How to Measure Mattress Quality

The purchase of a mattress is something that should never be taken lightly. A high-quality mattress can allow you to rest peacefully at night, while a low-quality mattress will likely keep you awake. The quality of a mattress is determined by a number of different characteristics. Measure the quality of a mattress by taking a close look at its technical specifications.

Instructions

1. Find out how many springs and coils are in a mattress. The number of springs and coils in a mattress are directly proportional to the quality of that mattress. The thickness of the metal in these springs and coils is measured by a "gauge" number. A typical rule of thumb is that the more springs and coils are in a mattress, the better the mattress actually is. However, this will vary depending on the personal preferences of the person who is actually going to be using the mattress.

2. Look at what kind of material the mattress is made from. Regular mattresses typically have a layer of cotton on the surface, allowing for a comfortable place to sleep. Others may be struck from a type of foam material, which is designed to conform to the body while you sleep.

3. Determine exactly what you need your mattress to do. This will help narrow down the quality of a mattress based on your personal preferences. Some people just want a comfortable mattress to sleep on at night. In that case, trying out mattresses in a store will help you accomplish this. Others may need a mattress to relieve pain in their back or legs. Certain brands of mattress are specifically designed for this purpose.

4. Evaluate the level of padding in a particular mattress. Mattress padding is most commonly found on the top later of the mattress, separating the springs and coils from the portion you lay on when you sleep. The more padding that is in a mattress, the higher the quality the mattress typically is. However, the more padding you add to a mattress also increases the overall price.

5. Determine what you'll be using as a mattress foundation. The foundation of the mattress is something like a box spring that the mattress physically rests on top of. If you use a wooden foundation, it may affect how comfortable the mattress feels and make it appear to be a little more firm than it really is. Likewise, a box spring has actual springs that allow a little more "give" and comfort when using your mattress.

References

• Better Sleep: Need a New Mattress?
• Spine-Health: How to Evaluate a Mattress