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Shopping for a mattress can feel confusing—not because there are too many options, but because of the terminology. Words like hybrid, firmness, motion isolation, or cooling foam appear across product pages, yet many shoppers aren’t sure what they actually mean or how they affect sleep.
This mattress terms glossary explains common mattress terminology in clear, simple language. Many brands, including EGOHOME, use standardized industry terms rather than unique definitions. Understanding these terms helps you compare mattresses objectively and make more informed decisions.
How to Use This Mattress Glossary
This glossary is organized by category so you can quickly find the terms you’re looking for.
Each section explains what the terms mean and why they matter, with tables designed for fast reference and easy comparison.
Mattress Types & Construction Terms
These terms describe how a mattress is built and what kind of support system it uses.
|
Term |
Simple Explanation |
Why It Matters |
Neutral Brand Example |
|
Innerspring Mattress |
Mattress built mainly with coils |
Good airflow, less pressure relief |
Traditional spring designs |
|
Memory Foam Mattress |
Foam that contours to the body |
Pressure relief, minimal bounce |
All-foam models |
|
Latex Mattress |
Made from natural or synthetic latex |
Responsive, breathable |
Latex constructions used by brands like EGOHOME |
|
Hybrid Mattress |
Foam layers combined with coils |
Balance of comfort & airflow |
EGOHOME hybrid mattresses |
|
All-Foam Mattress |
Foam-only construction |
Quiet, motion-absorbing |
Foam mattress lines |
|
Pocket Coils |
Individually wrapped coils |
Reduces motion transfer |
Used in EGOHOME hybrids |
|
Zoned Support |
Different firmness zones |
Improves spinal alignment |
Common in modern hybrids |
|
Pillow Top / Euro Top |
Extra cushioning layer |
Softer surface feel |
Plush mattress designs |
|
Comfort Layer |
Top cushioning layers |
Pressure relief |
Foam or latex layers |
|
Support Layer |
Structural base |
Spine support |
Coil or dense foam core |
Firmness, Feel & Support Terms
These terms describe how a mattress feels when you lie on it and how it supports your body.
|
Term |
What It Means |
What It Affects |
|
Firmness Level |
How soft or firm a mattress feels |
Comfort preference |
|
Soft / Medium / Firm |
Standard firmness categories |
Sleep position & body weight |
|
Plush Feel |
Extra cushioning on top |
Initial comfort |
|
Sinkage |
How deeply the body sinks |
Alignment & heat retention |
|
Pressure Relief |
Reduces joint pressure |
Shoulder & hip comfort |
|
Responsiveness |
Speed of shape recovery |
Ease of movement |
|
Bounce |
Spring-back feel |
Combination sleepers |
|
Body Contouring |
How closely it hugs the body |
Pressure distribution |
|
Spinal Alignment |
Keeps spine neutral |
Long-term comfort |
|
Edge Support |
Stability near edges |
Sitting & sleeping near edges |
Materials & Foam Technology Terms
These terms refer to the materials used inside the mattress.
|
Term |
Meaning |
Why It Matters |
|
Memory Foam |
Heat- and pressure-responsive foam |
Pressure relief |
|
Gel-Infused Foam |
Foam mixed with cooling gel |
Heat management |
|
Open-Cell Foam |
Foam with better airflow |
Improved breathability |
|
High-Density Foam |
Denser, more durable foam |
Longevity & support |
|
Latex Foam |
Elastic, responsive foam |
Support & airflow |
|
Natural vs Synthetic Latex |
Source of latex material |
Feel & breathability |
|
CertiPUR-US® |
Foam safety certification |
Low emissions & safety |
|
OEKO-TEX® |
Textile safety certification |
Skin safety |
|
Cooling Foam |
General cooling term |
Temperature regulation |
|
Phase Change Material (PCM) |
Absorbs & releases heat |
Temperature stability |
Cooling & Breathability Terms
Cooling-related terms are especially important for hot sleepers.
|
Term |
Simple Meaning |
Why It Matters |
|
Cooling Mattress |
Manages heat buildup |
Better sleep comfort |
|
Breathability |
Air movement through mattress |
Prevents heat trapping |
|
Airflow |
Internal air circulation |
Cooling performance |
|
Temperature Neutral |
Neither hot nor cold |
Stable sleep climate |
|
Moisture-Wicking |
Draws sweat away |
Reduces damp heat |
|
Heat Retention |
Tendency to trap warmth |
Hot sleeper concerns |
|
Hot Sleeper |
Person who sleeps warm |
Needs cooling features |
Motion, Noise & Partner-Related Terms
Important for couples or light sleepers.
|
Term |
Explanation |
Best For |
|
Motion Isolation |
Absorbs movement |
Couples |
|
Motion Transfer |
Movement felt across bed |
Light sleepers |
|
Zero Motion |
Strong isolation (marketing term) |
Partner disturbance |
|
Noise Reduction |
Quiet response to movement |
Sensitive sleepers |
|
Couples Mattress |
Designed for shared sleep |
Two-person beds |
Mattress Size & Dimension Terms
|
Size |
Approx. Dimensions |
Common Use |
|
Twin |
38" × 75" |
Kids, dorms |
|
Twin XL |
38" × 80" |
Taller sleepers |
|
Full / Double |
54" × 75" |
Single adults |
|
Queen |
60" × 80" |
Couples |
|
King |
76" × 80" |
Large bedrooms |
|
Split King |
Two Twin XLs |
Adjustable bases |
Durability, Warranty & Trial Terms
These terms relate to long-term performance and purchase protection.
|
Term |
Meaning |
Why It Matters |
|
Mattress Lifespan |
Expected usable years |
Long-term value |
|
Sagging |
Permanent dip |
Comfort loss |
|
Indentation |
Measured depression |
Warranty claims |
|
Warranty |
Coverage terms |
Risk protection |
|
Sleep Trial |
At-home testing period |
Purchase confidence |
|
Break-In Period |
Initial adjustment phase |
Comfort changes |
Brands like EGOHOME define these terms using standard industry thresholds, making comparisons easier across manufacturers.
Health & Safety Mattress Terms
-
Hypoallergenic
-
Fiberglass-Free
-
Low VOC
-
Off-Gassing
-
Non-Toxic Materials
These terms relate to material safety, air quality, and skin sensitivity.
Frequently Confused Mattress Terms
-
Firmness vs Support – Softness does not equal lack of support
-
Soft vs Pressure Relief – Pressure relief depends on material response
-
Cooling vs Cold – Cooling means heat management, not coldness
-
Motion Isolation vs Zero Motion – One is technical, one is marketing
-
Hybrid vs Innerspring – Hybrids include foam layers; innersprings do not
Final Thoughts
Mattress terminology is largely standardized across the industry. Brands such as EGOHOME use the same core language as other manufacturers. Understanding these terms allows you to cut through marketing claims, compare products fairly, and focus on what truly affects comfort, support, cooling, and durability.
A clear understanding of mattress terms leads to better decisions—and better sleep.
