In firmer mattresses there may be up to 3500 springs (firm mattresses generally contain less than three thousand springs. Three thousand springs and above are only found in very firm orthopedic mattresses). Furthermore, in a normal open coil spring system the springs are interwoven, so that pressure applied to the spring at one end of the mattress can have an impact on the springs at the other end of the mattress, leading to roll-together and the sensation of being rebounded out of the bed every time your other half moves.

To make the maximum use of pocket spring technology, most mattress makers have developed a total range of mattress covers. The most recent pocket spring covers provides unprecedented comfort through individual springs that follow the natural contour of the body providing perfect orthopedic support. The pocket spring system offers complete autonomy from each other, helping to reduce partner turmoil and roll-together.

Unlike standard spring systems, where springs are hooked up to one another by wire, the new pocket springs have complete autonomy from each other, giving more freedom, less roll-together and reducing partner distraction. Each time you move, the pocket springs right away respond and move with you. Each spring is free to retort to individual pressure regarding the weight placed on it, leading to support in contouring the body shape.

Independent tests prove that the new pocket spring mattresses create less strain on the body than a traditional innerspring mattress. Pocket springs comply with the body's shape helping to maintain natural spinal alignment and distribute body pressure. Moreover, zoned support divides the mattress in to sections giving different support levels in selected areas to provide natural spinal alignment and additional lumbar support where you want it most.

The other more common types of mattresses are memory foam and latex. Unlike standard foams that compress, memory material deforms in shape under stress and does not want to spring back to its original shape immediately. The chemistry of the foam permits the cells to spread the air pressure from one to another when you lie on the mattress, making memory material fantastically effective at reducing the impact of the body's natural pressure points.

You should definitely go into the store to test out a new pocket spring mattress and while you're at it, to test out a memory foam one as well. See which one feels more comfortable to you. That's the only way to know.

Baby mattresses are used on the baby's crib to give the kid comfort and a good night sleep. It is very important that you get the best mattress for them as they spend most of their time sleeping and resting on the crib. Therefore the following are some of the key things that one must know before buying mattresses for babies.

1. Most of the parents do not care about the mattress they buy for their baby's crib as it is not very visible from a distance and does not add any beauty to the crib too. But one must keep one thing in mind that the baby mattress is the one thing that they should be keeping in mind before buying any thing for the crib.

2. Check the size of the mattress and see whether it fits into your crib or not. You for sure would not like to buy a mattress which is a bit oversized or small for the crib. So before going to purchase mattresses for your baby, ensure that you have the measurements intact.

3. Do not go for the soft mattresses. Go for something which is slightly solid and firm and which does not make the toddler dip into the mattress when it is sleeping. A parent would always think that the softer the mattress, the better for the child but this is not the truth. Infact, solid mattresses are better for the baby as it will give a more solid platform for the baby to slip and would make it easier for them to move sideways while sleeping.

4. There are two types of mattresses for babies. One is the foam mattress and the other one is the coil mattress. The foam mattress is very soft and light in weight whereas the coil mattress is harder and is slightly heavier too. Both are equally good and have their negatives as well. Before deciding on the options available, see what your specific needs and requirements are in the mattress and make your purchase accordingly.

5. Check the cover of the mattress and how it is being sealed. If their multiple layers then it is good as they are long lasting and do not get worn out very quickly. Also check whether there are any anti-microbial properties in the mattress as they would keep the mattress clean whenever the babies spit up or gives a call for a diaper change.

6. There is a particular price range for these soft beddings for the babies. The prices are usually in the range of fifty to hundred dollars. You cannot expect them to go beyond that or come below it. If you want you can also spend some more money for the mattress to make it better for the babies, but remember one thing that these beddings for babies have a limited set of qualities and advantages and there is a stop sign after that. So even if you spend more you would probably not buy anything more as the same qualities would have been available in a cheaper mattress too. So be sensible and stop spending unnecessary money on these mattresses.

