If you’re looking to buy a twin mattress set, there are many things you need to consider before deciding on your final purchase. Your choice on a twin mattress set should be determined by three important variables: comfort, foundation and the warranty.
There are three options on mattress support: firm support, plush and pillow top. The comfort level of each type of mattress is largely a matter of individual preference, but if you have back pain, you may find more relief from a firmer mattress.
The foundation of the mattress describes what type of materials the mattress is made of. There are three popular choices when it comes to foundation types. You can choose mattress foundations composed of coil springs, memory foam, or air chambers.
A traditional coil spring mattress consists of tempered steel springs covered with layers of upholstery. The spring count and the quality of the upholstery surrounding the springs are very important. The upholstery both insulates and cushions so you don’t feel all those springs. A higher coil count means the springs will have a smaller diameter and probably won’t be quite as stiff. However, you will get more even support, especially for those curvy areas that can develop pressure points.
When buying a memory foam mattress, look at the memory foam’s density. A higher density rating means a firmer, more durable mattress, so if a firmer one isn’t your preference, get a lower density. A memory foam mattress does not need to sit on box springs. It only needs a flat, stable foundation; usually a sheet or two of plywood on several cross supports is enough to support a memory foam mattress.
Air beds are usually designed to function like spring mattresses, with air providing the support. They are great if you want something that will let you sleep comfortably and can be easily transported or stored away. And an inflatable mattress lets you adjust the firmness when you feel like it. One of the most important things to pay attention to when it comes to purchasing an air bed is its construction. Heavy duty vinyl is important; you don’t want to poke a hole in your inflatable bed in the middle of the night. Also, if you are planning on using the mattress with an actual bed frame, make sure the air pump won’t get in the way.
In the case of warranties, you usually get what you pay for. A cheaper twin mattress set will probably have a very short warranty, frequently less than a year. However, a warranty of up to five years might accompany a high quality mattress. Make sure that you are really getting what you are paying for, and get a long term warranty with your new mattress set. Most mattress sets (the mattress and the box springs foundation) are designed to work together. That means a new mattress on old box springs probably won’t be as comfortable as it could be. So when you buy a new spring mattress, consider purchasing the whole mattress set.
