Stiffness
Firmness is one of the most important characteristics when choosing any mattress. Modern models can be soft,
medium or firm.
It is believed that products of any hardness are suitable for healthy people, and the choice in this case depends solely on personal preferences. However, there are certain recommendations related to a person's weight and allowing you to determine which option is likely to be the most comfortable. Thus, for people weighing up to 60 kg,
a soft mattress is considered optimal, 60-90 kg - medium, over 90 kg -
hard. This, however, only applies to "adult" models;
children's's mattresses are standardly of medium hardness. If a mattress is selected for a person with spinal problems, it is advisable to consult a doctor before choosing.
Note that there is a separate category of mattresses that combine different levels of firmness. Most often, these are double-sided models with different levels of firmness on each side — this allows you to change the firmness by simply turning the mattress over (for more information on the meaning of this function, see below). In addition, double versions with different levels of firmness on each side can be produced; for more information, see below. All such products in our catalog are designated as “soft/hard” or “soft/medium,” depending on the combination.
In
...the description of the model's rigidity, we additionally indicate the rigidity in numbers (on a scale as is customary in the field of describing the rigidity of mattresses) from 1 - soft, to 5 - hard.Number of layers
The number of individual layers of filler provided in the design of the mattress. By itself, this parameter does not have a special effect on the overall quality and practical features of the product - these moments are determined primarily by the filler materials (see below) and other design features. However, in spring mattresses (see "Type"), more layers usually correspond to a greater thickness of the filling - which means that the customer is less likely to feel individual springs on such a mattress.
Note that the cover is not taken into account when counting the layers - it is not always included in the kit, and, as a rule, can be replaced if necessary.
Now on the market there are mattresses with the following number of layers:
1,
2,
3,
4,
5,
6,
7 and
more.
Filler
The material used to fill the interior space of a mattress. In spring models (see "Type of orthopedic"), this parameter plays a secondary role, because. stiffness, orthopedics and other important characteristics are determined primarily by the springs used. But for
springless filler properties are extremely important, and the materials used should be paid special attention.
-
Polyurethane foam(PPU). A fairly popular synthetic material that provides medium to high stiffness characteristics. It is produced in different variations, differing in density and, accordingly, durability and price (the denser the PPU, the more reliable it is, but also more expensive). The foam structure allows the use of
vacuum packaging ; in addition, memory foam mattresses (also described below) are most often made from polyurethane foam with special additives. Pure polyurethane foam is in many ways similar to latex, however, on the one hand, it loses to it in softness and elasticity, on the other hand, it is considered more hypoallergenic and also costs less.
—
Latex. Speaking of mattresses, latex most often means a natural variety of this material, based on wood rubber, with some synthetic additives. Like the PPU described above, latex has a foamy structure, it is more resilient, but also softer - the rigidity of such mattresses varies from
...low to medium. Latex mattresses are considered very comfortable, because. provide natural tight support for the entire body; in addition, they are quite durable. On the other hand, the price of such products is higher than that of polyurethane foam, and the anti-allergic properties are somewhat worse (although latex is rightfully considered a hypoallergenic material).
- Coconut or cactus fiber. Also known as coconut coir or sisal (respectively). It is a natural fiber bonded with latex. Such mattresses are positioned as the most natural products, although the mentioned latex can also be synthetic. They are distinguished by a very high rigidity (although quite elastic), strong, durable and quite hygienic, because. when properly processed, the fiber does not accumulate odors and moisture. On the other hand, the cost of such mattresses is quite high, and under heavy weight, the material can crumble - so they are poorly suited for massive people.
- Spunbond. This material is a non-woven fabric of synthetic origin: during its production, molten synthetic material is drawn into threads, which, after solidification, are fastened together by temperature, adhesive or other means. As a result, the fabric is soft, but at the same time durable to tear and abrasion, safe for humans and at the same time inexpensive. Among mattresses, spunbond is found mainly in spring models (see "Type"). It is used as a "shield" to protect more delicate materials and upholstery from contact with the springs. At the same time, most products using spunbond have low rigidity - in more rigid mattresses it is more reasonable to use appropriate materials for the same purposes, such as coconut coir.
- Strutofiber, periotek, etc. A family of materials based on vertically arranged fibers - usually of natural origin, like wool or cotton, but there are also artificial ones. Such materials are notable for their low price and quite decent (though not outstanding) performance characteristics. Their rigidity varies from medium to high.
— Felt. Material based on dense felted wool. It has a very low wear resistance, which is why it is practically not used as an independent filler and usually plays the role of a small layer between thicker layers of other materials.
Note that modern mattress fillers can combine several options at once - for example, polyurethane and latex for double-sided soft-hard models (see "Two-sided"), or several alternating layers of coir and latex.Max. load (1 place)
The maximum weight for which one bed of the mattress is designed is, in fact, the maximum weight of a person who can regularly sleep on a mattress for a long period of time without the risk of "overloading" and spoiling the product. Of course, this parameter cannot be exceeded; however, when purchasing a mattress, you should also make sure that the selected model has a certain weight reserve — at least 10 kg. This is due not only to the fact that the mattress can be used by different people (and the weight of permanent owners can also change), but also to the uneven load that occurs during use. The fact is that manufacturers can specify this parameter per sleeper, i.e. practically immobile person. In fact, the matter is not limited only to sleep — as a result, the mattress may experience a load greater than the calculated one, even in cases where the weight of the person on it does not exceed the claimed characteristics.
Height
Overall height (thickness) of the mattress.
This parameter is selected by the manufacturer, taking into account the general purpose and design features of the product, so in most cases it is not fundamental when choosing. We only note that traditional type mattresses have a thickness of
10 – 15 cm to
30 cm or more. And products with a thickness of less than 10 cm belong to the category of so-called
futons, or toppers. Most often, such models are not used separately, but as additional overlays on another sleeping surface. For example, you can add a topper to an existing classic mattress — if it is not soft or hard enough, or if its properties have deteriorated due to wear — or lay the topper on a sofa, making the sleeping place on it more comfortable. Due to their thinness, futons are relatively inexpensive, and buying such a product is often more profitable than replacing an existing mattress.