Mattress Tips

Purchasing a mattress is the most important furniture purchase you’ll make because you spend more time on a mattress than on any other piece of furniture you own, unless you have a tendency to fall asleep every night in a recliner like my husband does.

The seven items below are things you should be aware of and to consider before you purchase a mattress since that mattress will be a huge factor in the quality of sleep you receive each evening.

1) Decide on a budget. The prices of mattresses vary a great deal. If price is your number one consideration you can find an inexpensive mattress and box spring set for a few hundred dollars. But I recommend buying the best mattress and box spring you can afford. When you buy a mattress you get what you pay for. My first two mattress purchases were based on price and I never really got a good night’s sleep. I saved and bought a high quality mattress a few years ago. It was a great buying decision. I now wake up feeling rested and refreshed, not tired and sore like I used to.

2) Decide what size mattress you are going to buy. If you are buying a mattress for a child a twin size mattress is fine, but if you are an adult and there are two people sleeping in your bed I don’t recommend going with anything smaller than a queen size bed. If you can afford a king-size bed and you have the room for it, I recommend it.

I now own a king size bed and it’s nice having enough space in bed to move around a little without disturbing my partner like I used to. In our old bed (a full size) I once accidentally hit my husband in the mouth in the middle of the night when I rolled over and flung my arm out. He was not a happy person! If you think a full-size mattress is big enough for two people consider this: a full size mattress gives each person the same amount of bed width as in a baby crib. Queen size mattresses are the most popular size but if two people are sleeping in a queen size bed each person still has 10 inches less bed width than if they were sleeping by themselves in a twin bed.

The standard sizes of mattresses are: TWIN: 39″ wide, 75″ long; TWIN EXTRA LONG: 38″ wide; 80″ long; DOUBLE/FULL: 54″ wide, 75″ long; QUEEN: 60″ wide, 80″ long; KING: 76″ wide, 80″ long; CALIFORNIA KING: 72″ wide, 84″ long.

3) Test. Test. Test. Try out mattresses. Go to several stores and lay down on different mattresses. See what you find comfortable. A firm mattress isn’t always the best mattress. It depends on the individual. If you and your partner prefer different firmness levels look for a mattress that can have different firmness levels on each side. For example, I prefer a firmer mattress than my husband does so his side of the bed is less firm than mine. Comfort (as long as you are in your within the range of your budget) should be your number one consideration.

4) Don’t be too concerned about the words, firm, extra firm, etc. especially when looking at mattresses from different manufacturers. Firmness is not standardized in the mattress industry. One manufacturer’s “firm” mattress may actually be firmer than another manufacturer’s “extra firm” mattress. Look for comfort and support. You want to feel cradled and supported when you lay on a mattress. And don’t feel self-conscious about going into stores and lying on as many mattresses as you want. It’s the best way to tell if a mattress is or isn’t right for you. The best way to check out the mattress is to take off your shoes and your coat if you’re wearing on. Lying on a mattress with your coat and shoes on is not going to help you determine what mattress is right for you unless you plan on sleeping in your coat and shoes every night.

5) Warranty is important but not as important as you might think. A mattress with a 25 year warranty is great, but the life expectancy of a great quality mattress is only about 10 years. You want a warranty to protect you from defects and problems. To me a sleep guarantee is more important than a long warranty. What I mean by a sleep guarantee is that you are given a period of time to try out your mattress. For example, some stores and manufacturers give sleep guarantees of up to 90 days although 30 days is the most common. If during that time you decide the mattress you purchased is not right for you, you are able to either exchange it or return it for a refund.

For example, when I purchased my last mattress from a sleep specialty store that custom builds each mattress (Verlo), it came with a 60 day sleep guarantee or trial period. If we didn’t like the mattress the store would come to our house, pick up the mattress, take it back to their factory and rebuild it for us. I liked that peace of mind. After sleeping on our mattress for a few weeks I decided my side was a little too firm. We called the store where we bought it and made an appointment for them to come and pick it up. The store picked up our mattress in the morning, took it to their store/factory, rebuilt it, and returned it late the same day. They did this so we wouldn’t be without a mattress to sleep on.

6) Get familiar with the following terms: innerspring and box spring (also called the foundation). Innerspring mattresses are, by far, the most common type of mattress purchased. An innerspring mattress is made with tempered steel coils encased in layers of cushioning and upholstery. The box spring or foundation is what the mattress sits on. It’s generally not considered a good idea to put a new mattress on an old box spring. A manufacturer’s box spring and mattress are designed to work together to give you the best product. In addition, many manufacturers will void their warranty if a mattress is not placed on the box spring that is designed to go with it.

