I was shopping for bed risers, but got confused-- help!

There are several types available, some work better than others. Typically, people are looking to raise their beds so they can accommodate extra storage under the bed. Bed risers are made for this purpose to raise the bed frame usually 3" or 4" and are made in plastic or steel.

The plastic ones are really cups which you set your bed frame in to. The problem with these is the bed tends to fall over when moved when making the bed. The safety factor here is questionable, especially if you tend to be active in bed.

There are also metal ones that can lift your bed 12" to 15" high, but assembly is cumbersome and the air gets thin sleeping that high. Should you assemble it improperly, safety may be of some concern.

Another type tends to be the easiest and strongest all steel bed riser. Take off your wheel or glide and slide this cylindrical bed riser on. Replace the wheel or glide into the bottom of the riser. Repeat on all of the legs of your bed frame. You must insure that you have the round type leg that will fit into this bed riser; the flared end of the riser accepts bed frame legs that are round and about 1/2" to 3/4" in diameter. Check the specifications; some come for glides, some for use with wheels or casters.

The last type is made by Leggett & Platt for use with their bed frames, it has the durable polypropylene riser along with a steel shank and adapter that fits into the bed frame leg itself. This insures accurate and safe fitting each time; these Pro Glides are made for some of their better bed frames and can be purchased together.

Pro Glide

What does hand tufted mean and why would it benefit me?

Hand tufting is mostly associated with an old style technique of joining various layers of stuffing material -was used to hold things together, stitching or buttons tended to loosen. Used in bedding, decorative pillows and upholstery. A long needle is used and is put all the way through and back again; sometimes buttons are fastened.

The modern day quilting techniques using computer-aided quilting machines perform this "tack and jump" function with far better results and durability. Tufting is now mostly used for aesthetics and marketing purposes.

What is Damask and why would it benefit me?

A Damask tick makes a great mattress cover and is more durable; usually the fabric is made of silk, linen, polyester, cotton, etc. with a pattern formed by weaving. There are different grades of Damask, where the more expensive ones feel supple and soft. The cheaper Damask covers tend to be rough and firm.

What is stitch bond and why would it benefit me?

A stitch bond is a non-woven ticking (mattress cover) used in bedding and is the least expensive possible, no benefit except its cheap. Not durable.