FAQ for Mattresses
General Questions
What are density and firmness? Is there a difference?
Density and firmness refer to two different characteristics of foam.
Density: Density is measured by taking a solid cube of foam, sized 12" x 12" x 12", and weighing it in pounds. The denser the cube, the greater the likelihood that the particular foam is of higher quality, making it more resilient and durable. This is true only if the foam is not filled or "loaded" with additives that just increase the weight of the foam. This is a deceptive business practice, and one we do not endorse or engage in.
Firmness: Firmness is measured by Indentation Load Deflection, or ILD. This is done by taking a cut of foam no smaller than 24" x 24" x 4" and compressing it 1 inch, a 25 percent compression test, with a 50 square inch circular foot, measuring in pounds the force needed to compress the foam. The force needed is stated in a number reflecting the number of pounds needed to compress the foam 1 inch. The greater the number, the firmer the foam and the lower the number, the softer the foam.
Can I order a custom sized mattress?
Yes, please Contact Us for pricing on custom mattresses.
What are the standard mattress sizes?
Twin: 39" x 75"
Twin Long: 39" x 80"
Full: 54" x 75"
Full Long: 54" x 80"
Queen: 60" x 80"
King: 76" x 80"
CA King: 72" x 84"
If the topper / mattress does not come with a cover, should I cover it?
Yes. A cover greatly extends the life of a foam product by reducing the wear, tear and soiling caused by direct-contact use. A cover provides a protective barrier for your purchase and in most cases, is removable. Cleaning a cover is much easier than cleaning a foam product. We have covers available for all of our products that would benefit from their use. To view our cover options, please go to the Mattress Accessories page.
Memory Foam Questions
What is Visco-Elastic Memory Foam?
Memory foam was originally designed by NASA to relieve the pressure of intense G-Forces exerted on astronauts during space shuttle take offs. This type of foam is open-celled and temperature sensitive, which allows it to provide body-molding and pressure relief benefits.
Is Memory Foam the same as Latex Foam?
No, memory foam and latex foams are two different foam types.
Which density should I get?
3LB ViscoSaver White: Suggested for people who want the benefits of memory foam at an economical price.
4LB ViscoPLUSH Blue: Suggested for people who want high quality memory foam at a great price.
5LB ViscoMAX Pink: Suggested for people who want the highest quality memory foam at a competitive price. (Similar in quality to Tempur-Pedic's Memory Foam.)
Which thickness should I get?
2 Inch: Suggested for people who sleep on their stomach or are looking for the most inexpensive, yet effective memory foam pad. Because more weight is located on the front of the body than the back, stomach sleepers tend to have lower back issues due to mattresses supporting and cradling to their torso. This can flex the back out of position due to the difference in body weight distribution and shape. Any pad thicker than 2 inches will most likely not help their condition.
3 Inch: Suggested for side, back or combination sleepers, excluding stomach sleepers. This is the thickness TempurPedic uses for their mattresses, and is the standard for most memory foam mattresses. A 3 inch memory pad will provide the perfect balance of contour molding and support capabilities.
4 Inch: Also suggested for side, back or combination sleepers, excluding stomach sleepers. This thickness will feel softer, as there is more material to settle into, providing more pressure relief than the 2 or 3 inch pad.
Latex Foam Questions
Is Latex Foam the same as Memory Foam?
No, latex foam and memory foam are two different foam types.
Is the latex foam you sell natural or synthetic?
The Dunlop latex foam we carry is 100 percent natural latex foam made from rubber trees.
What is the difference between standard and Dunlop latex?
The Dunlop process results in a more resilient, longer lasting latex. The feel of Dunlop is responsive and springy while standard latex yields to pressure more like a marshmallow. That's why we use Dunlop latex instead of standard latex.
