Mattress Tips

The bedroom is the living space where many individuals spend a large majority of their time while in their residences. Individuals with disabilities may encounter some difficulties in maneuvering, performing daily activities, and/or accessing furniture. There are many strategies, adaptations, and technologies that can assist an individual in the bedroom. Bedrooms should be designed for comfort, accessibility, and functionality.

Some individuals with disabilities require turning from side to side every 2 to 4 hours as a preventative measure in decubiti (pressure ulcers) care. Others may need to sleep in a semi- sitting position for other reasons such as bronchial problems.

Although significant or complete reduction in assistant care may not always be possible, greater independence and flexibility can be achieved through the use of motorized adjustable beds and hospital beds. This technology can also be beneficial to the personal assistant. There are a few differences between adjustable beds and hospital beds.

Hospital beds typically can be paid for by insurance and these purchases are usually processed with little difficulty. The choice in size is limited and it looks like a hospital bed. However, hospital beds have one feature not characteristically found in adjustable beds without significantly altering the price. The entire bed can raise and lower to accommodate preferences for transfers and assistant care.

An adjustable bed looks and feels like a regular bed and comes in various common sizes, i.e. twin, full, queen, etc. In addition, the head and feet can raise or lower to individualized comfort levels. There are also models capable of tilting, massaging and heating. The mattresses may be made of visco-elastic foam, air-filled, latex, and/or coil materials. These kinds of beds are aesthetically pleasing and easy to match with existing décor.

As the name suggests, an adjustable bed (also called a Semi-Fowler bed, as it places the patient in a semi-Fowler position) can be adjusted to a number of different positions. For individuals with certain types of back problems, sleeping on an adjustable bed that is at a slight incline (e.g. 30 to 45 degrees) may be comfortable, with the upper body positioned higher up than the lower body (as when sitting in a recliner) and some support under the knees to bend the knees at a slight angle.

The combination of upper body incline and the knee support can help take some of the stress off the lower back. Provided that the patient is comfortable sleeping in this manner through the night, this position can support the curves of the spine and relieve pressure on the entire body.

Basically, an adjustable bed has the potential to help anyone who feels more comfortable in an inclined position (such as sitting on a recliner with the feet up) rather than when lying on a regular flat mattress. The following provides a few examples of certain back conditions and how an inclined position in an adjustable bed can sometimes help the patient feel more comfortable

For some people with degenerative spondylolisthesis, sleeping in a reclining position with support under the knees can reduce some of the pain discomfort in the lower back, making it easier to sleep through the night.

Individuals with osteoarthritis in the spine, or facet joint arthritis, often wake up feeling quite stiff and sore in the morning. Sleeping on an adjustable bed may possibly provide better support and therefore decrease the irritation by minimizing joint compression.
In addition, after having low back surgery, some patients feel that an adjustable bed is more comfortable than a flat mattress. Like most choices when it comes to mattresses, this is largely a matter of personal preference.

In general, it is reasonable for a patient to consider the option of an adjustable bed if he or she feels better sitting in a reclining chair with the knees supported or slightly elevated and if he or she is having trouble getting a good nights rest on a conventional flat mattress. If a patient is not sure if they would benefit from an adjustable bed, or is not sure about buying a new bed, then it is also possible to use pillows to prop up the upper body (being careful to provide support for the lower back) and placing a pillow beneath the knees.

About the Author:

This article provides a brief review of how an adjustable bed works and some theoretical advantages that some patients might find beneficial.

Written By: Scott Michaels

So you’ve got the perfect little log cabin, or chalet by the lake, or just want a country touch to your home. You want a log bunk bed, or two, but don’t know where to start. And they don’t carry them in your down town furniture store.

Not to worry, there are plenty of options available on the Internet. There are loft log bunk beds, twin over twin log bunk beds, full over full or even twin over queen. I haven’t seen a twin over king yet, but really the Amish can make any size you want. A lot of college students who looking to build an inexpensive loft bed might find an Amish loft bunk bed to be just the ticket, and some of them come with futons under them, too.

