Climate and Weather Glossary of Commonly Used Terms And

Bedding and Bed Framing Glossary of Commonly Used Terms and Definitions

Reader's Note:

This limited and abridged glossary was taken from "The Cleaning, Remediation and Restoration Dictionary", 2014 published by Patrick Moffett. This abbreviated glossary has many of the common use terms used in the manufacturing of bedding and framing. Due to its limited size, the glossary is not designed to provide the reader with an entire list of terms and definitions.

You will find this glossary has a few education notes and cross-links to other terms. However, it does not provide you with a full set of education notes, cross-references, and links to source references and websites, which provides you with further information; they are found in: "The Cleaning, Remediation and Restoration Dictionary", 2014 edition. The complete Dictionary is about 3,000 pages, where it has over 30,000 terms and definitions, cross-references, education notes and website links. Go to: www.RestorationDictionary.com

To contact the author email Patrick at [email protected]

Air bed - A poly-vinyl bladder (mattress) filled with air, sometimes sold with an external air pump and covered with cushioning materials.

Air flow - Amount of air expressed in cubic feet per minute that can be drawn through a foam sample.

Allergen - A substance that causes an allergic reaction. For example; dust, mold or dander. It is believed, 25% of all allergies are due to dust mites, with up to 85% of people with asthma allergic to dust mites. A mattress protector prevents dust mites from living and breeding in your mattress.

Abrasion resistance - The degree by which a fabric is able to withstand loss of appearance through surface wear, rubbing, chafing, and other frictional actions.

Absorbency - The ability of a fabric to take in moisture. Absorbency is a very important property, which effects many other characteristics such as skin comfort, static build-up, shrinkage, stain removal, water repellency, and wrinkle recovery.

Air permeability - The porosity of a fabric as estimated by the ease with which air passes through it. Air permeability measures the warmth of blankets, the air resistance of parachute cloth, the wind resistance of sailcloth, etc. as measured on standard testing equipment.

Bedding and Bed Framing Glossary of Commonly Used Terms and Definitions

Algaecide - A disinfectant or process, including steam or UV light that kills algae.

Antibacterial (Antimicrobial) - A fabric that has been chemically treated or a fiber that is created by incorporating the anti-bacterial chemical agent into the fiber formula, making the finished fiber or fabric resistant to, or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms.

Antifungal - A chemical or process which inhibits or kills fungi.

Antimicrobial - A generic term referring to a substance or material that inhibits the growth of microorganisms.

Antistatic – A product that can be either a fiber or fabric that does not allow the build-up of static electricity to occur when the fiber or fabric experiences friction or rubbing.

Bacteria - A single-celled organism that can live and proliferate in bedding under the right conditions. The use of a mattress protector prevents bacteria growth in bedding materials.

Bamboo - A fast growing renewable and sustainable resource used to produce wood and textile products.

Bamboo fabric - A natural textile (fiber) made from the pulp of bamboo plants. Bamboo fabric is very soft, breathable and durable. Bamboo fabric is antimicrobial and has a unique ability to absorb and wick away moisture.

Baffle - (1) Internal three-dimensional fabric wall boxes allow maximum thickness and comfort while maintaining even distribution within the boxes. Obstruct the movement of fill for maximum comfort and support. (2) A chamber used to obstruct the movement of a substance (for example, water).

Bed frame - A frame that maintains the position of the foundation, headboard and footboard.

Bed riser - (1) Separate blocks or cones placed under the bed to raise it higher off the floor. (2) Leg extensions, blocks or cones placed under the bed to raise it higher off the floor.

Bed sores - Painful sores that are caused by constant pressure and restricted circulation at various pressure points of the body.

Bed support - Bed rails or frame which prevents a mattress set from twisting and sagging.

Bedding - (1) A general term to describe all the sheets, pillows, comforters, etc. used on a bed. (2) A general term to describe a mattress set and all the accessories used with it, including sheets, pillows, and comforters.

