Mattress Tips

As bedbugs make a comeback all across the nation, people are turning to memory foam from www.healco.com to help them avoid an increasingly common problem. Memory foam beds have a solid core, so unlike conventional inner-spring mattresses, they don’t provide a space inside for bedbugs to call home. This advantage has led some customers to seek out memory foam as a preventative measure.

The “common” or “human” bedbug is a small, flat bodied insect that feeds exclusively on the blood of birds and mammals, particularly humans. While not known to carry any communicable diseases, bedbugs leave itchy, painful welts that are subject to infection. In a home with a heavy infestation, it is possible to get ten or twenty bites in a single night. Bedbugs reproduce very quickly and stay mostly out of sight, so they are difficult to exterminate with all but the most aggressive eradication programs. Bedbugs are also capable of living several months without a meal, so homes and apartments can remain infested even after months of vacancy.

Bedbugs are, of course, most commonly found in bedding materials, especially conventional inner spring mattresses. The space inside of this type of mattress provides a perfect place for bedbugs to hide during the day. Bedbugs can also be found in just about any part of the home such as along baseboards, behind picture frames, under light switch covers, and even in car seats, just to name a few. Some types of beds, like air mattresses and memory foam mattresses are less susceptible to bedbugs, because they do not have the hollow spaces that harbor them so effectively.

Matthew Brunelle from www.sleepaidfactory.com a leading memory foam mattress manufacturer, said that his company has received a steady stream of bedbug inquiries in the past few years. “People call up hoping that a memory foam bed will somehow solve their infestation, which isn’t really true. Since memory foam beds have solid cores, they don’t harbor bed bugs like other kinds of mattresses do, but buying a new mattress won’t solve a problem that you’ve already got. We tell our customers that if you have bedbugs, you should call en exterminator. If you don’t want to get bedbugs, then you can call us.”

Until recently, bedbug infestations were largely unknown in the United States. Improved hygiene standards and the widespread use of broad spectrum pesticides after WWII are credited with the steady decline of bedbugs in the U.S. over that past fifty years. Today however, bedbugs are making a comeback in cities across the country. The pest control firm Orkin has stated that bedbug calls to their company increased 300% between 2001 and 2002, and have increased at a rate of about 70% in the years since. Experts disagree on the specific causes of the bed bug resurgence, but most agree that an increase in international travel and the ban on long lasting, broad spectrum insecticides like DDT are playing a major part.

The best advice, experts say, is to be vigilant. Vacuum often and inspect your home regularly for bedbugs and the telltale black marks left by their excrement. If you go on a trip overseas, immediately wash all of your laundry in hot water and dry on the hottest setting. Inspect every suitcase thoroughly for stowaways, and consider replacing your old inner spring mattress with a memory foam mattress from a company like www.sleepaidfactory.com

About the author:

Jon Campbell is a writer living and working in Southern California.

Any further questions on memory foam please contact www.healco.com or www.sleepaidfactory.com

Written By: Jon Campbell

Living in urban areas provides several luxuries: you can work at your dream firm, study at the best colleges and universities of your choice, enjoy the parties are nights, go to modern shopping centers in the block, and more. Urban living might a best but all these have the drawback: space. That is, if you live in a dormitory or a room where every inch is precious. And when you live in an area where putting a generous size of bed is impossible, eating at a coffee table requires to pass through series of maze, and rolling your sleeping bag every morning, it is time to call for help.

Loft bed answers the need for extra space while maintaining a decent place. Loft bed gives you the freedom to move extra furniture in to your place without worrying where to put them. Loft bed makes your room more pleasant at it relaxed the crowd to your room. For children, loft bed can transform the bedroom into a playhouse even if the size is not big.

If you are considering to buy one here are the things your should know:

Loft bed and bunk bed are two different things. Bunk bed is a type of bedding where there are two layers of mattresses. This is used if two people share one room in need for extra space. The most common type bunk bed is the upper deck is horizontal with the lower and the length of the bed depends on your need. There are stack beds with twin size bed on the top and is accessible by ladder and a full size bed at the bottom. Bunk bed also the upper and the lowed bed identical with each other. Bunk bed also has its bottom bunk running vertically and the upper bunk running horizontally.

