Choosing a mattress

Mattresses may look pretty much the same from the outside, but underneath there are huge differences. To help you buy a mattress that's right for you, here's the insiders guide to the ins and outs of our mattresses.

From the outside

When you buy a mattress the cover is the first thing you'll see. And whilst attractive designs are a plus, remember it will spend all of its life covered up. When you buy a mattress go for the best quality covering you can. Woven or knitted high quality viscose or cotton yarns will be comfortable, tough and tear resistant.

Many mattresses at Sleepmasters have anti allergy and anti bacterial properties. Some of our mattresses including our Sensaform beds feature a very special covering that helps regulate your body temperature while you sleep.

Quilting or tufting

Most mattresses are finished by either quilting or tufting. Quilting is where the outer fabric is stitched to the surface fillings to create a comfortable sleeping surface surface. Tufting is where tapes are passed through the mattress at regular intervals and secured at each side by tags or washers, to prevent movement of the upholstery within the mattress.

Open coil

Probably the most common type of mattress, springs are arranged in rows and connected to one another, top and bottom, by a spiral helical wire. The thickness, or gauge, of the steel will determine how hard or soft the mattress feels.

Pocket spring

Individual springs are contained within their own cloth pocket and positioned in rows. This design allows each spring to work independently, supporting the body exactly where it needs it and prevents the age old problem of roll-together. Spring counts vary from 600 to up to 3 or even 4,000, and like other types of mattresses are made in a range of tensions. Higher quality mattresses are often hand side stitched to increase their life expectancy. Pocket sprung mattresses are generally more expensive, and are used mainly in higher quality products.

Memory foam

If you're looking to buy a mattress, go for the ultimate in sleep comfort. Our exclusive NASA developed Sensaform memory foam uses your body heat and weight to mould itself to your exact shape. This all-over, perfectly balanced support reduces stress on pressure points, improves circulation and can even help alleviate back pain.

The best way to find out which of these is right for you is to try before you buy a mattress. So, come down to your nearest Sleepmasters store. Our simple bed rating system makes finding the right one for you easy.

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