There are federal regulations regarding bunk beds, so you’ll want to make sure that whatever bed you choose meets the regulations. Were talking safety here, and things do happen. But you certainly wouldn’t want a bed that doesn’t meet the regulations, so make sure that the one you buy, does. Most accidents with bunk beds happen to children under the age of three. Many of these accidents can be avoided by having safety rails on both sides of the top bed. If one side of the bed is against the wall, that can be sufficient–but it must be against the wall. There are also regulations regarding headboards. There is a link to a page with the regulations at the bottom of this article for those who wish to read further.

Bunk beds built to those regulations are generally built to hold an adult weighing up to 250 pounds. If you are pushing the limits, try cedar instead of pine. In the beds we sell, the cedar logs are 5 to 6 inches in diameter, while the pine is about 3 inches in diameter. They are both built to federal specifications, and the pine bunk beds are very solid and strong, but if there is a question in your mind, go for the bigger logs. And of course, you can always put the big fella on the bottom, too.

Some log bunk beds come with a metal frame to hold the mattress, but some of the Amish build them with a wood frame to hold both the box spring and the mattress. You don’t have to put a box spring in those beds, but you certainly can.

The other alternative to hold the mattress up is called a Bunkie board. A Bunkie board is basically inch plywood cut to the size of the box spring. It sits inside either the metal bed frame, or the wood bed frame, and supports the mattress. If you have a box spring you dont need a Bunkie board, but if there is not a box spring, the Bunkie board is what supports the middle of the mattress. We sell Bunkie boards if people want them, but a lot of people just cut their own. Its up to the buyer.

Another option to consider is the type of ladder you want with your log bunk bed. Some of the Amish beds have the ladders built right into the end of the bed, so you don’t have a ladder leaning out from the bed. Others have a moveable ladder that can hook on the end or the side. In many cases, the amount of space available determines the type of bunk bed you buy. If you have a small room, the larger cedar logs may seem too massive. If you don’t have room for a slanted ladder, however, you may opt for the cedar bunk bed anyway that has the ladder built in. If you have a larger room or larger people, you may opt for the larger cedar logs.

If you get a pine bunk bed with metal frame, there is a way to give the metal frame that log look when the covers are thrown back. These are decorative half logs or rails, not to be confused with the safety rails that go around the top of the bunk bed. The top safety rails are always included with the log bunk bed, but the decorative half rails are optional and just for looks.

Last but not least, be sure to measure before you buy. Last year we sold a couple of log bunk beds to somebody in Montana. They absolutely loved the beds, but had bought two for the room and soon found out that only one could comfortably fit. Since we are in Michigan and they in Montana, it would have cost quite a bit to ship it back. They ended up selling the extra bed on ebay, but the problem could have been avoided with a bit of careful measuring up front.

About The Author

Copyright 2006 Cari Haus

This article was written by Cari Haus, President of Log Cabin Rustics, http://www.logcabinrustics.com, which retails log bunk beds on the Internet. Permission is granted to reprint this article in it’s entirety, provided a link to Log Cabin Rustics is included at the end of the article.Also, here is a helpful information about log bunk beds at http://ecfr.gpoaccess.com/. Go to that site and search for bunk bed regulations.

Written By: Cari Haus

In years past, beds were not considered to be an element that factored into bedroom design, more just a place to lay your head, although the bed could be dressed to match whatever style had been chosen for the bedroom.

Times have changed and with the return of bedsteads or frame beds, the bed is now an element that factors in quite highly in bedroom design. The range of styles, colours, fabrics and materials that today’s modern beds are manufactured from go to enhance and work in synergy with all bedroom design plans.

The decision of the type of bed to purchase in relation to design can be broken down into three steps:

The aesthetic of the room.

Deciding on the aesthetic of a room or the way that it looks is not as difficult as it may seem at first. In most cases you will already have a good source of inspiration from the other rooms in the house, but let’s say for arguments case that it is a blank canvas. In that case the world is your oyster as there are so many places to draw ideas from; -The internet -Interior design book/magazines -Ideal home exhibition type shows -New property development show houses (always a favorite of mine) -Furniture retail showrooms (you don’t always have to shop) -Friends and relative’s houses

Once you have got your inspiration for how the room is going to look you need next to plan how the bed is going fit in the room.