Bedding and Bed Framing Glossary of Commonly Used Terms and Definitions

Belgium damask - (1) A glossy multi-colored patterned fabric. (2) A woven 3 color design used to cover bed mattresses. It is a material known for its long-term durability. Often, Belgium damask is the fabric of choice in the mattress industry.

Body alignment - The relational positioning (anatomical positioning) and balance of the spine, muscles and joints.

Body impressions - A byproduct of settling upholstery layers in a new mattress. Body impressions are normal and show up within the first few weeks of use; they tend to settle-out over time.

Bonding - The process of adhering two or more components into a multiple-layer component. In furniture applications, flexible polyurethane foam is often adhered to other flexible polyurethane foam.

Bonnell coil - A basic innerspring mattress coil which usually has a round or hourglass shape. The Bonnell coils are held together with a thin wire called the “helical lacing”.

Border wires - A thick (heavier-gauge) wire which connects coils around the perimeter of the innerspring unit to provide edge stability.

Bottom out - Lack of support under full weight load. This characteristic is often found in low- density foam. This term is very subjective, as the foam may bottom out with a heavy person, and be very comfortable to a lighter-weight individual.

Box spring - A foundation that contains springs or a bed construction that is made with spring- steel construction.

California king (Cal-King) - Any mattress, bed frame or foundation that measures 72" wide by 84" long. For people who are taller than 6’8”, at the time of purchase, it will require a special order to design the mattress and box springs.

Canopy - A fabric covering suspended above the bed, usually with posts.

Cell - The cavity remaining in the structure of flexible polyurethane foam surrounded by polymer membranes or the polymer skeleton after blowing is complete.

Closed cells - Flexible polyurethane foam cells having intact cell membranes thereby reducing or eliminating passageways for airflow.

Bedding and Bed Framing Glossary of Commonly Used Terms and Definitions

Coil - (1) A spring to provide resistance to applied weight. (2) The individual steel spring in an innerspring support system. A coil provides support and resistance to applied weight.

Coil configuration - The arrangement of coils in a specific pattern.

Coil count - The number of individual springs/coils in a mattress.

Coil fatigue - A term used to describe when an innerspring or coil softens and loses its load bearing capacity.

Coil gauge - A measure of the wire or coil thickness used in an innerspring unit. A lower gauge number denotes a heavier/thicker wire.

Comfort - (1) A general term to describe the overall "feel" a mattress. (2) The ability of cushioning materials in mattress to conform to body’s shape, preventing a concentration of pressure on the joints and muscles. Comfort is a general term to describe the overall "feel" a mattress.

Comforter - (See: Duvet; Quilt)

Convoluted - A foam fabrication process involving the use of a special cutting equipment to produce a foam sheet with peaks and valleys. Generally the process of taking one solid block of foam and cutting it into two pieces which fills the same amount of space as the original piece (with ½ the material).

Convoluted foam - A type of synthetic foam that includes patterned raised fibers shaped in waves, boxes, cones and stripes. These designs are said to have therapeutic benefits.

Corner guard - A plastic component wrapped around the corner of a box-spring/foundation to protect against damage during delivery.

Continuous coil - An innerspring mattress coil configuration where each row of coils is made from a single piece of wire.

Contouring - The ability to follow or fit the natural curves (contours) of the body.

Damask - (See: Belgium damask)

Deluxe foam - A generic name for a higher quality or premium grade foam.

Bedding and Bed Framing Glossary of Commonly Used Terms and Definitions

Density - The weight per cubic foot of foam. Density is independent of firmness but is considered an important indicator of foam quality. A higher density foam generally has a higher durability factor due to its stronger and heavier cell structure.

Discoloration - Any foam exposed to natural light will discolor. Over time the foam color will 'yellow'. The gradual yellowing of foam due to a photochemical reaction. It is faster in sunlight than in artificial light, although it occurs in both. This will not affect product performance or foam longevity.

