About Beds
Beds are complex structures made of a number of layers of complementary materials to give a desired feel and comfort level. This allows many variations to make up the best possible design to take into account personal preferences and budgets. This section attempts to explain some of these items and how they influence the feel and comfort of the bed.
Beds are usually made of two parts both of which can have a significant effect on the feel and comfort level, firstly the mattress itself and secondly the base, divan or bedstead on which it rests.
Overview
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Mattresses are made up of a number of layers of materials. The differing properties of these materials and the way they are used have a profound effect on the feel of a mattress. The majority of mattresses are made up of a spring system, which can be manufactured using differing methods and materials. A covering layer of padding (which as the quality of the mattress increases are likely to be multiple layers of increasingly costly materials) and finally the covering for the matt/ress to give the surface on which you sleep. The construction is held together with stitching (or through the mattress in the case of a tufted mattress. |
Divans and Bedsteads
The base on which the mattress sits can also affect the feel of the bed. Bases can be platform bases where the mattress rests on a solid platform which provides a firmer feel to any mattress; it can also contain its own spring system such as that in a sprung edge divan (sometimes called a sprung base). This extra layer of springs will soften the feel of any mattress with the added benefit that it usually prolongs the life of the mattress. A More traditional look can be provided by a firm edge divan. The firm edge refers the wooden edge which surrounds a sprung layer (similar to that used in the sprung edge) this provides a similar softer feel with less tendency to “roll off” than a sprung edge mattress. The base is often slimmer and sits on legs giving a more traditional look. The construction of a firm edge divan gives a strong base and for this reason this format is often chosen by people of a larger disposition or for those environments where the beds are likely to face more wear.
The combination of the properties of these layers can profoundly affect the feel of the mattress. For example a firm mattress is given a softer feel when it rests on a sprung edge divan. And a similar effect can be given by the use of topping payers and pillow tops. In the same manner a softer mattress can be made to feel firmer by the use of firmer topping layers or by placing it on a platform divan or bed frame
In general it is true to say that the more you spend on a mattress the more comfortable it will be as the added layers and luxury of the materials used combine to make the perfect feel for you. The range of materials and construction techniques used in our range of mattress provide a selection for the most discerning tastes and provide exceptional value at all budgets.
Spring Systems
Spring systems used in Mattresses use a number of basic types;
Bonnell springs
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These are hourglass in shape and are joined at the top and bottom to make the Mattress sprung base. The strength of the steel and the gauge of the wire used alter the firmness of the spring the lower the gauge the stronger the wire and the firmer the mattress. Bonnell springs provide an excellent solution and provide exceptional value for money. |
Integra springs
These are hourglass in shape and are joined at the top and bottom to make the Mattress sprung base. The strength of the steel and the gauge of the wire used alter the firmness of the spring the lower the gauge the stronger the wire and the firmer the mattress. Bonnell springs provide an excellent solution and provide exceptional value for money.
Trizone springs
Trizone mattresses use bonnell springs with variable stiffness if different sections of the mattress. Firmer springs in the centre of the mattress to support the weight of the torso and softer zones at the head and food of the bed to provide softer support for the extremities.
Integra springs
Integra Spring systems use a continuous coil designed to stop roll together.
Pocket springs
Pocket springs are individual springs each in its own fabric pocket so the load on one spring doesn’t affect one next to it giving a mattress that adapts independently to the body shape. In many independent tests Pocket springs are found to provide the most comfortable mattress. Pocket spring mattresses can have a varying number of springs within its construction and this number is often given as part of the product name or model number. The number referred to is usually the number of springs found in a king size bed with a corresponding decrease in smaller beds and increase in larger beds. The gauge of wire (and firmness of the spring) is reduced as more springs are used as each spring has to carry less weight and can therefore be softer yet still provide superb support. This firmness can be selected on many beds to give the required firm or softer support. Pocket spring mattress can be made mechanically or “hand nested” where a craftsman nests springs by hand. Hand nested springs can be “tied” together to prevent movement within the mattress by stitching, either through the middle of the mattress or by hand stitching the top of the springs together to make a “top tied” mattress. |
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Multi Layer Mattresses
Spring platforms can sometimes be used together in double layers to provide a deeper layer of springs and more comfort. This can be done for many spring types.
Foam mattresses
Foam comes in a number of types and can often be used in combination to give the desired comfort levels to a mattress and in addition can be used with conventional sprung mattress
Types of foam used are as follows
Reflex Foam
This is conventional foam as we all know it. It is frequently used as a base layer for memory foam or latex or as a component used with other materials to provide a particular feel.