Where to position the bed

This can be something that gets overlooked at this stage and can result in being quite costly if other purchases are made such as furniture without this in mind. It is therefore important that before purchasing of any bedroom furniture takes place, consideration is given to the following.

Size of bed – will there be sufficient space around the bed to meet your requirements i.e. opening wardrobe doors, doors, getting changed round the bed etc etc.

Position of bed – have you planned on buying bunk beds that the steps will only go on one side and thus will only go on one wall or a captain’s bed with the same problem.

Height of the bed – you may have taken into consideration the length and width of the bed, but what about height? This is not a problem for about 98% of beds, but is a big consideration when buying a four poster bed. Have you measured the height of the room and will that four poster fit in term of height?

We have so far worked out the style and limitations of the room in which you are going to house your bed, but there is one last consideration to take into account before you part with any of your hard earned cash. That final consideration is what you use your bedroom for or “How do you live in your bedroom”

How do you live in your bedroom?

As mentioned in the introduction bedrooms have become a multifunctional space, and these days are used as offices, somewhere to watch TV, listen to music or a quiet place to read or get away from the grind. All of these are key components that need to be considered when deciding on the type of bed that you will buy.

It is now time to go and purchase that dream bed. Now that you have followed the steps above you should be confident that the purchasing decision will be a calculated one, and one made from consideration as opposed to impulse. By using the rest of this guide as a would be “bed purchasing bible”, you will feel at ease when confronted with “jargon” and “terminology”, and most of all you will be in the driving seat when it comes deciding on the type of bed for you!

In summary; a bed is the centerpiece of any bedroom and time and consideration should be spent on the whole process of planning and choosing the bed that will be suited to your requirements. As mentioned in the introduction “a decision to buy a bed should have the same amount of time and effort spent on it as purchasing a car”, if this is followed, and in conjunction with the advice from this guide, you will find yourself making a purchasing decision that will not just enhance the style and functionality of a bedroom, but will also result in a comfortable nights sleep.

About the author:

“Paul Jolley” – Bedroom retail specialist. If you have any unique or interesting views please contact us at http://www.bedz4less.co.uk as we are always happy to receive new views.

Written By: Paul Jolley

I have been using the same old bed ever since I was a teenager and it had been comfortable until 3 years ago, when my legs had finally cross the finishing line at the border of the mattress. It bothered me to feel my legs hanging in mid air when I sleep. Enough is enough. A new mattress is a must.

I for one am a tall person of 183cm. I also weigh 86kg and that makes any soft mattress sink after a few months. So these led me to the quest of getting my new mattress from my dad’s mattress store. Being a mattress store heir doesn’t make me a mattress expert. But as an eager learner, I sure did absorb a lot during my mattress shopping time and I can honestly share this with you; buying a mattress requires logic and common sense which is seldom present when most people are shopping.

One can easily be blinded by promotions and discounts and the outlook of the product rather than the features and benefits which suits you as an individual. Therefore, I have decided to pen down the few tips and approach for the benefit of every would be mattress buyer:

i) What’s your height?

If you are a tall person, then you’re in trouble when shopping for a mattress. Though its a blessing to be tall, because its rare, then its also a curse when it comes to shopping for mattress because long mattresses only exists in custom made orders. This will cost you extra money but its well worth it compared to having your feet dangling in the air while you sleep.

ii) Do you suffer from backaches and pains?

If you have backache and pains, then the best solution is a firm mattress and a contour pillow. Firm mattresses provide excellent lumbar support and a contour pillow will give your neck and head a good support too. A great brand of mattress I’d like to tell you is the Seahorse Mattress. This is a popular mattress brand name in Hong Kong and Singapore. I personally had my brand new Seahorse Mattress imported because to me, its a necessity. Resting on a Seahorse Mattress will make you feel a total new level of relaxation on your lower back, which you have seldom had the chance to experience. Yes, it is as good as it gets.

iii) Do you roll about in your sleep?

