Waterbeds still account for about 80 percent of alternative (non-spring) mattress sales, despite inroads made by memory foam, latex and air-inflated mattresses in recent years. There are three general types of waterbed mattress marketed by the industry: free-flow, semi-waveless, and waveless waterbed mattresses. ]]> A waveless waterbed mattress provides the fullest support and the most restful sleep for many people. At the very least, a waveless waterbed mattress does not exhibit the Jello-like "jiggliness" of a free-flow waterbed mattress. It is interesting to see how waterbed manufacturers manage to take the waves out of a waveless waterbed mattress.
Innovation is part of what has kept waterbeds going strong in the marketplace. A waveless waterbed mattress is today's answer to yesterday's innovation. The traditional waterbed required special bed frames and sheets, and heaters were important for most people too. The channeled waterbed didn't change any of the special requirements but it did reduce one common complaint -- the motion. The waveless waterbed not only has reduced the motion even further, it has removed the need for the extra supplies.
When it's time to buy a mattress, most people rush off to do a mattress brands comparison. They quickly become confused, because a mattress brands comparison soon reveals that it's very hard to compare mattress brands. ]]> Even the experts at Consumer Reports magazine have difficulty conducting a mattress brands comparison. The reason, they say, is that mattresses are basically a "black box" to consumers. You can't see inside of a mattress so it's very difficult to make a mattress brands comparison. Also, the same manufacturer's model names may differ from one store to another, making price comparisons almost impossible.
A mattress brands comparison is difficult to truly do because of the lack of solid information available on different brands. Shopping by price might be part of the solution, but manufacturer reputation, store experience and personal preferences make a difference in your selection too.
Your mattress brands comparison should focus on the price range you can afford. Within that range, look at the various types of mattresses: coil spring, memory foam, inflatable, etc. Try each type until you find one that is comfortable for you. Then go with the seller who offers the best price and terms.
Allergy mattress covers are the last line of defense for many allergy sufferers. They act in two ways: they keep your mattress from collecting allergens (or more allergens if you've had your mattress for awhile) and they keep the allergens already in your mattress from getting out where they can disturb your sleep. Allergy covers are a good idea for box springs and pillows too.
Living inside of the safe, warm, moist environment of your mattress is the cause of many a stuffy noise, itchy eyes, hives, and even asthma attacks. The house dust mite (Dermatophagoides farinae) is believed to be the most common cause of allergies and asthma. The allergy-causing enzymes they produce can be smelled most strongly in vacuum cleaner bags. But their favorite home is your mattress.
]]> Allergy mattress covers are designed to block the transmission of dust mites, their feces, and dried body parts from the interior of a mattress to the surrounding air. This is a pretty tough job considering the tiny size of a dust mite; about 420 microns, too small to be seen with the naked eye.Allergy mattress covers must also protect against release of equally tiny mold spores. They must keep pet dander and pollen out of mattresses. They must do all of this and still "breathe" to let air in and out when a sleeper rolls over.
Many allergy mattress covers do not breathe. They are made of vinyl or another impermeable plastic. They may transfer air only at their zippers, creating a very unsatisfactory sleeping experience. The hiss and slow compression of released air can feel like trying to sleep on top of a leaky balloon. Also, impermeable mattress covers trap perspiration, requiring an absorbent mattress pad on top of the allergy mattress cover.
One breathing allergy mattress cover is sold by AllergySolutions.com. It is made of a 100 percent polyester fabric called Pristine Solution, which is so tightly woven that its average pore size is on 10 microns -- about 40 times smaller than a dust mite. Yet Pristine Solution is able to transfer air freely across its entire surface, eliminating the "leaky balloon" feeling and allowing moisture to be wicked away. Pristine can be washed in hot water, and it comes with a lifetime warranty.
This type of microfiber textile is the standard for allergy mattress covers. It eliminates the need for an impermeable membrane. Often, the microfiber barrier layer is topped by a cotton/polyester blend to help wick perspiration away from the skin and provide greater comfort.
Box springs also play host to house dust mites and other allergens. It's a good idea to enclose your box spring to complete your protection. A vinyl allergy mattress cover suffices for a box spring.
Bed bugs are an uncommon scourge that is making a bit of a comeback in the U. S. of late. Allergy mattress covers made of microfiber material like Pristine Solution will trap bed bugs and their eggs within a mattress. However, an allergy mattress cover will not protect against bed bugs in other parts of the room. Only a professional exterminator can rid a house of bed bugs.