Loft bed on the other hand presents an elevated bed. This provides an ample space to place other things such as desk, computer, lounge, and table below.

If you live with a roommate, having a bunk bed is more ideal than having a loft bed. But if you live alone, loft bed is best for you.

Loft bed should be though. Consider choosing specific type of loft bed depending on who is going to sleep on it. For teens, loft bed should be sturdy. Since they are much heavier than children, loft bed should provide enough support on their weight.

Loft bed is also designed for children. Considering such would mean looking for loft bed that is designed for children. Colorful loft bed is widely available and ensures the fun the moment bedtime arrives. It also has to have rails. The rails will protect your children in case they move at the edge of the bed. Strength should also be the top priority.

Consider the size of the bed. Make sure that the length of the loft bed will fit your room especially your body. But first, make sure that the bed will fit to your door. Although there are loft beds that can be assembled inside the room, you should always make sure that whatever type of loft bed you choose, you could always get the maximum comfort.

Loft bed should match the room. If you already have existing furniture inside your room, make sure that the loft bed you buy will not destroy the whole arrangement of the room.

One more thing: loft bed can only be used by someone who is old enough to climb up and down the stair and not for children of a very young age.

About The Author:

Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides loft bed resources on http://www.your-loft-bed.info

Written By: Robert Thatcher

Do you wake up feeling that because you have tossed and turned all night, you really dont want to get up and start the day with a smile? The reason might be that your body cant relax as it cant find a comfortable position, one that is supportive in all the right places such as knees, hip, waist and neck. One solution to this problem is to change to a memory foam mattress however this is an expensive option, so how about trying a memory foam pillow or mattress topper in the first instance?

Memory foam was developed for NASA in the 1970s to provide comfortable support for astronauts at take off and landing, it didnt become available in the shops until the 1990s. Since then the market has grown and is still growing very quickly, especially as the medical profession recommend its use in the relief of back pain and pressure sores. Although the first manufacturer was Tempur-Pedic and used mainly in hospitals, the company soon heard that patients who used the foam, slept better, and they expanded production to sell to everyone. Since then other manufacturers have developed their own memory foam products and the largest producers now appear to be China and the Far East.

So, how does it give you help to sleep? Memory foam is visco-elastic which means that it responds to temperature change by becoming softer when it is warm and harder when it is cold. That means your body warmth softens the immediate area of foam and moulds to your shape. Word of warning with the cheaper, lower density foams, when the real cold weather sets in, the foam can become as hard as a board or it might turn into soft goo on hot summer nights! The more expensive brands guarantee that they will perform in the way they should through a wide temperature range.

Still not sure? Although a memory foam mattress might be the ultimate goal, why not try a foam pillow or a memory foam pad in the first instance. Most manufacturers offer a selection of products and the better ones will offer a trial period and longer guarantees too so that if the product doesnt suit, you can hand it back.

What should you look for? There are differences in the way mattresses are made so it is important to find out from a retailer how they are put together and which would suit you best. Rule of thumb mattresses can either have three or four inches of memory foam over a denser supportive core. For help to sleep, more depth isnt necessarily right either as you might sink in too far before reaching the core! Tummy sleepers should purchase 2 inch (5cm approx.) foam, side sleepers and medium sized people should buy a foam memory mattress with three inch (7.5cm approx) foam and large/heavy people or back sleepers should buy the four inch (10cm approx).

The advantages are clear what about disadvantages .. why wasnt memory foam used by NASA? Foam is a man-made product that gives off gases when new. In your home this wears off in a very short space of time, but could have been a hazard in a space capsule! Nevertheless, if you are sensitive to this type of gas, you should think about finding a natural product like a foam latex mattress.

Although it is recommended that you try out memory foam mattresses in a local shop to find the one that suits you best, it is more cost effective to buy online.