Double bed - Also known as a full or regular size, a double bed measures 54 inches wide by 74 inches long

Durability - How well foam retains its comfort, support and shape with use. As applied to flexible foams, the term refers to how well foam retains its load bearing capacity and shape with use.

Dust mite - Microscopic animals (related to spiders) that can live in mattress and feed on dead skin flakes. Mostly found in bedding, carpets and soft furnishings. As many as million dust mites can live in a mattress. Their feces (droppings) are major a major trigger of allergies and asthma. Use of a mattress protector will prevent dust mites from nesting and breeding in your mattress.

Dust mite covers - Soft cotton/polyester fabric with a dust and moisture control barrier. This provides an effective barrier for dust and dust mites for allergy sufferers. (See: Mattress Protector.)

Down - The extremely soft, fluffy under layer of bird feathers; notably a goose or duck.

Duvet - A warm, soft bed covering that is filled with down or feathers.

Eco - Of or relating to habitat or household, mostly used as a prefix related to ecology. Eco comes from the ancient Greek word "oikos" (house). e.g. eco-label, eco-friendly, eco-shopping. Within the textile industry, "eco" refers to fibers/fabrics that are sustainable or friendly to the environment.

Eco-friendly - A term used to describe services, fabrics and goods that cause very little, if any, harm to the environment.

Edge guard - Additional foam or wire support to prevent sagging on the edge of a mattress. In addition it increases the useable sleep surface of the mattress.

Bedding and Bed Framing Glossary of Commonly Used Terms and Definitions

Egyptian cotton - The world's finest cotton, it is woven with the longest, softest and strongest fibers, resulting in the most luxurious fabric and feel.

Elasticity - The ability of a fiber or fabric to return to its original length, shape, or size immediately after the removal of stress.

Encapsulation - A process in which the fibers of a fabric are coated with a filmy substance to create certain high performance qualities, such as breathability.

False-loft - An Industry term used to describe when a mattress is filled with sub-par foams, fibers and other materials to produce a “thicker/higher” look. A thick or high mattress does necessarily equate to a quality mattress.

Fatigue - A term used to describe when an innerspring or foam softens and loses its load bearing capacity.

Featherbed - (1) A soft, thick mattress topper filled with down or feathers. (2) Feathers contained within a fabric shell and lay on top of a mattress as a mattress topper. The featherbed will normally have elastic straps or even have a fitted sheet on it so it fits over your mattress and stays put.

Fiber - The basic entity, either natural or manufactured, which is twisted into yarns, and then used in the production of a fabric.

Fiber-fill (Fiberfill) - (1) Soft, synthetic material used as cushioning in upholstered furniture and bedding. (2) Specially engineered manufactured fibers, which are used as filler material in pillows, mattresses, mattress pads, sleeping bags, comforters, quilts, and outerwear.

Filament - A manufactured fiber of indefinite length (continuous), extruded from the spinneret during the fiber production process.

Filling (Fill) - The material used to occupy (fill) an empty space. Filling provides the support, firmness and comfort of mattresses, pillows, comforters, etc.

Firmness - A general term describing how much resistance the mattress applies to body weight and the resulting "give" of the mattress surface.

Flame resistant - Fabrics treated with special chemical agents or finishes to make them resistant to burning. Today many fabrics achieve this property by using fibers that have this property built directly into the polymer. A fabric is considered flame resistant if it passes federal specifications for specific end-uses.

Bedding and Bed Framing Glossary of Commonly Used Terms and Definitions

Flame retardant - A chemical applied to a fabric, or incorporated into the fiber at the time of production, which significantly reduces a fabric's flammability.

Foam - A cellular material made from polyurethane or latex (rubber). Foam can be soft, firm or completely rigid.

Foam fatigue - A term used to describe when foam softens and loses its load bearing capacity.

Foam density - The weight of 1 cubic foot of foam. Density has nothing to do with the firmness of foam. Density only equates to the weight per cubic ft. Lower grade foams are 1.2lb density mid-grade foams are a 1.5lb density and higher quality foams are 1.8lb and up.

