Shopping for a mattress online is a lot of work—enough to make you need some rest. Picking the right bed, like the right bed itself, is better if you have enough support. To help you with the arduous process of selection, we’ve come up with guides that explain the need-to-know about mattress shopping. This includes the varying mattress types, how to select a mattress, and our thoroughly tested guide to the best mattresses you can buy online.
Today, it’s time to break down some of the terminology you’ll inevitably come across during your research. These words are signposts that point to how a mattress was made, tested, and, subsequently, how it performs. You don’t have to be a Spencer Institute sleep science coach to understand these terms—but, lucky for you, I am a Spencer Institute sleep science coach.
A Handy Mattress Dictionary
Pressure relief is a crucial aspect for certain sleeping positions, like side sleepers, and those who need to show their joints some love. The term refers to a mattress reacting to a person’s weight as it contacts the bed, and how well it’s able to counteract the pressure from putting your weight on more tender areas of the body. For side sleepers, a bed that is too firm means your hips and shoulders will be crying out for help because of the tension. Materials like latex and memory foam are known for their pressure-relieving capabilities. Memory foam, in particular, is very adaptive and “hugs” the body, which many side sleepers like.
Motion isolation is a term used to describe how well a mattress manages to not transfer movement or shaking across the bed, usually from one person to another. When movement does end up disrupting the stability of the bed, this is known as motion transfer. If you wake up easily or share your sleep space with a partner, pet, or child, motion transfer is typically unwelcome. Memory foam’s density is usually right on par with absorbing this feeling, and coils have evolved to include fabric pockets (this is what the term “pocketed coils” means). The idea is that when each coil is contained in its own zone, motion has a harder time moving across the bed as opposed to traditional coils, where everything was woven together. Pro tip: Make sure you have a stable frame, as that’s half the battle here, too, and is often overlooked.
Spine alignment, otherwise known as lumbar support, is an evaluation of how well the spine is kept in alignment. When you’re standing up straight, you’ll notice that your lower back slightly curves. This is aptly called the “S” curve, because healthy alignment of the upper and lower spinal cord does somewhat resemble this letter. But your posture isn’t just a concern while upright, as a lack of spine alignment support while sleeping isn’t healthy in the long term. Each sleeping position brings about its own set of concerns, as even the smallest degree of sinking in this area can cause misalignment. Stomach sleepers need a firmer surface to keep this area uplifted, as something too soft causes the lower back to sink in. Side sleepers have to keep the hips and shoulders on the same level, and the lower back can’t be sinking into too much of a “U” shape. The alignment of your neck is key, as anybody with back pain will tell you. This is where many mattress makers have stepped up with their designs, putting firmer support in the center of the bed by way of extra memory foam layers or reinforced coils.
Edge support is important for a couple of reasons. If you’re someone who gets banished to the edge of the bed while sleeping due to a pet or partner making themselves comfy, you need edge support. Sit on the bottom while getting dressed? You need edge support. Engaged in adult extracurricular activities and don’t want to feel like you’re falling off the mattress? Edge support. Mattress models, especially hybrids, will usually strategically put reinforced coils around the outer edges to make sure weight is supported. This also helps with durability as time goes on, preventing the edges from sagging. Materials like memory foam can be hit-or-miss for edge support, especially depending on the firmness level involved. Too soft and you may be encroaching on feeling some sagging in any one of the aforementioned situations.
