Air Flow Edge – Allows air to flow through the mattress to keep it cool and dry throughout the night.

Allergen – A substance that causes an allergic reaction, such as dust, mold or animal dander.

Antimicrobial – A natural, synthetic or semisynthetic substance that kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms – poses no danger to larger organisms.

Bed frame – A frame placed under the box spring to maintain the position of the foundation,headboard and footboard off the floor.

Body Impressions – Through normal usage, a natural setting of layers takes place with all upholstered furnishings (including mattresses). These impressions are normal and can be reduced by rotating cushions (or mattress) regularly.

Bonding – The process of adhering two or more components of a mattress together to prevent shifting over time.

Bonnell Coil – An innerspring mattress coil unit – the coils are shaped like an hourglass. Bonnell coils are held together with a thin wire called a helical wire, as in our ComfortCare mattresses.

Border Wires – A heavier-gauge wire that connects coils around the perimeter of an innerspring mattress to provide edge stability.

Box Spring – A foundation that sits below the mattress – can be made of steel or wood, depending on the manufacturer.

Cal-King Mattress – A mattress that measures 72” (W) X 84” (L). Once a specialty size, this mattress is widely available now.

Closed Cell Foam – The interior of polyurethane foam looks like a bunch of bubbles tightly packed together. In closed cell foam, the bubbles have their cell membranes intact, which reduces airflow.

Coil – The individual steel springs in an innerspring mattress. Each coil provides support and resistance when pressure is applied.

Coil Count – The number of individual springs/coils in a mattress.

Coil Gauge – A measure of the wire or coil thickness used in an innerspring mattress. The lower the gauge number, the heavier (or thicker) the wire.

Coil Configuration – The arrangement of coils in a specific pattern within the mattress.

Comfort – Comfort describes the overall “feel” a mattress, using terms such as firm, plush and pillow top.

Corner Guard – A protector (usually plastic or metal) that wraps around the corner of a box-spring or foundation to shield against damage during delivery.

Continuous Coil – An innerspring coil system constructed from a single piece of wire.

Contouring – The mattress’s ability to follow or fit the natural curves (contours) of the body.

Convoluted Foam – A foam manufacturing process that requires special cutting equipment to produce foam with peaks and valleys.

Damask Cover – A woven fabric with a pattern visible on both sides. Used in mattress manufacturing for its weight and durability.

Double Bed – A mattress that measures 54” (W) X 74” (L). Also known as a full or regular size mattress.

Durability – How well the components of a mattress retain comfort, support and shape with use. The term can also refer to how well foam retains its load bearing capacity and shape with use.

Dust Mites – Microscopic insects that thrive in human habited areas and feed off dead skin flakes – mostly found in bedding and other upholstered furnishing. Their feces (droppings) can irritate allergies and cause asthma attacks. Using a mattress protector will prevent dust mites from nesting and breeding in your mattress.

Edge Guard – Additional foam or wire support at the edges of the mattress to prevent sagging and to increase the overall sleepable surface.

Egyptian Cotton – Considered to be the world’s finest cotton, it’s woven with long, soft and strong fibers, resulting in a luxurious fabric and feel.

Featherbed – A soft, thick mattress topper filled with down or feathers. Sits on top of a mattress and below the sheets to add a plush, luxurious feel to the mattress.

Fiber Fill – Soft, synthetic material used to increase the cushioning of a mattress, mattress topper or pillow.

Firmness – A term that describes the resistance a mattress applies to the body weight and “give” of the mattress surface. Firm mattresses are generally lower height than plush or pillow top mattresses.

Flame Retardant Fiber – All mattresses sold in North America must pass strict fire safety laws. Flame resistant material is in all mattresses and box springs.

Foam – A cellular material made from polyurethane or latex and used in a wide variety of home furnishings. Foam can be soft, firm or completely rigid.

Foam Density – Refers to the weight of a standard 1 cubic foot of foam. Density equates to the weight per cubic foot but has nothing to do with firmness.

Foam Discoloration – When foam is exposed to natural and UV light, it naturally discolors. The gradual discoloring of foam is called oxidation and it happens faster in sunlight than in artificial light. Discolor does not affect performance or longevity.

Foam Oxidation – The gradual discoloring of foam due to natural or UV light.