Foam discoloration - Any foam exposed to natural and UV light will discolor. Over time the foam color will discolor (sometimes yellow). The gradual discoloring of foam is called oxidation. It is faster in sunlight than in artificial light, although it occurs in both. This will not affect product performance or foam longevity.

Foam oxidation - The gradual discoloring of foam due to UV light. (See: Foam discoloration)

Foam mattresses - Mattresses that utilizes a solid foam core for its support system (no metal coils or innerspring). These are becoming very popular in the bedding market. Solid foam mattresses can be extremely comfortable and durable when made form combinations of high quality foams. Miforma (eco-memory) and Tempurpedic are considered high quality foam mattress products.

Foam types - Foams come in various types: Standard, HD (High-density); High resiliency (HR); and Visco Elastic (Memory), which are different firmness and densities.

Footboard - A board or panel that sits at the foot of a bed. A footboard is usually made of wood or metal that connects to the foot of a bed frame.

Foundation - A generic name for a base that sits under and supports a mattress. It absorbs the weight and pressure applied to the bed.

Full size - A bed that measures 54” (w) X 75” (L). Also referred to as a ‘double or standard’ size.

Futon - A thin mattress placed on a frame that can convert to a bed or sofa/chair.

Gauge - A measure of the wire or coil thickness used in an innerspring unit. A lower gauge number denotes a heavier/thicker wire.

Bedding and Bed Framing Glossary of Commonly Used Terms and Definitions

Gusset - (1) A triangle insert that adds strength to edges and corners (such as a seam). (2) A box- like finish that squares off the edge of a pillow, comforter or layer of upholstery. Gussets are sometimes used to add strength to the edges and corners of an upholstered product.

Gusseted - Bedding items that have a gusset finish.

Gusseted - Items that are reinforced with gussets.

Hand - The feel of the foam as the hand is rubbed lightly over the surface. In home furnishings industry, foam with a good hand has a smooth, elastic and velvet-like feel, or how a fabric feels to the touch, such as a bamboo fabric, which has a smooth hand.

Hardness - A measure of the foam's ability to support a load - an indication of the suitability of the foam for various applications and its initial feel - not a measure of quality. When a foam becomes too soft, it will bottom out; when it is too firm, it will be uncomfortable.

Hardness loss - Softening of foam in use - an indication of foam durability.

Headboard - A board or panel that sits at the head of a bed.

Heat-tempering - A process where the innerspring unit or coil is heated using electricity to give it a permanent memory. The tempering/memory allows the coil to return to its original height over time and numerous compressions. A process that can weaken the strength of the coil.

Helical - (1) A small helix or spiral shaped wire that is used to connect coils. (2) A small spiral shaped wire that is used to connect coils in a mattress innerspring unit. Helical is also known as helical lacing.

Hevea brasiliensis (natural latex) - A tree that is the source of virtually all the world's rubber production. It is located in warm areas along the equator. Cutting the bark of this tree releases the natural sap which is collected and processed into natural latex rubber.

High density - A higher quality foam with a stronger, heavier and more durable cell structure.

High density foam (HD foam) - Foam that is especially dense (thick) and durable.

High resilience foam (HR foam) - A foam that offers superior resilience, comfort and durability and are considered a higher quality.

High loft - A term given to a fiber structure that contains more air then fiber. It is a lofty, low- density material that is used in such applications as fiberfill, insulation, etc.

Bedding and Bed Framing Glossary of Commonly Used Terms and Definitions

House brand - A retailer's private labeled brand that is only available through their store. Often uses the same components as the leading national brands at a discounted price.

Hybrid mattress - A mattress that combines two different types of support technologies such as memory foam and pocketed coil. The Beautyrest NXG series is a good example of a hybrid mattress.

Hypoallergenic - Objects and materials that do not provoke an allergic reaction.

House brand - A retailer's custom brand that is only available through their store.

Hypoallergenic - A term to describe textiles that have a decreased likelihood of provoking an allergic reaction.

