Bedroom Archives • Square Deal Mattress Factory & Upholstery

Dreamoligists Decode Mattress Terminology

In the market for a mattress, but a little overwhelmed by all the confusing terms? Never fear, your trusty Dreamologists are here to help! Below, we explain all the mattress terms you need to know, from platforms to pillow-tops, and everything in between.

Adjustable Base

A bed base that can move into several different positions. Usually controlled with a remote to raise the level of the head or feet.

Air Bed

Usually best for temporary rest like guests or camping! Air beds are filed with–you guessed it–air! and can usually deflate in minutes for easy storage.

Border Wires/Rod:

Steel wire or rods around the outside edge of the mattress or box spring to help a bed keep its shape.

Box Spring

Typically goes under a mattress to provide extra support. It features vertical coils and a steel border rod and is usually covered in a sturdy material. You’ll need a box spring if your bed frame doesn’t have another form of support. Our True-Flex® features the patented Dyna-Lock™ interlocking grid system for extraordinary support and spring action.

Coil:

Steel wires shaped into a vertical spiral, often encased in fabric or foam, designed to support the body when sleeping. Usually flexible and springy to add extra comfort and motion support.

Day Bed

Used as a bed by night, couch by day. Whereas a sofa sleeper or hide-a-bed looks like a couch during the day, a day bed looks like a bed at all times–usually just with more pillows and padding.

Edge Guard:

Wire or extra foam padding placed around the outside border of a mattress to prevent the dreaded side sag.

Foundation

An alternative to box springs, a foundation is a bed base constructed using a sturdy wooden frame and, in some models, a steel non-flexing spring.

Hide-a-Bed

Otherwise known as the bed that folds up in your living room sofa, it’s also sometimes called a “sofa bed” or “sofa sleeper” or “sleeper sofa.”

Hybrid Mattress

A mattress made of various types of material, like coils, memory foam, latex, foam, and pillow tops.

Latex Natural Foam

No springs attached! Latex natural foam mattresses don’t have any coils inside and are made of buoyant rubber from the Amazonian rubber tree (hevea brasiliensis). Naturally antimicrobial and hypoallergenic.

Mattress Topper

A removable extra layer to customize your sleeping needs, a mattress topper can make your bed softer or firmer, cooler or warmer, and can be made of a variety of materials depending on your preferences.

Memory Foam

Sometimes called visco-elastic foam, memory foam is a Man-made foam primarily made of polyurethane, memory foam is known for its moldable, pressure-relieving properties.

Memory Foam Gel

Similar to memory foam, the gel provides additional temperature moderation and heat dispersal.

Murphy Bed

A space-saving design that uses hinges to fold a mattress up into a cabinet or wall unit until needed, at which time it lowers down into a regular bed.

Pallet Base

Sometimes called a “Bunkie-board,” a pallet is a 2? bed base constructed using a sturdy wooden frame. It’s usually covered with a thin upholstery and acts as a box spring alternative, especially with platform beds.

Pillow Top

You’ll recognize a pillow top mattress as one that has an extra, “separate” layer of padding sewn on top of the mattress to make it more soft and comfortable. This feature is an extra layer of padding on top of the mattress to provide a soft, extra-comfortable surface for sleeping. You may need to get sheets in a special “deep pocket” size to ensure they fit over the pillow top.

Pillow Top (Eurostyle)

Similar in idea to the regular pillow top, but instead of a separate layer sewn on top of the mattress, the extra stuffing is included beneath the cover of the main mattress for a sleeker look.

Platform Bed

Increasingly more common, platform beds are slowly replacing box springs. A simple pallet base or adjustable platform base supports the mattress, lifting it off the ground and allowing for under-bed storage at the same time.

Plush Top

In lieu of an extra layer of stuffing like a pillow top, this mattress is constructed with a softer top and a firmer bottom.

RV Mattresses

Like you guessed, these are designed specially to fit within the exact space of your RV. We can help you design one for maximum comfort and breathability.

Support Foam

The high-density foam usually found at the base of a one-sided mattress.

Trundle Bed

A two-fer design in which one mattress on wheels is tucked under the platform of the first mattress. The idea is usually to save space in smaller living areas.

Now that you’re in the know on all the main mattress keywords, come on down to our showroom and pick out your next good night’s sleep!

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Pillow Talk: How to Choose the Perfect Pillow for YOU

You’ve got a Goldilocks-approved mattress. Hurrah! Now, it’s time to find a pillow to make your good night’s sleep just right. With so many options out there, it’s important your pillow complements your unique needs and supports your overall quality of sleep. One style doesn’t fit all!

The key to long-term comfort is a neutrally-aligned spine. In other words, your pillow shouldn’t allow your neck to bend forward, backward, or to the left or right. “Loft” (height) is one key to proper alignment, as it raises or lowers the position of your head. Support is another, and it comes from the “fill” or insides of the pillow.

