An
open coil spring system is fundamentally one spring which runs continuously
throughout the mattress .This is the most commonly used spring system. It
incorporates rows of hour-glass shaped springs which are joined to neighbouring
springs by a continuous small diameter spiral unit, called a helical. The
perimeter of the spring unit is strengthened by a heavy gauge border rod
or wire, top and bottom.
To alter the degree of firmness in an open coil unit, different gauges (thickness and strength) of wire and number of springs are used. A 12 or 12.5 gauge is hard, while 13 or 13.5 is softer. In general, there are at least 288 open coil springs in a 135 cm (4'6") mattress
Because open coil spring systems are so simple, they are the most cost effective mattress on the market. Just because they are less expensive, doesn't mean they are of low quality. Open coil mattresses come with all different types of fillings and upholstery's depending upon your preference.
The dual spring system is two open coil spring systems working together in one mattress. This is done to increase support and durability within the mattress and is constructed the same way as an open coil spring system.
Some manufacturers do their own variations of the open coil spring system, probably most famously Silentnight and their Miracoil spring system.
POCKET SPRING SYSTEM
Pocket
spring systems are a lot different than an open coil spring system, although
they do both rely on wire and springs to create your comfort. Pocket springs
are individual springs that are crafted and then placed in their own fabric
pockets. Each spring acts independently to allow the contours of the body
to be gently supported.
The spring count of a pocket sprung mattress can vary considerably depending on the diameter of the springs. In general, a spring count of between 800 and 1475 in the 135 cm (4'6") mattress size is the most common.
Memory
foam was designed for the space program for astronauts, so they could deal
with the immense pressure when taking off. Although it was never actually
used for this purpose, it wasn't long before people started seeing the benefits.
Memory foam is a fantastic substance as it literally moulds to the shape of your body. The reason that is so good is it encourages correct spinal alignment when sleeping and alleviates pressure and provides support where it's needed, making aches and pains upon waking a thing of the past. Memory foam has become so popular that it is now the most popular mattress type in mainland Europe.
Like pocket springs, memory foam allows you and your partner to have your own support regardless of differences in height and weight, but possibly the best thing about memory foam is that everyone can enjoy it and see the benefits straight away.
Latex
comes in 2 different forms, natural latex and synthetic latex. Natural Latex
in it's unprocessed form is the white substance taken from the bottom of
a rubber tree and Synthetic Latex is manufactured from different chemical
compounds. Due to it's high elasticity and durability, Latex makes a fantastic
mattress core.
Latex mattresses also come in a wide range of tensions and the way they do this is punching holes into the Latex core called "pincore holes". These pincore holes soften up the latex and the larger these holes are, the softer the mattress will feel.
The particular benefit of these mattresses is their non-allergenic properties. They do not harbour dust or fluff and they are bacteria static, which means they cannot support germs or mildew.
The
Miracoil spring system is fundamentally the same as an open coil spring
system in that it is 1 continuos spring that runs throughout the mattress.
However, Silentnight have manufactured in such a way that this 1 continuous
wire makes twice as many springs as a conventional open coil mattress. This
ensures that support is supplied where it is needed, and also prevents "Roll
together" and "Roll off".There are many different types of materials used for upholstering mattresses. The number and quantity of fillings vary enormously depending on the quality of the mattress.
In general, each mattress has three basic layers:-
The Initial Layer is the layer of fillings next to the springs. This usually takes the form of pads of coir (coconut fibre), sisal or hair, compressed wool or synthetic felts and protects the user from feeling the springs.
The Intermediate Layer normally comprises either cotton, hair, wool, foam or polyester and is the layer that provides comfort and durability.
The Top Layer is directly below the cover. This is not
only the main comfort layer, but must also have the ability to breathe,
absorb body moisture (but stay dry), be soundless under moving pressure
and retain its shape. Wool, cotton, foam, latex and polyester are all
used in this final layer.
The covers - or tickings, as they are known in the trade - are the all-important packaging; much effort goes into ensuring they look and feel attractive. At the top end of the market are the woven damasks, where the closeness of the weave determines quality and strength. Other options include printed, non-woven cloths, known as stitch bonds - where synthetic fibres have literally been joined together by stitching or bonded by heat; or lightweight but strong knitted fabrics - usually in nylon or similar.
There are various methods of finishing the mattress surface to ensure the ticking and fillings are held together securely and won't move in use - although at the budget end of the market some mattresses are completely smooth, held in place only by the tape edging around the top and bottom perimeters.
Tufting
This
is the most traditional of methods, and favoured by makers of pocket sprung
beds, consisting of passing a series of tapes right through the mattress,
secured with tags and washers - often made from felt or wool.
Deep Quilt and Micro Quilting
Deep Quilting
Deep
Quilting creates a fairly flat sleeping surface and the amount of fillings
used is limited. The mattresses are normally at the cheaper end of the
scale.
Micro Quilting
MicroQuilting incorporates more layers of fillings and has a distinctive
puffy, patterned effect. Today's machines enable manufacturers to stitch
increasingly thicker layers of fillings, creating an even puffier, high
loft effect.