The core of the mattress is the most important part in the support of the body. In most modern mattresses (except for foam-only ones), it is made up of steel coiled springs, also known simply as coils. The spring mattress core is also called innerspring. This provides support to the set. Proper support is where the wire coils push back in response to weight deflection to hold the body in alignment. The steel coil spring was invented during the industrial revolution and was first patented for use in a chair seat in 1857. Then, in 1871, Heinrich Westphal invented the innerspring mattress. He lived in Germany and died in poverty, having never profited from his invention…

When does a mattress need replacing?
After 7–15 years, depending on use and quality, although many people use their mattresses longer.
Experts indicate that two adults sleeping nightly on a queen mattress will notice the padding, not the coils, breaking down after a period of four to six years. While the mattress will still be comfortable, it will no longer feel the way it did when first purchased.
When laying a hand on the mattress with about three pounds-force and sliding it over the mattress lumps can be felt.
When the user regularly wakes up feeling tired, stiff, achy and sore and the reason can be traced to the mattress.
When inner coils start springing out of the mattress.
When the mattress shows very visible deformities.
When the mattress has a large permanent sag in it.
When the box spring creaks and squeaks.
When the user has difficulty finding a comfortable position in which to sleep.

Types of coils

Construction-wise, most manufacturers claim to have the best coil-to-gauge ratio. However, there are only a few innerspring manufacturers and four general types. One thing to remember is that while there are many different types of coils and many manufacturers, most manufacturers have their coils made by one company, Leggett & Platt, at least in the Western Hemisphere

Bonnel coils

These are the oldest and most commonly used. They were adapted from buggy seat springs of the 19th century. They are still prevalent in low priced mattresses. They have an hour-glass shape, and the ends of the wire are knotted or wrapped around the top and bottom circular portion of the coil (round-topped and self tied).

Marshal coils

Also called “pocketed coils.” Each coil is wrapped in a fabric encasement, and is usually tempered twice, once with heat and once with electricity. The brand Simmons uses pocketed coils in their mattresses. Simmons also does some things that other brands that use pocketed coils don’t. They “pre-compress” their pocketed coil, which means that they pack the coil into a “pocket” that is shorter (usually by a couple inches) than the coil. By “pre-compressing” the coil, it becomes firmer (sort of) because the coil is already in action (it is always pushing up.) Additionally, when two people sleep on the same mattress, the individually wrapped (or individually pocketed) coil provides motion separation (when one person tosses and turns, the other doesn’t feel it.) This is important because when one person tosses and turns, it may not completely wake the other person, but, it can take them out of a deep sleep which is when the body does all of its regeneration.

Offset coils

Bonnell coils evolved into Offset coils, which are currently popular, but happen to be the most expensive ones. They are almost identical to the Bonnell coils, except that the top and bottom circular part of the coils have flat or straight sides, which allow for better hinging action when they are placed together in a spring unit, and which can be easily aligned. An evolution of the offset coils brought the elimination of the knot that tied the end of the wire to the coil. In other words, offset coils might be tied off or feature a loose end (sensory arm). These are called “open end offset coils”. These improvements gave offset coils an extra turn of working wire for greater spring action on each end of the coil.

Continuous coil

They look like double wire spirals or loose ringlets, creating a network of wire running nonstop through the entire bed. The brand Serta uses continuous coils in their mattresses. Kingsdown also uses such a system. The idea is that with a continuous coil system, each coil is connected to the next so that it can draw strength from it. This type of coil system does tend to be the strongest, however we must remember that strength does not dictate support.

Futon mattresses need a lot of care than conventional ones. They should be turned every time the sheets are changed, and be aired out frequently to prevent quick wearing. Mattress pads should also be considered which protects the futon from moisture and dust. Vacuuming, scrubbing and washing with laundry detergent and water can really help keep your futon mattress in a good shape.

Here are some of the best Futon mattresses available on the market that you might want to consider when shopping:

Elite CR Comfy Premier 3000 Jr. Twin Ottoman Futon Mattress: The Comfy Premier 3000 has four layers of specially blended cotton, with a triple Foam core for extra resilience. It is also precision-tufted to keep the futon mattress contents from shifting, and has a fiber content of PolyCotton Blend, Polyester, Foam, and Cotton. The Comfy Premier 3000 costs around $40. There is also the Comfy Foam 1000 which features two layers of specially blended cotton with resilient Foam core. It’s also precision-tufted, and with the same fiber content.