About the Author:

Steve has been developing software for 30 years and is now looking for ways to make his life more comfortable. An important part of Steve’s current research is concerned with improving the quality of his sleep time and the website “The Memory Foam Mattress” has been created to share this research with you. http://thememoryfoammattress.com

Written By: Steve Gee

I love bedspreads, dont you? A comforter can be used for the winter months but the bedspread is brought out of the linen closet in the spring when its warming up and the whole world is freshening and renewing itself outside. A bedspread is available in most any color, pattern or fabric and it can be one of the most expensive items you put in your bedroom. Did you know that these expensive pieces of fabric do not fall under the Care Label Rule? The Care Label Rule of 1971 requires clothing manufacturers and importers to attach care labels to their products. They must give full instructions on how to satisfactorily care for the products one time, or clearly state that it cannot be cleaned. The label also needs to warn against things that could be harmful such as using an iron or using hot water. I love the care labels because it gives me a clear indication of how to clean things. I have been surprised on more than one occasion when the label said dry clean only and I would have thrown it in the washing machine. You may find care instructions on a temporary label, a piece of paper in the plastic, hang tag, or somewhere on the package so check clearly before you throw anything away.

Okay, the care label is gone so what do you do to clean your bedspread? Things you can do to ensure a beautiful bedspread for many years of wear and care are, make sure the spread has been preshrunk. Fabric can shrink two or three percent very easily if it has not been properly stabilized by the manufacturer. Your bedspread will look like its sized for a twin bed very quickly if it shrinks that much. Check the quality of stitches if you have a quilted bedspread. The first preference would be for stitching to run vertically and horizontally with the stitches running only eight to ten inches apart. Make sure that the stitches are the correct length as well. Loose stitching can tear easily and allow fiber fill to shift when it is washed or dry cleaned. What is the fiber content of the batting? If you see wool on a label anywhere for the batting, take note that it will probably shrink in the washing machine. The filling of your beautiful new bedspread could also become puckered if it has heat sensitive fibers. If this is the case, you may wash it in cold, but dont dry it in the dryer, or at least a very cool one. If the bedspread you have chosen is a chintz material, it will have a luster to the finish. This finish is actually a glaze that may have a limited staying power. Once the spread is washed or cleaned, the glaze may come off and your spread will be dull and chalky. It could even start to pill. Fabrics can fade over time especially if the bed is located near a window. Nothing you can do short of pulling shades will stop this process. If the fabric is not yard dyed, fading will also occur. Many times the material is not colorfast or heat set by the manufacturer and it will also fade. A dry cleaner can perform a colorfast test. I have found you pretty much get what you pay for. That is an assumption, but the better quality bedspreads should be colorfast. Clean all of the matching pillow shams, dust ruffles and curtains together with the spread because the colors wont fade the same if you dont. These are pretty large so you may not be able to put it in the conventional washing machine. Dont risk your investment, if you are unsure how to care for your new spread, take it to a professional cleaner.

About the author:

Beverly Marshall is a successful freelance writer offering guidance and suggestions for consumers buying bedding, duvet covers, bedspreads, mattresses, and more. Her many articles can be found at http://www.bedding-4u.comShe gives information and tips to help you save money, make informed buying decisions and common sense ideas for changing your life

Written By: Beverly Marshall

On the quest for a more productive day, research has shown that a more productive sleep at night can be one of the healthiest solutions. A Memory Foam Mattress could be just what researchers have been looking for. Concentration, Observation and even Creativity, are all qualities that can help us on our everyday journey through work, and life. The key is relaxation.

Any quality that enhances our daily productivity is welcome, but with a calm mind and rested body, do we find the most precious resources, that is, through our sleep. Sleep provides us with an infinite number of possibilities. Possibilities, which are most efficiently cultivated, while having deep restful dreams in a peaceful bed. And mattresses made from memory foam are ideal in this respect.

Ever since the invention of the first electroencephalogram, the machine that registers brain waves, back in the first part of the 20th century, scientists have known that sleep is not just an unproductive time in which we are forced to stop working. Wonderful things occur at night while we sleep.

During an average night of sleep of eight hours, our bodies move in and out of consciousness through cycles, determined by brain wave activity. If these cycles are disrupted by stressing muscles in certain points, the sleeper, could actually wake up without fulfilling the full sleep cycle. This means time and relaxation, are needed to achieve the proper depths of a good nights rest.