Visco–elastic foam
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Often referred to as Memory foam, or Visco memory foam this foam was supposedly the discovery of the US Space agency, NASA. |
Latex
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Latex is a naturally occurring rubber and is made by allowing air to bubbles to form in the rubber as it is cured to create a soft and supportive surface. Latex is naturally hypo-allergenic and has natural properties which prevent the formation of mould and create and environment unattractive to dust mites. Unlike Memory foam Latex is cooled by its open cell structure and provides a cooler surface for sleep. Latex is frequently used with other materials in the construction of a mattress and like visco-elastic foam is used in mattress toppers and pillow tops |
Luxury fillings
Every mattress has a layer of padding that covers the springs separating them from the user and on top of that the cover (usually referred to as Ticking) The type and number of padding layers significantly affects the feel of the mattress against the body and it is likely that this will be made up of a number of layers of different materials to provide insulation, protection from the spring layer and a softer feel. Luxury mattresses will include additional padding layers often using materials such as cashmere, wool and silk and can use “pillow top” coverings of latex or memory foam. The addition of these materials can make a significant difference to the feel of the mattress. The top range mattresses from The Windsor Bed Company have a truly Sumptuous range of fillings
The padding is stitched to the mattress to prevent it moving as the mattress is used and keep it in place. More expensive mattresses may use a tufted finish where the tufts are stitched directly though the mattress giving an attractive and comfortable finish. This can be done mechanically or by hand which is a skilled and time consuming process where two craftsmen, one on each side of the mattress sew tufts in place through the mattress
Covering
The covering (or Ticking) for the mattress provides the protective outer cover on which you lay. The materials range from bright coloured fabrics, flat cotton to high quality knitted fabrics and of course damask which is a favourite with customers for its comfort and durability.
Bases
The classic divan is still the most popular choice with the many options of either a platform base or a sprung base unit. The divan is made from a wooden frame and can have one of three type of top, a platform top, a “sprung edge” top sometimes called a sprung base or a “firm edge” top. Each of these can be enhanced by a wide range of under-bed storage drawers or compartments if required.
Platform
A platform is exactly what it says, a solid firm platform, padded to provide good wear and appearance, on which the mattress sits. The platform top will make a mattress feel firmer and less resilient.
Sprung Edge
A sprung edge unit has an additional layer of springs within the divan base. This provides a softer more resilient base that will soften the feel of a mattress and extend its life. However you will need to bear in mind that sprung edge units will wear eventually and platform bases (so long as you don’t abuse them) will last longer.
Firm Edge
The firm edge option is less commonly used, the divan base still contains a layer of springs to give a softer feel but these are contained within a wooden frame around the edge of the bed. This provides the “firm edge” of the name. Firm edge divans still soften a mattress and the edge can help prevent Roll out but the do not provide the comfortable edge for sitting and due to the way they are constructed can sometimes limit storage options. Firm edge divans are usually strong in construction and for this reason sometimes favoured by those of a larger disposition.
 Platform Base |
 Sprung Edge Base |
 Firm edge Divan |
Divans of course offer a multitude of storage options with underbed drawers or sliding door cupboards. The “Continental” storage drawers offering drawers which allow room for a bedside table are an increasingly popular option.
Wooden bedsteads and metal bed frames. These come in many shapes and sizes, with wooden or metal frames. Usually with slatted bases consisting of wooden slats across the bed to support the mattress. Slats are usually available in fixed or sprung. All our bases are sprung slat bases providing an extra element of support. Spaces between the slats can assist in ventilation of the mattress and of course allow a multitude of choices of mattress to be made separately.
Mattress maintenance.
Most mattresses benefit from regular turning allowing the mattress to wear evenly without any part becoming too worn, this allows the mattress to keep its shape and support longer, prolongs its life and maintains comfort levels by allowing the mattress to regain its original shape and not be affected by uneven weight distribution. There are a number of mattresses which are specifically designed not to be turned. This will be because of the construction techniques or materials used and is detailed in mattress specifications.
Firmness Guide
Firmness of a mattress is very much a matter of personal choice. However the following guide may be useful:
Softer Tension - Weight 76 Kg (12 stone) or less
Medium Tension - Weight 76 to 101 Kg (12 to 16 stone)
Firm Tension - Weight 101Kg (16 stone) or more
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