IFD - Indention force deflection. - (See: ILD)

ILD - Indention load deflection. In general, ILD is used to define the level of firmness or softness of a piece of foam (or load bearing characteristics). ILD is defined by how much weight/lbs. it takes to compress a sample of foam by 25% (or to 75% of its original height or thickness). Example: If it takes 15lbs of load/force to compress the foam sample by 25%, the foam has a 15ILD rating. The higher the ILD the harder the foam.

Innerspring mattress - A mattress with metal coils as its support system.

Independent coil - Coils that move independent of each other to limit the transfer of motion and disturbance from your sleeping partner.

Insomnia - Chronic sleeplessness.

Incontinence - When control over the bladder and bowel is lost or diminished.

Insulator - Any material used on the top or bottom of an innerspring unit which prevents upholstery layers from getting entangled in the coils.

King size - A bed frame, mattress or foundation that measures 76” wide x 80” long. King size also refers to a standard or eastern-king bed.

Laminating - The bonding of layers of foam and/or other materials together into a single composite. This may be accomplished through adhesives or through heat processes like flame lamination.

Bedding and Bed Framing Glossary of Commonly Used Terms and Definitions

Latex (Hevea brasiliensis) - In its pure state, natural latex is the milky white liquid substance that is tapped from the trunks of mature rubber trees. The natural latex is usually blended with other additives and the mixture is then cured and processed into a solid known as latex foam.

Latex foam - (1) Foam made of latex (a flexible substance derived from the rubber tree). (2) A natural and antimicrobial foam that provides durability, support and comfort. Latex is considered a high quality mattress component.

Loft - The height or "lift" gained by the depth of the filling material.

Matelassé - A fabric finish that suggests or imitates the indentations of a quilt.

Mattress - (1) The actual sleep surface of the bed; a bed's support, firmness and comfort are supplied by the mattress. (2) A cushioned or upholstered piece of furniture made to be slept on. The quality of ones sleep is dependent on the support and comfort supplied by the mattress.

Mattress protector - An underpad that sits on top or encases a mattress to provide mattress protection.

Memory foam - (1) A type of elastic, viscous synthetic foam with exceptional contouring abilities. (2) The generic term used in bedding industry to identify a visco-elastic polyurethane foam. Memory foam material has both viscous and elastic properties which make it an ideal material for both support and comfort in a mattress or other furniture products.

Moisture regain - The amount of water a completely dry fiber will absorb from the air at a standard condition of 70 degrees F and a relative humidity of 65%. Moisture regain is expressed as a % of the dry fiber weight.

Moisture transport - The movement of water from one side of a fabric to the other, caused by capillary action, wicking, chemical or electrostatic action.

Molded foam - A cellular foam product which is produced in a mold. Molded foam products such as pillows are generally considered a high quality and durable product.

Molding - The process of producing a finished foam shape by pouring liquid into a mold, where it is cured into a solid that mirrors the shape of the mold.

Motion separation - A technology introduced to the bedding industry by Simmons Beautyrest and the ‘pocketed-coil’. An innovation which reduces the unwanted transfer of motion between sleeping partners.

Bedding and Bed Framing Glossary of Commonly Used Terms and Definitions

Natural fibers - A fiber which comes from a plant such as cotton, wool, silk or bamboo.

Offset coil - An innerspring mattress coil that has squared edges to provide more flexibility and better body contouring.

Open coil - The most widely used coil, from budget through to mid-price range mattresses (also known as the Bonnell Coil). Rows of round shaped springs that are connected top and bottom by a spiral wire.

Open cell structure - A permeable structure in flexible foam in which there is no barrier/film obstructing the passage of air through the cell windows. An extreme open-cell foam has even larger openings providing greater airflow.

Osteoarthritis - Degenerative disease characterized by inflammation of the joints between bones

Overlay - Often referred to as a mattress topper. A foam pad that can be placed on top of a mattress to enhance its comfort and / or reduce pressure points.

Pillow protector - A basic covering for a pillow to protect the pillow from dirt and oils. Can also be made in waterproof or moisture proof material.