One potential exit for dust mites and other allergens is the zipper. Many allergists recommend taping the zipper shut in order to prevent the escape of allergens via this route. While some allergy mattress cover sellers will be glad to sell you "special" tape, any good two inch wide packing tape will do the job.
An allergy mattress cover is the most recommended treatment for sneezing, watery eyes, and asthma sufferers. It's a good investment.
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Recycling mattresses is one way of protecting landfills from being overfilled. There are companies that specialize in recycling mattresses. But there are steps you can take too, like donating them to shelters for the homeless or battered women, that effectively recycle mattresses.
Americans discarded up to 40 million mattresses and foundations (box springs) in 2006. About 70 percent of them wound up in landfills. Nearly 30 percent went to mattress re-builders. Only a few hundred thousand were deconstructed for their recyclable materials.
]]> Mattresses are a heavy burden on landfills. Each mattress takes up about 23 cubic feet of space. Mattresses do not degrade well, and they can create dangerous "soft spots" in landfills.Re-built or re-used mattresses find their way to the poor. Thrift stores often serve as retail outlets for re-built mattresses. But the overwhelming majority of used mattresses are not suitable for re-use for health and sanitation reasons.
Currently, there are only three large-scale mattress recycling plants operating in the U. S.: Conigliaro Industries (a private firm in Framingham, Massachusetts), the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Oregon, and the Northeast Minnesota Mattress Recycling Program, a facility near Duluth operated in partnership by the Western Lake Superior Sanitation District and Goodwill Industries.
Founded in 1990, Conigliaro Industries is located about 17 miles southwest of Boston. Its plant has a capacity of 150,000 mattresses per year, enough to accommodate all of the discarded mattresses in the state of Massachusetts. But its mattress recycling plant operates at 25 percent of capacity. The company recycles mattresses along with 150 other materials. Mattresses are classified as "difficult" for a number of reasons.
Mattresses and foundations are built to last 10 or 20 years, so they are extraordinarily difficult to deconstruct. While the metals in mattresses are enjoying high prices now, the other materials, mostly felt and polyurethane foam, have very volatile, low-price markets. Sometimes foam will fetch 50 cents a pound; at other times, Congiliaro cannot find buyers at all.
Generally, Conigliaro charges a fee of $8 to $18 to accept a mattress for recycling. It is the only way to pay for the labor-intensive deconstruction process, and most consumers who are interested in recycling are willing to pay it.
The St. Vincent de Paul Society established its 26,000 square-foot mattress recycling plant near Oakland, California, which serves a nine-county region. (The society has another mattress recycling plant near Eugene, Oregon.) About 350,000 mattress sets are discarded per year in that area. Of those, about 10 percent are re-used, 20 percent re-built, and another 10 percent are deconstructed and recycled.
Unlike Conigliaro, which accepts mattresses from the public, St. Vincent de Paul gets its mattresses from city and county collection sites, hotels, hospitals, and universities. Between its Oakland and Eugene plants, the society diverts 100,000 mattress sets per year from landfills.
The Northeast Minnesota Mattress Recycling Program arose from a partnership between public, private, and nonprofit organizations. The program has the backing of Goodwill Industries, seven Minnesota counties and the state's Office of Environmental Assistance, as well as mattress retailers, hospitality and waste-hauling industries and other institutions that generate a steady stream of used mattresses. It charges $6 per mattress piece dropped off at Goodwill Industries' deconstruction plant. In its first five months, the facility accepted 800 mattresses and diverted 22 tons of metal from landfills.
Still in its infancy, and with prices for recycled materials languishing, the mattress recycling movement will need help to grown. Rising landfill fees for mattresses and manufacturers who are willing to accept used mattresses for recycling will help this sector save more space and generate more revenue.
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Buying a mattress set is like buying insurance for a good night's sleep. Of course, the quality of the sleep reflects the quality of the mattress set. A mattress and box springs are designed to work together to create comfort. Since many mattresses and box springs are designed to work together it's smart to buy them together. And manufacturer warranties are more likely to be honored if you buy the set over just the mattress or box springs alone.
When buying a mattress, consider choosing a mattress set, so that you buy the proper support and comfort to allow you to get a good night's sleep. Mattress sets include a box spring and a mattress that work together to give you the ideal foundation for you to relax and rest. Most of the time, the manufacture markets the two pieces together and they are priced together in the sale, but sometimes they are priced separately. By learning about the benefits of choosing a mattress set, you can determine if it is the right choice for you and your needs.