Foam Mattresses – Mattresses with a foam core as the support system (no coils). Foam mattresses are considered very comfortable and durable when made from combinations of high quality foams.

Foam Types – Foams in mattresses come in varying firmness and densities.

Foundation – A generic name for a base that sits under and supports a mattress to keep it off the floor. It helps to absorb the weight and pressure applied to the bed, increasing overall comfort.

Full Size – A mattress that measures 54” (W) X 75” (L). Also referred to as a double or standard size mattress.

Futon – A full size mattress placed on a frame that can convert to a bed or sofa/chair.

Gauge – A measure of the wire or coil thickness used in an innerspring unit. A lower gauge number denotes a heavier/thicker wire.

Gel-Infused – Silicone gel mixed into various materials to help control the temperature of the bed.

Gusset – A box-like finish that squares off the edge of a pillow, comforter or layer of upholstery. Gussets are sometimes used to add strength to the edges and corners of an upholstered product.

Hand – The feel of foam or fabric as a hand is rubbed lightly across the surface. Foam with a good hand is smooth, elastic and has a velvet-like feel.

Heat Tempering – A process that involves heating the innerspring or coil to give it a permanent memory. The tempering strengthens the coil and ensures it will always return to its original height over time and numerous compressions.

Helical Wire – A spiral-shaped wire used to connect coils in a mattress innerspring unit. Also known as Helical Lacing.

High Density Foam – A higher quality foam with a stronger, heavier and more durable cell structure.

Hybrid Mattress – A mattress that combines two different types of support technologies, such as memory foam or latex and individual coil.

Hypoallergenic – A term to describe something that is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction.

ILD (Indention Load Deflection) – ILD defines the level of firmness or softness of a piece of foam – it’s load bearing characteristics. ILD is defined by how much weight in pounds is required to compress foam by 25% (or to 75% of its original height or thickness). If it takes 15lbs of load/force to compress the foam sample by 25%, the foam will have a 15 ILD rating. The higher the ILD rating, the firmer the foam.

Innerspring Mattress – A mattress made with metal coils as its support system.

Independent (Wrapped) Coil – Coils that are not affected by movement of surrounding coils to reduce motion transfer and disturbances between sleep partners.

King Size Mattress – A bed/mattress that measures 76” (W) X 80” (L). Also known as a standard king.

Lamination – The technique of manufacturing multiple layers of material to improve strength, stability, insulation or appearance of the final product.

Latex Foam – Natural and synthetic latex (man-made polymer) are considered high quality mattress components for durability, support, comfort and antimicrobial properties.

Memory Foam – A polyurethane material developed by NASA that’s sensitive to pressure and temperature. Especially effective in mattresses, where it molds to the shape of an individual’s body.

Motion Separation – A term that refers to the reduction or elimination of motion transfer between sleep partners.

Natural Fibers – Fibers are the stalks of a plant (e.g. wheat, bamboo, cotton) which are used to create blankets, pillow cases and mattress covers.

Offset Coil – A coil often used to provide improved spring action and support. Some variations excel at isolating motion and provide enhanced body contouring.

Open Coil – A popular coil system (also referred to as Bonnell Coil) that involves round springs connected top and bottom by a helical wire.

Open Cell Structure – The interior of polyurethane foam looks like a bunch of bubbles tightly packed together. In open cell foam, there is no cell or membrane barrier, which allows for improved airflow.

Pillow Top Mattress – A plush mattress that provides an additional upholstery layer above the support system. These mattresses are thicker than other mattresses and may need deeper pocket sheets.

Plush Top Mattress – Similar to a pillow top mattress but its extra layers of padding are less visible because they’re built into the surface of the mattress instead of layered over the finished surface.

Polyester – A synthetic (man-made) fiber that’s considered very durable, wrinkle and shrinkage-resistant. It’s often combined with cotton and other natural fibers to create a unique feel.

Polyurethane (Poly) Foam – A synthetic, flexible foam that’s used widely in many household products because its durability.

Pressure Points – Areas of the body that bear the most weight and pressure when lying down. Soft tissues are compressed, which can cause discomfort and numbness and lead to tossing and turning throughout the night. The most common pressure points are shoulders, hips and knees.

Queen Size – A bed/mattress that measures 60” (W) x 80 (L).

Quilt – The technique of stitching the top layers of the mattress (outside cover) to layer(s) of fillings below it.