Believe me when I say, this can be very dangerous. If you roll about in your sleep, obviously it is better to get a bigger bed. A Queen Size or King Size bed can give you more room to roll. Falling down from beds have led to many injuries which can be harmful. One may knock their heads against the floor, suffer internal injury and not remember it, or even knock your head against a sharp corner, depending on the placement of your room furniture. Try to position your bed against a wall as that reduces up to 50% of any chance of you falling off your bed. You may have a tendency to roll left or right more often so I can’t possibly calculate so accurately for you.

iv) Finally, do you share your bed with a spouse?

If you do, please discuss with them because you want your spouse to have a good night’s rest just as much as you do. How can you possibly sleep well if your spouse isn’t? Yet another commonsense issue which many need to pay attention.

There are many more criteria and issues involved when selecting your mattress however, that’s another story for another article. With the common sense approach listed above, you will gain better sleep in terms of quality. Your family and you deserve to sleep well. Don’t buy mattresses just because they look nice. Treat it like a car purchase and you’ll never regret it for the useful life of that mattress.

About the Author:

Nguang Nguek Fluek is the son of a mattress store owner and runs his own mattress review website to help consumers expose themselves to the variety of mattresses available before making a sound purchase. Visit his website at http://www.review-mattress-online.com Nguang Nguek Fluek is the son of a mattress store owner and runs his own mattress review website to help consumers expose themselves to the variety of mattresses available before making a sound purchase. Visit his website at http://review-mattress-online.com

Written By: Nguang Nguek-Fluek

seahorse mattress reviewseahorse mattressseahorse mattress reviewsmattress selection

Among bunk beds, the most common are bunk beds for kids. Bunk beds made for adults differ with children bed bunks, since the former serves a more functional purpose, similar to military bunk beds. On the other hand, childrens’ bunk beds are built for another purpose – an entertaining one – and that is, for kids to be excited in going to sleep. Childrens’ bunk beds are undoubtedly exciting. For many children, especially those who just grew up from sleeping in cribs, they want a bed for bigger kids. Plus, bunk beds are not difficult to play in and allow another sibling to sleep with another.

I. Special Precautions For Children

Bunk beds are fun, but bunk beds for children have safety risks. Children might fall from their beds. That is why it is important to put up the side guardrails on the upper bunk’s two sides. These must be secured firmly whenever the child is sleeping. Another rule that you should follow is not to permit kids below six years of age to sleep or stay in the bunk’s upper part. It is also important to have a safety ladder. You could teach your kids on safely using the ladder. Discourage playing on the ladder to avoid accidents. Lastly, if your kid sleeps in a bunk bed, it is advisable to have a nearby light on, just in case the kid wakes up at night and has to get out of the bed. If think your baby is too old enough for a crib, consider first the following before you buy a bunk bed.

II. Is Your Child Old Enough For A Bunk Bed?

1. Assess if your kid is really ready to have a bed. Transferring to the bed from the crib may be difficult for some kids, especially preschoolers or toddlers. Make it slow and assess if the kid is having apprehensions moving.

2. When you shop, you could ask the store staff if the bed has met the standards required by the American Society of Testing Materials. If it does, then you could buy it.

3. Plan ahead. Your kid will most likely sleep in the bed you will buy for many years to come. Consider the size of the bunk bed, since your kid might grow faster than you expected.

4. Shop around for choices. There are bunk beds ranging from toddler sizes to full-size ones. There are also beds shaped like castles or cars. Some even have the contemporary or antique look.

5. Do not be surprised if you are paying more than $100. The more fancy or elaborate models have prices ranging from $300 to as high as $1,500, and that is for the frame alone. Some beds do include a mattress, but you have to shell out more for it and box spring.

6. Purchase a top quality mattress. Measure it. The mattress should fit perfectly in the bunk. The measurement should be at most one inch of space from the mattress to the bunk bed’s frame. Check out the slats on the lower bunk which holds the mattress to ensure that they give strong support and are properly and securely screwed into the bed frame side.