]]> What are the benefits to purchasing mattress sets, rather than just the mattress alone? The box springs works with the mattress to give your body the support that you need to rest and relax in comfort. The springs allow the weight of your body to be distributed evenly across the mattress, which will allow the mattress to last longer and be comfortable for a longer period of time. The weight load disbursement increases the life span of your mattress, which will mean that you are getting a much better value.Mattress sets come in all different types that correspond to the type of sleeper that you are. There are mattress sets specially made for stomach or side sleepers, as well as sets that are made for back sleepers. The mattress sets are specially made to withstand the type of resting that you do, so that you will be as comfortable as possible and so that the mattress will last for a long time. These benefits can save you in restless nights and in your wallet.
Most of the time, mattress sets are discounted over buying the pieces separately. Ask questions about the prices, guarantees, and warranty to ensure that you are choosing the right mattress set for your needs and your budget. A sleep guarantee can be a wonderful benefit if you are not sure about the type of mattress that you are choosing, because you can return it if it does not meet your needs. Just be sure you read the terms and conditions carefully, so you understand exactly the time period that is involved and any hidden charges, etc.
Mattress sets can help you to have that relaxing space to retire to at night. By purchasing the both elements of the set at the same time from the same manufacturer, you can be sure that the pieces are made to work together to help make the most of your mattress investment. Mattress manufacturers test their mattresses with their box springs, so why would you not want to have the same brand of box spring if possible?
By choosing your mattress sets based on your sleeping style, other personal needs, and budget, you can help ensure that you get maximum satisfaction from your purchase. This can allow you to rest and relax in perfect comfort and peace each and every night.
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A Mattress Genie lets you flex your bed for health or relaxation purposes. There are times lying flat is uncomfortable and head elevation is necessary. And if you like to read in bed, this may be better than a bed chair to give your back the support you need for comfortable reading. A Mattress Genie is less expensive than a hospital bed, or other type of adjustable bed too.
Have you been wanting one of those wonderful adjustable beds, but your budget just will not allow it? Surprise! There is a way of making your existing mattress into an adjustable one. Use a Mattress Genie. A Mattress Genie turns your comfortable, and tried and true mattress into an adjustable mattress that gives you added function and flexibility (as it were). It offers this option at a fraction of the price of a hospital bed.
]]> Just imagine sitting up in bed to read or watch television without having to pile up lots of pillows behind you. Pillows are great, but they tend to move; it becomes annoying to keep shifting them back into position to stay comfortable. Place the Mattress Genie under your existing mattress. With a simple touch of the remote, it raises the mattress. There are other reasons for using the Mattress Genie other than purely for entertainment, too.If you struggle with sleeping due to pain from heartburn or acid reflux, the Mattress Genie helps you get lift to relieve some of those symptoms. You will be amazed at what a difference just a little elevation can make in symptoms like these. It can give you the first good night's sleep you've had in a long time.
You may wonder how the Mattress Genie works. It works by pumping air into the component which elevates the mattress to exactly the incline that you want and need. It is a strong and durable design that is able to raise up to 500 pounds with very little trouble. It works with a variety of mattresses, including spring coil, latex foam, air, or even a futon mattress for extra flexibility, and it can be taken with you on vacation or camping, because it is compact and easy to use.
The Mattress Genie can raise your mattress up to 26 inches. You can choose to raise it as much or as little as you want or you can leave it flat. You won't even know it's there when it is flattened. With a simple touch of a button, you can make your bed into that adjustable bed that you have been searching for. To install it, you simply place it under your mattress, connect the hose, and connect it to a power source. In no time, you will have that comfortable bed that you have been looking for.
The Mattress Genie is much less expensive than purchasing an adjustable bed. For around one hundred dollars, you can purchase a Mattress Genie for your size of bed. This gives you that perfect sleeping and relaxing spot that will give you years of rest and enjoyment with very little investment. What could be better than that?
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Mattress dimensions get more varied all the time. It's almost confusing now and people don't always know what to call the different sizes of mattress they see. Your sleeping needs and room size are part of the reason you are interested in mattress dimensions.