This little chart can help determine what level of support you might need:

	Firm	Medium	Soft
Are you a side sleeper?	x
Side sleeper with your arm tickling your ear?		x
Do you sleep on your stomach?			x
Do you wake up on your back?		x
Do you like staring at cloud figures?			x
Do you binge-watch movies in bed?	x
Do you hug your pillow in your sleep?			x
Do you take two pillows and shove them into one pillowcase?		x

If you mostly answered:

Firm

…You need a pillow with a lot of support. This style is usually a bit thicker to lift your head off the mattress and straighten out your neck. Look for:

Latex Natural Rubber: Naturally made from the foamed sap of the hevea-brasilienis rubber tree, hypoallergenic, and antifungal. Bounces back quickly and is very soft.
Memory Foam (Solid Gel): Man-made and designed to help distribute weight, relieve pressure and contour around the head. The fill of a solid pillow cannot be moved around.
Buckwheat & Millet: Filled with the hulls of buckwheat and millet seeds, allowing continuous airflow and ventilation. Retains shape and loft under pressure and conforms to head and neck shape.

Medium

…You probably sleep primarily on your back. A medium-firm pillow supports the neck and head but won’t throw off proper alignment. Look for:

Latex Natural Rubber (Solid or Shredded): A less firm version of above!
Memory Foam (Shredded Gel): The same ingredients as the solid, just in a shredded design that allows the sleeper to mold and move it around.
Feather Blend (Duck and Down): Just as it sounds! A blend of quilled and down feathers provide medium support and allow you to fluff as needed.
Polyester: Usually available in a variety of firmness levels and can be squished and molded. Hypoallergenic options are often available.

Soft

…You need minimal support. This is the softest and usually flattest of them all and best for those who generally sleep on their stomach. Look for:

Latex Natural Rubber (Solid): Like “resting on air,” this soft style still provides adequate support but less loft.
Down: High level of compression for those needing a softer pillow, made from clusters of fluffy down
Polyester: Lightweight versions have the ability to feel similar to down and can easily compress.

Healthy mix of all:

Consider a pillow with moveable, moldable fill with medium support.

When it comes to the right pillow, other considerations include allergies and conditions like sleep apnea. While we hope these tips offer a head-start on the best rest for your noggin’, the Square Deal Dreamologists are happy to help with a personal consultation. We sell all the options above, so come into our Sleep Center to find the perfect pillow for a good night’s sleep!

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A Two-Sided Mattress Still Exists

Mankind has always sought a better surface upon which to sleep. From the dawn of history and for thousands of years thereafter these surfaces were made up of grasses, leaves, twigs, furs, Spanish moss, corn shucks or anything at hand that was softer than the ground. Later, in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, mattresses became manufactured items.

In 1920 Ennis Rife established Square Deal Mattress Factory to provide a quality bedding sets for Northern California. In the late nineteenth century, a bedspring of spring steel coils held together with a border rod was invented and became the “New Mattress”. The bedspring offered a new dimension of comfort that hadn’t existed before. Now there was an action surface upon which to place the upholstery filling materials over. Innerspring mattresses were filled the same on both sides and can be turned over or end-for-end periodically for added comfort and longevity. Mattresses with two-sides were still a struggle for one person to flip and most people ignored or forgot to follow the warranty directions. Unfortunately, this neglect causes the layers of foam and padding to compress or sag. The first one sided No-Flip design was introduced in 2000. Shortly after all the brand name manufactures changed over to the single sided beds making it the industries “New Mattress”.

Using today’s technology, it was suggested to be the improvement to the older designs and did not require flipping over. A maintenance free mattress sounds great to consumers and quickly became all the rage. In 2005, a safety law requiring all mattress sets built and sold in California to comply within a strict guideline for fire laws. On July 1st, 2007 (CPSC) the Federal government made this fire safety law a requirement on all mattresses built or imported into the U.S. Most two-sided mattresses were eliminated by manufacturers due to the additional material costs in having the mattresses fire tested. Square Deal Mattress Factory decided that this new design would lessen the quality of bedding sets and the company made a conscious decision to continue with a two-sided construction.

Today’s mattresses require just as much if not more maintenance than ever before. It is the recommendation to regularly service your new bed by monthly flipping and rotation. Two sleeping surfaces along with the latest development of innerspring coils, more durable padding materials such as high-density foams, latex natural rubber and visco-elastic foam will help to extend your mattresses life and keep you waking up refreshed and ready to tackle the day. Square Deal Mattress Factory is dedicated to continuing research, development and testing to assure that you are receiving the finest bedding sets available.

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In the market for more than just a mattress?

Personalize your bedroom with unique bedding and duvet covers, pillow cases, blankets & more! At Square Deal Mattress we sell quality bedding accessories such as headboards, heavy duty frames, mattress protectors, pillows, blankets and sheets for your convenience.

There are so many ways to dress up your bed creating a beautiful look you have been dreaming of.

First, start with the base. Make sure your mattress and foundation are offering a good support. Adding a quality mattress protector will extend the life of your mattress and keep it clean and dust mite free for years to come. Select your inspirational piece that will inspire the focal point in the design. This could be something that you love like your favorite picture, chair, lamp, etc.

Now let’s get started with the sheets. I believe white sheets work every time. They give the eye a place to rest when you layer on print and pattern. In the local climate it is best to go with 100% Cotton sheet in the 400 thread count and up during the warmer seasons of Spring and Summer. A good quality microfiber or flannel sheet is suggested for the cooler months in Fall and Winter.