7. Consider buying guard rails. The kid who slept in a crib may feel assured of the crib’s security. It may take some time for the kid to get used to the bunk bed. There are guard rails that are attachable to the bunk bed using screw or can be slid under the bed’s mattress. Check the sturdiness of these guard rails before you allow your kid to sleep in the bed.

8. Check the spaces between the bed frame and guard rails, as well as in the footboard and headboard on the upper bunk. The space should be at most 3.5 inches of space in all these areas. This is to avoid smaller kids from becoming trapped or slipping through.

9. Inspect all the bed’s edges and corners. Make sure that the corners and edges are smooth.

10. Check the bed’s stability by shaking it vigorously.

11. See if one can climb the ladder easily. The ladder should be also wide enough and not narrow for your kid.

12. At the bottom bunk, sit. Your head must not hit or reach the top.

13. If possible, make the store install the bed for you.

14. From time to time, inspect the screws and bolts to ensure that they are still firmly in place.

About the Author:

For more great bunk bed related articles and resources check out http://bunkbeds.kidsntoddlers.com

Written By: Paul Graham

An air mattress is no longer just a cheap blow-up bed for camping, but a luxurious and comfortable bed that can compete with the old box spring or foam mattress beds for quality and comfort. Air mattresses can be adjusted to your ideal firmness or softness, unlike beds of old.

According to the dictionary an air mattress is an inflatable mattress, usually made of some type of plastic material. After reading this definition it doesn’t make you want to rush out and purchase one. After all, who wants to sleep on a cold piece of plastic? But the air mattresses of today are so much more than a large rectangular plastic balloon. They even offers options not available to box spring or foam mattress owners.

A cheap air mattress can be deflated and rolled up and is ideal for camping trips. They can also be very handy to have around the house as a temporary place to sleep for extended family and guests. But when it comes to real luxury and real comfort the newer air mattresses of today have no peers.

Deluxe air bed mattresses are made for the home and are designed with one thing in mind, comfort. Sure, they may be made of plastic, but that cold plastic is covered with soft and luxurious fabrics that can help you realize the most relaxing night’s sleep in a very long time. Plus, they come in all regular sizes including twin, full, queen and king and will typically use the standard size sheets. No need to search high and low for bed sheets in hard-to-find sizes.

The more expensive ones have high quality pumps that come attached, allowing for easy and quick inflation or deflation. Pump them up by pushing a button and then deflate them by pushing another button. Adjust the firmness or softness with one finger. It couldn’t get any easier unless you had someone else push the button for you. And deflating them entirely can be done in a matter of seconds. It should be noted that not all brands and models have pumps. If you are strapped for cash you can certainly find a cheap one that must be inflated manually. These cheap brands can save you some money and give you more exercise than you want, both at the same time.

A top-of-the-line air mattress will contain additional features for comfort, luxury and ease-of-use. Some include separate hand-held firmness controls for each side of the bed. If one person likes it firm and the other prefers soft, both can be satisfied with separate firmness controls.

By simply pushing a button one sleeper can adjust their side of the air mattress to any level of desired firmness, from extra firm to soothingly soft, all without affecting the other sleeper’s comfort.

One of the more popular air bed mattress manufacturers is Select Comfort. They have Sleep Number Beds that use uniquely designed air chambers to provide a gentle cushion of support which can be easily adjusted to the sleeper’s preference for comfort and firmness. In addition, the Sleep Number bed allows couples to individually adjust their own side to the precise comfort level that they prefer.

If you enjoy having a pillow top on your mattress you will be happy to know that you can fit your deluxe air mattress with the same types of pillow tops, sheets, blankets, pillows and comforters that you have grown to love on your spring or foam bed.

The air mattress has all of the positive attributes that make sleeping relaxing and comfortable. But the air mattress has additional comfort features that cannot be found on other types of beds. If you are looking for luxury there is no need to look any further, the air mattress beds of today have everything necessary to ensure a good night’s sleep. Sleeping is something that you will start to enjoy again.

About the author:

Michael Johnson has compared all types of air mattress. He has also examined many box spring beds and foam beds. He loves the comfort of the air bed mattress more than any other. For more information about the air bed mattress visit My Air Mattress.