Suppose an average sleeper, gets eight hours of sleep, on a good mattress. Then she or he, would plunge into the realm of sleep for about 90min. then slowly come back out, and on return to the waking world, would have about 10 min. of dreams, almost wake up, roll over, and plunge back into another 90min. cycle. If the conditions are good, such as in using the proper kind of bed, the second sleep cycle will have something like 20-30min. of dreams, followed by 45-60min. in the third cycle. The longer we sleep, the more dreams we have.

Maybe, not everyone remembers what they dream, all the time, everyday, but that doesnt matter, as much as the fact that dreaming is, in and of itself the place where we let our worry and stress of the day to day go free, preparing, for the day to come. If we dont value our sleep enough, we carry all that stress and anxiety from the day before, into our morning, and consecutively throughout the day, until we finally sleep again, to give our dreams another chance at freeing themselves.

In a stressful modern day to day, race for time and money like ours, its a wonder why we dont value our sleep more. Sleep requires relaxation, and that means sleeping a good night’s sleep. Pressure on muscles must be evenly distributed throughout the body in a way that keeps our bodies fully relaxed.

That means keeping the joints well accommodated. Memory foam does this in a very natural and relaxing way. When the body heat hits the mattress, it allows the foam to conform to the body reducing all that tension on the pressure points. No pressure points, no stress, no stress, means getting that good nights sleep that we need so badly to be more productive and happy individuals. Mattresses made from memory foam keep the load properly supported, so that no one point is favored over any other. Relaxation is the road to a good nights sleep. And memory foam can help the sleeper achieve the ideal nights rest. While getting tensionless, deep and well relaxed sleep, the individual can produce more and feel great doing it.

About the author:

Thomas Jay Wacker is the General Manager and V.P. of www.simplepedic.com. Wacker has over 20 years experience in the home furnishing industry and leads the Wacker Management Team in Denver Colorado.

Written By: Thomas Jay Wacker

When choosing kids’ bedding, your first step should be to consider your child’s tastes. After all, a child’s room is often an extension of her personality. Does your daughter like a particular color? Does she prefer a certain style? If you follow your child’s lead, she will lead you to the perfect kids’ bedding.

Kids’ bedding is available in a variety of designs, from cartoon characters to outer space. When selecting a design you must consider longevity. While your daughter might love Strawberry Shortcake this week, you have to think about the future as well. If you don’t mind replacing the bedding frequently, character bedding is fine; otherwise consider themes or patterns that can grow with your child.

Most children’s books, television, and movie characters are available on kids’ bedding (Barbie, Bratz, Gl Joe, Batman, Spiderman, Disney Princess, Lion King, Yu-Gi-Oh, Scooby Doo, Tom and Jerry, Mickey Mouse, Tweety, Bugs Bunny, Simpsons,etc. ). Before committing yourself to expensive character bedding, try to decide if your child’s love of the character is here to stay or just a passing phase.

While a child might quickly outgrow her love of a popular television character, she is more likely to remain fond of flowers or clouds. Here is a partial list of popular themes for kids’ bedding: teddy bears, nature, ocean, military, solar system, insects, fairies, flowers, games etc.

Kids’ bedding is also available in an assortment of non-themed patterns. Patterns range from soft pastel flowers to wild neon abstracts. Popular patterns for kids’ bedding include polka dots, hearts, checks, circles, cow prints, plaid, stripes, and abstract designs. A well-chosen pattern can last all the way through the teen years.

Most kids’ bedding is sold in coordinating sets and includes fitted sheet, top sheet, bed ruffle, pillow shams, and comforter. Other sets might include a quilt or bed spread instead of a comforter. All three are used for the same purposes, but comforters are usually thicker. Selection will likely depend on personal preference and climate. Most stores also sell coordinating accessories, including shower curtains, wall hangings, waste baskets, and throw pillows.

Kids’ bedding is widely available. Some toy stores also sell kids’ bedding. If your child sleeps on a twin- or full-sized bed, you will find that kids’ bedding is readily available. If, however, your child’s bed is larger, you might have to special order the bedding or opt for patterns.