Next, comes the pillows. Choose your sleeping pillows based on comfort and your style of sleeping not the look.

Then, add some contrast by mixing a variety of decorative pillows in different shapes or sizes with patterns and colors. Match standard pillowcases to your sheets, and match Euro shams to your quilt or duvet. A great duvet cover and coordinating shams will tie the ensemble together. Don’t be afraid to play with pattern. A quilt is an easy way to layer in some color and contrast.

To complete the look, add a throw blanket or additional comforter in a solid print. In cold weather, sleep under the duvet and use your quilt as an accent. In warm weather, sleep under the quilt and fold the duvet at the foot of the bed. Whether you use a bed skirt or not may seem like a trifling decision, but it really does change the look of the bed and hence, your whole bedroom. If you do not like to use bed skirts we suggest placing a fitted sheet over the box spring to tie into the bedding and keep the box spring clean.

Get creative and have fun with dressing up your mattress and completing your space how you want it.

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Why Square Deal

When I was a little girl I would love to come into the shop and watch my dad and grandma work. We would pretend that we were selling a customer some fabric or a new mattress. I guess you can say we have had our Bed-U-cation growing up daily in the business. One thing that sets apart in my memory is my great grandfather would sit in the front showroom and greet every customer and employee as they came and left. It is the customer’s and the employees throughout the years that have continued to make Square Deal great.

We are thankful for the many years we have been able to hand-craft each mattress right here in Chico. We can sell them directly to you to maintain our personal relationship on this very personal product. Because of building them locally, we can customize to your specific needs with no extra step…and no extra markup. There have been so many changes throughout the many years in the mattress industry. Some for the better of the sleepers and others not so much. Square Deal Mattress Factory has weighed the pros and cons to many of these changes and in some we deemed ‘Old School’ is better craftsmanship. I invite you to come into our showroom and compare the great quality at a great low price.
-Jamie Anderson
4th Generation

Our Culture

We continue to develop innovative ideas for sleep products and look forward to a future of serving our community and meeting their needs.

Manufacturing Quality

Produce quality mattresses in our own factory and sell them directly to consumers, eliminating the middleman and providing real value.

Courteous & Knowledgeable Customer Service

Be courteous to our customers and educate them about the product they are buying. Always strive for the win-win solution in dealings with customers, fellow employees and suppliers.

Our Guarantee

Square Deal Mattress Factory has been established in Northern California in 1920. We have been manufacturing the highest quality of mattress and furniture products, serving our community with the best service, knowledge and price. Square Deal Mattress Factory is a company with direction and purpose. Our goal is to provide the highest quality custom made products and services to our customers. While building a successful, efficient, innovative, environmentally sound, and quality organization.

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Mattress Custom Services

Square Deal Mattress is proud to offer our custom mattress services to the public. As a local factory we can make modifications to the innerspring, perform custom tailoring, and adapt the bed to meet specific needs. Our custom-sizing service allows you to achieve the length, width, and thickness required for your space without compromising on the premium comfort of an innerspring mattress. For conventional or custom-sizes, ‘upgrades’ can be added to the mattress for a bespoke finish. This guide covers how to prepare for and place your custom-size order, as well as the upgrades available for mattresses of all sizes.

The Ordering Process

Beginning your custom mattress order is as easy as ordering any traditional size bed from Square Deal Mattress Factory. Though we can receive orders over the phone or email, we believe you get the best experience and final result by coming to visit us in the showroom. There, our Dreamologist sales team can have a detailed conversation about your needs and goals. You will also be able to test mattress models and view material samples to help you make a confident decision and get excited for the great sleep to come. Once you select a mattress model, your salesperson will go over how it may need to be modified, how that may affect the final feel, the cost and lead time. If your construction requires significant changes to the padding recipe, a trial sample can be made for you to approve the comfort before final delivery.

The lead time for your custom mattress will depend on the size and complexity of the project. Most projects can be completed in our standard lead time of 3-5 days. Oversized kings and other logistically complex designs may take 2-6 weeks. For this reason, we suggest that you contact us about your custom-size order at least one month prior to any deadline you may have.

When providing us your dimensions, please keep in mind that innersprings are made out of rows of fixed-sized coils. Customization is done by adding or removing rows from the innerspring. Though we can use some filler to make it as accurate to measurement as possible, please allow for up to 1.5 inches of tolerance in the final product. If you need advice on how to measure your mattress, or you would like to schedule a house call, please see our Mattress Measuring page.

Our innersprings come in five sizes of height/thickness; 1” nanocoils, 3” microcoils, 4” low-profile coils, 6” & 8” regular springs, or 8” pocket coils. Depending on the padding recipe, finished thickness can be 5-18” total for a two-sided mattress, or 4-15” total for a one-sided mattress. If you require a thin mattress between 2-6”, we recommended an all-foam construction. All custom beds are designed to be two-sided unless otherwise stated by the customer at the time of order.

Since the mattress will be made to your unique specifications, we require a deposit of at least one-half of the order total before we begin building your custom mattress. If you decide to cancel the order after manufacturing has begun, the deposit will not be refunded. We cannot add a custom-size mattress to our stock inventory, and will not accept returns on custom orders. If there is an unforeseen issue with the fit on final delivery despite the mattress being accurately sized within the 1.5 inch tolerance, it can be adjusted through our Lifetime Comfort Service for a discounted fee. For these reasons we stress the importance of double-checking that the measurements you provide are accurate, and are accurately written on the signed work order.