Resilience – The ability of foams or springs to spring back to their original shapes. It’s also a gauge of surface elasticity or “springiness” of foam.

Sag – A depression or body impression in a mattress that exceeds 1 ½”, which is standard with most mattress manufacturers.

Sleep Apnea – Sleep Apnea pronounced (app-nee-uh) is a common sleep disorder that involves a pause in breathing or shallow breaths while sleeping.

Sleep Set – A general term that describes the combination of foundation, mattress, headboard, footboard and bed frame.

Slow-Recovery Foam – Sometimes used to describe memory foam or visco-elastic foam. After pressure is applied, a temporary impression remains for a short period.

Support – A general term to describe how well a mattress equalizes body weight and maintains proper body alignment.

Tack and Jump Quilt – A quilting pattern that’s self-contained rather than in a continuous pattern. It can make the mattress look plusher but does not affect overall comfort.

Therapeutic – Thought to have healing abilities or benefits.

Ticking – The outer cover of a mattress.

Tight Top – A mattress that does not have a plush pillow top. Generally, it has a firmer feel but can sometimes be plush and feel luxurious as well.

Twin Bed – A bed or mattress that measures 39” (W) x 75” (L). Also referred to as single size.

Twin-XL Bed – A twin size that measures 39” (W) x 80” (L) – 5” loner, which makes it the same length as a Queen or King.

Upholstery Layers – Foam, padding and fibers used between the support system/Innerspring unit and the cover of a mattress.

Vacuum Packed – Also known as vacuum sealed – allows mattresses to be rolled or compressed for less expensive shipping.

Visco Elastic Memory Foam – Also known as visco-elastic foam or memory foam – highly resistant to bacteria, mold and mildew and dust mites.

Warranty – A commitment by the manufacturer and/or retailer that their mattresses have been made with quality workmanship and high quality components. If a mattress does not live up to expectations within a certain timeframe, the mattress will be replaced or repaired. A non-prorated warranty offers repair or replacement without the consumer supplying any costs. A prorated warranty means the consumer may bear some of the costs for repair or replacement.

Wrapped Coil – Flexible coils enclosed in a flexible fabric pocket that’s designed to relieve pressure and reduce the unwanted transfer of motion between sleep partners.

Air Flow Edge – Allows air to flow through the mattress to keep it cool and dry throughout the night.

Allergen – A substance that causes an allergic reaction, such as dust, mold or animal dander.

Antimicrobial – A natural, synthetic or semisynthetic substance that kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms – poses no danger to larger organisms.

Bed frame – A frame placed under the box spring to maintain the position of the foundation, headboard and footboard off the floor.

Body Impressions – Through normal usage, a natural setting of layers takes place with all upholstered furnishings (including mattresses). These impressions are normal and can be reduced by rotating cushions (or mattress) regularly.

Bonding – The process of adhering two or more components of a mattress together to prevent shifting over time.

Bonnell Coil – An innerspring mattress coil unit – the coils are shaped like an hourglass. Bonnell coils are held together with a thin wire called a helical wire, as in our ComfortCare mattresses.

Border Wires – A heavier-gauge wire that connects coils around the perimeter of an innerspring mattress to provide edge stability.

Box Spring – A foundation that sits below the mattress – can be made of steel or wood, depending on the manufacturer.

Cal-King Mattress – A mattress that measures 72” (W) X 84” (L). Once a specialty size, this mattress is widely available now.

Closed Cell Foam – The interior of polyurethane foam looks like a bunch of bubbles tightly packed together. In closed cell foam, the bubbles have their cell membranes intact, which reduces airflow.

Coil – The individual steel springs in an innerspring mattress. Each coil provides support and resistance when pressure is applied.

Coil Count – The number of individual springs/coils in a mattress.

Coil Gauge – A measure of the wire or coil thickness used in an innerspring mattress. The lower the gauge number, the heavier (or thicker) the wire.

Coil Configuration – The arrangement of coils in a specific pattern within the mattress.

Comfort – Comfort describes the overall “feel” a mattress, using terms such as firm, plush and pillow top.

Corner Guard – A protector (usually plastic or metal) that wraps around the corner of a box-spring or foundation to shield against damage during delivery.

Continuous Coil – An innerspring coil system constructed from a single piece of wire.