Pillow top - The type of design in which an extra layer of comfort padding is added to the surface of a mattress. This is generally designed to provide a softer feel without diminishing the support. These mattresses are usually thicker than the average so they might need deeper pocket sheets.

Pillows - Pressure relieving head and neck supports that allow your spine to rest anatomically correct and tension free. Quality pillows are usually molded using visco-elastic (memory material) or latex.

Plush top - Similar to a pillow top but the extra layers of padding are less visible because they are built into the surface instead of layered over the finished surface.

Pocketed-coil - Exclusive and proprietary design of the Simmons mattress company. Flexible ‘high-carbon’ coils enclosed in a flexible fabric pocket designed to relieve pressure and negate the unwanted transfer of motion between you and your sleep partner.

Poly foam - Short for polyurethane foam, used in almost all bedding as either an insulator pad or comfort pad that provides extended durability and comfort.

Poly-fill - A synthetic (man-made) fiber used in pillows and cushions.

Bedding and Bed Framing Glossary of Commonly Used Terms and Definitions

Polyester - A synthetic (man-made) fiber used in textiles; durable, wrinkle and shrinkage resistant. Polyester fiber is often blended with cotton or other fiber to produce blended cloth.

Polyurethane foam - (1) A type of synthetic, flexible foam. (2) A flexible, durable and resilient material used in a variety of products as a cushioning material. All foams, other than natural latex foam, are polyurethane foams (including memory foam). Polyurethane foam is the most common type of foam used in bedding and bedding accessories. It is a synthetic flexible foam produced by a chemical reaction, usually in a continuous process.

Pressure points - Points on the body that bears the most weight and pressure when lying down; common pressure points are the shoulders, hips and knees. Areas of the human body where, depending on sleeping position, your soft tissue is suppressed between the mattress and the bone causing nerve suppression and preventing blood flow. This causes discomfort and numbness, and results in tossing and turning, which leads to poor quality sleep.

Pilling - The tendency of fibers of bedding like sheets to eventually work loose from the sheet surface and form little balls that remain attached to the surface of the fabric.

Queen size - Any mattress, bed frame or foundation that measures 60" wide by 80" long.

Quilt - A bed covering made of scraps of fabrics sewn together with a decorative cross stitch design.

Quilting - A technique of stitching used to attach the mattress ticking (its outside cover) to the layers of fillings underneath.

Repellency - The ability of a fabric to resist such things as wetting and staining by water, stains, soil, etc.

Resilience - Ability of a foam surface to spring back. An indicator of the surface elasticity or "springiness" of foam. It is measured by dropping a standard steel ball onto the foam cushion and measuring how high the ball rebounds.

Resiliency - The ability of a fabric to spring back to its original shape after being twisted, crushed, wrinkled, or distorted in any way.

Sag - A depression or body impression in a mattress that exceeds 1 ½ inches.

Slabstock production process - One of the two basic procedures used to manufacture foam. A continuous process in which the reacting foam liquid mix is dispensed on to a moving conveyor belt where the mixture expands into a solid foam block.

Bedding and Bed Framing Glossary of Commonly Used Terms and Definitions

Sleep apnea - A health condition in which the tongue and cheeks obstruct breathing and your sleep quality.

Sleep set - A general term to describe the combination of foundation, mattress, headboard, footboard and bed frame.

Slow-recovery foams - A generic term used to describe memory foam, visco-elastic foam or Tempurpedic foam. The foam leaves a temporary impression after the applied force is removed. The universal sign for these types of foam is the “hand impression”.

Smart textiles - Textiles that can sense and react to changes in the environment, such as changes from mechanical, thermal, chemical, magnetic and other sources.

Support - A general term that describes how the mattress distributes and stabilizes body weight and maintains proper body alignment.

Support factor - Seating foams with low support factor are more likely to bottom out under load.

Synthetic - A term to describe any material that is artificially created (not found in nature).