Common Custom Sizes

Though some customers may need a completely unique and original size, others are looking for a standardized size that is not sold in conventional mattress stores. Often these standardized sizes used to be common but are now outdated. The most common custom-sizes are needed when working with antique bed frames and recreational vehicles. Here are the most commonly requested sizes for these situations:
Super Single: 43” x 74”

Three-Quarter Mattress: 48” x 74”

Full Extra-Long: 53” x 80”

Olympic Queen: 66” x 80”
Short Queen: 60” x 74” RV
King: 72” x 80”

If the measurements you take are similar to the above (within 1.5 inches), we recommend ordering the standard size as opposed to creating an exact fit. To create these sizes, we take a conventional innerspring in the closest size and cut it down. There is a $50 charge in addition to the base price of the mattress for each directional cut (lateral and horizontal) that needs to be made to achieve the custom size. These sizes usually qualify for the standard 3-5 day lead time.

Oversized Kings

Standard King mattress sizes are the Eastern King at 76” x 80” and the California King at 72” x 84”. These days even larger beds have been created, often named after America’s beautiful wide-open spaces. Before ordering an oversized king, we recommend measuring your halls and doorways to make sure you have enough room to transport the mattress through the house for installation. Here are some of the various oversized kings that have become available in recent years:
Wyoming King: 84” x 84”

Texas King: 80” x 98”

Alberta or Vermont King: 96” x 96”

Alaskan King: 108” x 108”

Family Bed: 120” x 84”

Constructing these mattresses requires cutting and combining two or more spring units. They may also need to have hinges that aid in transport and installation. The cost of each oversized king is calculated at the time of order and will add an increase of approximately 40-70% to the regular king size price of the model. For these projects, a 2-6 week lead time is typical.

Hinges for Transportation

Simple Hinges
A simple hinge involves removing a portion of the rigid border rod to allow the mattress more flexibility. It can be slightly compressed on the short side, or flexed head to foot in key areas.This is recommended for use in recreational vehicles and spaces that have narrow doorways and limited space to maneuver the mattress during installation and flipping. There is no additional charge for adding a simple hinge to your mattress, just make us aware of any challenges you think a fully rigid innerspring might present to your space at the time of order.

Watson Hinges
The Watson Hinge is a process invented by Square Deal Mattress’ generational engineers and provides a unique solution to transporting and installing oversize mattresses. A proprietary hinge construction allows the mattress to bend fully in half, as if two separate beds were stacked on top of each other. The addition of a continuous quilted cover creates a seamless feel and appearance when installed. If your custom mattress requires a Watson hinge, there is an additional labor charge of $150-$450 depending on the finished mattress size.

Mattress Upgrades

In addition to creating custom-size mattresses, we offer upgrades to any of our mattress models that help customers adapt their bed to specific needs. These upgrades are designed to provide solutions for common concerns such as edge support, overheating during sleep, and more. All prices are based on two-sided traditional size mattresses. Custom size and single-sided mattress upgrades will be priced individually. If you are interested in adding an upgrade to your mattress, please let your salesperson know at the time of order.

Additional Side Supports
On many of our mattress models Square Deal adds reinforcement braces along the mattress border. These create extra stability and reduce the amount of crush that happens when sitting on the side of the bed. Increasing the number of side supports when possible can make it easier to transfer into the bed from a wheelchair. It also gives peace of mind to those who need to sit at the edge of the bed to complete their daily routines.There is a $50 fee to add additional braces to all sides of the mattress. If this feature is of interest to you, ask your salesperson if the model you choose has room for additional side support.

Additional Foundation Support
For those who require their mattress to hold up to exceptional weight or above average wear-and-tear we offer reinforcement to the mattress foundation. Our Monster bed frame features a 9-legged support system made with 2 inch thick steel rails. These additional supports prevent the mattress from sagging in the center and have a higher weight limit than conventional Hollywood frames. It can adjust to fit all traditional bed sizes, from Twin to California King. The Monster bed frame is discounted to $90 with the purchase of a mattress, and costs $119 when purchased independently. This item is kept in stock and will not add additional lead time to your mattress order.

Additional support can also be added to a platform frame or wood foundation. Each leg costs an additional $10 and can be added to the head, foot, center, or all three for complete reinforcement. If a center support beam needs to be created for the legs to attach to, it will be priced based on bed size and current cost of lumber. To add individual legs or a center support beam, we will require the measurement from the bottom of your bed frame to the floor so we can accurately size the legs. This upgrade usually does not affect the lead time of your order, but if materials need to be acquired it may take an additional 1-2 weeks.

Additional Handles
Square Deal mattresses are designed to be flipped and rotated for a long life and even wear. Though most models come with handles on the long sides to help better adjust the mattress, handles can also be added to the head and foot for even easier manipulation. Handles can also be placed in specific places to aid mobility. Depending on the model you choose, the handles will either be a rope style attached with rivets, or sewn flush to the mattress border. There is a $25 fee to add additional handles to your mattress.