If you prefer to do your shopping online, there are a variety of websites selling kids’ bedding. A search on any search engine will find thousands of outlets offering bedding. The following is a list of popular kids’ bedding sites: Company Kids (offers a nice selection of kids’ bedding, divided into a boys’ and a girls’ section; the site also sells furniture and accessories; they are a great source if you are looking for kids’ designs that are not based on licensed characters), Bombay Kids (offers kids’ bedding and furniture in a nice selection of themes and patterns; many items can be personalized), Olive Kids (is a fun site offering kids’ bedding and furniture in themes such as dinosaurs, heroes, cowboys, and princesses).

Choosing a kids bed can be a daunting task for parents because there are so many options in style and design from which to choose. When faced with the decision, considering other uses and future uses for the childs room, space limitations, safety, budget, and finally, your childs wants and needs should lead you to the perfect selection!

About the Author:

Learn about kids bedding before you buy.

Written By: Lisa Scott

If you are trying to maximize the space in your room, consider purchasing a loft bed or bunk bed to elevate your sleeping area. With loft beds, the bed is elevated on a platform with space left underneath for living, working, or playing. Bunk beds work on the same principal, but with another bed underneath the top bunk. Both are popular with children and teens, who often have limited space in their rooms; however, many parents worry about their safety.

Each year, thousands of children are rushed to emergency rooms after falling from the top bunk of their bunk beds or loft beds, while many more receive less serious injuries that are not seen by a medical professional. Typically, the main reason of injury involving bunk beds or lofts beds is horseplay and not from improperly installed beds. Before you purchase bunk beds or loft beds for your child, consider the age of the child and plan to make rules regarding the use of the bed. Although younger children are thought to experience more injuries, the most problems occur with older children who are more apt to disregard rules and exhibit unsafe or risky behavior.

For the most part, bunk beds and loft beds are just as safe as conventional beds. For smaller children, consider designating the lower bunk as their bed instead of allowing them to regularly climb to the top bunk. Also, ensure the bed is properly maintained and meets all current safety regulations and standards. Additionally, approximately eight percent of bunk bed related falls and injuries that must seek medical attention are related directly to the ladder. In addition to ensuring the ladder is properly installed, instruct your child on the correct method of ascending and descending the ladder.

When you begin searching for an appropriate bunk bed or loft bed for your child, choose a bed that appeals to all the safety standards. A bunk bed should have guard rails that have no more than three and one-half inches of space between the rail and the mattress. This will prevent children from falling through the space and potentially injuring themselves. If necessary, you may need to install extra boards if the space between the guard rail and the mattress. Furthermore, the guard rail needs to extend no less than five inches above mattress so that your child will be unable to roll off the top bunk.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the bunk bed or loft bed your purchase has guard rails on both sides. Even though one side of the bed will be placed next to a wall, a guard rail is essential due to a child potentially falling next to the wall and becoming trapped between the wall and the bed frame. Again, the guard rail should be no greater than three and one-half inches above the bed frame. Also, you should ensure that the mattress purchased to fit the bunk bed or loft bed properly fits the frame. Many parents choose to use a preexisting mattress used on a child-sized bed that is smaller than a traditional twin bed frame. Children can potentially fall between the mattress and the frame in this situation, so you should ensure the mattress is of the proper size.

In addition to ensuring the mattress is of proper size, you should also check that the mattress foundation is properly suspended above the bottom bunk or the space below. If the bed sits on a wooden platform, consider reinforcing the mattress with wooden slats or metal straps. This will prevent the top bunk from collapsing, especially if the lower occupant is kicking or pushing the above mattress.

By purchasing a quality, well constructed bunk bed or loft bed that meets all safety guidelines, you can make certain that your child will be safe and free from injury from the bed.

About the author:

John Marcus specializes in Beds http://www.1-loft-beds.com

Written By: John Marcus

It seems that sleeping bag ratings have no consistency. Temperature ratings are still determined entirely by the manufacturers of the bags. My 3-pound Sierra Designs bag, for example, was rated to 20 degrees. Honestly, it never kept me as warm as my 17-ounce Western Mountaineering sleeping bag, which is only rated down to 40 degrees. Isn’t this a problem when you buy a bag? Maybe a 45-degree bag will keep you warmer than a 30-degree bag.

