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.
• Orthopaedic

  Orthopaedic mattresses are usually the firmest mattresses on the market. A common mistake made by those with back pain, is to assume that a firm Orthopaedic mattress will be the solution. Personal comfort and a correct diagnosis of the cause of the pain should always be saught before purchasing an Orthopaedic mattress. 
  
  Many brands have 'Ortho' mattresses. Terms used include 'Backcare' or 'Orthocare' and the theme is generally to produce a firmer feeling mattress. The idea is to create a mattress that the body can rest on without sinking in and bending the spine, causing pressure to build up. However, if a lighter person lays on a firmer mattress, they will find the spine will not align correctly as the loaded parts of the body (shoulders, hips etc) are not sitting correctly. For more information on the causes of back pain, click here or read about another solution in the Zoning description.

• Pocket Sprung

  Pocket Sprung units are an adaption of the traditional open coil/continuous spring unit. By placing each spring in its own individual 'pocket' (a fabric sock-like pouch), the spring is not joined to any other part of the mattress. The pocket that supports the spring is then joined to its neighbouring pockets and this effect creates a unique feel.
  
  By creating a spring unit in this way, it allows the springs to move independently, rather than sharing the pressure with surrounding springs. This effect allows for much more accurate contour following and a more comfortable feel overall.
  
  If you were to push your hand into a traditionally sprung mattress, the area around your hand would dip/sink too. With Pocket Springs, this sunken area is much more remote and therefore more accurately follows the contours of the pressure source. There are differences in the techniques used to create Pocket Springs, but more or less they remain the same.

• Quilted / Micro Quilted

  Quilting is the stitching technique used to join or attach the mattress' surface layers of fibres to the surface material (the ticking). There are various different techniques which can be used to join these layers, but Quilting is common. Traditionally, Quilting offers a softer surface feel than Tufting as the layers are not held together so tightly. Also see Diamond Stitching or Micro Quilting for variations on Quilting.

• Turn / No Turn

  Some mattresses require turning over, to aid even settlement. Others do not require turning, but will still require rotating.