7) Know what choices you have besides the traditional innerspring and box spring sets. There are other viable options depending on what you are looking for. Those options include foam mattresses, futons, airbeds, adjustable beds, and waterbeds.

Foam mattresses – a foam mattress can be made of solid foam piece or may be composed of several layers of different types of foam. Some foam mattresses have a top layer that is composed of memory foam that remembers the shape of your body and conforms to it.

Futons – futon beds are basically a frame with a folding mattress on it. A futon can function as both a sofa and a bed. Most futons come with a standard 6 inch foam mattress, which isn’t very comfortable if the futon is going to be a person’s primary bed. If the futon is going to be a primary bed a better option is to purchase an innerspring mattress for the bed. Several manufacturers make innerspring mattresses for futons. The innerspring mattresses are more expensive but are also a whole lot more comfortable. If an innerspring mattress is out of your price range, try to at least upgrade to an 8 inch foam mattress.

Airbed – an airbed is just what it sounds like – a bed full of air. Most airbeds are touted as being portable, easy to set-up, and easy to store after use. I have an airbed at my house for use as an extra mattress during the holidays when we always seem to have more overnight guests than beds. Today’s airbeds are a lot more than inflatable pieces of plastic. Our airbed has a pillow top mattress which makes it surprisingly comfortable. Some airbeds have adjustable firmness levels and/or a heated top to make them more comfortable.

Adjustable beds – an adjustable bed is a lot like a hospital bed because it allows you to adjust the head and foot of the bed to your liking. Adjustable beds come in all sizes and the larger sizes have separate controls for each side of the bed.

Waterbeds – today’s waterbeds are more sturdy than the wobbly water-filled mattresses from the 70′s that you could get seasick on. The latest designs are built to look like an innerspring/box spring set. The interior of the mattress has layers of baffling and upholstery to provide support and comfort (http://www.mattre ssespro.com/watermattress).

There are a lot of choices in mattresses today. If you do a little research and become familiar with the different types of mattresses available to you before you start to shop, the task of finding the right mattress for you will be easier.

About the author:

D Ruplinger is a featured writer for http://www.mattressespro.com . Visit the web site for more information on mattresses, mattress ratings, and mattress sizes.

Written By: D Ruplinger

Sleeping bags are sold in different styles (mummy, rectangular, hooded, and kids’ sleeping bags), for varying temperatures (extreme weather, cold weather, three season, and warm weather sleeping bags), and with many different insulations (synthetic fibers and down fill). Sleeping bag insulations should be considered when purchasing your next bag. Here are some commonly used insulations and their benefits.

Slumberloft HQ

is a synthetic fiber composed of a 50% hollow core polyester fiber joined with a 50% solid core polyester fiber. This combination offers great warmth and loft. Examples of sleeping bags with Slumberloft HQ are: Slumberjack – Latitude, Long -20F/-29C and Slumberjack – Lil’ Timber, Kids Bag +10F/-12C.

DuPont Hollofil 808

is a synthetic fiber. Its hollow core is designed to trap more air for greater warmth and loft. Examples of sleeping bags with this insulation are: Coleman – Crescent +15F/-9C and Coleman – Mountain Lodge, King -5F/-21C.

DuPont Hollofil II

is a synthetic fiber that features four hollow tunnels that run throughout its length. With four compartments per fiber to trap air, it typically provides even more warmth and compactibility than Hollofil 808. An example of a sleeping bag with this insulation is: Coleman Exponent – Northbound +0F/-18C.

DuPont Thermolite Extreme

is a high performance insulation that blends three different fibers – fine denier fibers, thermal bonding fibers, and hollow core spring fibers. This tri-blend fiber system offers ultimate warmth and superior compactibility. Examples of sleeping bags with this insulation are: Slumberjack – Diablo +40F/+4C and Slumberjack – Odyssey, Long +10F/-12C.

DuPont Thermolite Extra

is a high-loft, high-resilient technical insulation for extraordinary warmth. Because it is made from unique patented hollow-core, three-dimensional crimp having a helical configuration, it provides superior loft, compactness, and exceptional resiliency. An example of a sleeping bag with this insulation is: Slumberjack – Telluride, Long +30F/-1C.

