Frequently Asked Questions

What are the standard British bed sizes?

The British Standard Bed sizes are:

Small Single

Single

Small Double

Double

King Size

Super King Size

Imperial

6’3”x 2’6”

6’3”x 3’0”

6’3” x 4’0”

6’3” x 4’6”

6’6” x 5’0”

6’6” x 6’0”

Metric

190cm x 75cm

190cm x 90cm

190cm x 120cm

190cm x 135cm

200cm x 150cm

200cm x 180cm

What is the difference between a Bonnell Open Coil and a Pocket Sprung Mattress?

A Bonnell open coil mattress is made from circular springs woven into a single spring unit. This means that as you apply pressure to ‘one spring’ you are actually pushing down on other surrounding springs as they are connected. Elite manufacture two different types of gauge (firmness) which are 12.5 (orthopaedic) and 13.5 (firm) which are the two most common type of gauge.

A pocket sprung mattress is made up of individual independent springs held in position by a woven secure cloth sack/pocket. This essentially means it is not connected to any other spring unlike ‘open coil’. The result is a spring that directly supports at the point of contact and is not effected by varying weight and body shape. Though there are other factors such as fillings, cover tension, tufting etc this is fundamentally the greatest factor and the better means to manufacture a mattress, and the most relevant between the two types.

What is the difference between an Quilted and Tufted Mattresses?

Either option gives a different surface feel. A hand tufted mattress will always give a firmer feel. This is because the tufting links through the mattress, tensioning both the spring unit and surface upholstery keeping the fillings in place. Whereas a quilted mattress will always feel more sumptuous, because both spring unit and upholstery are released allowing them to conform to their natural deeper position.

How do I care for my bed?

• Use a washable, protective cover to protect your beds, mattresses and pillows from stains.
• Turning a mattress over from side and side and end to end every few months (every week for the first three months) helps upholstery fillings to settle down more evenly. Some more luxurious mattresses, with much thicker layers of fillings designed to mould themselves to the contours of your body, may retain signs of these impressions, despite turning.
• Don’t make a habit of sitting on the edge of the mattress. Elite would highly recommend customers choose butterfly edges on all mattress to give more support to the edges.
• Don’t roll up or squash mattresses to store or transport it - this can cause permanent damage.
• Handles are designed to help you position a mattress on the beds base - do not use them to support the full weight of the mattress - they may pull out and damage the fabric.
• Vacuum your mattress and base from time to time to remove fluff and dust. This should be carefully done so as not to dislodge fillings or damage tufts. Open windows while vacuuming.
• Putting a new mattress on a base for which it was not intended, a new mattress on an old base or a board between the mattress and base can impede the beds comfort and reduce the useful life of the mattress - as well as affecting any guarantees or warranties.

Why does the Supreme/Crown have a 1000 count pocket sprung unit when other manufactures have more?

Some manufactures use smaller pocket springs and double up the layers, we feel this makes no difference to the overall feel of the bed and is just an easy way for manufacturers to make their bed specifications look better. Some suppliers may also count springs in the base as well. We can however manufacture your mattress with the smaller pocket springs and layer them up if you wish.

Can you manufacture different firmnesses of pocket sprung beds?

Yes different gauge wires can be manufactured, there would be a longer lead time on these however and the price might be more expensive.

What is ticking and what is the difference between them?

Ticking fabric is a tightly woven heavy cotton or cotton linen blend fabric. The tight weave makes it ideal to use as a mattress or bed tick, pillow and bolster case. Fabric ticking is very durable and can be used as a covering for upholstery. Modern ticking is a durable material that holds up well to washing and normal everyday wear and tear.

• Stitchbond ticking is a technique in which fibres in a web are bonded together by stitches sewn or knitted through the web to form a fabric.
• Cotton ticking is 100% Cotton.
• Damask ticking are woven with one warp yarn and one weft yarn made up of a viscose and polyprop mix of fibres

What are the different materials within my mattress and what are they used for?

Upholstery layers cover the mattress and provide cushioning and comfort. Some manufacturers call the mattress core the "support layer" and the upholstery layer the "comfort layer." The upholstery layer consists of three parts: the insulator, the middle upholstery, and the quilt.

• Poly Insulator Pads are nonwoven dense fibres comprising of similar blends of fibres and oxidized fibres. The insulator pad is sufficiently dense such that it cannot be penetrated by the wire that makes up the mattress springs creating a layer of comfort and protection.
• The Wool Felt material in mattresses is chemical free and naturally flame resistant. The material also discourages the growth of molds and mildew and has an inherent resistance to mites.
• Polyester Pads acts as a dampener or softener to the comfort layer providing longevity to the ‘plumpness’ and ultimate comfort of the mattress.
• Cotton Felt is naturally hypoallergenic and allows the mattress to “breathe”. Due to its density it also firms up the mattress.

• A Polyester Toppers is another layer of comfort which is used within the mattress.