Not all mattresses are created equal. From different mattress dimensions to different mattress materials and more, you will find that there is a great deal of choice when it comes to choosing a mattress. These choices can be somewhat overwhelming if you do not do your research beforehand, beginning with choosing the size of mattress that you need. By considering your personal needs, the size of your room, and the size of an existing bed if any, you will be able to choose the right mattress for your use.
]]> If you have an existing bed frame and headboard and you want to continue to use it, then you will need to determine what the mattress dimensions are to fit the existing bed. There are several standard mattress dimensions that are commonly found in the mattress world. Here are the most common mattress dimensions.Mattress dimensions are very important, as you want your mattress to be the right size for your existing bed frame and linens, and for your sleeping needs. If you sleep alone, you won't need as large of a mattress as someone who sleeps with their partner and/or children.
Consider the size of your room as well in making your decision. If you have a small room, you want to choose the largest mattress that meets your needs yet avoids filling up your room with bed. Taking your needs into consideration, as well as your sleeping style, will allow you to choose the right sized mattress for your needs and your want to allow you to rest and sleep in perfect comfort.
Now you can see why mattress dimensions are important.
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Waveless waterbed mattress have improved and expanded the waterbed market place. There are now several types of waterbed mattresses to choose from, the waveless being the most popular and expensive. As with any mattress type, there are pros and cons to waveless waterbed mattresses.
Waterbeds still account for about 80 percent of alternative (non-spring) mattress sales, despite inroads made by memory foam and air-inflated mattresses in recent years. There are three general types of waterbed mattress marketed by the industry: free-flow, semi-waveless, and waveless waterbed mattresses.
]]> A waveless waterbed mattress provides the fullest support and the most restful sleep for many people. At the very least, a waveless waterbed mattress does not exhibit the Jello-like "jiggliness" of a free-flow waterbed mattress. It is interesting to see how waterbed manufacturers manage to take the waves out of a waveless waterbed mattress.A waveless waterbed mattress' bladder is partially filled with a fibrous, flexible mat of polyester. This foam impedes the flow of water and dampens the waves that would otherwise form. A semi-waveless waterbed mattress contains a fiber mat that takes up only about one-quarter to one-half of the bladder's depth. A fully waveless waterbed mattress may contain a fiber mat that takes up three-quarters to 100 per cent of the mattress' depth.
Often the fiber mats are made in a single thickness and layered atop one another to create the desired degree of wave dampening. Sometimes a layer of solid material is added between fiber mat layers. The solid material dampens up-and-down movement of water, making an even more waveless waterbed mattress.
The more water that's taken out of a waveless waterbed mattress, the more features can be built into it. One of the firmest kinds of waveless waterbed mattress features a lumbar support, a region of reinforced fiber layers near the lumbar region of the back - assuming you are an "average" sized sleeper who sleeps in the "average" position so that your lumbar region is in the right place.
So how waveless do waveless waterbed mattresses get? Typically, wavelessness is measured in terms of how long a waveless waterbed mattress takes to become motionless after it is compressed and released. A "zero-motion time" of one second or less is considered outstandingly waveless.A waveless waterbed mattress does have its downside. It may weigh less than a completely water-filled mattress, but it also weighs more than a completely empty bladder or other types of mattresses. Those fiber mats trap water; it's impossible to get every last drop out without using an electric vacuum pump. Fortunately, waterbed stores often rent these indispensable tools - for rather unfortunate prices.
Another downside to a waveless waterbed mattress is that it is difficult to fold for transportation. Those fluffy fiber mats and semi-rigid vertically-dampening baffles make the waveless waterbed mattress stiff and hard to fold, and thick and prone to unfold unexpectedly. But then, most other mattress types aren't easy to transport because of their size.
A waveless waterbed mattress is the most expensive kind of waterbed mattress you can buy. Obviously, it contains more material so that increases the cost. A waveless waterbed mattress is bulkier and heavier to ship, raising the shipping component of the retail price. Finally, most people prefer the still, tranquil night's sleep that a waveless waterbed mattress provides. Supply and demand push up the price. But if you want a waterbed and you're not used to sleeping on a rolling ship deck, a waveless waterbed mattress is probably your best bet.
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It's interesting how attitudes change of what's acceptable and what's not, especially in the sleep department. There was a time that a full-size mattress was considered ample for a couple. But times have changed and that's not considered adequate for most couples today. More kids grow up on full-size mattresses today than even twenty years ago.
