Glossary

• Fibre Most mattresses will have layers of fillings under the surface to increase comfort and separate the spring units from the surface. The most common fillings used in mattresses are cotton, wool and polyester among others. Mattresses require fillings to create a soft surface tension on which to sleep. The fillings normally compliment the internal spring unit by adding comfort to the support offered (by the spring unit) The tension of the surface fillings can be tuned by the density in which they are packed as well as by the method in which they are bound together. Tufting results in a slightly firmer feel than quilting.
• Latex

  Latex is the ultimate in luxurious natural materials (but can be synthetic in other markets). Latex is actually found in more than 10% of flowering plants around the world. About 20,000 species from more than 40 families. The Latex used in the bedding industry is taken from sustainable sources. Latex is perfect for mattresses because it is soft, hypoallergenic, natural and moulds to the shape of the body. 
  
  Latex used in bedding also tends to be treated in such a way that it can be used by people who have Latex allergies! The technique used is to super heat the Latex unit, freeze it, super heat it and freeze it again. Once this process is complete, the harmful chemicals released can be chemically washed off, leaving it suitable for everyone. Latex is the material Memory Foam has tried to copy. Memory foam  requires heat to mould to the shape of your body and can therefore become too warm for some. Latex does not require heat and is soft at any temperature. As a natural material which requires time and various processes to be extracted, Latex can be more expensive that its rival materials, but the comfort levels achieved are well worth it.

• Pressure Points

  Pressure Points are created in the body when lying on a mattress which is not suitable for a persons physique. The Pressure Points are caused by putting stresses through the body. When the spine is not aligned correctly (i.e, straight), it can cause pressure to build up in the back, hips or shoulders (etc).
  
  When a bed is too soft, the body sinks in, causing certain areas to be under the strain of the rest of the body. When a mattress is too hard/firm, then the weight applied can cause the body to flex/bend in the opposite way - causing a similar problem. Hips, shoulders and so on, are requried to be sunken into the mattress slightly more than the surrounding areas, as they carry the weight. When this is not the case, the lower back may be bent to compensate. The ideal mattress is one which will keep the spine straight.

• Royal Warrant

  See 'Queen'.