Consistent Sleeping Bag Ratings

No matter what temperature a bag is rated for, under any system of testing, it won’t necessarily keep you warm to that temperature. We can’t solve the problem of people having different metabolisms and bodies. A particular bag might be good for one person down to 20 degrees, while for another it is only good to 40 degrees. You generally can figure out if you are a cold or a warm sleeper, but that doesn’t help if you don’t know whether a bag is rated too high or too low.

You need to know that if a bag says 30 degrees it will keep you warmer than one that says 40 degrees. With that, even if you add or subtract 10 or 20 degrees for your personal tastes, you can still figure out which bag is the warmer one. How do we get this consistency?

Begin testing with any sleeping bag, by putting a bag of water in it that is human-sized, weighing perhaps 160 pounds. Have three standard sizes for small, regular and large sleeping bags. Always start with the water temperature at 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and measure how long before it drops to 90 degrees. External air temperature has to always be the same too, whther it is 60 degrees or 40.

The numbers are not crucial. What’s important here is that once the standards are chosen, every bag is tested the same way, with the same conditions (even the temperature and material of the testing platform would have to be the same). This is what will give consistency to the sleeping bag ratings for warmth.

Now, if a bag rated to 40 degrees keeps the water above 90 for two hours, a bag rated for 30 would obviously have to keep it above 90 degrees for a longer time. Pegging heat-retention times to specific temperature ratings would be a bit tricky at first. However, once done, each new bag on the market could be submitted to the testing and quickly given a consistent rating. We would know that a lower rating would always mean a warmer bag, degree-by-degree. We could even have old bags tested to see if it is time to replace them.

Manufacturer Acceptance?

Would manufacturers pay a private testing company to have their bags rated? Some, at first, because it would be a an advantage for those companies who are already conservative in their temperature ratings. They would have “proof” that the bags are even warmer than they were claiming. Then, eventually, all bag makers would feel some motivation to have their sleeping bags tested, because consumers would be wary about buying ones that weren’t tested.

I hope someone will take this idea and run with it. An existing consumer rating company, like Consumer Reports, could do this on their own and report the results. Even if they listed the bags without temperature ratings, but in absolute order by which held the heat in the best, it would be very useful. One could look at the list and if their current bag kept them warm to 25 degrees, they would know that any bag higher on the list would be warmer. Isn’t it time for consistent sleeping bag ratings?

About the author:

Steve Gillman is a long-time advocate of lightweight backpacking. His tips, photos, gear recommendations and a free book can be found at http://www.TheUltraligh tBackpackingSite.com

Written By: Steve Gillman

If you walk into any baby store or online baby site you will find a multitude of styles and designs of baby bedding available. There is something for every nursery dcor ever thought of by a new mother. If its animals you want, theres everything from apes to zebras. If you want an angel motif, there are a hundred styles of angels. If you want nursery rhymes, just pick one and you will find a matching motif. What about cartoon or Disney characters? You can find anything and everything when it comes to baby bedding. You will also find all of the pieces you want such as comforters, bumpers, dust ruffles, pillows and more. They are all matched and some of are the most luxurious you can find. So, now you see all this stuff and are tempted to buy. The cute patterns are obviously for the parents to enjoy because the baby doesnt know the difference but what does the baby actually need? Thats a whole different story.

If you are considering a bumper for the crib, this is a strip of padded cloth that is pretty or cute, but they are used to keep the baby from hitting their head against the bars of the crib. Some think bumpers will add to the risk of suffocation by pressing their face against the bumper. If the bumper is tightly fitted against the drib the possibilities of that happening are much less. Make sure all of the ribbons and ties are short and to the outside of the crib so there are no chances of getting entangled. Bottom sheets are sized for the crib with elastic corners and should fit snugly against the crib mattress. If the fit is correct they wont pop off and this also lessens the chance of suffocation. I would recommend leaving the top sheet at the store unless it comes as a set. Your baby only needs light blankets in the beginning and it is best if they are cotton. They also dont need more covers or warmth than we do. We all know diapers leak at night so sheet protectors are a wonderful idea for the busy mom. A sheet protector is a piece of cloth with cotton on one side and waterproof on the other. If there is leakage at night, just pull one sheet protector off and put another one on. This will save you on laundry and time. You can do the same thing between two fitted sheets. Put the protector between the two so it protects the bottom sheet and the top one is easily peeled off if there is an accident. If you like, try the new heavier pajamas for baby so they will stay warm without kicking covers off. You only need a few outfits in the beginning. If you want perfectly white sheets, dont get too excited because colored would be best if you are trying to camouflage the inevitable staining that will happen. If you even think about buying a pillow, stop. There is no need for one for the baby. They arent safe, your baby can suffocate and they cant really lift their heads enough to use one. It is found that babies sleep better when flat.

