Mattress Options

Inner-Spring

• The most well-known type of mattress is the traditional inner-spring mattress. The mattress typically is set upon a matching box-spring base on top of a frame. Inner-spring mattresses can vary greatly in quality and comfort. They all consist of a set of coils and cushioning, but the differences in the comfort of various models can be quite dramatic. The only true way to know if you will be satisfied with a mattress is to lie down on it and try it out.

  Most mattresses come in four or five standard sizes. A twin, or single, mattress is 39 inches by 75 inches. An extra-long twin mattress, also called a super single, is the same width as a single mattress but is longer at 80 inches. A full mattress is the smallest size mattress that should be considered for two people. It is 54 inches by 75 inches and sometimes can also be found in an extra-long 80-inch length. A queen mattress is 60 inches by 80 inches, and a king mattress 76 inches by 80 inches.

Waterbeds

• When comparing mattress sizes, you also might see reference to a California king at 72 inches by 84 inches. This is a common size for waterbeds. Queen-size waterbed mattresses are 60 inches by 84 inches, and super singles are 48 inches by 84 inches. These sizes are for hard-side waterbeds, which consist of a vinyl mattress inside a sturdy wooden box upon a pedestal. Soft-side waterbed mattress systems resemble traditional inner-spring mattresses and box springs, and are sized to use traditional bedding.

  Waterbeds have come a long way since they were introduced to the public in the 1960s. Some waterbeds still are free-flowing, which means that they tend to slosh with movement, but many contain layers of fiberfill or tubular chambers that keep water movement to a minimum and provide extra lumbar support.

Memory Foam

• A memory-foam mattress is a block of foam that is chemically treated to make it conform to your body and then return to its original shape. These mattresses are designed to evenly support your body weight and stop the transfer of motion that occurs when one bed partner moves or rolls over. When shopping for a memory-foam mattress, consider the mattress's softness, density and thickness, all of which will affect your personal comfort and the longevity of the mattress. For detailed information about memory-foam mattresses, see the Resources section for a helpful link to Memory Foam Mattress.org, a site composed by Dr. Rick Swartzburg, a chiropractor who provides information about a variety of memory-foam mattresses.

Air-filled

• Air-filled mattresses are a convenient way to provide a sleeping surface for guests. Basic air-filled mattresses are quite cheap, but their longevity and comfort match their low price. Raised air mattresses provide greater comfort. High-end air-filled mattresses are very similar in appearance to conventional mattresses, but they have an inflatable core rather than springs. Depending on the model, they might feature individual air chambers that can be adjusted for personal comfort, have supportive foam sides and top, and are designed to be placed upon a foundation for permanent use.