generally used to protect against Edge Break-Down. Also used in Air Beds and Soft-Sided Waterbeds to contain the Air Chamber or Bladder.
Any base or support placed beneath a mattress. Term often used in reference to a Box Spring, but could also refer to a Torsion Module Foundation, Slatted Base or Platform Foundation. See our Foundation Guide to learn why foundations are important and how to evaluate different types of foundations.
Term that most commonly refers to a Bed Frame. In the case of a Hard-Sided Waterbed, refers to the rigid wood box that supports and contains the mattress, resting on top of the Deck and Pedestal. In the case of an Adjustable Bed, refers to the base unit that also provides the characteristic flexing motion.
Term that refers to a conventional Waterbed whose Bladder contains a single chamber with no Fiber Filling or other motion dampening attributes, such that the water is allowed to flow freely within the mattress.
Mattress size that measures 54"W by 75"L. Also referred to as a double bed or a standard bed. Was the most common mattress size as recently as the 1970's.
Japanese-style Dual-Purpose Bed. A futon mattress consists of a Cover and filling material, which is typically Cotton but can contain an Innerspring Unit and/or Foam.
A measurement of the thickness of the wire used in a Coil. The lower the gauge, the thicker/heavier the wire. Wire gauge for coils in an Innerspring Mattress generally falls between 12.5 and 17.0. See our Coil Guide to learn more about coil construction and what to look for in mattress coils.
Term generally intended to mean that a product will not harm the environment and/or has positive environmental attributes. However, like the term environmentally friendly, labeling a product "green" is not quantifiable and is not verified by a third party.
The degree to which a product favors the use of natural materials and avoids the use of harmful chemicals. Also incorporates the extent to which it is environmentally friendly.
The act of a company or business misleading consumers by putting a false, positive environmental spin on a product or service.
The steel lattice surface that connects the top ends of the Coils in a Box Spring. Also known as a grid top.
The classic Waterbed design, featuring an unstructured Bladder placed inside a special wood Foundation to hold the mattress in its proper shape.
Spirals of wire used to secure adjacent rows of Coils in Innerspring Mattresses. Also used to attach rows of coils to the Border Rods.
A metal ring or staple used to attach the Cover edge and Insulation to the Innerspring Unit.
Bed with a Core containing water or other liquid that otherwise resembles a traditional Innerspring Mattress in its Upholstery. Sometimes referred to as a Soft-Sided Waterbed.
Waterbed design wherein the Bladder is divided into numerous small compartments. Water is allowed to travel between the compartments in a controlled manner via small holes, enhancing both Support and Motion Separation.
Term that suggests a product is less likely to cause an allergic reaction when used (when compared to similar products). Note that this claim makes no assertions or guarantees that it is allergen-free.
A measurement of the Firmness of a given piece of Foam. Measured by determining the amount of force (in pounds) required to compress the foam by 25% of its original height. IFD for mattress foams tend to fall between 10 pounds (softest) and 80 pounds (hardest). Also known as Internal Load Deflection (ILD).
Found in a "true" Pillow-Top mattress, refers to the traditional layer of Quilting on top of which the separate pillow-top is sewn. Not all pillow-top mattresses actually have an inner quilt.
Refers to any mattress constructed around a Core of Tempered Coil Springs. The Innerspring Unit is typically surrounded by several layers of Upholstery in order to provide additional Comfort. This is the most widely purchased type of mattress on the market. Also known as a spring mattress. See our Innerspring Mattress Guide for more information on how to distinguish one innerspring bed from another, including details on each component of the innerspring mattress.
The spring and wire part of an Innerspring Mattress, comprised primarily of Coils, Helicals and Border Rods.
An extremely Durable method of attaching and combining layers of padding below the quilted Cover so as to prevent any shifting or settling of the padding.
Material used on top and bottom of an Innerspring Unit to prevent the Upholstery layers from settling down into the Coils. Common insulator materials include Fiber or Foam pads, non-woven fabric, netting or wire mesh. See our Upholstery Guide to learn more about the key elements of mattress upholstery and how they differ across mattresses.