Adjustable Base
If you have an adjustable base at home or are interested in purchasing one, Square Deal provides a wide range of options. Though we recommend all-foam or natural latex beds for the best adjustable base performance, we understand that many customers require the unique support and dynamics of innersprings in combination with the adjustable features. There is a $100 fee in addition to the base price of the mattress required to create an adjustable innerspring.

We recommend choosing a non-pillowtop model for the best performance of an adjustable innerspring mattress. To make the conventional innerspring bend, the rigid edge wire must be removed. Be aware that removing the edgewire makes for a softer edge that will crush more and be less supportive than the floor model. Making a mattress adjustable does not affect its warranty, but it may wear unevenly or develop creases over time. If this occurs we recommend contacting us for a tune-up service.

Quilt Upgrades & Fire Barrier Exemption Upgrading the mattress quilt is the most popular modification requested on new orders. Typically, the quilt is made up of a thin layer of polyfoam, cotton batting, a wool and cotton fire retardant barrier, and a top layer of cotton and bamboo-rayon blend fabric. A soft, medium, or firm stitch pattern is chosen based on the model the quilt will be paired with. This standard construction provides a plush top for each bed and promotes cooling airflow under the body. However, some customers have particular concerns about overheating and want to make sure their mattress targets this issue. Others may seek an exception to the fire retardant due to needs or preferences for a chemical-free mattress. Selecting an alternative quilt may add 1 to 2 weeks to your lead time, depending on the material availability and production schedule. Here are the alternative quilt options available:

Coolmax Cover: Coolmax fabric is a specially engineered polyester with increased moisture-wicking and airflow properties. The polyester is combined with additional polymers as it is spun to infuse these cooling properties into the fabric. Choosing a Coolmax cover retains the same plush construction of a standard quilt, replacing only the top layer of cotton-blend fabric. The stitch pattern will match the one currently on the mattress model you select. Upgrading to a Coolmax cover costs $100 for Twin and Full sizes, and $200 for Queen and King sizes.

Kashmir Quilt: Named after our best-selling Kashmir mattress, this upgrade keeps the plush feeling of a standard quilt enhanced with cooling natural materials. The cotton batting is replaced with wool which more actively directs heat away from the body to regulate temperature. A 100% organic cotton fabric increases the breathability for an all-natural finish. It features a medium-firm stitch pattern. Upgrading to the Kashmir Quilt is an additional $200 for Twin and Full sizes, or $400 for Queen and King sizes.

Wool-Only Quilt: This option comes standard with our Natural Latex mattresses and is recommended for individuals who prefer a firm sleep surface. This recipe removes the polyfoam from the Kashmir quilt option, made up of only the wool batting, wool-cotton fire retardant, and organic cotton fabric. The lack of foam makes for a smooth cover that lends itself well to all-foam constructions. Though less plush, it has a slight cooling advantage over the Kashmir quilt. It is produced with a firm stitch pattern. This option adds $200 for a Twin or Full and $350 for King and Queen sizes.

Fire Barrier Exemption: Square Deal uses a state of the art quilting machine to produce all of our covers in-house. This allows us to choose exactly which materials are used in our quilts for better quality assurance. If you do not want your mattress to contain the fire-retardant barrier required by the State of California and Federal law, we can produce a special run of quilting just for your mattress. To do this, the law requires a customer to provide a doctor’s note to the manufacturer to document the exemption. It must at least have the physician’s letterhead, a statement or prescription saying that their patient would benefit from having the fire barrier removed, and the physician’s signature. If you request an exemption Square Deal will not be held liable for any hazards or damage that result from a lack of fire retardant. It may also extend your lead time by up to 2 weeks while we produce the quilt. Requesting a fire barrier exemption adds $100 for Twin and Full sized, and $200 for King and Queen sizes.

Pillow-top Material Upgrade
A pillow-top mattress provides an additional buffer between your pressure points and direct compression on the innerspring. This is excellent for side sleepers and creates a unique combination of plush comfort and healthy support. Most Square Deal pillow-top models are made with a soft convoluted poly-foam inside a separate gusset housing. The standard poly-foam may be replaced by memory foam or natural latex upon request. These alternatives have their own benefits and focus on body health. Please note that changes to the pillowtop material will noticeably affect the feeling and finished loft compared to a floor model. For this reason, we can offer a pre-delivery trial of your custom construction in the showroom before final delivery to guarantee your satisfaction.

Memory Foam: Memory Foam refers to a special kind of polyurethane that has been combined with additives to increase its viscosity and elasticity. This ‘visco-elastic’ foam is often described as a ‘hug’ for your whole body. The switch from conventional poly-foam to memory foam will make your mattress a “hybrid” style construction. This upgrade is priced based on size: Twin $300, Full $400, Queen $500, King $650.

Natural Latex: Talalay Latex foam is the longest lasting, most supportive, most breathable foam available – and it’s all natural! Latex’s high resiliency is often described as buoyant, as though it rises to meet the contours of your body. The switch from conventional poly-foam to natural latex will make your mattress a “hybrid” style construction. This upgrade is priced based on size: Twin $350, Full $500, Queen $600, King $750.