Synthetic foam - A polymerized cellular material made from an organic base other than rubber.

Synthetic fibers - Man-made fibers such as polyester, acrylic, etc.

Tempurpedic (Tempur-pedic) - A mattress made of Tempur, an open-air cell foam that is able to evenly redistribute pressure. It has high density, high visco-elasticity and is temperature sensitive.

Therapeutic - To have healing abilities or benefits.

Thermoregulation - The ability to maintain a constant temperature independent of dynamic (changing) environmental conditions.

Thread count - (1) The number of vertical and horizontal threads per square inch of fabric. (2) A measurement of fabric density reflecting the number of threads per square inch. A high thread count results in finer, smoother weave, and can extend the life and increase the value of your bedding.

Bedding and Bed Framing Glossary of Commonly Used Terms and Definitions

Ticking - The outer covering of a sleep set. The protective fabric cover that encases the support and comfort layers of the mattress.

Tight top - A mattress that does not have the extra ‘pillow’ of fabric on top, but still has a thicker, flat comfort upholstery. Normally a firmer feel, the mattress can also be plush and feel very luxurious in a tight top.

Torso - Trunk of human body.

Twin - A bed/mattress that measures 39”(w) x 75”(L). A twin bed is also known as a single size bed.

Twin size - Any mattress, bed frame or foundation that measures 39" wide by 75" long.

Twin extra-long (Twin-XL) - Any mattress, bed frame or foundation that measures 39" wide by 80" long. The 5 inches added to the length makes it the same length as a Queen or King mattress.

Upholstery layers - The foam, padding and fibers used between the support system/Innerspring unit and the cover of a mattress.

Vacuum packed - An environmentally friendly process used with some foam mattresses, allowing them to be rolled, compressed and vacuum packed for delivery.

Visco-elastic - The characteristics of a material that combines both viscous and elastic behaviors. Visco-elastic is the scientific term to describe memory foam.

Visco-elastic foam - A polyurethane foam that has both viscous and elastic properties. A material used in mattresses to relieve pressure and absorb unwanted motion. Visco-elastic, or memory foam is a unique material used in mattresses and pillows to relieve pressure, ease and prevent back and neck problems. Visco-elastic foam is made of thousands of tiny cells which mold to any shape and revert back to their original form. Visco-elastic foam is also highly resistant to bacteria, mold and mildew, and dust mites.

Visco-elastic memory foam - Same as visco-elastic foam or memory foam.

Warranty - A commitment by the manufacturer that your mattress will retain certain qualities over a specific period of time that also spells out what they will do if mattress does not live up to this commitment. Warranties are either prorated, meaning that depending on how long you’ve owned the mattress you may bear part of the cost of replacement, or non-prorated meaning that the manufacturer will replace the entire mattress.

Bedding and Bed Framing Glossary of Commonly Used Terms and Definitions

Water repellent - Fabrics that have been treated with a finish which cause them to shed water and resist water penetration, but are still air-permeable. Treatments can include wax coatings, resins, silicones, and fluorine derivatives. Such treatments do not close the pours of the fabric, while waterproof finishes do.

Water resistant - Fabric treated chemically to resist water or given a "wax- coating treatment" to make it repellent. A degree by which water is able to penetrate a fabric. Not to be confused with water-repellent. However, the terms are often used interchangeably.

Waterproof - A term applied to fabrics whose pores have been closed, and therefore, will not allow water or air to pass through them.

Wickability - The ability of a fiber or a fabric to disperse moisture and allow it to pass through to the surface of the fabric, so that evaporation can take place.

Wicking - Dispersing or spreading of moisture or liquid through a given area by capillary action in a material.

Wrapped coil - A type of coil which is believe to be a knock-off of the patented Simmons Beautyrest ‘pocketed-coil’. Wrapped coils are usually a generic/static round coil wrapped with fabric. Wrapped coils are made to look like a pocketed coil, but usually fall short of their innovation and performance. A wrapped coil does not negate the transfer of motion between you and your partner.