The world of mattresses is full of technical jargon and info that doesn't really tell you whether or not you are actually buying a soft or firm mattress. All we really want to know is whether or not a mattress will be comfy enough to spend a whole weekend in bed..... reading a good book. Read on for our breakdown of all the technical bits you will come across when buying a new mattress.

Spring Gauge

The gauge of the coils determines the firmness and support of the mattress. The spring gauge rating refers to how thick the spring is – the lower the number, the thicker the spring and the thicker the spring, the firmer the mattress. Technically referred to as 13.5 Gauge – Soft, 13.0 Gauge - Medium and 12.5 Gauge - Firm.

Pocket Springs

The springs are individually nested and sewn either side with calico whilst a flat steel isolating bar around the perimeter at the first spring keeps all the springs together. Fillings are placed on top and are tufted with several laces which is the most efficient and traditional way of keeping all the fillings together, which extends the lifespan of the product.

Gauge Rod

The gauge rod is around the perimeter of the mattress and provides extra strength and support.

Orthopaedic Mattress

Orthopaedic mattresses are designed to support the spine and back by holding your spine the correct alignment which helps to prevent the build-up of tension and pressure. These tend to be firmer than normal mattresses.

Memory Foam

This high density foam has been developed by NASA and reacts to temperature and your body. The foam has the ability to soften as it warms allowing your body to mould the perfect shape into the mattress. Pressure points are minimised and the spine is held in perfect alignment. Coolmax technology also allows you to stay cool in the hot summer months and remain warm on chilly winter nights. Memory foam also makes it impossible for dust mites to penetrate the mattress creating a cleaner and more hygienic mattress.

Depth

This refers to how deep the mattress is from the top side to the bottom side.

Selecting the right mattress is vital to having a good nights sleep. Check out these sleep related facts:

- Humans sleep on average around three hours less than other primates like chimps, rhesus monkeys, squirrel monkeys and baboons, all of whom sleep for 10 hours.
- A new baby typically results in 400-750 hours lost sleep for parents in the first year.
- As a group, 18 to 24 year-olds deprived of sleep suffer more from impaired performance than older adults.
- Experts say one of the most alluring sleep distractions is the 24-hour accessibility of the internet.

Visit the PineSolutions range of mattresses and buying guide.