Mattress FAQ

What Are the Standard Mattress Sizes?

• Mattresses have standard sizes, so every model from every manufacturer will have the same dimensions. Regular twin mattresses are 39 inches wide x 75 inches long. An extra long twin has the same width but is 80 inches long. Full mattresses are 54 inches wide x 75 inches long. Queen size mattresses are 60 inches wide x 80 inches long while king are 76 inches wide by 80 inches long. California king mattresses have the same width but are 84 inches long.

When Should I Replace a Mattress?

• No hard and fast rules exist as to when a mattress should be replaced. Depending on the quality, most mattress sets are sold with warranties guaranteeing the quality of the product from 10 to 20 years. Bedding experts agree, however, on several telltale signs that indicate a mattress has come to the end of its useful life. Waking with a backache or stiffness in body joints is one indicator as well as lack of quality sleep. Signs of visible wear, such as lumps or depressions, also indicate the time has come for a new mattress.

How Do I Choose a Mattress?

• Choosing a mattress is a matter of individual taste. Factors to consider are support, comfort, bedroom space and buying the mattress as a set with the box spring. When shopping for a mattress, think about how your body has changed since the last time your purchased one and what requirements you need to get a good night's sleep. Pillow top models feel softer but provide the same support as firm mattresses because they have more padding. To get a proper feel for a mattress, wear comfortable clothing, take off shoes and lie down for 10 to 20 minutes to see whether the set is right for you.

What Materials Are in Mattresses?

• Many different materials can go into mattress construction. Traditional coil mattresses have tightly wound metal coils embedded in the interior to provide support. The greater the number of coils, the more support the mattress provides. A synthetic frame holds the assembly together while layers of foam or cotton batting provide comfort. Most mattresses are still made with coil springs and multiple layers of foam. A growing number are now made with latex or visco-elastic memory foam. Some use both of these materials combined. Non-spring mattresses represent the fast growing segment of the mattress business. Natural latex rubber and viscous elastic, or memory foam, are two materials that are increasingly used in mattresses. Both of these conform to the body to provide support. Memory foam molds to the body as it sinks into the mattress to provide support. Latex does the opposite by pushing up into the curves of the back.