In the early months babies will be constantly interrupted because their patterns are not yet established. It takes time for them to sleep without these interruptions and to fall back to sleep easily and quickly. When if comes to helping your baby sleep with the choice of baby bedding, consider safety to be the only true criteria. It doesn’t matter how cute the bedding set is if it doesnt fit right or isnt safe.

About the author:

Beverly Marshall is a successful freelance writer offering guidance and suggestions for consumers buying bedding, duvet covers, bedspreads, mattresses, and more. Her many articles can be found at http://www.bedding-4u.comShe gives information and tips to help you save money, make informed buying decisions and common sense ideas for changing your life

Written By: Beverly Marshall

Individuals of all ages choose to invest in a loft bed or bunk bed for their home. This classic childhood sleeper is quickly becoming a fun, inventive way for ‘tweens, teens, college students, and young adult hipsters to maximize their space without having to roll out a sleeping bag every night. When it comes time to shop for furniture, look to stores that specialize in bunk beds or loft beds.

First things first, there is a major difference between bunk beds and loft beds. Bunk beds are the most common form of alternative bedding, with an upper bunk stacked above a lower bunk. Some bunk beds stack two same-sized mattresses horizontally, while others stack a twin bed above a full size bed or even a futon that can serve as a larger sleeping or living area. Finally, other bunk beds create a playhouse type environment, with a top bunk running horizontally overtop of a vertically running bottom bunk. Some of these alternative bunk beds include stair steps and even slides, allowing the beds perfect for younger individuals.

Loft beds feature elevated platforms for sleeping, leaving much needed floor space below to place a desk, couch, or entertainment center to provide extra space for living. Generally associated with cramped dorm rooms, loft beds are becoming increasingly popular with teenagers who feel cramped in smaller rooms and want to expand their livable space. Also, young adults are also elect to choose loft beds in first apartments that may have less than desirable sleeping quarters. Think of loft beds like the new, hipper version of the classic Murphy bed.

When shopping for a bunk bed or loft bed, first consider the person that will be sleeping in the bed. For children, consider safety above all other aspects of the bed. Teenagers or young adults may want to focus on the size or the style of the bed more so than safety worries. When dealing with children, be sure that the child is ready to upgrade to a “grown up” bed before making the move. Children should be at least 35 inches long or two years of age before he or she should be moved to a bunk bed. Also, ground rules should be made regarding the proper conduct involving the bunk bed, since most injuries occur due to roughhousing or horseplay.

Regardless of your age, you should ensure the bunk bed or loft bed you choose has two sets of guardrails and a sturdy ladder that can support your weight. The guard rails are critical, even though your bed may reside next to a wall. More so with children, but occasional with teens or adults, bunk beds or loft beds without a guardrail next to the wall can cause the sleeper to slip between the bed and the wall during their sleep. Also, a guardrail on the other side of the bed is critical, since anyone can fall out of a bed while asleep.

For children, the guard rail should be no more than three and a half inches above the mattress. If the guard rail is too far away from the mattress, the occupant can slip between the mattress and the rail, resulting in a fall. Also, the guard rail should run at least five inches above the mattress to prevent the occupant from rolling over top of the rail.

Keep in mind there are a variety of bunk beds and loft beds on the market. Younger kids may enjoy the activity themed bunk beds, while teens may desire a bed that incorporates a loft instead of a bottom bunk. Also, the size of the room is directly associated with size of the bunk bed or loft bed. Although having a double or queen size bed may be luxurious in comparison to a tiny twin, but carefully think of the available space before choosing.

About the author:

Mike Barus specializes in loft beds/bunk beds find out more at http://www.loft-beds-i.com

Written By: Mike Barus