Background Information

A mattress is a large pad commonly used to support someone when they are laying down. Mattresses can be made from a variety of materials, but they commonly consist of an internal framework of springs, foam, air, or even water. Mattresses are usually housed in a bed base or bed frame, which lifts the mattress off the ground and provides a designated area for sleeping or relaxing. Mattresses are sometimes paired with mattress pads, which offer additional layers of foam for added comfort.

Both mattresses and mattress pads are sometimes made of memory foam. Memory foam is made of specific chemicals that make it more dense and viscous than traditional foam. Memory foam gets its name from how an impression in the foam leaves a lasting mark that slowly disappears. Memory foam mattresses are generally more expensive than standard mattresses. Additionally, it is interesting to note that memory foam mattresses retain body heat, meaning they could either be excessively uncomfortable during hot months or desirably cozy during cold months. The behavior of memory foam is also affected by temperature. In cool temperatures, memory foam mattresses are generally firmer than they are in warm temperatures.

Aside from foam, mattresses are sometimes filled with air or water. Air mattresses are commonly used on a more temporary basis when camping or setting up extra sleeping arrangements for houseguests. This is largely because deflated air mattresses are much easier than other mattresses to store and transport. Water mattresses, on the other hand, aren’t so easy to disassemble. Water mattresses are, as the name implies, mattresses filled with water. There are various types of waterbeds, including free flow mattresses, semi-waveless mattresses, and waveless mattresses. These types differ in how much the water within the bed can move around.

Additional Information

• Wikipedia: Mattress

• Wikipedia: Memory Foam

• Wikipedia: Waterbed