There are two general types of crib mattresses: foam and innerspring. Both tend to keep their shape well. There are differences, of course. For one, foam is lighter. The densest foam mattress is usually no more than 10 pounds, compared with 20 to 25 pounds for some innerspring mattresses. So changing your baby's sheets may be easier with a foam unit. Foam is also less springy and therefore less apt to encourage your baby to use the mattress as a trampoline. Still, innerspring crib mattresses remain the most popular.

If you're considering a foam mattress, keep in mind that low-priced models tend to be mushy and flimsy, with a thin vinyl covering and vinyl edging. They may also be unsafe. Putting a baby to sleep on a soft mattress increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Higher-priced models tend to be firmer (and therefore safer), with thicker, reinforced vinyl or cotton coverings.

To assess foam density (which has a direct relation to firmness), compare the weight of different foam models. That's not always easy to do in a store, but if you're able to lift several different mattresses, do it. In general, the heavier the foam mattress, the denser the foam. You can also give the mattress a squeeze test in the center by pressing your palms into both sides of it at once. A dense mattress won't allow you to press very far. A denser foam mattress is also likely to have firmer edges, which is another important performance factor.

To judge the quality of an innerspring mattress, don't go by the sales gimmick of "coil count." While the cheapest innerspring baby mattresses have about 80 coils and the most expensive can have 600 coils, a high coil count doesn't always mean a firmer mattress. In fact, a model with 150 coils can be firmer than one with 600. You can judge by picking up mattresses to compare their weight and by squeezing them to test for firmness. Innerspring models generally have firmer edges than foam mattresses, but squeeze the edges to do a comparison. You may also feel border rods at the top and bottom perimeter, which provide extra edge support for safety and durability.

The number of layers of padding, what that padding is made of, and the quality of the covering add to the price and increase comfort. The cheapest innersprings, like low-end foam mattresses, have thin vinyl coverings and edgings, which can tear, crack, and dry out over time. As prices go up, coverings become thick, puncture-resistant reinforced double or triple laminates, and edgings have fabric binding, which is a sign of quality. Beyond that, reversibility, the presence of ventilators, and thickness are factors that differentiate one model from another.

The mattress you select should also be in compliance with a new flammability law that went into effect on Jan. 1, 2004. Though this is a state law applying only to California, crib mattresses sold in other states are expected to comply with it.

SHOPPING SECRETS

Compare mattresses in the store. Do this by squeezing them.

Confirm store return policies. And keep your receipt. A store's return policy is more important than a mattress maker's warranty. The store should be willing to exchange a mattress that doesn't fit properly, which is a major safety concern.

WHAT'S AVAILABLE

The major brands of foam and innerspring mattresses are, in alphabetical order: Child Craft, Colgate, Evenflo, Kolcraft, Sealy, and Simmons. Prices range from to about 0.

RECOMMENDATIONS

You don't have to spend the most to get a good quality mattress, but don't skimp, either. A budget somewhere between and 0 will generally serve your baby well. A good, firm mattress may also promote proper posture and is more likely to be durable, which is important if your baby will be using the same mattress as a toddler bed or you'll be passing it down to future siblings.

In the case of innerspring models, look for a firm mattress with good support from border rods. Border rods provide extra firmness, durability, and edge support. A mattress with reinforced or embossed vinyl is leakproof; it is also less likely to tear on the metal edge of a mattress foundation and should hold up better over time. Also look for air vents along the sides of the mattress, which not only help keep the mattress ventilated but may prevent seams from splitting when your tot inevitably starts jumping.

When selecting a foam mattress, go for one with high-density foam. Do the squeeze test for firmness in the center and at the edge. Pinch the mattress covering or ticking; it should feel thick, not flimsy.

Make sure any mattress you buy passes the two-finger test for fit in the crib. That is, if you can place more than two fingers between the mattress and the crib, the fit isn't snug enough. Check that fitted sheets fit snugly and securely, overlapping the corners so that you can't easily pull them up at the corners. Ill-fitting crib mattress sheets are a strangulation and suffocation hazard. And never use an adult sheet as a crib sheet, not even in a pinch.

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