Glossary

• Firmness

  MyNextMattress is developing a new and unique solution to the Firmness scale accuracy. Not seen anywhere else in the World, we will be measuring the Firmness of all our mattresses precisely and in detail.
  
  We are the only company in the Country that will actually measure the Firmness of a mattress and give a grading out of 10. We are always aware that choosing your next mattress can be a difficult and time consuming process, therefore we strive to give as much information as possible on every mattress we sell.
  
  The way our system works is by applying weight to a mattress. We will apply weight gradually and measure the amount the mattress dips. The more weight, the more the mattress will 'sink'. We would then measure the distance the mattress dips and plot these measurements (weight and distance) on a graph. This graph can then be used to tell us the Firmness category the mattress fits into, 7 out of 10 for instance.
  
  Our Firmness Device provides a central rod which we apply weights to, on the bottom end there is a disc which pushes into the mattress. The top of this rod supports the weights and will sink according to the 'give' in a mattress. We measure from this point.
  
  As a result of this unique technique, it will be possible for you to shop by the firmness of a mattress, this is not possible anywhere else.

• Foam Encapsulation

  Foam Encapsulation is a recent addition to the bedding market. An idea designed to offer greater edge-to-edge support as well offering greater Bedstead/Slatted base compatibility.
  
  The idea is simple; Create a spring unit and then sit it in a 'matchbox' of Foam. As you can see in the diagram below, the spring unit is surrounded on all sides by a layer of Memory Foam. This foam gives a solid, stable feel to the mattress and allows the spring unit to be completely separated from the mattresses fillings and cushion. 
  
  Once the spring unit is set in the foam and the foam glued together, it can be surrounded by fillings and fibre to create the traditional look for a mattress or can be given a Pillow Top for even more comfort.

• Pillow Top

  A pillow top mattress is a relatively new development in the bedding industry. Originally the technique applied to the more expensive mattresses, the technique has been perfected to such an extent that the prices have fallen the Pillow Top is much more widely available. Known as the Euro Top by American retailers, the design was originally on the wider market a few years ago, and is now a common site in bedrooms around the World. The idea is to separate the surface fillings from the core of the mattress itself. This results in more support and more comfort. Many traditional mattresses fasten the surface fillings to the spring unit in the mattress. A Pillow Top mattress has a distinct separate layer for the fillings and therefore reacts independently to the spring unit, resulting in less dipping and a solid feel. The technique also offers greater edge-to-edge support.

  Pillow tops can take many forms nowadays. A deep layer on the surface which contains memory foam. Another technique of Pillow Top mattress is the Silentnight Treasure mattress. A shallower, quilt like style. All in all, this type of mattress is continuing to go from strength to strength and would appear to be here to stay.

• 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.