A full-size mattress is a generous 53 inches wide by approximately 75 inches long. A full size mattress falls between twin-size and queen-size mattresses on the size charts. But what makes it full size? Well, some people think that it's the right size for a full load of husband and wife. And there was a time it was the standard mattress size for couples.
]]> A twin- or "single-" size mattress is only 48 inches wide, 15 inches less than the full-size mattress. So why is a full-size mattresses sometimes called a "double-" size mattress? The answer seems to be that some newly-wed couples think they can snuggle up comfortably together in a mattress that is only one size larger than the single mattress they occupied at college, or in their parents' basement.But when you take the width of a full-size mattress and divide it by two, it's easy to see that each person gets less than 27 inches, about the width of a baby's crib. That's a full 11 inches less than the twin or single size mattress provided. Perhaps buying a full size bed is one reason why new marriages hit the rocks; both husband and wife are cranky from too little sleep.
A full size mattress is not meant for two people, unless they're very young and very well acquainted. No, a full size mattress is meant for one person, and a very restless person at that. A sound sleeper can stay within the boundaries of a twin- or single-size mattress, and two (or more) bedmates should share a queen- or larger size mattress.
A full-size mattress is dwarfed by a king-size mattress, which is 76 inches wide. That 38 inches apiece is as close as our young couple can come to the personal space that each once had on a twin- or single- size mattress. But a king-size mattress may be impractical for some households. Even with a split foundation consisting of two narrower box springs, a king-size mattress may be too big for some bedrooms to negotiate doorways and stairs on the way to the bedroom.
How many spring coils should a full size mattress have? Spring coil count is one form of marketing hype; you really don't need almost 2,000 coils to get a good night's sleep, but more looks like better (and commands higher prices). In truth, a full-size bed does not need more than about 300 spring coils. It should be noted that coil spring count is not a good gauge of a full size mattress' quality or comfort. Factors such as the wire gage used, the method of coiling the springs, and the internal padding laid over the springs have much impact on a full size mattress' durability and comfort.
It may seem strange that a queen-size mattress, only six inches wider than a full size mattress, should cost up to 50 percent more. This is due entirely to the popularity of queen-size mattresses versus full-size mattresses. As we pointed out above, a queen is the minimum size that can reasonably hold a couple.
Good luck shopping for a full-size mattress, if you sleep alone.
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When was the last time you slept on a cotton mattress pad? It's probably been awhile since synthetic blends seem to have taken over the market place. And even more difficult to find than a 100 percent cotton mattress pad is an organic cotton mattress pad. But persistence and money will net you the purchase you want.
A cotton mattress pad is soft, warm, and comfortable. But how much do you know about your cotton mattress pad? It's surprising what goes into a cotton mattress pad.
]]> In a typical cotton mattress pad, you may find several types of cotton and other fibers. Short-staple cotton is the least expensive variety; its fibers are 1-2 inches long. Short-staple cotton is grown throughout the southern United States and South America. Short-stapled cotton makes an economical cotton mattress pad. But long-staple cotton makes a more luxurious, softer, and more durable cotton mattress pad. Long-staple cotton fibers are up to four inches long. Egyptian cotton is a good example of long-staple cotton. Egyptian cotton is often used in more expensive cotton mattress pads.The cloth from which a cotton mattress pad is sewn is often - cotton! Just as in sheets and pillowcases, thread count per inch is a measure of quality and durability. It really has little to do with comfort since the cotton mattress pad is always underneath the bottom sheet. Some cotton mattress pads are sewn from a cottony/polyester blend, or even a water-resistant nylon or polyurethane-backed fabric. These water-resistant cotton mattress pads tend to be found on juvenile beds or used for medical purposes.
A cotton mattress pad must come with some means of fastening it to the mattress. Typically, one of two methods is used. In one method, looped elastic straps on the corners of the cotton mattress pad are slipped over the corners of the mattress. In another method, a gathered skirt of material with elastic all the way around its bottom hem is tucked in underneath the mattress.
Caring for a cotton mattress pad is easy. Just wash it in warm water and dry. A cotton mattress pad can be dried in a clothes drier, but many people find they smell fresher when dried outdoors. If the cotton mattress pad has been wetted with urine, sunshine will help bleach out any remaining stains!
One reason some people prefer cotton mattress pads is the perception that they are more "organic" and free of potentially harmful chemicals than other mattress pads. It is important to look beneath the "organic" label on any cotton mattress pad that is so labeled. Water-resistant cotton mattress pads, in particular, will always have some layer of artificial material, usually polyurethane. Many people feel that polyurethane "outgases" harmful vapors of chemicals long after it is removed from the packaging. Such gasses have even been linked to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS.