Custom Bedding

It is important to note that bedding is hard to find for custom-size mattresses. Though some online retailers sell the standardized custom sizes, the options are limited. Square Deal’s team of seamstresses can tailor sheets and bedding sets to be delivered with your custom order. You can bring us your own material, or purchase from the selection offered by our Springs Bedding department. Tailoring is charged by the hour at our mattress labor rate of $45/hour.

If you are interested in exploring how a custom mattress can improve your sleep, please contact us! There are no appointments required to visit the Square Deal showroom, so we invite you to stop in and chat with one of our Dreamologists, or start the conversation by phone or email. We believe that everyone deserves the best rest possible no matter their special situation. Whether you’re investing in a custom-size of your perfect mattress or tweaking your bed to be perfect for you, we are looking forward to helping you experience the bed of your dreams.

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How to Mattress Shop like an Expert

So you’ve decided you need a new mattress – now what? There are more options for buying a mattress today than ever before and it can be overwhelming to figure out where to start. Square Deal Mattress Factory has been building beds for over 100 years, carrying our values of quality assurance and longevity through all the technological changes that arise. In this blog post we want to share our years of expertise on the bed shopping process to help you feel confident in selecting the best mattress for your needs. This starts with exploring the different possible materials used in a mattress, how to tell whether it will be good for your body, and how to get the most from your in-store testing.

Modern Materials

When Square Deal began in 1920, most mattresses were like human-sized pillows stuffed with down, cotton, hay, and similar materials. Even newly invented innerspring beds were padded with these basic natural materials. Today, modern sleepers are used to the plush comfort of foam paddings in their mattresses. There is an endless variety of natural and synthetic foam options that fall into three main categories. Before you begin shopping, it’s helpful to understand how they function differently and the potential benefits.

Polyurethane Foam
Polyurethane foam is the most common material Square Deal uses in our mattresses. “Poly-foam” refers to an open-celled synthetic foam that is highly responsive to changes in pressure and bounces back quickly. This material contours around the body while maintaining a supportive feel. Different densities of poly-foam can be layered over an innerspring, used as the support layer for a foam combination mattress, or made into its own mattress.

Poly-foam is highly versatile and suitable for all types of sleepers when the right combination of densities are chosen. It is also more breathable than other synthetic foams, so you’re less likely to overheat while you sleep.

Memory Foam
Memory Foam refers to a special kind of polyurethane that has been combined with additives to increase its viscosity and elasticity. This ‘visco-elastic’ foam reacts to sustained pressure by relaxing to conform slowly around the object, and restores itself to shape when pressure is removed as the foam cools and airflow increases. When used in mattresses, it contours especially well around the pressure points and redistributes material to provide the most relief. The enhanced elasticity gives it increased contouring over standard poly-foams that is often described as a ‘hug’ for your whole body.

We recommend memory foam for side sleepers, who benefit the most from pressure relief in the shoulders and hips. However, memory foam is the least breathable foam option which may cause discomfort for those who sleep hot. Additives like gel and copper may be included to help redirect heat away from your body, but that is not always effective over time. It performs best as a mattress topper, pillow-top upgrade, or the comfort layer of a foam combination mattress. The high viscosity of the foam requires a more resilient material to support it for the best comfort and longevity.

Natural Talalay Latex
Talalay Latex foam is the longest lasting, most supportive, most breathable foam available – and it’s all natural! Talalay latex is made of sap from rubber trees, whipped with water, and baked in an injection mold. This heating process kills off the latex proteins that commonly cause allergies, making Talalay latex hypoallergenic. The enhanced breathability also helps reduce common allergens such as dust mites and mold.

Latex’s high resiliency is often described as buoyant, as though it rises to meet the contours of your body, and is very motion islating. This effect is great for back and stomach sleepers who require small corrections to maintain alignment. Though it is generally firmer than other foam options, side sleepers can enjoy the subtle contour that latex offers. This material performs well on its own as an all- natural mattress or layered over an innerspring, but is also great for toppers to refresh an older bed. We recommend exploring latex pillows if you experience neck and upper back pain for its unique balance of support and softness. Due to its resiliency and flexibility, Latex is the best option to pair with an adjustable bed base.

Support Styles

Now that you have a good idea of what each material can potentially offer you, let’s look at the various ways these foams can be transformed into a completed mattress.

Innersprings
Beds with a steel spring at their core tend to last the longest and offer the most diverse range of comfort options. There are several styles of spring to choose from, including designs focused on side, back, or partner sleeping. Once a spring style is chosen, the foam paddings are added that determine the bed’s final firmness. Innersprings provide a baseline for healthy orthopedic support that flexes just enough to keep the body in correct alignment. Even the most isolating innerspring has some of that classic bounce that sets this construction apart. Innerspring mattresses are especially well suited for Square Deal’s two-sided construction because of their durability.

Foam
An all-foam mattress can be made as a solid piece of one style of foam, or combined with several different types depending on the desired result. These beds can be lighter-weight and easy to transport, and tend to be very motion isolating. To guarantee proper body support, often a base layer of firm foams lie under the comfort layer and form an orthopedic baseline. However, the lack of structured support means they wear faster, especially on the edges, and can be prone to deeper body impressions. Foam beds can be natural, as with latex, synthetic, like poly-foam, or a blend of both. These beds are often sold as one-sided, but a two-sided construction can help prolong the life. For more information about the foams we use at Square Deal, check out our Foam Fabrication department.