Fabric used in mattress Covers that is knitted rather than woven, creating a 'stretchier' and softer feel.
A spongy material produced from either natural or synthetic rubber. Used primarily in premium mattresses. See our Latex Mattress Guide for more information on the different types of latex mattresses and their various features and benefits.
Technique to assess the environmental aspects and potential impacts associated with a product, process, or service.
An extra-thin Foundation made to accompany an extra-thick mattress so that the total height of the bed will be more in keeping with a traditional sleeping surface.
High-end mattress produced with specialized materials, hand-crafting, extra features, and/or customization. Although 'luxury' is a highly subjective term, GoodBed typically reserves this classification for mattresses that retail at or above $2,000 in a queen size model. See also: Ultra-Luxury Mattress.
Fabric or cords sewn into the Upholstery of a mattress to aid in positioning it on the Foundation.
The degree to which a mattress surface has delay in conforming or responding to your body's movements. Memory feel, sometimes known as a slow "melting-into-the-bed" sensation, is a purely preference-based characteristic for which there is no universal better or worse. Mattresses can have varying amounts of memory foam in them, and memory foam itself can be faster or slower responding.
A type of high-density polyurethane Foam known for its slow Recovery Time and its sensitivity to both weight and temperature, giving it a delayed Resiliency and allowing it to conform very closely to the shape of your body. Available in many depths and Densities, as well as different levels of Firmness. Also known as visco-elastic foam. See our Memory Foam Mattress Guide and Innerspring vs. Memory Foam sections for more information on memory foam mattresses and how they compare to Innerspring Mattresses.
Term that refers to the displacement of Fibers within a mattress over time. Can be mitigated with the use of certain higher-quality fibers and Quilt patterns.
The degree to which movements on one side of the bed can be felt on the other side of the bed.
Wool from a sheep that has not been subjected to a controversial surgical task that is intended to protect the sheep from disease. The Mulesing procedure is most commonly performed on Merino sheep in Australia to prevent an infection known as flystrike. Animal rights advocates claim that the procedure causes pain and suffering to the animals, and that there are animal-friendly alternatives to the surgery. See also: Organic Wool.
Quilting process that uses multiple needles but features a continuous pattern. The tighter (closer together) the pattern, the firmer the feeling of the mattress surface. Also known as continuous quilting.
Term that is typically meant to imply that the materials in a product come from natural sources (i.e., extracted directly from plants or animal products), rather than synthetic ones. There are many products that carry this term, but it is not governed or certified by any federal agency or third party. See also: Bio-Based Product.
Type of Latex produced from serum of the rubber tree. Known for its softness and Elasticity, as well as its biodegradability and inherent resistance to bacteria, mold and dust mites. See Synthetic Latex and Organic Latex.
A mattress designed with a sleeping surface on only one side, such that it does not require end-over-end Flipping to provide continuous Support or to maintain its Warranty.
The evaporation of chemicals from a material into the air. The EPA warns that off-gassing of certain chemicals (see "Chemicals of Concern") can potentially be harmful to humans. See also Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
Type of Innerspring Mattress Coil that has an hourglass shape similar to a Bonnell Coil, but with flattened edges at the top and the bottom of the coil to create better hinging action. Relative to Bonnell coils, Offset coils conform more to your body, make less noise, and are typically found in more expensive mattresses. See our Coil Guide to learn more about the various types of mattress coils and how to compare them.
Mattress size that measures 66"W by 80"L. Slightly wider than a standard Queen, which measures 60"W by 80"L.
Term that most often refers to an agricultural product that has been grown, raised and/or harvested in accordance with specific governmentally-regulated standards, but in some cases can also be applied to a finished product for which the production methods and raw material sources have been formally certified by an independent third-party. In bedding and mattresses, certification can be obtained through the Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS).