There are many, many places to buy a cotton mattress pad. General department stores, bed and bath stores, discount stores, and specialty linen stores all carry cotton mattress pads. The one type of place you should probably steer clear of is the "hypoallergenic" specialty store. These stores tend to charge wildly inflated prices, catering to the hypersensitive fears of those with allergies and asthma. A durable all-cotton mattress pad, washed regularly, is more than sufficient for any allergy sufferer.
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Buying a new mattress is challenging. It feels a bit weird to lie on all of the mattresses you are interested in, but that's the only way to really compare mattresses. Understanding how a mattress is constructed, what materials are used, and what warranty is given with each mattress is one way of comparing mattresses, but lying on them -- really taking your time -- is the best way to determine if you like the feel of a mattress.
If you ever go shopping to compare mattresses, then you know how hard it really is. First, you can't find the same mattress in two different stores, so you cannot compare prices. Then, you find that every mattress has its own set of special features, so there are no others to which you can compare it. How are you supposed to compare mattresses?
]]> The dirty secret of the mattress industry is that makers and retailers make it as hard as possible for shoppers to compare mattresses. Mattress makers ship the same mattresses to different stores with different names on the labels. They add meaningless features like "non-rip handles" to try to make themselves look different. Who is going to deliberately install anything but a non-rip handle? Then, the inside of a mattress, where the really critical parts are, is usually invisible to the consumer. You can't see what's under the hood when you compare mattresses. The best you can do is take some sales rep's word for it.When shopping for a coil spring mattress (the most popular kind with 80 per cent of the market), it is tempting to equate more springs with higher quality. But the truth is, consumers trying to compare mattresses can't tell the difference in comfort when spring counts exceed 350 in a full size mattress or 480 in a queen size mattress. Higher springs counts alone are just overkill, an unnecessary expense. Yet some queen size mattresses boast more than 1,700 springs!
What matters more than spring count is how the springs are formed. Hourglass-shaped springs are the cheapest and least durable. They tend to compress and become too firm over time. Keep this in mind when you compare mattresses because you won't feel the difference immediately in the show room. Continuous coil springs are built up side by side from one continuous piece of wire, and tied together at top and bottom. Continuous coil springs feel different right from the start, since one spring tends to pull its neighbors down when it is compressed. Individually pocketed coil springs are free-standing springs that are sewn into cloth pockets inside the mattress. They can move up and down independently.
When you compare mattresses, it is important to know what goes over and around the springs, too. Mattress makers also try to confuse consumers here. They pad their springs with horse hair, latex foam, visco-elastic memory foam, cotton fiber, and a host of other materials. The main thing to know when you compare mattresses is how thick the padding is between springs and the top cover of the mattress. That is the area that will wear out before any other.
Alternatives to coil springs include waterbeds, inflatable mattresses like the Select Number Bed, latex foam and visco-elastic memory foam. Each type of mattress has its fans and foes. Generally, these alternative beds will cost more than a comparable coil spring bed simply because fewer are sold.
The only effective way to compare mattresses is to go out to show rooms and lie down on some. And lie on them for more than a few minutes to really get a good sense of whether you like them. Ask for details about construction, but remember that it's how a mattress feels to you that determines whether it's a good buy. And make sure you have a good warranty so you can return the mattress if you don't like it.
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The best price memory foam mattress pad may not be the best deal. Consider thickness, density, size and warranty. And don't forget to take into account the off-gassing memory foam mattresses can do because of the chemicals used in manufacturing.
The best price memory foam mattress pad may be a good deal, especially if you get quality. There are many places in which to shop for the best price on a memory foam mattress pad. But first, it helps to know what you are buying.
]]> What is memory foam, anyhow? A memory foam mattress pad is made of a polyurethane foam that has chemicals added to increase its viscosity, which has the effect of increasing its density. This type of foam is also called visco-elastic memory foam. Depending on the chemicals used and the density achieved, memory foam is firmer in cooler temperatures and softer in warmer temperatures. The body's natural heat softens a memory foam mattress pad, allowing it to conform to the body's contours in just a few minutes. The cooler regions just outside the zone where the body touches the memory foam mattress pad remain firm, supporting the shape "melted" into the memory foam. Cooler zones deeper within the memory foam mattress pad provide support.Memory foam is much denser than standard foam, so it can make a mattress quite heavy. To lighten the load, or to retrofit coil spring mattresses with memory foam comfort, many people turn to memory foam mattress pads. The pads, or toppers, are thinner than a full sized memory foam mattress and proportionally lighter in weight. A memory foam mattress pad may be your best way to get memory foam comfort at the best price.
