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As with the type of bed available, there are many different types of mattress. Don't let the variety confuse you though! All the mattresses available will be one of the following types:

Spring Unit

these will offer Bonnell spring (open coil) - individual springs connected together; Continuous spring - a single length of wire that typically offers more, small springs; Pocket spring - individual springs usually enclosed in individual fabric 'pockets'. This design enables each spring to function and adapt to pressure independently of the other springs. This allows greater pressure relieving properties and fewer disturbances to a partner sharing the bed.

Bonnell spring units are typically the cheapest, with pocket sprung units priced higher; however the price is determined by the quality of the manufacture, the number of springs and the gauge (thickness) of the wire used to make the springs. A greater number of springs and high gauge of spring will usually offer a more firm sleep system.

Foam Mattresses

the three main types of foam offered include: Latex - has special elastic properties to mould to shape whilst in use and reform after offering pressure relieving properties. Polyurethane is offered in varying densities and qualities and is widely used and versatile. Viso-elastic or Memory Foam as it is called in the industry was developed by NASA for astronauts on space shuttles. Memory Foam responds to the temperature and weight of the body to shape to the user and recover its original shape after the pressure and temperature has been removed.

Each type of mattress will provide a unique feel and amount of tension. To provide a comfortable, restful sleep one must ensure that the spine is kept in alignment. A mattress that is too soft will cause too much curvature of the spine, whilst a mattress that is too firm will keep the spine too straight. As a rule of thumb one may use the following technique: Lie face up on the mattress. Slide your hand under the small of your back - if it is very easy to slide your hand under your back then the mattress is too firm. If you find it hard to slide your hand under your back then the mattress is too soft.

Other mattress options you may find are:

'Ticking' - basically the mattress cover, often made of Damask or Viscose material and may contain hypo-allergenic material. It is suggested that one purchases a mattress with a tough, resistant cotton cover as some cheaper mattresses may not provide the resilience needed for long mattress life.

Quilting - the cover is connected to the internal filling providing a degree of stability within the mattress.

"Tufting - is similar to quilting but tapes are passed through the mattress to secure any loose internal fillings.

Hand-side stitching - maintains the shape of the mattress,

Quilted Mattress Tufted Mattress

There is no 'ideal' mattress for a particular person and the type of mattress and mattress tension that you find comfortable will be a very individual decision to make. The only safe advice to offer is to try it out! Lie on the mattress in comfortable clothes with your shoes off in your natural sleeping position for a few minutes at the very least. Your online retailer may offer a showroom to enable you to do this, but if they do not then you can use other retailers as a showroom - just remember which mattress you liked!