Cotton grown using farming methods that have low impact on the environment; no pesticides or synthetic fertilizer are used. Third party certification organizations verify that the cotton is grown under these strict USDA guidelines.
There is no such thing as an "organic latex" mattress. The only products that can be certified organic are foods and fiber. Third party certification (necessary for something to be labeled "organic") does not exist for latex foam since it is a manufactured product. See Natural Latex.
A mattress made with natural materials, designed to minimize exposure to harmful chemicals or other irritants, and to minimize environmental impact during production and upon disposal. See our Organic Mattress Guide for more info on what to look for in an organic mattress.
Wool that is produced in accordance with U.S. federal standards for organic livestock production which includes feeding animals organic feed, no use of synthetic hormones or genetic engineering and no synthetic pesticides. Organic wool is also a natural flame retardant. See also: PBDEs and Mulesing-Free Wool.
Chemical used as flame retardants in plastics, foams, fabrics and other materials. The benefit of adding these chemicals to these products is to slow the ignition time and rate of the spread of fire in order to increase the escape time. See also: Chemicals of Concern.
A sturdy box that forms the base of a specially-designed Platform Foundation for a Hard-Sided Waterbed. Together with the Deck surface above, evenly distributes the weight of the mattress, so as to minimize strain on the Bladder seams as well as the floor.
Chemical widely used in manufacturing since the 1950s to soften plastics so that they are not brittle. Used in a wide range of products including toys, electronics, adhesives, plastic containers, shower curtains and other products made of vinyl or PVC. Used primarily in baby and children’s mattresses to create a soft, pliable waterproof surface. In 2009, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) banned three varieties of phthalates (DEHP, DBP, and BBP) for use in baby and children’s mattresses and other baby products. See also: Chemicals of Concern.
A thick, soft, cushy layer of Foam, Cotton, wool and/or other Fibers that is attached loosely over the entire surface of the mattress.
Deep, cylindrical holes spread throughout a Latex mattress to help soften its feel. Larger pincore holes create a softer feel.
Consists of a mattress placed directly on a Platform Foundation or other rigid platform.
Type of Foundation containing no load-absorbing metal components (such as Coils or Torsion Bars). Also known as a poly-box.
Type of Innerspring Mattress Coils that are individually wrapped in separate fabric pockets, providing more Motion Separation than other types of innerspring coils. Also known as Marshall coils. See our Coil Guide to learn more about the various types of mattress coils and how to compare them.
Refers to a form of mattress wear wherein layers of padding begin to settle into the Coils.
Material from finished items that a consumer or business has already used. This type of recycling makes use of materials that would have otherwise been discarded.
Refers to various types of additional support placed in the center of a mattress or Foundation to prevent Sagging.
Material from the factory floor that never made it to the consumer – includes trimmings, scraps, and rejected containers. These materials can be re-purposed for new consumer products. This type of recycling diverts these materials from the waste stream.
Specific places on the body where blood flow through the capillaries is restricted due to pressure from the sleeping surface against that area. Known to cause discomfort as well as tossing and turning.
The degree to which a mattress minimizes the occurrence of "pressure points," in which blood flow through the capillaries of a specific area of the body (most often in the shoulders or hips) becomes restricted due to pressure from the sleeping surface against that area. Inadequate pressure relief causes aches, pains, loss of circulation, discomfort, as well as tossing and turning.
Term that refers to a model or line with a very low advertised price, meant to entice mattress shoppers into a retailer's store. Since it is often the least expensive mattresses that are featured in such promotions, this term is sometimes used more generally in reference to very basic or lower quality mattresses.
Mattress Warranty that does not cover the full mattress purchase price or replacement value after a certain period of time, requiring the customer to pay a portion of the original price to have it replaced, typically depending on how long the mattress was used.
Term referring to Latex that does not include Fillers. Can be applied to either Synthetic or Natural latex. Most higher-quality latex mattresses use pure latex.
