Slyly shifting sizes and prices, Part IV

Today we will start with a test. Using only the information displayed below, you must determine the subject of this blog:

Name	Width	Length	Area
Twin	38	75	2850
Antique	48	75	3600
Full	54	75	4050
Hospital	30	80	2400
Sofa	54	72	3888
Queen	60	80	4800
E-King	76	80	6080
C-King	72	84	6048
X-Twin	38	80	3040
X-Full	54	80	4320
Water-SS	48	84	4032
Water-Q	60	84	5040
Water-K	72	84	6048

Why do we need elementary math for this subject? you may ask. But only if you've never bought one of these things!

Mattresses are a suitable topic for mathematicians because they have even more variables than cell phone plans! They are more complex than paper towels and laundry detergent, and much more expensive.

In addition to size (above) and firmness (very subjective), here are some of the constantly-shifting factors that mattress vendors juggle to complicate your next mattress purchase decision:

STEEL SPRINGS
Spring Coil Count = 252-3000
Spring Coil Type = Bonel, Offset, Pocketed, Continuous, Edge
Spring Coil Turns = 5-7
Spring Wire Gauge = 12-18
Lever-support flat springs
Swedish steel

OTHER SPRINGS
Air Pressure with pump
Polyurethane Foam
Latex Foam
Viscoelastic Foam
Water
Water plus foam or baffles or fiber-fill

PADDING
Foam
Egg-crate foam
Cotton batting
Polyester fibers
Polyurethane foam
Feathers

COVERS
Ticking Material
Pillow Tops
Washable covers
Foam Pads
Heating Elements

BED BASES
Box springs
Platform beds
Waterbed frames
Bunk beds
Bed Frames
Storage drawer frames

COMBINATIONS
Multiple materials
Left/right or top/bottom zones

ACTIVE BEDS
Adjustable bed for sitting up or raising feet
Lumbar support inserts
Massage mattress
Massage-top air pressure

OTHER
Turning regularly or non-flip
Chemicals to kill bed creatures
Flameproofing

WARRANTY
Pro-rated
Absolute

CONDITION
New
Pre-owned & reconditioned
Used

SALES APPROACH
Commission sales person with negotiating power
List price approach
"Always on Sale"
Variable Product Names between outlets

Having bought twice as many mattresses as I have houses, I can say that mattresses are harder to decide upon, but they do involve less paperwork. And having slept on more than my share of BAD mattresses when staying with family and friends, I wish we would all buy guest bedroom mattresses a little more carefully, and more often.