Hybrid
A “hybrid” mattress is an up-and-coming word in the mattress industry, but it can be a little confusing. “Hybrid” can refer to anything from simply combining any foam with an innerspring, to an all-foam mattress that uses multiple types of foam. Since foam-over-innerspring and foam-combination mattresses are standard construction for Square Deal, we use the word “hybrid” to describe innerspring mattresses that are padded with something other than standard poly-foam, such as memory foam or latex. These premium materials are most popular as their own stand-alone mattresses, but by pairing them with an innerspring their unique individual benefits are combined. A hybrid mattress can be a great choice for those with complex sleep preferences by tackling multiple comfort issues at once. Adding an innerspring also raises the durability of both memory foam and latex, meaning a hybrid is a great way to get those specialized benefits without sacrificing durability.

Testing for Body Health

All of this information can be great help to have in mind when mattress shopping, but everyone knows the only way to know that a mattress is right for you is to lie down on it! Testing mattresses is mostly an intuitive process of evaluating how good it feels on your body. With so many models to try though, there may be a point where they all seem to run together. In this section, we will give some tips on a few key areas to focus your attention when deciding on your new bed.

Alignment

A logical way to know if a mattress will be comfortable over time is to be certain it promotes a healthy spinal alignment for your body. To test this, you will want to pay attention to your shoulders, waist, and hips. These three areas should form a straight but slightly diagonal line from your legs to your neck resting on a pillow. If you feel as though there is a noticeable up- or downward curve between any of these points, the bed may be too firm, or not supportive enough.

To determine if this is happening, it is common to ask your shopping partner or salesperson to look at your back as you lie down in your normal position to confirm that there are no significant variations. While lying on your back, gently slide your hand under your lower back. The gap should feel snug; too easy to slide in means it’s not supportive enough, while too tight means it is being over-corrected.

Body size can play a role in how well a mattress supports you. Generally speaking, petite bodies benefit from softer support layers that respond better to the pressure they can apply. Whereas larger bodies may benefit from a firmer or more resilient support layer to be sure that they are being adequately supported. If you sleep with a partner and you feel like your body sizes give you different needs, a more dynamic support layer can give both of you healthy support on the same mattress. Once you’re properly supported, the comfort layers add the final touches to your preferred level of firmness.

Pressure Points
Even though you may have achieved healthy spine alignment, that is not all your body needs to stay comfortable through the night. Ensuring that your key pressure points are being properly treated by the mattress is the other half of the equation. Hips and shoulders are usually the most sensitive pressure points, especially when sleeping on your side. Back sleepers might be more sensitive to their neck and lower back. While the support layer is a factor, most of the pressure relieving action happens in the comfort layer. You may be able to see within just a few moments whether you’re supported, but considering your pressure points requires more time.

To test how well a mattress will give you pressure relief and comfort, lie down in your preferred sleeping position for at least two minutes, but preferably around 15 minutes if it is a bed you’re seriously considering. During that period, try to focus on the areas of your body that press most heavily on the bed surface. Consider whether you can truly relax on this surface, or if there is a feeling of resistance, such as a jammed shoulder. At this stage it can be helpful to compare different materials in the comfort layer to find which one performs best to you.

If you feel there is too much resistance from a standard mattress, a pillow-top may be the solution. A pillowtop is an extra gusset sewn into the bed that contains a small amount of additional padding. The gusset allows the padding more freedom to contour around the body, and it provides a small separation between yourself and direct pressure on the support layer. Pillow-tops are often preferred by side sleepers because of this gentle buffer.

Preference
Focusing on your body’s health helps you be confident about the quality of sleep you’ll get, but you will always know your body better than anyone else. Your first impression of the mattress is very important. Some people can lie down and instantly love or dislike a particular model. If you have strong initial feelings about a bed, it is best that you trust them. Talking yourself into a mattress you do not feel strongly about just because it checks the health boxes is less likely to create long-term satisfaction with your purchase.

We recommend trying a few mattress models with different features and letting your salesperson know what qualities you are enjoying the most. This can narrow the focus of your shopping and hone in on the combination of support and comfort that is ideal for you. Once you feel like you’ve tried enough variety, revisit your favorites for a longer period of time and make your observations about spine alignment and pressure relief. If you are struggling to choose between mattresses that feel similar, deferring to the health standards can be a helpful deciding factor. It is important to remember that a new mattress is an investment in your quality of life.

Shopping

Now that you have all that knowledge floating around in the back of your head, it’s time to head to the mattress store and start trying beds! While this may seem like the most straightforward step so far, we have a few tips to make sure you enjoy the experience.

Wear comfortable clothing
Though it may seem like a simple place to start, wearing comfortable clothes can improve your mattress shopping experience. Since you will be lying down and standing up repeatedly, it is best to avoid short dresses and skirts. Tight fitting clothes like skinny jeans can also affect your perception of comfort. We recommend choosing an outfit that has a loose fit and will allow you to move comfortably. While visitors to Square Deal are more than welcome to arrive in their pajamas, athletic wear or a simple top and pants are also good choices if you have other plans for the day. You may also want to wear socks with slip-off shoes for better comfort when you lie down. As long as you feel like you have a complete natural range of motion, you’ll be prepared to put your potential new bed to the test.