The top-most layer of padding inside the mattress, consisting of Foam and/or Fibers stitched to the underside of the Ticking. Can provide additional Comfort, as well as a way for the mattress to breathe, and may also include a separate layer of padding such as a Pillow-Top or Euro-Top. Also refers to the process by which the quilting layer is stitched to the ticking and other padding layers of the mattress. Common quilting processes include Multi-Needle Quilting, Single-Needle Stitching, and Tack and Jump Quilting. See our Upholstery Guide to learn more about the key elements of mattress upholstery and how they differ across mattresses.
Term used to describe the speed (or lack of speed) with which a material (typically Foam) returns to its original shape after being compressed.
Term used to indicate that a product and/or its components can later be re-used, such as in the creation of a new product. For a manufacturer to make this claim for a product, it must be practical for the product to be collected and re-used.
Term that refers to a proportion (in cost or weight) of recycled materials in a product.
Material that has been diverted (pre-consumer or post-consumer) from the landfill and re-processed into a new product.
Material that can be renewed naturally – such as wood, fiber, plant-based plastics and bio-based fuels. Renewable energy refers to energy sources that are inexhaustible or can be replaced by new growth, such as wind and solar energy.
Refers to a person changing sleeping positions during the night. For example, rolling from sleeping on one's back to sleeping on one's side.
Term used to describe the ability of an object or material (such as a Coil or padding layer) to spring back to its original form.
A measure of the speed with which a mattress responds as you lie down or move around on a mattress. The slowest responsiveness is also known as "memory feel" while the quickest responsiveness can be thought of as "bounce."
Store policy that provides the rules for whether and how a product can be returned or exchanged, including the timing and any associated costs to the consumer. Sometimes known as a 'trial period' or 'comfort guarantee.' Return policies are set by the retailer, so will vary depend on where you purchase. At GoodBed, we summarize return policies in plain English to make them easy to understand and compare.
Precautionary liner surrounding the Bladder of a Waterbed for containing water in the event of a leak or puncture.
Term referring to the loss of Support in a certain section of a mattress. Often confused with Body Impressions.
Refers to a type of Portable Air Bed filled with sponge-like foam that self-expands as air is let into the mattress.
Term used to describe a Waterbed whose Bladder contains a relatively small amount of Fiber Filling such that the motion of the water is reduced by roughly 50% relative to the motion in a Free Flow waterbed.
Quilting process more common in older mattresses wherein all Upholstery layers are stitched together with one long needle, resulting in a very hard mattress surface.
Type of Foundation consisting of a wooden frame with slats going across the top, covered with fabric. Also referred to as a built-up foundation.
A measure of the amount of softness in the upper layers of a mattress. The lack of softness is also known as 'firmness.' We use the term 'softness' because many mattress shoppers end up choosing the wrong mattress for them based on the assumption that a 'firmer' mattress is a 'better' mattress. The truth is that certain softness levels can be a better or worse match for different types of sleepers, but softness is a primarily preference-based characteristic for which there is no universal better or worse.
Waterbed design featuring a Bladder surrounded by sturdy Foam Encasing and Upholstery, making its external appearance resemble that of a traditional Innerspring Mattress. Sometimes referred to as a Hybrid.
Mattress size that measures 48"W by 84"L. Significantly wider and longer than a standard Twin, which measures 39"W by 75"L.
Term that refers to the aspects of the bed that push back in order to hold your spine in proper position while you sleep, so that you do not encounter pain and/or stiffness when you wake up. Can also encompass other attributes such as the degree to which the mattress conforms to your body. See our Support Guide to determine the best level of support for you.
Type of Latex that shares many of the same physical properties as Natural Latex, but is made through a chemical process using petroleum-based materials. Generally considered slightly stiffer than natural latex, but also more consistent in quality, giving it slightly better Resiliency over a very long period of time.
Quilting process that uses hundreds of needles but is not limited to a continuous pattern, allowing for more Loft and a softer-feeling surface. Typically found in more expensive mattresses.
