Mattress Buying Guide

Terminology

I don't know about you but I feel aching silly shopping for a mattress - when I do it right that is. For the experts say you should plan on hunkering down on the bed for at least fifteen minutes to get some idea of its comfort. Sitting on the edge of the mattress is going to tell you nothing. Some people think nothing of a 45 minute nap, bring their pillows and if the mattress has some promise, even fall asleep. With the high cost of mattresses these days, a little investment of time and attention is worth it. You may want to brush up on your mattress nomenclature as well. No need to be thrown when the salesman spouts about eurotop, latex, and memory foam. Here are a few clues to mattress terminology:

Eurotop is an extra layer of foam, cotton etc. in a covering that is sewn to the top of a mattress... it's also called pillowtop.

Innerspring mattress is made of metal coils with a covering of foam

Ticking is the outer covering of a mattress. It needs to be quality and long wearing.

Latex is a natural rubber foam, memory foam is a heat sensitive foam that will conform to your body. You'll find the words NASA thrown around a lot to impress you.