GLOSSARY OF MATTRESS INDUSTRY TERMS: The mattress industry has a language unto itself, here is a glossary of many of those terms.  Use it to help in understanding the mattress articles and posts that we offer- Adjustable Bed– A Bed that can move into different sleep positions, either as one unit or both sides separately….

Waterbed mattresses are those filled with water, either in a single or multi chambered environment. The modern version of the waterbed mattress was invented in San Francisco, patented in 1971, and became a hugely popular item throughout the 1970’s.  Sales of waterbeds peaked in the mid to late 80’s, comprising about 22% of the domestic…

Futons, similar to waterbeds, gained popularity in the United States during the 1970’s.  Futons were convenient and affordable, thus they were very popular among college students, apartment dwellers, and first time home and condo buyers because they save space, are relatively easy to move, and convert easily from a couch to a mattress. Traditional- The…

Air Mattresses– Air mattresses are no longer just the ones you keep in the attic or closet and pull out during the holidays when family or guests visit. Advances in technology over the last few decades have brought air mattresses and beds to the forefront of the industry.  In 1981, Comfortaire began manufacturing and marketing…

Latex Mattresses– Latex mattresses have been around for decades, but have recently experienced a increase in popularity.  Latex mattresses are considered Ec0-friendly, hypo-allergenic and many feel they offer superior support and sleeping experience. Latex Construction: Cut Away view of Latex Mattress Construction Latex mattresses are typically molded out of the latex (Natural, Synthetic, or a…

Memory Foam: Memory Foam– Memory Foam was developed by NASA during the 1960’s.  In the late 80’s/early 90’s, a Swedish firm, Fagerdala World Foams (that would go on to become Tempur-Pedic) was the first to think outside the box and recognize the commercial possibilities of Memory Foam as a mattress material.  Tempur-Pedic is still the best known…

Innerspring Mattresses: Innerspring Mattresses– Innerspring mattresses are mattresses that are comprised of an inner core, coil or spring.  Almost all of us have slept on an innerspring mettress and they are the most popular type of mattress accounting for as much as 80% of the market. Innerspring mattresses, developed in the 1860’s, brought a new…

Mattress Types We Know Mattresses recognizes that you have a number of different mattress types to choose from.  Which mattress type will be the best for you, which mattress type will be the best value, what are the pros and cons of the different mattress types.  Essentially you need a run down on the different…