are a broad category of beds where air is used to support the sleeper. Small motors pump air into mattress bladders to make them different levels of firmness. The advantage of air beds is that you can adjust the level of firmness to suit you, and your partner can do the same. The disadvantages are that some of the pumps are noisy and require maintenance, and the air bladders can develop leaks. These beds are usually race-tracked (see below), so spouses may not feel comfortable cuddling in the middle. The biggest names in air beds are Select Comfort, Nautilus, and Comfortaire. Select Comfort came up with the Sleep by Number bed (see below).

are indentations in a mattress the happen when the mattress compresses over time. People talk about the 2 valleys or compression or holes in a mattress when a couple is sleeping on it. When you notice compression, it’s probably to change your mattress.

are a frame surface used to support a mattress. Typically box springs will be used on top of a metal frame. The box springs raise the mattress higher off the floor and give the manufacturer and retailer something else to sell. You can often replace the mattress only without replacing the box springs, but it is important that your new mattress be placed on a surface that works well with it.

This term is most commonly used in referring to “latex cores”, meaning a solid block of latex foam rubber usually measuring 39″ x 80″. This is the size of the 90% of the molds used around the world to produce blocks of latex which are then fabricated or glues together to arrive at the finished size-full, queen, or king. There are also molds measuring 60″x 80″ but much more expensive and only a handful of latex manufacturers around the world have them.

is a natural product and is excellent for clothing and sheets, material that is close to your skin. However, it is not a great mattress product because it absorbs moisture, is a haven for dust mites, and it compresses. Conventionally grown cotton uses fertilizers and pesticides and it is normally treated with fire retardant. Although it sounds nice, organic cotton will still absorb moisture, compress, and house dust mites; and it can become moldy.

is a measurement of the mass per unit volume. Measured and expressed in pounds per cubic foot (pcf) or kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m3), density is one of the most important of all properties. Density is a function of the chemistry used to produce the foam and additives included with the foam chemistry. Density affects foam durability and support. Typically, the higher the polymer density, the better the foam will retain its original properties and provide the support and comfort it was originally designed to produce.

is a method used in producing latex mattresses. The serum is collected from rubber trees, then poured into a mold and baked. Dunlop is normally a natural process for producing latex, but not always.

are in the arachnid family which includes spiders, scorpions and ticks. Dust mites feed on dead skin that sloughs from our bodies. They live their whole lives in mattresses, pillows, and in dark corner dust bunnies: hatching, growing, eating, defecating, mating, laying eggs. Yes, this is pretty gross. Dust mites do very well in fibers like cotton, wool, and polyester; they cannot survive in natural latex and don’t do well in memory foam, either. Allergies like rashes and trouble breathing are often attributable to dust mites.

A duvet is a French word for cover. A duvet can be like a comforter, or it can also be similar to a pillow top mattress if it is removable.

are strands of material made from cotton, polyester, wool, or silk. Fiber is used extensively in mattresses. Strands of fiber have air between the strands. Fiber always compresses over time.

is similar to a box spring except that it is rigid whereas a box spring is flexible.

is a bendable, fold-able mattress that will fit into an upright frame. When the frame is upright, it is used as a couch. It is usually used as a couch during the day and a bed at night. Futons vary widely in price. A frame and mattress and cover can range from $200 – $1000 and higher. These days some futons are very comfortable, unlike most of those made prior to year 2000.

Foam measured with a density greater than 1.8.

Also called HR Foam is foam with a density greater than 1.8.

Indentation Force Deflection (IFD) is a measurement of foam firmness. Firmness is independent of foam density, although it is often thought that higher density foams are firmer. It is possible to have high-density foams that are soft � or low-density foams that are firm, depending on the IFD specification. IFD specification relates to comfort. It is a measurement of the surface feel of the foam. IFD is measured by indenting (compressing) a foam sample 25 percent of its original height. The amount of force (in pounds) required to indent the foam is its 25 percent IFD measurement. The more force required, the firmer the foam. Flexible foam IFD measurements range from 10 pounds (supersoft) to about 80 pounds (very firm).

Indentation Load Deflection (ILD) is a measurement of foam firmness. Firmness is independent of foam density, although it is often thought that higher density foams are firmer. It is possible to have high density foams that are soft or low density foams that are firm, depending on the ILD specification. ILD specification relates to comfort. It is a measurement of the surface feel of the foam. ILD is measured by indenting (compressing) a foam sample 25 percent of its original height. The amount of force (in pounds) required to indent the foam is its 25 percent ILD measurement. The more force required, the firmer the foam. Flexible foam ILD measurements range from 10 pounds (supersoft) to about 80 pounds (very firm).

is a sleep disorder referring to the problem of not being able to fall asleep or the problem of waking up too early. Everyone experiences periods of insomnia in his or her life. If the periods are prolonged and you feel daytime sleepiness, it is recommended that you consult a physician.

is a copy of the original. Xerox was the first company to come out with a copier. Other companies made knockoffs. Tempurpedic was the first company to come out with memory foam. Other companies have knockoffs, some good, some not so good.

comes from the rubber tree which only grows within about 700 miles from the equator. Latex is used in a wide variety of products from rubber bands to rubber gloves to latex used in mattresses.

is the name of the company that makes most of the components for adjustable beds in the U.S., even when they are sold under different names like Tempur-Pedic and Craftmatic. Leggett and Platt is the manufacturer of all of our adjustable beds and handles all the warranties, including the S-cape model sold under the Tempur-Pedic brand name.