Simmons Futon Mattress: Simmons is one of the largest futon manufacturers, which offers futon mattresses and frames in chair, full, Loveseat, and queen sizes. Their futon mattress products are characterized by the traditional Pocketed Coil system, layered cotton and foam construction.

Simmons Best Rest Genteel Futon Mattress is a No flip construction never requires turning, designed to bear the constant folding and unfolding, with individual pockets that contain the steel coils allow the unit to bend and fold, making a more resilient sleep surface. It also features the Simmons pocketed coil inner-spring topped with convoluted foam and cotton, and costs around $300.

Simmons Deep Sleep Elegance Futon Mattress is the popular mattress in the Simmons series. It features two layers of plush convoluted foam, four layers of half-inch foam, and two layers of our custom cotton-poly blend. The manufacturer suggests using it mostly for seating. It costs around $150.

Wolf futon Latex Plush: This futon mattress is constructed with 3 batts of Dura-Ease cotton, 2 batts of Polyester, 2 layers of 1″ synthetic latex foam, 2 layers of 2 1/2″ plush, convoluted finger foam for plush and 23 machine laced tufts. It is considered to be the softest and most plush mattress of all the Wolf Mattresses, which costs around $280.

Gemini Futon frame cushioning system: features Pressurized Construction, a twill fabric to hold the tuft in the mattress, convoluted 4 pound density foam, Tape Edge Closure to present a clean tailored look, and Compression Lace Tufting to compress, strengthen and control the overstuffed cushioning materials. The futon mattress is available for about $500.

Fu-Chest Futon Mattress: is designed to fit the Fu-Chest bed, featuring a seven-layer filling with a fire-retardant natural cotton/polyester duck cover. The medium-firm mattress is tufted to keep the futon mattress contents from shifting even after repeated folding. It is available in twin and full sizes, and costs around $140.

About the author:

Futons are stylish, functional, and versatile; they can be integrated into nearly any setting.

Written By: Carl Walker

When it comes time to start shopping and buying for baby bedding you will fall in love with the cute and whimsical choices. You have spent time considering just the right theme, but you don’t have to spend a fortune on decorating for the baby bedding. Your baby wont know the difference if you went to the most exclusive baby boutique, or if you decorated with thrift store items. Do you want baby animals or fairy tales, candy colors or calming tones, trendy pop culture or designer chic? What about planes, trains and automobiles? Your choices will be endless. You may want to decorate with your own creative touch. If you enjoy painting, take a stab at creating your own nursery motif on the walls. Paint a whole mural on the wall if you are inclined, or just start with a little border. If this sounds too daunting, take a plain rocker from a thrift store and paint it a white or pastel with glossy enamel. Then you can create your own little designs on the chair, or just paint the name of the baby on it. Nothing you do for your babys room will ever look wrong. You did it yourself and with love. No matter which decorating theme you choose, the nurserys bedding will complete your babys room to perfection and you can find it all at http://www.bedding-4u.com/Baby%20Bedding.htm.

Your babys bedding is changed often so you may want to select styles of sheets that will coordinate with each other. Stay with one color palette and you can mix and match patterns and prints. If you have chosen tan and brown teddy bears for the decorating theme of the nursery, you can have a neutral color on the wall and just bring in other colors of bedding to enhance the bears. You could also pick a color like pink and work in plaids and stripes or whimsical shapes. Add stars, kitties or hearts to the mix – it will all blend together. Stay away from fabrics such as chenille because the baby can pull the fabric out or fabric that is dry clean only. You wont have that much time to run to the dry cleaners every time you need to change the bed. Dont make the mistake of having cute bows in the crib, or even around it. As the baby grows, things around it such as mobiles and wall hangings that are too close to the crib will be a little too dangerous for the baby. Make common sense decisions when it comes to the nursery bedding and you and your baby will be happier for it.

About the author:

Beverly Marshall is a successful freelance writer offering guidance and suggestions for consumers buying bedding, duvet covers, bedspreads, mattresses, and more. Her many articles can be found at http://www.bedding-4u.comShe gives information and tips to help you save money, make informed buying decisions and common sense ideas for changing your life

Written By: Beverly Marshall

About the Author

Julie Bonner is the co-owner of www.cool-kid-bedrooms.com and has had extensive experience in organizing and decorating kids’ bedrooms as well as all other areas of the home. She lives in Georgia with her husband and three children.

Written By: Julie Bonner