Memory foam mattress pads come in sizes of 2, 3, and 4 inches. Obviously, the thinner pads will generally have the best price. But consumers should consider whether a thinner pad will provide the comfort and support, or the longevity, they desire in a memory foam mattress pad. The best way to choose a memory foam mattress pad is in a store, by actually lying on memory foam mattress pads of each size.
Thickness is not the only comfort consideration when buying a memory foam mattress pad. Memory foam is rated according to its IFD (Indentation Force Deflection), the amount of force it takes to press an 8-inch diameter disk one inch into the foam. IFD ratings range between supersoft (10) and semi-rigid (120). Most memory foam mattresses are in the 12 to 16 IFD range. A memory foam mattress pad may be in the same range or a bit softer.
New memory foam mattress pads give off an odor that some people find unpleasant; it is often likened to the smell of paint. The odor dissipates with airing, but it has been know to make some people ill. Also worth noting are health concerns about the flame retardant, PBDE, that is required in all memory foam mattress pads and mattresses. The chemicals can be an environmental issue, impacting air quality and the health of the people using the mattress.
The best price on a memory foam mattress pad is a function of the pad's thickness, surface area (twin, queen, etc.), and its IFD rating. Do not assume that a 4-inch thick memory foam mattress pad is necessary, unless the sleepers are extremely overweight. Check the seller's reputation and warranty before buying. A memory foam mattress pad may transform your older coil spring mattress into a new source of sweet dreams.
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A camping air mattress is a luxurious way to experience the out-of-doors. It gets you off the roots and rocks that find you as you sleep as well as off the cold or hot, hard ground. It takes up a bit more space and weight than a traditional foam mattress, but it may be worth the burden because of the added comfort.
Camping is a fun activity that many people enjoy doing on a regular basis. Making sure that you are as comfortable as possible is essential, so that you can enjoy the relaxation and fun of being away from home and out in nature. A good camping air mattress can be the thing that you need to give you the perfect sleeping spot to get the rest that you need, so that you can enjoy the hikes, bike rides, swimming, and other fun activities that you have planned for the next day. What do you need to consider in a camping air mattress for you and your family?
]]>A camping air mattress can make the difference between a comfortable and an uncomfortable night. One of my favorite camping trips with my husband was car camping through The Black Forest of South Dakota; we would lie in the back of the Explorer and watch the fireflies in their nightly dances. It was so comfortable and fun! For a comfortable camping trip you want to make sure you carefully choose your mattress by taking the above tips into consideration. Choose the right mattress for you, your needs, and your budget. That will give you a good night's sleep no matter where you are.
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A replacement mattress sleeper sofa discussion is in order when you or your guests start either feeling the support bars of the sleeper sofa or the dust that rises from your old mattress start a sneezing fit of the people in the room. Your choices are bountiful.
Is it time to buy a replacement mattress for your sleeper sofa? You can usually tell if any of the following is true:
]]>When it is time to buy a replacement mattress for your sleeper sofa, start by measuring the thickness of your existing mattress at some relatively unworn point, such as a corner at the foot of the mattress. This measurement will tell you what thickness to look for in a replacement mattress.
Next, you will want to consider the type of material and construction that you want in a replacement mattress for your sleeper sofa.A simple shell filled with fiber batting is the most inexpensive type of replacement mattress for your sleeper sofa. It is also the least comfortable and likeliest to wear out early. Even in a replacement mattress where the fiber batting is sewn down or "tufted", the fiber batting tends to shift under the relentless strain of folding and unfolding the sleeper sofa, creating thin spots and allowing metal bars to plague sleepers.
Coil springs are a popular choice for a replacement mattress in a sleeper sofa. Individual coil springs provide support for each part of the body. Intertwined or connected coil springs tend to provide less comfort. Coil springs will always be topped by a cushioning layer of fiber batting, latex or visco-elastic foam, or both. At least one coil spring replacement mattress is cushioned by an air-inflated compartment which in turn sits atop visco-elastic memory foam.