Polarguard HV

is a high-performance insulation made of high-void, continuous-length polyester filaments that are bonded into a batting of multiple layers. Because it is a continuous filament, Polarguard HV does not shift, clump, or separate. An example of a sleeping bag with this insulation is: Coleman Exponent – Boulder Ridge +20F/-7C.

Polarguard 3D

is a high performance insulation produced from continuous filament in the same manner but finer than Polarguard HV. This makes Polarguard 3D softer, more compressible and stronger while providing great insulating value and loft. Examples of sleeping bags with this insulation are: Sierra Designs – Paul Bunyan, Long +10F/-12C and Sierra Designs – Rosa, Regular +20F/-7C – Women’s sleeping bag.

Polarguard Delta

continuous filament polyester is the newest member of the Polarguard family. Polarguard Delta combines a super void cross section with modified batt formation. The larger void creates higher loft with less weight, making it warmer, yet lighter. An example of a sleeping bag with this insulation is: Sierra Designs – LX, Regular +45F/+7C.

Down

is a time honored, expedition proven natural insulation made of very small extremely light down plumules found next to the skin of geese. For its weight, down has an exceptional ability to trap air, making it the most efficient warmth to weight insulation available. Examples of sleeping bags with this insulation are: Kelty – Light Year Down, Long +15F/-9C and The Backside – Blue Ice -50F/-46C (750 Down).

ThermoTech

exclusive to Coleman, is made of solid-core fibers and is soft and lofty with good thermal retention, properties to keep campers warm. Generally used for mild condition bags, this insulation keeps campers snug on cool summer nights. Made of 100 percent polyester fibers, which are non-allergenic, machine washable, and odorless. Examples of sleeping bags with this insulation are: Coleman for Kids – Journey Junior +40F/+4C and Coleman for Kids – Voyager +40F/+4C.

Coletherm

also exclusive to Coleman, is a hollow-core fiber, allowing for greater loft (a measure of the amount of space the insulation occupies and the amount of air the insulation can trap). The hollow-core fibers create pockets of air that serve as an extra barrier between the sleeper and the environment, maximizing thermal efficiency. Made of 100 percent polyester fibers, which are non-allergenic, machine washable, and odorless. An example of a sleeping bag with this insulation is: Coleman Exponent – Big Basin +0F/-18C.

Buckloft

is a fine denier, solid core polyester fiber. This combination offers outstanding warmth with extra loft. An example of a sleeping bag with this insulation is: Slumberjack – Kenai +0F/-18C.

Buckloft HQ

is a synthetic fiber composed of a 25% siliconized, hollow-core polyester fiber joined with a 75% solid core polyester fiber. This combination offers great warmth and comfort. An example of a sleeping bag with this insulation is: Slumberjack – Chaparral -30F/-34C.

Kelty CloudLoft

is Kelty’s affordable and durable branded synthetic fill insulation. The blend of solid core and hollow core fibers trap heat efficiently and provide excellent loft and comfort. Cloudloft is used in Kelty’s most value-oriented mummy and rectangular bags. An example of a sleeping bag with this insulation is: Kelty – Mistral, Long +20F/-7C.

About the author:

Jimmy is author, owner, and publisher of http://www.allsleepingbags. com

AllSleepingBags.com – all sleeping bags, all styles, all temperatures, all occasions

Written By: Jimmy Zambrano

Add more support and comfort to your adjustable bed with an adjustable mattress. The Regency adjustable bed has a pocket sprung mattress without a steel frame to allow it to bend as necessary. Tempur pedic adjustable bed mattress! Choosing right adjustable bed mattress is as important as choosing the right bed. Now it is time to choose your adjustable bed mattress. Our Optima adjustable bed frames are massage beds and so you don’t want a mattress with too high a profile for that reason also. Memory foam mattresses are ideal for adjustable bed frames and especially a memory foam mattress with a profile of 12 inches or less.

It is very important to get the right sized Tempur mattress to fit your Tempur adjustable bed base. If you have chosen a single adjustable bed base you’ll need one 90cm by 200cm mattress. An adjustable bed will only benefit you if the base and mattress are designed to work in unison. And unlike other adjustable bed companies, Flex-A-Bed builds every bed, even the mattress. Mattresses mold to shape of adjustable bed base and are available in dual or single mattress configurations. This universal bed lift, exclusive transforms your mattress into an adjustable bed for a fraction of the cost of a mechanical adjustable bed. According to e-adjustablebeds.com, adjustable airbeds are adjustable beds for which the firmness of the mattress can be adjusted. The Electromatic adjustable bed has a pocket sprung mattress for extra comfort.