Written By: Michael Johnson

Do mattress pads really do anything? What good are they? Well, if you’ve ever wondered if you need one, find out here!

A mattress pad can make any mattress a great deal more comfortable. By placing extra padding on top of the regular mattress, softness can be added without removing the support of the mattress. These pads are usually one to three inches in depth and are made for several different materials which we will discuss.

Most popular types of mattress pads are:

Memory foam pad- newer product that may ring a bell. The memory foam mattresses have received a great deal of television advertising and, while they look very appealing, they are not inexpensive. Recently, a thin pad version of this mattress has appeared on the market at a much more affordable price.

This pad is about 3 inches in depth and it has all the attributes of the memory foam mattress. The foam adjusts to the pressure placed on it so that there is no undue pressure on different areas of the body. This type of pad is very popular with anyone looking for additional comfort. If you don’t have a pillow-top mattress but want that comfy feel, this pad may save you from purchasing a new mattress.

Egg crate- pad that looks as if you could store eggs in it. The foam hard depressions and raised areas that provide a bit more softness when placed over a hard mattress. The person who suffers from arthritis can frequently find sleeping much more comfortable with the addition of this type of pad on the mattress.

Egg crate pads are inexpensive and readily available. To install this type of pad on the mattress, first remove the bed sheets. Place the unrolled pad on top of the mattress and smooth it into place. If the bed is for a patient, a waterproof barrier may need to be placed over the pad where the most likely soiling could occur. Then place the fitted sheet back on the mattress. It will fit a bit more snugly than before and stay on the bed very well. Then you can remake the bed with the other bedding and it is ready for use.

Latex- if someone has incontinence problems or if you have children that are going through the stage where accidents can occur at night, latex pads can protect the mattress from stains and allow you to keep the mattress sanitary and odor-free.

Wool, down or feather pads- can make a cold bed warm and cozy. These pads, especially the down pads, also offer some added padding to help achy hips, shoulders, backs and other painful problems.

Pre-warming- these electric pads work very much like an electric blanket but are on the mattress rather than over the sleeper. No more cold feet when you jump into bed. Wintertime chills run and hide very soon after you turn your electric mattress covering onto the desired setting. Some people like to sleep with the pad on; others prefer simply to use this as a pre-heating device.

Alternating pressure pad- used on a mattress for the truly bed-ridden patient. This plastic pad is placed on the mattress and is constructed of baffled tubes or sections which are filled with air or water. The pad is connected to an electric pump and the pump inflates, deflates and changes the pressure in each section at regular intervals. This can help heal a bed sore or completely prevent bed sores from occurring.

This type of medical device pad can be obtained from a medical supply house and you should learn how to properly operate the device from the professionals who provide the equipment. Some medical supply houses will rent this type of pad for the use by those who must lie on their mattresses all day and night.

No matter what situation best describes your particular needs, you’ll find the perfect mattress pad to fill your nights with better sleep and comfort!

About the author:

Patricia Bowlin is an entrepenuer, writer and researcher who loves to share her tips, sense of humor, advice and ideas on creating the perfect bedroom sanctuary. Get hundreds of Free useful tips, advice and ideas now by visiting http://www.best-in-bedding.com

Written By: Patricia Bowlin

If you are in the market for an air mattress, consider your options carefully before purchase. There are many makes, models, and manufacturers of air mattresses available for sell on the commercial market, so choosing the best one for your needs can make all the difference. In addition to quality, size, and cost of the air mattress, you should also look into the intended purpose of the mat and be sure to follow all associated directions. Furthermore, look to the different options involving the inflation procedures associated with the air mattress, since some a great deal easier to inflate than others.

Before you make the purchase of any air mattress, consider the following questions. What if your intended use of the air mattress? What size of an air mattress do you need? How much do you plan on spending on your air mattress? How do you expect to inflate the air mattress? After you have evaluated your needs and answered all of these questions, you can begin your search for an air mattress that best suits your needs. Consider both brick and mortar stores in addition to virtual shops on the World Wide Web to find an air mattress that is available at the highest quantity for the lowest price.