Latex foam is a simple and inexpensive replacement mattress for your sleeper sofa. Custom mattress makers can cut a slab of latex foam to almost any size and thickness you may require. A slip-on mattress cover is essential for any latex foam replacement mattress; they are usually sold separately. A latex foam replacement mattress for a sleeper sofa may have holes or channels drilled through it in many places, to promote air circulation and prevent the sleeper from becoming too warm. Over several years, latex foam loses its elasticity and begins to crumble; then it is time for another replacement mattress for your sleeper sofa.
Light-years ahead of latex foam is visco-elastic memory foam, made popular by the Tempur-Pedic line of mattresses. This space-age innovation was developed by NASA to cushion astronauts against the bruising g-forces of liftoff and re-entry into the atmosphere. Instead of latex rubber, it is made of a polymer plastic blown into millions of tiny, interconnected bubbles. The open-cell bubbles allow air to circulate and keep sleepers cool. The visco-elastic memory foam provides firm, even support to all body parts. The foam also rebounds to its original shape thousands of time, making a long-lasting replacement mattress for a sleeper sofa. Some people are concerned about off-gassing of the materials used to make this mattress.
The options for a replacement mattress for a sleeper sofa are clear and simple. It is best to test-ride several types of mattress in a store before settling on the on you want.
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Travel trailer mattresses aren't often found in your standard mattress, furniture or bedding store, but they are found at trucker and trailer stores. A specialty item, such as a travel trailer mattress and the sheets to go with it, are found at a store specializing in that market.
When you hitch up the travel trailer to get away from it all, there are some things you don't want to leave behind. The coffee pot is one example, and a good night's sleep is another. Good travel trailer mattresses are not a luxury, but a necessity. That is especially true after a full day behind the wheel hauling a big travel trailer!
]]> Almost every travel trailer comes with one or more mattresses. But they are not of the highest quality, generally speaking. And sooner or later, you may want to replace or upgrade your travel trailer mattresses.Safety is the first consideration. All mattresses used in travel trailers must meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 302, concerning the flame retardance of materials used in the occupant portions of motor vehicles, including travel trailers. This standard is meant to reduce loss of life due to interior fires. It means you cannot simply turn home mattresses into travel trailer mattresses. You have to buy a specialty mattress.
Fortunately, nearly all of the latest technology that makes sleeping at home more comfortable and refreshing is also available in flame-retardant travel trailer mattresses. No, you won't find adjustable folding mattresses for your travel trailer. But you will find advanced coil spring designs, latex and memory foam mattresses. The trick is often finding them in the right size.
Travel trailer mattresses must come in more than the standard twin, full, queen, and king sizes. Space and design considerations may account for this discrepancy, or the travel trailer makers may be in cahoots with mattress makers to create an unnecessary specialty market. Specialty items always cost more, and there are fewer vendors from which to choose.
Often it is necessary to have travel trailer mattresses custom made to size. Foam Fabric Bedding is one of several online vendors who can build custom travel trailer mattresses. The company offers foundation base foam in medium and firm support strengths; the latter is especially recommended when the foundation layer must be less than four inches thick for space reasons. A second, 2" to 3" layer of visco-elastic memory foam provides comfort and evenly supports the body. Mattress covers are sold separately.
Advanced Comfort of New York is one popular vendor of travel trailer mattress bedding. They’ve been making mattresses since 1971. The company’s products are sold direct and through retail outlets in ten states. Advanced Comfort's Dormia line of mattresses is designed specifically for RV and travel trailer use. Unlike some paper-thin foam mattresses that art standard equipment, the Dormia family includes solid, 100-pound, 8-inch thick models like the Versaille visco-elastic memory foam model. It lists for around $500 in the twin size and $700 in full size.
More economical travel trailer mattresses are available from Excel Distributors. The inner-spring mattresses in the Emperor model have Bonnell springs topped by a visco-elastic memory foam layer and a quilted top. Prices range from $289 to $379 in sizes 34" x 74" to 60" x 79".
While we're on the subject of travel trailer mattresses, let's not forget sheets. You don't have to sleep on coarse, scratchy college-type sheets. Advanced Comfort and other vendors sell luxurious, 350-thread count cotton sheets in sizes made for travel trailer mattresses.
Fire retardance, the right size, and comfort are the three equally indispensable ingredients of the right travel trailer mattresses and bedding. Although it's a specialty market, you should have no trouble finding the right combination at the right price.
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