For even more flexibility and comfort, they can be matched with the pressure-free, adjustable bed frame. These quality beds fit into any convenient frame, feature preset comfort positions and unlimited adjustable head and foot positions. Our wide variety of comfort options to help you find just the right adjustable bed for your needs. The Electric Adjustable Bed is designed to bring you the ultimate in comfort by adjusting to almost any position you desire. With your own sleep comfort adjustable bed, the end of the day will always be something to look forward to. Nightly, people envelop themselves in the oasis of comfort and support received from adjustable beds. That extra added comfort level you if not reach granny adjustable bed mattres for one, of cushioning. Special construction adjustable beds for pleasure, comfort , improved circulation and stress free sleep and don’t wait for medical necessity.

Ultramatic electric adjustable beds are carefully designed and developed so that you enjoy the Ultimate in quality sleep … The Sleep Technology Adjustable bed is not just a place to sleep, although you will get the best night’s sleep you’ve ever had. Those who have medical conditions that require them to sleep in certain positions generally use adjustable beds. Find locations and get more information on campingAdjustable BedsHave the best sleep of your life with an adjustable bed. For sleeping, inclined gives sleep read, adjustable bed mattres watch a bed and resources. It’s time you treat yourself to a great night’s sleep with a modern Adjustable Bed. Our Sleep Experts are specially trained to help you find the adjustable bed that works best for you.

Extremely flexible and will conform to the adjustable bed in any position. If the inclined position helps relieve your pain, an adjustable bed may be a good choice for you. When you raise the head and foot sections of the adjustable bed to a certain position, you will evenly support your body weight. With the dominant position in the roman adjustable bed empire.

The Oasis, a head and foot adjustable bed, is identical in style and a perfect complement to the Original. Available in all sizes, this luxury adjustable bed features independent foot and head operation controlled by a single, low voltage, whisper quiet electric motor. Student rooms include new computer desk tops, white message boards, 6.0 cubic foot refrigerator/freezer and a loftable/adjustable bed. Student rooms include a loftable/adjustable bed and 6 cubic foot refrigerator/freezer units. The bed height, head and foot angle can be adjustable with hand cranks at the bed end. Regin’s High-Low adjustable beds also feature independent raising/lowering of head and foot sections.

kraftmatic adjustable bed, adjustable adjustable adjustable adjustable bed bed bed bed free hospital hospital information.com and best adjustable king size bed. According to e-adjustablebeds.com, with more medical advantages, an adjustable bed finds more functions in a hospital or a nursing home. And, in most cases, an adjustable bed may seem like a hospital bed, but it is radically different . Adjustable electric hospital beds are designed to be easier and safer for both patients and caregivers. Set in the blackcounrty any electric beds, Electric Hospital Beds electric adjustable beds or electric beds questions can be asked here. There are a few differences between adjustable beds and hospital beds. However, hospital beds have one feature not characteristically found in adjustable beds without significantly altering the price. Not a hospital bed, this adjustable bed is equally luxurious for medical needs or simply enjoyment and relaxation.

Five part motor adjustable bed frame. The adjustable bed and adjustable bed frame will adjust to fit the contours of your back during these actions. Sleek aluminum extruded frame gives Rowa the most unique appearance of any adjustable bed on the market. Trapezes can be adapted to fit an adjustable or standard bed frame.

Wirat Muenpan is the webmaster of Adjustable Bed Proven Techniques Help You Adjustable Bed – Guaranteed! http://www.air-bag-suspension.com/ http://www.air-bag-suspension.com/adjustable-bed/

Copyright Wirat Munpan – http://www.air-bag-suspension.com/

Written By: Wirat Munpan

Buying sheets is not as easy as it used to be or should be. There’s such a wide variety of styles, colours and fabrics to choose from. You may go to a store wanting plain white cotton sheets but end up so confused because you have so many different types of cotton, that you may go home with the wrong one (in most cases) or end up buying something you don’t want.
The amount of time you’ll find yourself spending in trying to choose the right type of bed sheet can be VERY frustrating and buying online makes this process even harder because you cant FEEL how soft/rough the fabric is. Frankly speaking, most people would rather spend that valuable time doing something else.
Well, here are a few pointers you should keep in mind when you want to buy sheets for your bed or anybody else’s bed for that matter. These are just a few simple rules of thumb for selecting the right sheets. Once you understand these, there’s no reason why you should not be able to choose the best sheets for yourself, your family and guests each and every time. You can literally order online as though you went to the store in person.
So here we go in order of importance, here’s what you should look for when shopping for sheets:

1. The Weave
The very first thing to consider when buying ANY type of bed linen is the weave.
Simply put, the weave describes the way the individual fibers of the fabric have been woven or twisted together when the fabric was being made.
For example, if the fibers have been twisted together very tightly, then you get a sturdy fabric, but if the fibers were twisted together loosely, then you get quite a flimsy type fabric.
So in other words, the weave of the fabric will determine how crisp, smooth, wrinkly (especially after wash), cool (on the skin), soft, warm, clingy, durable and even how shiny your sheets will be.

2. Thread Count
The next thing to consider when shopping for sheets, after the weave, is the thread count.
The thread count is the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric and can range from 180 to over 2000 threads per square inch. The higher the thread count, the softer the fabric.
When shopping for a sheets look for thread counts of between 200 250 as a bare minimum. The higher this figure gets, the more luxurious the bed linen!
Sheet prices are based on the thread count. The higher the thread count the more expensive the sheet.
Caution: Although a high thread count would normally mean that you get a better quality of sheet, please don’t consider thread count alone when making your buying decision. Remember that you may get a fabric with high thread count but of poor fabric quality and inferior weave! So consider everything if you want to buy the best.

3. Length of Fibers
The best types of sheets have a high thread count, good weave and are made with long fibers. Long fibers give sheets a silky smooth feel.
If you want fabrics that have long fibers and are generally smooth to the touch, you should look for Egyptian, supima and pima cottons. These cottons have the longest fibers around (Egyptian cotton has the longest fibers from group).

4. Standard Fabrics for Bed sheets
Fabrics come in two types; natural and synthetic.
Natural fabrics, like cotton, silk, linen and wool, are made by nature, whereas synthetic fabrics (nylon and polyester) are man-made.
As a general rule, natural fabrics are more breathable and most people find them more comfortable.
Synthetic fabrics are good value for money and are generally warm.
When choosing fabrics, quality is a must. Always look for a good combination of weave, thread count and fibers. Again, to make your life a just little easier, here’s a list of some standard fabrics used in sheeting at present:
Cotton in general: Excellent for comfort and durability. A natural fabric which is very breathable.
Egyptian Cotton: The highest quality cotton available. Very long fibers, giving it great softness, luxury and smoothness. Feels great against the skin!
Supima and pima cottons: Also have long fibres and feel soft and smooth to the touch.
Cotton and Polyester combination: Although the polyester can pill over time, these types of fabrics wrinkle less and are easy to iron. The polyester adds durability to the fabric.
Silk: As you know, silk is the QUEEN of luxury. This is also a natural fiber. It’s value is measure on it’s weight (it’s called the ‘momme weight’). The higher the momme weight is, the better the quality of the silk. An average silk sheet would weigh between 10-12 momme fabric.

Before you rush off to buy sheets for your bed, you must know what size sheets your bed will take! If you don’t, you’ll be wasting your time.
So be prepared. You should also measure the height of your mattress and keep this information with you when you choose your sheets.
Here are the basic sheet sizes you should keep in mind:

Twin: flat (66 x 96 inches), fitted (39 x 75 inches)

Full: flat ( 81 x 96 to 100 inches), fitted (54 x 75 inches)

Queen: flat (90 x 102-106 inches), fitted (60 x 80 inches)

King: flat (109 x 102-106 inches), fitted (78 x 80 inches)

California King: flat (102 x 110), fitted (72 x 84)

If you follow the steps outlined above, there’s no reason why you shouldnt buy good bed sheets every time you shop. Its helped me!
Good luck
Lucia Izuogu
Buying bedding can be confusing and time-consuming — But NOT Anymore!………… http://www.betterbeddingbuying.com

About the Author

Lucia Izuogu is the owner of www.betterbeddingbuying.com a website which provides information on how to buy bedding effectively. It gives an explanation of bedding terms and recomendations as a guide to buying bedding of all types (including baby bedding allergy bedding etc).

Written By: Lucia Izuogu

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