Mattress Buyer's Guide - Special Features
Some special features or extras available on mattresses and box springs can be beneficial and provide value through enhanced comfort, performance, and/or durability. Other extras can be of questionable value at any additional cost, even if the cost is nominal. We have noted some of the more common special features along with our opinion of value as a negative ( - ) or positive ( + ).
Handles ( + / - )
Our mattresses use handles that are specially designed so they don’t pull out. Please
be aware that many different quality mattress handles exist in the marketplace and that some beds may not have handles at
all. Be sure to ask the salesperson about the handles on the mattress you are purchasing.
Tempered Steel ( + )
It is important that the steel used in mattress innersprings is tempered. The tempering
process typically takes place after each coil is formed. The tempering process makes the metal stronger and more durable.
You may be told that a spring is double or triple tempered. However, double or triple tempering adds no additional strength
to the coil system. Once a coil is tempered, it is tempered.
Wool and Silk ( - )
Some companies tout the benefits of wool or silk in a mattress to help to keep you warm or
cool. The reality of this claim is questionable. Because the mattress pad and sheets you should be using to protect your mattress
eliminate direct body contact, the insignificant amount of silk or wool used in manufacturing these mattresses provides no
benefit to the consumer.
Edge Supports ( - )
Do you really need them? A mattress with a thicker gauge steel that is tempered will provide
all the edge support needed, so are you willing to spend extra money for something that is unnecessary? We can install edge
supports in some of our products. While we don’t see the value in this feature, the option is available as a result
of customer requests.
Split Box Springs ( + )
A king size set comes standard with split box springs. Sometimes people need split box
springs for a queen size, and in rare cases for a full size, in order to move the box springs into older homes or up tight
stairways. There is commonly an additional charge for split box springs on queen and full sizes, but sometimes it is the only
option to negotiate a tight stairway or to avoid damage to your walls. Split box springs offer the same support as a one piece
box spring; however, a center support is a must on your queen or full size frame when using split box springs.
Low Profile Box Springs ( + )
The trend is plusher, thicker mattresses. While the comfort and support may be
right for you, the added height may be more than you can handle. If height is an issue, you may want to consider a low profile
box spring. Make sure the low profile box springs are built to offer the same support and durability as regular height box
springs, some use straight wire or a platform construction which offers no shock absorption.
Hinging ( + )
Our premium king sets are hinged to allow the mattress to be bent without damaging the spring unit
when delivering in tight stairway or doorway situations. Queen and full size mattresses can be hinged on special request from
companies that sell custom mattresses. Hinging does not affect the durability of a mattress and can be a big plus when moving
in tight spaces.
Gatching ( + )
Hospital beds and adjustable bed mattresses are gatched to allow them to bend at the head and
foot. Gatching allows a greater area of an innerspring to be bent without causing damage to the coil system because a significant
portion of the border rod on the side of the mattress is removed.