Contouring – The mattress’s ability to follow or fit the natural curves (contours) of the body.

Convoluted Foam – A foam manufacturing process that requires special cutting equipment to produce foam with peaks and valleys.

Damask Cover – A woven fabric with a pattern visible on both sides. Used in mattress manufacturing for its weight and durability.

Double Bed – A mattress that measures 54” (W) X 74” (L). Also known as a full or regular size mattress.

Durability – How well the components of a mattress retain comfort, support and shape with use. The term can also refer to how well foam retains its load bearing capacity and shape with use.

Dust Mites – Microscopic insects that thrive in human habited areas and feed off dead skin flakes – mostly found in bedding and other upholstered furnishing. Their feces (droppings) can irritate allergies and cause asthma attacks. Using a mattress protector will prevent dust mites from nesting and breeding in your mattress.

Edge Guard – Additional foam or wire support at the edges of the mattress to prevent sagging and to increase the overall sleepable surface.

Egyptian Cotton – Considered to be the world’s finest cotton, it’s woven with long, soft and strong fibers, resulting in a luxurious fabric and feel.

Featherbed – A soft, thick mattress topper filled with down or feathers. Sits on top of a mattress and below the sheets to add a plush, luxurious feel to the mattress.

Fiber Fill – Soft, synthetic material used to increase the cushioning of a mattress, mattress topper or pillow.

Firmness – A term that describes the resistance a mattress applies to the body weight and “give” of the mattress surface. Firm mattresses are generally lower height than plush or pillow top mattresses.

Flame Retardant Fiber – All mattresses sold in North America must pass strict fire safety laws. Flame resistant material is in all mattresses and box springs.

Foam – A cellular material made from polyurethane or latex and used in a wide variety of home furnishings. Foam can be soft, firm or completely rigid.

Foam Density – Refers to the weight of a standard 1 cubic foot of foam. Density equates to the weight per cubic foot but has nothing to do with firmness.

Foam Discoloration – When foam is exposed to natural and UV light, it naturally discolors. The gradual discoloring of foam is called oxidation and it happens faster in sunlight than in artificial light. Discolor does not affect performance or longevity.

Foam Oxidation – The gradual discoloring of foam due to natural or UV light.

Foam Mattresses – Mattresses with a foam core as the support system (no coils). Foam mattresses are considered very comfortable and durable when made from combinations of high quality foams.

Foam Types – Foams in mattresses come in varying firmness and densities.

Foundation – A generic name for a base that sits under and supports a mattress to keep it off the floor. It helps to absorb the weight and pressure applied to the bed, increasing overall comfort.

Full Size – A mattress that measures 54” (W) X 75” (L). Also referred to as a double or standard size mattress.

Futon – A full size mattress placed on a frame that can convert to a bed or sofa/chair.

Gauge – A measure of the wire or coil thickness used in an innerspring unit. A lower gauge number denotes a heavier/thicker wire.

Gel-Infused – Silicone gel mixed into various materials to help control the temperature of the bed.

Gusset – A box-like finish that squares off the edge of a pillow, comforter or layer of upholstery. Gussets are sometimes used to add strength to the edges and corners of an upholstered product.

Hand – The feel of foam or fabric as a hand is rubbed lightly across the surface. Foam with a good hand is smooth, elastic and has a velvet-like feel.

Heat Tempering – A process that involves heating the innerspring or coil to give it a permanent memory. The tempering strengthens the coil and ensures it will always return to its original height over time and numerous compressions.

Helical Wire – A spiral-shaped wire used to connect coils in a mattress innerspring unit. Also known as Helical Lacing.

High Density Foam – A higher quality foam with a stronger, heavier and more durable cell structure.

Hybrid Mattress – A mattress that combines two different types of support technologies, such as memory foam or latex and individual coil.

Hypoallergenic – A term to describe something that is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction.

ILD (Indention Load Deflection) – ILD defines the level of firmness or softness of a piece of foam – it’s load bearing characteristics. ILD is defined by how much weight in pounds is required to compress foam by 25% (or to 75% of its original height or thickness). If it takes 15lbs of load/force to compress the foam sample by 25%, the foam will have a 15 ILD rating. The higher the ILD rating, the firmer the foam.

King Size Mattress – A bed/mattress that measures 76” (W) X 80” (L). Also known as a standard king.

