Full Sized Mattresses

Whether you call it a full size mattress or a double bed, this mattress size is perfect for the solo sleeper and for couples. The standard full or double size mattress measures 54 inches by 75 inches. Width wise, this makes the full mattress 6 inches wider than a three quarter or antique mattress and 6 inches narrower than a standard queen mattress. One of the four most commonly available mattress sizes, the full sized mattress is a good choice for sleepers who have outgrown a twin.

Full sized mattresses are also available in what are called extra long, XL and Tall Man sizes. A full XL measures 54 inches wide by 80 inches long. A full size Tall Man measures 54 inches wide by extraordinary 84 inches long. The full XL and full Tall Man are considered specialty sizes and not readily available at just any mattress retailer. The standard full sized mattress can be found everywhere mattresses are sold. Still, there are vast differences in mattress construction. Selecting the mattress that best suits your individual needs requires some research before you even set foot mattress store.

Innerspring is King

Mattress and bedding technology has changed rabidly over the last several decades. Waterbeds, hybrid waterbeds, memory foam and air adjustable beds have made significant inroads into the sleep system market. Despite these changes, the traditional innerspring mattress remains the most popular mattress on the market today.

The innerspring was introduced early in the Twentieth Century and represented a big improvement over the days when a mattress may have nothing more than a bag stuffed with straw. Think of the innerspring as the core of the mattress, a frame on which the other components are hung.

Modern innerspring mattress construction makes use of improvements in foam and latex foam technologies. Cotton battings are still used for padding and quilting but foam gives mattress designers more options. Latex foam can be produced in different densities which in turn are used to help control the firmness of the mattress. The combination of the two components provides a wide range of firmness and comfort.

Buy the Right Full Sized Mattress

When you are shopping for a new mattress, think of the process as quite similar to shopping for a new car. On average, we spend about one third of lives in bed. That is equal to about 3000 hours a year. Choosing the right mattress is every bit as important as choosing a new car. Recent studies have shown that getting enough quality sleep can have significant health benefits. Choosing the right mattress can have a significant effect how we sleep.

So give that mattress a good old fashioned test drive before you buy. That’s right, a test drive. It’s not enough to just push on the mattress. Get on the mattress and find the position that you most often sleep in. It is important to spend more than a few minutes on the mattress. Spend enough time to let your body adjust to how the mattress feels. No imagine spending every night of the next five year to seven years on that mattress.

Getting what you pay for is a cliche but that old adage still applies, even to buying a new full sized mattress. Spending a fortune on a mattress set does guarantee a good night’s sleep. There are moderately priced mattresses that can offer the support and comfort you need without breaking the bank. On the other hand, do not expect miracles from a bargain mattress. When you are shopping for a new mattress, it is important to be realistic in your expectations.

A bargain priced mattress may be all you can afford but do not plan on keeping it in service for more than a few years. A moderately priced mattress set will last longer and provide you with more support and comfort for a longer period of time. Expensive mattresses may or may not be superior to a less expensive mattress. Given the fact that you should replace your mattress every 6 to 8 years, you may find yourself paying more for a brand name than a mattress.

Remember that when it comes to buying a mattress, it is not about how the mattress looks but how it feels. What counts most is how the mattress is constructed and not about the brand name on the outside.