Mattress Info
A Lesson In Mattresses
All mattresses are comprised of 3 essential layers.
1. An upholstery layer which acts as the padding
2. An innerspring coil unit which acts as the support
3. The box spring until below, which is now often referred to as the foundation
The Upholstery Layers account for the major portion of the cost of your new mattress. Twenty years ago the average mattress was nine inches thick, today they average fourteen inches. The coils have remained constant at about six inches. The upholstery or padding has increased greatly. Manufacturers have found that adding more padding of a better quality provides a more comfortable sleeping surface and a longer mattress life.
The layers can be made of man made materials, natural fibers or a variety of foams. Each bed has approximately 3-8 layers of padding, each made of a different fiber. Of the three components the padding alone will cost more than the innerspring unit and the foundation combined. This is where most of your mattress dollars will go, the more you spend the more padding your bed will have and the materials will be of higher quality. The better materials that make up padding are wool, cashmere, silk, memory foam and latex. These items also come in different grade levels and again the higher the cost, the better quality of these materials.
The innerspring coil portion is the base of the mattress. The coils distribute the weight of your body while you are lying down. The innerspring will hold its strength for many years. Sealy, Serta, and Simmons offer different grades of coil units, usually giving you more coils as the price increases. Stearns & Foster does not alter their coil count. They use the same high quality coil count throughout their line.
Are more coils better? Maybe, but not necessarily. More coils are better if the manufacturer spaces the same size and type of coils closer together, providing more coils in the same size mattress. Comparing the quality of mattresses between brands based on coil count does not work. There are too many variables to use coil count as a comparison. Stearns and Foster, for instance has the least number of coils of any brand we sell, yet they have more working steel than all of the other brands.
The Box Spring or Foundation Layer is the bottom piece that supports your mattress. Some manufacturers use a box spring that has a coil system within it. These coils act as little shock absorbers, so when force and weight are applied to the top of the mattress, the box spring will give slightly. A good box spring will extend the life of your mattress and prolong your investment. Box springs or foundations should always be replaced when the mattress is replaced. A working box spring is considered the best way to build a premium sleeping environment.
Recent changes in technology have some mattress lines using a foundation instead of a box spring. Foundations can be made of either wood or metal. They do not give or absorb shock. This technology has been embraced by Simmons Beautyrest. The non-flexing base provides the great “do not disturb” sleep that they are known for. The box spring has been used longer, but the change in today’s mattress design allows for the use of a foundation in many applications.
An alternative to the traditional mattress is the Latex or Visco foam mattress. Latex is a natural, biodegradable foam that comes from a rubber tree found in the rain forest of South America. The material is tapped from the tree in a manner similar to removing maple syurp from a maple tree. The rubber tree recuperates for a few weeks and is then ready to supply the natural latex again.
Latex foam contours to your body and moves with you as you move in the bed, providing continuous orthopedic support. As it contours, your body weight is spread over your entire sleeping surface, thereby eliminating pressure points and creating a more comfortable sleep. The latex also breathes which allows the release of body heat and moisture.
Latex is an excellent choice for people who suffer from allergies. Latex is naturally resistant to bacteria, mold, mildew, mites and other odor causing germs. Latex also reduces motion transfer. If your partner moves during the night, your sleep will not be disturbed. Additionally, latex mattresses do not need to be turned or rotated.
Visco Elastic Memory Foam is the man made version of latex foam. Visco foam reacts to body temperature and weight and conforms to the shape of your body. As you move the foam gradually moves back to its original position. Like latex, it does not created pressure points and it breathes to keep the sleeping surface comfortable. Like latex it is also allergy free and does not require rotating. This foam was originally developed by NASA to provide comfortable travel for astronauts.
BRANDS
Here is a little history on the brands we carry.
Stearns & Foster was established in 1846 and has been this nation’s luxury brand for many years. Often sold only in the finest furniture and department stores, Southwest Mattress Wholesalers is proud to offer this top of the line product at substantial discounts. With a reputation for using only the finest materials available, durability and comfort have long been the standard for this company. Stearns & Foster sets have the highest average price. They do not produce any mid or lower priced mattress. Retail prices for Queen sets range from approximately $1000 to over $5000. Southwest Mattress Wholesalers offers these sets starting at $299. Click Here to view Stearns & Foster Mattresses
Sealy Posturepedic is the largest selling brand in the United States. Sealy has been making mattress since 1881. Their mass distribution and volume, Sealy offers the best mid priced mattress sets. Their wide selection gives consumers comfort and value. Retail prices for Queen sets range from $699 to $2499. Southwest Mattress Wholesalers offers these sets starting at $299. Click Here to view Sealy Mattresses
Simmons Beautyrest has been produced with a pocketed coil since 1925. Trademarked at the “Do Not Disturb” mattress, the pocketed coil reduces more motion between partners than any other mattress in the industry today. If a partners movement disturbs your sleep, this is an excellent choice for you. Built with luxury materials, Simmons motion technology design is well worth the price. Retail prices for Queen sets range from $749 to $3999. Southwest Mattress Wholesalers offers these sets starting at $299. Click Here to view Simmons Mattresses
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