Lamination – The technique of manufacturing multiple layers of material to improve strength, stability, insulation or appearance of the final product.

Latex Foam – Natural and synthetic latex (man-made polymer) are considered high quality mattress components for durability, support, comfort and antimicrobial properties.

Memory Foam – A polyurethane material developed by NASA that’s sensitive to pressure and temperature. Especially effective in mattresses, where it molds to the shape of an individual’s body.

Motion Separation – A term that refers to the reduction or elimination of motion transfer between sleep partners.

Natural Fibers – Fibers are the stalks of a plant (e.g. wheat, bamboo, cotton) which are used to create blankets, pillow cases and mattress covers.

Offset Coil – A coil often used to provide improved spring action and support. Some variations excel at isolating motion and provide enhanced body contouring.

Open Coil – A popular coil system (also referred to as Bonnell Coil) that involves round springs connected top and bottom by a helical wire.

Open Cell Structure – The interior of polyurethane foam looks like a bunch of bubbles tightly packed together. In open cell foam, there is no cell or membrane barrier, which allows for improved airflow.

Pillow Top Mattress – A plush mattress that provides an additional upholstery layer above the support system. These mattresses are thicker than other mattresses and may need deeper pocket sheets.

Plush Top Mattress – Similar to a pillow top mattress but its extra layers of padding are less visible because they’re built into the surface of the mattress instead of layered over the finished surface.

Polyester – A synthetic (man-made) fiber that’s considered very durable, wrinkle and shrinkage-resistant. It’s often combined with cotton and other natural fibers to create a unique feel.

Polyurethane (Poly) Foam – A synthetic, flexible foam that’s used widely in many household products because its durability.

Pressure Points – Areas of the body that bear the most weight and pressure when lying down. Soft tissues are compressed, which can cause discomfort and numbness and lead to tossing and turning throughout the night. The most common pressure points are shoulders, hips and knees.

Queen Size – A bed/mattress that measures 60” (W) x 80 (L).

Quilt – The technique of stitching the top layers of the mattress (outside cover) to layer(s) of fillings below it.

Resilience – The ability of foams or springs to spring back to their original shapes. It’s also a gauge of surface elasticity or “springiness” of foam.

Sag – A depression or body impression in a mattress that exceeds 1 ½”, which is standard with most mattress manufacturers.

Sleep Apnea – Sleep Apnea pronounced (app-nee-uh) is a common sleep disorder that involves a pause in breathing or shallow breaths while sleeping.

Sleep Set – A general term that describes the combination of foundation, mattress, headboard, footboard and bed frame.

Slow-Recovery Foam – Sometimes used to describe memory foam or visco-elastic foam. After pressure is applied, a temporary impression remains for a short period.

Support – A general term to describe how well a mattress equalizes body weight and maintains proper body alignment.

Tack and Jump Quilt – A quilting pattern that’s self-contained rather than in a continuous pattern. It can make the mattress look plusher but does not affect overall comfort.

Therapeutic – Thought to have healing abilities or benefits.

Ticking – The outer cover of a mattress.

Tight Top – A mattress that does not have a plush pillow top. Generally, it has a firmer feel but can sometimes be plush and feel luxurious as well.

Twin Bed – A bed or mattress that measures 39” (W) x 75” (L). Also referred to as single size.

Twin-XL Bed – A twin size that measures 39” (W) x 80” (L) – 5” loner, which makes it the same length as a Queen or King.

Upholstery Layers – Foam, padding and fibers used between the support system/Innerspring unit and the cover of a mattress.

Vacuum Packed – Also known as vacuum sealed – allows mattresses to be rolled or compressed for less expensive shipping.

Visco Elastic Memory Foam – Also known as visco-elastic foam or memory foam – highly resistant to bacteria, mold and mildew and dust mites.

Warranty – A commitment by the manufacturer and/or retailer that their mattresses have been made with quality workmanship and high quality components. If a mattress does not live up to expectations within a certain timeframe, the mattress will be replaced or repaired. A non-prorated warranty offers repair or replacement without the consumer supplying any costs. A prorated warranty means the consumer may bear some of the costs for repair or replacement.

Wrapped Coil – Flexible coils enclosed in a flexible fabric pocket that’s designed to relieve pressure and reduce the unwanted transfer of motion between sleep partners.