Process for making latex foam known for its uniform density and broad range of softness options. Liquid Latex is "whipped" with air until it becomes wet Foam, at which time it is poured into a mold, leaving room at the top. Once the mold is sealed, air is vacuumed out of the mold, causing the latex particles to fan out evenly to all corners of the three-dimensional space inside the mold. The mold is then frozen and quickly vulcanized, locking in the structure and uniform particle density of the foam. The Talalay process can be used for both natural and synthetic latex, and can produce latex in a broader range of softness levels and densities than the Dunlop process.
A measure of a sleeper's likelihood to overheat during the night on a given mattress, all other factors being equal.
Process by which Coils are treated to ensure that they return to their original shape and height after compression, improving their Durability and Resiliency. In the tempering process, coils are heated (or electrified) and then cooled, realigning the molecules in such a way that enhances the coil's strength and resistance to Sagging. Also referred to as stress relief. See our Coil Guide to learn more about coil construction and what to look for in mattress coils.
Outer layer of fabric that encases the mattress and/or Foundation. Common types of ticking include Damask and Knit. Also referred to as the Cover. See our Upholstery Guide to learn more about the key elements of mattress upholstery and how they differ across mattresses.
A mattress that has a traditional quilted surface but does not have any kind of pillow top (or Euro Top).
Heavy wire bars, typically bent in 90 degree angles, used in certain Foundations to provide support for an Innerspring Mattress. Generally more rigid than traditional Box Springs. Also known as torsion modules.
Type of Foundation featuring Torsion Bars (rather than traditional Box Springs) to help absorb pressure placed on the mattress.
Mattress size that measures 39"W by 80"L. Sometimes referred to as single extra long.
Term used by GoodBed to describe an extremely high-end Luxury Mattress, containing numerous specialized materials, extra features, hand-crafting and/or customization. Although mattresses can sometimes possess such features at more modest price points, GoodBed typically reserves the 'ultra-luxury' classification for mattresses that retail at or above $5,000 in a queen size model.
Term used to describe a Waterbed whose Bladder contains a large amount of Fiber Filling such that the motion of the water is reduced by 95% or more relative to the motion in a Free Flow waterbed, allowing for virtually no movement of the water from one side of the bed to the other.
Refers to all soft layers in a mattress, including Insulation, Cushioning, Quilting and Ticking. Generally provides the mattress with its Comfort. See our Upholstery Guide for more about the various components of mattress upholstery and to learn how upholstery differs across mattress models.
An assessment of a product's overall quality, characteristics, and expected longevity relative to its price.
Metal or plastic screens or eyelets placed in the sides of a mattress to allow air to pass through more easily.
Gas emissions from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals which the EPA states may have short- or long-term adverse health effect to humans. See Chemicals of Concern.
Type of Adjustable Bed designed to maintain its alignment with bedside tables as its position is changed. Works by shifting the bed backward toward the wall as the head is elevated.
Manufacturer policy that defines the specific circumstances and timing under which a manufacturer will address future problems with the product. Warranties also set forth the methods of remedy to be used, any costs to the consumer, and other key terms related to making, evaluating, or servicing a warranty claim. Warranties are typically limited to defects in the design, materials, or construction of the product, so do not tend to cover normal wear and tear or loss of comfort. At GoodBed, we summarize warranties in plain English to make them easy to understand and compare. See our Warranty Guide to learn how warranties work and what to look for in a mattress warranty.
Type of bed distinguished by its use of liquid, rather than Coils, for Support. See our Waterbed Guide for more information on the different types of waterbeds and their various features and benefits.
Term describing a motor or pump for an Adjustable Bed, Air Bed, or Waterbed that is encased in a special housing so as to dampen its sound.
A material commonly found in the Quilting or Upholstery layers of a mattress. Due to its natural fire-resistant qualities, a layer of wool is often placed just beneath the Ticking in order to meet federal fire standards with minimal use of chemicals.
A measurement of how tightly a Coil is wound. Each 360-degree revolution around the coil counts as two working turns. See our Coil Guide to learn more about coil construction and what to look for in mattress coils.