For starters, if you are interested in using an air mattress for camping purposes, consider those options instead of using an indoor air mattress that may not be portable enough to use on a camping trip. Also, indoor air mattresses may be too large to properly fit into a tent, so be sure to measure the interior space of your tent’s floor to ensure the mattress will fit. If more than one person intends to sleep on an air mattress, consider purchasing a double air mattress instead of two single sizes. This will save space inside the tent while allowing more than one individual to enjoy the lot of an air mattress. Since you will probably not be able to use electric devices like vacuum cleaners or hair dryers set on cool to inflate your air mattress, be sure to take that into consideration. There are some models of air mattresses available that have built in inflation systems that run from a battery or an AC adapter easily attached in your car’s cigarette lighter. Usually, one of the best options for camping is those smaller self inflating pads that are lightweight and easy to carry. These self inflating pads are manufactured by several different companies and available in a wide array of prices to accommodate all prices.

If you are interested in have an air mattress that will be used indoors as an extra bed for overnight guests, the options are even more prevalent. Consider using a model of air mattress that includes a built in bed frame that gives the mattress a boost in height. In addition to making the mattress more comfortable and creating a sense of a more permanent bed for your guests, this boost will help protect the air mattress itself from wayward steps or items on the floor. Inflation is a major issue when it comes to air mattresses, especially larger sizes that can take a great deal of time and effort to properly inflate. Consider choosing a model with a built in air pump that will allow the mattress to fully inflate in a matter or minutes. Furthermore, if the model of air mattress you choose to purchase does not come with a pump included, there are many after market pumps available that will fit a wide spectrum of brands and models of air mattresses.

About The Author:
Donna Somerkin specializes in Mattresses http://www.u-air-mattress.com or http://www.air-mattress-u.com

Written By: Donna Somerkin

I’m a recent convert to Tempurpedic/Memory Foam Products .

I do web promotion for a variety of websites featuring everything from sports memorabilia to breast implants, but I rarely have any personal views on the product. However Tempurpedic is different. I have actually tried out a memory foam mattress and pillow set, and can honestly express my enthusiasm for this product. It feels so much better than a conventional mattress!

There are so many advantages to memory foam over a conventional mattress! It’s hypoallergenic, molds to fit anyone’s body, and provides some insulation on cold nights so you need fewer heavy, dusty blankets and comforters. And it’s so comfortable, it’s like sleeping on a cloud. All the pressure points that cause discomfort, and subsequent tossing and turning, are eliminated.

The importance of a good night’s sleep can’t be overstated. No-one functions well on lack of sleep. The majority of people in the western world are sleep-deprived, and sleep deprivation is a significant cause of accidents. Remember the Exxon Valdez? That accident took place in the early hours of the morning, and industrial accidents peak on the midnight shift. Students who are sleep-deprived learn poorly. Chronic sleep deprivation affects the appetite centers of the brain, causing overeating and subsequent obesity. Any bed system conducive to a deeper, more restful sleep gets my vote for health product of the year!

Tempurpedic is the brand name of the pioneer of memory foam, a company in Sweden. It’s a great product, but expensive, and there are dozens of cheaper competing brands, some made in America, some in China or other countries. HOWEVER, be warned: not all memory foam products are alike, as with any merchandise, you tend to get what you pay for, both in quality and longevity.

Memory foam is visco-elastic, and it responds to temperature changes much as bubble gum does. Good quality memory foam has a wide range of temperature responsiveness, but some of the cheaper brands can become as hard as wood if you let the bedroom go below 60-65 degrees. Eventually, as you change position the foam warms up and responds to your body shape, but this can take a few minutes, during which time you will be uncomfortable and may wake up. And cheaper brands may become too soft on hot summer nights, offering no support. Better brands of memory foam, such as Sensus and Temperpedic, specifically state their consistent performance through a wide temerature range.

Another issue is the longevity of the memory foam before it finall breaks down and loses its springiness. Better memory foams offer longer guarantees, 20 years, whereas the cheaper brands offer 10 years.

