We know shopping for a new mattress can be confusing. That's why we developed the glossary of terms page. We want to help you better understand "mattress talk" so you can make a more informed decision on your next sleep system. If you have any questions that our site doesn't answer, please call one of our sleep professionals today so they can help.
Adjustable Bed
A special base that can be adjusted into various positions.
Belgian Damask Cover
A thick fabric used for mattress covers where typically the design is woven into the fabric. Belgian Damask is a softer, higher thread count than other types of damask covers.
Continuous Quilting
A Quilting process that uses multiple needs but features a continuous pattern. The tighter the pattern, the firmer the feeling of the mattress surface.
Firmness
This describes the "feel" of the mattress in terms of softness or lack thereof.
Foam Density
Density measures the weight of one cubic foot of foam. Density is one of the most important of all properties. Density is a function of the chemistry used to produce the foam and additives included with the foam chemistry. Density affects foam durability and support. Typically, the higher the polymer density, the better the foam will retain its original properties and provide the support and comfort it was originally designed to produce.
Foundation
The term "foundation" is often confused with "box spring". A foundation is made with no moving parts or springs. It is made of 100% wood. Typically the wood rubs together and makes squeeking noises or the nails losen and the foundation becomes unsafe.
ILD
Indentation Load Deflection (ILD) is a measurement of foam firmness. Firmness is independent of foam density, although it is often thought that higher density foams are firmer. It is possible to have high density foams that are soft – or low density foams that are firm, depending on the ILD specification. ILD specification relates to comfort. It is a measurement of the surface feel of the foam. ILD is measured by indenting (compressing) a foam sample 25 percent of its original height. The amount of force (in pounds) required to indent the foam is its 25 percent ILD measurement. The more force required, the firmer the foam. Flexible foam ILD measurements range from 10 pounds (supersoft) to about 80 pounds (very firm).
Low Profile Foundation
A foundation identical to a standard foundation accept shorter in height.
Christeli®
A brand of Visco-Elastic mattresses that compare only to Tempur-Pedic ® brand mattresses. Christeli's factory is family owned and has been producing mattresses in Greenville, South Carolina since 1931.
Memory Foam
Memory Foam is a generic term used to describe Visco-Elastic. Most generic "memory foam" producers supply lower density foams in the 2 lb density range. Calling them "memory foam" can be misleading. Lower density foams typically do not offer the heat sensitiveness needed to provide the "memory" affect in the foam. When this is missing, the foam is usually as effective as your ordinary couch cushion foam at reducing pressure points or providing support.
Series 7™
Christeli's exclusive brand of Visco-Elastic foam. Compares to TEMPUR ® material only.
Pressure Relieving
Traditional mattresses produce an upward pressure on your body, while your body has downward pressure from gravity. Where the 2 forces meet, especially in the shoulders and hips, you can experience pain from prolonged pressure. This pressure reduces circulation. The result can be pain, numbness, or soreness upon awakening. A true pressure relieving mattress will give more in those places where there is pressure, relieving those spots. Only Christeli mattress can relieve those spots without sacrificing back support.
Tack and Jump Quilting
A quilting process that uses hundreds of needles but is not limited to a continuous pattern, allowing for more loft and a softer feeling surface. This is typically found in more expensive mattresses.
Tape Edge
The cord like seem that runs along the edges of the mattress.
TEMPUR® Material
TEMPUR® is the Visco-Elastic foam that the company Tempur-Pedic® uses in their mattresses. As Tempur-Pedic® has patented the material, they have also trademarked the name so no one else can legally use the term “Tempur material.” This material was designed originally by NASA to relieve pressure the astronauts experienced on takeoff and landing. Christeli has designed Series 7™ Visco-Elastic to feel like TEMPUR® Material.
Ticking
The outer layer fabric that encases the mattress or foundation. Also referred to as the cover.
Tranquil Foundation™
100% Steel construction makes this the strongest in the world! And the solid Steel construction increases the Performance and Durability of your Mattress! The Tranquil Foundation™ also provides up to 36 cubic feet additional storage space and has a maximum weight capacity of up to 2,400 lbs!
Visco Elastic Foam
Sometimes just called “visco,” or generically called memory foam. Tempur-Pedic® was the first company to use visco-elastic foam in mattresses. Many companies have gone to copying the material and using the generic name for it. This foam is an open cell foam that responds to the weight and heat of your body and relieves pressure. It comes in many thicknesses, densities, and different levels of softness and firmness (see ILD). Most copies to Tempur-Pedic® are not even close to the feel or support TEMPUR® Material provides. Higher density (5.3 lb & above) foam is a must for true comfort and quality design.