Give yourself plenty of time
You are the master of your schedule, and it’s important that you do not feel rushed into your final decision on a mattress investment. Many people make a shorter initial visit to get an idea of their options and prices, especially if they just happen to be in the area. Others prefer to set aside several hours and make their decision in one day. We recommend setting aside 30-45 minutes for a ‘research’ visit, and a minimum of 1-2 hours if you plan on purchasing a mattress. We also want to encourage you that it is ok to make as many or few visits as you need, for as long or short as you need to to feel confident that the mattress you choose is the right fit for you.

Square Deal’s Dreamologist sales team embraces an old-fashioned customer-first sales method, but through experience and customer anecdotes we know that mattress sales has the potential to be a high-pressure environment. Though you may be tempted by a flash-sale or fast-talking salesperson, being firm about your intentions, needs, and limits is always your right. We hope your visit to the Square Deal showroom is exceptionally accommodating and stress-free so you can shop in whatever way fits your lifestyle.

Ask questions
Whether you gather a list of questions about materials and performance beforehand or simply get curious in the store, talking to your salesperson about the models you try can be genuinely helpful. At Square Deal, our Dreamologists strive to help you feel educated about your choices and have working experience with every part of our process. Details directly from your salesperson can be combined with the knowledge you came prepared with to give you a more complete picture of the individual models you are considering. There’s no wrong way to ask a question, and you can never ask too many!

Now that you know about what could be inside a mattress, what makes a bed good for your body, and what to expect in the showroom, you’re all ready to start your journey to the perfect new mattress! We hope to see you soon in the Square Deal showroom, but no matter where you shop, we hope treating yourself to a new, well-fitted mattress improves your health and helps you sleep soundly.

Bedroom

How to measure a mattress

When investing in a new mattress, knowing what size to order is a simple but critical decision. Even if you are fairly sure about your mattress size, measuring it before you begin shopping will add confidence to your decision. If you are preparing to order a custom-size mattress for a specialized application, knowing how to accurately measure your mattress or future mattress foundation will ensure you achieve the most accurate fit possible. This guide includes clear instruction on how to measure like a pro, along with diagrams and photo examples.

Traditional Mattress Sizes

If you are ordering a mattress for your home, it is helpful to know the standard measurements available in most mattress retailers. If your measurements are not within a 1.5 inch tolerance of these traditional sizes, you may need to order a custom size. Please see our Mattress Custom Services page for a list of commonly ordered custom sizes and more details. The traditional mattress sizes are as follows:

Twin/Single: 38” x 74” Twin XL: 38” x 80” Full/Double: 53” x 74” Queen: 60” x 80” Eastern King: 76” x 80” California King: 72” x 84”.

Measuring

To determine the dimensions of your mattress there are two points of reference. The first is measuring your existing mattress, and the second is to measure the space or bed frame the new mattress will fill. We recommend enlisting someone to help you hold one end of the measuring tape for the most accurate results. If you would prefer the Square Deal team to take the measurements for you, we will schedule a house call. There is a $35 minimum fee for this service that can be credited toward your account once the order is placed.

Measuring the Existing Mattress

Placing the measuring tape on top of the mattress surface is the best way to acquire the length and width. Simply hold one end of the tape to the seam or bead of the quilt and measure the distance to the opposite end. If the surface of your mattress seems especially worn or misshapen, feel for the edge of the innerspring and measure from that reference point instead. Do this for the length and width.

For the thickness it is important to measure from the mattress base to the crown, not just stopping at the seam. Lay a yardstick or similar long flat object in the center of the bed and position it so the end extends past the edge of the mattress. Measure from the boxspring or slats to the bottom of the yardstick to acquire the thickness (Method 1). Alternatively, hold the bottom of the tape against the boxspring or slats and wrap the tape over the seam until it reaches the true level surface of the quilt (Method 2).

Measuring the Frame

If you only have the frame to reference, there is still enough information to determine an accurate size. Place the tape inside the frame and find the lip that the mattress or foundation will rest on. Measure from the head/headboard bracket to the opposite end. Move toward the center and measure the width from one inside wall to the other. It can be helpful to note whether this space is enclosed on two or three sides (such as a headboard/footboard or day bed).

If your frame has a side rail you would like the mattress to rise above, measure from the bottom lip inside the frame to the top of the side rail. If you have an enclosed area that causes a height restriction, measure from the bottom lip inside the frame to the top of the enclosure. This number will be helpful to reference in proportion to the final thickness of the mattress.

Another useful measurement to have on hand is the distance from the floor to the bottom lip of the frame. Knowing this distance will help us accurately calculate how tall your bed set will sit when complete.

When using these measurements to inform what size to order your mattress, there are some convenience factors to consider. Some customers prefer to make their bed about a half-inch smaller than the frame on all sides to make it easier to change the bedding. Others may need additional flexibility to install the bed in tight spaces. Please mention any convenience factors like these to your salesperson during your showroom consultation.

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