So, in summary, you don’t have to buy top-of-the line products, but don’t buy the cheapest either. You’ll spend many nights regretting your decision. A few hundred dollars extra isn’t really a lot when spread out over decades of memory foam mattress use.

As well as differences in quality, there are also differences in memory foam mattress construction. Mattresses can have either 3 or 4 inches of memory foam over a denser supportive core, and more is not always better, because if the top layer of memory foam is too thick, you’ll sink in quite far before hitting the supporting layer underneath. Side sleepers and medium sized people should purchase mattresses with 3 inch memory foam, very large people or stomach and back sleepers should buy the 4 inch.

The base of the bed can vary as well. Some models feature loose sheets of foam of different firmness levels that can be arranged to the sleeper’s personal taste, others are laminated together. Also, man-made (petrochemical foam products) are about 1/3 the cost of natural latex. People who are sensitive to out-gassing of man-made products should consider a natural product.

About the Author

visit our website at http://www.tempurpedic-now.info for more articles and sites to purchase these products

Written By: Frank Vanderlugt

According to “Better Homes and Gardens,” most of us replace our mattresses every 8 to 10 years. Trying to pick the right mattress for you, one that you want to sleep on for the next 10 years, can seem like a daunting task. You spend 1/3 of your life sleeping, make it a comfortable 1/3.

As we’re about to show you, it can be as easy as choosing the next show to TiVo.

The first question you may be having is, “do I need a new mattress?” This one is probably the easiest. Ask yourself if you are sleeping well at night. Do you feel rested in the morning or do you need five cups of coffee before even thinking about getting ready for your day? If so, chances are you do need a new mattress.

The age of your mattress could also be a factor. Chances are you have dust mites, and dust mites can actually double the weight of your mattress in ten years. We won’t go into detail about that here, but you get the point. This along with mold and mildew can create havoc on allergies and asthma.

Some of the most common indicators of needing a new mattress are:

mattress is too lumpy

mattress is too soft/hard

mattress is too old

mattress is just not comfortable

Ok, so you decided that you do need or want a new mattress. The first thing you need to do is decide on what size you want. If it’s the same size as you already have, you’re ahead of the game.

If you have decided to move up in size, a simple way to see how your new mattress will fit is to move the old bedding and mark the area where the new bed will sit. You can do this using towels, sheets, or even an outline in string.

If you want to really get creative, buy yourself some graph paper and organize all of your bedroom furniture. Draw out your bedroom dimensions and on another sheet cut out your furniture to scale. Then you can organize your whole bedroom without lifting anything heavy.

Here are some of the more popular mattress dimensions to help get you started.

Twin: 38″ x 75″ Extra-Long Twin: 38″ X 80″ Double/Standard/Full Size: 53″ x 75″ Queen: 60″ x 80″ King: 76″ X 80″ California King: 72″ x 84″ (Recommended for people over 6′4″)

Important Tip: Remember these sizes can vary by manufacturer and don’t forget headboards and foot boards can add several inches to these dimensions.

When it comes to beds and mattresses, the softest are not always the best. This almost always comes down to personal preference. Your going to have to “test drive” your mattress. Don’t be shy, and don’t be afraid t ask the sales staff to leave you alone while you try out the mattresses.

If someone will be sleeping with you, bring them along. Above all, the mattress should support your spine and should not interfere with your pressure points.

Check the number of coils the mattresses has. The higher number of coils the better the mattress will wear. Generally, 300 coils for a double and 350-800 for a queen. A king size mattress can range from 400 to 900 coils.

You’ll also want a few fabric and padding layers and a pillow top.

Many recommend going to a local mattress store and test the ones you like, then go online to stores like were you can find better deals.

When you’ve found the perfect mattress, you need the perfect frame. You want a good solid frame. One that will sufficiently support the mattress and box spring.

Now, go buy yourself some nice new sheets to go with your brand new mattress!

About the author:

You can find beds, mattresses and box springs along with bedroom furniture, living room furniture, and dining room furniture in a variety of styles and wood types at http://www.GreatPriced Furniture.com

Written By: Matt Trostle